NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/barack-obama">Barack Obama</a>&nbsp;is encouraging voters to elect Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-virginia-governor-utility-prices-electricity-a7b783d93da03faac900ef5514394f6f">governors in Virginia and New Jersey</a>&nbsp;in races this Tuesday to rebuke Donald Trump 10 months into his second presidency and a year ahead of midterm elections that could reshape it.

Obama's appearances Saturday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-spanberger-sherrill-virginia-new-jersey-trump-5869ac164d05f00f4ca07d7919e3960b">Abigail Spanberger</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-election-governor-general-assembly-dfc750b30bc129750437b6ad0b2afbec">Mikie Sherrill</a>&nbsp;contrast with Trump spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, leaving Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/earlesears-spanberger-virginia-governor-election-trump-4d12737fe5f1912039d247ff00a1d9b1">Winsome Earle-Sears</a>&nbsp;in Virginia and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-governor-immigration-ciattarelli-trump-sherrill-4802fd86c36b7d9d0e804efd6368ed05">Jack Ciattarelli</a>&nbsp;in New Jersey to campaign for themselves.

At the same time, California advocates made a final push ahead of a statewide referendum over whether to redraw the state’s congressional map in Democrats’ favor. The effort, backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, is part of a national redistricting battle that began when Trump urged GOP-run states to help him maintain a friendly House majority in 2026.

Obama praised Spanberger and Sherrill, center-left Democrats who helped their party win a U.S. House majority halfway through Trump's first presidency, as experienced figures who would improve voters' financial circumstances. Yet Obama, who remains Democrats' most popular figure nearly nine years removed from the White House, spent much of his time during separate rallies lambasting Trump for “lawlessness and recklessness” and “shambolic” economic policy. Obama urged voters to “set a glorious example for the nation” by rejecting nominees loyal to a president with “autocratic impulses.”

“The stakes are now clear,” Obama said in Virginia. “We don't need to speculate about the dangers to our democracy. We don't need to ask ourselves how much more coarse and mean our culture can become. Elections matter, and they matter to you.”

Obama took care not to blame voters who backed Trump in 2024 because of inflation and a roiled economy. But, he asked in New Jersey, “Has any of that gotten better for you?”

In some ways, it was standard partisan fare in the closing stretch of a campaign. Yet it stood out as an unusually intense rebuke of a sitting president by a predecessor and because Republicans offered little defense of Trump in their own campaign stops Saturday, instead trying to localize the off-year elections as much as possible.

On a bus tour across New Jersey, Ciattarelli referenced the president mostly to chide Sherrill for mentioning him so much, along with her experience as a Navy helicopter pilot.

“Her disdain for the president. And she can fly a helicopter. Is any of that going to fix New Jersey?” Ciattarelli said in suburban Westfield.

Earle-Sears did not mention Trump at all as she campaigned with term-limited Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “We are not going back,” she said, arguing for conservative continuity in Purcellville. “There's only darkness back there. Abigail Spanberger represents the darkness.”

Trump isn't on site, but he's been in the conversation

Trump endorsed Ciattarelli and has said — without naming Earle-Sears — that he backs her Virginia bid. He conducted a phone rally for Ciattarelli but has not campaigned in person for either nominee.

On Friday evening in south Florida, Trump attended a shindig at his resort with the theme “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody.” On Saturday, he headed to Trump International Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is scheduled to attend a dinner for MAGA, Inc., a super PAC founded by allies. The president is due to return to Washington on Sunday.

Trump's arms-length approach reflects a complicated reality for Republicans: He remains intensely popular among the most conservative voters but has a more precarious standing with the rest of the electorate.

Some of their supporters greeted Ciattarelli and Earle-Sears wearing red “Make America Great Again" hats from Trump's campaigns. But the nominees stayed focused on state policies.

In suburban Westfield, Ciattarelli took selfies for about an hour and talked about proposals to lower energy costs and property taxes, among other ideas. His campaign also has concentrated on his family’s deep roots in the state and argued it’s time for a “Jersey guy” as governor. Sherrill was born in Virginia.

In multiple small-town stops, Earle-Sears promised to lower taxes, defend parents' ability to shape education policy and stave off unions and business regulations. “I'm for common sense,” she said in northern Virginia.

She has previously embraced Trump, while Ciattarelli has played up his good relationship with the White House.

Two Democrats take slightly different approaches to Trump

As she has been throughout the fall, Sherrill did not shy away from Trump and the national stakes.

“When everything seems to come down to our election, when people across the nation, look at me with fear and despair in their eyes and ask me, is New Jersey up for this moment? My answer was, ‘Hell yeah,’” she said in Newark.

Spanberger kept to her more circumspect style regarding Trump, pairing economic arguments against his policies with more opaque references to the president's moves that upend democratic norms.

“Virginia voters can and will send a message amid the recklessness and the heartlessness coming out of Washington,” she said ahead of Obama. She criticized “the political turmoil coming out of Washington right now” and introduced Obama by recalling “a time not that long ago ... when we had a president ... who worked to bring us together instead of tearing us apart.”

Still, according to AdImpact data, Spanberger's biggest advertising expenses are for spots that try to tie Earle-Sears to Trump.

The economy and shutdown overshadow the governor's races

Spanberger and Sherrill have both pledged to tackle rising consumer costs. In New Jersey, however, Ciattarelli has blamed Democrats for higher energy costs because outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy has been leading the state for two terms.

The Democrats have blasted Republicans' federal domestic policy and tax cut bill. Spanberger on Saturday criticized Trump's Department of Government Efficiency and the ongoing federal shutdown — both of which have a disproportionate impact in a state with more than 300,000 federal employees, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Earle-Sears has pinned the shutdown on Spanberger, arguing the former congresswoman should use her leverage with Virginia's Democratic U.S. senators. Both have voted against the GOP's spending extension bill as Democrats demand Republicans address looming health care cuts.

Additionally, the contests could offer some clues as to whether social issues carry any less weight with voters than in previous elections. Spanberger and Sherrill herald their support for abortion rights, Spanberger doing so in the last Southern state not to impose new restrictions or bans in recent years. Earle-Sears did not mention her opposition to abortion rights Saturday but has said repeatedly that Spanberger in an extremist on transgender rights — attacks similar to those that Trump wielded effectively against Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024.

___ Barrow reported from Atlanta. Catalini reported from Newark. Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762048483320.png" alt="<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-spanberger-sherrill-virginia-new-jersey-trump-5869ac164d05f00f4ca07d7919e3960b">Abigail Spanberger</a>&nbsp;and Former President Barak Obama campaign in Virgina on Saturday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-spanberger-sherrill-virginia-new-jersey-trump-5869ac164d05f00f4ca07d7919e3960b">Abigail Spanberger</a>&nbsp;and Former President Barak Obama campaign in Virgina on Saturday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/barack-obama">Barack Obama</a>&nbsp;is encouraging voters to elect Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-virginia-governor-utility-prices-electricity-a7b783d93da03faac900ef5514394f6f">governors in Virginia and New Jersey</a>&nbsp;in races this Tuesday to rebuke Donald Trump 10 months into his second presidency and a year ahead of midterm elections that could reshape it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762048429803.png" alt="Former President Batak Obama and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-election-governor-general-assembly-dfc750b30bc129750437b6ad0b2afbec">Mikie Sherrill</a>&nbsp;campaign on Saturday=image courgesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Batak Obama and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-election-governor-general-assembly-dfc750b30bc129750437b6ad0b2afbec">Mikie Sherrill</a>&nbsp;campaign on Saturday=image courgesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Obama's appearances Saturday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-spanberger-sherrill-virginia-new-jersey-trump-5869ac164d05f00f4ca07d7919e3960b">Abigail Spanberger</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-election-governor-general-assembly-dfc750b30bc129750437b6ad0b2afbec">Mikie Sherrill</a>&nbsp;contrast with Trump spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, leaving Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/earlesears-spanberger-virginia-governor-election-trump-4d12737fe5f1912039d247ff00a1d9b1">Winsome Earle-Sears</a>&nbsp;in Virginia and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-governor-immigration-ciattarelli-trump-sherrill-4802fd86c36b7d9d0e804efd6368ed05">Jack Ciattarelli</a>&nbsp;in New Jersey to campaign for themselves.At the same time, California advocates made a final push ahead of a statewide referendum over whether to redraw the state’s congressional map in Democrats’ favor. The effort, backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, is part of a national redistricting battle that began when Trump urged GOP-run states to help him maintain a friendly House majority in 2026.Obama praised Spanberger and Sherrill, center-left Democrats who helped their party win a U.S. House majority halfway through Trump's first presidency, as experienced figures who would improve voters' financial circumstances. Yet Obama, who remains Democrats' most popular figure nearly nine years removed from the White House, spent much of his time during separate rallies lambasting Trump for “lawlessness and recklessness” and “shambolic” economic policy. Obama urged voters to “set a glorious example for the nation” by rejecting nominees loyal to a president with “autocratic impulses.”“The stakes are now clear,” Obama said in Virginia. “We don't need to speculate about the dangers to our democracy. We don't need to ask ourselves how much more coarse and mean our culture can become. Elections matter, and they matter to you.”Obama took care not to blame voters who backed Trump in 2024 because of inflation and a roiled economy. But, he asked in New Jersey, “Has any of that gotten better for you?”In some ways, it was standard partisan fare in the closing stretch of a campaign. Yet it stood out as an unusually intense rebuke of a sitting president by a predecessor and because Republicans offered little defense of Trump in their own campaign stops Saturday, instead trying to localize the off-year elections as much as possible.On a bus tour across New Jersey, Ciattarelli referenced the president mostly to chide Sherrill for mentioning him so much, along with her experience as a Navy helicopter pilot.“Her disdain for the president. And she can fly a helicopter. Is any of that going to fix New Jersey?” Ciattarelli said in suburban Westfield.Earle-Sears did not mention Trump at all as she campaigned with term-limited Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “We are not going back,” she said, arguing for conservative continuity in Purcellville. “There's only darkness back there. Abigail Spanberger represents the darkness.”<h2>Trump isn't on site, but he's been in the conversation</h2>Trump endorsed Ciattarelli and has said — without naming Earle-Sears — that he backs her Virginia bid. He conducted a phone rally for Ciattarelli but has not campaigned in person for either nominee.On Friday evening in south Florida, Trump attended a shindig at his resort with the theme “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody.” On Saturday, he headed to Trump International Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is scheduled to attend a dinner for MAGA, Inc., a super PAC founded by allies. The president is due to return to Washington on Sunday.Trump's arms-length approach reflects a complicated reality for Republicans: He remains intensely popular among the most conservative voters but has a more precarious standing with the rest of the electorate.Some of their supporters greeted Ciattarelli and Earle-Sears wearing red “Make America Great Again" hats from Trump's campaigns. But the nominees stayed focused on state policies.In suburban Westfield, Ciattarelli took selfies for about an hour and talked about proposals to lower energy costs and property taxes, among other ideas. His campaign also has concentrated on his family’s deep roots in the state and argued it’s time for a “Jersey guy” as governor. Sherrill was born in Virginia.In multiple small-town stops, Earle-Sears promised to lower taxes, defend parents' ability to shape education policy and stave off unions and business regulations. “I'm for common sense,” she said in northern Virginia.She has previously embraced Trump, while Ciattarelli has played up his good relationship with the White House.<h2>Two Democrats take slightly different approaches to Trump</h2>As she has been throughout the fall, Sherrill did not shy away from Trump and the national stakes.“When everything seems to come down to our election, when people across the nation, look at me with fear and despair in their eyes and ask me, is New Jersey up for this moment? My answer was, ‘Hell yeah,’” she said in Newark.Spanberger kept to her more circumspect style regarding Trump, pairing economic arguments against his policies with more opaque references to the president's moves that upend democratic norms.“Virginia voters can and will send a message amid the recklessness and the heartlessness coming out of Washington,” she said ahead of Obama. She criticized “the political turmoil coming out of Washington right now” and introduced Obama by recalling “a time not that long ago ... when we had a president ... who worked to bring us together instead of tearing us apart.”Still, according to AdImpact data, Spanberger's biggest advertising expenses are for spots that try to tie Earle-Sears to Trump.<h2>The economy and shutdown overshadow the governor's races</h2>Spanberger and Sherrill have both pledged to tackle rising consumer costs. In New Jersey, however, Ciattarelli has blamed Democrats for higher energy costs because outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy has been leading the state for two terms.The Democrats have blasted Republicans' federal domestic policy and tax cut bill. Spanberger on Saturday criticized Trump's Department of Government Efficiency and the ongoing federal shutdown — both of which have a disproportionate impact in a state with more than 300,000 federal employees, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.Earle-Sears has pinned the shutdown on Spanberger, arguing the former congresswoman should use her leverage with Virginia's Democratic U.S. senators. Both have voted against the GOP's spending extension bill as Democrats demand Republicans address looming health care cuts.Additionally, the contests could offer some clues as to whether social issues carry any less weight with voters than in previous elections. Spanberger and Sherrill herald their support for abortion rights, Spanberger doing so in the last Southern state not to impose new restrictions or bans in recent years. Earle-Sears did not mention her opposition to abortion rights Saturday but has said repeatedly that Spanberger in an extremist on transgender rights — attacks similar to those that Trump wielded effectively against Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024.___ Barrow reported from Atlanta. Catalini reported from Newark. Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report.

Obama blasts Trump ahead of Election Day 

CHAUTAUQA COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Saturday in&nbsp;Chautauqua County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy Silverado driven by Floyd E. Hull, 68, Sedan was southbound on Kansas Highway 99 approximately three miles south of Sedan.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield at U.S. 166. The pickup struck a westbound 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Gregory L.&nbsp;Hopper, 57, Myrtle, Missouri.

Hull was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Dickens Funeral Home. Hopper was not injured. Hull was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

CHAUTAUQA COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Saturday in&nbsp;Chautauqua County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy Silverado driven by Floyd E. Hull, 68, Sedan was southbound on Kansas Highway 99 approximately three miles south of Sedan.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield at U.S. 166. The pickup struck a westbound 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Gregory L.&nbsp;Hopper, 57, Myrtle, Missouri.Hull was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Dickens Funeral Home. Hopper was not injured. Hull was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man killed in pickup, semi crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon charged in a deadly hotel shooting has admitted his responsibility for the crime.

In October, 22-year-old John Griffin&nbsp; pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter in the February 2024 shooting death of&nbsp;35-year-old Christopher Harrell and 35-year-old Natisha Phillips in a motel room&nbsp; in 7300 block of E. Kellogg in Wichita,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 9:30a.m. February 24, 2024,&nbsp; police were dispatched to a shooting call at a motel&nbsp; in the 7300 block of E. Kellogg, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located the two shooting victims in a motel room identified as Harrell and Phillips both of Wichita.

EMS transported Harrell to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Phillips was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Officers also located a young child at the scene, who was unharmed, and police used resources to address any psychological or medical needs for the child.&nbsp;Subsequent investigation led the arrest of Griffin 

Griffin&nbsp; had been in prison for portion of 2022 and 2023 after a conviction for Battery Juvenile Corrections Facility officer, Employer person confined, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. During his time his approximately 18 months in prison, Griffin had been disciplined nearly three dozen times for battery, theft, fighting and other crimes, according to the KDOC.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708804201051.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon charged in a deadly hotel shooting has admitted his responsibility for the crime.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708953115181.png" alt="Griffin photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Griffin photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>In October, 22-year-old John Griffin&nbsp; pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter in the February 2024 shooting death of&nbsp;35-year-old Christopher Harrell and 35-year-old Natisha Phillips in a motel room&nbsp; in 7300 block of E. Kellogg in Wichita,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 9:30a.m. February 24, 2024,&nbsp; police were dispatched to a shooting call at a motel&nbsp; in the 7300 block of E. Kellogg, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders located the two shooting victims in a motel room identified as Harrell and Phillips both of Wichita.EMS transported Harrell to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Phillips was pronounced deceased on the scene.Officers also located a young child at the scene, who was unharmed, and police used resources to address any psychological or medical needs for the child.&nbsp;Subsequent investigation led the arrest of Griffin Griffin&nbsp; had been in prison for portion of 2022 and 2023 after a conviction for Battery Juvenile Corrections Facility officer, Employer person confined, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. During his time his approximately 18 months in prison, Griffin had been disciplined nearly three dozen times for battery, theft, fighting and other crimes, according to the KDOC.He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas felon with a violent history admits killing couple at hotel

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement arrested 79 people, including five related to homicides and 15 child predators during a citywide enforcement operation last week with federal partners, according to. social media report from the Kansas City office of the FBI. The child predators have been charged.

Efforts also targeted gang members and others related to violent crime.

In total, 79 arrests, 98 federal/state/municipal warrants cleared, 69 new charges issued, plus narcotics and cash seized.

Members of KCPD’s Special Investigations Division, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Gang Enforcement Squad, Illegal Firearms Squad, Crime Gun Intelligence Center, and SWAT teams were involved.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement arrested 79 people, including five related to homicides and 15 child predators during a citywide enforcement operation last week with federal partners, according to. social media report from the Kansas City office of the FBI. The child predators have been charged.Efforts also targeted gang members and others related to violent crime.In total, 79 arrests, 98 federal/state/municipal warrants cleared, 69 new charges issued, plus narcotics and cash seized.Members of KCPD’s Special Investigations Division, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Gang Enforcement Squad, Illegal Firearms Squad, Crime Gun Intelligence Center, and SWAT teams were involved.

FBI Kansas City operation resulted in more than 6 dozen arrests

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 4a.m. Saturday in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Corvette driven by Jeremy Head, 41, Leavenworth, was eastbound in the 700 Block of Shawnee Street in Leavenworth.at a high rate of speed. The car went airborne, became unstable when it made contact with the roadway. The vehicle rotated and struck the curb, a tree and a building.&nbsp;

Head was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. EMS transported a passenger&nbsp;Margaret Spain, 32, Leavenworth to KU Medical Center. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 4a.m. Saturday in Leavenworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Corvette driven by Jeremy Head, 41, Leavenworth, was eastbound in the 700 Block of Shawnee Street in Leavenworth.at a high rate of speed. The car went airborne, became unstable when it made contact with the roadway. The vehicle rotated and struck the curb, a tree and a building.&nbsp;Head was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. EMS transported a passenger&nbsp;Margaret Spain, 32, Leavenworth to KU Medical Center. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead, woman injured in violent crash into a building

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cora-lewis">CORA LEWIS</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jobs-federal-reserve-aefac7cc9eb26d5cbf57c386a8f65839" rel="nofollow">cut its benchmark interest rate</a>&nbsp;by a quarter point Wednesday for the second time since September. Before that, it had gone nine months without a cut.

The federal funds rate is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another. While the rates consumers pay to borrow money aren’t directly linked to this rate, shifts affect what you pay for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and other financial products.

“While the full economic impact of such a move will unfold over time, early indicators suggest that even modest rate cuts can have meaningful consequences for consumer behavior and financial health,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research at credit reporting agency TransUnion.

The Fed has two goals when it sets the rate: one, to manage prices for goods and services, and two, to encourage full employment. Typically, the Fed might increase the rate to try to bring down inflation and decrease it to encourage faster economic growth and increase hiring. The challenge now is that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-inflation-trump-prices-economy-wall-street-fed-consumers-280a2fd30de3bb44bd87cd0248082322" rel="nofollow">inflation is higher</a>&nbsp;than the Fed’s 2% target but the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-shutdown-trump-77afb7e7a6ef75c564f81cd611664271" rel="nofollow">job market has been weak</a>. The government shutdown has also prevented the collection and release of data the Fed relies on to monitor the health of the economy.

Still, the Fed has projected it will cut rates once more before the end of the year.

Interest on savings accounts won’t be as appealing

For savers, falling interest rates will slowly erode attractive yields currently on offer with certificates of deposit (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts.

Three of the top five high yield savings accounts had rate cuts after the last Fed rate cut in September, according to Ken Tumin, founder of DepositAccounts.com, while two of the big five banks (Ally and Discover/Capital One) cut their savings account rates. The top rates for high yield savings account right now remain around 4.46% to 4.6%.

Those are still better than the trends of recent years, and a good option for consumers who want to earn a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bank-accounts-economy-savings-dbf6c9d356de2349ec89ed9e3c99168c" rel="nofollow">return on money</a>&nbsp;they may want to access in the near-term. A high yield savings account generally has a much higher annual percentage yield than a traditional savings account. The national average for traditional savings accounts is currently 0.63%, according to Bankrate.

There may be a few accounts with returns of about 4% through the end of 2025, according to Tumin, but the Fed cuts will filter down to these offerings, lowering the average yields as they do.

For prospective homebuyers, the market has already priced in the rate cut.

“Mortgage rates, in particular, have responded swiftly,” said Raneri. “Just in the past week, they fell to their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-6dfe7db9f54eeee330cb8b669cab60ac" rel="nofollow">lowest level in over a year</a>. While mortgage rates don’t always move in lockstep with the Fed’s target rate — often pricing in anticipated future cuts, the continued easing of monetary policy may well push rates even lower.”

Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates said a declining interest rate environment will provide some relief for borrowers over time.

“Whether it’s a homeowner with a 7% mortgage or a recent graduate hoping to refinance student loans and credit card debt, lower rates can ease the burden on many indebted households by opening opportunities to refinance or consolidate,” he said.

Auto loans are not expected to decline soon

Americans have faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/cars" rel="nofollow">steeper auto loan rates</a>&nbsp;over the last three years after the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate starting in early 2022. Those are not expected to decline anytime soon. While a cut will contribute to eventual relief, it might be slow in arriving, analysts say.

“If the auto market starts to freeze up and people aren’t buying cars, then we may see lending margins start to shrink, but auto loan rates don’t move in lockstep with the Fed rate,” Kates said.

Prices for new cars remain at historically high levels, not adjusting for inflation.

Generally speaking, an auto loan annual percentage rate can run from about 4% to 30%. Bankrate’s most recent weekly survey found that average auto loan interest rates are currently at 7.10% on a 60-month new car loan.

Interest rates for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-card-default-51f76dea3666e9b2d95156b47c8092cd" rel="nofollow">credit cards</a>&nbsp;are currently at an average of 20.01%, and the Fed’s rate cut may be slow to be felt by anyone carrying a large amount of credit card debt. That said, any reduction is positive news.

“While inflation continues to exert pressure on household budgets, rate cuts offer a potential counterbalance by lowering debt servicing costs,” Raneri said.

Still, the best thing for anyone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-card-delinquency-nonprofit-counselor-c8197a70d38a3c5605f40fc1f4f775bb" rel="nofollow">carrying a large credit card balance</a>&nbsp;is to prioritize paying down high-interest-rate debt, and to seek to transfer any amounts possible to lower APR cards or negotiate directly with credit card companies for accommodation.

The Associated Press receives support from the Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cora-lewis">CORA LEWIS</a>NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jobs-federal-reserve-aefac7cc9eb26d5cbf57c386a8f65839" rel="nofollow">cut its benchmark interest rate</a>&nbsp;by a quarter point Wednesday for the second time since September. Before that, it had gone nine months without a cut.The federal funds rate is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another. While the rates consumers pay to borrow money aren’t directly linked to this rate, shifts affect what you pay for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and other financial products.“While the full economic impact of such a move will unfold over time, early indicators suggest that even modest rate cuts can have meaningful consequences for consumer behavior and financial health,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research at credit reporting agency TransUnion.The Fed has two goals when it sets the rate: one, to manage prices for goods and services, and two, to encourage full employment. Typically, the Fed might increase the rate to try to bring down inflation and decrease it to encourage faster economic growth and increase hiring. The challenge now is that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-inflation-trump-prices-economy-wall-street-fed-consumers-280a2fd30de3bb44bd87cd0248082322" rel="nofollow">inflation is higher</a>&nbsp;than the Fed’s 2% target but the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-shutdown-trump-77afb7e7a6ef75c564f81cd611664271" rel="nofollow">job market has been weak</a>. The government shutdown has also prevented the collection and release of data the Fed relies on to monitor the health of the economy.Still, the Fed has projected it will cut rates once more before the end of the year.Here’s what to know:<h2>Interest on savings accounts won’t be as appealing</h2>For savers, falling interest rates will slowly erode attractive yields currently on offer with certificates of deposit (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts.Three of the top five high yield savings accounts had rate cuts after the last Fed rate cut in September, according to Ken Tumin, founder of DepositAccounts.com, while two of the big five banks (Ally and Discover/Capital One) cut their savings account rates. The top rates for high yield savings account right now remain around 4.46% to 4.6%.Those are still better than the trends of recent years, and a good option for consumers who want to earn a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bank-accounts-economy-savings-dbf6c9d356de2349ec89ed9e3c99168c" rel="nofollow">return on money</a>&nbsp;they may want to access in the near-term. A high yield savings account generally has a much higher annual percentage yield than a traditional savings account. The national average for traditional savings accounts is currently 0.63%, according to Bankrate.There may be a few accounts with returns of about 4% through the end of 2025, according to Tumin, but the Fed cuts will filter down to these offerings, lowering the average yields as they do.<h2>A cut will impact mortgages gradually</h2>For prospective homebuyers, the market has already priced in the rate cut.“Mortgage rates, in particular, have responded swiftly,” said Raneri. “Just in the past week, they fell to their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-6dfe7db9f54eeee330cb8b669cab60ac" rel="nofollow">lowest level in over a year</a>. While mortgage rates don’t always move in lockstep with the Fed’s target rate — often pricing in anticipated future cuts, the continued easing of monetary policy may well push rates even lower.”Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates said a declining interest rate environment will provide some relief for borrowers over time.“Whether it’s a homeowner with a 7% mortgage or a recent graduate hoping to refinance student loans and credit card debt, lower rates can ease the burden on many indebted households by opening opportunities to refinance or consolidate,” he said.<h2>Auto loans are not expected to decline soon</h2>Americans have faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/cars" rel="nofollow">steeper auto loan rates</a>&nbsp;over the last three years after the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate starting in early 2022. Those are not expected to decline anytime soon. While a cut will contribute to eventual relief, it might be slow in arriving, analysts say.“If the auto market starts to freeze up and people aren’t buying cars, then we may see lending margins start to shrink, but auto loan rates don’t move in lockstep with the Fed rate,” Kates said.Prices for new cars remain at historically high levels, not adjusting for inflation.Generally speaking, an auto loan annual percentage rate can run from about 4% to 30%. Bankrate’s most recent weekly survey found that average auto loan interest rates are currently at 7.10% on a 60-month new car loan.<h2>Credit card rate relief could be slow</h2>Interest rates for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-card-default-51f76dea3666e9b2d95156b47c8092cd" rel="nofollow">credit cards</a>&nbsp;are currently at an average of 20.01%, and the Fed’s rate cut may be slow to be felt by anyone carrying a large amount of credit card debt. That said, any reduction is positive news.“While inflation continues to exert pressure on household budgets, rate cuts offer a potential counterbalance by lowering debt servicing costs,” Raneri said.Still, the best thing for anyone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-card-delinquency-nonprofit-counselor-c8197a70d38a3c5605f40fc1f4f775bb" rel="nofollow">carrying a large credit card balance</a>&nbsp;is to prioritize paying down high-interest-rate debt, and to seek to transfer any amounts possible to lower APR cards or negotiate directly with credit card companies for accommodation.___The Associated Press receives support from the Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

What a Federal Reserve rate cut means for your finances

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Friday evening issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

The Court also found that if the contingency fund cannot fully fund the program in November, then the federal government must consider other additional funding sources. The USDA has until the end of the day on Monday to let the Court know whether their plan is to partially or fully fund the SNAP program.

“The Court’s decision today makes clear that the Trump Administration has acted unlawfully in its attempt to withhold November SNAP benefits from millions of Americans, including nearly 188,000 Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program so Kansans can continue to feed themselves and their families. While this ruling is a step forward, I urge the USDA to act swiftly to comply with this order and issue November benefits to prevent 42 million Americans from going hungry.”

The order comes after&nbsp;Governor Kelly joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general, two governors, and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump Administration for suspending SNAP benefits in a manner that is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Friday's order makes clear that USDA must use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits. The USDA must present a plan to the court by Monday, November 3, to begin issuing SNAP benefits (full or partial).

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Friday evening issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Court also found that if the contingency fund cannot fully fund the program in November, then the federal government must consider other additional funding sources. The USDA has until the end of the day on Monday to let the Court know whether their plan is to partially or fully fund the SNAP program.“The Court’s decision today makes clear that the Trump Administration has acted unlawfully in its attempt to withhold November SNAP benefits from millions of Americans, including nearly 188,000 Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program so Kansans can continue to feed themselves and their families. While this ruling is a step forward, I urge the USDA to act swiftly to comply with this order and issue November benefits to prevent 42 million Americans from going hungry.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/GaXZbasg6U">pic.twitter.com/GaXZbasg6U</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984383011937534409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The order comes after&nbsp;Governor Kelly joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general, two governors, and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump Administration for suspending SNAP benefits in a manner that is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.Friday's order makes clear that USDA must use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits. The USDA must present a plan to the court by Monday, November 3, to begin issuing SNAP benefits (full or partial).

Kan. governor comments on judge's order in SNAP benefits case

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; — A Kansas&nbsp; woman is in custody on a requested charge of first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of her 80-year-old mother, Anita Avers, early Friday morning in southeast Wichita,

Just before 8a.m. Friday, police responded to a reported stabbing at a residence in the 1500 block of East Crowley in Wichita, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect, identified from jail booking records&nbsp; as 47-year-old Angelynn Elizabeth Mock, outside the home.

&nbsp;Inside the residence, officers found Anita Avers unresponsive in her bed with multiple stab wounds.&nbsp;Sedgwick County EMS transported the victim to St. Francis Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased at 8:26 a.m.

Mock was transported to the hospital for treatment before being taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on the requested chargeof&nbsp; first-degree murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761944840018.png" alt="Police on the sene early Friday =photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the sene early Friday =photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; — A Kansas&nbsp; woman is in custody on a requested charge of first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of her 80-year-old mother, Anita Avers, early Friday morning in southeast Wichita,Just before 8a.m. Friday, police responded to a reported stabbing at a residence in the 1500 block of East Crowley in Wichita, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect, identified from jail booking records&nbsp; as 47-year-old Angelynn Elizabeth Mock, outside the home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1761994823380.png" alt="Mock photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mock photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Inside the residence, officers found Anita Avers unresponsive in her bed with multiple stab wounds.&nbsp;Sedgwick County EMS transported the victim to St. Francis Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased at 8:26 a.m.Mock was transported to the hospital for treatment before being taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on the requested chargeof&nbsp; first-degree murder.

Halloween murder: Kan. woman accused of stabbing her mother

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ali-swenson">ALI SWENSON</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/nicholas-riccardi">NICHOLAS RICCARDI</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump’s request to add a documentary proof of citizenship requirement to the federal voter registration form cannot be enforced, a federal judge ruled Friday.

U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in Washington, D.C., sided with Democratic and civil rights groups that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-order-elections-voting-lawsuit-769caf1eceec29a13b4df78a931deb0b">sued</a>&nbsp;the Trump administration over his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-elections-trump-executive-order-4e9edb53f47e61e241a43ceef8164022">executive order</a>&nbsp;to overhaul U.S. elections.

She ruled that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elections-voting-executive-order-citizenship-proof-4bbcf7e13183d8c5004ceb0ca53c7845">proof-of-citizenship directive</a>&nbsp;is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers, dealing a blow to the administration and its allies who have argued that such a mandate is necessary to restore public confidence that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-republicans-citizenship-voting-elections-texas-b6b9298092c84266bc7515209e5aea42">only Americans</a>&nbsp;are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-save-act-citizenship-voting-elections-a37c139461d11eb5f82086680b67ffe7">voting</a>&nbsp;in U.S. elections.

“Because our Constitution assigns responsibility for election regulation to the States and to Congress, this Court holds that the President lacks the authority to direct such changes,” Kollar-Kotelly wrote in her opinion.

She further emphasized that on matters related to setting qualifications for voting and regulating federal election procedures “the Constitution assigns no direct role to the President in either domain.”

Kollar-Kotelly echoed comments she made when she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elections-executive-order-citizenship-lawsuit-4b683fe2e1106316fdb05621be9b7d0e">granted a preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;over the issue.

The ruling grants the plaintiffs a partial summary judgment that prohibits the proof-of-citizenship requirement from going into effect. It says the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, which has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-voting-citizenship-proof-election-commission-32ea9adfa724dd9cdc68d9481033f015">considering adding the requirement</a>&nbsp;to the federal voter form, is permanently barred from taking action to do so.

In a statement, Sophia Lin Lakin of the ACLU, one of the plaintiffs in the case, called the ruling “a clear victory for our democracy. President Trump’s attempt to impose a documentary proof of citizenship requirement on the federal voter registration form is an unconstitutional power grab.”

The White House disagreed with the judge’s ruling in a statement late Friday.

“President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to ensure only American citizens are casting ballots in American elections,” said Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson. “This is so commonsense that only the Democrat Party would file a lawsuit against it. We expect to be vindicated by a higher court.”

While a top priority for Republicans, attempts to implement documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting have been fraught. The U.S. House passed a citizenship mandate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-save-act-citizenship-voting-elections-a37c139461d11eb5f82086680b67ffe7">last spring</a>&nbsp;that has stalled in the Senate, and several attempts to pass similar legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-republicans-citizenship-voting-elections-texas-b6b9298092c84266bc7515209e5aea42">in the states</a>&nbsp;have proved equally difficult.

Such requirements have created problems and confusion for voters when they have taken effect at the state level. It presents particular hurdles for married women who have changed their name, since they might need to show birth certificates and marriage certificates as well as state IDs. Those complications arose earlier this year when a proof-of-citizenship requirement took effect for the first time during local elections&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/save-act-voting-proof-citizenship-new-hampshire-5105986c3fc354d3d61ec3480b49c788">in New Hampshire</a>.

In Kansas, a proof-of-citizenship requirement that was in effect for three years created chaos before it was overturned in federal court. Some 30,000 otherwise eligible people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-noncitizen-voting-proof-of-citizenship-50d56a0b8d1f0fde15480aab3db67f4f">were prevented</a>&nbsp;from registering to vote.

Voting by noncitizens also has been shown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/noncitizens-voting-republicans-election-2024-immigration-09b86e6768f755fd875f3c51b0e8ea70">to be rare</a>.

The lawsuit brought by the DNC and various civil rights groups will continue to play out to allow the judge to consider other challenges to Trump’s order. That includes a requirement that all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-voting-mail-ballots-drop-boxes-a92707d4805ea2701a8d795e39f83241">mailed ballots</a>&nbsp;be received, rather than just postmarked,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballot-counting-election-day-deadline-california-d9403415687f7f0a0e2c8749511f6652">by Election Day</a>.

Other lawsuits against Trump’s election executive order are ongoing.

In early April, 19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elections-executive-order-states-lawsuit-5790caa7d4d801c4053e73dfa50622e9">Democratic state attorneys general</a>&nbsp;asked a separate federal court to reject Trump’s executive order. Washington and Oregon, where virtually all voting is done with mailed ballots, followed with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elections-executive-order-oregon-washington-ff9a9cb29a8d886752437e56734df8b4">their own lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730813165690.jpeg" alt="Post file photo" />
 <figcaption>Post file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ali-swenson">ALI SWENSON</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/nicholas-riccardi">NICHOLAS RICCARDI</a>NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump’s request to add a documentary proof of citizenship requirement to the federal voter registration form cannot be enforced, a federal judge ruled Friday.U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in Washington, D.C., sided with Democratic and civil rights groups that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-order-elections-voting-lawsuit-769caf1eceec29a13b4df78a931deb0b">sued</a>&nbsp;the Trump administration over his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-elections-trump-executive-order-4e9edb53f47e61e241a43ceef8164022">executive order</a>&nbsp;to overhaul U.S. elections.She ruled that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elections-voting-executive-order-citizenship-proof-4bbcf7e13183d8c5004ceb0ca53c7845">proof-of-citizenship directive</a>&nbsp;is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers, dealing a blow to the administration and its allies who have argued that such a mandate is necessary to restore public confidence that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-republicans-citizenship-voting-elections-texas-b6b9298092c84266bc7515209e5aea42">only Americans</a>&nbsp;are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-save-act-citizenship-voting-elections-a37c139461d11eb5f82086680b67ffe7">voting</a>&nbsp;in U.S. elections.“Because our Constitution assigns responsibility for election regulation to the States and to Congress, this Court holds that the President lacks the authority to direct such changes,” Kollar-Kotelly wrote in her opinion.She further emphasized that on matters related to setting qualifications for voting and regulating federal election procedures “the Constitution assigns no direct role to the President in either domain.”Kollar-Kotelly echoed comments she made when she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elections-executive-order-citizenship-lawsuit-4b683fe2e1106316fdb05621be9b7d0e">granted a preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;over the issue.The ruling grants the plaintiffs a partial summary judgment that prohibits the proof-of-citizenship requirement from going into effect. It says the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, which has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-voting-citizenship-proof-election-commission-32ea9adfa724dd9cdc68d9481033f015">considering adding the requirement</a>&nbsp;to the federal voter form, is permanently barred from taking action to do so.In a statement, Sophia Lin Lakin of the ACLU, one of the plaintiffs in the case, called the ruling “a clear victory for our democracy. President Trump’s attempt to impose a documentary proof of citizenship requirement on the federal voter registration form is an unconstitutional power grab.”The White House disagreed with the judge’s ruling in a statement late Friday.“President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to ensure only American citizens are casting ballots in American elections,” said Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson. “This is so commonsense that only the Democrat Party would file a lawsuit against it. We expect to be vindicated by a higher court.”While a top priority for Republicans, attempts to implement documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting have been fraught. The U.S. House passed a citizenship mandate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-save-act-citizenship-voting-elections-a37c139461d11eb5f82086680b67ffe7">last spring</a>&nbsp;that has stalled in the Senate, and several attempts to pass similar legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-republicans-citizenship-voting-elections-texas-b6b9298092c84266bc7515209e5aea42">in the states</a>&nbsp;have proved equally difficult.Such requirements have created problems and confusion for voters when they have taken effect at the state level. It presents particular hurdles for married women who have changed their name, since they might need to show birth certificates and marriage certificates as well as state IDs. Those complications arose earlier this year when a proof-of-citizenship requirement took effect for the first time during local elections&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/save-act-voting-proof-citizenship-new-hampshire-5105986c3fc354d3d61ec3480b49c788">in New Hampshire</a>.In Kansas, a proof-of-citizenship requirement that was in effect for three years created chaos before it was overturned in federal court. Some 30,000 otherwise eligible people&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-noncitizen-voting-proof-of-citizenship-50d56a0b8d1f0fde15480aab3db67f4f">were prevented</a>&nbsp;from registering to vote.Voting by noncitizens also has been shown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/noncitizens-voting-republicans-election-2024-immigration-09b86e6768f755fd875f3c51b0e8ea70">to be rare</a>.The lawsuit brought by the DNC and various civil rights groups will continue to play out to allow the judge to consider other challenges to Trump’s order. That includes a requirement that all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-voting-mail-ballots-drop-boxes-a92707d4805ea2701a8d795e39f83241">mailed ballots</a>&nbsp;be received, rather than just postmarked,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballot-counting-election-day-deadline-california-d9403415687f7f0a0e2c8749511f6652">by Election Day</a>.Other lawsuits against Trump’s election executive order are ongoing.In early April, 19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elections-executive-order-states-lawsuit-5790caa7d4d801c4053e73dfa50622e9">Democratic state attorneys general</a>&nbsp;asked a separate federal court to reject Trump’s executive order. Washington and Oregon, where virtually all voting is done with mailed ballots, followed with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elections-executive-order-oregon-washington-ff9a9cb29a8d886752437e56734df8b4">their own lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the order.

Judge scraps proof of citizenship requirement for federal voter registration

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law weekend, an off duty Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper reported a possible drunk driver, according to a social media report from the KHP.

 Master Trooper Bales located the vehicle near 10th and Laurel in Independence. While he was observing the vehicle he heard a possible gunshot. Master Trooper Bales and Independence Police pulled in behind the vehicle. The driver had negligently discharged the pistol while trying to unload it.

 He was also found to be under the influence of alcohol (.151 almost twice the legal limit if he was 21) and in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He also trafficked contraband into the Montgomery County Jail, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761856484453.png" alt="Photos KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photos KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law weekend, an off duty Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper reported a possible drunk driver, according to a social media report from the KHP. Master Trooper Bales located the vehicle near 10th and Laurel in Independence. While he was observing the vehicle he heard a possible gunshot. Master Trooper Bales and Independence Police pulled in behind the vehicle. The driver had negligently discharged the pistol while trying to unload it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761856440954.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> He was also found to be under the influence of alcohol (.151 almost twice the legal limit if he was 21) and in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He also trafficked contraband into the Montgomery County Jail, according to the KHP.

KHP: Drunken driver fired gun just before traffic stop 

The Silver Alert has bee cancelled, according to the Shawnee County Sheriff's office. Mr. Ragsdale was located by the Osage County Sheriff’s Office near Carbondale around 12:45p.m. on Saturday. He was checked out by medical personell and his family took him back home.

SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Shawnee County man.

The whereabouts of 81-year-old Floyd Ragsdale are unknown, and the public's assistance is requested to help locate him.

Ragsdale was last seen Friday, at approximately 6:30 p.m., in Topeka near NE Spring Creek Dr. He is likely driving a red 2018 Ford F-150 truck bearing Kansas tag 9106AGD.

Ragsdale is a white male who is around 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs around 185 pounds. He has blue eyes and white hair, and was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and glasses. Ragsdale's experiences symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

If you see Floyd Ragsdale, or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office at (785) 251-2200.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1761994379636.png" alt="Floyd Ragsdale photo submitted" />
 <figcaption>Floyd Ragsdale photo submitted</figcaption>
 </figure>The Silver Alert has bee cancelled, according to the Shawnee County Sheriff's office. Mr. Ragsdale was located by the Osage County Sheriff’s Office near Carbondale around 12:45p.m. on Saturday. He was checked out by medical personell and his family took him back home.-------------SHAWNEE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Shawnee County man.The whereabouts of 81-year-old Floyd Ragsdale are unknown, and the public's assistance is requested to help locate him.Ragsdale was last seen Friday, at approximately 6:30 p.m., in Topeka near NE Spring Creek Dr. He is likely driving a red 2018 Ford F-150 truck bearing Kansas tag 9106AGD.Ragsdale is a white male who is around 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs around 185 pounds. He has blue eyes and white hair, and was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and glasses. Ragsdale's experiences symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.If you see Floyd Ragsdale, or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office at (785) 251-2200.

Sheriff: Silver Alert canceled; missing Kansas man found

NEW YORK (AP) — Yes, you’ll get a shot at an extra hour’s sleep. But even with that, it might be one of the most dreaded weekends on the American calendar: the end of daylight saving time.

Only 12% of U.S. adults favor the current system of daylight saving time, which has people in most states changing the clocks twice a year, according to a new AP-NORC poll, while 47% are opposed and 40% are neutral.

Around the country, the clocks will go back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday (respective local times) to mark the return to standard time and more daylight in the mornings. The poll from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/" target="_blank">The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research</a>&nbsp;shows that for many Americans, it’s an unwelcome change — and if forced to choose, most would prefer to keep that extra hour of daylight in the evening.

Pranava Jayanti is among those who strongly oppose the switch. The 31-year-old Los Angeles resident grew up in India, where the clocks don’t change. When he came to the United States for graduate school, some relatives made sure he knew about it.

He thought he was prepared, “but when it actually happened, it still took me by surprise,” Jayanti said, because of how quickly it got dark in the latter half of the day.

There have been calls for the U.S. to stop making the twice-yearly changes, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daylight-saving-time-clock-change-us-europe-77b497a3ce679463c4ab47a210fb16ee">a piece of legislation</a>&nbsp;that stalled after the Senate passed it in 2022. Among those urging that the country stick to one time for the entire year are the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, as well as President Donald Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-daylight-saving-time-dd756bcf1f923c72b47d862c43be75d3">who issued a social media post</a>&nbsp;about it earlier this year.

Permanent daylight saving (not daylight savings, as many people say colloquially) would be unpopular with a significant chunk of people, though, the poll found — particularly those who prefer mornings.

The United States first started&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/springing-forward-daylight-saving-time-c87a434fb84af044690ad0f48c80544e">using the time shift over a century ago</a>, during World War I, then again in World War II. Congress passed a law in 1966 that allowed states to decide if they would have it or not, but required their choices to be uniform across their territories. All states except Arizona and Hawaii make the time shifts; those two states remain on standard time year-round.

Time changes are also undertaken in some other parts of the world, like Canada and Europe, but not in others, like Asia. Europe and North America&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daylight-saving-time-clock-change-us-europe-77b497a3ce679463c4ab47a210fb16ee">change the clocks a week apart</a>, resulting in a short period where the time difference between the regions is an hour shorter than the rest of the year.

But although about half of U.S. adults are opposed to the switch — including 27% who are “strongly” opposed — many don’t care one way or another. That’s particularly true of adults under 30, with 51% saying they neither favor nor oppose the practice. Those over 30 are more likely to be opposed to it, with about half saying they dislike the twice-a-year switching of clocks.

If they had to choose one time for the country to use, more than half of adults — 56% - prefer making daylight saving time permanent, with less light in the morning and more light in the evening. About 4 in 10 prefer standard time, with more light in the morning and less in the evening.

Those who consider themselves “night people” are much more partial to permanent daylight saving time: 61% of them say this would be their choice.

“Morning people” were just about evenly split, with 49% of them preferring permanent daylight saving time, and 50% wanting permanent standard time.

Vicky Robson is one of those night people. If the 74-year-old retired nurse had to pick one time to go by, it would definitely be permanent daylight saving.

“I don’t get up early in the morning, so I don’t need the light in the mornings,” said Robson, of Albert Lea, Minnesota. “I need it more in the late afternoon, early evening. I like when it’s light later, because that’s when I do things. I’ve always worked the evening shift and now that I’m retired, I would go out and take a walk after supper if it was light.”

There’s no overwhelming evidence that daylight or standard time would be better for society, although&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daylight-saving-time-health-effects-body-b67f3f0c00774851514c7fc80913c7c4">there is advice for how to adjust</a>&nbsp;sleep and habits to deal with it.

New research from Stanford University has found that at least when it comes to humans and our internal clocks — our circadian rhythm — having a single time would be better for health than switching. It also found that standard time had slightly better health benefits than daylight saving time.

“The more light you have earlier in the morning, the more robust your clock is,” said Jamie Zeitzer, one of the study authors and co-director of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences at Stanford.

But that’s only one aspect, he added. There are a range of others, from economics to people’s personal preferences.

“This is something that people feel very passionate about, and their passion is usually driven by ... themselves, what they would prefer,” he said. “There is no time policy that you can have that will make everyone happy.”

America did try once, in the mid-1970s, to switch to permanent daylight saving time. It was supposed to be a two-year experiment, but lasted less than a year because it was so unpopular.

At this point, the time shift and the resulting change in daylight hours in different seasons have become part of our culture, said Chad Orzel, professor of physics and astronomy at Union College and author of “A Brief History of Timekeeping.”

“People really like having the long evenings in the summer,” he said. But “we drop back in the fall so that we don’t have the thing that everybody hates, which is it being dark until after you get to work. ... We have earlyish sunrises in the winter and late sunsets in the summer. We like both of those things. The price we pay for that is we have to change the clocks twice a year.”

The AP-NORC poll of 1,289 adults was conducted Oct. 9-13, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646948814561.png" alt="Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday. Photo by Dana Wormal" />
 <figcaption>Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday. Photo by Dana Wormal</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Yes, you’ll get a shot at an extra hour’s sleep. But even with that, it might be one of the most dreaded weekends on the American calendar: the end of daylight saving time.Only 12% of U.S. adults favor the current system of daylight saving time, which has people in most states changing the clocks twice a year, according to a new AP-NORC poll, while 47% are opposed and 40% are neutral.Around the country, the clocks will go back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday (respective local times) to mark the return to standard time and more daylight in the mornings. The poll from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/" target="_blank">The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research</a>&nbsp;shows that for many Americans, it’s an unwelcome change — and if forced to choose, most would prefer to keep that extra hour of daylight in the evening.Pranava Jayanti is among those who strongly oppose the switch. The 31-year-old Los Angeles resident grew up in India, where the clocks don’t change. When he came to the United States for graduate school, some relatives made sure he knew about it.He thought he was prepared, “but when it actually happened, it still took me by surprise,” Jayanti said, because of how quickly it got dark in the latter half of the day.There have been calls for the U.S. to stop making the twice-yearly changes, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daylight-saving-time-clock-change-us-europe-77b497a3ce679463c4ab47a210fb16ee">a piece of legislation</a>&nbsp;that stalled after the Senate passed it in 2022. Among those urging that the country stick to one time for the entire year are the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, as well as President Donald Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-daylight-saving-time-dd756bcf1f923c72b47d862c43be75d3">who issued a social media post</a>&nbsp;about it earlier this year.Permanent daylight saving (not daylight savings, as many people say colloquially) would be unpopular with a significant chunk of people, though, the poll found — particularly those who prefer mornings.<h2>Changing the clocks is unpopular</h2>The United States first started&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/springing-forward-daylight-saving-time-c87a434fb84af044690ad0f48c80544e">using the time shift over a century ago</a>, during World War I, then again in World War II. Congress passed a law in 1966 that allowed states to decide if they would have it or not, but required their choices to be uniform across their territories. All states except Arizona and Hawaii make the time shifts; those two states remain on standard time year-round.Time changes are also undertaken in some other parts of the world, like Canada and Europe, but not in others, like Asia. Europe and North America&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daylight-saving-time-clock-change-us-europe-77b497a3ce679463c4ab47a210fb16ee">change the clocks a week apart</a>, resulting in a short period where the time difference between the regions is an hour shorter than the rest of the year.But although about half of U.S. adults are opposed to the switch — including 27% who are “strongly” opposed — many don’t care one way or another. That’s particularly true of adults under 30, with 51% saying they neither favor nor oppose the practice. Those over 30 are more likely to be opposed to it, with about half saying they dislike the twice-a-year switching of clocks.If they had to choose one time for the country to use, more than half of adults — 56% - prefer making daylight saving time permanent, with less light in the morning and more light in the evening. About 4 in 10 prefer standard time, with more light in the morning and less in the evening.Those who consider themselves “night people” are much more partial to permanent daylight saving time: 61% of them say this would be their choice.“Morning people” were just about evenly split, with 49% of them preferring permanent daylight saving time, and 50% wanting permanent standard time.Vicky Robson is one of those night people. If the 74-year-old retired nurse had to pick one time to go by, it would definitely be permanent daylight saving.“I don’t get up early in the morning, so I don’t need the light in the mornings,” said Robson, of Albert Lea, Minnesota. “I need it more in the late afternoon, early evening. I like when it’s light later, because that’s when I do things. I’ve always worked the evening shift and now that I’m retired, I would go out and take a walk after supper if it was light.”<h2>Why the clock change still happens</h2>There’s no overwhelming evidence that daylight or standard time would be better for society, although&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/daylight-saving-time-health-effects-body-b67f3f0c00774851514c7fc80913c7c4">there is advice for how to adjust</a>&nbsp;sleep and habits to deal with it.New research from Stanford University has found that at least when it comes to humans and our internal clocks — our circadian rhythm — having a single time would be better for health than switching. It also found that standard time had slightly better health benefits than daylight saving time.“The more light you have earlier in the morning, the more robust your clock is,” said Jamie Zeitzer, one of the study authors and co-director of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences at Stanford.But that’s only one aspect, he added. There are a range of others, from economics to people’s personal preferences.“This is something that people feel very passionate about, and their passion is usually driven by ... themselves, what they would prefer,” he said. “There is no time policy that you can have that will make everyone happy.”America did try once, in the mid-1970s, to switch to permanent daylight saving time. It was supposed to be a two-year experiment, but lasted less than a year because it was so unpopular.At this point, the time shift and the resulting change in daylight hours in different seasons have become part of our culture, said Chad Orzel, professor of physics and astronomy at Union College and author of “A Brief History of Timekeeping.”“People really like having the long evenings in the summer,” he said. But “we drop back in the fall so that we don’t have the thing that everybody hates, which is it being dark until after you get to work. ... We have earlyish sunrises in the winter and late sunsets in the summer. We like both of those things. The price we pay for that is we have to change the clocks twice a year.”___Sanders reported from Washington.___The AP-NORC poll of 1,289 adults was conducted Oct. 9-13, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

How Americans feel about changing the clocks, according to a new AP-NORC poll

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a business burglary and asking the public for help&nbsp;to identify the suspects shown on security cameras, according KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

The burglary occurred just after 2:30p.m. October 19,&nbsp; in the area of 12th Street and Broadway Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri.

If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Central Patrol Property Crimes Section at 816- 413-3430 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761947486285.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a business burglary and asking the public for help&nbsp;to identify the suspects shown on security cameras, according KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.The burglary occurred just after 2:30p.m. October 19,&nbsp; in the area of 12th Street and Broadway Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri.If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Central Patrol Property Crimes Section at 816- 413-3430 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Police ask for help to ID Kansas City burglary suspects

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump says he'll fund SNAP if the courts give more clarity.

On Friday evening, the president suggested on social media that the government would comply with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-shutdown-lawsuits-deadline-4af8b0dec6cd31cddd023cc99c131b73">court rulings</a>&nbsp;to pay for food aid during the government shutdown but said more clarity is needed first.

“Even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while States get the money out,” Trump said. Federal funds for the program are expected to be frozen starting Saturday.

“If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding.”

He sought to blame Democrats for the delay and urged SNAP recipients to call Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761957209962.png" alt="President Trump spoke to reporters upon arrival Palm Beach, Florida on Friday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump spoke to reporters upon arrival Palm Beach, Florida on Friday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump says he'll fund SNAP if the courts give more clarity.On Friday evening, the president suggested on social media that the government would comply with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-shutdown-lawsuits-deadline-4af8b0dec6cd31cddd023cc99c131b73">court rulings</a>&nbsp;to pay for food aid during the government shutdown but said more clarity is needed first.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/GaXZbasg6U">pic.twitter.com/GaXZbasg6U</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984383011937534409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while States get the money out,” Trump said. Federal funds for the program are expected to be frozen starting Saturday.“If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding.”He sought to blame Democrats for the delay and urged SNAP recipients to call Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Trump: It will be my honor to fund SNAP if ....

HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office has received confirmation as to the identity of human remains found in southeastern Harvey County on Oct. 1, according to a media release.

The individual was identified as Robert F. Williams, 35, of Wichita.

Williams’ identity was confirmed through DNA testing with living relatives conducted by the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center. The Ninth District Coroner’s Office assisted in the investigation.

Human remains later attributed to Williams were discovered in a hay field by a farmer in the 3000 block of South Hillside Road on Oct. 1. Information identifying Williams was not found at the scene.

The farmstead is southeast of Newton. It is unknown why Williams was in the area where he was found. It is suspected he died in the summer. No foul play is suspected in Williams’ death. No further investigation is anticipated.

HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office has begun an investigation after human remains were found southeast of Newton.

Emergency personnel were dispatched around noon to the 3000 block of South Hillside Road after a farmer discovered the remains in a hay field.

The cause of death nor the identity of the individual have been determined. The Harvey County Coroner’s Office is assisting in the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759358345093.png" alt="Google Map" />
 <figcaption>Google Map</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office has received confirmation as to the identity of human remains found in southeastern Harvey County on Oct. 1, according to a media release.The individual was identified as Robert F. Williams, 35, of Wichita.Williams’ identity was confirmed through DNA testing with living relatives conducted by the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center. The Ninth District Coroner’s Office assisted in the investigation.Human remains later attributed to Williams were discovered in a hay field by a farmer in the 3000 block of South Hillside Road on Oct. 1. Information identifying Williams was not found at the scene.The farmstead is southeast of Newton. It is unknown why Williams was in the area where he was found. It is suspected he died in the summer. No foul play is suspected in Williams’ death. No further investigation is anticipated.-----------------HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office has begun an investigation after human remains were found southeast of Newton.Emergency personnel were dispatched around noon to the 3000 block of South Hillside Road after a farmer discovered the remains in a hay field.The cause of death nor the identity of the individual have been determined. The Harvey County Coroner’s Office is assisting in the investigation.

Sheriff confirms identity of body found in rural Kan. hay field

BOSTON (AP) — Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must continue to pay for SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using emergency reserve funds during the government shutdown.

The judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island gave the administration leeway on whether to fund the program partially or in full for November. That also brings uncertainty about how things will unfold and will delay payments for many beneficiaries whose cards would normally be recharged early in the month.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program starting Nov. 1 because it said it could no longer keep funding it due to the shutdown. The program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and is a major piece of the nation’s social safety net — and it costs about $8 billion per month nationally.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat and the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture committee that oversees the food aid program, said Friday's rulings from judges nominated to the bench by former President Barack Obama confirm what Democrats have been saying: "The administration is choosing not to feed Americans in need, despite knowing that it is legally required to do so.”

Judges agree at least one fund must go toward SNAP

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.

The administration said it wasn’t allowed to use a contingency fund of about $5 billion for the program, which reversed a USDA plan from before the shutdown that said money would be tapped to keep SNAP running. The Democratic officials argued that not only could that money be used, but that it must be. They also said a separate fund with around $23 billion is available for the cause.

In Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell ruled from the bench in a case filed by cities and nonprofits that the program must be funded using at least the contingency funds, and he asked for an update on progress by Monday.

Along with ordering the federal government to use emergency reserves to backfill SNAP benefits, McConnell ruled that all previous work requirement waivers must continue to be honored. The USDA during the shutdown has terminated existing waivers that exempted work requirements for older adults, veterans and others.

There were similar elements in the Boston case, where U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled in a written opinion that the USDA has to pay for SNAP, calling the suspension “unlawful.” She ordered the federal government to advise the court by Monday as to whether they will use the emergency reserve funds to provide reduced SNAP benefits for November or fully fund the program “using both contingency funds and additional available funds.

“Defendants’ suspension of SNAP payments was based on the erroneous conclusion that the Contingency Funds could not be used to ensure continuation of SNAP payments,” she wrote. “This court has now clarified that Defendants are required to use those Contingency Funds as necessary for the SNAP program.”

For many, benefits will still be delayed after the ruling

No matter how the rulings came down, the benefits for millions of people will be delayed in November because the process of loading cards can take a week or more in many states.

The administration did not immediately say whether it would appeal the rulings.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-snap-states-help-a5ab631a93a6d8087a4448117f026fb7">States, food banks and SNAP recipients</a>&nbsp;have been bracing for an abrupt shift in how low-income people can get groceries. Advocates and beneficiaries say halting the food aid would force people to choose between buying groceries and paying other bills.

The majority of states have announced more or expedited funding for food banks or novel ways to load at least some benefits onto the SNAP debit cards.

Across the U.S., advocates who had been sounding the alarm for weeks about the pending SNAP benefits cut off let out a small sigh of relief on Friday as the rulings came down, while acknowledging the win is temporary and possibly not complete.

"Thousands of nonprofit food banks, pantries and other organizations across the country can avoid the impossible burden that would have resulted if SNAP benefits had been halted,” said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, one of the plaintiffs in the Rhode Island case.

The possibility of reduced benefits also means uncertainty

Cynthia Kirkhart, CEO of Facing Hunger Food Bank in Huntington, West Virginia, said her organization and the pantries it serves in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia will keep their extra hours this weekend, knowing that the people whose benefits usually arrive at the start of the month won’t see them.

“What we know, unless the administration is magical, is nothing is going to happen tomorrow,” she said.

Kristle Johnson, a 32-year-old full-time nursing student and mother of three in Florida, is concerned about the possibility of reduced benefits.

Despite buying meat in bulk, careful meal planning and not buying junk food, she said, her $994 a month benefit doesn’t buy a full month’s groceries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761708396724.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must continue to pay for SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using emergency reserve funds during the government shutdown.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739672428485.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island gave the administration leeway on whether to fund the program partially or in full for November. That also brings uncertainty about how things will unfold and will delay payments for many beneficiaries whose cards would normally be recharged early in the month.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on SNAP benefits: &quot;When you talk about SNAP, you&#39;re talking about largely Democrats. I&#39;m president. I want to help everybody...Democrats and Republicans. But when you&#39;re talking about SNAP, if you look, it&#39;s largely Democrats. They&#39;re hurting their own people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/D2nli8CCWy">pic.twitter.com/D2nli8CCWy</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1984319423444906227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program starting Nov. 1 because it said it could no longer keep funding it due to the shutdown. The program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and is a major piece of the nation’s social safety net — and it costs about $8 billion per month nationally.U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat and the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture committee that oversees the food aid program, said Friday's rulings from judges nominated to the bench by former President Barack Obama confirm what Democrats have been saying: "The administration is choosing not to feed Americans in need, despite knowing that it is legally required to do so.”<h2>Judges agree at least one fund must go toward SNAP</h2>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.The administration said it wasn’t allowed to use a contingency fund of about $5 billion for the program, which reversed a USDA plan from before the shutdown that said money would be tapped to keep SNAP running. The Democratic officials argued that not only could that money be used, but that it must be. They also said a separate fund with around $23 billion is available for the cause.In Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell ruled from the bench in a case filed by cities and nonprofits that the program must be funded using at least the contingency funds, and he asked for an update on progress by Monday.Along with ordering the federal government to use emergency reserves to backfill SNAP benefits, McConnell ruled that all previous work requirement waivers must continue to be honored. The USDA during the shutdown has terminated existing waivers that exempted work requirements for older adults, veterans and others.There were similar elements in the Boston case, where U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled in a written opinion that the USDA has to pay for SNAP, calling the suspension “unlawful.” She ordered the federal government to advise the court by Monday as to whether they will use the emergency reserve funds to provide reduced SNAP benefits for November or fully fund the program “using both contingency funds and additional available funds.“Defendants’ suspension of SNAP payments was based on the erroneous conclusion that the Contingency Funds could not be used to ensure continuation of SNAP payments,” she wrote. “This court has now clarified that Defendants are required to use those Contingency Funds as necessary for the SNAP program.”<h2>For many, benefits will still be delayed after the ruling</h2>No matter how the rulings came down, the benefits for millions of people will be delayed in November because the process of loading cards can take a week or more in many states.The administration did not immediately say whether it would appeal the rulings.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-snap-states-help-a5ab631a93a6d8087a4448117f026fb7">States, food banks and SNAP recipients</a>&nbsp;have been bracing for an abrupt shift in how low-income people can get groceries. Advocates and beneficiaries say halting the food aid would force people to choose between buying groceries and paying other bills.The majority of states have announced more or expedited funding for food banks or novel ways to load at least some benefits onto the SNAP debit cards.Across the U.S., advocates who had been sounding the alarm for weeks about the pending SNAP benefits cut off let out a small sigh of relief on Friday as the rulings came down, while acknowledging the win is temporary and possibly not complete."Thousands of nonprofit food banks, pantries and other organizations across the country can avoid the impossible burden that would have resulted if SNAP benefits had been halted,” said Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, one of the plaintiffs in the Rhode Island case.<h2>The possibility of reduced benefits also means uncertainty</h2>Cynthia Kirkhart, CEO of Facing Hunger Food Bank in Huntington, West Virginia, said her organization and the pantries it serves in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia will keep their extra hours this weekend, knowing that the people whose benefits usually arrive at the start of the month won’t see them.“What we know, unless the administration is magical, is nothing is going to happen tomorrow,” she said.Kristle Johnson, a 32-year-old full-time nursing student and mother of three in Florida, is concerned about the possibility of reduced benefits.Despite buying meat in bulk, careful meal planning and not buying junk food, she said, her $994 a month benefit doesn’t buy a full month’s groceries.“Now I have to deal with someone who wants to get rid of everything I have to keep my family afloat until I can better myself,” Johnson said of Trump.<h2>The ruling doesn't resolve partisan tussles</h2>At a Washington news conference earlier Friday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, whose department runs SNAP, said the contingency funds in question would not cover the cost of the program for long. Speaking at a press conference with House Speaker Mike Johnson at the Capitol, she blamed Democrats for conducting a “disgusting dereliction of duty” by refusing to end their Senate filibuster as they hold out for an extension of health care funds.A push this week to continue SNAP funding during the shutdown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-benefits-government-shutdown-democrats-0cb0858eca47c90e2379f823d360083b">failed in Congress</a>.To qualify for SNAP in 2025, a family of four’s net income after certain expenses can’t exceed the federal poverty line, which is about $31,000 per year. Last year, SNAP provided assistance to 41 million people, nearly two-thirds of whom were families with children.“The court’s ruling protects millions of families, seniors, and veterans from being used as leverage in a political fight and upholds the principle that no one in America should go hungry,” Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said of the Rhode Island decision.___Mulvihill reported from Haddonfield, New Jersey; and Kruesi from Providence, Rhode Island. Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington, D.C., contributed.