Overview: The government shutdown is still dragging on, and now SNAP benefits (also known as food stamps) may begin to evaporate in many states on November 1. Some members of Congress of both parties and state leaders are urging USDA to activate a $5 billion reserve fund to avoid leaving nearly 42 million people without benefits in November.
Economy: The Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly jobs report and figures for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims have not been released because of the government shutdown.
Compensation for trafficking victims: The Department of Justice announced the launch of the Backpage remission process to compensate victims whose trafficking was facilitated through the Backpage.com website. This marks the largest remission process to date to compensate victims of human trafficking. Victims whose sex trafficking was facilitated through advertisements posted on Backpage.com between Jan. 1, 2004, and April 6, 2018, and who incurred financial losses related to their trafficking may be eligible for remission. Individuals, their representatives, or estates of deceased victims may file a petition online or may obtain a Petition Form online at https://www.backpageremission.com/. Victims may also call, email, or write to the Remission Administrator to request that a Petition Form be sent to them.
The deadline to file a petition for remission is Feb, 2, 2026. For more information about the remission process - including eligibility requirements, updates, and frequently asked questions - please visit the official website at https://www.backpageremission.com/ or contact Epiq at 1-888-859-9206 toll-free, or 1-971-316-5053 for international calls, charges may apply. The Remission Administrator and the Justice Department will not ask for any payment to participate in this remission process.