DAILY NEWS / TRENDING NEWS

 The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is a lifeline for millions of low-income households across the United States. In November 2025, the program faced significant disruptions due to a combination of federal budget impasse, court rulings, and funding shortages, leading to reduced benefit amounts and uncertainty for recipients.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS):

• Benefit Reduction: SNAP maximum allotments were cut to 50–65% of the normal monthly amount.

• Effective Date: Reductions took effect on November 1, 2025.

• Reason: Limited federal funding and administrative expense constraints during the government shutdown.

• Court Orders: Federal courts directed USDA to implement reductions in line with existing regulations.

This means households that typically received $500 in monthly SNAP benefits may now only receive between $250 and $325, depending on state implementation.

The cuts stem from a federal budget impasse that restricted USDA’s ability to fully fund SNAP. With Congress unable to pass a spending bill, the agency was forced to operate under emergency measures. Two federal court rulings also required USDA to adjust benefit levels to comply with funding limits.

Who Is Most Affected?

• Single-person and two-person households: These groups saw the steepest reductions, as per federal guidance.

• Families relying solely on SNAP: Many reported difficulty affording groceries, especially with rising food prices.

• States with limited administrative capacity: Some warned of delayed payments due to system adjustments.

While the USDA issued nationwide guidance, states had flexibility in implementation. Some states managed to issue partial payments early, while others delayed disbursements until mid-November. This created confusion among recipients, with many unsure of when or how much aid they would receive.

What Recipients Should Do

To navigate these changes, SNAP households are advised to:

• Check state SNAP portals for updated issuance schedules.

• Budget carefully to stretch reduced benefits.

• Seek local food banks and community aid programs for supplemental support.

• Monitor USDA announcements for updates on funding restoration.

The USDA has indicated that full benefit restoration depends on congressional action to resolve the budget impasse. If lawmakers pass a spending bill, SNAP benefits could return to normal levels in December or early 2026. Until then, households should expect reduced allotments and possible delays.

The November 2025 SNAP benefits update highlights the vulnerability of essential programs during political and fiscal crises. With benefits reduced to 50–65% of normal levels, millions of Americans face heightened food insecurity. The situation underscores the importance of stable funding, clear communication, and community support networks to ensure families can meet basic nutritional needs.

 Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, is a federal holiday in the United States honoring military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For many Americans, it is both a day of remembrance and a time to take advantage of holiday shopping opportunities. One common question shoppers ask is: Is Costco open on Veterans Day?

Costco’s Holiday Schedule

Costco, the popular wholesale retailer, operates on a specific holiday schedule each year. While some major holidays see closures, others maintain regular hours. According to Costco’s official holiday calendar:

• Costco is open on Veterans Day (November 11).

• Stores operate on regular business hours, typically 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM (hours may vary by location).

• Veterans Day is not one of the holidays when Costco closes.

Holidays When Costco Is Closed

Costco traditionally closes its doors on the following major holidays:

• New Year’s Day

• Easter Sunday

• Memorial Day

• Independence Day (July 4)

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving Day

• Christmas Day

This means Veterans Day is not included in Costco’s closure list, making it a convenient day for shopping.

Veterans Day Shopping at Costco

For many families, Veterans Day is a chance to stock up on essentials or prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Costco often features special promotions and discounts around November, including:

• Early Black Friday deals

• Holiday gift sets

• Seasonal groceries and décor

Shoppers can take advantage of these offers while also honoring veterans through community events or personal reflection.

So, yes—Costco is open on Veterans Day. Customers can expect normal operating hours and seasonal deals, making November 11 a practical day to shop. As always, it’s wise to check your local Costco’s hours online, since some locations may adjust schedules slightly.

 In 2025, the Trump administration made headlines by reversing its earlier stance on student loan forgiveness, agreeing to cancel debt for millions of Americans under a landmark legal settlement. This move, which followed months of litigation and policy debate, signals a significant shift in federal education policy and offers long-awaited relief to borrowers enrolled in income-driven repayment (IDR) plans.

Legal Settlement with AFT and Department of Education

The breakthrough came through a court-filed agreement between the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the U.S. Department of Education, which resolved a long-standing dispute over the government’s obligation to process loan forgiveness for eligible borrowers. The settlement mandates that the Education Department resume cancellation for those who have made qualifying payments under plans like:

• Income-Based Repayment (IBR)

• Pay As You Earn (PAYE)

• Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR)

Borrowers who have completed 20–25 years of payments under these plans will now see their remaining balances forgiven, unless they opt out.

Who Qualifies for Forgiveness?

According to federal data, 2 to 2.5 million borrowers are either directly enrolled in qualifying IDR plans or impacted by the policy shift. Eligibility hinges on:

• Enrollment in a qualifying repayment plan

• Completion of required monthly payments

• Loan type and origination date

• No active default or disqualification status

The Education Department has begun notifying borrowers via email, with forgiveness expected to roll out over several months.

This decision marks a major reversal from earlier Trump-era policies that paused or restricted loan forgiveness, particularly under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Critics had accused the administration of undermining relief efforts, while supporters argued for stricter oversight.

Now, the administration’s pivot is seen as a response to legal pressure and growing public demand for debt relief. It also aligns with broader economic goals, potentially boosting consumer spending and reducing financial stress among middle-class households.

Trump’s 2025 student loan forgiveness initiative represents a turning point in federal education policy. By honoring commitments under income-driven repayment plans, the government is restoring trust and offering tangible relief to millions of Americans. As implementation continues, borrowers are advised to monitor official communications and verify their eligibility through the Department of Education.

 Between October 10 and 13, 2025, the small mountain town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, faced one of its worst natural disasters in decades. Torrential rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Priscilla overwhelmed the San Juan River, causing it to crest at its third-highest level since 1911. The flooding prompted mandatory evacuations, damaged homes and infrastructure, and led to a statewide disaster declaration.

The San Juan Mountains received up to 6.3 inches (160 mm) of rain over three days. This deluge caused the San Juan River to overflow, flooding:

• Downtown parks and Riverwalk areas

• Residential zones near County Roads 335, 337, and 339

• Estates Circle, Hermosa Street, and San Juan Street

The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for vulnerable neighborhoods, while sandbags were distributed at public works stations.

Damage and Displacement

• Over 90 homes were damaged, some with 2 feet of water inside

• Sections of U.S. Highway 160 were closed due to flooding

• Emergency shelters opened at Ross Aragon Community Center

• Water outages affected homes near downtown

Residents described hearing the river “like the ocean” from blocks away, a chilling reminder of nature’s force.

Governor Jared Polis issued a verbal disaster emergency declaration to mobilize state resources. Local police and fire departments conducted patrols, rescues, and traffic control. The National Weather Service maintained flood watches throughout the region, warning of additional rainfall and saturated soil.

The Pagosa Springs flooding highlights the need for:

• Improved drainage infrastructure in mountain towns

• Real-time flood monitoring systems

• Community preparedness drills

• Climate resilience planning as extreme weather becomes more frequent

The October 2025 floods in Pagosa Springs were a sobering reminder of how quickly nature can disrupt lives. While the community showed resilience and unity, the event underscores the importance of proactive planning and investment in disaster mitigation.

 On October 10, 2025, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck offshore near Manay, Davao Oriental, in the southern Philippines. The quake occurred at 9:43 a.m. local time, with a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The tremor was felt across Mindanao, causing panic, structural damage, and triggering tsunami warnings in multiple provinces.

Philippines, Earthquake Jolts Mindanao Sparks Tsunami Alerts

Phivolcs issued tsunami alerts for coastal areas including:

• Davao Oriental

• Surigao del Sur

• Dinagat Islands

• Eastern Samar

• Southern Leyte

Residents were urged to evacuate to higher ground immediately. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned of waves between 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels, while Indonesia also issued alerts for North Sulawesi and Papua.

Damage and Casualties

• One person died after being hit by falling debris in Davao Oriental

• Power outages affected multiple towns

• Cracks reported in buildings, including schools and airports

• Over 50 students were hospitalized due to injuries and shock

• Classes and work suspended in Mati City and surrounding areas

Local officials confirmed aftershocks continued throughout the day, deepening fears and disrupting emergency response efforts.

The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for intense seismic activity. This quake was caused by movement along the Philippine Trench, where the Philippine Sea Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate. The region experiences over 800 earthquakes annually, but this was one of the strongest in recent years.

Experts emphasize the importance of:

• Early warning systems

• Community drills and education

• Structural resilience in coastal towns

The quake came just two weeks after a deadly 6.9 magnitude quake in Cebu, which killed 72 people.

 On the evening of October 6, 2025, a tragic event unfolded at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, when a female visitor in her 60s was found unresponsive after riding the Haunted Mansion. Emergency responders were called to the scene around 6:30 p.m., and Disneyland security personnel administered CPR until paramedics arrived. The woman was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

About the Haunted Mansion Ride

The Haunted Mansion, which opened in 1969, is one of Disneyland’s most iconic attractions. It features:

• A slow-moving “doom buggy” ride through a haunted estate

• Special effects and characters from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas during seasonal overlays

• A reputation for being family-friendly, with minimal physical intensity

At the time of the incident, the ride was operating under its Haunted Mansion Holiday theme, combining Halloween and Christmas elements.

Cause of Death and Investigation

According to the Anaheim Police Department, there was no indication of any malfunction or operational issue with the ride. The incident is being treated as an unfortunate medical episode, possibly a heart attack, though the official cause of death will be determined by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.

Officials have not released the woman’s name or city of residence, citing respect for the family’s privacy.

Expert Commentary on Theme Park Safety

Theme park consultant Dennis Speigel noted that deaths at major parks like Disneyland are extremely rare, especially on low-intensity rides like the Haunted Mansion. He emphasized:

• Disney’s rigorous safety inspections (daily, weekly, monthly)

• Oversight by the California Department of Industrial Relations

• Comparisons showing it’s safer to ride Disneyland attractions than drive on a freeway

This incident follows another fatality at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, where a man died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster in September 2025. While both cases are unrelated, they have prompted renewed scrutiny of theme park emergency protocols and guest health awareness.

 Hurricane Priscilla, a powerful Pacific storm, formed in early October 2025 and impacted Mexico’s southwestern coast before sending moisture into the U.S. Southwest. Initially a tropical storm, Priscilla intensified into a Category 2 hurricane with winds peaking at 110 mph, before weakening midweek.

Path and Progression

The storm’s center remained offshore but followed a northwestward path, skimming the coastlines of Jalisco, Colima, and Baja California Sur. Tropical storm watches were issued for regions from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita, with warnings of high surf and flooding3.

Rainfall Totals and Risk Zones

Heavy rainfall drenched parts of Mexico:

• Up to 8 inches in mountainous zones

• Flash flood risks in Michoacán, Guerrero, and Colima

• Rip currents and coastal erosion along Pacific beaches

U.S. Impact: Arizona and Beyond

Moisture from Priscilla reached Arizona, California, and Nevada, bringing:

• Rain chances of 40–70% in Phoenix and Globe

• Localized flooding alerts in flood-prone areas

• Cooler temperatures and increased humidity across the region

Though Hurricane Priscilla weakened by October 9, its lasting effects included flash flood threats, coastal hazards, and tropical moisture surges. The storm served as a reminder of how Pacific hurricanes can influence weather far beyond their origin, especially in vulnerable regions of the southwestern United States.

 On June 20, 2025, a devastating tornado tore through Enderlin, North Dakota, leaving behind a trail of destruction and claiming three lives. Initially rated as an EF3, the storm has now been officially upgraded to an EF5, the highest classification on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. This marks the first EF5 tornado in the United States since 2013, ending a 12-year drought of the most extreme tornado category.

An EF5 tornado is defined by wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour (322 km/h). These storms are capable of:

• Sweeping away well-built homes

• Uprooting and debarking trees

• Tossing vehicles and even train cars hundreds of feet

• Causing catastrophic damage over wide areas

The Enderlin tornado met these criteria after extensive analysis by the National Weather Service (NWS), which found evidence of train cars being lofted nearly 500 feet and grain hoppers tipped over, confirming wind speeds above 210 mph.

Path and Impact

• Location: Enderlin, North Dakota (60 miles southwest of Fargo)

• Date: June 20, 2025

• Fatalities: 3 confirmed deaths

• Path length: Over 12 miles

• Width: More than 1 mile at peak

• Damage: Farmsteads swept off foundations, trees stripped and snapped, rail cars derailed3

The tornado was part of a larger derecho system that brought widespread wind damage across North Dakota and into Minnesota.

Why the Upgrade Took Months

Although the tornado struck in June, the EF5 rating was only confirmed in October 2025. The delay occurred because:

• Damage surveys require forensic analysis

• Engineers and meteorologists reviewed structural failures

• Wind speed estimates were based on physical damage indicators like train car displacement

Without these indicators, the tornado might have remained classified as EF3 or EF4.

The last EF5 tornado in the U.S. occurred in Moore, Oklahoma, on May 20, 2013, killing 24 people. Since then, no tornado had met the criteria for EF5—until Enderlin. This makes the June 2025 event historically significant for meteorologists and disaster researchers.

The North Dakota EF5 tornado is a stark reminder of nature’s power and unpredictability. As climate patterns shift and extreme weather events become more frequent, accurate classification and rapid response remain critical. For Enderlin and the surrounding communities, the scars of June 20 will not be forgotten—but the lessons learned may help save lives in the future.

 The sports world was stunned by the sudden death of Arthur Jones, a former NFL defensive lineman and Super Bowl champion, who passed away on October 3, 2025, at the age of 39. Known for his powerful presence on the field and his close ties to athletic siblings Jon “Bones” Jones and Chandler Jones, Arthur’s untimely passing has sparked widespread mourning and curiosity about the cause of death.

Arthur Jones Cause of Death

 What Caused Arthur Jones’ Death?

According to reports from NewsChannel 9 Syracuse and Onondaga County officials, Arthur Jones died from a heart-related issue. He had a pre-existing heart condition and was fitted with a pacemaker, which triggered a medical alert on the morning of his death. Emergency services responded to his home in Pompey, New York, just before 11 a.m., but Jones had already passed away.

• Date of death: October 3, 2025

• Age: 39

• Cause: Heart-related condition; pacemaker activation

• Location: Pompey, New York

There were no signs of foul play, and the death was described as sudden but medically explainable.

Arthur Jones’ NFL Legacy

Jones played seven seasons in the NFL, appearing in 64 games and recording 10 sacks, not including his pivotal sack in Super Bowl XLVII, where the Baltimore Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers. He also played for the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders before retiring in 2017.

• Drafted: 2010 by the Baltimore Ravens

• Super Bowl Champion: 2013

• Retired: 2017

Arthur was the eldest brother of UFC legend Jon Jones and NFL star Chandler Jones. He was known for his loyalty, leadership, and love for family. His wife, Camille, and their two sons were frequently mentioned in tributes from teammates and coaches.

Coach John Harbaugh of the Ravens praised Jones as “a dedicated teammate, a relentless worker, and someone any coach would be proud to lead.”

Jones’ heart condition had been managed with a defibrillator and pacemaker, which automatically alerted his doctor when triggered. Unfortunately, despite the alert, EMS arrived too late to save him. The incident highlights the importance of early detection and rapid response in cardiac emergencies.

Tributes poured in from across the NFL and MMA communities. Former teammates, fans, and sports figures remembered Jones for his infectious energy, radiant smile, and generous spirit. The Baltimore Ravens shared heartfelt messages on social media, honoring his contributions both on and off the field.

Arthur Jones’ death is a tragic reminder of the hidden health risks athletes may face, even after retirement. His legacy as a Super Bowl champion, family man, and beloved teammate will live on in the hearts of fans and fellow athletes.

 The names Ed Gein and Ted Bundy are etched into the annals of American criminal history. Gein, the inspiration behind fictional characters like Norman Bates and Leatherface, was arrested in 1957. Bundy, one of the most notorious serial killers of the 20th century, was active in the 1970s. Despite their infamy, a persistent myth circulates online: Did Ed Gein help catch Ted Bundy?

The short answer is no—but the origins of this rumor are worth exploring.

 Who Was Ed Gein?

Ed Gein was a reclusive man from Plainfield, Wisconsin, whose crimes shocked the nation in the late 1950s. He was convicted of murdering two women and was found to have exhumed corpses from local cemeteries to create macabre household items. Gein was declared legally insane and spent the rest of his life in a mental institution.

• Arrested: 1957

• Declared insane: 1958

• Died: 1984 in Mendota Mental Health Institute

Who Was Ted Bundy?

Ted Bundy was a charismatic and manipulative serial killer who confessed to murdering over 30 women across multiple states in the 1970s. He was arrested several times, escaped custody twice, and was ultimately executed in 1989.

• Active years: 1974–1978

• Arrested: 1978

• Executed: 1989 in Florida State Prison

Did Their Paths Cross?

There is no historical evidence that Ed Gein and Ted Bundy ever met, communicated, or were involved in each other’s cases. Gein was institutionalized in Wisconsin while Bundy operated in states like Washington, Utah, Colorado, and Florida. Their crimes were separated by decades and geography.

Origins of the Myth

The myth likely stems from:

• Pop culture confusion: Both killers inspired horror films and documentaries.

• Internet speculation: Social media and forums often blur timelines and facts.

• Psychological profiling: Some assume Gein’s case influenced FBI profiling used to catch Bundy, but this is indirect.

While Gein’s case contributed to early criminal psychology studies, it did not directly aid in catching Bundy. Bundy was apprehended through traditional police work, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence—not through insights from Gein’s crimes.

The idea that Ed Gein helped catch Ted Bundy is a myth. While both men are infamous in true crime history, their lives and crimes were separate. Understanding their timelines and legal outcomes helps clarify this persistent misconception.