Shutdown Showdown: Who Gets Help and Who Gets Hurt?

The government shutdown dragged on, causing real harm to millions. The White House claimed they couldn't help, but they had billions. They found ways to pay the military and border agents, but not the poor. They moved money around to keep some things going, but not others. They didn't touch funds for child care or heating help for the poor. They even thought about cutting Head Start, which helps kids. The biggest worry was food stamps. Millions rely on them. The White House said they couldn't pay them, even though they had the money. A judge had to step in and force them to pay. Democrats said this was all part of a plan. They think the White House wants to cut help for the poor. They also think the White House wants to use the shutdown to get what they want. The White House didn't say much. They just said they were following the rules. But many think they were playing games with people's lives. The shutdown was unlike any other. It hurt some people more than others. And it showed who the White House cares about and who they don't.