President Trump Signs the Spending Bill to Reopen Government
President Trump Signs the Spending Bill to Reopen Government
After more than six weeks of halted operations, President Donald Trump has officially signed the federal spending bill, reopening the U.S. government and ending the Democrat-led shutdown.
President Trump signs bill to OFFICIALLY reopen the government, ending the Democrat Shutdown.
With the president’s signature, the government is now fully operational, and federal employees will receive back pay for the period affected. The bill funds government operations through January 30, 2026, giving lawmakers time to negotiate long-term solutions.
Lawmakers vote on the federal spending bill, reopening the government after the longest shutdown in history.
What’s the Federal Spending Bill and Why Was There a Government Shutdown? | Columbus News
The U.S. government shutdown of 2025 was the longest in American history, lasting over six weeks. Many federal offices closed, hundreds of thousands of workers were unpaid, and essential services slowed down.
But why did this happen? The shutdown occurred because Congress could not agree on how to spend the government’s money. The main disagreement was over healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Democrats wanted to protect these subsidies for millions of Americans, while Republicans opposed including them in the funding plan.
To end the shutdown, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a federal spending bill. This bill is essentially a plan that tells the government how to spend money, which departments to fund, and for how long. The current spending bill funds government operations through January 30, 2026, ensuring federal workers are paid and offices can reopen.
While the government is now operational, some issues, like healthcare subsidies, remain unresolved, meaning lawmakers may need to negotiate again early next year.
For Ohio and Columbus residents, this means local federal services, offices, and programs affected by the shutdown are now returning to normal. Understanding these bills and shutdowns helps everyone see how politics can impact daily life.
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Spending Bill, Ending Longest Government Shutdown
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Spending Bill, Ending Longest Government Shutdown
The United States House of Representatives has approved a comprehensive federal spending bill, marking the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Late Wednesday evening in the Republican-controlled chamber, the measure passed with 222 votes in favor, including six Democrats, while 209 opposed it, including two Republicans.
On Monday night, the United States Senate had already cleared the package by a 60-to-40 margin, authorizing funding through January 30 and restoring pay for hundreds of thousands of federal employees after six weeks of disruption.
With virtually all but essential government services stalled during the shutdown, the breakthrough followed weekend negotiations in which seven Democrats and one independent agreed to support the updated spending bill. The shutdown had entered its 42nd day at the time of the vote. However, the agreement does not address one of the shutdown’s most pressing issues: pending cuts to healthcare subsidies affecting approximately 24 million Americans under the Affordable Care Act. Democrats repeatedly blocked earlier efforts to advance the bill, arguing that any resolution must include protections for low-income Americans facing escalating healthcare costs.
Shortly before the vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson accused his Democratic colleagues of holding citizens “hostage” as part of a political strategy, blaming them for delaying a resolution since September.
Ohio Hemp Regulation Crisis: Intoxicating Hemp Products at Risk in Columbus
Columbus, Ohio – While the Ohio Legislature has yet to reach consensus on regulating hemp products, the U.S. Senate’s recent agreement to reopen the government contains a surprising provision that would effectively ban intoxicating hemp-derived items nationwide.
“This is not something we anticipated,” said Michael Tindall, executive director of the Ohio Healthy Alternatives Association. “From speaking to Ohio constituents, there’s deep concern—everything we have done has been federally legal since 2018.”
With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp cultivation and CBD products proliferated across America. Advocates warn that reversing this progress now could pull the rug out from under many Ohio businesses. “Brewers, farmers, manufacturers who invested heavily in hemp beverage and non-beverage alike, suddenly face a ban,” Tindall added. “In Ohio alone, over 5,000 businesses, more than 20,000 jobs, and a multi-billion-dollar economic footprint are at stake.”
In Ohio, the regulatory landscape grows increasingly complex. In October, Governor Mike DeWine issued an executive order to remove intoxicating hemp products from stores—an order later blocked by a court after three businesses filed suit. Around the same time, the Ohio House passed Senate Bill 56 (SB 56), proposing regulation for both marijuana and hemp products. The Ohio Senate, however, rejected the changes and sent the measure to a conference committee.
Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus), a committee manager for SB 56, noted the challenge: “We may have to make hemp legal first and then regulate it the way we want.” Even if the federal spending bill passes as drafted, the hemp provision would not take effect for another year, giving regulators and industry stakeholders a window to lobby Congress and shape the law. Nonetheless, many in Ohio’s hemp sector remain alarmed by how the provision slipped into a government-funding measure. “Slip-in is the right word here,” said Drew Hull, strategy director of the American Healthy Alternatives Association. “To see this happen within the reopen-the-government package is rather unusual.”
Ohio food banks warn families: SNAP benefits delays mean the need isn’t over.
Ohio Food Banks Warn of SNAP Benefits Delays
Columbus, Ohio – As the federal government shutdown nears its end, Ohio’s largest food banks are warning families: the need is far from over.
When SNAP benefits stopped on November 1, food pantries across central and eastern Ohio saw a surge in demand. Mike Hochron, Senior VP of Communications at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, said November 5 and 6 were the busiest days since summer 2024, even outside the usual holiday rush.
The delays follow a legal battle over SNAP funding. The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the government to withhold funds, affecting 42 million Americans, including 1.45 million Ohio residents. A tentative plan aims to reopen the government and fund SNAP through September 2026, but families still face uncertainty.
Partial SNAP Benefits Start in Ohio The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) announced partial SNAP benefits could start as early as November 12. Most households will receive less than 65% of their usual benefits, and some may temporarily receive nothing. Michael Corey, Executive Director of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County, called it a step forward but said families will still feel the effects for weeks.
Food Pantries Are Struggling Local pantries are stretched thin. NNEMAP Food Pantry in Columbus served 285 people on November 5 alone, and more than 200 families wait online daily at the Mid-Ohio Market in Grove City. To meet demand, pantries are buying extra food from local distributors, adding pressure to tight budgets.
Hochron said, “SNAP is not cash. Families will still face financial struggles even after benefits come back. We are not out of the woods.”
Food banks are urging Ohio residents to keep helping—donate, volunteer, or spread the word because the need is still very real.
John Glenn Columbus flight cancellations continue as the U.S. government shutdown causes widespread delays.
John Glenn Columbus Flight Cancellations Continue
John Glenn Columbus Flight Cancellations continue as the nationwide U.S. government shutdown disrupts air travel across the country. At least five flights departing from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) were cancelled on November 10, adding to a growing list of cancellations affecting travelers in Ohio and beyond.
Cancelled Departures on November 10:
American Airlines 700 — Washington D.C. (DCA), 11:44 a.m.
Southwest Airlines 1989 — Chicago Midway, 11:45 a.m.
Southwest Airlines 2015 — Chicago Midway, 1:50 p.m.
American Airlines 6300 — Chicago O’Hare, 1:59 p.m.
Southwest Airlines 2930 — Orlando, 4:30 p.m.
Officials have not confirmed whether the cancellations are directly related to air traffic control staffing shortages or TSA screening slowdowns, both of which have been affected by the ongoing shutdown.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that travel disruptions could worsen if the government impasse continues. Speaking with CNN, Duffy — a former reality TV star — said the nation could see severe air travel slowdowns heading into the Thanksgiving holiday period.
According to USA Today, nearly 3,000 flights were cancelled nationwide on November 9, with another 1,500 cancellations reported on November 10. Passengers are urged to verify flight status directly with their airlines or check flycolumbus.com for real-time updates.
JD Vance’s official visit to Kenya cancelled following U.S. government shutdown.
Vice President JD Vance’s Visit to Kenya Officially Cancelled
The planned visit of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Kenya has been officially cancelled due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, according to Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
In a statement, Mudavadi confirmed that the decision followed President Donald Trump’s directive barring all U.S. officials from attending the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Vance’s Kenya stop was tied to his participation at the summit, making the trip no longer feasible.
“The Government of the Republic of Kenya, through the Office of H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, E.G.H., Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has been informed by the Government of the United States of America of the cancellation of the planned visit to Kenya by the Vice President, His Excellency JD Vance, which was scheduled to take place later this month,” Mudavadi stated.
Despite the cancellation, Mudavadi reassured that Kenya-U.S. relations remain strong, citing ongoing collaboration in trade and investment, security cooperation, education, health, and diaspora engagement.
“Kenya values its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States, which continues to span key areas of mutual interest,” he added. “The Government remains confident that this development will not affect the strong and enduring ties between our two nations.”
Vance’s trip would have been the first official visit to Kenya by a high-ranking U.S. executive since President Trump’s second term began. Reports from Africa Intelligence had earlier indicated that the Vice President would arrive in Nairobi following the G20 Summit scheduled for November 22–23.
Confirming the withdrawal of the U.S. delegation from the G20, President Trump criticized South Africa’s treatment of its white minority population, describing it as a “total disgrace” in a post on Truth Social.
BBC executives Tim Davie and Deborah Turness resign following backlash over edited footage of Donald Trump’s January 6 speech.
Tim Davie and Deborah Turness Resign After BBC’s Trump January 6 Speech Edit Scandal
The BBC has been thrown into crisis after Director-General Tim Davie and News Division Chief Deborah Turness announced their resignations following revelations that the broadcaster edited Donald Trump’s January 6 speech in a misleading way.
The controversy erupted after a segment from the BBC’s Panorama documentary appeared to splice portions of Trump’s 2021 address, creating the impression that he called directly for an insurrection. Critics say the edits distorted the original context of his remarks, damaging the network’s credibility.
In a resignation statement, Turness said the scandal had “caused unacceptable harm to the BBC’s reputation,” while Davie accepted “full responsibility for editorial misjudgment” and apologized to viewers.
The BBC has since pledged to launch an independent internal review to assess its editorial practices and restore public trust. Media analysts say the resignations mark one of the most serious leadership crises in the BBC’s modern history, renewing global discussions about journalistic ethics, media bias, and accountability.
As of Sunday evening, neither the BBC Trust nor the UK’s Ofcom regulator had issued formal findings, though officials indicated that a full investigation is underway.
The scandal serves as a powerful reminder of the role of accuracy and transparency in journalism and the damage that can result when trust is compromised.
Veterans and families came together at the 2025 Veterans Day Rally in Columbus to celebrate service, sacrifice, and unity.
2025 Veterans Day Rally at the National Veterans Memorial Museum – Columbus
Columbus, Ohio — The 2025 Veterans Day Rally at the National Veterans Memorial Museum, hosted by the Military Veterans’ Educational Foundation, brought together veterans, families, and community members to honor the brave men and women who have served the nation.
Carrie Killingsworth, president of Ohio MILVETS, emphasized the importance of creating meaningful connections between veterans and the community.
“A lot of people say thank you for your service, which is a lovely gesture,” Killingsworth shared. “But this rally allows for that deeper, person-to-person connection that truly honors veterans.”
Now in its second year, the event featured historical exhibits, live entertainment, guest speakers, and local food vendors, all free of charge. During the ceremony, Ohio MILVETS awarded educational scholarships to families of central Ohio service members who lost their lives in service.
Air Force veteran SMSgt Mike Dedousis highlighted the day’s importance, saying,
“This event shows how multigenerational support for veterans continues to grow. We are coming together to recognize what it means to serve our country and community.”
A standout moment was seeing ROTC cadets and students from schools across Columbus engaging with veterans, learning from their experiences, and gaining inspiration for their future.
“It’s good to honor them because some gave their lives for what they believed was right,” said Kamiya Smith from Arts Impact Middle School. “We should appreciate everyone who served.”
Organizers hope the annual Veterans Day Rally will continue to serve as a bridge between generations, strengthening community ties and providing ongoing support for Ohio veterans and their families.
Thousands of Ohio families are still waiting for their November SNAP benefits amid federal delays.
Central Ohio Mother Shares Struggles After Delayed SNAP Benefits
It’s been more than a week since Ohio’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients expected their November benefits and thousands are still waiting.
Over one million Ohioans who rely on SNAP, the federal food assistance program, remain uncertain as funding delays continue. The hold-up comes amid a federal government shutdown and ongoing legal debates over emergency food aid allocations.
Many families across Columbus and beyond are struggling to make ends meet while their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards remain empty.
Columbus resident and SNAP recipient Brooke Rickman says the delay has left her family in crisis. “I have felt dehumanized,” Rickman said. “SNAP is the only reason my kids and I have food on the table. Now we are at a point where there is no food.”
Rickman, a working mother of three — including twins under one has relied on SNAP for more than four years. She says her benefits card was not reloaded at the start of November and she is still waiting for an update.
“As much as we hear that the payments are coming, it is not the reality for my family,” she said, adding that she’s been forced to choose between food and gas.
The delay has created a ripple effect, forcing many Ohioans to depend on community aid and food banks to feed their families. “Every dollar in my home has a purpose,” Rickman explained. “Without food benefits, everything else suffers.”
For now, she’s surviving on support from her community, hoping the issue will soon be resolved.
Ohio officials have yet to confirm when SNAP benefits will be fully restored, leaving thousands of families anxious and uncertain.
