Top 5 Kansas news stories
November 4 2025
Federal Judge Orders Partial SNAP Payment for Kansas Recipients
Amazon Opens Bel Aire Facility, Hiring 100 Workers
Mild Election Day Weather Across Kansas
Health Insurance Premiums Set to Rise as Congress Debates Subsidies
No. 19 Kansas Opens Season with Blowout Win
Federal Judge Orders Partial SNAP Payment for Kansas Recipients
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release partial food assistance payments by Wednesday, though Kansas officials say they don't yet know when recipients will receive the funds. U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. directed the USDA to send half of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from a contingency fund after a government shutdown halted November payments. The Kansas Department for Children and Families said Monday it has not received information about payment amounts for each household and will determine next steps once that data arrives. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the Rhode Island Council of Churches and other nonprofits against the USDA and Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Kansas Reflector
Amazon Opens Bel Aire Facility, Hiring 100 Workers
Amazon has begun hiring about 100 workers for its new 176,000-square-foot last-mile delivery facility in Bel Aire's Sunflower Commerce Park, with operations expected to bring more consistent two-day delivery service to the Wichita area. The facility, announced in March and built on 20 acres, represents the final stop for packages before they reach customers' doorsteps, addressing recent delivery delays that have affected the region over the past year.
Wichita Eagle
Mild Election Day Weather Across Kansas
Kansas woke up to mild temperatures in the 40s Tuesday morning with strong south winds expected to push afternoon highs into the lower to middle 70s, creating excellent Election Day conditions statewide. A stronger cold front will arrive this weekend bringing cooler temperatures in the 40s and 50s on Sunday with gusty winds, though no rain or snow is expected, and the cool-down will be brief with temperatures returning to the 60s by midweek next week.
KWCH
Health Insurance Premiums Set to Rise as Congress Debates Subsidies
Kansas and other states face uncertainty over health insurance costs as Congress remains deadlocked on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies during the federal government shutdown. Insurers will increase premiums for marketplace plans by an average of 30% in states using Healthcare.gov in 2026, but the impact on the 22 million subsidized enrollees depends on whether Congress extends tax credits. If Congress does not renew the COVID-era subsidies, people making above 400% of the federal poverty level will lose all financial assistance.
Kansas Reflector
No. 19 Kansas Opens Season with Blowout Win
Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 21 points in his debut as No. 19 Kansas crushed Green Bay 94-51 in the season opener for both teams Monday night in Lawrence. Flory Bidunga led all scorers with 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting as Kansas shot 56.9% from the field, with the Jayhawks next facing No. 25 North Carolina on Friday.
ESPN
Sources
https://www.kansas.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/carrie-rengers/article312761277.html
https://www.kwch.com/2025/11/04/get-ready-an-excellent-election-day-across-state/
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401819882
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