In response to a government shutdown that threatens food assistance for millions, California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the deployment of the National Guard to assist food banks statewide. The state will allocate $80 million in fast-tracked funding to ensure that families at risk of losing food benefits will receive the necessary support. Newsom has criticized the federal government, stating that the shutdown endangers lives and negatively impacts the economy. Alongside the deployment of military personnel, an upgraded unemployment benefits program has also been launched to support affected workers during this crisis.