⚖️ Axios PM: SNAP back

🏈 Plus: Football blackout | Friday, October 31, 2025

View in browser   PRESENTED BY WALMART   Axios PM By Mike Allen · Oct 31, 2025 🎃 Happy Halloween! Today's newsletter, edited by Sam Baker, is 464 words, a 1.5-min. read. Thanks to Sheryl Miller for copy editing.     1 big thing: Judges order USDA to keep funding SNAP   Data: Axios research. Map: Axios Visuals Two federal judges today ordered the Trump administration to continue funding SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. In separate cases, the judges said the USDA must tap contingency funds to keep benefits available, at least temporarily. Payments were set to freeze beginning tomorrow. ⚖️ The rulings could provide some support and reassurance to the millions of families who rely on food stamps — and, in the process, make it easier for Democrats to keep holding out rather than quickly voting to end the shutdown. But if the Justice Department can successfully appeal those orders — as it has with any number of other court orders — the stop-start-stop of critical benefits could create significant confusion for low-income Americans. 💵 The USDA had said it could not legally tap a $5 billion contingency fund to pay for SNAP benefits. Not only can it do so — it's required to, Judge Indira Talwani said in the Massachusetts case. 👀 What we're watching: Several states — including California, New York and Virginia — have either declared emergencies or otherwise redirected funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing, at least temporarily, Axios' Jason Lalljee reports.     2. 🏈 Streaming sports blackout   Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios   Disney today pulled its TV channels, including ABC and ESPN, off of YouTube TV amid an ongoing contact dispute. The blackout cuts off major sports programming, including NFL games and college football, for one of the largest pay-TV providers in the U.S., with more than 8 million subscribers, Axios' Kerry Flynn and Sara Fischer write. This is the fourth time since August that a major programmer has tried to leverage consumer anger to negotiate a more favorable distribution deal with YouTube TV. 📺 Between the lines: YouTube is reportedly considering the creation of a separate sports and broadcast package. Disney has been focused on building and promoting its own streaming platforms, including a new ESPN streaming service. What to know.     A MESSAGE FROM WALMART Walmart's got American-made essentials for your game day spread     Whether it's Milo's Lemonade from Alabama or Smash Kitchen Mustard from Ohio, 2/3rds of Walmart products are made, grown or assembled at home. Why it's important: Walmart is committing $350 billion to U.S. manufacturing to fuel job creation, grow communities and keep our economy strong. Learn more.     3. 🚫 U.S. to skip major climate conference   Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios   The Trump administration won't send any senior officials to COP30, the upcoming UN climate summit in Belém, Brazil, a senior administration official tells Axios' Ben Geman. "The U.S. is not sending any high-level representatives to COP30," the official said. "The president is directly engaging with leaders around the world on energy issues, which you can see from the historic trade deals and peace deals that all have a significant focus on energy partnerships." The leaders' summit will be held Nov. 6-7, with negotiations running from Nov. 10-21. COP stands for "Conference of the Parties." Go deeper.     4. 👻 Happy Halloween!   Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images The White House glowed for the annual Halloween event on the South Lawn last night. Photo: Robert F. Bukaty/AP Jaimie Newman, a Maine College of Art & Design student, wears a Pokémon costume while working on a project. Happy Haunting tonight!     A MESSAGE FROM WALMART Products made in our backyard, ready to serve in yours     Tailgate essentials from New Jersey ketchup to Tennessee grills, 2/3rds of the products Walmart buys are made, grown or assembled in America. The impact: When Walmart buys from local businesses, it helps those businesses grow, strengthening communities across the country. Learn more.   📬 Thanks for reading! Please invite your friends to join PM. Are you a fan of this email format? Your essential communications — to staff, clients and other stakeholders — can have the same style. Axios HQ, a powerful platform, will help you do it.   Axios thanks our partners for supporting our newsletters. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content. Advertise with us. Axios, PO Box 101060, Arlington VA 22201   You received this email because you signed up for newsletters from Axios. To stop receiving this newsletter, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences.   Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get Axios in your inbox.   Follow Axios on social media: