DES MOINES – The federal government shutdown has different benefits at crosshairs for vulnerable populations across the country and in Iowa. KCCI-TV reports subsidies for the Affordable Care Act are at the center of the dispute, which if they expire, could impact 150,000 Iowans. On Thursday, Governor Kim Reynolds called on an end to the shutdown, blaming Democrats, as SNAP benefits are in jeopardy in November. Approximately 131,000 households in Iowa are eligible for SNAP, which cost $45 million per month. Republicans have thus far rejected calls to negotiate the health care subsidies.

DES MOINES – A Des Moines high school student was detained during an immigration check-in and ultimately deported. The Des Moines Register reports the 18-year-old attended a September 30th appointment with his guardian and immigrants rights advocates. He was ultimately detained and sent to Hardin County Jail, before being sent to Louisiana and then to Central America, all in about two weeks. Federal agents have increased their arrest volume by nearly 200%, according to the report, from the previous year to the current rate.

IOWA – The Iowa Department of Transportation has launched a campaign aimed at further educating young drivers about the dangers of certain behaviors behind the wheel. WHO-13 reports the Iowa DOT has created the “Alive at 25” program, a voluntary four-hour course that compliments the standard driver education program. Young drivers who have a second violation on an intermediate license can participate in the program to lift a possible suspension.