SNAP benefits pause prompts lawsuit from AG Kris Mayes; ex-AZ teacher sentenced for sexual misconduct that involved students; and more - here's a look at your top stories.

Local food banks are preparing to serve more people as the federal shutdown threatens to pause food assistance benefits for many Arizona households.

The government shutdown is halting a critical federal food assistance program that serves 15% of Arizona’s residents, according to the latest state figures.

Arizona joined a multistate lawsuit seeking to prevent the Trump administration from suspending SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.

Arizona and 24 other states sued the Trump administration over the USDA’s refusal to tap emergency funds to keep SNAP running after Saturday. More than 950,000 people in Arizona and 40 million nationwide rely on the program also known as food stamps – one in eight.

Mayes, 21 other attorneys general, and three governors are reportedly filing a lawsuit on Tuesday against the USDA and its Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Multiple states, including Arizona, have filed a lawsuit over the suspension of SNAP benefits amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

According to a press release, this is in regards to the Trump Administration "unlawfully suspending the the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)" due to the government shutdown.

Local Phoenix businesses, bars and restaurants are stepping up to provide free food, meals and essential services to those loosing SNAP benefits.