By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate approved a stopgap spending bill Monday that will end the longest government shutdown in American history once the measure becomes law later this week.

The&nbsp;60-40 vote sends the updated funding package back to the House, where lawmakers in that chamber are expected sometime during the next few days to clear the legislation for President Donald Trump’s signature.&nbsp;

Shortly before the vote, Trump said he plans to follow the agreements included in the revised measure, including the reinstatement of thousands of federal workers who received layoff notices during the shutdown.&nbsp;

“I’ll abide by the deal,” Trump said. “The deal is very good.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Republicans, he added, will soon begin work on legislation to provide direct payments to Americans to help them afford the rising cost of health insurance, one of the core disagreements between the political parties that led to the shutdown.&nbsp;

“We want a health care system where we pay the money to the people instead of the insurance companies,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “And I tell you, we are going to be working on that very hard over the next short period of time.”

Earlier in the day, House Speaker Mike Johnson urged representatives to begin traveling back to Capitol Hill as soon as possible to ensure they arrive in time to vote on the bill to reopen the government, after the measure arrives from the Senate.&nbsp;

The Louisiana Republican’s request came as airlines were forced to delay or cancel thousands of flights on the 41st day of the shutdown, a situation that could potentially impact a House vote on the stopgap spending bill if members don’t follow his advice.&nbsp;

“The problem we have with air travel is that our air traffic controllers are overworked and unpaid. And many of them have called in sick,” Johnson said. “That’s a very stressful job and even more stressful, exponentially, when they’re having trouble providing for their families. And so air travel has been grinding to a halt in many places.”

Johnson then told his colleagues in the House, which hasn’t been in session since mid-September, that lawmakers from both political parties “need to begin right now returning to the Hill.”

Trump took a markedly different tone over the challenges air traffic controllers have faced during the shutdown in&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115526123205979749" target="_blank">a social media post</a>&nbsp;that he published several hours before he spoke to reporters about the deal to reopen government.&nbsp;

“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,’” Trump wrote, without explaining what that would mean for workers who had to take time off since the shutdown began Oct. 1.&nbsp;

Trump added that he would like to find a way to provide $10,000 bonuses to air traffic controllers who didn’t require any time off during the past six weeks.

“For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country,” Trump wrote. “You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record. If you want to leave service in the near future, please do not hesitate to do so, with NO payment or severance of any kind!”&nbsp;

The Senate-passed package will provide stopgap funding for much of the federal government through January 30, giving lawmakers a couple more months to work out agreement on nine of the dozen full-year spending bills.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The package holds several other provisions, including the full-year appropriations bills for the Agriculture Department, the Legislative Branch, military construction projects and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.&nbsp;

Seven Democrats and one independent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-advances-bill-end-record-breaking-government-shutdown" target="_blank">broke ranks Sunday</a>&nbsp;on a procedural vote that advanced the package, drawing condemnation from some House members and outside advocacy groups unhappy that no solution was arrived at to counter skyrocketing health insurance premium increases for people in the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, where bipartisanship is required for major bills to move forward under the 60-vote legislative filibuster.&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said during a floor speech Monday he was “grateful that the end” of the stalemate was in sight.&nbsp;

“We’re on the 41st day of this shutdown — nutrition benefits are in jeopardy; air travel is in an extremely precarious situation; our staffs and many, many other government workers have been working for nearly six weeks without pay,” Thune said. “I could spend an hour talking about all of the problems we’ve seen, which have snowballed the longer the shutdown has gone on. But all of us, Democrat and Republican, who voted for last night’s bill are well aware of the facts.”

Schumer bid for deal on health care costs fails

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was far less celebratory after his bid to get Republicans to negotiate a deal on health care costs by forcing a shutdown failed.&nbsp;

“The past few weeks have exposed with shocking clarity how warped Republican priorities truly are. While people’s health care costs have gone up, Republicans have come across as a party preoccupied with ballrooms, Argentina bailouts and private jets,” Schumer said. “Republicans’ breach of trust with the American people is deep and perhaps irreversible.”&nbsp;

“And now that they have failed to do anything to prevent premiums from going up, the anger that Americans feel against Donald Trump and the Republicans is going to get worse,” Schumer added. “Republicans had their chance to fix this and they blew it. Americans will remember Republican intransigence every time they make a sky-high payment on health insurance.”&nbsp;

Schumer was insistent throughout the shutdown that Democrats would only vote to advance a funding bill after lawmakers brokered a bipartisan deal to extend tax credits that are set to expire at the end of December for people who purchase their health insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace.&nbsp;

That all changed on Sunday when Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada voted to move the bill toward a final passage vote.

Maine independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with Democrats, also voted to advance the legislation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said during a press conference Monday afternoon that he still believes Schumer is effective and should keep his role in leadership, despite the outcome.&nbsp;

“Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats over the last seven weeks have waged a valiant fight on behalf of the American people. And I’m not going to explain what a handful of Senate Democrats have decided to do. That’s their explanation to offer to the American people,” Jeffries said.&nbsp;

“What we’re going to continue to do as House Democrats, partnered with our allies throughout America, is to wage the fight, to stay in the coliseum, to win victories in the arena on behalf of the American people notwithstanding whatever disappointments may arise,” he said. “That’s the reality of life, that’s certainly the reality of this place. But we’re in this fight for all the right reasons.”&nbsp;

Speaker Johnson said earlier in the day that the “people’s government cannot be held hostage to further anyone’s political agenda. That was never right. And shutting down the government never produces anything.”

Johnson reiterated that GOP lawmakers are “open to finding solutions to reduce the oppressive costs of health care,” though he didn’t outline any plans to do that in the weeks and months ahead.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762828310820.png" alt="Missouri U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt presided over the Senate Monday night-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Missouri U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt presided over the Senate Monday night-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate approved a stopgap spending bill Monday that will end the longest government shutdown in American history once the measure becomes law later this week.The&nbsp;60-40 vote sends the updated funding package back to the House, where lawmakers in that chamber are expected sometime during the next few days to clear the legislation for President Donald Trump’s signature.&nbsp;Shortly before the vote, Trump said he plans to follow the agreements included in the revised measure, including the reinstatement of thousands of federal workers who received layoff notices during the shutdown.&nbsp;“I’ll abide by the deal,” Trump said. “The deal is very good.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Republicans, he added, will soon begin work on legislation to provide direct payments to Americans to help them afford the rising cost of health insurance, one of the core disagreements between the political parties that led to the shutdown.&nbsp;“We want a health care system where we pay the money to the people instead of the insurance companies,” Trump said from the Oval Office. “And I tell you, we are going to be working on that very hard over the next short period of time.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">41 days of ridiculous political posturing by the Democrats ended tonight. Finally the American people will no longer be pawns in their political games. <a href="https://t.co/KFr1w8OXSt">pic.twitter.com/KFr1w8OXSt</a>&mdash; Senator Eric Schmitt (@SenEricSchmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenEricSchmitt/status/1988091017061691526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2>House members told to head to D.C.</h2>Earlier in the day, House Speaker Mike Johnson urged representatives to begin traveling back to Capitol Hill as soon as possible to ensure they arrive in time to vote on the bill to reopen the government, after the measure arrives from the Senate.&nbsp;The Louisiana Republican’s request came as airlines were forced to delay or cancel thousands of flights on the 41st day of the shutdown, a situation that could potentially impact a House vote on the stopgap spending bill if members don’t follow his advice.&nbsp;“The problem we have with air travel is that our air traffic controllers are overworked and unpaid. And many of them have called in sick,” Johnson said. “That’s a very stressful job and even more stressful, exponentially, when they’re having trouble providing for their families. And so air travel has been grinding to a halt in many places.”Johnson then told his colleagues in the House, which hasn’t been in session since mid-September, that lawmakers from both political parties “need to begin right now returning to the Hill.”<h2>Trump threatens air traffic controllers</h2>Trump took a markedly different tone over the challenges air traffic controllers have faced during the shutdown in&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115526123205979749" target="_blank">a social media post</a>&nbsp;that he published several hours before he spoke to reporters about the deal to reopen government.&nbsp;“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,’” Trump wrote, without explaining what that would mean for workers who had to take time off since the shutdown began Oct. 1.&nbsp;Trump added that he would like to find a way to provide $10,000 bonuses to air traffic controllers who didn’t require any time off during the past six weeks.“For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country,” Trump wrote. “You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record. If you want to leave service in the near future, please do not hesitate to do so, with NO payment or severance of any kind!”&nbsp;<h2>An end in sight</h2>The Senate-passed package will provide stopgap funding for much of the federal government through January 30, giving lawmakers a couple more months to work out agreement on nine of the dozen full-year spending bills.&nbsp;&nbsp;The package holds several other provisions, including the full-year appropriations bills for the Agriculture Department, the Legislative Branch, military construction projects and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.&nbsp;Seven Democrats and one independent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-advances-bill-end-record-breaking-government-shutdown" target="_blank">broke ranks Sunday</a>&nbsp;on a procedural vote that advanced the package, drawing condemnation from some House members and outside advocacy groups unhappy that no solution was arrived at to counter skyrocketing health insurance premium increases for people in the Affordable Care Act marketplace.Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, where bipartisanship is required for major bills to move forward under the 60-vote legislative filibuster.&nbsp;Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said during a floor speech Monday he was “grateful that the end” of the stalemate was in sight.&nbsp;“We’re on the 41st day of this shutdown — nutrition benefits are in jeopardy; air travel is in an extremely precarious situation; our staffs and many, many other government workers have been working for nearly six weeks without pay,” Thune said. “I could spend an hour talking about all of the problems we’ve seen, which have snowballed the longer the shutdown has gone on. But all of us, Democrat and Republican, who voted for last night’s bill are well aware of the facts.”<h2>Schumer bid for deal on health care costs fails</h2>Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was far less celebratory after his bid to get Republicans to negotiate a deal on health care costs by forcing a shutdown failed.&nbsp;“The past few weeks have exposed with shocking clarity how warped Republican priorities truly are. While people’s health care costs have gone up, Republicans have come across as a party preoccupied with ballrooms, Argentina bailouts and private jets,” Schumer said. “Republicans’ breach of trust with the American people is deep and perhaps irreversible.”&nbsp;“And now that they have failed to do anything to prevent premiums from going up, the anger that Americans feel against Donald Trump and the Republicans is going to get worse,” Schumer added. “Republicans had their chance to fix this and they blew it. Americans will remember Republican intransigence every time they make a sky-high payment on health insurance.”&nbsp;Schumer was insistent throughout the shutdown that Democrats would only vote to advance a funding bill after lawmakers brokered a bipartisan deal to extend tax credits that are set to expire at the end of December for people who purchase their health insurance from the Affordable Care Act marketplace.&nbsp;That all changed on Sunday when Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada voted to move the bill toward a final passage vote.Maine independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with Democrats, also voted to advance the legislation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Jeffries still supports Schumer</h2>House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said during a press conference Monday afternoon that he still believes Schumer is effective and should keep his role in leadership, despite the outcome.&nbsp;“Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats over the last seven weeks have waged a valiant fight on behalf of the American people. And I’m not going to explain what a handful of Senate Democrats have decided to do. That’s their explanation to offer to the American people,” Jeffries said.&nbsp;“What we’re going to continue to do as House Democrats, partnered with our allies throughout America, is to wage the fight, to stay in the coliseum, to win victories in the arena on behalf of the American people notwithstanding whatever disappointments may arise,” he said. “That’s the reality of life, that’s certainly the reality of this place. But we’re in this fight for all the right reasons.”&nbsp;Speaker Johnson said earlier in the day that the “people’s government cannot be held hostage to further anyone’s political agenda. That was never right. And shutting down the government never produces anything.”Johnson reiterated that GOP lawmakers are “open to finding solutions to reduce the oppressive costs of health care,” though he didn’t outline any plans to do that in the weeks and months ahead.&nbsp;

US Senate in bipartisan vote passes bill to end record-breaking shutdown, House up next

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run that killed a KU student have made an arrest.

After an extensive investigation, which included examining evidence and responding to numerous tips from the public, on Sunday, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspected vehicle and driver, identified as 36-year-old William Klinger, involved in Thursday’s hit-and-run crash outside of Lawrence.&nbsp;

The crash killed 20-year-old University of Kansas student Elsa McGrain, according to sheriff's department spokesman Officer&nbsp;George Diepenbrock.

Elsa was struck and killed while running in the 1700 block of E 1500 Road, on November 6.&nbsp; After striking Elsa, the suspected driver left the scene.&nbsp;

Deputies later found her early Friday morning. A passerby spotted her on the side of the road around 3:35 a.m., according to Diepenbrock.

According to the sheriff's department Klingler was arrested around 5:45 p.m. on Sunday. He is being held on requested charges of reckless involuntary homicide. He has a previous conviction for Tampering with Electronic Monitoring Equipment: Knowingly and without authorization removing or disabling in the case of a Felony, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

McGrain, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, was a pre-med student at KU.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762637573361.png" alt="Elsa McGrain-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Elsa McGrain-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run that killed a KU student have made an arrest.After an extensive investigation, which included examining evidence and responding to numerous tips from the public, on Sunday, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspected vehicle and driver, identified as 36-year-old William Klinger, involved in Thursday’s hit-and-run crash outside of Lawrence.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762795144309.png" alt="Klingler photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Klingler photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>The crash killed 20-year-old University of Kansas student Elsa McGrain, according to sheriff's department spokesman Officer&nbsp;George Diepenbrock.Elsa was struck and killed while running in the 1700 block of E 1500 Road, on November 6.&nbsp; After striking Elsa, the suspected driver left the scene.&nbsp;Deputies later found her early Friday morning. A passerby spotted her on the side of the road around 3:35 a.m., according to Diepenbrock.According to the sheriff's department Klingler was arrested around 5:45 p.m. on Sunday. He is being held on requested charges of reckless involuntary homicide. He has a previous conviction for Tampering with Electronic Monitoring Equipment: Knowingly and without authorization removing or disabling in the case of a Felony, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;McGrain, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, was a pre-med student at KU.

Driver accused in hit-and -run that killed Neb. woman has history of crime

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>): &quot;The FDA is initiating the removal of broad black box warnings from hormone replacement therapy products for menopause.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xcqVHCpn4E">pic.twitter.com/xcqVHCpn4E</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1987920133160141115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DrMakaryFDA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrMakaryFDA</a>: “50 million women since that study 23 years ago have been denied, or never offered, or talked out of the life-changing, life-saving benefits of hormone replacement therapy.” <a href="https://t.co/q5cr82jsDM">pic.twitter.com/q5cr82jsDM</a>&mdash; HHS Rapid Response (@HHSResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSResponse/status/1987923777498288585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥FDA will lift warnings on hormone therapy for menopause 

WASHINGTON —Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reported more deadly strikes on an alleged drug boats.

On social media, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced,&nbsp; On Sunday, at the direction of President Trump, two lethal kinetic strikes were conducted on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations."

"These vessels were known by our intelligence to be associated with illicit narcotics smuggling, were carrying narcotics, and were transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route in the Eastern Pacific." "Both strikes were conducted in international waters and 3 male narco-terrorists were aboard each vessel. All 6 were killed. No U.S. forces were harmed." "Under President Trump, we are protecting the homeland and killing these cartel terrorists who wish to harm our country and its people.

This was the 19 reported U.S. attack on drug vessels with the death toll at 75 since the Trump administration launched a campaign against drug trafficking in South American waters.

WASHINGTON —Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reported more deadly strikes on an alleged drug boats.On social media, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced,&nbsp; On Sunday, at the direction of President Trump, two lethal kinetic strikes were conducted on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Yesterday, at the direction of President Trump, two lethal kinetic strikes were conducted on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. These vessels were known by our intelligence to be associated with illicit narcotics smuggling, were carrying narcotics, and… <a href="https://t.co/ocUoGzwwDO">pic.twitter.com/ocUoGzwwDO</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1987863821868732447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"These vessels were known by our intelligence to be associated with illicit narcotics smuggling, were carrying narcotics, and were transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route in the Eastern Pacific." "Both strikes were conducted in international waters and 3 male narco-terrorists were aboard each vessel. All 6 were killed. No U.S. forces were harmed." "Under President Trump, we are protecting the homeland and killing these cartel terrorists who wish to harm our country and its people.This was the 19 reported U.S. attack on drug vessels with the death toll at 75 since the Trump administration launched a campaign against drug trafficking in South American waters.---------------

🎥US military kills 6 in new attacks on drug-running boats

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>

WASHINGTON — Seven U.S. Senate Democrats and one independent&nbsp;joined Republicans on Sunday night in advancing legislation to reopen the government and temporarily keep it afloat until the end of January, after a record-breaking shutdown that began Oct. 1.

Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada voted with most of the GOP to advance the stopgap measure through a 60-40 procedural vote.&nbsp;

Sen. Angus King of Maine, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, also voted in support.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fetterman, King and Cortez Masto had already voted with Republicans on the previous 14 votes to reopen the government. Until Sunday, Republicans who control the chamber did not have the 60 votes needed to clear the filibuster threshold.

GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has consistently voted against the temporary funding measure, again cast a “no” vote.

The deal would also unlock full-year funding for a vital food aid program that serves 42 million Americans and bring back federal workers fired by President Donald Trump when the government was closed.

It does not include language addressing skyrocketing premiums for those enrolled in individual health insurance plans in the Affordable Care Act marketplace, a major sticking point for Democrats. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said late Sunday on the Senate floor that he commits to holding a separate vote on health insurance subsidies no later than the second week of December.

In a press conference following the vote, Rosen said Democrats have “an opportunity also to put Republicans on the record on the ACA.”

“Are they committed to doing this? Are they committed leaders who said, ‘You can come to the table on health care once the government was open’? And now he must follow through. If Republicans want to join us in lowering costs for working families, they have the perfect opportunity to show the American public,” Rosen said.

New text of a temporary stopgap funding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/continuing_appropriations_act_2026_bill_text.pdf" target="_blank">deal</a>&nbsp;released Sunday night proposes to keep the government open until Jan. 30. The bill would also reinstate all federal employees who were fired after the shutdown began, restoring their jobs with back pay, and prohibit any further layoffs until the temporary funding expires.

As part of the agreement, three fiscal year 2026 funding bills will ride along with the package, including the appropriations bills for agriculture programs, veterans benefits, military construction and Congress.

Several Senate Democrats left a lengthy closed-door meeting earlier Sunday night upset that the deal does not include anything to address rising health care premiums, on which the party has staked the 40-day shutdown.&nbsp;

Subsidies for those who buy insurance on the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace expire at the end of this year.

“So far as I’m concerned, health care isn’t included, so I’ll be a no,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin also issued statements following the caucus meeting declaring they would vote no. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also told reporters on his way out of the meeting that he’s opposed to the deal.

Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey said on social media he would oppose it. ”I’ve been clear that we need real action to stop the devastating health care cost increases that are hurting millions of families,” he said.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., issued a statement expressing support for the agreement, highlighting that Senate Republicans have promised a vote on extending the health care subsidies.

“This deal guarantees a vote to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which Republicans weren’t willing to do. Lawmakers know their constituents expect them to vote for it, and if they don’t, they could very well be replaced at the ballot box by someone who will,” Kaine said.

The Sunday night vote does not mean the government will reopen right away.

The legislation must make its way through Senate procedural steps and then gain approval from the U.S. House, which hasn’t been in session since Sept. 19. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, attended the Washington Commanders football game with Trump Sunday night in Landover, Maryland.

Trump briefly spoke to reporters upon news of the deal after leaving the NFL game, telling them, “It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending.”

Nearly a million federal workers have missed paychecks during the shutdown, and food benefits for the poorest Americans stopped flowing at the beginning of November.&nbsp;

Air travel has also become snarled as the shutdown has dragged on, and air traffic controllers are under pressure without pay. The Federal Aviation Administration began&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/here-are-airports-hit-faa-pullback-air-traffic-3300-flights-daily-be-canceled" target="_blank">cutting flights</a>&nbsp;Friday at 40 major airports across the U.S. The cuts are set to ramp up to a 10% decrease in air traffic.

The deal includes provisions that Democrats say the Trump administration sought to shrink or cut altogether, including fresh fruit and vegetable subsidies for mothers with children and monthly food boxes for low-income seniors.

The legislation would direct $8.2 billion to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, otherwise known as WIC, a roughly $600 million increase over last year’s program amount.

During the shutdown, the administration used $150 million from a U.S. Department of Agriculture rainy day fund to keep the program going. The bill would replenish the contingency money.

The bill also fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and children’s nutrition programs, including subsidized school breakfast and lunch, and the availability of food during summer school breaks.

Democrats on the Senate Committee on Appropriations say it included “key funding for SNAP and other critical nutrition programs as President Trump fights in court during the government shutdown to cut off benefits for 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP to feed their families,” according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FY26%20Ag-FDA%20Conference%20Bill%20Summary.pdf" target="_blank">bill summary</a>.&nbsp;

The USDA directed states to begin releasing the November SNAP benefits onto recipients’ benefits debit cards after a Rhode Island federal district judge and circuit court ordered the Trump administration to do so last week.&nbsp;

Trump appealed the order to the Supreme Court, which stayed the decision. A department memo Saturday told states that released the full benefits to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/states-told-trump-administration-undo-full-snap-benefits-paid-november" target="_blank">take back</a>&nbsp;a portion of them.

The bill would also direct money to the SNAP emergency contingency fund.

Hemp farmers are sounding the alarm about a provision in the bill that they say would “effectively eliminate the legal hemp industry built under the 2018 farm bill,” according to a Sunday statement from the Hemp Industry and Farmers of America.

Lawmakers are “slamming the door on 325,000 American jobs and forcing consumers back to dangerous black markets,” the industry group’s executive director Brian Swensen said.&nbsp;

Swensen also added: “The hemp industry has been ready and willing to work on responsible regulations – age restrictions, testing requirements, proper labeling — but instead of collaboration, the industry is getting a misguided prohibition through backdoor appropriations deals.”&nbsp;

Several House Democrats, including a top appropriator, criticized the deal.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries blamed Republicans for the proposal Sunday night in a statement, saying House and Senate Democrats have “waged a valiant fight” for the last seven weeks.

“It now appears that Senate Republicans will send the House of Representatives a spending bill that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. As a result of the Republicans refusal to address the healthcare crisis that they have created, tens of millions of everyday Americans are going to see their costs skyrocket,” Jeffries said.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top House Democratic appropriator, said she did not agree to the release of the veterans and military construction bill as an attachment to the deal.

“Congress must invest in veterans, address the health care crisis that is raising costs on more than 20 million Americans, and prevent President Trump from not spending appropriated dollars in our communities,” DeLauro, D-Conn., said in a statement.

Rep. Angie Craig joined other House Democrats in slamming the Senate negotiations on social media.

“If people believe this is a ‘deal,’ I have a bridge to sell you. I’m not going to put 24 million Americans at risk of losing their health care. I’m a no,” said Craig, of Minnesota.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762772315218.jpeg" alt="Counting votes late Sunday in the U.S. Senate" />
 <figcaption>Counting votes late Sunday in the U.S. Senate</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>WASHINGTON — Seven U.S. Senate Democrats and one independent&nbsp;joined Republicans on Sunday night in advancing legislation to reopen the government and temporarily keep it afloat until the end of January, after a record-breaking shutdown that began Oct. 1.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Senate advances bill to reopen the government, 60-40. <a href="https://t.co/r2CfPUReJV">pic.twitter.com/r2CfPUReJV</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1987730780114817278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada voted with most of the GOP to advance the stopgap measure through a 60-40 procedural vote.&nbsp;Sen. Angus King of Maine, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, also voted in support.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fetterman, King and Cortez Masto had already voted with Republicans on the previous 14 votes to reopen the government. Until Sunday, Republicans who control the chamber did not have the 60 votes needed to clear the filibuster threshold.GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has consistently voted against the temporary funding measure, again cast a “no” vote.The deal would also unlock full-year funding for a vital food aid program that serves 42 million Americans and bring back federal workers fired by President Donald Trump when the government was closed.It does not include language addressing skyrocketing premiums for those enrolled in individual health insurance plans in the Affordable Care Act marketplace, a major sticking point for Democrats. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said late Sunday on the Senate floor that he commits to holding a separate vote on health insurance subsidies no later than the second week of December.In a press conference following the vote, Rosen said Democrats have “an opportunity also to put Republicans on the record on the ACA.”“Are they committed to doing this? Are they committed leaders who said, ‘You can come to the table on health care once the government was open’? And now he must follow through. If Republicans want to join us in lowering costs for working families, they have the perfect opportunity to show the American public,” Rosen said.New text of a temporary stopgap funding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/continuing_appropriations_act_2026_bill_text.pdf" target="_blank">deal</a>&nbsp;released Sunday night proposes to keep the government open until Jan. 30. The bill would also reinstate all federal employees who were fired after the shutdown began, restoring their jobs with back pay, and prohibit any further layoffs until the temporary funding expires.As part of the agreement, three fiscal year 2026 funding bills will ride along with the package, including the appropriations bills for agriculture programs, veterans benefits, military construction and Congress.<h2>Divided Democrats</h2>Several Senate Democrats left a lengthy closed-door meeting earlier Sunday night upset that the deal does not include anything to address rising health care premiums, on which the party has staked the 40-day shutdown.&nbsp;Subsidies for those who buy insurance on the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace expire at the end of this year.“So far as I’m concerned, health care isn’t included, so I’ll be a no,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin also issued statements following the caucus meeting declaring they would vote no. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also told reporters on his way out of the meeting that he’s opposed to the deal.Sen. Andy Kim of New Jersey said on social media he would oppose it. ”I’ve been clear that we need real action to stop the devastating health care cost increases that are hurting millions of families,” he said.Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., issued a statement expressing support for the agreement, highlighting that Senate Republicans have promised a vote on extending the health care subsidies.“This deal guarantees a vote to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, which Republicans weren’t willing to do. Lawmakers know their constituents expect them to vote for it, and if they don’t, they could very well be replaced at the ballot box by someone who will,” Kaine said.<h2>Government reopening will take time</h2>The Sunday night vote does not mean the government will reopen right away.The legislation must make its way through Senate procedural steps and then gain approval from the U.S. House, which hasn’t been in session since Sept. 19. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, attended the Washington Commanders football game with Trump Sunday night in Landover, Maryland.Trump briefly spoke to reporters upon news of the deal after leaving the NFL game, telling them, “It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending.”Nearly a million federal workers have missed paychecks during the shutdown, and food benefits for the poorest Americans stopped flowing at the beginning of November.&nbsp;Air travel has also become snarled as the shutdown has dragged on, and air traffic controllers are under pressure without pay. The Federal Aviation Administration began&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/here-are-airports-hit-faa-pullback-air-traffic-3300-flights-daily-be-canceled" target="_blank">cutting flights</a>&nbsp;Friday at 40 major airports across the U.S. The cuts are set to ramp up to a 10% decrease in air traffic.<h2>SNAP funding</h2>The deal includes provisions that Democrats say the Trump administration sought to shrink or cut altogether, including fresh fruit and vegetable subsidies for mothers with children and monthly food boxes for low-income seniors.The legislation would direct $8.2 billion to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, otherwise known as WIC, a roughly $600 million increase over last year’s program amount.During the shutdown, the administration used $150 million from a U.S. Department of Agriculture rainy day fund to keep the program going. The bill would replenish the contingency money.The bill also fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and children’s nutrition programs, including subsidized school breakfast and lunch, and the availability of food during summer school breaks.Democrats on the Senate Committee on Appropriations say it included “key funding for SNAP and other critical nutrition programs as President Trump fights in court during the government shutdown to cut off benefits for 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP to feed their families,” according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FY26%20Ag-FDA%20Conference%20Bill%20Summary.pdf" target="_blank">bill summary</a>.&nbsp;The USDA directed states to begin releasing the November SNAP benefits onto recipients’ benefits debit cards after a Rhode Island federal district judge and circuit court ordered the Trump administration to do so last week.&nbsp;Trump appealed the order to the Supreme Court, which stayed the decision. A department memo Saturday told states that released the full benefits to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/states-told-trump-administration-undo-full-snap-benefits-paid-november" target="_blank">take back</a>&nbsp;a portion of them.The bill would also direct money to the SNAP emergency contingency fund.<h2>Hemp ban</h2>Hemp farmers are sounding the alarm about a provision in the bill that they say would “effectively eliminate the legal hemp industry built under the 2018 farm bill,” according to a Sunday statement from the Hemp Industry and Farmers of America.Lawmakers are “slamming the door on 325,000 American jobs and forcing consumers back to dangerous black markets,” the industry group’s executive director Brian Swensen said.&nbsp;Swensen also added: “The hemp industry has been ready and willing to work on responsible regulations – age restrictions, testing requirements, proper labeling — but instead of collaboration, the industry is getting a misguided prohibition through backdoor appropriations deals.”&nbsp;<h2>House trepidation</h2>Several House Democrats, including a top appropriator, criticized the deal.House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries blamed Republicans for the proposal Sunday night in a statement, saying House and Senate Democrats have “waged a valiant fight” for the last seven weeks.“It now appears that Senate Republicans will send the House of Representatives a spending bill that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. As a result of the Republicans refusal to address the healthcare crisis that they have created, tens of millions of everyday Americans are going to see their costs skyrocket,” Jeffries said.Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top House Democratic appropriator, said she did not agree to the release of the veterans and military construction bill as an attachment to the deal.“Congress must invest in veterans, address the health care crisis that is raising costs on more than 20 million Americans, and prevent President Trump from not spending appropriated dollars in our communities,” DeLauro, D-Conn., said in a statement.Rep. Angie Craig joined other House Democrats in slamming the Senate negotiations on social media.“If people believe this is a ‘deal,’ I have a bridge to sell you. I’m not going to put 24 million Americans at risk of losing their health care. I’m a no,” said Craig, of Minnesota.

US Senate advances bill to end record-breaking government shutdown

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run that killed a KU student have&nbsp;

After an extensive investigation, which included examining evidence and responding to numerous tips from the public, on Sunday, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspected vehicle and driver involved in Thursday’s hit-and-run crash outside of Lawrence that killed 20-year-old University of Kansas student Elsa McGrain, according to sheriff's department spokesman Officer&nbsp;George Diepenbrock.

Elsa was struck and killed while running in the 1700 block of E 1500 Road, on November 6.&nbsp; After striking Elsa, the suspected driver left the scene. The Sheriff’s Office worked diligently on this case and has made an arrest, according to Diepenbrock.

Detectives are working with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office on charges in the case.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked area law enforcement agencies for their assistance in this investigation, as well as members of the community who responded with possible tips and shared information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762637573361.png" alt="Elsa McGrain courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Elsa McGrain courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run that killed a KU student have&nbsp;After an extensive investigation, which included examining evidence and responding to numerous tips from the public, on Sunday, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the suspected vehicle and driver involved in Thursday’s hit-and-run crash outside of Lawrence that killed 20-year-old University of Kansas student Elsa McGrain, according to sheriff's department spokesman Officer&nbsp;George Diepenbrock.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762637613576.png" alt="Security camera image of the suspect vehicle released by the Douglas Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of the suspect vehicle released by the Douglas Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Elsa was struck and killed while running in the 1700 block of E 1500 Road, on November 6.&nbsp; After striking Elsa, the suspected driver left the scene. The Sheriff’s Office worked diligently on this case and has made an arrest, according to Diepenbrock.Detectives are working with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office on charges in the case.The Sheriff’s Office thanked area law enforcement agencies for their assistance in this investigation, as well as members of the community who responded with possible tips and shared information.

Driver arrested for hit-and-run that killed KU student from Nebraska

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>

Following a late Friday emergency ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, the Trump administration has instructed states that authorized full November nutrition assistance benefits to return a portion, another unprecedented reversal for a program that helps 42 million people afford groceries.

A Saturday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/updated-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap-november-benefit-issuance11-8" target="_blank">memo</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service said states should fund 65% of benefits for users of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, often called food stamps.&nbsp;

Those that had authorized full payments in line with earlier administration guidance should “immediately undo” that action, according to the memo.

“To the extent States sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized,” the memo said. “Accordingly, States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025. Please advise the appropriate FNS Regional Office representative of steps taken to correct any actions taken that do not comply with this memorandum.”

President Donald Trump and top administration officials have said they cannot pay full SNAP benefits during the government shutdown that began Oct. 1 and instead, under court orders, are using a contingency fund to make partial payments.

Saturday’s guidance from Patrick A. Penn, the department’s deputy under secretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, marked the latest turnaround in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administration-issues-november-snap-benefits-then-asks-supreme-court-intervene" target="_blank">a chaotic few days</a>&nbsp;for the agency, states that administer SNAP and the millions of Americans who depend on it to afford food.

Penn wrote that, in light of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-temporarily-blocks-november-snap-payments" target="_blank">the Supreme Court’s order pausing lower court rulings</a>&nbsp;that USDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administration-ordered-pay-full-9b-november-snap-benefits-amid-shutdown" target="_blank">must pay full November benefits</a>, the administration was returning to its position that SNAP benefits should be funded at 65%.&nbsp;

States — including Wisconsin and Kansas — that issued full benefits did so under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26220869-snap-november-2025-benefit-guidance-update/" target="_blank">a Friday memo</a>, also signed by Penn, that said states should authorize full payments for SNAP, consistent with a Thursday ruling in federal court.

Kansas, Wisconsin, Oregon govs express dismay

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, in a late Friday statement expressed disappointment with the administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26220987-supremecourtnov72025/" target="_blank">appeal to the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;and noted the state had authorized full payments earlier in the day for all eligible Kansans.

“These Kansans, most of them children, seniors or people with disabilities, were struggling to put food on their plates,” she said. “Why the President would petition the highest court to deny food to hungry children is beyond me. It does nothing to advance his political agenda. It does not hurt his perceived enemies. It only hurts our most vulnerable and our reputation around the globe.”

In a Sunday statement, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, flatly refused to try to claw back any authorized benefits. The state acted in compliance with a court order, he said.

“After we did so, the Trump Administration assured Wisconsin and other states that they were actively working to implement full SNAP benefits for November and would ‘complete the processes necessary to make funds available,’” he said. “They have failed to do so to date.”

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said her state will not comply.

“Oregon acted lawfully, given the federal court’s directive and the communications with the USDA, and my decision to ensure SNAP benefits went out quickly was in direct alignment with my food emergency declaration,” said Kotek, a Democrat. “I am disgusted that President Trump has the audacity to take taxpayers’ money away from them when they are in crisis. I have a question for the President: What would he prefer to spend the money on over groceries for people in need? This is ridiculous, immoral, and Oregon will fight this every step of the way.”

U.S. Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota, the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, said in a statement:&nbsp;“Let’s be clear about what this is —&nbsp; the Trump administration is demanding that food assistance be taken away from the households that have already received it. They would rather go door to door, taking away people’s food, than do the right thing and fully fund SNAP for November so that struggling veterans, seniors, and children can keep food on the table. It is incomprehensible, incompetent and inconsistent with our values as Americans.”&nbsp;

The earlier order, from U.S. District Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island, told the department to use sources outside the contingency fund to make full November payments by Friday. The order was appealed to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

But Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, acting on behalf of the high court,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26221041-25a539-admin-stay/" target="_blank">granted</a>&nbsp;the administration’s request for an emergency stay on Friday night, speeding up the process for what Jackson said would then be an “expeditious” decision by the appeals court but also changing things yet again.

No longer, for the moment, required by a court order to pay full November benefits, the administration instructed states in the Saturday memo to have the vendors that process payments to the electronic benefit transfer cards withhold part of the month’s allotment.

“States must not transmit full benefit issuance files to EBT processors,” Penn wrote. “Instead, States must continue to process and load the partial issuance files that reflect the 35 percent reduction of maximum allotments detailed in the November 5 guidance.”

SNAP funding has been a key issue during the shutdown.&nbsp;

In a plan published Sept. 30, the USDA said it would continue to pay for the roughly $9 billion per month program through its contingency fund. The administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/usda-wont-shuffle-funds-extend-snap-during-shutdown-about-face-earlier-plan" target="_blank">reversed itself</a>&nbsp;10 days later, telling states there would be no SNAP available for November.

A bipartisan U.S. Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/minority/bill-summaries-fy26-ag-fda-leg-branch-and-milcon-va" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;filed Sunday would end the shutdown. It includes provisions to fully fund SNAP, the contingency fund and the $23 billion children nutrition programs fund that may be a source of emergency funding for SNAP if the shutdown persists.

Kansas Reflector Editor in Chief Sherman Smith, Wisconsin Examiner Editor in Chief Ruth Conniff and Oregon Capital Chronicle Editor in Chief Julia Shumway &nbsp;contributed to this report.

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>Following a late Friday emergency ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, the Trump administration has instructed states that authorized full November nutrition assistance benefits to return a portion, another unprecedented reversal for a program that helps 42 million people afford groceries.A Saturday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/updated-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap-november-benefit-issuance11-8" target="_blank">memo</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service said states should fund 65% of benefits for users of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, often called food stamps.&nbsp;Those that had authorized full payments in line with earlier administration guidance should “immediately undo” that action, according to the memo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762714399470.png" alt="USDA memo" />
 <figcaption>USDA memo</figcaption>
 </figure>“To the extent States sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized,” the memo said. “Accordingly, States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025. Please advise the appropriate FNS Regional Office representative of steps taken to correct any actions taken that do not comply with this memorandum.”President Donald Trump and top administration officials have said they cannot pay full SNAP benefits during the government shutdown that began Oct. 1 and instead, under court orders, are using a contingency fund to make partial payments.<h2>Shutdown chaos surrounds SNAP</h2>Saturday’s guidance from Patrick A. Penn, the department’s deputy under secretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, marked the latest turnaround in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administration-issues-november-snap-benefits-then-asks-supreme-court-intervene" target="_blank">a chaotic few days</a>&nbsp;for the agency, states that administer SNAP and the millions of Americans who depend on it to afford food.Penn wrote that, in light of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-temporarily-blocks-november-snap-payments" target="_blank">the Supreme Court’s order pausing lower court rulings</a>&nbsp;that USDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administration-ordered-pay-full-9b-november-snap-benefits-amid-shutdown" target="_blank">must pay full November benefits</a>, the administration was returning to its position that SNAP benefits should be funded at 65%.&nbsp;States — including Wisconsin and Kansas — that issued full benefits did so under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26220869-snap-november-2025-benefit-guidance-update/" target="_blank">a Friday memo</a>, also signed by Penn, that said states should authorize full payments for SNAP, consistent with a Thursday ruling in federal court.<h2>Kansas, Wisconsin, Oregon govs express dismay</h2>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, in a late Friday statement expressed disappointment with the administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26220987-supremecourtnov72025/" target="_blank">appeal to the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;and noted the state had authorized full payments earlier in the day for all eligible Kansans.“These Kansans, most of them children, seniors or people with disabilities, were struggling to put food on their plates,” she said. “Why the President would petition the highest court to deny food to hungry children is beyond me. It does nothing to advance his political agenda. It does not hurt his perceived enemies. It only hurts our most vulnerable and our reputation around the globe.”In a Sunday statement, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, flatly refused to try to claw back any authorized benefits. The state acted in compliance with a court order, he said.“After we did so, the Trump Administration assured Wisconsin and other states that they were actively working to implement full SNAP benefits for November and would ‘complete the processes necessary to make funds available,’” he said. “They have failed to do so to date.”Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said her state will not comply.“Oregon acted lawfully, given the federal court’s directive and the communications with the USDA, and my decision to ensure SNAP benefits went out quickly was in direct alignment with my food emergency declaration,” said Kotek, a Democrat. “I am disgusted that President Trump has the audacity to take taxpayers’ money away from them when they are in crisis. I have a question for the President: What would he prefer to spend the money on over groceries for people in need? This is ridiculous, immoral, and Oregon will fight this every step of the way.”U.S. Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota, the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, said in a statement:&nbsp;“Let’s be clear about what this is —&nbsp; the Trump administration is demanding that food assistance be taken away from the households that have already received it. They would rather go door to door, taking away people’s food, than do the right thing and fully fund SNAP for November so that struggling veterans, seniors, and children can keep food on the table. It is incomprehensible, incompetent and inconsistent with our values as Americans.”&nbsp;<h2>Court action</h2>The earlier order, from U.S. District Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island, told the department to use sources outside the contingency fund to make full November payments by Friday. The order was appealed to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.But Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, acting on behalf of the high court,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26221041-25a539-admin-stay/" target="_blank">granted</a>&nbsp;the administration’s request for an emergency stay on Friday night, speeding up the process for what Jackson said would then be an “expeditious” decision by the appeals court but also changing things yet again.No longer, for the moment, required by a court order to pay full November benefits, the administration instructed states in the Saturday memo to have the vendors that process payments to the electronic benefit transfer cards withhold part of the month’s allotment.“States must not transmit full benefit issuance files to EBT processors,” Penn wrote. “Instead, States must continue to process and load the partial issuance files that reflect the 35 percent reduction of maximum allotments detailed in the November 5 guidance.”<h2>Shutdown negotiations</h2>SNAP funding has been a key issue during the shutdown.&nbsp;In a plan published Sept. 30, the USDA said it would continue to pay for the roughly $9 billion per month program through its contingency fund. The administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/usda-wont-shuffle-funds-extend-snap-during-shutdown-about-face-earlier-plan" target="_blank">reversed itself</a>&nbsp;10 days later, telling states there would be no SNAP available for November.A bipartisan U.S. Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/minority/bill-summaries-fy26-ag-fda-leg-branch-and-milcon-va" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;filed Sunday would end the shutdown. It includes provisions to fully fund SNAP, the contingency fund and the $23 billion children nutrition programs fund that may be a source of emergency funding for SNAP if the shutdown persists.Kansas Reflector Editor in Chief Sherman Smith, Wisconsin Examiner Editor in Chief Ruth Conniff and Oregon Capital Chronicle Editor in Chief Julia Shumway &nbsp;contributed to this report.

States told by Trump admin. to ‘undo’ full SNAP benefits paid for November

The rule would allow medical debt on credit reports — even in states that forbid it.

By:<a href="https://stateline.org/author/avollers/">Anna Claire Vollers</a>

A new Trump administration rule issued late last month would override state laws that prevent consumers’ credit reports from including medical debt, potentially weakening financial protections for millions of Americans.

In recent years,<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2025/jul/state-protections-against-medical-debt-look-policies-across-us#:~:text=Twelve%20states%20have%20recently%20taken%20action%20to%20prevent%20medical%20debt%20from%20appearing%20on%20credit%20reports%2C%20bringing%20the%20total%20number%20of%20states%20prohibiting%20this%20practice%20to%2014.47" target="_blank">&nbsp;more than a dozen states</a>&nbsp;have taken steps to keep medical debt from hurting residents’ credit scores, passing laws with bipartisan support. But new<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/28/2025-19671/fair-credit-reporting-act-preemption-of-state-laws" target="_blank">&nbsp;guidance</a>&nbsp;from the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/28/2025-19671/fair-credit-reporting-act-preemption-of-state-laws#:~:text=The%20Bureau%20has%20reviewed%20the%202022%20interpretive%20rule%20that%20interprets%20sections%201681t(b)(1)%20and%201681t(b)(5)%20of%20the%20FCRA%2C%20and%20the%20Bureau%20now%20confirms%20the%20withdrawal%20of%20that%20rule." target="_blank">&nbsp;repeals</a>&nbsp;a Biden-era rule that allowed states to impose their own bans. The Trump administration has<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/28/2025-19671/fair-credit-reporting-act-preemption-of-state-laws#:~:text=The%20Bureau%20is%20also%20clarifying%20that%20the%20FCRA%20generally%20preempts%20State%20laws%20that%20touch%20on%20broad%20areas%20of%20credit%20reporting%2C%20consistent%20with%20Congress%27s%20intent%20to%20create%20national%20standards%20for%20the%20credit%20reporting%20system." target="_blank">&nbsp;interpreted</a>&nbsp;the 1970 Fair Credit Reporting Act to say that it overrides state laws around reporting debt to credit bureaus.

American consumers had at least<a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/the-burden-of-medical-debt-in-the-united-states/" target="_blank">&nbsp;$220 billion in unpaid medical bills</a>&nbsp;in 2024, according to an analysis from research nonprofit KFF. About 6% of American adults, or 14 million people, owe more than $1,000 in medical debt.

“Medical debt is a tremendous weight keeping so many families from financial security, and, unlike most other forms of debt, it’s not a choice,” North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, said last month in a<a href="https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/10/13/governor-stein-ncdhhs-announce-more-65-billion-medical-debt-erased-north-carolina-0" target="_blank">&nbsp;statement</a>&nbsp;announcing that a new state program had wiped out<a href="https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/10/13/governor-stein-ncdhhs-announce-more-65-billion-medical-debt-erased-north-carolina-0" target="_blank">&nbsp;more than $6.5 billion in medical debt</a>&nbsp;for more than 25 million North Carolinians.

People rarely plan to take on debt from medical care, as they do when they borrow money to buy a house or car.&nbsp;A<a href="https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_medical-debt-burden-in-the-united-states_report_2022-03.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;one-time or short-term expense</a>&nbsp;such as a single hospital stay causes about two-thirds of all medical debt, according to a 2022 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report.

And even though<a href="https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/the-burden-of-medical-debt-in-the-united-states/#:~:text=Despite%20over%2090%25%20of%20the%20United%20States%20population%20having%20some%20form%20of%20health%20insurance%2C" target="_blank">&nbsp;most Americans have health insurance</a>, many get stuck with unexpected medical bills because their policies have high deductibles or don’t fully cover some treatments, procedures or drugs. People in worse health and those living with a disability are more likely to report medical debt, as are middle-aged adults, Black Americans, and people with low and middle incomes, according to KFF.

In&nbsp;the past two years,<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2025/jul/state-protections-against-medical-debt-look-policies-across-us#:~:text=Twelve%20states%20have%20recently%20taken%20action%20to%20prevent%20medical%20debt%20from%20appearing%20on%20credit%20reports%2C%20bringing%20the%20total%20number%20of%20states%20prohibiting%20this%20practice%20to%2014." target="_blank">&nbsp;a dozen states</a>&nbsp;have passed laws forbidding medical debt from appearing on credit reports, bringing the total number of states with such laws to 14: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

Another five states — Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Nevada and Utah — limit how and when medical debt can appear on credit reports, according to the nonprofit Commonwealth Fund.

Republican and Democratic legislators in other states, including<a href="https://legiscan.com/MI/text/SB0451/id/3259039" target="_blank">&nbsp;Michigan</a>,<a href="https://legiscan.com/OH/bill/HB257/2025" target="_blank">&nbsp;Ohio</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://legiscan.com/SD/bill/HB1058/2025" target="_blank">&nbsp;South Dakota</a>, have introduced similar bills this year.

Now the new state laws face an uncertain future. In January, while Biden was still in office,&nbsp; the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/final-rules/prohibition-on-creditors-and-consumer-reporting-agencies-concerning-medical-information-regulation-v/" target="_blank">&nbsp;prohibiting credit reporting agencies</a>&nbsp;from reporting medical debt in certain circumstances.&nbsp;Credit bureaus and credit unions&nbsp;<a href="https://litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu/litigation/cornerstone-credit-union-league-et-al-v-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-et-al/" target="_blank">sued to stop the rule</a>.&nbsp;The incoming Trump administration agreed with the plaintiffs and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicarerights.org/medicare-watch/2025/07/31/federal-court-reverses-federal-medical-debt-protections#:~:text=A%20lawsuit%20followed%20immediately%2C%20arguing%20CFPB%20had%20exceeded%20its%20authority%2C%20and%2C%20under%20the%20Trump%20administration%2C%20the%20agency%20changed%20direction.%20Instead%20of%20defending%20the%20rule%20in%20court%2C%20the%20agency%20agreed%20with%20plaintiffs%20that%20the%20rule%20should%20be%20blocked%2C%20and%20the%20court%20agreed." target="_blank">declined to defend the rule in court</a>, so a federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txed.235173/gov.uscourts.txed.235173.52.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">blocked it</a>.

Maine state Sen. Donna Bailey, a Democrat, said in a September<a href="https://www.mainesenate.org/new-sen-bailey-law-protects-consumers-from-the-negative-impacts-of-medical-debt/" target="_blank">&nbsp;statement</a>&nbsp;that Maine’s new law barring medical debt from appearing on consumer reports was even more important in light of the demise of the federal rule.

“Although Americans no longer have the federal protection, Mainers will continue to have protection here in our state,” she said in September. “When we go to the hospital for medical care, especially for emergencies, any debt that we take on should not hold us back from buying a car, renting a home or taking out a loan.”

But the Trump administration’s latest order would render state laws such as Maine’s moot.

Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:avollers@stateline.org">avollers@stateline.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762514381672.png" alt=" A cancer patient’s medical bills are spread on a kitchen table in a home in Salem, Va., in this 2011 file photo. A new Trump administration rule would override more than a dozen state laws that shield consumers’ credit reports from medical debt. (Photo by Don Petersen/Associated Press)" />
 <figcaption> A cancer patient’s medical bills are spread on a kitchen table in a home in Salem, Va., in this 2011 file photo. A new Trump administration rule would override more than a dozen state laws that shield consumers’ credit reports from medical debt. (Photo by Don Petersen/Associated Press)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The rule would allow medical debt on credit reports — even in states that forbid it.</h2>By:<a href="https://stateline.org/author/avollers/">Anna Claire Vollers</a>A new Trump administration rule issued late last month would override state laws that prevent consumers’ credit reports from including medical debt, potentially weakening financial protections for millions of Americans.In recent years,<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2025/jul/state-protections-against-medical-debt-look-policies-across-us#:~:text=Twelve%20states%20have%20recently%20taken%20action%20to%20prevent%20medical%20debt%20from%20appearing%20on%20credit%20reports%2C%20bringing%20the%20total%20number%20of%20states%20prohibiting%20this%20practice%20to%2014.47" target="_blank">&nbsp;more than a dozen states</a>&nbsp;have taken steps to keep medical debt from hurting residents’ credit scores, passing laws with bipartisan support. But new<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/28/2025-19671/fair-credit-reporting-act-preemption-of-state-laws" target="_blank">&nbsp;guidance</a>&nbsp;from the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/28/2025-19671/fair-credit-reporting-act-preemption-of-state-laws#:~:text=The%20Bureau%20has%20reviewed%20the%202022%20interpretive%20rule%20that%20interprets%20sections%201681t(b)(1)%20and%201681t(b)(5)%20of%20the%20FCRA%2C%20and%20the%20Bureau%20now%20confirms%20the%20withdrawal%20of%20that%20rule." target="_blank">&nbsp;repeals</a>&nbsp;a Biden-era rule that allowed states to impose their own bans. The Trump administration has<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/28/2025-19671/fair-credit-reporting-act-preemption-of-state-laws#:~:text=The%20Bureau%20is%20also%20clarifying%20that%20the%20FCRA%20generally%20preempts%20State%20laws%20that%20touch%20on%20broad%20areas%20of%20credit%20reporting%2C%20consistent%20with%20Congress%27s%20intent%20to%20create%20national%20standards%20for%20the%20credit%20reporting%20system." target="_blank">&nbsp;interpreted</a>&nbsp;the 1970 Fair Credit Reporting Act to say that it overrides state laws around reporting debt to credit bureaus.American consumers had at least<a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/the-burden-of-medical-debt-in-the-united-states/" target="_blank">&nbsp;$220 billion in unpaid medical bills</a>&nbsp;in 2024, according to an analysis from research nonprofit KFF. About 6% of American adults, or 14 million people, owe more than $1,000 in medical debt.“Medical debt is a tremendous weight keeping so many families from financial security, and, unlike most other forms of debt, it’s not a choice,” North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, said last month in a<a href="https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/10/13/governor-stein-ncdhhs-announce-more-65-billion-medical-debt-erased-north-carolina-0" target="_blank">&nbsp;statement</a>&nbsp;announcing that a new state program had wiped out<a href="https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/10/13/governor-stein-ncdhhs-announce-more-65-billion-medical-debt-erased-north-carolina-0" target="_blank">&nbsp;more than $6.5 billion in medical debt</a>&nbsp;for more than 25 million North Carolinians.People rarely plan to take on debt from medical care, as they do when they borrow money to buy a house or car.&nbsp;A<a href="https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_medical-debt-burden-in-the-united-states_report_2022-03.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;one-time or short-term expense</a>&nbsp;such as a single hospital stay causes about two-thirds of all medical debt, according to a 2022 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report.And even though<a href="https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/the-burden-of-medical-debt-in-the-united-states/#:~:text=Despite%20over%2090%25%20of%20the%20United%20States%20population%20having%20some%20form%20of%20health%20insurance%2C" target="_blank">&nbsp;most Americans have health insurance</a>, many get stuck with unexpected medical bills because their policies have high deductibles or don’t fully cover some treatments, procedures or drugs. People in worse health and those living with a disability are more likely to report medical debt, as are middle-aged adults, Black Americans, and people with low and middle incomes, according to KFF.In&nbsp;the past two years,<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2025/jul/state-protections-against-medical-debt-look-policies-across-us#:~:text=Twelve%20states%20have%20recently%20taken%20action%20to%20prevent%20medical%20debt%20from%20appearing%20on%20credit%20reports%2C%20bringing%20the%20total%20number%20of%20states%20prohibiting%20this%20practice%20to%2014." target="_blank">&nbsp;a dozen states</a>&nbsp;have passed laws forbidding medical debt from appearing on credit reports, bringing the total number of states with such laws to 14: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.Another five states — Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Nevada and Utah — limit how and when medical debt can appear on credit reports, according to the nonprofit Commonwealth Fund.Republican and Democratic legislators in other states, including<a href="https://legiscan.com/MI/text/SB0451/id/3259039" target="_blank">&nbsp;Michigan</a>,<a href="https://legiscan.com/OH/bill/HB257/2025" target="_blank">&nbsp;Ohio</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://legiscan.com/SD/bill/HB1058/2025" target="_blank">&nbsp;South Dakota</a>, have introduced similar bills this year.Now the new state laws face an uncertain future. In January, while Biden was still in office,&nbsp; the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/final-rules/prohibition-on-creditors-and-consumer-reporting-agencies-concerning-medical-information-regulation-v/" target="_blank">&nbsp;prohibiting credit reporting agencies</a>&nbsp;from reporting medical debt in certain circumstances.&nbsp;Credit bureaus and credit unions&nbsp;<a href="https://litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu/litigation/cornerstone-credit-union-league-et-al-v-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-et-al/" target="_blank">sued to stop the rule</a>.&nbsp;The incoming Trump administration agreed with the plaintiffs and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicarerights.org/medicare-watch/2025/07/31/federal-court-reverses-federal-medical-debt-protections#:~:text=A%20lawsuit%20followed%20immediately%2C%20arguing%20CFPB%20had%20exceeded%20its%20authority%2C%20and%2C%20under%20the%20Trump%20administration%2C%20the%20agency%20changed%20direction.%20Instead%20of%20defending%20the%20rule%20in%20court%2C%20the%20agency%20agreed%20with%20plaintiffs%20that%20the%20rule%20should%20be%20blocked%2C%20and%20the%20court%20agreed." target="_blank">declined to defend the rule in court</a>, so a federal judge&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txed.235173/gov.uscourts.txed.235173.52.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">blocked it</a>.Maine state Sen. Donna Bailey, a Democrat, said in a September<a href="https://www.mainesenate.org/new-sen-bailey-law-protects-consumers-from-the-negative-impacts-of-medical-debt/" target="_blank">&nbsp;statement</a>&nbsp;that Maine’s new law barring medical debt from appearing on consumer reports was even more important in light of the demise of the federal rule.“Although Americans no longer have the federal protection, Mainers will continue to have protection here in our state,” she said in September. “When we go to the hospital for medical care, especially for emergencies, any debt that we take on should not hold us back from buying a car, renting a home or taking out a loan.”But the Trump administration’s latest order would render state laws such as Maine’s moot.Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:avollers@stateline.org">avollers@stateline.org</a>.

New Trump administration rule would override state medical debt protections

Visits highlight role of Nebraska’s 2nd District as a swing district in U.S. House and presidential politics

&nbsp; By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/30/nebraska-dhhs-website-blames-dems-for-federal-government-shutdown-as-snap-shutoff-looms/">Nebraska Examiner&nbsp;</a>

OMAHA — Former President Joe Biden highlighted harsh economic realities facing American families under President Donald Trump. And Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear pitched a recipe for helping Democrats win in deep-red states.&nbsp;

Both headliners for the Nebraska Democrats’ top annual fundraiser Friday rallied a downtown Hilton crowd of 630 people headed into next year’s midterm elections, in which the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District could play a crucial role. Another 220 watched from an overflow area.

Friday was one of Biden’s few public speaking events since dropping out of the 2024 presidential campaign under fire from some in the party about his electability following a shaky debate performance against Trump.

He criticized Trump on a variety of issues, from cutting Medicare in the “big, beautiful” tax and spending bill to Trump’s handling of the “strong economy” Biden said he left him. He said Trump had taken a wrecking ball to the Constitution.

“Folks, look, this isn’t a golden age,” Biden said. “The fact of the matter is that it is a very, very dark moment … But we’re in a situation where we had something very special happen just last Tuesday.”

The fundraiser followed strong national elections for Democrats on Tuesday. The party won most of its high-profile contests nationally, including the Governor’s Office in Virginia and the mayor’s race in New York. Some political observers have said the tone and mood of the electorate might hint at&nbsp;what’s possible in the midterms, when the party out of power typically gains seats.

Much of Biden’s speech focused on helping Democrats send a message to his successor: “You work for us, Mr. President. We don’t work for you. You work for us, not just billionaires and millionaires.”

Biden also touted some of his accomplishments as president, including working with Congress to pass the largest modern investment in American infrastructure, a bipartisan bill he passed with help from retiring Nebraska Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and others.

Beshear, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential hopeful, spoke about how his approach to politics focuses on working for all Kentuckians, not just those who share his party. He said he governs in a way that can serve as a model for Democrats to win in deeply red, Republican states.&nbsp;

Beshear’s approach tries to bring party members and others together — including progressives, union members, centrists and some Republicans —&nbsp;over economic concerns, which lets him sidestep many of the social issues distracting other campaigns.

“We’ve got to get back to the work of showing people that we are spending all day, every day, trying to make their life a little bit better and a little bit easier,”&nbsp; Beshear said.

He visited Nebraska after having headed to South Carolina earlier this year to test the water for a potential bid. He also visited neighboring Iowa in 2024 to speak at a Democratic fundraiser.&nbsp;

Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. set much of the evening’s tone when he warmed up the crowd by putting on a blue and white&nbsp;“Make America Humane Again” hat — poking fun at Trump’s bright red “Make America Great Again” hats.&nbsp;

“Let’s make America humane again,” he said after being introduced as the first Democrat to lead Nebraska’s largest city in a dozen years.

Jane Kleeb, chair of the state party, said Friday that the blue “wave” Democrats want in 2026 started in May 2025 in Nebraska, with Ewing’s win over three-term Republican incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert.

Ewing criticized Trump’s handling of immigration policy and the ICE raids happening across the U.S. He mentioned the administration’s bulldozing of homeless encampments and sending the National Guard into cities.&nbsp;Democrats gathered as&nbsp;pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside of the hotel.&nbsp;

“We are going to stand with our immigrants when the national state is trying to create chaos,” Ewing said. “We are going to build a space and a city and an economy that works for everybody, not just the rich.”

Republicans took notice of the Biden and Beshear visits. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts’ GOP campaign sent a truck with a digital ad on it driving through downtown Omaha during the fundraiser, attacking his registered nonpartisan opponent Dan Osborn by labeling him on it as the “future of the Democratic Party.”

The Nebraska Republican Party, in a statement, said, “If Nebraska Democrats think the presence of the former president will make people forget about the radical Democrats’ policies, inflation, open borders and out-of-control spending, they’re wrong.”

But local Democrats paid no mind, as many spoke in positive tones about the Democrats’ chances in future elections — especially in the Omaha-based&nbsp;2nd Congressional District.&nbsp;

The Omaha-based district was the only swing district nationally to side with Democrats in 2024, when Trump won every contested swing state and won the presidency, except for the stray Electoral College vote that Nebraska allows its congressional districts to syphon off.&nbsp;

Omaha, along with the rest of the&nbsp;2nd Congressional District, voted for Biden in 2020 and sided with former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.

And this year’s version of the 2nd District U.S. House race is shaping up to be another charged one, with a crowded Democratic primary vying to replace Republican U.S. Rep Don Bacon, who decided to retire early this year. Political experts view the seat as a possible pickup for Democrats.&nbsp;

That 2nd District slice of the 2026 midterm elections is emerging as crucial for the state and national<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/25/nebraska-is-emerging-as-crucial-for-2026-midterms-can-dems-find-an-opening/">&nbsp;Democratic Party as it tries to find a</a>&nbsp;path toward retaking the House from Republicans. Mid-decade redistricting efforts, including one being discussed in Nebraska, have made that effort more complex.

Nebraska Democrats have said they have desires of winning beyond the 2nd District, especially in legislative races that could spell the difference between the ability to filibuster conservative legislation or not.

The Nebraska Democratic Party’s top annual fundraising event has a history of drawing major headliners, including former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a former vice presidential candidate. One reason: Kleeb, the state party chair, serves as a vice chair of the party at the national level.&nbsp;

The event is named for Ben Nelson, a former Nebraska governor and U.S. senator who cast a critical vote to help the party pass the Affordable Care Act under former President Barack Obama.&nbsp;His former vice president encouraged Democrats and others not to despair but to work.

“The American experiment is not going to end on our watch,” said Biden.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762693805392.png" alt="Former President Joe Biden speaks during a Nebraska Democratic Party fundraiser at the Omaha Hilton on Nov. 8, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Former President Joe Biden speaks during a Nebraska Democratic Party fundraiser at the Omaha Hilton on Nov. 8, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Visits highlight role of Nebraska’s 2nd District as a swing district in U.S. House and presidential politics</h2>&nbsp; By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jsalinas/">Juan Salinas II</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/30/nebraska-dhhs-website-blames-dems-for-federal-government-shutdown-as-snap-shutoff-looms/">Nebraska Examiner&nbsp;</a>OMAHA — Former President Joe Biden highlighted harsh economic realities facing American families under President Donald Trump. And Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear pitched a recipe for helping Democrats win in deep-red states.&nbsp;Both headliners for the Nebraska Democrats’ top annual fundraiser Friday rallied a downtown Hilton crowd of 630 people headed into next year’s midterm elections, in which the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District could play a crucial role. Another 220 watched from an overflow area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762693731959.png" alt="Former President Joe Biden speaks at a Nebraska Democratic Party gathering at the Omaha Hilton on Nov. 8, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Former President Joe Biden speaks at a Nebraska Democratic Party gathering at the Omaha Hilton on Nov. 8, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Friday was one of Biden’s few public speaking events since dropping out of the 2024 presidential campaign under fire from some in the party about his electability following a shaky debate performance against Trump.He criticized Trump on a variety of issues, from cutting Medicare in the “big, beautiful” tax and spending bill to Trump’s handling of the “strong economy” Biden said he left him. He said Trump had taken a wrecking ball to the Constitution.“Folks, look, this isn’t a golden age,” Biden said. “The fact of the matter is that it is a very, very dark moment … But we’re in a situation where we had something very special happen just last Tuesday.”The fundraiser followed strong national elections for Democrats on Tuesday. The party won most of its high-profile contests nationally, including the Governor’s Office in Virginia and the mayor’s race in New York. Some political observers have said the tone and mood of the electorate might hint at&nbsp;what’s possible in the midterms, when the party out of power typically gains seats.Much of Biden’s speech focused on helping Democrats send a message to his successor: “You work for us, Mr. President. We don’t work for you. You work for us, not just billionaires and millionaires.”Biden also touted some of his accomplishments as president, including working with Congress to pass the largest modern investment in American infrastructure, a bipartisan bill he passed with help from retiring Nebraska Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and others.Beshear, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential hopeful, spoke about how his approach to politics focuses on working for all Kentuckians, not just those who share his party. He said he governs in a way that can serve as a model for Democrats to win in deeply red, Republican states.&nbsp;Beshear’s approach tries to bring party members and others together — including progressives, union members, centrists and some Republicans —&nbsp;over economic concerns, which lets him sidestep many of the social issues distracting other campaigns.“We’ve got to get back to the work of showing people that we are spending all day, every day, trying to make their life a little bit better and a little bit easier,”&nbsp; Beshear said.He visited Nebraska after having headed to South Carolina earlier this year to test the water for a potential bid. He also visited neighboring Iowa in 2024 to speak at a Democratic fundraiser.&nbsp;Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. set much of the evening’s tone when he warmed up the crowd by putting on a blue and white&nbsp;“Make America Humane Again” hat — poking fun at Trump’s bright red “Make America Great Again” hats.&nbsp;“Let’s make America humane again,” he said after being introduced as the first Democrat to lead Nebraska’s largest city in a dozen years.Jane Kleeb, chair of the state party, said Friday that the blue “wave” Democrats want in 2026 started in May 2025 in Nebraska, with Ewing’s win over three-term Republican incumbent Mayor Jean Stothert.Ewing criticized Trump’s handling of immigration policy and the ICE raids happening across the U.S. He mentioned the administration’s bulldozing of homeless encampments and sending the National Guard into cities.&nbsp;Democrats gathered as&nbsp;pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside of the hotel.&nbsp;“We are going to stand with our immigrants when the national state is trying to create chaos,” Ewing said. “We are going to build a space and a city and an economy that works for everybody, not just the rich.”Republicans took notice of the Biden and Beshear visits. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts’ GOP campaign sent a truck with a digital ad on it driving through downtown Omaha during the fundraiser, attacking his registered nonpartisan opponent Dan Osborn by labeling him on it as the “future of the Democratic Party.”The Nebraska Republican Party, in a statement, said, “If Nebraska Democrats think the presence of the former president will make people forget about the radical Democrats’ policies, inflation, open borders and out-of-control spending, they’re wrong.”But local Democrats paid no mind, as many spoke in positive tones about the Democrats’ chances in future elections — especially in the Omaha-based&nbsp;2nd Congressional District.&nbsp;The Omaha-based district was the only swing district nationally to side with Democrats in 2024, when Trump won every contested swing state and won the presidency, except for the stray Electoral College vote that Nebraska allows its congressional districts to syphon off.&nbsp;Omaha, along with the rest of the&nbsp;2nd Congressional District, voted for Biden in 2020 and sided with former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.And this year’s version of the 2nd District U.S. House race is shaping up to be another charged one, with a crowded Democratic primary vying to replace Republican U.S. Rep Don Bacon, who decided to retire early this year. Political experts view the seat as a possible pickup for Democrats.&nbsp;That 2nd District slice of the 2026 midterm elections is emerging as crucial for the state and national<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/25/nebraska-is-emerging-as-crucial-for-2026-midterms-can-dems-find-an-opening/">&nbsp;Democratic Party as it tries to find a</a>&nbsp;path toward retaking the House from Republicans. Mid-decade redistricting efforts, including one being discussed in Nebraska, have made that effort more complex.Nebraska Democrats have said they have desires of winning beyond the 2nd District, especially in legislative races that could spell the difference between the ability to filibuster conservative legislation or not.The Nebraska Democratic Party’s top annual fundraising event has a history of drawing major headliners, including former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a former vice presidential candidate. One reason: Kleeb, the state party chair, serves as a vice chair of the party at the national level.&nbsp;The event is named for Ben Nelson, a former Nebraska governor and U.S. senator who cast a critical vote to help the party pass the Affordable Care Act under former President Barack Obama.&nbsp;His former vice president encouraged Democrats and others not to despair but to work.“The American experiment is not going to end on our watch,” said Biden.

Biden visits Omaha with Kentucky governor as Nebraska Dems eye 2026

ATCHISON COUNTY —Three teens were injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Saturday in Atchison County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Acura MDX driven by an 18-year-old Bellevue, Nebraska man was northbound on Interstate 29 eight miles south of Hamburg, Iowa.

The SUV traveled off the west side of the road. The vehicle returned to the road, crossed the center line, traveled off the east side of the road and down an embankment. The vehicle struck several trees a fence, became airborne and rolled into a field.&nbsp; One occupant was ejected.

Atchison Holt ambulance transported the driver and a passenger identified as a 16-year-old Bellevue boy to Grape Community Hospital.&nbsp; Air by Starcare transported a second passenger, 18-year-old from Bellevue, to Bryan West Medial Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.&nbsp; All three were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ATCHISON COUNTY —Three teens were injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Saturday in Atchison County, Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Acura MDX driven by an 18-year-old Bellevue, Nebraska man was northbound on Interstate 29 eight miles south of Hamburg, Iowa.The SUV traveled off the west side of the road. The vehicle returned to the road, crossed the center line, traveled off the east side of the road and down an embankment. The vehicle struck several trees a fence, became airborne and rolled into a field.&nbsp; One occupant was ejected.Atchison Holt ambulance transported the driver and a passenger identified as a 16-year-old Bellevue boy to Grape Community Hospital.&nbsp; Air by Starcare transported a second passenger, 18-year-old from Bellevue, to Bryan West Medial Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.&nbsp; All three were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 Nebraska teens hospitalized after violent SUV crash

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP), and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of 13 infant botulism illnesses from 10 states: Arizona, California (2), Illinois (2), Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas (2), Washington, according to a statement from the agency.

Laboratory confirmation for some cases is ongoing. There are no deaths reported at this time. The CDPH IBTPP reported an increase in number of botulism type A infections among infants consuming ByHeart powdered infant formula from August 2025 to November 2025. 

All 13 cases included in this outbreak are reported to have consumed ByHeart- brand powdered infant formula. Officials in several states have collected leftover infant formula for testing. This testing is underway, and results are not yet available but expected in the coming weeks. &nbsp;

FDA has been in contact with the firm and has recommended the firm conduct a voluntary recall due to the number of cases, severity of illness, and the strong epidemiological signal. Today, ByHeart, Inc. agreed to initiate a recall of the two lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant formula (Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 and Lot: 206VABP/251131P2) that were reported to have been consumed by the infants. FDA is continuing to work with the firm to ensure all potentially impacted product is removed from the market.

Symptoms of&nbsp;Infant botulism&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most infants with infant botulism will initially develop constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing, which can progress to difficulty breathing and respiratory arrest. Symptoms of infant botulism, which is diagnosed clinically, can take as long as several weeks to develop following formula ingestion.

ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula is available for sale online and at major retailers nationwide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762681537657.png" alt="Image FDA" />
 <figcaption>Image FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP), and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of 13 infant botulism illnesses from 10 states: Arizona, California (2), Illinois (2), Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas (2), Washington, according to a statement from the agency.Laboratory confirmation for some cases is ongoing. There are no deaths reported at this time. The CDPH IBTPP reported an increase in number of botulism type A infections among infants consuming ByHeart powdered infant formula from August 2025 to November 2025. All 13 cases included in this outbreak are reported to have consumed ByHeart- brand powdered infant formula. Officials in several states have collected leftover infant formula for testing. This testing is underway, and results are not yet available but expected in the coming weeks. &nbsp;FDA has been in contact with the firm and has recommended the firm conduct a voluntary recall due to the number of cases, severity of illness, and the strong epidemiological signal. Today, ByHeart, Inc. agreed to initiate a recall of the two lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant formula (Lot: 206VABP/251261P2 and Lot: 206VABP/251131P2) that were reported to have been consumed by the infants. FDA is continuing to work with the firm to ensure all potentially impacted product is removed from the market.<h2>Symptoms of&nbsp;Infant botulism&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>Most infants with infant botulism will initially develop constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing, which can progress to difficulty breathing and respiratory arrest. Symptoms of infant botulism, which is diagnosed clinically, can take as long as several weeks to develop following formula ingestion.<h2>Stores affected</h2>ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula is available for sale online and at major retailers nationwide.

ByHeart baby formula recalled amid 10-state outbreak of infant botulism

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The runner who died from injuries after she was struck in a hit-and-run incident Thursday evening near Lawrence was Elsa McGrain, 20, a University of Kansas student from Omaha, according to&nbsp; Sheriff's Department Spokesman Officer George Diepenbrock.

She was studying pre-medicine and set to graduate in 2026.&nbsp;

Elsa was running and a vehicle struck her around 6 p.m. Thursday in the 1700 block of E 1500 Road, which is North Seventh Street extended and south of U.S. Highway 24-40 near the Lawrence Regional Airport.

Douglas County deputies and detectives continue to work diligently to investigate this thoroughly, find the driver involved and work appropriately through the justice system from there.

Detectives have determined the vehicle of interest is a truck that is all white with no side markings.

DGSO continues to ask anyone who might have information about the vehicle in the photo or been in the area on E 1500 Road between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday and has potential information to call DGSO Detective Lance Flachsbarth, 785-393-5845, or Douglas County Crime Stoppers, 785-843-TIPS (8477), and leave your contact information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762637613576.png" alt="Detectives have determined the vehicle of interest is a truck that is all white with no side markings.-Douglas County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Detectives have determined the vehicle of interest is a truck that is all white with no side markings.-Douglas County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —The runner who died from injuries after she was struck in a hit-and-run incident Thursday evening near Lawrence was Elsa McGrain, 20, a University of Kansas student from Omaha, according to&nbsp; Sheriff's Department Spokesman Officer George Diepenbrock.She was studying pre-medicine and set to graduate in 2026.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762637573361.png" alt="Elsa McGrain courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Elsa McGrain courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Elsa was running and a vehicle struck her around 6 p.m. Thursday in the 1700 block of E 1500 Road, which is North Seventh Street extended and south of U.S. Highway 24-40 near the Lawrence Regional Airport.Douglas County deputies and detectives continue to work diligently to investigate this thoroughly, find the driver involved and work appropriately through the justice system from there.Detectives have determined the vehicle of interest is a truck that is all white with no side markings.DGSO continues to ask anyone who might have information about the vehicle in the photo or been in the area on E 1500 Road between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday and has potential information to call DGSO Detective Lance Flachsbarth, 785-393-5845, or Douglas County Crime Stoppers, 785-843-TIPS (8477), and leave your contact information.