The federal government shutdown will soon begin to impact enrollees of nutrition assistance and other programs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provided notice to states that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, there will not be enough funds to pay November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
No new applications for SNAP benefits will be approved by the state after 10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, until funding resumes. Counties and tribal nations can continue to review applications and work with applicants, but they can’t approve households for new benefits.
Additionally, the Minnesota Family Investment Program will no longer approve applications after Oct. 29. MFIP provides cash and food benefits for people with dependent children who have low income and limited assets.
"The loss of federal funding for benefits will cause more strain on our local food shelves and will create more food insecurity for Minnesotans," stated the Department of Children, Youth and Families on its webpage.
Counties like Crow Wing and Carlton are listing food resources for those who may be impacted by these changes.
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Plus: FEMA disaster recovery centers open on Leech Lake Reservation; Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan makes campaign stop in Grand Rapids; and Northland teams see mixed results in state tourneys. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesState and local law enforcement officials have somber reminders for hunters to keep an eye out for signs of missing persons while heading into the woods this firearms season. -
Megan Buffington/KAXELt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is running against Rep. Angie Craig for the DFL nomination in the race to fill retiring Sen. Tina Smith's seat. -
Contributed/Leech Lake Department of Agriculture via FacebookLeech Lake Band members and their descendants are eligible to receive individual assistance from FEMA following the June 21, 2025, windstorm that swept through the western portion of the reservation. -
Liz Caldwell/UnsplashOn Oct. 18, 2025, 69-year-old Brian Herridge of Minnesota and 69-year-old Lorie Bryngelson of Colorado went into the water when the boat capsized. -
Plus: the city of Walker is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Walker City Council, with applications due by noon on Nov. 26, 2025.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe Beltrami County Board heard from the Kitchigami Regional Library System and Beltrami County Historical Society after voting to reduce funding for the institutions in 2026. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe vacancy was created by the resignation of Char Moore, who began her most recent term in January 2025. The appointed councilmember's term would last through December 2026. -
Contributed/Sarah Nelson KatzenbergerCrosby-Ironton saw its third attempt at an operating levy in as many years pass: a resounding 68.5% of the more than 3,500 people who voted said yes. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAbby Daman's coaches said she is a "strong silent example of what hard work can look like." Her work ethic and positive attitude are why she's KAXE's first-ever North Star Student.
