The government shutdown has been a source of anxiety for educators, wondering how long grant money will last and who can help them interpret federal laws

The 2025 federal government shutdown, in the first year of Trump's second term, is one of the longest in U.S. history.

If the paychecks are delivered, it would be the second time the White House has avoided missing a pay period for troops during the shutdown, now in its 30th day.

Democrats are more united, saying that Trump and Republicans are to blame for the shutdown (81%) than Republicans saying Democrats are to blame (72%). Twice as many independents say Trump and Republicans are responsible (46%) than Democrats (23%).

There was no end in sight on Oct. 30 to the partial shutdown, as Senate Republicans urged Democrats to support a stopgap funding measure through Nov. 21 while the latter demanded negotiations to extend expiring federal tax credits. Such credits help Americans buy private health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), also known as food stamps, will be cut off for 42 million Americas beginning Nov. 1, including nearly 2 million in Pennsylvania and 500,000 in Philadelphia. Most recipients of federal food assistance are elderly people, families with children, and disabled people.

Get live updates and the latest news as Trump concludes Asia trip after meeting Xi Jinping in South Korea and the government shutdown continues.

In shutdowns past — including during Trump’s first term — presidents normally scaled back their schedules. With staffers deemed “non-essential” sent home, the White House often sought to appear sympathetic to Americans affected by disruptions to health care, veterans benefits and other key services.

Natalie Folino, a stay-at-home mom of three in Ohio, is documenting her efforts to make ends meet with side hustles while her husband works without pay during the government shutdown.