‘People are really hurting’: From airports to grocery stores, shutdown leaves Americans scrambling

The impacts of the longest federal government shutdown in United States history are reverberating around the country — leaving millions of Americans in limbo and igniting concerns about an economic ...

Trump asks Supreme Court to step into fight over food stamp benefits

President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday evening to block a lower court ruling that required the administration to fully cover food stamp benefits for tens of millions of Americans in ...

Government shutdown: Food aid recipients face new uncertainty while flight cancellations pile up

The government shutdown is disrupting flights and food stamp benefits. Follow here for the latest news updates.

Travelers face mounting delays this weekend as airlines cut hundreds of flights due to the shutdown. Here’s what to know

Disgruntled travelers across the US will face more disruptions to their plans this weekend, as airlines cancel hundreds of additional flights and delays continue to mount due to air traffic controller ...

National 211 hotline calls for food assistance quadrupled in a matter of days, a magnitude typically seen during disasters

Between January and mid-October 2025, calls to local 211 helplines from people seeking food pantries in their community held steady at nearly 1,000 calls per day.

Trump’s filibuster fixation intensifies after a tough week for the GOP

President Donald Trump knows he’s losing the politics of the government shutdown so far. But that’s not making him any more inclined to give ground on the Democratic demands that could bring the ...

What are your rights if your flight is delayed or canceled?

The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly joins The Lead.

How do you sell socialism to middle America? Frank Luntz has a pitch

Republican pollster Frank Luntz joins Michael Smerconish to test the ultimate message challenge: reframing socialism for the American heartland.

Senate Democrats block GOP-led bill to pay federal workers as shutdown stalemate deepens

The Senate on Friday failed to pass a bill to pay federal workers forced to work without pay during the government shutdown, with Democrats refusing to yield to GOP attempts to fund any parts of the ...

Ozempic for all? We might be closer than you think.

Economist Emily Oster joins Michael Smerconish to discuss the growing debate over whether Medicare and Medicaid should cover GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. With prices dropping and evidence ...

At least 4 killed after driver slams into Tampa bar, 11 others injured

A speeding driver fleeing police slammed a car into a crowded bar early Saturday, killing four people and injuring 11 in a historic district of Tampa, Florida, known for its nightlife and tourists.

Pelosi’s retirement announcement could open floodgates for a wave of new candidates

Pelosi, who has served in Congress since 1987, already had two primary challengers ahead of her Thursday announcement. More candidates are expected to join the race.