Shauneen Miranda

Shauneen Miranda is a reporter for States Newsroom’s Washington bureau. An alumna of the University of Maryland, she previously covered breaking news for Axios. Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

As health costs spike, a sour and divided Congress escapes one shutdown to face another

The shutdown highlighted the stark differences Republicans and Democrats hold on health care as prices for insurance continue to spike.

By Shauneen Miranda

Government reopens after 43 days: Trump signs bill ending record shutdown

The 222-209 vote marked the first time that chamber took up a bill since mid-September.

By Shauneen Miranda

Trump administration to pay about half of November SNAP benefits amid shutdown

Following court orders to resume payments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will use $4.65 billion in contingency funds to cover roughly half of November’s SNAP benefits — but the money could take weeks or months to reach recipients.

By Shauneen Miranda

Trump administration blocked from cutting off SNAP benefits as two judges issue orders

There was no immediate word from USDA on how it will implement the judicial orders, while the administration sought guidance from the courts.

By Shauneen Miranda

New FAFSA form to be ready by Oct. 1, Education secretary says

The law requires the Education secretary to notify Congress by Sept. 1 annually on whether the department will meet that Oct. 1 deadline.

By Shauneen Miranda

Trump administration tells states it’s freezing $6.8 billion for K-12 school programs

The agency notified states just a day ahead of July 1 — the date these funds are typically sent out as educators plan for the coming school year.

By Shauneen Miranda

McConnell votes against Hegseth confirmation as Pentagon chief

Vice President J.D. Vance cast the deciding vote to break a 50-50 tie after three Republican senators opposed Trump’s controversial choice for defense secretary.

By Shauneen Miranda

U.S. Department of Education begins testing of new FAFSA form

By Shauneen Miranda

U.S. Education Department outlines testing period for phased rollout of new FAFSA form

Earlier in August, the department said it would use a phased rollout to launch FAFSA in an attempt to address any issues before the form is available to everyone.

By Shauneen Miranda