A judge to weigh in on SNAP benefits. And, Trump wants to resume nuclear testing

"Tomorrow, many Americans will feel the impact of the government shutdown as SNAP food benefits will run out for about 42 million people. Saturday also marks the start of enrollment on federal insurance exchanges, and premiums are expected to more than double on average. Democrats say they'll vote to reopen the government if Congress extends health care subsidies to help manage the rising costs. Yesterday, major airlines asked Congress to pass the Republicans' stopgap funding plan as air traffic controllers continue to work without pay."

"Democrats have traditionally been hesitant to shut down the government, but don't appear to be backing down, NPR's Barbara Sprunt tells Up First. Democrats seem to think Republicans will take the blame for the shutdown and not them. They are hoping public pressure will build on the GOP over the expected rise in costs of health insurance premiums. Republicans say they are holding votes to fund the government and if Democrats care about funding nutrition aid and paying air traffic controllers, they would vote with them."

"SNAP benefits have never been cut off due to a shutdown, and now a federal judge is stepping in to decide whether to order the Trump administration to find ways to get people money to buy food. The Agriculture Department posted on its website that "the well has run dry" and stated in a memo that it doesn't have sufficient funds for SNAP benefits for next month and cannot legally use contingency funds."

SNAP food benefits are set to run out for about 42 million people because of the government shutdown. Enrollment opens on federal insurance exchanges with premiums expected to more than double. Democrats say they will vote to reopen the government if Congress extends health-care subsidies to counter rising insurance costs. Major airlines urged Congress to approve a stopgap funding plan as air traffic controllers continue working without pay. The Agriculture Department said "the well has run dry" and cannot legally use contingency funds. Democratic governors and attorneys general sued, arguing SNAP cannot simply be cut off. Even with a ruling, delays will occur before states receive needed funds.

Read at www.npr.org