The <a href="https://kansas.gop/">Kansas GOP</a>&nbsp;has provided details, following the concerns of what evidently presumed to be mailers from the Kansas Republican Party, amidst the Salina City Commission and USD 305 Board general election.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ed63fa01-cbab-4b15-ac2a-38cf5702ae2e">Concerns emerge around Salina with perceived to be "endorsed" KS GOP mailers amidst general election: What to know</a>

According to Kansas GOP Treasurer Roger Lomshek, the Kansas Republican Party does not in general (and did not in this case), endorse candidates for local office amidst the election.

"Endorsements are not done lightly, or at random, and to break from our traditional practice would require extraordinary circumstances for the party to take a direct interest, and expend funds in a local race," said Lomshek.&nbsp;

Given the fact that the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ed63fa01-cbab-4b15-ac2a-38cf5702ae2e">indicia</a>&nbsp;lists who legally owns the permit of these mailers and in order for them to be distributed a candidate must pay three cents&nbsp;per mailer, the question becomes:

Since Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz stated he is "not responsible" for the mailers Salinans received throughout the election, the answer for who paid for them is unclear for now.

Lomshek commented, "KS GOP policy is that mailer requests are kept confidential, except as required by law."

He also added that "any registered Republican candidate or County Republican Party" are qualified for the mailers. Before the mailers can be sent out, it must be "reviewed and approved" according to Lomshek.

"Any registered Republican candidate or County Republican Party may contact the KS GOP Executive Director for guidance on use of this service. All mail pieces utilizing the Kansas Republican Party mail permit must be reviewed and approved by the Chair or the Executive Director of the Kansas Republican Party prior to printing," he said.

Furthermore, the mailers in no way were fraudulent and went through the standard KS GOP approval process.

"The mailers in question are not fraudulent and went through the standard approval process," Lomshek stated.

According to the Kansas Finance Act, managed by the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission, there are rules that both the candidate and the Party must report when it comes to all types of expenditures.

In the case a candidate spends over $1,000 in the event of an election, the candidate must file the expenses by the end of the 2025 year and be made available to the public. 

The Campaign Treasurer must disclose those expenditures received.

As per <a href="https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch25/025_041_0048.html">KSA 25-4148</a>, the reports will publically become available by January 10, 2026.

Salina Post will provide updates.

UPDATE: Kansas GOP provides details over perceived "endorsed" mailers for local election

SALINE COUNTY - A deer was reportedly poached and left headless in Saline County.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Friday at around 11:40 am, a male resident near the 1900 block of North Kipp Road reported of finding a headless white-tailed deer.

The day before, the man heard a gunshot at around 4:30 pm. He then found tire tracks, which led him to find the headless deer.

According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks,&nbsp;regular rifle season for deer in the state is December 3 through December 14, 2025.

Deer poached and left headless in Saline County outside of rifle season 

The largest marathon in Kansas will take over the streets of Salina this Saturday morning. With 5125 registered participants as of Monday morning, the Salina Crossroads Marathon is quickly approaching last year’s record of 5204 registrations. 

Visit Salina estimated that the 2024 Salina Crossroads Marathon generated $1,019,080 in economic impact for the Salina Community. 

There is still time to register to be a part of The Most Runner Friendly Marathon in Kansas. <a href="https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com">https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com</a>

This year the Salina Crossroads Marathon will need more than 400 volunteers. 

Volunteers can sign up for Salina Crossroads at <a href="https://salinacrossroadsmarathon.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=100689">https://salinacrossroadsmarathon.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=100689</a>.

Volunteer needs include course monitors, helping at aid stations, finish line and festival, and packet pickup. 

"Volunteers are what separate the very best marathons from other races. We were blown away by both the number of individuals who volunteered for last year's race as well as their passion and commitment to ensuring that every runner had an amazing experience. Right now our biggest need is for aid stations, race results, and course monitors," said Co-Race Director-Daniel Craig.

Key volunteer positions left to fill (check out the online registration form for additional volunteer opportunities)

· Aid stations: Handing out water, Gatorade and GU Gels to runners.

- Second shift: 10:30 am - 2:00 pm

· Race Results Volunteers: Help runners find their race results and getting them age group awards

The Salina Crossroads Marathon planning team would like to thank the community for your support of this year’s Salina Crossroads Marathon on November 8. The Salina Crossroads Marathon has more than 5115 registered runners from all 50 states, Canada, India, Mexico, Norway, Tanzania, and The United Kingdom. 

The Salina Crossroads Marathon will impact travel in the community so we hope this map will help you plan your travel on November 8. Last year’s race created a visitor economic impact of $1,019,080 and we provided $28,212 to the Salina Burn Track and Field Club, Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Youth Sports, Salina Area Youth Sportsmanship Initiative, and School Marathon Foundation. 

Thanks to more than 50 sponsors/supporters, the Salina Crossroads Marathon is one of the only marathons in Kansas that provides 100% of the race entry fees to local nonprofit organizations. We appreciate your patience and understanding on race day that allows us to make this type of impact for our community. 

For those interested in participating or watching the race we encourage you to check out the 2025 Salina Crossroads Marathon Runner Guide on our website <a href="https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com">https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com</a>/. It contains important information on race day schedule, parking maps, a map of the course, and recommended spectator spots.

“We look forward to the visitor economic impact that having thousands of runners in our community will have and the opportunity to showcase what a beautiful city Salina is. We are proud to be a “Gold Standard” race and look forward to being able to provide 100% of the race entry fees to five local youth sports organizations again this year” said Co-Race Director Craig.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon would like to say a special thank you to the City of Salina, The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Salina Downtown Inc., our amazing sponsors including our Title Sponsors: Vortex Companies and Schwan’s Companies as well as the 350+ volunteers that have helped the Salina Crossroads Marathon grow to be the largest marathon event in Kansas in just four years.

 “There is power in partnerships, people, and the Salina community coming together to support one another. This event is 100% volunteer driven, from the race committee to the supporters and volunteers throughout race weekend, and that spirit is what makes it so special. Every runner has their own story and their reason for running, and race day is their chance to celebrate that journey through the heart of Salina, surrounded by people who believe in them,” said Co-Race Director Chris Lehecka.

Why Do Runners Participate in the Salina Crossroads Marathon?

“I am a single mom of four and I do not get the opportunity to sign up for many races, because I do not have the extra money. So the low cost entries are very much appreciated.”

"You have all done remarkable work, culminating in Salina Crossroads becoming a premier race in the Midwest. Our running club will once again be back in force, with several Airbnb’s for two nights!"

“Just wanted to say thank you! For everything you are doing, thank you. Honestly, you are rewriting the game on how to run a race.”

“Thank you very much for deferring my entry. You care a whole lot more than the big city races do.”

Runner safety is a primary concern for the Salina Crossroads Marathon. A marathon requires preparation and planning by runners and event medical personnel. 

We work closely with city service agencies and Salina Family Healthcare Center to ensure we have medical teams led by physicians at the start, throughout the course, and at the finish for thorough coverage. 

The Safety Committee works closely with Dr. Andrew Westbrook at Mowery Clinic, Dr. Amanda Rhyne at Salina Family Healthcare Center, City of Salina Police Department, the City of Salina Street Superintendent, Saline County Emergency Management, Salina Fire Department EMS, National Weather Service, the co-race directors, and many amazing healthcare professionals and volunteers to create a safe environment for all participants and spectators.

 “It is always impressive how much the community rallies behind and supports the race. A lot of people put in a significant amount of time to make this event the premier marathon in Kansas. It is really special to be a part of,” said Co-Race Director Andrew Manley.

Friday, November 7th, 2025 10:00 am – 8:00 pm= Registration and Packet Pickup at Homewood Suites by Hilton (115 E. Mulberry).

Saturday, November 8th, 2025 6:00 am -7:45 am=&nbsp;Late registration/packet pickup at the Salina Fieldhouse (140 N. 5th St.)

-&nbsp;7:50 am National Anthem &amp; Announcements

- 8:00 am Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, Full Relay, &amp; Half Relay races begin at 8:10 am&nbsp;

- 5K Fun Run/Walk begins 9:00 am 5K/10K Awards Ceremony (City Lights Stage) 10:45 am.

- Half Marathon &amp; Half Relay Awards Ceremony (City Lights Stage) 11:15 am.

- Kids Half-Mile race begins 12:15 pm.

- Marathon &amp; Full Relay Awards Ceremony (City Lights Stage) 2:00 pm.

Race Course Closure&nbsp;Lead Car/&nbsp;The lead car for the 2025 Salina Crossroads Marathon is a 1991 Porsche 964 Targa. Thank you to The Garage for providing this year's lead car!

· For 2025, Salina Crossroads Marathon has a new 10K race, enhanced start/finish line structure, and expanded food/drink options at the post-race celebration.

· This year there will be a November First Friday event. This final First Friday event will feature late shopping at over a dozen businesses, until 7 PM and artist receptions at 4 locations. Other events include “The Randy Baldwin Band” will be preforming in Campbell Plaza from 6 – 8.

· States with most registrations: Oklahoma-383, Missouri-381

· Cities in Kansas with most registrations: Wichita-376, Manhattan-279

· All participants will receive a slice of Edwards Pie courtesy of Schwan’s Company!

· Eric Montoy of Vortex Companies designed the Salina Crossroads Marathon logo, race shirts, banners, and medals!

· Salina Crossroads Marathon provides free finish line photos searchable by bib number!

The Salina Crossroads Marathon began when two local runners (Chris Lehecka and Daniel Craig) started visiting about what it would look like for Salina to have a high-quality marathon and half marathon race. The City of Salina helped develop a fun and scenic course that minimized disruptions to traffic and parking in Downtown Salina. The Salina Crossroads Marathon planning committee includes individuals in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors as well as local runners. Andrew Manley serves as a co-race director and treasurer for the Salina Crossroads Marathon. The goals of the Salina Crossroads Marathon are to have a high-quality race that can bring in runners from across the United States, provide 100% of the race entry fees to local organizations, and provide fun family friendly events so the entire community can come be a part of a USATF Certified and Boston Qualifying Marathon weekend.

For more information about the Salina Crossroads Marathon check out the website at <a href="https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com">https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com</a>/ or follow us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1469896640070189">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1469896640070189</a>.

Salina gearing up for largest marathon in Kansas: What to know

Home burglary in north Salina prompts investigation as several items were reportedly stolen.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on October 31st at around 3:00 pm, a 66-year old male reported his home was burglarized.

The night before the reported burglary, the victim's basement caught on fire. The Salina Fire Department extinguished the fire and the cause of fire was unknown.

The man did not stay the night at his home, but returned the next day. Upon arrival, he noticed the home had been entered and certain items that went missing.

SPD stated the victim said, a 90s model Ibanez guitar, 90s model fender-precision bass guitar (along with its case),&nbsp;20-inch VIZIO TV and a Stanley battery jump box had been stolen.

Additionally, a safe inside the home was reportedly damaged.

The victim named a possible suspect and SPD are currently investigating the crime.

Several items stolen from north Salina home prompts investigation 

SALINE COUNTY - Two-vehicle accident in Saline County results in Abilene man medically transported, and his car destroyed after catching on fire.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Sunday at around 6:00 pm, two vehicles were headed eastbound on I-70 milepost 251, when an accident occurred resulting in one of vehicles catching on fire.

Reportedly, a black 2014 Hyundai driven by Lucas Burleson (21) of Abilene rear-ended a gray 2009 Ford Escape driven by Theresa Bishop (56) of Salina.

After the crash, Burleson went off the road and his vehicle caught on fire in a grassy field. Rural Fire District 5 quickly extinguished the fire.

Burleson was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for a leg injury he sustained. 

Sheriff Roger Soldan stated Burleson was cited for Following Too Close and Unsafe Speed.

Soldan added Bishop received no injuries and there were no passengers in any of the vehicles.

Abilene man's vehicle catches on fire after accident in Saline Co.

Law enforcement are searching for a male suspect that reportedly broke into a business in north Salina.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Saturday at around 8:30 pm, the owner (male) of The Third Fairy Enchanted Brew Haven LLC (153 N. Broadway) reported a suspect who broke into the business.

Reportedly, at about 7:45 pm that same day, the owner was notified that the cameras set up inside the business went offline. The owner then arrived the business and noticed a backpack and bike along the west side of the building.

Furthermore, the owner noticed a flashlight moving around inside the business. The owner then went inside and found a male described to be 5'8 - 5'9 in height and "skinny."

The owner then told the suspect he was going to call the police.&nbsp; The suspect then exited towards the back end of the business and ran away.

It was determined forced entry was made to the back door of the business and the suspect cut power off.

There were no reports of any items that were stolen.

Law enforcement investigating business burglary north of Salina

Male suspect threatens and slashes tire of a convenience store clerk, before arrest.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Saturday at around 7:00 pm, officers were dispatched to Pump Mart (1118 N 9th St.) for the report someone who made a threat to an employee.

Reportedly, a man identified as 46-year old, Walter Cook went inside the store, grabbed two packs of cigarettes and tried to leave without paying.

A male employee then stopped him from leaving, advising Cook he needed to pay for them. Cook then became upset and threatened the employee, stating he was going to "shoot him."&nbsp;

SPD stated, the employee and Cook are acquainted.

Subsequently, Cook left the store and slashed a tire of the employee's vehicle.&nbsp;

When officers arrived, they found Cook a couple blocks away from the store and arrested him without incident. He was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of:

Salina Police arrest male for threatening and slashing tire of convenience store clerk

Salina Police are currently searching for a stolen pickup truck, valued at $6,000.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Sunday at around 7:00 am, a 71-year old male reported his white 1999 Ford F350, 7 point 3 liter pickup truck was stolen from his home.

Sometime between Saturday at 5:30 pm (November 1st) and 7:00 am on Sunday (November 2nd) the truck was stolen.

The truck bears a KS tag,&nbsp;0687AEB.

Other descriptions of the truck includes:

- Kansas City Chiefs sticker&nbsp;on rear passenger window

- Yellow paint transfer on rear tailgate and rear right quarter panel

- Three yellow hazard lights on top of vehicle (one yellow hazard light on each side)

There were no keys inside the truck when it was stolen.

SPD stated the truck was last seen on Saturday, November 1st at 11:00 pm heading eastbound on I-70, between Junction City and Topeka.

Salina Police currently searching for stolen pickup truck valued at $6,000

Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://coe.k-state.edu/">College of Education</a>&nbsp;is strengthening rural school-community connections and advancing&nbsp;computer science education in Kansas thanks to a $2.9 million grant from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/">Patterson Family Foundation</a>.

Teachers from 10 elementary schools in rural Kansas will have support integrating place-based education into their curriculum through school-community connection and collaboration in a project led by Karen Eppley, associate professor of education and director of K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://coe.k-state.edu/academics/departments/rural-education-center/">Rural Education Center</a>.

"We're trying to bridge the gap between curriculum and community," Eppley said. "Rural places tend to be known as places where schools and communities are tightly knit, and we want to build on this by working with teachers to operationalize what they already know about their place and use it as a tool to engage students in learning about their communities."

The project also complements K-State's work through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2025/02/engineering-offers-cyber-pipeline-high-school-computer-science-training.html">Cyber Pipeline program</a>&nbsp;by advancing computer science teaching and learning in these rural communities. Students will learn about Kansas history with computer science as a conduit for learning.

"We're offering computer science as a tool for learning about place," Eppley said. "The teachers can use whatever tools are most appropriate to teach about place, but we are offering computer science as a powerful tool for learning about their rural communities and rural Kansas history."

Eppley said this work is important for rural communities because it also helps develop economic vitality.

"If we can support teacher learning about computer science, then we'll have kids who are comfortable and excited about computer science, which opens doors to computer science careers that are particularly useful for rural communities," Eppley said. "Because&nbsp;a lot of computer science jobs are remote,&nbsp;it allows students to stay in place, make a good living wage and contribute to the local economy."

The College of Education will host an on-campus kickoff event for the project on Thursday, November 13 to meet and establish relationships with the enrolled teachers.

Eppley, who joined the university in August, said the project's ultimate goal is to prioritize ongoing professional development and to create a repository of lessons about rural Kansas that can be available for use by future teachers.

"I care deeply about rural schools and teachers, and my passion is connecting them to resources and professional development," Eppley said. "To be able to make this happen at a place like K-State so early in my tenure here has been tremendous. I can't wait to get started."

KSU College of Education supporting rural schools thanks to over $2 million grant

NEW CAMBRIA - Peace Lutheran Church in New Cambria will be hosting a soup luncheon, for the purpose of upkeeping the church and supporting other local charities.

On Saturday, November 8 at 11:00 am - 2:00 pm inside the Parish Hall (212 1st St.), the luncheon will take place. Suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 4-10.

The luncheon will include varieties of soups, homemade pies and refreshments.&nbsp;

All proceeds collected will be allocated towards new flooring for the Parish Hall of the church, as well as supporting other local charities during the Christmas season.

In the event of any questions or wanting additional info, contact Jody McQuillan: (785) 643-3257

New Cambria church hosting luncheon for support of structure and local charities

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NAME:&nbsp;Flanagan, Heather Nicole

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended

NAME:&nbsp;Greer, Savannah Cynthia-Sierra

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; felony

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 3

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 3 - November 5

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 31 - November 2

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 29 - October 31

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 27 - October 29

Four day weather forecast Salina, October 24 - October 27

The US National Weather Service has announced events of showers and thunderstorms are expected to return this weekend in Salina and throughout Central Kansas.

Accordingly, showers and thunderstorms will overspread the area starting Thursday night, with the greatest coverage in southern Kansas. Temperatures will drop into the upper 40s and 50s throughout the area.

Forecast depicts that showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur throughout the span of this weekend, and into Monday, October 27.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to return to Salina this weekend

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 22 - October 24

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 20 - October 22

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 17 - October 19

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 15 - October 17

WASHINGTON (AP) —Top Democrats in the Senate aren’t satisfied with the Trump administration committing to partially funding the food assistance program known as SNAP.

The program costs about $8 billion per month nationally. The government says an emergency fund it will use during the government shutdown has $4.65 billion — enough to cover about half the normal benefits.

“USDA has the authority to fully fund SNAP and needs to do so immediately. Anything else is unacceptable,” tweeted Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.

“Trump should have paid SNAP benefits all along,” tweeted Sen. Patty Murray, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Just now paying the bare minimum to partially fund SNAP is not enough, and it is not acceptable.”

Democrats weigh in on partially funding SNAP

RENO COUNTY —Cleanup is underway and authorities are investigating the cause of a train derailment in Hutchinson.

At about 1 a.m.&nbsp; Monday, approximately two dozen Union Pacific rail cars derailed in Hutchinson, according to a statement from Union Pacific. The incident occurred near 17th Avenue and N. Halstead Street. There were no injuries or releases.&nbsp;

The railroad crossing at 17th Avenue has reopened. One northbound lane of K-61&nbsp; from 17th to 39th Avenue remains closed.

Cleanup underway after train derailment in Kansas

NEW YORK (AP) — Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, a soulful mezzo-soprano who provided backing vocals on such 1960s classics as “Suspicious Minds” and “When a Man Loves a Woman” and was a featured singer with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grateful-dead-60th-anniversary-san-francisco-a607472bd5a08bec5d9409ea6f6b0a4d">Grateful Dead</a>&nbsp;for much of the 1970s, has died at 78.

A spokesperson for Godchaux-MacKay confirmed that she died Sunday at Alive Hospice in Nashville after having cancer. Godchaux-McKay and other Grateful Dead members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

Born Donna Jean Thatcher in Florence, Alabama, she had yet to turn 20 when she became a session performer in nearby Muscle Shoals, where many soul and rhythm and blues hits were recorded, and also was on hand for numerous sessions at the Memphis-based American Sound Studio. Her credits included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/elvis-presley">Elvis Presley’s</a>&nbsp;“Suspicious Minds,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/19e82b7068084b3c9802d81f048dc1aa">Percy Sledge’s</a>&nbsp;“When a Man Loves a Woman” and songs with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-theater-new-york-8b2c0eaf3822ee375360c1bf54b4003b">Neil Diamond,</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/yacht-rock-documentary-f595005f5acb5259a5aae289b58c6ea9">Boz Scaggs</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/cher">Cher.</a>

In the early 1970s, she and pianist/then-husband Keith Godchaux joined the Grateful Dead and remained with them for several tours and albums, including “Terrapin Station,” “Shakedown Street” and “From the Mars Hotel.” Godchaux appeared on numerous songs, whether joining with Jerry Garcia on “Scarlet Begonias” or writing and taking the lead on “From the Heart of Me.”

The Godchauxs left the Dead in 1979, with hopes of forming their own group, but Keith Godchaux died the following year from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Donna, who married bassist David MacKay in 1981, continued to tour and record over the following decades.

Her albums include “Back Around” and “Donna Jean and the Tricksters.” In the 1970s, she and Keith Godchaux released “Keith &amp; Donna.”

In addition to David MacKay, survivors include sons Kinsman MacKay and Zion Godchaux and two siblings, Gogi Clark and Ivan Thatcher.

 Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Grateful Dead singer, dies at 78

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/geoff-mulvihill">GEOFF MULVIHILL</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/kimberlee-kruesi">KIMBERLEE KRUESI</a>

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration said Monday that it will partially fund&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-how-it-works-cards-e061c2af0f3cc997b69a24296238783c">SNAP</a>&nbsp;after two judges issued rulings requiring it to keep the nation’s largest food aid program running.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, had planned to freeze payments starting Nov. 1 because it said it could no longer keep funding it during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-food-lines-snap-6b55e2c21c0198f3309f3a45a55f33b6">federal government shutdown</a>. The program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and is a major piece of the nation’s social safety net. It costs more than $8 billion per month nationally. The government says an emergency fund it will use has $4.65 billion — enough to cover about half the normal benefits.

Exhausting the fund potentially sets the stage for a similar situation in December if the shutdown isn’t resolved by then.

It’s not clear exactly how much beneficiaries will receive, nor how quickly they will see value show up on the debit cards they use to buy groceries. November payments have already been delayed for millions of people.

The administration said it would provide details to states on Monday on calculating the per-household partial benefit. The process of loading the SNAP cards, which involves steps by state and federal government agencies and vendors, can take up to two weeks in some states. But the USDA warned in a court filing that it could take weeks or even months for states to make all the system changes to send out reduced benefits. The average monthly benefit is usually about $190 per person.

The USDA said last month that benefits for November wouldn’t be paid due to the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>. That set off a scramble by food banks, state governments and the nearly 42 million Americans who receive the aid to find ways to ensure access to groceries..

Most states have boosted aid to food banks, and some are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-snap-states-help-a5ab631a93a6d8087a4448117f026fb7">setting up systems</a>&nbsp;to reload benefit cards with state taxpayer dollars. The threat of a delay also spurred lawsuits.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-shutdown-lawsuits-deadline-4af8b0dec6cd31cddd023cc99c131b73">Federal judges</a>&nbsp;in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled separately but similarly Friday, telling the government that it was required to use one emergency fund to pay for the program, at least in part. They gave the government the option to use additional money to fully fund the program and a deadline of Monday to decide.

Patrick Penn, Deputy Under Secretary Food Nutrition and Consumer Services for USDA, said in a court filing Monday that the department chose not to tap other emergency funds to ensure there’s not a gap in child nutrition programs for the rest of this fiscal year, which runs through September 2026.

Trump said on social media Friday that he does “NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT.” He said he was telling government lawyers to prepare SNAP payments as soon as possible.

Democratic state attorneys general or governors from 25 states, as well as the District of Columbia, challenged the plan to pause the program, contending that the administration has a legal obligation to keep it running in their jurisdictions. Cities and nonprofits also filed a lawsuit.

Advocates and beneficiaries say halting the food aid would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-food-lines-snap-6b55e2c21c0198f3309f3a45a55f33b6">force people to choose</a>&nbsp;between buying groceries and paying other bills. The majority of states have announced more or expedited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-snap-states-help-a5ab631a93a6d8087a4448117f026fb7">funding for food banks or novel ways</a>&nbsp;to load at least some benefits onto the SNAP debit cards.

Rhode Island officials said Monday that under their program, SNAP beneficiaries who also receive benefits from another federal program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, received payments Saturday equal to one-fourth of what they typically get from SNAP. Officials in Delaware are telling recipients that benefits there won’t be available until at least Nov. 7.

To qualify for SNAP in 2025, a household’s net income after certain expenses can’t exceed the federal poverty line. For a family of four, that’s about $32,000 per year.

Mulvihill reported from Haddonfield, New Jersey.

Trump admin. to pay partial November SNAP benefits 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 9a.m. Sunday in Wyandotte County.

According to Kansas City, Kansas Police, a truck was southbound on College Parkway when it collided with a car, with three occupants that was crossing College Parkway from Delaware Drive. 

The driver and one passenger from the car were taken to a nearby hospital, where the passenger, an adult female, died from her injuries.

The driver of the truck was treated at an area hospital for minor injuries, and is cooperating with the investigation. This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division.&nbsp;

Woman killed, 2 injured after 2-vehicle Kansas crash

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/matthew-perrone">MATTHEW PERRONE</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-food-and-drug-administration">The Food and Drug Administration</a>&nbsp;on Friday moved to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fluoride-fda-kennedy-cavities-teeth-water-22c5aefeb97c411e2fda0c4754b78cf2">limit the use of fluoride</a>&nbsp;supplements used to strengthen children’s teeth, the latest action by Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fluoride-cdc-epa-6f4dbc64b5dc511f712a82cd2d252d76">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;and his deputies against a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fluoride-water-cdc-kennedy-02d931af8f025877a9e3d332bf215c69">chemical</a>&nbsp;that is a mainstay of dental care.

The FDA said that the products are no longer recommended for children younger than 3 and those who are older but don’t face serious risks of tooth decay. Previously, the products have been prescribed for children as young as six months.

The action stopped short of FDA statements in May suggesting regulators would seek the removal of the products from the market. Instead, the agency sent letters to four companies warning them not to market their products outside the new limits.

Fluoride tablets and lozenges are sometimes recommended for children and teens at increased risk of tooth decay or cavities because of low fluoride in their local drinking water. Companies also sell drops for babies.

The FDA released a new scientific analysis Friday, concluding that fluoride supplements have limited benefits for children’s teeth and may be linked to emerging safety concerns, including gut issues, weight gain and cognition.

“For the same reason fluoride may work to kill bacteria on teeth, it may also alter the gut microbiome, which may have broader health implications,” the agency said in a statement.

The agency also sent a form letter to dentists and other health providers warning about the risks of the products.

Those claims have been disputed by the American Dental Association, which has said there are no significant health problems associated with fluoride when used at the levels prescribed by dentists. The supplements can cause spotting or discoloration of teeth due to the extra fluoride, a downside the FDA also noted.

Dentists have warned that restricting fluoride supplements may result in more cavities and dental problems in rural communities, which are less likely to have fluoridated water. Kennedy is also seeking to end the practice of adding fluoride to drinking water throughout the U.S.

Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1962, the agency set guidelines for how much should be added to water.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-vaccines-autism-measles-obesity-food-dye-f26089856550e978d28fd25b653d8103">Kennedy</a>, a former environmental lawyer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fluoride-ruling-drinking-water-ccdfa11138600ab0838ebf979cbaead2">has called fluoride</a>&nbsp;a “dangerous neurotoxin” tied to a range of health dangers.

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