A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to pay roughly $9 billion for November SNAP benefits by Friday. Vice President&nbsp; JD Vance criticized the ruling.

(click below to listen to Vice President Vance's comments)

A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to pay roughly $9 billion for November SNAP benefits by Friday. Vice President&nbsp; JD Vance criticized the ruling.(click below to listen to Vice President Vance's comments)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">.<a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>: &quot;It’s an absurd ruling because you have a federal judge effectively telling us what we have to do in the midst of a Democrat government shutdown... What we’d like to do is for the Democrats to open up the government — then we can fund SNAP, and we can also do a lot of other… <a href="https://t.co/TWSpzllzKt">pic.twitter.com/TWSpzllzKt</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1986601094550602090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Vice President critical of judge's ruling to fully fund SNAP

WASHINGTON, D.C. —&nbsp;U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford&nbsp; outlined the proactive actions the FAA will take to maintain the highest standards of safety in the national airspace system. This includes achieving a temporary 10 percent reduction in flights at 40 high traffic airports across the country. &nbsp;

Since the beginning of the shutdown, controllers have been working without pay, and staffing triggers at air traffic facilities across the country have been increasing. This has resulted in increased reports of strain on the system from both pilots and air traffic controllers. This past weekend, there were 2,740 delays at various airports.  &nbsp;

“My department has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety. This isn’t about politics – it’s about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue to work without pay,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.&nbsp;“It’s safe to fly today, and it will continue to be safe to fly next week because of the proactive actions we are taking.”&nbsp;

“We are seeing signs of stress in the system, so we are proactively reducing the number of flights to make sure the American people continue to fly safely,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford.&nbsp;“The FAA will continue to closely monitor operations, and we will not hesitate to take further action to make sure air travel remains safe.”  &nbsp;

The full emergency order can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/FAA-Emergency-Order-11-6-25.pdf">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

A 4 percent reduction in operations will take effect Friday, November 7, ramping up to 6 percent by November 11, 8 percent by November 13, and 10 percent by November 14.&nbsp;

These actions were directly informed by the FAA’s review of aviation safety data, including voluntary, confidential safety reports that pilots and air traffic controllers file. The data indicates increased stress on the system, which increases risk. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Airlines will be required to issue full refunds. They will not be required to cover secondary costs. This is the normal procedure when a delay or cancellation is not at the fault of the carrier.&nbsp;

The order does not require a reduction in international flights. Carriers may use their own discretion to decide which flights are canceled to reach the order’s goal.&nbsp;

Decisions to increase or decrease these flight reductions will be informed by safety data. &nbsp;

The 40 affected high impact airports include: &nbsp;

ANC –&nbsp;Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport&nbsp;

ATL –&nbsp;Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport&nbsp;

BOS –&nbsp;Boston Logan International Airport&nbsp;

BWI –&nbsp;Baltimore/Washington International Airport&nbsp;

CLT –&nbsp;Charlotte Douglas International Airport&nbsp;

CVG –&nbsp;Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport&nbsp;

DAL –&nbsp;Dallas Love Field&nbsp;DCA –&nbsp;Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport&nbsp;

DEN –&nbsp;Denver International Airport&nbsp;

DFW –&nbsp;Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport&nbsp;

DTW –&nbsp;Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport&nbsp;EWR –&nbsp;Newark Liberty International Airport&nbsp;

FLL –&nbsp;Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport&nbsp;

HNL –&nbsp;Honolulu International Airport&nbsp;

HOU –&nbsp;William P. Hobby Airport&nbsp;

IAD –&nbsp;Washington Dulles International Airport

&nbsp;IAH –&nbsp;George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport&nbsp;

IND –&nbsp;Indianapolis International Airport&nbsp;

JFK –&nbsp;New York John F. Kennedy International Airport&nbsp;

LAS –&nbsp;Las Vegas McCarran International Airport&nbsp;

LAX –&nbsp;Los Angeles International Airport&nbsp;

LGA –&nbsp;New York LaGuardia Airport&nbsp;

MCO –&nbsp;Orlando International Airport&nbsp;

MDW –&nbsp;Chicago Midway International Airport&nbsp;

MEM –&nbsp;Memphis International Airport&nbsp;

MIA –&nbsp;Miami International Airport&nbsp;

MSP –&nbsp;Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport&nbsp;

OAK –&nbsp;Oakland International Airport&nbsp;

ONT –&nbsp;Ontario International Airport&nbsp;

ORD –&nbsp;Chicago O’Hare International Airport&nbsp;

PDX –&nbsp;Portland International Airport

&nbsp;PHL –&nbsp;Philadelphia International Airport&nbsp;

PHX –&nbsp;Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport&nbsp;

SAN –&nbsp;San Diego International Airport&nbsp;

SDF –&nbsp;Louisville International Airport&nbsp;

SEA –&nbsp;Seattle–Tacoma International Airport&nbsp;

SFO –&nbsp;San Francisco International Airport&nbsp;

SLC –&nbsp;Salt Lake City International Airport&nbsp;

TEB –&nbsp;Teterboro Airport&nbsp;TPA –&nbsp;Tampa International Airport

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762445699793.png" alt="Photo Frontier Airlines" />
 <figcaption>Photo Frontier Airlines</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/USDOT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USDOT</a> has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety. This isn’t about politics – it’s about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue working without pay. It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because… <a href="https://t.co/YRrq5sdy4T">pic.twitter.com/YRrq5sdy4T</a>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1986598889005477938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>WASHINGTON, D.C. —&nbsp;U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford&nbsp; outlined the proactive actions the FAA will take to maintain the highest standards of safety in the national airspace system. This includes achieving a temporary 10 percent reduction in flights at 40 high traffic airports across the country. &nbsp;Since the beginning of the shutdown, controllers have been working without pay, and staffing triggers at air traffic facilities across the country have been increasing. This has resulted in increased reports of strain on the system from both pilots and air traffic controllers. This past weekend, there were 2,740 delays at various airports.  &nbsp;“My department has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety. This isn’t about politics – it’s about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue to work without pay,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.&nbsp;“It’s safe to fly today, and it will continue to be safe to fly next week because of the proactive actions we are taking.”&nbsp;“We are seeing signs of stress in the system, so we are proactively reducing the number of flights to make sure the American people continue to fly safely,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford.&nbsp;“The FAA will continue to closely monitor operations, and we will not hesitate to take further action to make sure air travel remains safe.”  &nbsp;The full emergency order can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/FAA-Emergency-Order-11-6-25.pdf">HERE</a>.&nbsp;Summary of Actions:A 4 percent reduction in operations will take effect Friday, November 7, ramping up to 6 percent by November 11, 8 percent by November 13, and 10 percent by November 14.&nbsp;The FAA will also:<ul>
 <li>Prohibit some visual flight rule approaches (VFR) at facilities with staffing triggers</li><li>Limit commercial space launches to non-peak hours so they are prohibited between 11:01 a.m. and 2:59 p.m. UTC</li><li>Prohibit parachute operations and photo missions near facilities with a staffing trigger. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>These actions were directly informed by the FAA’s review of aviation safety data, including voluntary, confidential safety reports that pilots and air traffic controllers file. The data indicates increased stress on the system, which increases risk. &nbsp;&nbsp;Additional Information:Airlines will be required to issue full refunds. They will not be required to cover secondary costs. This is the normal procedure when a delay or cancellation is not at the fault of the carrier.&nbsp;The order does not require a reduction in international flights. Carriers may use their own discretion to decide which flights are canceled to reach the order’s goal.&nbsp;Decisions to increase or decrease these flight reductions will be informed by safety data. &nbsp;The 40 affected high impact airports include: &nbsp;ANC –&nbsp;Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport&nbsp;ATL –&nbsp;Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport&nbsp;BOS –&nbsp;Boston Logan International Airport&nbsp;BWI –&nbsp;Baltimore/Washington International Airport&nbsp;CLT –&nbsp;Charlotte Douglas International Airport&nbsp;CVG –&nbsp;Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport&nbsp;DAL –&nbsp;Dallas Love Field&nbsp;DCA –&nbsp;Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport&nbsp;DEN –&nbsp;Denver International Airport&nbsp;DFW –&nbsp;Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport&nbsp;DTW –&nbsp;Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport&nbsp;EWR –&nbsp;Newark Liberty International Airport&nbsp;FLL –&nbsp;Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport&nbsp;HNL –&nbsp;Honolulu International Airport&nbsp;HOU –&nbsp;William P. Hobby Airport&nbsp;IAD –&nbsp;Washington Dulles International Airport&nbsp;IAH –&nbsp;George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport&nbsp;IND –&nbsp;Indianapolis International Airport&nbsp;JFK –&nbsp;New York John F. Kennedy International Airport&nbsp;LAS –&nbsp;Las Vegas McCarran International Airport&nbsp;LAX –&nbsp;Los Angeles International Airport&nbsp;LGA –&nbsp;New York LaGuardia Airport&nbsp;MCO –&nbsp;Orlando International Airport&nbsp;MDW –&nbsp;Chicago Midway International Airport&nbsp;MEM –&nbsp;Memphis International Airport&nbsp;MIA –&nbsp;Miami International Airport&nbsp;MSP –&nbsp;Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport&nbsp;OAK –&nbsp;Oakland International Airport&nbsp;ONT –&nbsp;Ontario International Airport&nbsp;ORD –&nbsp;Chicago O’Hare International Airport&nbsp;PDX –&nbsp;Portland International Airport&nbsp;PHL –&nbsp;Philadelphia International Airport&nbsp;PHX –&nbsp;Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport&nbsp;SAN –&nbsp;San Diego International Airport&nbsp;SDF –&nbsp;Louisville International Airport&nbsp;SEA –&nbsp;Seattle–Tacoma International Airport&nbsp;SFO –&nbsp;San Francisco International Airport&nbsp;SLC –&nbsp;Salt Lake City International Airport&nbsp;TEB –&nbsp;Teterboro Airport&nbsp;TPA –&nbsp;Tampa International Airport

FAA's order to cut flights nationwide due to gov't shutdown is in effect

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reported another deadly strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

Hegseth wrote on social media, "As we’ve said before, vessel strikes on narco-terrorists will continue until their the poisoning of the American people stops."

":On Thursday. at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization."

"The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean and was struck in international waters. No U.S. forces were harmed in the strike, and three male narco-terrorists — who were aboard the vessel — were killed."

"To all narco-terrorists who threaten our homeland: if you want to stay alive, stop trafficking drugs. If you keep trafficking deadly drugs—we will kill you."

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reported another deadly strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.Hegseth wrote on social media, "As we’ve said before, vessel strikes on narco-terrorists will continue until their the poisoning of the American people stops."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">As we’ve said before, vessel strikes on narco-terrorists will continue until their the poisoning of the American people stops. Today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist… <a href="https://t.co/gQF9LpSjqD">pic.twitter.com/gQF9LpSjqD</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1986631797547921741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>":On Thursday. at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization.""The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean and was struck in international waters. No U.S. forces were harmed in the strike, and three male narco-terrorists — who were aboard the vessel — were killed.""To all narco-terrorists who threaten our homeland: if you want to stay alive, stop trafficking drugs. If you keep trafficking deadly drugs—we will kill you."

🎥US military kills 3 in new strike on drug-running boat

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

A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration Thursday to pay roughly $9 billion for a full month of nutrition assistance benefits by the next day.

Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., who was appointed by Democratic former President Barack Obama, said the administration blew its chance to choose to pay only partial benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, when it failed to release funds by a Wednesday deadline.

He said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/defiant-trump-vows-no-snap-payments-until-democrats-cave-shutdown" target="_blank">a social media post</a>&nbsp;by President Donald Trump showed the president sought to use hunger for political leverage during the government shutdown, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-talks-continue-end-37-day-shutdown-final-deal-elusive" target="_blank">stretched into day 37</a>&nbsp;on Thursday.

Earlier, in a Friday oral order that he expanded in a Saturday written order, McConnell had said the government must either pay full benefits by Monday or partial benefits from a contingency fund by Wednesday.&nbsp;

The government did neither, he said Thursday.

The administration had argued it was impossible to pay the benefits, which go to 42 million Americans, within a few days, saying that the USDA had never calculated partial benefits and that coordinating new payments for SNAP, a federally funded program administered by the states, was difficult.&nbsp;

But McConnell said the department created the problem, in part by failing to prepare for it far earlier. USDA was obligated to spend from a contingency fund to ensure SNAP benefits flowed into November uninterrupted, he said.&nbsp;

“USDA did not do so,” he said. “Even when Nov. 1 came, USDA refused to use the congressionally mandated contingency funds. USDA cannot now cry that it cannot get timely payments to beneficiaries for weeks or months because states are not prepared to make partial payments.

“USDA arbitrarily and capriciously created this problem by ignoring the congressionally mandated contingency funds and failing to timely notify the states.”

McConnell also pointed to Trump’s post on Truth Social on Tuesday that indicated he would not authorize payments consistent with the judge’s order until Democrats agreed to his terms to end the government shutdown.

“The day before the compliance was ordered, the president stated his intent to defy the court order when he said, ‘SNAP payments will be given only when the government opens,’” McConnell said Thursday.

The USDA had said it would pay only partial November benefits from a contingency fund holding about $4.5 billion, rather than tap into other money at its disposal, including a $23 billion fund for child nutrition programs.

The coalition of cities and nonprofit organizations that sued to force the administration to pay SNAP benefits for November has argued the court should force USDA to pay full benefits for November.&nbsp;

In addition to the missed Wednesday deadline, the move violated a fundamental administrative law requiring federal agencies not to make arbitrary and capricious decisions, Kristin Bateman of the Democracy Forward Foundation, which is representing the groups, said Thursday.

The child nutrition program would not need its billions of dollars until June, she said, meaning that transferring funds for SNAP would only actually hurt the child nutrition program if the shutdown persists until then.

“A decision on such a highly unlikely set of events is not reasoned decision-making,” Bateman said. “It’s particularly unreasonable because the defendants have not explained why they would choose to let 42 million Americans, including 16 million children, go hungry now in order to guard against the extreme outside chance that come June, there won’t be enough money to fund child nutrition programs.”

McConnell agreed that invoking the child nutrition fund was “entirely pretextual,” which was demonstrated in part by Trump’s post and other statements by administration officials.

“The defendants’ stated desire to conserve funding for the child nutrition programs is entirely pretextual, given the numerous statements made in recent weeks by the president and his administration officials who admit to withholding full SNAP benefits for political reasons,” he said.

McConnell also noted that the case should be resolved as soon as possible to help provide food to hungry people or “needless suffering will occur.”

Tyler Becker, who argued on behalf of the USDA, said the department had done its part by making available to states a table showing how they should allocate partial November benefits for households of differing circumstances.

SNAP is a complex program, requiring coordination between the federal government and all 50 states, each of which has a different system for distributing benefits.

“The government did make the payments, is making the payments to the states,” he said. “That’s all the government does in the SNAP program.”

He added that the government had shown earlier in the case some of the administrative difficulties of paying partial benefits.

In a separate case in Massachusetts federal court, some states said they could process the benefits immediately, while others cannot.

But McConnell cut him off shortly after, saying the federal government was responsible for ensuring people got their SNAP benefits.

“The problem that the government identified needed to be resolved one way or the other by Wednesday,” he said. “And if it wasn’t resolved by Wednesday, then you had to make the full payments, because that’s the only way we could get money to people immediately and alleviate the irreparable harm, whether you could or couldn’t do anything about that.”

In a Sept. 30 contingency plan about how to proceed during a government shutdown, the USDA itself said it would pay for continuing benefits through the contingency fund, which at the time held $6 billion. The administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/usda-wont-shuffle-funds-extend-snap-during-shutdown-about-face-earlier-plan" target="_blank">later reversed that plan</a>&nbsp;and said it could not tap the contingency fund.

In the Massachusetts case, which was brought by 25 Democratic states and the District of Columbia, the states argued Thursday that confusion stemming from a miscalculation the USDA made in determining November partial benefits was a reason to force the administration to pay for a full month.

The hearing followed a late Wednesday night filing from the USDA correcting an error it made in calculating the amounts beneficiaries would receive under its plan for partial payments.&nbsp;

The department said it will reduce the largest monthly food assistance payments by about 35% in November, down from a 50% cut the department initially estimated.

USDA miscalculated how to adjust benefit payments for SNAP to account for a lack of full funding during the government shutdown, a department official said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26218472-usdadocnov5/" target="_blank">a filing</a>&nbsp;to the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island.&nbsp;

The formula the government initially used and sent to states Tuesday would have resulted in about a 50% cut to the maximum monthly benefits, and left some households without benefits.&nbsp;

SNAP pays benefits on a sliding scale depending on the size of a household, the household’s income and other expenses such as housing. By cutting the maximum benefit by one-half, the department would have spent about $3 billion from a SNAP contingency fund instead of the full $4.65 billion in the fund, which is what the court ordered it to spend.

The mixup created confusion for state administrators, the states in the Massachusetts litigation said.

“The fact they have been asked to suddenly shift on a dime yet again as a result of these entirely new tables, causing further chaos and delay, underscores that USDA’s approach here is untenable and unlawful,” the states wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mass.gov/doc/snap-reply-brief/download" target="_blank">a Thursday brief</a>.

The error was first reported to McConnell by the coalition of cities and nonprofit organizations that sued to force the government to pay SNAP benefits this month.&nbsp;

An analysis submitted by Sharon Parrott, a former White House budget officer who now leads the left-leaning think tank Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, showed that the table the department submitted to the court and sent to states on Tuesday would fall short of the court’s order to spend the entire contingency fund.

The groups said the department’s error was another reason the court should compel the government to transfer funds to pay out full benefits for November.

“Defendants’ approach means that only around $3 billion—out of the $4.65 billion Defendants have said is available—will be spent on SNAP benefits in November, leaving more than $1.5 billion in contingency funds unspent,” they wrote in a Wednesday brief. “Defendants opted for partial (and delayed) SNAP payments, but even then, did not manage to do that correctly.”

The department said in its filing later Wednesday that it independently discovered its miscalculation and worked to fix it before Parrott’s declaration hit the court docket.

“Defendants realized this error and worked to issue new guidance and tables as soon as it was discovered, not in response to Plaintiffs’ notice filed earlier this evening,” USDA’s brief said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762201737176.jpeg" alt="A sign in a convenience store along Barlowe Road in Hyattsville, Maryland, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, advertises that it accepts SNAP benefilts..jpg" />
 <figcaption>A sign in a convenience store along Barlowe Road in Hyattsville, Maryland, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, advertises that it accepts SNAP benefilts..jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration Thursday to pay roughly $9 billion for a full month of nutrition assistance benefits by the next day.Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., who was appointed by Democratic former President Barack Obama, said the administration blew its chance to choose to pay only partial benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, when it failed to release funds by a Wednesday deadline.He said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/defiant-trump-vows-no-snap-payments-until-democrats-cave-shutdown" target="_blank">a social media post</a>&nbsp;by President Donald Trump showed the president sought to use hunger for political leverage during the government shutdown, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-talks-continue-end-37-day-shutdown-final-deal-elusive" target="_blank">stretched into day 37</a>&nbsp;on Thursday.Earlier, in a Friday oral order that he expanded in a Saturday written order, McConnell had said the government must either pay full benefits by Monday or partial benefits from a contingency fund by Wednesday.&nbsp;The government did neither, he said Thursday.The administration had argued it was impossible to pay the benefits, which go to 42 million Americans, within a few days, saying that the USDA had never calculated partial benefits and that coordinating new payments for SNAP, a federally funded program administered by the states, was difficult.&nbsp;<h2>‘USDA cannot now cry’</h2>But McConnell said the department created the problem, in part by failing to prepare for it far earlier. USDA was obligated to spend from a contingency fund to ensure SNAP benefits flowed into November uninterrupted, he said.&nbsp;“USDA did not do so,” he said. “Even when Nov. 1 came, USDA refused to use the congressionally mandated contingency funds. USDA cannot now cry that it cannot get timely payments to beneficiaries for weeks or months because states are not prepared to make partial payments.“USDA arbitrarily and capriciously created this problem by ignoring the congressionally mandated contingency funds and failing to timely notify the states.”McConnell also pointed to Trump’s post on Truth Social on Tuesday that indicated he would not authorize payments consistent with the judge’s order until Democrats agreed to his terms to end the government shutdown.“The day before the compliance was ordered, the president stated his intent to defy the court order when he said, ‘SNAP payments will be given only when the government opens,’” McConnell said Thursday.<h2>Child nutrition funding suggested</h2>The USDA had said it would pay only partial November benefits from a contingency fund holding about $4.5 billion, rather than tap into other money at its disposal, including a $23 billion fund for child nutrition programs.The coalition of cities and nonprofit organizations that sued to force the administration to pay SNAP benefits for November has argued the court should force USDA to pay full benefits for November.&nbsp;In addition to the missed Wednesday deadline, the move violated a fundamental administrative law requiring federal agencies not to make arbitrary and capricious decisions, Kristin Bateman of the Democracy Forward Foundation, which is representing the groups, said Thursday.The child nutrition program would not need its billions of dollars until June, she said, meaning that transferring funds for SNAP would only actually hurt the child nutrition program if the shutdown persists until then.“A decision on such a highly unlikely set of events is not reasoned decision-making,” Bateman said. “It’s particularly unreasonable because the defendants have not explained why they would choose to let 42 million Americans, including 16 million children, go hungry now in order to guard against the extreme outside chance that come June, there won’t be enough money to fund child nutrition programs.”McConnell agreed that invoking the child nutrition fund was “entirely pretextual,” which was demonstrated in part by Trump’s post and other statements by administration officials.“The defendants’ stated desire to conserve funding for the child nutrition programs is entirely pretextual, given the numerous statements made in recent weeks by the president and his administration officials who admit to withholding full SNAP benefits for political reasons,” he said.McConnell also noted that the case should be resolved as soon as possible to help provide food to hungry people or “needless suffering will occur.”<h2>‘A state problem’</h2>Tyler Becker, who argued on behalf of the USDA, said the department had done its part by making available to states a table showing how they should allocate partial November benefits for households of differing circumstances.SNAP is a complex program, requiring coordination between the federal government and all 50 states, each of which has a different system for distributing benefits.“The government did make the payments, is making the payments to the states,” he said. “That’s all the government does in the SNAP program.”He added that the government had shown earlier in the case some of the administrative difficulties of paying partial benefits.In a separate case in Massachusetts federal court, some states said they could process the benefits immediately, while others cannot.“This is a state problem,” he said.But McConnell cut him off shortly after, saying the federal government was responsible for ensuring people got their SNAP benefits.“The problem that the government identified needed to be resolved one way or the other by Wednesday,” he said. “And if it wasn’t resolved by Wednesday, then you had to make the full payments, because that’s the only way we could get money to people immediately and alleviate the irreparable harm, whether you could or couldn’t do anything about that.”In a Sept. 30 contingency plan about how to proceed during a government shutdown, the USDA itself said it would pay for continuing benefits through the contingency fund, which at the time held $6 billion. The administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/usda-wont-shuffle-funds-extend-snap-during-shutdown-about-face-earlier-plan" target="_blank">later reversed that plan</a>&nbsp;and said it could not tap the contingency fund.In the Massachusetts case, which was brought by 25 Democratic states and the District of Columbia, the states argued Thursday that confusion stemming from a miscalculation the USDA made in determining November partial benefits was a reason to force the administration to pay for a full month.<h2>USDA corrects miscalculation</h2>The hearing followed a late Wednesday night filing from the USDA correcting an error it made in calculating the amounts beneficiaries would receive under its plan for partial payments.&nbsp;The department said it will reduce the largest monthly food assistance payments by about 35% in November, down from a 50% cut the department initially estimated.USDA miscalculated how to adjust benefit payments for SNAP to account for a lack of full funding during the government shutdown, a department official said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26218472-usdadocnov5/" target="_blank">a filing</a>&nbsp;to the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island.&nbsp;The formula the government initially used and sent to states Tuesday would have resulted in about a 50% cut to the maximum monthly benefits, and left some households without benefits.&nbsp;SNAP pays benefits on a sliding scale depending on the size of a household, the household’s income and other expenses such as housing. By cutting the maximum benefit by one-half, the department would have spent about $3 billion from a SNAP contingency fund instead of the full $4.65 billion in the fund, which is what the court ordered it to spend.The mixup created confusion for state administrators, the states in the Massachusetts litigation said.“The fact they have been asked to suddenly shift on a dime yet again as a result of these entirely new tables, causing further chaos and delay, underscores that USDA’s approach here is untenable and unlawful,” the states wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mass.gov/doc/snap-reply-brief/download" target="_blank">a Thursday brief</a>.The error was first reported to McConnell by the coalition of cities and nonprofit organizations that sued to force the government to pay SNAP benefits this month.&nbsp;<h2>Think tank discovers discrepancy&nbsp;</h2>An analysis submitted by Sharon Parrott, a former White House budget officer who now leads the left-leaning think tank Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, showed that the table the department submitted to the court and sent to states on Tuesday would fall short of the court’s order to spend the entire contingency fund.The groups said the department’s error was another reason the court should compel the government to transfer funds to pay out full benefits for November.“Defendants’ approach means that only around $3 billion—out of the $4.65 billion Defendants have said is available—will be spent on SNAP benefits in November, leaving more than $1.5 billion in contingency funds unspent,” they wrote in a Wednesday brief. “Defendants opted for partial (and delayed) SNAP payments, but even then, did not manage to do that correctly.”The department said in its filing later Wednesday that it independently discovered its miscalculation and worked to fix it before Parrott’s declaration hit the court docket.“Defendants realized this error and worked to issue new guidance and tables as soon as it was discovered, not in response to Plaintiffs’ notice filed earlier this evening,” USDA’s brief said.

Trump admin. ordered to pay full $9B in November SNAP benefits amid shutdown

Executive order follows similar orders invoked in other states

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/pillen-signs-order-cutting-off-state-tax-dollars-to-nebraska-abortion-providers/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order Thursday cutting off state tax dollars from medical service providers in Nebraska that offer abortions.

Local abortion clinics primarily receive state aid through Medicaid funds, which supports various services beyond abortions, including birth control and cancer screenings. This summer, Congress cut off federal funds to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers and restricted Medicaid funds going to abortion providers through the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

Under the order, Pillen said any abortion provider terminated from another state’s Medicaid program will have their enrollment terminated in Nebraska.

“We’re not going to let abortion providers skirt accountability while claiming our money,” Pillen said.

Planned Parenthood officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kenny Zoeller, director of the governor’s Policy Research Office, said Nebraska abortion providers currently receive about $250,000 per year in state tax dollars.

“From my seat, $1 is too much,” Pillen said.

Pillen announced the executive order at a press conference alongside Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services CEO Steve Corsi.

Hilgers clarified that state and federal law already prohibit tax dollars from supporting abortion procedures, but the executive order expands that restriction to cut off funding for any services offered by an abortion provider.

Hilgers said state officials have considered taking this action for some time but were waiting on the results of the U.S. Supreme Court case Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. The high court’s ruling prohibits Medicaid enrollees in any state that excludes Planned Parenthood from using their Medicaid coverage to obtain other services from Planned Parenthood, including contraception..

Hilgers said the ruling gave Nebraska “unassailable ground,” to enforce Pillen’s order.

“It is quite clear that Nebraska can take the action that it is taking today,” Hilgers said.

The executive order is titled, “Protecting the Life, Health, and Welfare of Pregnant Women, and Unborn Human Life.” The order specifically names Planned Parenthood, but Hilgers later clarified that the restriction would also apply to Bellevue’s abortion clinic, CARE Reproductive Health.

Though Planned Parenthood has two clinics in Nebraska — one in Omaha and the other in Lincoln — the Lincoln clinic’s website specifies that it does not offer abortions. Hilgers said the order will only apply to clinics that provide abortions. However, Pillen speculated that any Planned Parenthood clinic has the ability to provide abortions.

Both Hilgers and Pillen noted that Nebraska has a collection of other clinics that offer services to pregnant women but don’t offer abortions. They argued there are plenty of resources for pregnant women to access care in Nebraska. They were likely referencing pregnancy help centers, which have been both praised and criticized for steering people away from abortion clinics and other reproductive care.

The executive order was met with praise from anti-abortion lobbying groups, including Nebraska Family Alliance and the Nebraska Catholic Conference. In an email statement, Nebraska Family Alliance Executive Director Nate Grasz said “Nebraska is rightfully taking action to protect life and uphold our state’s pro-life values.”

“(Planned Parenthood) is not an organization that deserves public money or public patronage,” Marion Miner, assistant director of pro-life and family for the Nebraska Catholic Conference, said in a separate statement.

<h2>Executive order follows similar orders invoked in other states</h2>By Erin Bamer<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/pillen-signs-order-cutting-off-state-tax-dollars-to-nebraska-abortion-providers/">Nebraska Examiner</a><figure>
 <img src="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/pillen-hilgers-EO_ZJW_110625-01-1536x1024.jpg" alt="&nbsp;Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, left, shakes hands with Attorney General Mike Hilgers after signing a new executive order shutting off Medicaid dollars for abortion providers in Nebraska. Nov. 6, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, left, shakes hands with Attorney General Mike Hilgers after signing a new executive order shutting off Medicaid dollars for abortion providers in Nebraska. Nov. 6, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order Thursday cutting off state tax dollars from medical service providers in Nebraska that offer abortions.Local abortion clinics primarily receive state aid through Medicaid funds, which supports various services beyond abortions, including birth control and cancer screenings. This summer, Congress cut off federal funds to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers and restricted Medicaid funds going to abortion providers through the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”Under the order, Pillen said any abortion provider terminated from another state’s Medicaid program will have their enrollment terminated in Nebraska.“We’re not going to let abortion providers skirt accountability while claiming our money,” Pillen said.Planned Parenthood officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Kenny Zoeller, director of the governor’s Policy Research Office, said Nebraska abortion providers currently receive about $250,000 per year in state tax dollars.“From my seat, $1 is too much,” Pillen said.Pillen announced the executive order at a press conference alongside Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services CEO Steve Corsi.Hilgers clarified that state and federal law already prohibit tax dollars from supporting abortion procedures, but the executive order expands that restriction to cut off funding for any services offered by an abortion provider.Hilgers said state officials have considered taking this action for some time but were waiting on the results of the U.S. Supreme Court case Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. The high court’s ruling prohibits Medicaid enrollees in any state that excludes Planned Parenthood from using their Medicaid coverage to obtain other services from Planned Parenthood, including contraception..Hilgers said the ruling gave Nebraska “unassailable ground,” to enforce Pillen’s order.“It is quite clear that Nebraska can take the action that it is taking today,” Hilgers said.The executive order is titled, “Protecting the Life, Health, and Welfare of Pregnant Women, and Unborn Human Life.” The order specifically names Planned Parenthood, but Hilgers later clarified that the restriction would also apply to Bellevue’s abortion clinic, CARE Reproductive Health.Though Planned Parenthood has two clinics in Nebraska — one in Omaha and the other in Lincoln — the Lincoln clinic’s website specifies that it does not offer abortions. Hilgers said the order will only apply to clinics that provide abortions. However, Pillen speculated that any Planned Parenthood clinic has the ability to provide abortions.Both Hilgers and Pillen noted that Nebraska has a collection of other clinics that offer services to pregnant women but don’t offer abortions. They argued there are plenty of resources for pregnant women to access care in Nebraska. They were likely referencing pregnancy help centers, which have been both praised and criticized for steering people away from abortion clinics and other reproductive care.The executive order was met with praise from anti-abortion lobbying groups, including Nebraska Family Alliance and the Nebraska Catholic Conference. In an email statement, Nebraska Family Alliance Executive Director Nate Grasz said “Nebraska is rightfully taking action to protect life and uphold our state’s pro-life values.”“(Planned Parenthood) is not an organization that deserves public money or public patronage,” Marion Miner, assistant director of pro-life and family for the Nebraska Catholic Conference, said in a separate statement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762456862318.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762456872577.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762456889601.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762456902540.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Pillen signs order cutting off state tax dollars to Nebraska abortion providers

DALLAS —A man was&nbsp; found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit that led to a multi-agency search in Frisco, Texas, according to a media release from the Frisco Police Department.

Just after 10:30p.m. Wednesday, police in Frisco responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety with locating a vehicle that had evaded Troopers during a pursuit that ended in the city of Frisco. After losing sight of the vehicle, Troopers found it moments later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.

Initial reports indicated that the driver, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys who liven in Plano, Texas, fled the scene on foot. Officers established a perimeter and searched the area with assistance from Frisco Police K9 and drone units.

During the course of the search, officers received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations. Just after 1:30a.m. police found him deceased with what appears to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The cause of death is still under investigation by the county medical examiner.&nbsp;

DALLAS —A man was&nbsp; found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit that led to a multi-agency search in Frisco, Texas, according to a media release from the Frisco Police Department.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/CbP3WAm2IB">pic.twitter.com/CbP3WAm2IB</a>&mdash; Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys/status/1986455923024712162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Just after 10:30p.m. Wednesday, police in Frisco responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety with locating a vehicle that had evaded Troopers during a pursuit that ended in the city of Frisco. After losing sight of the vehicle, Troopers found it moments later, crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.Initial reports indicated that the driver, later identified as 24-year-old Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys who liven in Plano, Texas, fled the scene on foot. Officers established a perimeter and searched the area with assistance from Frisco Police K9 and drone units.During the course of the search, officers received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations. Just after 1:30a.m. police found him deceased with what appears to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The cause of death is still under investigation by the county medical examiner.&nbsp;

Police release details on death of Dallas Cowboys' player

&nbsp; By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/timhenderson/">Tim Henderson</a>

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/repub/report-the-number-of-us-jobs-rose-last-month-for-the-first-time-since-july/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

The United States gained 42,000 jobs in October, the first increase since July as measured by ADP, a private payroll processing company and the only source of jobs estimates during the government shutdown, as federal jobs reports have been paused.

ADP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://adp-ri-nrip-static.adp.com/artifacts/us_ner/20251105/ADP_NATIONAL_EMPLOYMENT_REPORT_Press_Release_2025_10%20FINAL.pdf?_ga=2.188865131.119541461.1762349108-1134282795.1762349108" target="_blank">report</a>, released Wednesday, showed job increases mostly in West Coast states, which gained 37,000 jobs between September and October, and continued job losses on the East Coast. The New York area, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, lost 20,000 jobs while coastal states from Delaware to Florida lost 8,000 jobs.

Most of the job increases were in trade and transportation, which includes stores, wholesale and shipping jobs. In that sector, there were 47,000 new jobs for the month.

Those industries added jobs despite uncertainty over tariffs, said Guy Berger, a labor economist and senior fellow at the Burning Glass Institute, a labor market think tank based in Philadelphia. But Berger said it’s unclear whether the job gains will be long lasting or will disappear in new rounds of high tariffs on consumer goods.

“They’re feeling headwinds but they’re very ping-pongy, It’s like, ‘Who knows what the next bit of news will be or how you’re going to have to adjust your supply?’” Berger said.

“In years past this would have been considered quite weak, but the number was positive at least,” Berger said. “Because immigration flows have been squeezed during the current administration and maybe have even gone negative at this point, we don’t need a lot of jobs each month to keep the labor market on an even keel.”

The ADP report is based on weekly payroll data for 26 million private-sector employees. It does not include an estimate of the unemployment rate, unlike the suspended federal report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It also does not break down the statistics by race or gender.

Last month’s job gains were concentrated in large businesses with more than 500 employees, which gained 70,000 jobs for the month, while jobs dropped overall for small and medium-size businesses, according to the report.

The median annual pay growth was 4.5% for those in the same jobs and 6.7% for those in new jobs, the same as September and little changed for more than a year, the report said, indicating that “shifts in supply and demand are balanced.”

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thenderson@stateline.org">thenderson@stateline.org</a>.

&nbsp; By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/timhenderson/">Tim Henderson</a><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/06/repub/report-the-number-of-us-jobs-rose-last-month-for-the-first-time-since-july/">Nebraska Examiner</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762447909152.png" alt=" Cleveland “Cleve” Francis, a UPS driver who retired this year, in Louisville, Kentucky. Trade and transportation jobs saw most of the gains in a new jobs report. (Photo courtesy of UPS)" />
 <figcaption> Cleveland “Cleve” Francis, a UPS driver who retired this year, in Louisville, Kentucky. Trade and transportation jobs saw most of the gains in a new jobs report. (Photo courtesy of UPS)</figcaption>
 </figure>The United States gained 42,000 jobs in October, the first increase since July as measured by ADP, a private payroll processing company and the only source of jobs estimates during the government shutdown, as federal jobs reports have been paused.ADP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://adp-ri-nrip-static.adp.com/artifacts/us_ner/20251105/ADP_NATIONAL_EMPLOYMENT_REPORT_Press_Release_2025_10%20FINAL.pdf?_ga=2.188865131.119541461.1762349108-1134282795.1762349108" target="_blank">report</a>, released Wednesday, showed job increases mostly in West Coast states, which gained 37,000 jobs between September and October, and continued job losses on the East Coast. The New York area, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, lost 20,000 jobs while coastal states from Delaware to Florida lost 8,000 jobs.Most of the job increases were in trade and transportation, which includes stores, wholesale and shipping jobs. In that sector, there were 47,000 new jobs for the month.Those industries added jobs despite uncertainty over tariffs, said Guy Berger, a labor economist and senior fellow at the Burning Glass Institute, a labor market think tank based in Philadelphia. But Berger said it’s unclear whether the job gains will be long lasting or will disappear in new rounds of high tariffs on consumer goods.“They’re feeling headwinds but they’re very ping-pongy, It’s like, ‘Who knows what the next bit of news will be or how you’re going to have to adjust your supply?’” Berger said.“In years past this would have been considered quite weak, but the number was positive at least,” Berger said. “Because immigration flows have been squeezed during the current administration and maybe have even gone negative at this point, we don’t need a lot of jobs each month to keep the labor market on an even keel.”The ADP report is based on weekly payroll data for 26 million private-sector employees. It does not include an estimate of the unemployment rate, unlike the suspended federal report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It also does not break down the statistics by race or gender.Last month’s job gains were concentrated in large businesses with more than 500 employees, which gained 70,000 jobs for the month, while jobs dropped overall for small and medium-size businesses, according to the report.The median annual pay growth was 4.5% for those in the same jobs and 6.7% for those in new jobs, the same as September and little changed for more than a year, the report said, indicating that “shifts in supply and demand are balanced.”Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:thenderson@stateline.org">thenderson@stateline.org</a>.

Report: The number of US jobs rose last month for the first time since July

November 5, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln Police Department are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Lincoln on Wednesday.

This morning, members of the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force were looking for a wanted person, identified as John Massa, 41, of Lincoln. Massa was the subject of an arrest warrant in connection with a felony narcotics and firearm possession case. Massa was believed to be armed and dangerous.

Task Force members determined that Massa was believed to be at a hotel near the intersection of 56th&nbsp;Street and Cornhusker Highway in Lincoln. Shortly before 8:45 a.m., Massa left the hotel and entered the backseat of a vehicle, which was driven by another person. Task Force members, including a Nebraska State Trooper and United States Deputy Marshal stopped the vehicle as it was attempting to turn westbound on Cornhusker.

The driver has been determined to be a rideshare driver and is not associated with Massa. The driver was able to flee the vehicle after observing Massa in possession of a firearm. The trooper and deputy marshal gave verbal commands to Massa, but he refused to comply. Preliminary investigation reveals that the trooper saw the handgun and that both the trooper and the deputy marshal fired, striking the suspect. The handgun was later located inside the vehicle.

Massa was transported to Bryan Health West Campus, where he is currently being treated for life-threatening injuries. Neither the trooper, deputy marshal, nor rideshare driver were injured during this incident. An NSP Police Service Dog in the trooper’s vehicle was also not injured.

NSP has requested that the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln Police Department conduct the investigation, with assistance from the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office. That investigation is ongoing.

For Immediate Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762359313583.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>November 5, 2025 (Lincoln, Neb.)&nbsp;&nbsp;— The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln Police Department are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Lincoln on Wednesday.This morning, members of the Metro Area Fugitive Task Force were looking for a wanted person, identified as John Massa, 41, of Lincoln. Massa was the subject of an arrest warrant in connection with a felony narcotics and firearm possession case. Massa was believed to be armed and dangerous.Task Force members determined that Massa was believed to be at a hotel near the intersection of 56th&nbsp;Street and Cornhusker Highway in Lincoln. Shortly before 8:45 a.m., Massa left the hotel and entered the backseat of a vehicle, which was driven by another person. Task Force members, including a Nebraska State Trooper and United States Deputy Marshal stopped the vehicle as it was attempting to turn westbound on Cornhusker.The driver has been determined to be a rideshare driver and is not associated with Massa. The driver was able to flee the vehicle after observing Massa in possession of a firearm. The trooper and deputy marshal gave verbal commands to Massa, but he refused to comply. Preliminary investigation reveals that the trooper saw the handgun and that both the trooper and the deputy marshal fired, striking the suspect. The handgun was later located inside the vehicle.Massa was transported to Bryan Health West Campus, where he is currently being treated for life-threatening injuries. Neither the trooper, deputy marshal, nor rideshare driver were injured during this incident. An NSP Police Service Dog in the trooper’s vehicle was also not injured.NSP has requested that the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln Police Department conduct the investigation, with assistance from the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office. That investigation is ongoing.

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in Lincoln

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>-

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who made history as the first woman to hold the speaker’s gavel, announced Thursday she will retire, ending a 40-year legislative career as one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress.&nbsp;

Her announcement came after Tuesday’s elections. Pelosi had a hand in crafting what was known as Proposition 50&nbsp; in California to redraw the state’s congressional districts, in response to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas to gain more GOP seats in the House.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The remap passed, and Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/energized-dems-trumpet-wins-state-elections-buckle-midterms" target="_blank">swept major state races</a>&nbsp;across the country, including the governorships in Virginia and New Jersey.

In a video posted to social media, Pelosi, 85, thanked her constituents in her San Francisco congressional district.&nbsp;

“I will not be seeking reelection to Congress,” Pelosi said. “With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year in service as your proud representative.”

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>-WASHINGTON — U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who made history as the first woman to hold the speaker’s gavel, announced Thursday she will retire, ending a 40-year legislative career as one of the most powerful Democrats in Congress.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, San Francisco. <a href="https://t.co/OP8ubeFzR6">pic.twitter.com/OP8ubeFzR6</a>&mdash; Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamPelosi/status/1986433397921833435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Her announcement came after Tuesday’s elections. Pelosi had a hand in crafting what was known as Proposition 50&nbsp; in California to redraw the state’s congressional districts, in response to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas to gain more GOP seats in the House.&nbsp;&nbsp;The remap passed, and Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/energized-dems-trumpet-wins-state-elections-buckle-midterms" target="_blank">swept major state races</a>&nbsp;across the country, including the governorships in Virginia and New Jersey.In a video posted to social media, Pelosi, 85, thanked her constituents in her San Francisco congressional district.&nbsp;“I will not be seeking reelection to Congress,” Pelosi said. “With a grateful heart, I look forward to my final year in service as your proud representative.”

🎥Farewell video: Nancy Pelosi won't seek reelection

(Lincoln) Today former Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg was sworn in as Nebraska’s 47th&nbsp;State Treasurer, taking on the role of the state’s chief financial officer. Spellerberg replaces former Treasurer Tom Briese, who resigned from the position earlier this week.

“This is a tremendous honor, and I look forward to continuing the good work started by Treasurer Briese. I am so excited for the opportunities this new challenge presents,” Spellerberg said. “I pledge I will be a trusted financial advisor for the State of Nebraska.”

As Treasurer, Spellerberg will also serve as Trustee of the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST529), Nebraska’s state-sponsored 529 college savings plan, and the Enable Savings Plan, a tax-advantage savings program for individuals with qualifying disabilities. He will also administer the dispersal of unclaimed property received by the state and will oversee the receipt and dispersal of child support payments. As Treasurer he will serve as a member of the Board of State Canvassers, the Nebraska Investment Council, and the State Records Board.

Spellerberg has been mayor of Fremont since 2020. He was re-elected to his second term last year. Spellerberg’s administration has focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety, attracting new business and economic development. Spellerberg has led efforts to reduce the city’s property tax levy and has helped to establish the Fremont Inland Port Authority.

For Immediate Release<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762451975067.jpeg" alt="Spellerberg takes oath as appointed 47th State Treasurer. (Courtesy Nebraska State Treasurers Office)" />
 <figcaption>Spellerberg takes oath as appointed 47th State Treasurer. (Courtesy Nebraska State Treasurers Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>(Lincoln) Today former Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg was sworn in as Nebraska’s 47th&nbsp;State Treasurer, taking on the role of the state’s chief financial officer. Spellerberg replaces former Treasurer Tom Briese, who resigned from the position earlier this week.“This is a tremendous honor, and I look forward to continuing the good work started by Treasurer Briese. I am so excited for the opportunities this new challenge presents,” Spellerberg said. “I pledge I will be a trusted financial advisor for the State of Nebraska.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762451956497.jpeg" alt="Spellerberg with his family and Governor Jim Pillen shake hands during the swearing in ceremony for Nebraska State Treasurer. (Courtesy Nebraska State Treasurers Office)" />
 <figcaption>Spellerberg with his family and Governor Jim Pillen shake hands during the swearing in ceremony for Nebraska State Treasurer. (Courtesy Nebraska State Treasurers Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>As Treasurer, Spellerberg will also serve as Trustee of the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST529), Nebraska’s state-sponsored 529 college savings plan, and the Enable Savings Plan, a tax-advantage savings program for individuals with qualifying disabilities. He will also administer the dispersal of unclaimed property received by the state and will oversee the receipt and dispersal of child support payments. As Treasurer he will serve as a member of the Board of State Canvassers, the Nebraska Investment Council, and the State Records Board.Spellerberg has been mayor of Fremont since 2020. He was re-elected to his second term last year. Spellerberg’s administration has focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety, attracting new business and economic development. Spellerberg has led efforts to reduce the city’s property tax levy and has helped to establish the Fremont Inland Port Authority.

Treasurer Spellerberg Takes Oath of Office

CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been arrested for allegedly making a threat to kill President Donald J. Trump.

Trent Schneider, 57, of&nbsp;Winthrop Harbor, Ill., is charged with making a threat in interstate commerce to injure a person, according to the United State's Attorney. Schneider was arrested Tuesday morning and made an initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert in Chicago.&nbsp; Schneider was ordered to remain detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Nov. 6, 2025.

According to a criminal complaint unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Schneider&nbsp;posted a video of himself&nbsp;on Oct. 16, 2025,&nbsp;on Instagram in which he stated, “I’m going to get some guns.&nbsp; I know where I can get a lot of [expletive] guns and I am going to take care of business myself.&nbsp; I’m tired of all you [expletive] frauds.&nbsp; People need to [expletive] die and people are going to die.&nbsp; [Expletive] all of you, especially you Trump.&nbsp; You should be executed.”&nbsp; The video also included a caption that stated, in part: “THIS IS&nbsp;NOT A THREAT!!!&nbsp;AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING and My House Auction date&nbsp;is 11.04.2025 @realDonaldTrump SHOULD BE EXECUTED!!!”

According to the complaint, a concerned citizen in Florida viewed the video and reported it to law enforcement.

The complaint and arrest were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and&nbsp;Dai Tran, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office.&nbsp; Valuable assistance was provided by the Lake County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office and the Winthrop Harbor, Ill. Police Department.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.&nbsp; The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.&nbsp; The charge in the complaint&nbsp;is punishable by a&nbsp;maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.&nbsp; If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762294284266.png" alt="Schneider is in federal custody -photo Lake County. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Schneider is in federal custody -photo Lake County. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been arrested for allegedly making a threat to kill President Donald J. Trump.Trent Schneider, 57, of&nbsp;Winthrop Harbor, Ill., is charged with making a threat in interstate commerce to injure a person, according to the United State's Attorney. Schneider was arrested Tuesday morning and made an initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey T. Gilbert in Chicago.&nbsp; Schneider was ordered to remain detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Nov. 6, 2025.According to a criminal complaint unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Schneider&nbsp;posted a video of himself&nbsp;on Oct. 16, 2025,&nbsp;on Instagram in which he stated, “I’m going to get some guns.&nbsp; I know where I can get a lot of [expletive] guns and I am going to take care of business myself.&nbsp; I’m tired of all you [expletive] frauds.&nbsp; People need to [expletive] die and people are going to die.&nbsp; [Expletive] all of you, especially you Trump.&nbsp; You should be executed.”&nbsp; The video also included a caption that stated, in part: “THIS IS&nbsp;NOT A THREAT!!!&nbsp;AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING and My House Auction date&nbsp;is 11.04.2025 @realDonaldTrump SHOULD BE EXECUTED!!!”According to the complaint, a concerned citizen in Florida viewed the video and reported it to law enforcement.The complaint and arrest were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and&nbsp;Dai Tran, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office.&nbsp; Valuable assistance was provided by the Lake County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office and the Winthrop Harbor, Ill. Police Department.The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.&nbsp; The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.&nbsp; The charge in the complaint&nbsp;is punishable by a&nbsp;maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.&nbsp; If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.&nbsp;

Read the online threat against President Trump that landed man in jail

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDuffy</a> announces a 10% reduction in scheduled flight capacity at the nation&#39;s top 40 high-traffic markets due to the Democrat Shutdown&#39;s strain on air traffic controllers. <a href="https://t.co/g6yJygA96W">pic.twitter.com/g6yJygA96W</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1986182615372849270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My number one priority is the safety of the American people. <a href="https://t.co/lOi3Q2rpZ7">https://t.co/lOi3Q2rpZ7</a>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1986189054568767782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">There may be flight delays or cancellations. Our top priority is that when Americans fly, they will make it to their destination safely because <a href="https://twitter.com/USDOT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USDOT</a> and the <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FAANews</a> have done their work. <a href="https://t.co/1uDsFr5HDL">pic.twitter.com/1uDsFr5HDL</a>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1986194251143590306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are level-setting with the American people. We’re doing whatever it takes to get passengers to their destination safely. <a href="https://t.co/byVYfr6FEw">pic.twitter.com/byVYfr6FEw</a>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1986215014189945064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Government shutdown: FAA reducing air traffic in ‘high-volume’ markets

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has reached an agreement reinstating Hansen-Mueller Co.’s grain dealer license and requiring the company to resolve its debts with Nebraska farmers. The Commission voted Tuesday to approve the agreement protecting Nebraska’s grain community.

Hansen-Mueller was suspended from doing business as a grain dealer in Nebraska on Oct. 24, following a PSC Grain Department investigation into complaints that the company failed to pay multiple farmers. Since that action, the company has worked closely with PSC staff to address the financial concerns and provide safeguards for Nebraska grain producers and sellers.

“Our decision today balances the public interest with the opportunity for Hansen-Mueller to correct previous concerns,” said Commission Chair Tim Schram, District 3. “Our top priority was making sure these debts were paid during this crucial time in the harvest season, and we’re pleased that the company has already begun issuing the outstanding funds.”

Under terms of the agreement, Hansen-Mueller must:

• Immediately fulfill all outstanding payment obligations to Nebraska grain producers;

• Fulfill all outstanding payment obligations to Nebraska grain dealers and warehouses by Feb. 27, 2026; and

• Remain in compliance with all standard requirements for a Nebraska grain dealer license.

The agreement means the PSC will dismiss its October complaint and will not assess civil penalties against the company.

“This is a positive outcome and provides the oversight necessary to ensure Nebraska’s grain community is protected,” said Commission Vice Chair Kevin Stocker, District 5. “The Commission will continue to demand accountability and monitor the company’s compliance with this agreement.”

Hansen-Mueller began issuing some outstanding payments electronically and via mailed checks the week of Oct. 27. The PSC encourages any producers who have not received their expected payment from Hansen-Mueller within the next two weeks to contact the Grain Department at (402) 471-0222 or psc.grain@nebraska.gov.

Note: The agreement does not apply to some producers and sellers, such as those who negotiated deferred payment or “price later” contracts with Hansen-Mueller. However, anyone who has done business with Hansen-Meuller, whether before or during the suspension period, may contact the Grain Department for guidance, or to report concerns.

The PSC encourages producers and sellers to always be vigilant in business dealings and to work with Nebraska-licensed grain dealers and warehouses.

For more information, including the list of licensed grain dealers in Nebraska, visit the PSC Grain Department website.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762360052835.jpeg" alt="Hansen Mueller Co. grain dealer license has been reinstated by Nebraska Public Service Commission.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hansen Mueller Co. grain dealer license has been reinstated by Nebraska Public Service Commission.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN – The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) has reached an agreement reinstating Hansen-Mueller Co.’s grain dealer license and requiring the company to resolve its debts with Nebraska farmers. The Commission voted Tuesday to approve the agreement protecting Nebraska’s grain community.Hansen-Mueller was suspended from doing business as a grain dealer in Nebraska on Oct. 24, following a PSC Grain Department investigation into complaints that the company failed to pay multiple farmers. Since that action, the company has worked closely with PSC staff to address the financial concerns and provide safeguards for Nebraska grain producers and sellers.“Our decision today balances the public interest with the opportunity for Hansen-Mueller to correct previous concerns,” said Commission Chair Tim Schram, District 3. “Our top priority was making sure these debts were paid during this crucial time in the harvest season, and we’re pleased that the company has already begun issuing the outstanding funds.”Under terms of the agreement, Hansen-Mueller must:• Immediately fulfill all outstanding payment obligations to Nebraska grain producers;• Fulfill all outstanding payment obligations to Nebraska grain dealers and warehouses by Feb. 27, 2026; and• Remain in compliance with all standard requirements for a Nebraska grain dealer license.The agreement means the PSC will dismiss its October complaint and will not assess civil penalties against the company.“This is a positive outcome and provides the oversight necessary to ensure Nebraska’s grain community is protected,” said Commission Vice Chair Kevin Stocker, District 5. “The Commission will continue to demand accountability and monitor the company’s compliance with this agreement.”Hansen-Mueller began issuing some outstanding payments electronically and via mailed checks the week of Oct. 27. The PSC encourages any producers who have not received their expected payment from Hansen-Mueller within the next two weeks to contact the Grain Department at (402) 471-0222 or psc.grain@nebraska.gov.Note: The agreement does not apply to some producers and sellers, such as those who negotiated deferred payment or “price later” contracts with Hansen-Mueller. However, anyone who has done business with Hansen-Meuller, whether before or during the suspension period, may contact the Grain Department for guidance, or to report concerns.The PSC encourages producers and sellers to always be vigilant in business dealings and to work with Nebraska-licensed grain dealers and warehouses.For more information, including the list of licensed grain dealers in Nebraska, visit the PSC Grain Department website.

PSC Approves Agreement to Reinstate Hansen-Mueller Grain Dealer License

On Monday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out another lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization, according to a social media report from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

"Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. The strike was conducted in international waters in the Eastern Pacific."

"No U.S. forces were harmed in the strike, and two male narco-terrorists — who were aboard the vessel — were killed."

"We will find and terminate EVERY vessel with the intention of trafficking drugs to America to poison our citizens. Protecting the homeland is our TOP priority. NO cartel terrorist stands a chance against the American military."

The attack brings the death toll&nbsp;from the Trump administration’s campaign in South American waters up to 66 in 16 strikes.

On Monday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out another lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization, according to a social media report from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO). Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known… <a href="https://t.co/OsQuHrYLMp">pic.twitter.com/OsQuHrYLMp</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1985863010376642677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. The strike was conducted in international waters in the Eastern Pacific.""No U.S. forces were harmed in the strike, and two male narco-terrorists — who were aboard the vessel — were killed.""We will find and terminate EVERY vessel with the intention of trafficking drugs to America to poison our citizens. Protecting the homeland is our TOP priority. NO cartel terrorist stands a chance against the American military."The attack brings the death toll&nbsp;from the Trump administration’s campaign in South American waters up to 66 in 16 strikes.

🎥US military kills 2 in new strike on drug-running boat

By TIM CARPENTER Kansas Reflector&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762351195715.jpeg" alt="Brad Heppner, former CEO of Beneficient in Texas, is arrested and indicted in Texas on securities and wire fraud, making false statements and falsification of records. (Photo by Irving Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>Brad Heppner, former CEO of Beneficient in Texas, is arrested and indicted in Texas on securities and wire fraud, making false statements and falsification of records. (Photo by Irving Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER Kansas Reflector&nbsp;TOPEKA — The former CEO and founder of the Beneficient investment firm that was granted a unique bank charter on orders of the Kansas Legislature was arrested and jailed Tuesday following indictment for an alleged scheme to loot more than $150 million from a company forced into bankruptcy.Brad Heppner, who was taken into custody at his home by the Irving Police Department in Texas, was indicted in federal court in New York on counts of securities fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, making false statements to auditors, and falsification of records. Prosecutors say he misled investors and auditors, and they said he obstructed an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.He has for years been at the center of a flurry of civil lawsuits alleging financial misconduct. The criminal case was worked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the SEC.“Heppner abused his role as a public company executive to loot the company and to funnel money into his own pockets,” said Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. “When executives like Heppner lie and cheat to enrich themselves at the expense of everyday investors, they corrupt the integrity of our public markets.”Interest in Heppner’s business activities has been relevant to Kansans because Beneficient, the company he founded, has held a Kansas banking license since 2021.Heppner was accused in the indictment, unsealed Tuesday, of misappropriating at least $150 million from the publicly traded, now-bankrupt GWG Holdings through a series of self-serving transactions tied to Beneficient and Highland Consolidated Limited Partnership. He was simultaneously chairman of GWG and Beneficient, and secretly controlled HCLP, according to the indictment.“Though Heppner repeatedly described HCLP as an independent entity, it was, in fact, a shell company controlled by Heppner and operated for his benefit,” the indictment said. “Once Heppner exhausted his ability to siphon GWG’s assets for himself, he separated himself from GWG. GWG filed for bankruptcy shortly thereafter, causing losses exceeding $1 billion to thousands of investors and bondholders.”Financial damage resulting from the catastrophe at GWG primarily fell on retail investors, “many of them retirees,” the indictment says.The indictment says Heppner used the money for personal expenses, including $40 million for renovation of a Dallas mansion and a ranch in Montalba, Texas. He allegedly spent $10 million on upkeep, expansion and IT services on those properties as well as $10 million to cover credit card debt and private aviation expenditures. He purportedly used $20 million to pay tax expenses and bought jewelry valued at more than $500,000.The indictment seeks to force Heppner to surrender ill-gotten cash as well as the properties in Dallas and Montalba.Heppner, 59, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on the fraud, false statement and false record counts. The conspiracy count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.In June, Heppner resigned from Dallas-headquartered Beneficient rather than cooperate with an audit committee looking into financial irregularities. In 2021, Heppner left GWG and structurally separated Beneficient from GWG. GWG filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2022.Dan Callahan, a spokesperson representing Beneficient, issued a company statement in wake of the indictment: “Beneficient parted ways with Mr. Heppner earlier this year, immediately after learning facts related to his alleged fraud on the company and others. Beneficient will continue to pursue its own claims against Mr. Heppner on behalf of its shareholders. Beneficient has and continues to cooperate with the government’s investigation of Mr. Heppner.”Heppner was the face of Beneficient before and after it landed a Kansas banking charter for a Beneficient subsidiary. Legislation that guaranteed Beneficient received the charter was championed by Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican now in the midst of a campaign for governor. Masterson made the motion in support of the charter during a 2021 interim legislative committee hearing. The legislation was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.While lobbying Kansas legislators in pursuit of a bank charter, Heppner allegedly continued with the covert effort to hide the funneling of $150 million from GWG to Beneficient and to HCLP.Beneficient made financial contributions to the campaigns of Republicans and Democrats in Kansas. It’s unclear whether those donations were made with cash Heppner allegedly transferred from GWG.David Herndon, the Kansas state banking commissioner, opposed the charter for Beneficient and repeatedly urged the Legislature to repeal the law allowing Beneficient to anchor its asset-swap business to Kansas.The business linked to the state charter was designed to allow Beneficient to work with investors to cash out or trade for stock their illiquid assets, including venture capital and private equity. To entice Kansas to deliver the charter, Beneficient agreed to funnel money into a Kansas foundation that was to help revitalize Hesston and support economic development in other rural communities. Heppner grew up in Kansas.