We are now in spooky season.

And on this week's episode of Books We've Loved, we discuss all things interview with the vampire, with NPR's Barry Hardiman.

So turn on the lights, grab some garlic, and listen to Books We've Loved in NPR's Book of the Day podcast feed on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Live from NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Hurst. President Trump says he wants the courts to clarify how to legally fund SNAP food assistant benefits after two federal judges today said the administration has to continue to pay them

using a contingency fund despite the government shutdown. Snap funding runs out tomorrow, but there are

questions about when it could return for the more than 40 million Americans who rely on the

program to eat. And here's Jennifer Ludden has more. Two-thirds of SNAP recipients are seniors,

children, or they have a disability. Many do work. Their incomes, though, are very low. You know,

local officials are worried about people choosing between food and rent or medication. Some are

shifting funds to help fill a gap. They're stepping up food donations or allowing flexibility if people fall behind

in their bills. Again, it's just not clear how long this pause is going to last.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden reporting. Meanwhile, President Trump is calling on the Senate to end the filibuster.

That's in order to end the government shutdown. The filibuster is a long-standing Senate tool, allowing the minority

party to stop action on most bills unless 60 senators vote to move the legislation forward.

Some Republican senators are against getting rid of the filibuster, which only exists in the Senate.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also has concerns.

The filibuster has traditionally been viewed

as a very important safeguard. If the shoe was on the other foot, I don't think our team would like it.

It's the 31st day of the shutdown with no end in sight. Two states are moving forward with

congressional redistricting plans. A Republican-led panel in Ohio adopted new U.S. House

districts trying to boost the GOP's chances of gaining two seats in next year's elections.

This amid President Trump's push for Republican states to reshape districts to keep the House.

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