On Friday, writing on SNAP’s moratorium, we said…

When fiscal discipline and morality collide, real leaders solve problems… They don’t point fingers at the other party while the shelves go bare.

“AMEN!” Eldon J. responds. “Thank you.”

John B., however, takes me to task: “Sometimes you almost seem to make a valuable, sensible point. Then you charge suddenly, bayonet fixed, to skewer anyone or anything you can falsely paint as what you imagine is Republican.

“Many do so look forward to your retirement. Your veiled bias definitely won’t be missed.”

On the other hand: “I really appreciated Matt Insley’s comments on Oct. 31,” says Karen B. “To see he has morals and concerns for those less fortunate. Things I don't often see or hear from conservatives.

“Thank you, Matt,” she adds. “Gives me some hope!”

“Fix the system, reform assistance programs, but don’t abandon needy Americans,” says Mike A.

One anonymous reader notes: “It’s criminal that there’s plenty of money for war but no money for groceries. Kinda feels like the government is the enemy. Their true colors are showing, and they aren’t red or blue. They are evil.”

Finally, I need to correct one error from Friday’s Rundown. According to USDA data, 48% of all SNAP households include at least one child under age 18 — not 90%. Thanks to reader Jeff D. for pointing out my error.

Your Rundown for Monday, November 3, 2025...

The Kids of “Operation Midway Blitz”

Back in July, we reported aggressive federal immigration raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Now a similar script appears to be playing out in Chicago — but with the added drama of state-federal friction and a governor under fire.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker requested a three-day pause of immigration enforcement across Chicago so children could trick-or-treat in peace.

Pritzker wrote: “Illinois families deserve to spend Halloween weekend without fear. No child should be forced to inhale tear gas or other chemical agents while trick or treating in their own neighborhood.”

His appeal came after reports that federal Border Patrol agents deployed tear gas in Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood as families headed to a Halloween parade.

Pritzker’s request, however, fell on deaf ears.

Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, responded: “We’re absolutely not willing to put on pause any work that we will do to keep communities safe. The fact that Governor Pritzker is asking for that is shameful.”

What’s at issue here is more than a holiday weekend. It’s about the tactics of law enforcement.

Chicago’s federal operation — part of what's been dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz” — has prompted legal scrutiny.

• On Oct. 20, 2025, federal Judge Sara Ellis, questioned immigration agents’ use of tear gas, smoke grenades and other military-style measures.

• She noted such actions appear to violate an Oct. 9 court order requiring federal agents to issue warnings and clearly display identification before any use of force.

Even among supporters of President Trump’s immigration agenda, these tactics stir unease. Law and order is one thing; terrorizing children is another.

For many who support strong border enforcement, the goal is clear: apprehend violent offenders and lawfully enforce immigration statutes.

But when raids resemble battlefield operations in residential neighborhoods — with children potentially caught in the chaos — the question shifts to: At what cost?

[We value your input: Is this the border security Americans voted for, reader? Or has federal law enforcement experienced mission drift?]

Market Rundown for Monday, November 3, 2025

S&P 500 futures are up 0.37% to 6,899.75.

Oil is down 0.15% to $60.89 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is up 0.59% to $4,019.90 per ounce.

And Bitcoin is down 2.16% to $108,182.10.