Proposal would restore SNAP funding, but healthcare subsidies remain in limbo

By G. A. McNeeley 

November 10, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- On Sunday, November 9, The U.S. Senate moved forward on a measure aimed at reopening the federal government and ending the ongoing government shutdown that sidelined federal workers, delayed food aid, and snarled air travel, according to Reuters. 

The agreement, reached by a group of Democrats who teamed up with Republicans, cleared the first hurdle on a vote of 60-40 to advance in a late-night Senate vote. If it's approved, it would still need to pass the House, and gain President Donald Trump's signature to become law, and reopen the government, according to NBC News. 

However, even if the agreement has enough support to clear those hurdles, the process is still expected to take days--and has drawn controversy for failing to assure extension of Affordable Healthcare Act premiums, which Republicans have held the line against. 

By G. A. McNeeley 

November 10, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- The Trump Administration is escalating its legal battle over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), demanding that states immediately "undo" full SNAP benefit payments that were distributed, following last week’s court orders, according to Newsweek. 

East County News Service

November 9, 2025 (Mt. Helix) — Dawn Sebaugh snapped this picture of the “Beaver Moon” on November 5,   The November full moon was dubbed “Beaver Moon”  because it’s the time when beavers are most active building their lodges for winter, and when the fur trading season was at its peak. The name has its origins in Native American and Colonial American traditions.

This shot was taken looking west from her home’s deck towards Rancho San Diego and El Cajon.

Photo courtesy UC San Diego

East County News Service

November 8, 2025 (San Diego County) -- CalFire is on scene at a fire being called Border 18 Fire. The fire was reported today at 2:10 p.m. 1/3 mile east of Marron Valley Truck Trail & Lupe Springs Spur Truck Trail, south of Dulzura.

By Miriam Raftery

Thursday, November 6, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – San Diego International Airport is among 40 airports across the U.S. that will be forced to cut flights starting tomorrow, under order of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to the federal government shutdown. Read the full emergency order here. 

Air traffic controllers have been working without pay for weeks due to the failure of Congress to enact a funding measure to end the shutdown.  Some have taken outside jobs and have been calling in sick, resulting in flight delays. This past weekend, there were 2,740 delays at various airports, according to the FAA.

A 4 percent reduction in operations will take effect Friday, November 7, ramping up to 6 percent by November 11, 8 percent by November 13, and 10 percent by November 14--just in time to cause travel hassles over the holidays, if the shutdown hasn't ended by then.

By Paul Levikow

Photo:  new parking configuration in front of Descanso Junction eliminated two-thirds of spaces and left no disabled parking access.  Photos courtesy of Descanso Junction and Rett Lawrence, Mountain Views and News

November 6, 2025 (Descanso) – The California Department of Transportation removed several parking spaces in front of Descanso Junction Restaurant and nearby businesses in late October, amounting to approximately a two-thirds reduction.

East County News Service

November 6, 2025 (El Cajon) – A brand new circus is coming to San Diego’s East County. The Marinelli Brothers Circus brings its brand-new production titled “A New Experience”, bringing its signature mix of magic, heart-pounding excitement, and family fun to Parkway Plaza November 12 – December 5.

An entertaining outing for families, the Marinelli Bros Circus is not your average night under the Big Top. Blending classic circus tradition with fresh, modern energy, this show offers jaw-dropping acts, death-defying stunts, and laugh-out-loud comedy for all ages.

Source:  CAL FIRE

November 5, 2025 (Sacramento) -  Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today that fire departments across the state are beginning the transition to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), a secure, cloud-based platform built to modernize how emergency incidents are reported and analyzed.

East County News Service

Nov. 4, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police officers on Sunday rescued a woman who called 911 on Sunday afternoon to report that her husband had assaulted and strangle her, holding her hostage in an El Cajon motel room located at 1368 East Main St.

After police evacuated the victim, the suspect, later identified as Ruben Castro, 44, barricaded himself inside the motel room.

Source: Lemon Grove Forward Club

November 4, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Forward Club is kicking off its annual sock drive, "Socktober," a tradition that has made a positive impact on the lives of the unhoused in Lemon Grove.   

Book by Richard Opper

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

November 4, 2025 (San Diego) -- San Diego resident Richard G. Opper is releasing the last book in his Oakheart Trilogy, Oaks from Acorns Grow. Written in deep point of view of each player in the story, including the criminals. Mona Oakheart goes to Guam to find her leading porn star, Tina.