Israel has said it will allow limited supplies of food into Gaza as it announced the launch of an intensified ground offensive into the battered Palestinian enclave.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that pressure from allies was behind the move. Late the previous evening, his office had said Israel would open the way for some food to enter the Gaza Strip following a “recommendation” from the army.
The announcement came shortly after the Israeli military launched “extensive ground operations” that are reported to have killed more than 150 people in the last 24 hours.
“Israel will allow a basic amount of food for the population to ensure that a hunger crisis does not develop in the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement late on Sunday.
Pressure from allies
The announcement comes amid mounting international pressure on Israel to lift a two-month-long siege that threatens widespread famine in the besieged territory.
Netanyahu said in a video address on Monday that the move came after “allies” had voiced concern about “images of hunger”.
Israel’s “greatest friends in the world”, he said without mentioning specific countries, had said there is “one thing we cannot stand. We cannot accept images of hunger, mass hunger. We cannot stand that. We will not be able to support you.”
“Therefore, to achieve victory, we need to somehow solve the problem,” Netanyahu said.
The aid that would be let into Gaza would be “minimal”, he said, without specifying precisely when supplies would resume.
A spokesperson for the United Nations aid chief, Tom Fletcher, confirmed the agency had been approached by Israel to “resume limited aid delivery”, adding that discussions are ongoing about the logistics, “given the conditions on the ground”.
Munir al-Bursh, the director-general of Gaza’s Ministry of Health, said Palestinian authorities had not been informed when the border would be opened, Al Jazeera Arabic reported.
Netanyahu’s far-right allies remain opposed to allowing any supplies into Gaza, insisting that military might and hunger will secure victory over Hamas.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the decision to allow limited food into the enclave as a “grave mistake”.
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, from Ben-Gvir’s party, denounced the plan as a “tragedy”, saying it directly harms the “war effort to achieve victory” in Gaza.
Israel has been accused of weaponising hunger and using the blockade to try to ethnically cleanse the enclave.
Despite the blockade and intensified military offensive, sources on both sides told the Reuters news agency there has been no progress in a new round of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar.
Netanyahu said the talks included discussions on a truce and a deal on the captives, as well as a proposal to end the war, in return for the exile of Hamas and the demilitarisation of the enclave – terms Hamas has previously rejected.
The Israeli military suggested in a later statement that it could still scale down operations to help reach a deal in Doha, Qatar.
However, Netanyahu stressed in his video address that the aim of the intensified offensive is for Israel’s forces to “take control of all” of Gaza.
“The fighting is intense and we are making progress. We will take control of all the territory of the Strip,” he said. “We will not give up. But in order to succeed, we must act in a way that cannot be stopped.”
Over the past week, Israel’s military said it had conducted a preliminary wave of strikes on more than 670 Hamas targets in Gaza. It said it killed dozens of Hamas fighters.
Gaza’s Health Ministry said in the week to Sunday, at least 464 Palestinians were killed, many of them women and children.
On Monday morning, sources told Al Jazeera that at least 23 Palestinians had been killed across Gaza since dawn, including five near al-Faluja market in Jabalia and six in Khan Younis.
There have also been reports of Israeli attacks in and around Nasser Medical Complex, and the targeting of the intensive care unit at the Indonesian Hospital, where at least 55 people are trapped, including four doctors and eight nurses.
Tasha, who has been travelling the world for two years, recently visited the Maldives and was left amazed by the paradise islands – and how affordable they can be
Dhigurah is a beautiful island(Image: @ Didier Marti via Getty Images)
A savvy traveller has taken to TikTok to share how to enjoy the Maldives on a budget, proving that paradise doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Tasha, a seasoned explorer who’s been trotting the globe for two years, unveiled the truth about affordable Maldivian adventures, stating: “Why don’t more people know this about the Maldives? And that is that you don’t have to be a millionaire to visit here.”
Keen to share her knowledge, Tasha explained that swerving the costly private resorts in favour of cosier, more economical options is the key.
Reliving her visit to Dhigurah, one of the archipelago’s local islands, she called it “just the most beautiful island paradise surrounded by palm trees and blue water”.
This scenic bliss could slash your trip expenses by half since digs can be scooped up starting at just £50 per night – a fraction of the overwater villa prices often flaunted online.
Over-water villas tend to be pricey(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Tasha divulged: “There are hundreds of local islands that you can choose from.”
She explained how public ferry transportation is a bargain at merely £1, and pointed out beachfront accommodation deals starting at around £50 per night; local fare can be found at about £5, while outings are pegged at £50, astonishingly less than resort equivalent excursions.
“I don’t know why more people aren’t discovering the local island of the Maldives, because this is the way you can discover paradise on a budget,” Tasha gushed enthusiastically.
She continued: “So next time you’re thinking of a tropical island getaway, forget Thailand, forget the Philippines, Maldives needs to be number one on your bucket list.”
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Tasha did point out some constraints when visiting local islands, like the requirement to dress modestly and avoid alcohol due to the Maldives being a predominantly Muslim nation with specific public decorum.
Opting for a private beach or island allows for a more laid-back vibe and lenient rules, but be warned – it comes with a heftier price tag.
Tasha’s insider info has struck a chord with other globetrotters; comments poured in with one travel enthusiast sharing, “I loved Dhigurah! So gorgeous,” and another chimed in, saying, “Dhigurah is the best place. I miss it so much!”.
One commenter expressed surprise: “I had no idea. Always wanted to go to the Maldives but thought it wouldn’t happen for a long time.”
While yet another grateful wanderer added: “Maldives is honestly so amazing, thanks so much for the tips.”
How to do Maldives on a budget
1. Go off peak – The Maldives’ off-season is from May to October, which overlaps with the monsoon season. Although you might experience occasional rain, you can enjoy significant discounts on flights, accommodations, and activities.
2. Stick to local islands – Instead of staying at luxurious private island resorts, opt for budget-friendly guesthouses or boutique hotels on inhabited local islands. Popular local islands for budget travellers are Maafushi, Dhigurah, Fulidhoo, Thoddoo, and Hulhumalé.
3. Take the ferry – The Maldives has a reliable ferry network connecting Malé (the capital) to local islands. Public ferries are incredibly affordable, costing as little as £1 per trip.
4. Eat like a local – Skip the pricey resort restaurants and eat at local cafés (called “hotaa”). Traditional meals cost around £5. Traditional Maldivian dishes include mas huni (tuna and coconut), fish curries, and roshi (flatbread).
5. Book affordable trips – Excursions (like snorkelling, diving, or sandbank trips) from resorts are usually quite expensive, but guesthouses on local islands offer budget-friendly packages starting at about £20-£50 per activity.
East Devon has all the ingredients for a wonderful weekend away – yet it remains a hidden gem. Here’s how you can spend 48 hours exploring the tranquil region
Sidmouth has a stunning beach and plenty to do(Image: Manfred Gottschalk via Getty Images)
East Devon may not be the first name that springs to mind when considering a trip to the South West, but that’s exactly why it deserves your consideration. Tucked between the Dorset border and the outskirts of Exeter, this slice of countryside and coastline offers something increasingly elusive: peace without boredom, charm without the crowds.
If you’re seeking a short break that delivers beaches, culture, hearty cuisine and a sense of adventure, East Devon could be your best-kept secret – at least for now. Whether you’re an inquisitive explorer, a history buff, or a relaxed food lover, the area’s blend of historic towns, natural splendour, and leisurely delights has something to relish.
This meticulously planned 48-hour itinerary will guide you through the highlights of East Devon in a weekend – and might leave you questioning why you didn’t visit sooner, as reported by Devon Live.
Day one in East Devon
Kick off your East Devon getaway on the fringes of Honiton at Heron Farm – a serene 17-acre sanctuary complete with an award-winning café, vineyard, and walled garden. It’s the perfect backdrop to ease into the weekend
Post-breakfast, take the brief journey into Honiton itself, a market town that strikes the perfect balance between hustle and old-world allure.
Honiton takes great pride in its history, especially its lace-making heritage. This is carefully preserved in Allhallows Museum, a small yet richly detailed collection that traces the town’s creative journey from the 16th century onwards.
It’s a stop that subtly rewards the curious, blending tactile heritage with archaeological intrigue. From Honiton, travel east to Axminster. This town beautifully embraces its rural surroundings, and just beyond its centre lies River Cottage, the culinary haven established by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall stands in the veg garden of River Cottage HQ in Axminster, East Devon(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty Images)
If you fancy a guided stroll through the kitchen gardens, a rustic meal, or even a hands-on cookery course, it’s essential to book ahead. It’s more than just a restaurant – it’s a philosophy rooted in the soil.
Axminster also holds its own when it comes to local history. The Axminster Heritage Centre provides a sweeping view of the town’s past, from Stone Age origins and Roman connections to its prominence in the carpet trade.
It’s compact, informative, and impressively curated. As the afternoon fades and your sweet tooth calls, head straight for The Community Waffle House.
There’s a homely warmth to this place – the waffles are made from a family recipe passed down through generations, and the atmosphere is as inviting as the plates are indulgent.
As the evening draws in, take a look at what’s on at Axminster Guildhall. This humble venue certainly punches above its weight, hosting a variety of events from tribute bands to film nights and comedy shows. It’s a relaxed yet vibrant way to round off the day.
Day two in East Devon
Sidmouth is your destination for day two, offering coastal charm and a cultural experience to match. Start your day with breakfast at The Kitchen, part of The Donkey Sanctuary.
It’s not just about the hearty and satisfying food – it’s also an opportunity to stretch your legs and meet some of the sanctuary’s long-eared inhabitants. There’s a tranquil atmosphere here that sets the mood for the day.
Just a short drive away you’ll find Kennaway House, an attractive regency mansion that regularly hosts exhibitions and craft fairs. Be sure to check their schedule before you visit as they occasionally close for private functions. If open, it’s a delightful place to wander through both contemporary and traditional art.
Bright lights at Sidmouth Jazz Festival
For those keen to delve deeper into Sidmouth’s history, the town’s museum provides a glimpse into its rich past – and not just behind glass. They also offer guided walks during the warmer months.
Whether you choose a historical town tour, a coastal geology stroll, or a shaded tree walk, each option starts and finishes at the museum and includes entry to the exhibits. It’s a thoughtful, active way to explore Sidmouth’s gentler side.
Then it’s off to Exmouth, where the South West Coast Path awaits. Fans of The Salt Path can follow in the footsteps of author Raynor Winn along this dramatic stretch of coastline. Even a half-day walk here feels like stepping into a beautifully written paragraph.
Before you leave Exmouth, make sure to visit A La Ronde – an architectural curiosity built in 1796 by cousins Jane and Mary Parminter. Its 16-sided structure is fascinating in itself, but what really steals the show is the Shell Gallery: a room decorated with thousands of shells in dizzying detail.
It’s the kind of place that’s hard to describe without photos.
If your legs (and energy levels) are up for it, the Exmouth Pavilion rounds out the itinerary. From live music to theatre and comedy, it’s a fitting place to end your 48 hours with a bit of entertainment and a sense of satisfaction.
Sidmouth has a stunning beach and plenty to do(Image: Manfred Gottschalk via Getty Images)
Best festivals on offer
If your dates are flexible, consider timing your visit to coincide with one of East Devon’s growing festivals. Sidmouth Sea Fest kicks things off on Saturday 17 May, celebrating the town’s maritime spirit with free family fun, live music and local food.
Just a week later, the Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival brings big names like Soul II Soul and Gabrielle to Blackmore Gardens (23–26 May). For a smaller town, Sidmouth boasts a remarkably vibrant cultural scene.
Another standout event is the Budleigh Music Festival. This summer, it’s set to host the London African Gospel Choir, Bath Philharmonia, and author Sir Michael Morpurgo, all performing in cosy venues dotted around Budleigh Salterton.
If your idea of a celebration leans more towards a culinary feast, then the Eat Festivals (also known as Gate to Plate) are just the ticket. The Axminster edition is scheduled for Monday 26 May, promising to fill the streets with some of the finest food and drink that the West Country has to offer.
Where to stay
Whether you’re a couple seeking coastal views or a family in search of some countryside tranquillity, East Devon’s accommodation options cater to all tastes.
In Sidmouth, the Kingswood and Devoran Hotel provides classic seafront comfort, complete with balconies overlooking the Jurassic Coast. For those who prefer a closer connection with nature, Cuckoo Down Farm offers glamping in safari lodges, complete with campfires and a charming rural setting.
Higher Wiscombe, also near Sidmouth, caters to larger groups with its luxury self-catering cottages and an outdoor pool – ideal for special occasions. If you’re after a cosier rural experience, Twistgates Farm Cottages near Honiton are tucked away within the rolling Blackdown Hills.
For those with a passion for food, The Pig at Combe (Honiton) combines country house elegance with produce from its own kitchen gardens. Over in Axminster, Lower Keats Glamping adds a touch of rustic luxury, while Andrewshayes Holiday Park offers family-friendly facilities and sweeping views of the countryside.
East Devon doesn’t clamour for recognition – it garners it subtly. It’s a region rich in layered histories, hidden allure, and generous landscapes.
In merely 48 hours, you’ll encounter more than a mere change of scenery; you’ll experience a change in tempo, a reconnection with the local, and perhaps a rekindling of what makes travel truly significant.
This isn’t merely a weekend escape – it’s a call to decelerate, observe more keenly, and become enamoured with a part of the country that is confidently authentic.
The New York Café in Budapest is one of the most beautiful cafes in the world, with marble columns, frescoes and crystal chandeliers making it the perfect place to take a selfie
Tourists queue for hours to take the perfect Instagram picture
Envision a café where the décor takes centre stage, outshining the coffee itself. A grand establishment that magnetises swarms of Instagram enthusiasts trying to capture the perfect shot for their feeds. Welcome to the New York Café in Budapest, where the entrance proudly proclaims it to be “the most beautiful café in the world.”
It’s a claim that’s hard to dispute. This 125-year-old café, with its majestic marble columns, breath-taking frescoes, and dazzling crystal chandeliers, entices thousands of visitors and TikTok enthusiasts to marvel at its splendour.
As you step inside, you’re transported to a scene reminiscent of a grand European palace, complete with intricate frescoes, glittering chandeliers, and stately marble columns. It’s like entering a time capsule from the opulent Belle Époque era (a period aptly named the “Beautiful Age” in French).
The New York Café menu features a mix of Hungarian and international dishes, fancy cakes, and freshly brewed coffee.(Image: Portia Jones)
The New York Café is a hotspot for tourists, welcoming approximately 2,000 customers daily, with queues stretching down the boulevard.
Situated on Erzsébet körút Street, the shop was initially constructed in 1894 under the guidance of Hungarian architect Alajos Hauszmann. It began as the Hungarian headquarters for the New York Life Insurance Company, whose owners envisioned a coffee house within the building.
The café’s interior was meticulously crafted by Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl, who infused it with an Italian Renaissance flair. The ceilings feature intricate frescoes by artists Gusztav Mannheimer and Ferenc Eisenhut.
Built in the Italian Renaissance style, the New York Cafe is the most famous cafe in Budapest.
Hungarian coffee culture
The New York Café menu offers a blend of Hungarian and international dishes, decadent cakes, and freshly brewed coffee. Afternoon tea for two is priced around €72.50, which equivales to £61.10, and main courses range from €23 to €36, which equivalates to £19 and £30.
It’s one of the prime spots to sample Hungarian cakes, including Dobos Torte, a Hungarian classic featuring layers of sponge cake and chocolate buttercream topped with caramel; Sacher Torte, a rich chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam; and Opera Cake, which boasts layers of almond sponge, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache.
The food and drink are served with an artistic flair, though reviews vary, and its steep prices often draw criticism from Trip Advisor reviewers. If you’re not averse to spending a bit more, try their 24-carat gold cappuccino, paired with Valrhona chocolate and raspberry cake, for a lavish start to your day.
Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel
The Cafe is actually located within the historic 5* Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, a grand stay in the heart of Hungary’s capital.
Within this majestic and historic building, you’ll discover a modern hotel boasting 185 rooms, a cave spa and high-end restaurants. 19th-century grandeur and Italian Renaissance style have been seamlessly combined with contemporary features to create a luxurious city stay.
Rooms vary in price and size, ranging from classic and superior to suites, and are elegantly adorned with plush Italian furnishings and sleek mod-cons.
Their gourmet buffet breakfast offering is particularly noteworthy. It includes a generous spread of locally sourced produce, featuring pastries, pancakes, cold cuts, cheese, and eggs cooked to order. Just keep an eye out for the selfie-takers!
United States House Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill”, a wide-ranging tax and spending legislation, is at a crucial moment.
The nearly 400-page legislation proposes sweeping changes which include extending the 2017 tax cuts, slashing taxes for businesses and individuals, and enacting deep cuts to social programmes like Medicaid and SNAP.
While Republicans tout the bill as a boon for economic growth and middle-class relief, nonpartisan analysts warn it could add trillions to the national debt and strip millions of Americans of medical and food assistance.
The bill will be voted on by the House Budget Committee today and, if passed, will be voted on the floor next week.
The most substantive part of the bill is an extension of the 2017 tax cuts. The tax bill would add at least an additional $2.5 trillion to the national deficit over the next 10 years and decrease federal tax revenue by roughly $4 trillion by 2034.
Passing the legislation will also raise the debt ceiling, which sets the amount of money the government can borrow to pay for existing expenditures, by $4 trillion, a sticking point for hardline Republicans who want deeper cuts.
Here are some of the key measures in the proposed bill in its current form.
Changes for households
The bill increases standard deductions for all Americans. Individual deductions will increase by $1,000, $1,500 for heads of households, and $2,000 for married couples.
The bill extends the child tax credit of $2,000, which would otherwise have ended with the expiration of the 2017 tax cuts at year’s end.
It bumps up the child tax credit by $500 per child for this tax year and runs through the end of 2028. It also includes a $1,000 savings account for children born between December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2029. The legislation would also allow families to annually contribute $5,000 tax-free.
There is a new tax deduction for Americans 65 and older. The new bill would give a $4,000 annual deduction starting this year for people making a gross income of $75,000 for a single person and $150,000 for a married couple. If passed, the rule would take effect for the current tax year and run until the end of 2028.
“It will just make tax paying more complicated and more uncertain when a lot of these things ultimately expire,” Adam Michel, director of tax policy studies at the right-leaning Cato Institute, told Al Jazeera.
Another provision in the bill modifies state and local tax (SALT) deductions. It allows filers to be able to write off some of what they paid in local and state taxes from their federal filings.
Under the 2017 tax act, that was capped at $10,000, but the new legislation would raise that to $30,000. Some Republicans, particularly those in states with higher taxes like New York and California, have been pushing to raise the cap or abolish it altogether. However, they have faced fiscal hawks and those who see the increases as relief for those already wealthy.
The bill includes an increased benefit for small businesses that allows them to deduct 23 percent of their qualified business income from their taxes, up from the current 20 percent.
There is also a call for no taxes on overtime pay for select individuals. It would not apply to people who are non-citizens, those who are considered “highly compensated employees,” and those who earn a tipped wage.
The bill, however, also eliminates taxes on tips, a critical campaign promise by both Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris. The bill would allow people who work in sectors like food service, as well as hair care, nail care, aesthetics, and body and spa treatments, to specifically deduct the amount of tipped income they receive.
At the federal level, employers will still not be required to pay tipped workers more than the subminimum wage of $2.13 hourly. The intention is that workers will be able to make up the difference in tipping the receipt from customers.
Cuts to the social safety net
The legislation calls to make $880bn in cuts to key government programmes with a focus mostly on Medicaid and food stamps.
The CBO found that more than 10 million people could lose Medicaid access and 7.6 million could lose access to health insurance completely by 2034 under the current plan.
Even far-right Republicans have called out the Medicaid cuts. In an op-ed in The New York Times this week, Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri said the cuts are “morally wrong and politically suicidal”.
According to a new report from One Fair Wage shared with Al Jazeera, tipped workers could be hit especially hard, as 1.2 million restaurant and tipped workers could lose access to Medicaid.
“A no tax on tips proposal, which is like a minuscule percentage of their income and doesn’t affect two-thirds of tips workers because they don’t earn enough to pay federal income tax, is just nowhere near enough to compensate for the fact that we’re going to have millions of these workers lose the ability to take care of themselves, in some cases go into medical debt, in many cases just not take care of themselves,” Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage, an advocacy group for restaurant workers, told Al Jazeera.
The bill also introduces work requirements to receive benefits, saying that recipients must prove they work, volunteer or are enrolled in school for at least 80 hours each month.
At the same time, the bill also shortens the open enrolment period by a month for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as Obamacare. This means people who have employer-funded healthcare and lose their job might lose eligibility to buy a private plan on the healthcare exchange.
“It’s taking folks like 11 to 12 weeks to find a new job. The worse the labour market gets, that number will tick up. If you’re unemployed for three months, you get kicked off Medicaid,” Liz Pancotti, managing director of policy and advocacy at the Groundwork Collective, told Al Jazeera.
“Then, if you try to go buy a plan on the ACA marketplace, you are no longer eligible for subsidies … which I think is really cruel.”
Other major proposed cuts will hit programmes like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme or SNAP, which helps 42 million low-income individuals afford groceries and comes at a time when food costs are still 2 percent higher than a year ago. The CBO found that 3 million people could lose SNAP access under the new plan.
The bill would also force states to take up more responsibility in funding the programmes. States would be required to cover 75 percent of the administrative costs, and all states would have to pay at least 5 percent of the benefits — 28 states would need to pay 25 percent.
“States are now going to be on the hook for billions of dollars in funding for these two vital programmes. They have a tough choice. One is, do they cut funding from others like K-12 education, roads, veteran services, etc, to cover this gap, or do they raise taxes so that they can raise more revenue to cover this gap,” Pancotti added.
Under the current law, the federal government is solely responsible for shouldering the cost of benefits. The proposed cuts would save $300bn for the federal government but hit state budgets hard.
Bill fuels Trump administration priorities
The bill would also cut the $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicle purchases and $4,000 for a used EV, a move which could hurt several major US automakers that are already reeling from the administration’s tariffs on automobiles.
General Motors pumped billions into domestic EV production in the last year, which has included a $900m investment to retrofit an existing plant to build electric vehicles in Michigan and alongside Samsung, the carmaker invested $3.5bn in EV battery manufacturing in the US.
In February, Ford CEO Jim Farley said that revoking the EV tax credit could put factory jobs on the chopping block. The carmaker invested in three EV battery plants in Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee. The federal government under the administration of former President Joe Biden paid out more than $2bn in EV tax credits in 2024.
The proposed legislation would also give the Trump administration authority to revoke the tax exempt status of nonprofit organisations that it deems as a “terrorist supporting organisation”. It would give the secretary of the treasury the ability to accuse any nonprofit of supporting “terrorism”, revoke their tax exempt status without allowing them due process to prove otherwise, which has raised serious concerns amongst critics.
“This measure’s real intent lurks behind its hyperbolic and unsubstantiated anti-terrorist rhetoric: It would allow the Treasury Department to explicitly target, harass and investigate thousands of U.S. organizations that make up civil society, including nonprofit newsrooms,” Jenna Ruddock, advocacy director of Free Press Action, said in a statement.
“The bill’s language lacks any meaningful safeguards against abuse. Instead it puts the burden of proof on organizations rather than on the government. It’s not hard to imagine how the Trump administration would use it to exact revenge on groups that have raised questions about or simply angered the president and other officials in his orbit.”
The bill would introduce new taxes on colleges, including a varying tax rate based on the size of a university’s endowment per student with the highest at 14 percent for universities with a per student endowment of more than $1.25m but less than $2m and 21 percent for those of $2m or more.
This comes amid the Trump administration’s increased tensions with higher education. In the last week, the Trump administration pulled $450m in grants to Harvard on top of the $2.2bn it pulled in April — a move which will hinder research into cancer and heart disease, among other areas. Harvard has an endowment of $53.2bn, making it one of the richest schools in the country.
The legislation would also increase funding for a border wall between the US and Mexico, which the administration has argued will help curb undocumented immigration. However, there is no evidence that such a wall has deterred border crossings.
A 2018 analysis from Stanford University found that a border wall would only curb migration by 0.6 percent, yet the bill would give more than $50bn to finish the border wall and maritime crossings. The bill would also provide $45bn for building and maintaining detention facilities and another $14bn for transport.
DOWNIEVILLE, Calif. — Patrice Miller, 71, lived by herself in a small yellow house beneath towering mountain peaks on the edge of a burbling river in this Sierra County village. She doted on her cats and her exotic orchids, and was known to neighbors for her delicious homemade bread. One fall afternoon in 2023, after Miller had failed for several days to make her customary appearance at the town market, a store clerk asked authorities to check on her.
A short time later, a sheriff’s deputy found Miller’s lifeless body in her kitchen. Her right leg and left arm had been partially gnawed off. On the floor around her were the large paw prints of a bear.
Months after her death, officials would make a stunning disclosure, revealing that an autopsy had determined that Miller had likely been killed by the animal after it broke into her home. It marked the first known instance in California history of a fatal bear attack on a human.
But amid the contentious politics around black bears and other apex predators in California, not everyone accepts the official version of how she died.
“We don’t believe the bear did it,” said Ann Bryant, executive director of the Bear League in the Tahoe Basin. “And I will go on record as saying that. … We’ve never had a bear kill anybody.”
The story of Miller’s grisly end — and the increasingly heated battles around predators in California — have come roaring into the state Capitol this spring. Lawmakers representing conservative rural districts in the state’s rugged northern reaches argue that their communities are under attack, and point to Miller as one example of the worst that can happen. One solution they have pushed is changing the law to allow people to set packs of hunting dogs after bears to haze them. A similar measure has been floated — for now unsuccessfully — to ward off mountain lions considered a threat.
Wildlife conservation advocates are aghast. They say turning dogs on bears is barbaric and won’t make anyone safer. They contend the proposed laws don’t reflect a scientifically backed approach to managing wild populations but instead are pro-hunting bills dressed up in the guise of public safety. The real solution, they say, is for humans living near bears to learn to safely co-exist by not leaving out food or otherwise attracting them.
“These people are using [Miller’s death] to try to start hounding bears again,” said Bryant, who maintains that Miller, who was in poor health, must have died before the bear came into her home and devoured her. “She would roll in her grave if she knew that in her death people would create a situation where people were going to mistreat bears, because she loved bears.”
In a recent report, the Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates there are now 60,000 black bears roaming California and notes a marked increase in reports of human-bear conflicts.
(John Axtell / Nevada Department of Wildlife)
Founded in 1849, Downieville, population 300, is one of California’s oldest towns, and also one of its quaintest. Colorfully painted wooden buildings sit at the junction of two rivers, beneath majestic pines and mountain peaks.
Along with tourists, who flood in in the summer for rafting and mountain biking, the town also receives frequent visits from bears and mountain lions. More recently, wolves have arrived with deadly force, snatching domesticated cattle off the open pastures that stretch across the plains on the other side of the mountains east of town.
Miller wound up here about a decade ago, at the end of a rich, complicated life. She had worked in an oil refinery, and also as a contractor. She was a master gardener, expert at transplanting Japanese maples, according to her neighbor, Patty Hall. She was a voracious reader and a skilled pianist. But she also struggled with a variety of serious ailments and substance abuse, according to neighbors and officials.
Longtime residents in the area were used to the challenges of living among wild animals. But in the summer of 2023, Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher said he started getting an overwhelming number of calls about problem bears.
“We had three or four habituated bears that were constantly here in town,” said Fisher. “They had zero fear. I would say, almost daily, we were having to go out and chase these bears away, haze them.”
But bears have a sharp sense of smell, a long memory for food sources and an incredible sense of direction. If a tourist tosses them a pizza crust or the last bits of an ice cream cone, or leaves the lid off a trash can, they will return again and again, even if they are relocated miles away.
That summer, Fisher said, no matter what he did, the bears kept lumbering back into town. It was unlike anything he had experienced, he said, and he had grown up in Downieville. “A police car with an air horn or the siren, we would push the bear up out of the community. Fifteen minutes later, they were right back downtown,” he said.
Founded in 1849, Downieville, population 300, is one of California’s oldest towns and also one of its quaintest.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
And then there were the bears harassing Miller and her neighbors.
“There were three bears,” recalled Hall, who lives just up the hill from the home Miller rented. “Twice a night they would walk up and down our [porch] stairs. The Ring cameras were constantly going off.”
Fisher said some of Miller’s neighbors complained that she was part of the lure, because she was not disposing of her garbage properly. Some also alleged she was tossing food on her porch for her cats — and that the bears were coming for it. Miller’s daughter later told sheriff’s officials that bears were “constantly trying” to get into her house, and that “her mother had physically hit one” to keep it out. One particular bear, which Miller had nicknamed “Big Bastard,” was a frequent pest.
Fifty miles from Downieville, in the Lake Tahoe Basin, the Bear League was getting calls about Miller, too. The organization, which Bryant founded more than two decades ago, seeks to protect bears by helping residents coexist with them. This includes educating people about locking down their trash and helping to haze bears away from homes.
“We got calls [from her neighbors] that told us she had been feeding the bears, tossing food out to them, and let them come into her house,” Bryant said. She added that some thought, erroneously, that the Bear League was a government organization, and “maybe we had the ability to enforce the law” against feeding bears.
Hall, Miller’s friend, told The Times that Miller was not feeding bears. Still, the problems continued.
Eventually, officials with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were called and told Miller she could sign a “depredation permit,” after which authorities could kill bears trying to get into her house. But Miller declined to do so, Fisher said.
In early November, Miller stopped showing up around town, prompting calls for a welfare check.
A little before 3 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2023, Deputy Malcolm Fadden approached Miller’s home, which was a short walk from the sheriff’s office. The security bars on the kitchen window had been ripped off. The window itself had been busted from the outside.
“I knocked on the door,” Fadden wrote in his report, but got no answer.
Patrice Miller was found dead in her rental cottage in November 2023. Bear advocates take issue with an autopsy report that said she probably was killed in a bear attack.
(Jessica Garrison / Los Angeles Times)
Through the window, he saw blood streaked across the living room floor. He took out his gun and burst into the house, where he was greeted by a giant pile of bear scat. He found Miller in the kitchen, her half-eaten body surrounded by food and garbage, which, Fadden wrote, had been “apparently scattered by bears.”
Fisher was horrified. Already frustrated at what he saw as the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s lackluster response to the escalating bear incursions that summer, now he wanted the bear that had fed on Miller to be trapped and killed.
He said the department told him that for the bear to be killed, “the person who lives at the house has to sign the [depredation] permit.” Fisher said he responded: “How many times do I have to tell you the person who lives at that house was eaten by the bear?”
This was the start of a long-running conflict between the sheriff and agency officials that would complicate the release of the autopsy findings about Miller’s death, and also convince Fisher that more aggressive steps were needed to protect his community.
Eventually, Fisher managed to get a depredation permit for the bear that had fed on Miller; his deputies tracked down her landlord, who as the homeowner could sign it. Wildlife officials set up a trap near Miller’s house, and in short order, a bear was caught.
But, according to Fisher, officials initially said it wasn’t the same bear. They said DNA tests showed that the bear who had eaten her was male, and the bear they had caught appeared to be female. They intended to release the bear, he said.
Fisher padlocked the cage, and threatened to call the media. In response, he said, wildlife officials sent a biologist, who determined the bear in the trap was male. It was shot that night.
At that point, few people, including Fisher, believed that the bear had actually killed Miller, as opposed to feeding on her after she died of natural causes. Though there are recorded instances of fatal black bear maulings in other U.S. states, they are rare, and there had been no reports of one in California. Fisher issued a news release saying that the death was under investigation, but that “it is believed that Patrice Miller passed away before a bear, possibly drawn by the scent or other factors, accessed the residence.”
After performing an autopsy, however, the pathologist on contract with Sierra County came to a different conclusion. She issued a report that found that Miller had “deep hemorrhage of the face and neck“ as well as “puncture injuries (consistent with claw ‘swipe’ or ‘slap’).” These injuries, she noted, were “characteristics more suggestive of a vital reaction by a living person.” In short: The pathologist found that Miller was probably killed by the bear.
Because of Fisher’s feud with Fish and Wildlife, that autopsy report, dated Jan. 4, 2024, wouldn’t become public for months.
Fisher said the state agency was refusing to provide him with copies of the DNA analysis of the bear that had been trapped in Miller’s yard. He wanted to see for himself that it matched the DNA evidence collected at her home, saying he hated the thought that a bear that had feasted on a person might still be roaming his town.
“I requested DNA from Fish and Wildlife, and they refused to provide it to me,” he said. “So I withheld the coroner’s report. We stopped talking.”
He said he verbally told department officials that the pathologist believed Miller had been killed by the bear — a seemingly noteworthy development. He said that officials responded: “I guess we’ll see when we get the report.”
In an email to The Times, state wildlife officials confirmed that Fisher had verbally shared the results of the autopsy report, but said they felt they needed to see the report to do their “due diligence before making an announcement about the first fatal bear attack in California.” The agency had sent an investigator to the scene after Miller’s death, who like Fisher and his deputies, thought the evidence suggested she had died of natural causes, said agency spokesperson Peter Tira.
By the time Fisher got the autopsy report, it was deep winter in the mountains, and bear activity decreased. Then came spring, and along with the blossoms, the bears came back to Downieville.
Bears were knocking over trash cans and breaking into cars. In May, residents on Main Street reported that a bear had broken into multiple houses, including one incursion that involved a bear standing over 82-year-old Dale Hunter as he napped on his couch.
A few days later, a bear tried to break into the cafeteria at Downieville High School while students were at school.
Fisher declared the bear a threat to public safety. Fish and Wildlife eventually issued a depredation permit, and the bear was shot.
That led to a story in the Mountain Messenger, the local paper. In it, the sheriff dropped a bombshell: “Miller was mauled to death after a black bear entered her home,” the paper reported. The story went on to say that the sheriff had made “numerous attempts” to inform Fish and Wildlife “about Miller’s death and more recent dangerous situations.”
After the story ran, state Sen. Megan Dahle, a Lassen County Republican who at the time served in the Assembly, set up a conciliatory meeting between Fish and Wildlife and Fisher. They have been meeting regularly ever since, Fisher said.
Fisher got his DNA results confirming that the bear trapped in Miller’s yard was the same bear that had eaten her. And Fish and Wildlife officials finally got a copy of the pathology report, which said Miller was probably alive when she encountered the bear.
The revelation made headlines around the state. “We’re in new territory,” Capt. Patrick Foy of Fish and Wildlife’s law enforcement division told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Bryant and other bear advocates found the release of such a significant finding so long after the fact confounding.
“I absolutely do not believe it,” Bryant said. If the bear had killed her, Bryant added, “the evidence should have been so clear, like immediately.”
“We don’t believe the bear did it,” Ann Bryant, executive director of the Bear League, says of Patrice Miller’s death. “We’ve never had a bear kill anybody.”
(Max Whittaker / For The Times)
The Downieville saga unfolded as bears seemed to be making news all over California.
To many, it seemed there were just many more bears encroaching on human settlements. A Fish and Wildlife report released last month estimated there are now 60,000 black bears roaming the Golden State, roughly triple the figure from 1998, the last time the department issued a bear management plan. That’s the highest population estimate for anywhere in the contiguous U.S., although the report also suggests that California’s bear population has been stable for the last decade.
In the Lake Tahoe area, where 50,000 people live year-round and tens of thousands more crowd in on busy tourist weekends, bears were breaking into houses and raiding refrigerators; they were bursting into ice cream shops and strolling along packed beaches.
State and local officials went into overdrive, trying to teach residents and tourists how to avoid attracting bears. The state set money aside for distribution of bear-proof trash cans and “unwelcome mats” that deliver a jolt of electricity if bears try to break into homes.
The Bear League will loan Tahoe Basin residents “unwelcome mats” that deliver a little jolt of electricity to bears if they try to break into homes.
(Max Whittaker / For The Times)
The Bear League stepped up its efforts. From a small office on Bryant’s property, the organization’s 24-hour hotline was ringing, and volunteers were rushing out with paintball guns to haze bears and to advise people on how to bear-proof their houses.
The tensions continued to escalate, nonetheless, between people who wanted to protect bears at all costs and those who wanted some problem bears trapped and relocated — or killed. In 2024, after a homeowner in the Tahoe area fatally shot a bear he said had broken into his home, many people were outraged that the Department of Fish and Wildlife declined to file charges.
Advocates also complained that the state has fallen behind in its efforts to help people and bears coexist. In recent years, the state had hired dedicated staff to help people in bear country, but the money ran out and some of those people were laid off, said Jennifer Fearing, a wildlife advocate and lobbyist.
“We have the tools to minimize human-wildlife conflict in California,” Fearing said. “We need the state to invest in using them.”
In Sierra County, the sheriff had come to a different conclusion. “We’ve swung the pendulum too far on the environmental side on these apex predators,” Fisher said.
Earlier this year, Fisher found common cause with newly elected GOP Assemblymember Heather Hadwick. “Mountain lions, bears and wolves are my biggest issue. I get calls every day about some kind of predator, which is crazy,” said Hadwick, who represents 11 northern counties.
In February, she introduced a bill, AB 1038, that would allow hunters to sic trained dogs on bears to chase them through the woods, but not kill them. While California has a legal hunting season for bears, it is strictly regulated; the use of hounds to aid the chase has been banned since 2013.
Hadwick argued that hounding bears would increase their fear of humans, which she said some are starting to lose: “We’re keeping them in the forest, where they belong.”
Bears have a long memory for food sources and an incredible sense of direction. If a tourist tosses them a pizza crust or leaves the lid off a trash can, they will return again and again.
(California Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Wildlife advocates showed up in force last month to oppose Hadwick’s bill in an Assembly committee hearing. Sending hounds after bears is cruel, they said. Plus, hounding bears in the woods would have no impact on the bears knocking over neighborhood trash cans and sneaking into ice cream stores.
Fisher testified in favor of the bill, and spoke of Miller’s death.
Lawmakers listened, some with stricken looks on their faces. But in a Legislature controlled by Democrats, Hadwick did not garner enough votes to send her bill on to the full Assembly; it became a two-year bill, meaning it could come back next year.
Fisher returned to Sierra County, where he has continued to advocate for locals to have more power to go after predators. The current situation, he said, is “out of control.”
The Spanish capital is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, and it’s also one of the ‘most budget-friendly’ city break destinations in Europe, according to travel insurance experts
Crowds of tourists on Gran Via Avenue in Madrid(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
Madrid, Spain’s capital and a hive of activity, has been crowned as one of the “best budget city break” locations for those looking to escape during the summer. Characterized by its energetic streets, Madrid is also celebrated by Spain’s tourist board for its “welcoming and diverse” atmosphere, affirming it as an ideal spot for every type of traveller.
Research by travel insurance gurus at Quotezone pinpoints Madrid as offering one of the most wallet-friendly getaways on the continent, standing out as the sole Spanish metropolis in the line-up and trumping other European hotspots like Athens, Vienna, Rome and Paris when it comes to saving those pennies.
The selection was made by weighing up elements critical to frugal globetrotters – think tourist levies, snooze spots prices, cost for nosh and a pint, public transit fares, and how far you’ll need to trek from the tarmac.
As visitor taxes hike up elsewhere, Madrid’s lack of this surcharge is a notable highlight. The city also scores points for its reasonable food scene.
Despite having its share of swanky eateries, the capital doesn’t disappoint when it comes to more modestly priced meal choices, reports the Express.
You won’t have to splash out much in Madrid, with an average spend of about €14 (circa £12) for dining delights, the study reveals.
A sunny street in Madrid old town(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
And, for those desiring a bevvy to sip in the sun, the typical price tag for a brew sits at around €3.50, which equates to near £3, albeit a tad steeper than the likes of Zagreb, where a local ale will set you back just about £2.50.
However, in contrast to the average pint price of £5.90 found in London, Madrid’s beer comes across as a significant money-saver.
As noted by Quotezone, a single public transport ticket in Madrid costs just €1.50 (around £1.30), representing a budget-friendly way to traverse the bustling cityscape.
Madrid offers a wealth of activities regardless of your holiday preferences; from its vibrant streets lined with a myriad of shops and global cuisine restaurants to bars and a pulsating nightlife.
History buffs will revel in the numerous museums and the plethora of historic buildings that can be found throughout the city.
“Madrid’s authenticity is hard to beat,” remarked the Spanish tourism board. “It is welcoming and diverse. Madrid is, without a doubt, one of Europe’s most interesting cities.”
Whoopi Goldberg attends the “Night with Whoopi” event in Venice Beach, Calif., on July 20. She will promote her Whoop-Tea cannabis drink at the Cannabis Means Business event in New York City on June 4. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
May 14 (UPI) — Award-winning actress, comedian, television host and entrepreneur Whoopi Goldberg will headline the Cannabis Means Business event next month in New York City.
The Cannabis Means Business trade event is scheduled June 4-5 at the Javits Center, where Goldberg plans to launch her “Whoop-Tea” hemp-derived beverage.
Goldberg will join CNBC’s Tim Seymour at the CMB event’s opening day to hold an “exclusive conversation” in the special events area at the cannabis trade show.
The pair will discuss the rapidly growing cannabis beverage market and her Whoop-Tea product, which is being produced with the help of the Pure Genesis cannabis beverage brand.
“I wanted to create something that’s fun, relaxing and brings people together without the hangover,” Goldberg said in a news release.
“Whoop-Tea is exactly that,” she said. “It’s tea. It’s lemonade. It’s THC, and it’s all about unwinding and enjoying the moment.”
Goldberg said she is “excited” to “be a part of this incredible shift in wellness culture” and unveil her beverage during the cannabis industry event.
CMB organizers said the global cannabis beverage market was valued at $1.16 billion and is projected to top $3 billion in 2025.
Pure Genesis and Goldberg have partnered to produce Whoop-Tea, which is a non-alcoholic beverage that has THC and blends lemonade and iced tea.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Whoopi, a cultural icon who shares our passion for quality, community and breaking stigma,” Pure Genesis co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Faye Coleman said.
Pure Genesis co-founder Priscilla Wynn called the beverage a “testament to what’s possible when visionary women lead.”
Event attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy free samples.
US federal prosecutors say defendant and co-conspirators got the company to pay for deliveries that never occurred.
A former food delivery driver pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal more than $2.5m from the food delivery service DoorDash.
Sayee Chaitanya Reddy Devagiri pleaded guilty on Tuesday in a federal court in San Jose, California, to a single count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the US Attorney’s Office said.
Devagiri and his co-conspirators would get the company to pay for deliveries that never occurred, federal prosecutors said.
Devagiri, 30, of Newport Beach, California, admitted to working with three others in 2020 and 2021 to defraud the San Francisco-based delivery company, federal prosecutors said. The other three were indicted by a federal grand jury in August.
Prosecutors said Devagiri used customer accounts to place high-value orders and then used an employee’s credentials to gain access to DoorDash software and manually reassign the orders to driver accounts that he and others controlled. He then caused the fraudulent driver accounts to report that the orders had been delivered when they had not and manipulated DoorDash’s computer systems to pay the fraudulent driver accounts for the nonexistent deliveries, officials said.
Devagiri would then use DoorDash software to change the orders from “delivered” status to “in process” status and manually reassign the orders to driver accounts he and others controlled, beginning the process again, prosecutors said.
Devagiri is the third defendant to plead guilty to having a role in this conspiracy. Two co-defendants previously entered pleas to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, authorities said.
Manaswi Mandadapu pleaded guilty this month, and Tyler Thomas Bottenhorn pleaded guilty in November 2023. Bottenhorn was charged separately.
Devagiri faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. He is scheduled to return to court on September 16.
Italki has shared the top 10 hidden European destinations for foodies that have the most restaurants and best menus – and some are likely places you’ve never even heard of
Valetta boats many great restaurants(Image: Dado Daniela via Getty Images)
Italki, the online language portal, has spilled the beans on Europe’s top-kept secrets for food-loving globetrotters – and you’ll never guess which city tops the list. For holidaymakers keen on sampling authentic local cuisine, a study reveals a surprising gourmet paradise that remains under the radar for most tourists.
Iker Uriarte, head of marketing for Italki Europe, emphasised the importance of cultural immersion and conversation with locals as keys to uncovering a city’s best and most tasty culinary delights. He offered wise advice to travellers: “Before you leave, take some time to get familiar with the culture and history of your destination.
“Learning about these aspects beforehand can elevate your travel experience and help you better understand where you’re visiting.”
He further advised: “When it comes to truly immersing yourself in a city’s culture, there’s no better guide than a local resident. Locals are the people who know every nook and cranny of the city.”
Topping the Italki list with a jaw-dropping 1,608 eateries is none other than Valletta – Malta’s sun-kissed capital isn’t just a feast for the eyes, but also a banquet for the taste buds.
Valletta doesn’t only charm with its balmy climate and sweeping sea vistas; according to the Italki survey, it prides itself on containing an overwhelming number of high-quality restaurants, almost 1,300 rating four stars or above.
The narrow streets of Valetta are packed with top restaurants(Image: chantal via Getty Images)
Veggie vacationers, take note: Valletta caters to plant-based palates too, boasting a remarkable 744 establishments dedicated to vegetarian fare.
Sintra, a tranquil municipality in western Portugal, is another top recommendation for a gastronomic European city break without the masses.
Just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon, Italki reveals that Sintra boasts 1,928 eateries, with 333 specialising in vegetarian cuisine, reports the Express.
Moreover, 1,215 of these restaurants have earned four or more stars, and 11 are Michelin-starred, making them an ideal spot for a memorable dining experience.
Top 10 lesser-known European foodie destinations (score out of 10):
Evidence shows Jeffries’s statement that about 20 percent of veteran households rely on food stamps is mostly false.
By Louis Jacobson│PolitiFact
Published On 13 May 202513 May 2025
The leader of the Democrats in the United States House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, has slammed House Republicans for considering cuts to federal safety net programmes, pointing out that they would impact veterans.
“About 20 percent of households with veterans rely upon supplemental nutritional food assistance,” the representative for New York’s 8th Congressional District said on Thursday, referring to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sometimes called food stamps.
Jeffries’s statement followed news reports that House Republicans are pushing to limit future SNAP benefit increases, add additional work requirements and shift some SNAP costs – which historically have been entirely paid by the federal government – to states.
Jeffries cited an inaccurate figure. The share of veterans relying on SNAP benefits is about 8 percent, according to an April 2 report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal think tank.
Jeffries’s office did not provide evidence to back up his statement.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report cited Department of Agriculture data showing that 11 percent of veterans aged 18 to 64 nationwide experienced food insecurity from 2015 to 2019. The department defined food insecurity as “limited or uncertain access to enough food” because of a lack of economic resources. The department found that veterans were 7 percent more likely than nonveterans to experience food insecurity after controlling for a range of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics.
The centre’s report used US Census Bureau data from 2021 to 2023 to estimate the number of veterans living in households that received any SNAP benefits during the 12 months before being surveyed.
The report estimated that more than 1.2 million veterans lived in households receiving SNAP benefits, which is 8 percent of the total population of 16.2 million US veterans during that period.
Luis Nunez, a research analyst with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and author of its report, said the 8 percent covers all veterans whether they live alone or with others.
The highest percentage of veterans on food stamps in any state was 14 percent in Oregon, followed by 11 percent in Louisiana, New Mexico and West Virginia.
Nationally, 8% of veterans receive food stamps; no state is higher than 14%
Data from a few years earlier showed lower percentages than the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities report.
The Rand Corporation think tank studied data from 2015 to 2020 and found 4.9 percent of veterans nationwide lived in households receiving SNAP benefits at some point in the previous 12 months. A 2022 Government Accountability Office report found 6.5 percent of all veterans received SNAP benefits in 2019. And the Agriculture Department found that in 2018 and 2019, the average was 6.6 percent.
Our ruling
Jeffries said, “About 20 percent of households with veterans rely upon” the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
An April 2 study found that 8 percent of veterans in the US rely on SNAP benefits. No state had a share higher than 14 percent.
Studies with data from a few years earlier show rates from 4.9 percent to 6.6 percent.
There’s an element of truth that veterans face food insecurity at a higher level than nonveterans. But the statement ignores critical facts that would give a different impression. So we rate the statement mostly false.
