KANSAS CITY — A Kansas City area teen is facing charges for bringing a loaded gun to a school.

On Tuesday, a Belton Police Department School Resource Officer received information regarding a student bringing a firearm to night courses, according to a media release from Belton Police. The school resource officer team developed a plan to stop the student before he could enter the Scott School, 310 S Scott Avenue, in Belton for his night classes. 

 At 4p.m., a School Resource Officer observed this student identified as 18-year-old Cameron Kopfer of Belton arriving at the school and heading toward the entrance.  Officers stopped him without incident before he could enter the school, at which time he was detained for further investigation.   The investigation revealed a loaded pistol in the student’s backpack. 

Kopfer was arrested and placed on a 24-hour investigative hold. On Wednesday, the Cass County Prosecutor's Office charged Kopfer with one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class E Felony) with a cash only bond of $10,000.

The Belton School District and the Belton Police Department place the safety of our students, teachers and school staff as our highest priority.  We are grateful for the courage of an individual to report a tip in hopes of preventing a more tragic outcome. This tip directly resulted in keeping a firearm out of a public school.If you see something......SAY SOMETHING!!!!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761840189479.png" alt="Kopfer photo Belton Police" />
 <figcaption>Kopfer photo Belton Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A Kansas City area teen is facing charges for bringing a loaded gun to a school.On Tuesday, a Belton Police Department School Resource Officer received information regarding a student bringing a firearm to night courses, according to a media release from Belton Police. The school resource officer team developed a plan to stop the student before he could enter the Scott School, 310 S Scott Avenue, in Belton for his night classes. At 4p.m., a School Resource Officer observed this student identified as 18-year-old Cameron Kopfer of Belton arriving at the school and heading toward the entrance. Officers stopped him without incident before he could enter the school, at which time he was detained for further investigation. The investigation revealed a loaded pistol in the student’s backpack. Kopfer was arrested and placed on a 24-hour investigative hold. On Wednesday, the Cass County Prosecutor's Office charged Kopfer with one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class E Felony) with a cash only bond of $10,000.The Belton School District and the Belton Police Department place the safety of our students, teachers and school staff as our highest priority. We are grateful for the courage of an individual to report a tip in hopes of preventing a more tragic outcome. This tip directly resulted in keeping a firearm out of a public school.If you see something......SAY SOMETHING!!!!

Student arrested after classmate reports loaded gun at school

KANSAS CITY—Authorities investigating the death of an inmate in Jackson County, Missouri have released his name.&nbsp;

On October 21, the Sheriff’s Office was notified that 44-year-old Billy Joe Hercules, who had been transported to a local hospital on October 19, had died, according to a statement from Sheriff Daryl Forte'. Hercules is from Independence, Missouri.

Preliminary findings continue to indicate that no physical interaction occurred between Hercules and corrections officers prior to his death.

The cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office, which has not yet issued its official report. Hercules was being held for the Johnson County Kansas sheriff's office, according to online jail records. Authorities releas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761782026243.png" alt="Hercules photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hercules photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Authorities investigating the death of an inmate in Jackson County, Missouri have released his name.&nbsp;On October 21, the Sheriff’s Office was notified that 44-year-old Billy Joe Hercules, who had been transported to a local hospital on October 19, had died, according to a statement from Sheriff Daryl Forte'. Hercules is from Independence, Missouri.Preliminary findings continue to indicate that no physical interaction occurred between Hercules and corrections officers prior to his death.The cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office, which has not yet issued its official report. Hercules was being held for the Johnson County Kansas sheriff's office, according to online jail records. Authorities releas

Sheriff: Investigation on cause of death of inmate continues 

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a residence in the 3000 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Officers were led inside the residence where they located a shooting victim unresponsive. Officers called for EMS who responded to the scene and transported the victim to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary information indicates the shooting appears to have taken place inside or near the front of the residence there. There is no known suspect information at this time, according to Becchina. Police did not release the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761775665872.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a residence in the 3000 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761775636955.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers were led inside the residence where they located a shooting victim unresponsive. Officers called for EMS who responded to the scene and transported the victim to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary information indicates the shooting appears to have taken place inside or near the front of the residence there. There is no known suspect information at this time, according to Becchina. Police did not release the name of the victim.

KCPD: Homicide victim found near front of residence

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761790245424.png" alt="Image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on trade truce with China. <a href="https://t.co/MN2IMj0OWD">pic.twitter.com/MN2IMj0OWD</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1983892551850737782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">LETS GOOO!!! Soybeans! Sorghum! 🇺🇸🚜 BIG news out of President Trump’s historic meeting with President Xi! More details coming soon. THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!!! <a href="https://t.co/5hHpKbX70F">pic.twitter.com/5hHpKbX70F</a>&mdash; Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRollins/status/1983836244263235996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> has arrived for his big meeting with President Xi in South Korea <a href="https://t.co/eIeCaGwjBz">pic.twitter.com/eIeCaGwjBz</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1983711359172034608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Xi’s motorcade arrives <a href="https://t.co/AFnI2qI9zE">pic.twitter.com/AFnI2qI9zE</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1983715683444613541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;We&#39;re going to have a very successful meeting, I have no doubt.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> greets Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. <a href="https://t.co/Wdr5HgzNhx">pic.twitter.com/Wdr5HgzNhx</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1983718490759688266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump and President Xi shake hands <a href="https://t.co/rGCGFDbWK5">pic.twitter.com/rGCGFDbWK5</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1983752956521365684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since 2019: &quot;It&#39;s a great honor... I think we&#39;re going to have a fantastic relationship for a long period of time — and it&#39;s an honor to have you with us.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ueW2gvMcCy">pic.twitter.com/ueW2gvMcCy</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1983720399910367276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> shakes hands with China&#39;s President Xi after their historic meeting in South Korea. <a href="https://t.co/O3DOxWIJ7d">pic.twitter.com/O3DOxWIJ7d</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1983745894693601644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump: Good news for Farmers after meeting with President Xi

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces charges for his role in a fatal road rage shooting that took place last month in northeast Kansas City. 

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2747/Logan-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Laken Logan</a>, 20,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2748/Logan-PCREDACTED-1">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of NE Chouteau Trafficway and Gardner Avenue on Aug. 23 and found the victim with apparent trauma to his head. The victim was declared deceased at a local hospital.&nbsp;

Based on surveillance footage and witness reports, the victim’s vehicle was driving along Choteau Trafficway when a vehicle, later identified as driven by Logan cut them off, aggressively braking in front of them, and driving at excessive speeds. The victim’s vehicle drove slightly ahead of the Logan’s vehicle and multiple flashes were seen coming from Logan's vehicle, then the victim’s vehicle hit the median. Logan's vehicle then fled.&nbsp;

On Oct. 21, detectives received the results of a search warrant tracking the Logan’s car, placing him in the area of the shooting.

During an interview with detectives, Logan admitted to verbally confronting the victim, wanting an apology after the victim allegedly swerved into his lane. He told detectives conflicting information about where he was intending to aim the firearm and where the firearm was located.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761337296361.png" alt="Logan photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Logan photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces charges for his role in a fatal road rage shooting that took place last month in northeast Kansas City. <a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2747/Logan-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Laken Logan</a>, 20,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2748/Logan-PCREDACTED-1">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of NE Chouteau Trafficway and Gardner Avenue on Aug. 23 and found the victim with apparent trauma to his head. The victim was declared deceased at a local hospital.&nbsp;Based on surveillance footage and witness reports, the victim’s vehicle was driving along Choteau Trafficway when a vehicle, later identified as driven by Logan cut them off, aggressively braking in front of them, and driving at excessive speeds. The victim’s vehicle drove slightly ahead of the Logan’s vehicle and multiple flashes were seen coming from Logan's vehicle, then the victim’s vehicle hit the median. Logan's vehicle then fled.&nbsp;On Oct. 21, detectives received the results of a search warrant tracking the Logan’s car, placing him in the area of the shooting.During an interview with detectives, Logan admitted to verbally confronting the victim, wanting an apology after the victim allegedly swerved into his lane. He told detectives conflicting information about where he was intending to aim the firearm and where the firearm was located.

KC man accused of killing driver who 'swerved into his lane of traffic'

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cami-koons/">Cami Koons</a>

U.S. soybean farmers and lawmakers said the Chinese purchase of several shiploads of U.S. soybeans indicated a positive step in trade negotiations between the two counties.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-buys-three-us-soybean-cargoes-ahead-trump-xi-meeting-sources-say-2025-10-29/" target="_blank">Reuters</a>&nbsp;reported Wednesday that COFCO, a Chinese state-owned food processing company, purchased about 180,000 metric tons of soybeans from the U.S.&nbsp;

The reported purchase, which Reuters attributed to “two trade sources” is the first purchase China has made since harvest season began on the latest U.S. soybean crop.

The country has also bought soybeans from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-expands-argentina-soybean-buying-20-cargoes-traders-say-2025-09-24/" target="_blank">Argentina</a>&nbsp;and continues to purchase from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brazil-soybeans-china-exports-40a785024e483ea9cd555fb3c7323e14" target="_blank">Brazil</a>, leaving soybean farmers and farm industry groups&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/02/iowa-soybean-president-urges-trade-deal-with-china-calls-trump-policies-a-bitter-pill-for-farmers/" target="_blank">concerned</a>&nbsp;they have lost a key international market.&nbsp;

The purchase comes toward the end of harvest season for many farmers, and also a day before President Donald Trump is slated to work out a trade deal with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The trade deal is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-china-trade-deal-asia-tour-continues-japan-sanae-takaichi/" target="_blank">expected</a>&nbsp;to include agreements on soybeans and other agricultural exports.&nbsp;

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins posted on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecRollins/status/1983511209333690631" target="_blank">social media</a>&nbsp;Wednesday about the purchase and said it showed “strong dealmaking” on the part of the president and “a positive step forward for our farmers.”&nbsp;

“This purchase, coming directly ahead of the Trump-Xi talks, shows that America means business and that we will restore balance, give U.S. producers the opportunities they’ve earned, and send a message that when America leads in agriculture, the world listens,” Rollins wrote.&nbsp;

Rollins also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/shows/kudlow#" target="_blank">mentioned</a>&nbsp;the purchase while speaking on a Fox Business segment Wednesday.

The estimated 180,000-metric-ton purchase is a small percentage of the nearly 27 million metric tons of soybeans the U.S. exported to China in 2024, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fas.usda.gov/regions/china" target="_blank">data</a>.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley has also&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/grassley-hopes-for-a-solution-for-farmers-following-loss-of-chinese-market/" target="_blank">called for</a>&nbsp;a trade deal with China that will benefit farmers. Grassley said in a statement Wednesday he hopes for a “successful” meeting between Trump and Xi.

“China thinks it can move the needle at the last minute, but these small purchases are not nearly enough to address the serious threats facing the ag economy,” Grassley said. “While this may be a positive sign, it’s critical that the Chinese market more fully reopens to American soybean growers soon.”

Congressional delegates from Iowa and Wisconsin urged, in a letter this week, the president to&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/27/iowa-delegates-urge-administration-to-prioritize-trade-deal-for-soybean-farmers/" target="_blank">prioritize a soybean deal</a>&nbsp;in his talks with the Chinese leader.&nbsp;

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, who led the letter, said Wednesday the purchase from China was a “an important first step and a clear signal of momentum” for Trump’s negotiations.&nbsp;

“I’ve led the charge for our farmers and rural communities: end China’s trade war, restore market access, and expand ag exports,” Nunn said in a statement. “President Trump has proven time and again he has the tools to deliver. I look forward to reviewing the deal.”

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas, wrote on social media that the purchase was a “<a href="https://x.com/rogermarshallmd/status/1983530082800148666?s=12" target="_blank">big win</a>” for farmers.&nbsp;

Nebraska Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer also&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/senatorfischer/status/1983545407389966844?s=46&amp;t=59TO4z1VG6CVW59Gr61ouQ" target="_blank">posted</a>&nbsp;on social media and said the deal showed “agricultural trade could ease tensions between Washington and Beijing, while also leveling the playing field and directly assisting hardworking American ag producers.”

The American Soybean Association did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://x.com/ohiosoybean/status/1983549232272306640?s=12" target="_blank">Ohio Soybean Association</a>&nbsp;President Rusty Goebel said on the social media platform X that farmers were “encouraged” by the “positive trade news” and said the association looks forward to additional deals and purchases.&nbsp;

A representative from the Iowa Soybean Association declined to comment and said news of the purchase had not been “adequately substantiated.”&nbsp;

COFCO, the Chinese company that reportedly purchased the soybeans, did not respond to a request for comment or confirmation.

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/29/reports-china-buys-several-shiploads-of-u-s-soybeans-ahead-of-trump-trade-meeting/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Nebraska Examiner, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761787157829.png" alt="China reportedly purchased several shiploads of U.S. soybeans ahead of a meeting between the countries’ leaders. (Photo courtesy of USDA)" />
 <figcaption>China reportedly purchased several shiploads of U.S. soybeans ahead of a meeting between the countries’ leaders. (Photo courtesy of USDA)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cami-koons/">Cami Koons</a>U.S. soybean farmers and lawmakers said the Chinese purchase of several shiploads of U.S. soybeans indicated a positive step in trade negotiations between the two counties.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A big win for our farmers and a sign that fair trade is possible when you have leaders like President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRollins</a> fighting for America’s farmers 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/7My9NIFA0j">https://t.co/7My9NIFA0j</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1983530082800148666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-buys-three-us-soybean-cargoes-ahead-trump-xi-meeting-sources-say-2025-10-29/" target="_blank">Reuters</a>&nbsp;reported Wednesday that COFCO, a Chinese state-owned food processing company, purchased about 180,000 metric tons of soybeans from the U.S.&nbsp;The reported purchase, which Reuters attributed to “two trade sources” is the first purchase China has made since harvest season began on the latest U.S. soybean crop.The country has also bought soybeans from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-expands-argentina-soybean-buying-20-cargoes-traders-say-2025-09-24/" target="_blank">Argentina</a>&nbsp;and continues to purchase from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brazil-soybeans-china-exports-40a785024e483ea9cd555fb3c7323e14" target="_blank">Brazil</a>, leaving soybean farmers and farm industry groups&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/02/iowa-soybean-president-urges-trade-deal-with-china-calls-trump-policies-a-bitter-pill-for-farmers/" target="_blank">concerned</a>&nbsp;they have lost a key international market.&nbsp;The purchase comes toward the end of harvest season for many farmers, and also a day before President Donald Trump is slated to work out a trade deal with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The trade deal is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-china-trade-deal-asia-tour-continues-japan-sanae-takaichi/" target="_blank">expected</a>&nbsp;to include agreements on soybeans and other agricultural exports.&nbsp;U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins posted on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SecRollins/status/1983511209333690631" target="_blank">social media</a>&nbsp;Wednesday about the purchase and said it showed “strong dealmaking” on the part of the president and “a positive step forward for our farmers.”&nbsp;“This purchase, coming directly ahead of the Trump-Xi talks, shows that America means business and that we will restore balance, give U.S. producers the opportunities they’ve earned, and send a message that when America leads in agriculture, the world listens,” Rollins wrote.&nbsp;Rollins also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/shows/kudlow#" target="_blank">mentioned</a>&nbsp;the purchase while speaking on a Fox Business segment Wednesday.The estimated 180,000-metric-ton purchase is a small percentage of the nearly 27 million metric tons of soybeans the U.S. exported to China in 2024, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fas.usda.gov/regions/china" target="_blank">data</a>.&nbsp;U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley has also&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/grassley-hopes-for-a-solution-for-farmers-following-loss-of-chinese-market/" target="_blank">called for</a>&nbsp;a trade deal with China that will benefit farmers. Grassley said in a statement Wednesday he hopes for a “successful” meeting between Trump and Xi.“China thinks it can move the needle at the last minute, but these small purchases are not nearly enough to address the serious threats facing the ag economy,” Grassley said. “While this may be a positive sign, it’s critical that the Chinese market more fully reopens to American soybean growers soon.”Congressional delegates from Iowa and Wisconsin urged, in a letter this week, the president to&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/27/iowa-delegates-urge-administration-to-prioritize-trade-deal-for-soybean-farmers/" target="_blank">prioritize a soybean deal</a>&nbsp;in his talks with the Chinese leader.&nbsp;U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, who led the letter, said Wednesday the purchase from China was a “an important first step and a clear signal of momentum” for Trump’s negotiations.&nbsp;“I’ve led the charge for our farmers and rural communities: end China’s trade war, restore market access, and expand ag exports,” Nunn said in a statement. “President Trump has proven time and again he has the tools to deliver. I look forward to reviewing the deal.”U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, a Republican from Kansas, wrote on social media that the purchase was a “<a href="https://x.com/rogermarshallmd/status/1983530082800148666?s=12" target="_blank">big win</a>” for farmers.&nbsp;Nebraska Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer also&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/senatorfischer/status/1983545407389966844?s=46&amp;t=59TO4z1VG6CVW59Gr61ouQ" target="_blank">posted</a>&nbsp;on social media and said the deal showed “agricultural trade could ease tensions between Washington and Beijing, while also leveling the playing field and directly assisting hardworking American ag producers.”The American Soybean Association did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/ohiosoybean/status/1983549232272306640?s=12" target="_blank">Ohio Soybean Association</a>&nbsp;President Rusty Goebel said on the social media platform X that farmers were “encouraged” by the “positive trade news” and said the association looks forward to additional deals and purchases.&nbsp;A representative from the Iowa Soybean Association declined to comment and said news of the purchase had not been “adequately substantiated.”&nbsp;COFCO, the Chinese company that reportedly purchased the soybeans, did not respond to a request for comment or confirmation.This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/29/reports-china-buys-several-shiploads-of-u-s-soybeans-ahead-of-trump-trade-meeting/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Nebraska Examiner, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Reports: China buys several shiploads of U.S. soybeans ahead of Trump trade meeting

Earlier Wednesday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on yet another narco-trafficking vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) in the Eastern Pacific, according to a social media report from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

This vessel, like all the others, was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. Four male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel—and killed—during the strike, which was conducted in international waters. No U.S. forces were harmed in this strike.

The Western Hemisphere is no longer a safe haven for narco-terrorists bringing drugs to our shores to poison Americans. The Department of War will continue to hunt them down and eliminate them wherever they operate.

Earlier Wednesday, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on yet another narco-trafficking vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) in the Eastern Pacific, according to a social media report from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Earlier today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on yet another narco-trafficking vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) in the Eastern Pacific. This vessel, like all the others, was known by our… <a href="https://t.co/mBOLA5RYQe">pic.twitter.com/mBOLA5RYQe</a>&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1983676996220588093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This vessel, like all the others, was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. Four male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel—and killed—during the strike, which was conducted in international waters. No U.S. forces were harmed in this strike.The Western Hemisphere is no longer a safe haven for narco-terrorists bringing drugs to our shores to poison Americans. The Department of War will continue to hunt them down and eliminate them wherever they operate.

🎥US military kills 4 in new strike on drug-running boat

SALINE COUNTY —Police responded to report of a loose dog have made a drug arrest.

On Tuesday, police were dispatched to the&nbsp;Airliner Motel, 781 N. Broadway in Salina about a loose dog in the area. When they arrived, officers made contact with a 55-year old woman identified as Leslie McMurray,&nbsp;in the area of her room, according to Salina Police Lt. Andrew Zeigler

&nbsp;McMurray was allegedly holding a Yeti cup and an officer observed a plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine residue in. McMurray was then arrested without incident.

McMurray was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761751869083.png" alt="McMurray photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>McMurray photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Police responded to report of a loose dog have made a drug arrest.On Tuesday, police were dispatched to the&nbsp;Airliner Motel, 781 N. Broadway in Salina about a loose dog in the area. When they arrived, officers made contact with a 55-year old woman identified as Leslie McMurray,&nbsp;in the area of her room, according to Salina Police Lt. Andrew Zeigler&nbsp;McMurray was allegedly holding a Yeti cup and an officer observed a plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine residue in. McMurray was then arrested without incident.McMurray was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Drug Paraphernalia.

Police make drug arrest while looking for dog

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump on a third term: &quot;I would love to do it. I have the best numbers ever. Am I not ruling it out? You&#39;ll have to tell me.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/8tsuvIOeVf">pic.twitter.com/8tsuvIOeVf</a>&mdash; Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) <a href="https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1982783779597959567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a> on Trump running for a third term: &quot;I think the president knows - and he and I have talked about - the constrictions of the Constitution...I don&#39;t see a way to amend the Constitution, because it takes about 10 years to do that...I don&#39;t see the path for that.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/EvnliWcJbZ">pic.twitter.com/EvnliWcJbZ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1983193264422351309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥What President Trump now says about running for a third term

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Newton City Commission approved a lease agreement with Shield AI, an aeronautics technology manufacturer specializing in artificial intelligence drones, for a site at Newton City/County Airport.

The lease agreement includes 16,000 square feet of hangar and office space in Hangar J, as well as three acres of undeveloped land on the east side of the airport. The lease has an initial 5-year term at $90,000 per year, and two additional 5-year term options with an annual 1.5% increase on the hangar rate.

Shield AI, founded in 2015, develops autonomy software and aircraft that use artificial intelligence to protect service members and civilians in high-risk environments. The company’s latest innovation, the X-BAT, is the world’s first AI-piloted, vertical takeoff and landing fighter jet.

Jacob Miller with Shield AI said the company had been searching for a location as it develops the next iteration of its combat aircraft technology.

“We look to Newton airport to be the spot to help unlock and continue to keep the U.S. at the forefront of artificial intelligence and specifically artificial intelligence on aircraft,” Miller said.

The company’s initial plans are to use the Newton facility for testing during the manufacturing process.

The City and County, as joint owners of the airport, agreed to install a gravel service road from First Street to the ground lease acreage, and to update the office area and restrooms to code. City staff estimate the remodeling work will cost about $15,000 and are still working with Shield AI to determine the specifications and estimated cost of the road extension.

The City and County will also pay about $18,000 in fees to Shield AI’s real estate broker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761752458248.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy of Sheild AI" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Sheild AI</figcaption>
 </figure>CITY OF NEWTONAt Tuesday’s meeting, the Newton City Commission approved a lease agreement with Shield AI, an aeronautics technology manufacturer specializing in artificial intelligence drones, for a site at Newton City/County Airport.The lease agreement includes 16,000 square feet of hangar and office space in Hangar J, as well as three acres of undeveloped land on the east side of the airport. The lease has an initial 5-year term at $90,000 per year, and two additional 5-year term options with an annual 1.5% increase on the hangar rate.Shield AI, founded in 2015, develops autonomy software and aircraft that use artificial intelligence to protect service members and civilians in high-risk environments. The company’s latest innovation, the X-BAT, is the world’s first AI-piloted, vertical takeoff and landing fighter jet.Jacob Miller with Shield AI said the company had been searching for a location as it develops the next iteration of its combat aircraft technology.“We look to Newton airport to be the spot to help unlock and continue to keep the U.S. at the forefront of artificial intelligence and specifically artificial intelligence on aircraft,” Miller said.The company’s initial plans are to use the Newton facility for testing during the manufacturing process.The City and County, as joint owners of the airport, agreed to install a gravel service road from First Street to the ground lease acreage, and to update the office area and restrooms to code. City staff estimate the remodeling work will cost about $15,000 and are still working with Shield AI to determine the specifications and estimated cost of the road extension.The City and County will also pay about $18,000 in fees to Shield AI’s real estate broker.

Defense tech company to open flight test facility in Kansas

&nbsp;LACLEDE COUNTY, Mo.—Seven people were injured in an accident just after 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in Laclede County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Prevost Charter bus driven by a 75-year-old Springfield man was southbound at&nbsp;18610 Highway A just outside of Phillipsburg, Missouri. The bus traveled off the right side of the road and overturned.

Emergency crews from the Conway Volunteer Fire Department responded to the emergency. The bus was carrying students from three area schools who were en route to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) conference in Indiana.

Four students including a 15-year-old girl, two 16-year-old girls and a 17-year-old boy sustained minor injuries and were transported to Mercy Lebanon for evaluation. EMS also transported a 23-year-old man and a 50-year-old man to Mercy Lebanon. The driver was going to seek his own medical treatment, according to the Patrol.

The students who were not injured were transported to Conway High School by a Conway R-1 School District bus. There, they were provided with warm Conway Bear clothing, blankets, and snacks while they waited for their parents and school officials to arrive

The Conway Volunteer Fire Department thanked&nbsp; Mercy EMS, the Laclede County Sheriff’s Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their assistance at the scene and Laclede County R-1 School District for responding so fast with a bus and administrators to help and opening your doors and taking such good care of these kids. Conway is located approximately 3 hours southeast of Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761769391583.png" alt="Photo&nbsp; Conway Volunteer Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo&nbsp; Conway Volunteer Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;LACLEDE COUNTY, Mo.—Seven people were injured in an accident just after 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in Laclede County, Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761769417283.png" alt="&nbsp;Photo Conway Volunteer Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo Conway Volunteer Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Prevost Charter bus driven by a 75-year-old Springfield man was southbound at&nbsp;18610 Highway A just outside of Phillipsburg, Missouri. The bus traveled off the right side of the road and overturned.Emergency crews from the Conway Volunteer Fire Department responded to the emergency. The bus was carrying students from three area schools who were en route to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) conference in Indiana.Four students including a 15-year-old girl, two 16-year-old girls and a 17-year-old boy sustained minor injuries and were transported to Mercy Lebanon for evaluation. EMS also transported a 23-year-old man and a 50-year-old man to Mercy Lebanon. The driver was going to seek his own medical treatment, according to the Patrol.The students who were not injured were transported to Conway High School by a Conway R-1 School District bus. There, they were provided with warm Conway Bear clothing, blankets, and snacks while they waited for their parents and school officials to arriveThe Conway Volunteer Fire Department thanked&nbsp; Mercy EMS, the Laclede County Sheriff’s Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their assistance at the scene and Laclede County R-1 School District for responding so fast with a bus and administrators to help and opening your doors and taking such good care of these kids. Conway is located approximately 3 hours southeast of Kansas City.

5 hospitalized after bus carrying FFA students overturns 

&nbsp;The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Wednesday. It is the for a second rate cut this year.

&nbsp;The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Wednesday. It is the for a second rate cut this year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fed Chair Powell: &quot;In support of our goals and in light of the balance of risks to employment and inflation, today the Federal Open Market Committee decided to lower our policy interest rate by a quarter percentage point.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FOMC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FOMC</a> <a href="https://t.co/XNoWKSZcGJ">pic.twitter.com/XNoWKSZcGJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1983610921101467853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Good news for borrowers despite federal gov't shutdown 

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansans who receive food assistance or are furloughed from federal jobs are scrambling to pay bills and feed their families as the federal government shutdown drags on.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday was the deadline for the federal government to reopen so that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments could go out to beneficiaries. It takes 72 hours for the payments to process, according to the Kansas Department for Children and Families.

More than 93,000 Kansas households — nearly 188,000 Kansans — use SNAP benefits to put food on their tables, DCF said in a press release. The bulk of those using SNAP are children.

As politicians on both sides exchange barbs on social media and in news releases about who is at fault for shutting down the government, Kansans like Daniel Scharpenburg, of Overland Park, are carefully tracking their bank account balances. He’s worried about a teenage son with a big appetite and the possibility of empty kitchen cabinets.

Scharpenburg, 45, is furloughed from the Internal Revenue Service office in Kansas City, Missouri. He worked the first five days of the shutdown, leaving Oct. 8 and receiving a paycheck in mid-October for those days of work.&nbsp;

“I have to be very careful with my bills, because I have now missed a paycheck,” he said. “I’m having to rely on food banks and things like that to make sure I have food. If I start thinking about my car payment and my phone bill and my rent, I’m gonna go crazy. I really do have to focus on the next bill that’s due and hope for the best.”

Scharpenburg is applying for jobs in the Kansas City area but isn’t having much luck. He said all furloughed workers in the area are competing for jobs.

The IRS location employs about 6,000 people, and reports from the federal government indicate about half of IRS workers have been furloughed, he said. Housing and Urban Development also has a Kansas City office, and those employees are affected by the shutdown too, Scharpenburg said.

Scharpenburg’s ex-wife is also a furloughed IRS employee, and he worries that his 15-year-old son at home will eventually be affected by the situation.

“I really thought it would be over before now,” Scharpenburg said. “In another week, it’s going to break the record for longest shutdown if it keeps going, and that’s not a record I want to see broken. So, yeah, I am worried that it will go on longer.”

Scharpenburg is first vice president in the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 66, which covers Kansas City, Missouri. In that role, he’s hearing daily from furloughed employees who are scared and frustrated.

The union put together lists of food banks and other local resources, he said.&nbsp;

“But you know, it’s hard times for a lot of people, so it seems like the resources we lean on to help us are being stretched thin, just like just like our dollars are,” he said.

Scharpenburg said union members tell him that landlords and bankers have been willing to work with furloughed employees, knowing that eventually they’ll get back pay. The idea floated in Washington of withholding back pay was like a “slap in the face,” he said.

“When a politician says something like that, it feels like, oh, they don’t respect our work at all,” he said. “I am nervous. The law is clear that we will get paid at the end of this, but that being said, if Congress could pass something to change that … I don’t know what will happen if the executive branch were to decide just to not pay us. They’d have to go to court, but I don’t know if that would be resolved quickly.”

Many pantries statewide are stretching to meet community needs generated by rising prices and furloughed employees. Now, missing SNAP payments are expected to intensify the situation, said Debbie Johns, director of the Geary County Food Pantry.

Located in Junction City, the food pantry has been adding 12 to 15 new families each time it has a food distribution, Johns said. Typically, the organization sees just three to five new families each time it opens its doors, she said.

“It’s a little scary,” Johns said. “We’ve got a pretty good stock but you just see it go each time. If they clear the shelves, how long are we going to be able to keep up with this?”

Johns said the food pantry adapted its guidelines to make sure they are able to serve furloughed federal employees. Many of them work at Fort Riley and would exceed income guidelines.

Johns is grateful many in the Geary County area are donating food and holding food drives to help out. The county has the highest child food insecurity rate in Kansas, she said, so all of the challenges this year have made the problem worse.

Gov. Laura Kelly added food drives to the remaining stops on her statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/796/55#!/" target="_blank">“The People’s Budget” listening tour</a>&nbsp;because of the widespread need. Working in partnership with the Kansas Food Bank and Harvesters — The Community Food Network, she encouraged anyone attending the town hall events to bring nonperishable, nonglass food items.

“As the federal government shutdown continues to drag on, Kansans who are furloughed, and especially those who receive SNAP and WIC benefits, are caught in the crossfire,” Kelly said.&nbsp;

Kelly also announced this week that she joined a coalition of 22 states and two governors in suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Secretary Brooke Rollins for “unlawfully suspending” SNAP funds during the government shutdown.&nbsp;

“States cannot, and should not, take on the federal government’s responsibility to fund SNAP,” Kelly said in a news release. “Cutting off SNAP payments is an unprecedented choice made by the Trump Administration and Congress that will harm millions of families across the country. I joined this lawsuit to protect Kansans, because the federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program, not to take food out of the mouths of Kansas children.”

Grocery stores are planning for changed buying patterns as SNAP funding cuts off, said Jon McCormick, president and CEO at Retail Grocers Association, Kansas and Missouri.

SNAP benefits put nearly $33 million each month into the Kansas economy, according to the USDA.&nbsp;

The effect on grocery stores of missing SNAP payments will be “immediate,” McCormick said, although multiple factors determine the effect in specific stores.

“A store in Lenexa is going to have minimal SNAP recipients shopping,” he said. “A store in the urban core of Wichita is totally different.That could be 40% of the business. It certainly is going to affect the urban core stores and the very small rural stores.”

McCormick serves on the National Grocers Association government relations committee, and he visited Washington, D.C., last week to discuss resolutions to continue SNAP funding.

“For us as an industry, including all food manufacturers and providers, it is disruptive for the customer. It’s disruptive for the supply chain. It’s disruptive for the retailer,” he said, adding that he’s confident retailers will be able to manage through this challenge.

“The independent retailer is rather resilient and creative when it comes to adversity,” McCormick said.

Grocery store owners and managers across the state are unsure exactly how they will be affected when SNAP payments stop. Some, like Pam Budenbender, owner of Onaga Country Market, don’t expect to see many changes because her store doesn’t serve many people using SNAP.&nbsp;

However, she said she’s worried about a customer who is deaf and needs the benefit to buy food. Budenbender already helps her out as much as she can.&nbsp;

Scott Bird, co-owner of Family Market in Quinter, said his store definitely will be affected, as it participates in eWIC, part of the Women, Infant and Children’s program that offers supplemental nutrition for mothers and infants.

“It definitely will have an effect on small-town stores and people who need those services,” he said.

He isn’t yet adapting inventory but is in a “wait-and-see” mode, Bird added.

Others affected by the federal government shutdown include banks, mortgage companies and property management companies that rent apartments.

“Kansas banks and bankers stand ready to work with and support their customers who may be facing any hardships due to the current federal government shutdown,” said Doug Wareham, president and CEO of the Kansas Bankers Association.&nbsp;

In a statement, he encouraged federal employees to reach out to their banks as soon as possible to discuss their personal situation and see what help may be available, including potential fee waivers, payment deadline extensions, or other accommodations.

“The banking industry will continue to support Kansans through major challenges such as this shutdown just as we did during the pandemic and previous interruptions in government operations,” Wareham said.

Gary Olds, with the Geary County Landlords Association, said it is early in the shutdown to determine how landlords will manage missed rental payments. The Junction City area is military-dependent, he said.&nbsp;

“I think in general, landlords are going to try to work with military with regards to the rent, but that’s a broadbrush statement on my part,” he said. “Most landlords can probably weather about 30 days because they have the security deposit. Hopefully at least some of the tenants that are military have some level of savings that can make a payment or make a partial payment.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761760838341.png" alt=" Julia Loper works at the Geary County Food Pantry in Junction City, stocking shelves and helping customers. Like many food pantries across Kansas, the organization is struggling to meet community needs. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption> Julia Loper works at the Geary County Food Pantry in Junction City, stocking shelves and helping customers. Like many food pantries across Kansas, the organization is struggling to meet community needs. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansans who receive food assistance or are furloughed from federal jobs are scrambling to pay bills and feed their families as the federal government shutdown drags on.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tuesday was the deadline for the federal government to reopen so that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments could go out to beneficiaries. It takes 72 hours for the payments to process, according to the Kansas Department for Children and Families.More than 93,000 Kansas households — nearly 188,000 Kansans — use SNAP benefits to put food on their tables, DCF said in a press release. The bulk of those using SNAP are children.As politicians on both sides exchange barbs on social media and in news releases about who is at fault for shutting down the government, Kansans like Daniel Scharpenburg, of Overland Park, are carefully tracking their bank account balances. He’s worried about a teenage son with a big appetite and the possibility of empty kitchen cabinets.Scharpenburg, 45, is furloughed from the Internal Revenue Service office in Kansas City, Missouri. He worked the first five days of the shutdown, leaving Oct. 8 and receiving a paycheck in mid-October for those days of work.&nbsp;“I have to be very careful with my bills, because I have now missed a paycheck,” he said. “I’m having to rely on food banks and things like that to make sure I have food. If I start thinking about my car payment and my phone bill and my rent, I’m gonna go crazy. I really do have to focus on the next bill that’s due and hope for the best.”Scharpenburg is applying for jobs in the Kansas City area but isn’t having much luck. He said all furloughed workers in the area are competing for jobs.The IRS location employs about 6,000 people, and reports from the federal government indicate about half of IRS workers have been furloughed, he said. Housing and Urban Development also has a Kansas City office, and those employees are affected by the shutdown too, Scharpenburg said.Scharpenburg’s ex-wife is also a furloughed IRS employee, and he worries that his 15-year-old son at home will eventually be affected by the situation.“I really thought it would be over before now,” Scharpenburg said. “In another week, it’s going to break the record for longest shutdown if it keeps going, and that’s not a record I want to see broken. So, yeah, I am worried that it will go on longer.”Scharpenburg is first vice president in the National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 66, which covers Kansas City, Missouri. In that role, he’s hearing daily from furloughed employees who are scared and frustrated.The union put together lists of food banks and other local resources, he said.&nbsp;“But you know, it’s hard times for a lot of people, so it seems like the resources we lean on to help us are being stretched thin, just like just like our dollars are,” he said.Scharpenburg said union members tell him that landlords and bankers have been willing to work with furloughed employees, knowing that eventually they’ll get back pay. The idea floated in Washington of withholding back pay was like a “slap in the face,” he said.“When a politician says something like that, it feels like, oh, they don’t respect our work at all,” he said. “I am nervous. The law is clear that we will get paid at the end of this, but that being said, if Congress could pass something to change that … I don’t know what will happen if the executive branch were to decide just to not pay us. They’d have to go to court, but I don’t know if that would be resolved quickly.”<h2>Food pantries struggling</h2>Many pantries statewide are stretching to meet community needs generated by rising prices and furloughed employees. Now, missing SNAP payments are expected to intensify the situation, said Debbie Johns, director of the Geary County Food Pantry.Located in Junction City, the food pantry has been adding 12 to 15 new families each time it has a food distribution, Johns said. Typically, the organization sees just three to five new families each time it opens its doors, she said.“It’s a little scary,” Johns said. “We’ve got a pretty good stock but you just see it go each time. If they clear the shelves, how long are we going to be able to keep up with this?”Johns said the food pantry adapted its guidelines to make sure they are able to serve furloughed federal employees. Many of them work at Fort Riley and would exceed income guidelines.Johns is grateful many in the Geary County area are donating food and holding food drives to help out. The county has the highest child food insecurity rate in Kansas, she said, so all of the challenges this year have made the problem worse.Gov. Laura Kelly added food drives to the remaining stops on her statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/796/55#!/" target="_blank">“The People’s Budget” listening tour</a>&nbsp;because of the widespread need. Working in partnership with the Kansas Food Bank and Harvesters — The Community Food Network, she encouraged anyone attending the town hall events to bring nonperishable, nonglass food items.“As the federal government shutdown continues to drag on, Kansans who are furloughed, and especially those who receive SNAP and WIC benefits, are caught in the crossfire,” Kelly said.&nbsp;Kelly also announced this week that she joined a coalition of 22 states and two governors in suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Secretary Brooke Rollins for “unlawfully suspending” SNAP funds during the government shutdown.&nbsp;“States cannot, and should not, take on the federal government’s responsibility to fund SNAP,” Kelly said in a news release. “Cutting off SNAP payments is an unprecedented choice made by the Trump Administration and Congress that will harm millions of families across the country. I joined this lawsuit to protect Kansans, because the federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program, not to take food out of the mouths of Kansas children.”<h2>Economic challenges</h2>Grocery stores are planning for changed buying patterns as SNAP funding cuts off, said Jon McCormick, president and CEO at Retail Grocers Association, Kansas and Missouri.SNAP benefits put nearly $33 million each month into the Kansas economy, according to the USDA.&nbsp;The effect on grocery stores of missing SNAP payments will be “immediate,” McCormick said, although multiple factors determine the effect in specific stores.“A store in Lenexa is going to have minimal SNAP recipients shopping,” he said. “A store in the urban core of Wichita is totally different.That could be 40% of the business. It certainly is going to affect the urban core stores and the very small rural stores.”McCormick serves on the National Grocers Association government relations committee, and he visited Washington, D.C., last week to discuss resolutions to continue SNAP funding.“For us as an industry, including all food manufacturers and providers, it is disruptive for the customer. It’s disruptive for the supply chain. It’s disruptive for the retailer,” he said, adding that he’s confident retailers will be able to manage through this challenge.“The independent retailer is rather resilient and creative when it comes to adversity,” McCormick said.Grocery store owners and managers across the state are unsure exactly how they will be affected when SNAP payments stop. Some, like Pam Budenbender, owner of Onaga Country Market, don’t expect to see many changes because her store doesn’t serve many people using SNAP.&nbsp;However, she said she’s worried about a customer who is deaf and needs the benefit to buy food. Budenbender already helps her out as much as she can.&nbsp;Scott Bird, co-owner of Family Market in Quinter, said his store definitely will be affected, as it participates in eWIC, part of the Women, Infant and Children’s program that offers supplemental nutrition for mothers and infants.“It definitely will have an effect on small-town stores and people who need those services,” he said.He isn’t yet adapting inventory but is in a “wait-and-see” mode, Bird added.Others affected by the federal government shutdown include banks, mortgage companies and property management companies that rent apartments.“Kansas banks and bankers stand ready to work with and support their customers who may be facing any hardships due to the current federal government shutdown,” said Doug Wareham, president and CEO of the Kansas Bankers Association.&nbsp;In a statement, he encouraged federal employees to reach out to their banks as soon as possible to discuss their personal situation and see what help may be available, including potential fee waivers, payment deadline extensions, or other accommodations.“The banking industry will continue to support Kansans through major challenges such as this shutdown just as we did during the pandemic and previous interruptions in government operations,” Wareham said.Gary Olds, with the Geary County Landlords Association, said it is early in the shutdown to determine how landlords will manage missed rental payments. The Junction City area is military-dependent, he said.&nbsp;“I think in general, landlords are going to try to work with military with regards to the rent, but that’s a broadbrush statement on my part,” he said. “Most landlords can probably weather about 30 days because they have the security deposit. Hopefully at least some of the tenants that are military have some level of savings that can make a payment or make a partial payment.”

‘Hope for the best’: Government shutdown strains Kansas food resources, local businesses

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas teen on drug allegations.

On October 27, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in 2800 BLK SE Powell Street in Topeka. related to an ongoing investigation, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, Isaiah Timmons, 19, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transactions, Kansas Drug Tax, Transport open container of liquor, Liquor; Purchase/possess/consumption by minor 18-20 yrs and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761678946006.png" alt="Timmons photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Timmons photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas teen on drug allegations.On October 27, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in 2800 BLK SE Powell Street in Topeka. related to an ongoing investigation, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located marijuana and drug paraphernalia.As a result, Isaiah Timmons, 19, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transactions, Kansas Drug Tax, Transport open container of liquor, Liquor; Purchase/possess/consumption by minor 18-20 yrs and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police: Kansas teen jailed for selling marijuana

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a homicide that occurred September 2, have have developed new information that the crime actually occurred in Independence, Missouri, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 2:30p.m. September 2, police&nbsp;were dispatched to 100 NE St. Luke’s Boulevard on a reported shooting that was originally believed to have occurred near 88th Place and James A Reed, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Upon arrival, officers were advised a boy later identified as 15-year-old Isaiah Wilson arrived at the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical staff made every attempt to perform life saving measures before he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates the boy was walking outside when he heard several sounds of shots and was struck by gunfire. He was able to call a friend for help and a private vehicle picked him up and transported him to the hospital.

KCPD Homicide Unit detectives have met with Independence Police investigators and they have taken over the investigation.

This case is being removed from KCPD Daily Homicide total and our number will go from 124 to 123 for 2025.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a homicide that occurred September 2, have have developed new information that the crime actually occurred in Independence, Missouri, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just after 2:30p.m. September 2, police&nbsp;were dispatched to 100 NE St. Luke’s Boulevard on a reported shooting that was originally believed to have occurred near 88th Place and James A Reed, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Upon arrival, officers were advised a boy later identified as 15-year-old Isaiah Wilson arrived at the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical staff made every attempt to perform life saving measures before he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary investigation indicates the boy was walking outside when he heard several sounds of shots and was struck by gunfire. He was able to call a friend for help and a private vehicle picked him up and transported him to the hospital.KCPD Homicide Unit detectives have met with Independence Police investigators and they have taken over the investigation.This case is being removed from KCPD Daily Homicide total and our number will go from 124 to 123 for 2025.

Homicide: KCPD releases new details in death of 15-year-old

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in a pedestrian accident just before 3:30a.m. Tuesday in Overland Park.

A vehicle was eastbound on Goddard Street just west of Switzer Road, according to Officer John Lacy. The vehicle initially struck a parked vehicle on the westbound side of the street.&nbsp; it continued eastbound and struck a pedestrian later identified as 68-year-old Janet Dam of Overland Park. She was walking westbound on the edge of the roadway.&nbsp; The vehicle eventually came to a stop after striking a tree. 

Dam was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of vehicle was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.

&nbsp;Investigators say Dam is known to walk daily in the area around 4a.m. She was not carrying any identification at the time of the incident.&nbsp;

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in a pedestrian accident just before 3:30a.m. Tuesday in Overland Park.A vehicle was eastbound on Goddard Street just west of Switzer Road, according to Officer John Lacy. The vehicle initially struck a parked vehicle on the westbound side of the street.&nbsp; it continued eastbound and struck a pedestrian later identified as 68-year-old Janet Dam of Overland Park. She was walking westbound on the edge of the roadway.&nbsp; The vehicle eventually came to a stop after striking a tree. Dam was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of vehicle was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.&nbsp;Investigators say Dam is known to walk daily in the area around 4a.m. She was not carrying any identification at the time of the incident.&nbsp;

Kan. woman struck and killed by vehicle near her home

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of house fire in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday, crews responded a house fire in the 2500 Block of Montgall Avenue, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. First responders reported heavy fire from a two-story vacant home. Crews made an initial attempt for an interior attack but were unsuccessful due to the amount of fire and hoarder type condition in the home.

Defensive operations were established. The intense flames and radiant heat ignited a second structure north of the original fire. Searches of the second structure came back all clear. Both fires were brought under control and crews worked to contain hot spots. There were no injuries reported.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761695102097.png" alt="Photos Kansas City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos Kansas City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating the cause of house fire in Kansas City, Missouri.Just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday, crews responded a house fire in the 2500 Block of Montgall Avenue, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. First responders reported heavy fire from a two-story vacant home. Crews made an initial attempt for an interior attack but were unsuccessful due to the amount of fire and hoarder type condition in the home.Defensive operations were established. The intense flames and radiant heat ignited a second structure north of the original fire. Searches of the second structure came back all clear. Both fires were brought under control and crews worked to contain hot spots. There were no injuries reported.&nbsp;

Hoarding conditions hamper crews fighting KC house fire

RAY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7a.m. Tuesday in Ray County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by a 34-year-old Liberty man was eastbound on MO 210 just west of MO T. The vehicle crossed the center of the road. It struck a 2008 Pontiac driven by a 34-year-old Richmond woman head-on and overturned.

The Pontiac driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Ray County ambulance transported the Toyota driver to North Kansas City hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

RAY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7a.m. Tuesday in Ray County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Toyota passenger vehicle driven by a 34-year-old Liberty man was eastbound on MO 210 just west of MO T. The vehicle crossed the center of the road. It struck a 2008 Pontiac driven by a 34-year-old Richmond woman head-on and overturned.The Pontiac driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Ray County ambulance transported the Toyota driver to North Kansas City hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman killed in head-on crash

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—One person died in an accident on Tuesday morning in Montgomery County.

According to Sheriff Ron Wade, a 2024 Kia passenger vehicle driven by Heath Ellis, 21, Caney, was traveling on U.S. 75 near County Road 3600 southwest of Independence, Kansas.&nbsp; The vehicle left the road, overturned, struck a culvert and caught fire.&nbsp; Ellis was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

The accident remains under investigation, according to Wade.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—One person died in an accident on Tuesday morning in Montgomery County.According to Sheriff Ron Wade, a 2024 Kia passenger vehicle driven by Heath Ellis, 21, Caney, was traveling on U.S. 75 near County Road 3600 southwest of Independence, Kansas.&nbsp; The vehicle left the road, overturned, struck a culvert and caught fire.&nbsp; Ellis was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;The accident remains under investigation, according to Wade.

Kansas man killed in rollover crash and fire

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust in Manhattan.

Just before 5:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;executed a search warrant in the 700 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

As a result, officers arrested 60-year-old Joseph Fabre of Manhattan on requested charges of distribution of opiate/narcotic/certain stim/heroin within 1000 feet of a school; possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia; possession of a depressant and possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance. Fabre remains jailed on a $40,000 bond.

He has previous convictions that include Forgery, Robbery, Criminal Threat, Intent or reckless cause child less than 18 in situation w/childs life, body, health is injured or endangered and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761665407790.png" alt="Fabre has previous convictions that include Forgery, Robbery, Criminal Threat, Intent or reckless cause child less than 18 in situation w/childs life, body, health is injured or endangered and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Fabre has previous convictions that include Forgery, Robbery, Criminal Threat, Intent or reckless cause child less than 18 in situation w/childs life, body, health is injured or endangered and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections- photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust in Manhattan.Just before 5:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;executed a search warrant in the 700 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.As a result, officers arrested 60-year-old Joseph Fabre of Manhattan on requested charges of distribution of opiate/narcotic/certain stim/heroin within 1000 feet of a school; possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia; possession of a depressant and possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance. Fabre remains jailed on a $40,000 bond.He has previous convictions that include Forgery, Robbery, Criminal Threat, Intent or reckless cause child less than 18 in situation w/childs life, body, health is injured or endangered and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon accused of selling heroin

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday, joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general and two governors in filing a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.&nbsp;

“States cannot, and should not, take on the federal government’s responsibility to fund SNAP,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Cutting off SNAP payments is an unprecedented choice made by the Trump Administration and Congress that will harm millions of families across the country. I joined this lawsuit to protect Kansans, because the federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program, not to take food out of the mouths of Kansas children.”

On October 1, 2025, the new federal fiscal year began without an appropriation by Congress to fund the federal government, creating a government shutdown. On October 10, the USDA sent a letter to state SNAP agencies saying that if the shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for the approximately 42 million Americans that rely on them. &nbsp;

Despite USDA’s claim of insufficient funds, the agency has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds appropriated by Congress for this purpose. Furthermore, USDA has funded other programs with emergency funds during this shutdown, but has refused to fund SNAP, leaving millions of Americans without the assistance they need to buy food. It is clear the federal government is making a deliberate, illegal, and inhumane choice not to fund the crucial SNAP program.&nbsp;

The lapse in benefits will have dire consequences for the health and well-being of millions across the country, who rely on the program to feed themselves and their families. This lapse will also put unnecessary strain on state and local governments and community organizations, as families increasingly rely on emergency services and local food pantries that are already struggling to fill a growing nutrition gap. It will affect school systems, including college and university communities, where food insecurity will stand in the way of educating students. Suspending SNAP benefits will also harm the hundreds of thousands of grocers and merchants that accept SNAP payment for food purchases across the country. The USDA has estimated that in a slowing economy, every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity.&nbsp;

In Kansas, nearly 188,000 children, families, and seniors rely on SNAP each month to meet their needs. Ordinarily, more than 93,000 Kansas households would receive a total distribution of more than $34.4 million in SNAP benefits. The Kansas Department for Children and Families, which administers the SNAP program, will continue to closely monitor the situation and its impacts on services the agency provides.

While the federal government funds and sets the monthly amount of SNAP benefits, states are responsible for administering programs in their state. Suspending SNAP benefits in this manner is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. Where Congress has clearly spoken, providing that SNAP benefits should continue even during a government shutdown, USDA does not have the authority to say otherwise. The coalition will also be filing a temporary restraining order later today asking the court to immediately turn benefits back on.&nbsp;

Joining&nbsp;Governor Kelly in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon,&nbsp;Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. The Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania have also joined.

Information about federal shutdown impacts on DCF programs and services is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2FPages%2Fdefault.aspx/1/0101019a2c925b18-1a97ee00-5c46-46fa-81bf-8fdbbe95f1b6-000000/5VIAYM9XO3ktK7g_ze-kJeW4ZRwH1bkUQnl31aoZJFY=428">dcf.ks.gov.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689674819900.png" alt="Photo USDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday, joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general and two governors in filing a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.&nbsp;“States cannot, and should not, take on the federal government’s responsibility to fund SNAP,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Cutting off SNAP payments is an unprecedented choice made by the Trump Administration and Congress that will harm millions of families across the country. I joined this lawsuit to protect Kansans, because the federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program, not to take food out of the mouths of Kansas children.”On October 1, 2025, the new federal fiscal year began without an appropriation by Congress to fund the federal government, creating a government shutdown. On October 10, the USDA sent a letter to state SNAP agencies saying that if the shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for the approximately 42 million Americans that rely on them. &nbsp;Despite USDA’s claim of insufficient funds, the agency has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds appropriated by Congress for this purpose. Furthermore, USDA has funded other programs with emergency funds during this shutdown, but has refused to fund SNAP, leaving millions of Americans without the assistance they need to buy food. It is clear the federal government is making a deliberate, illegal, and inhumane choice not to fund the crucial SNAP program.&nbsp;The lapse in benefits will have dire consequences for the health and well-being of millions across the country, who rely on the program to feed themselves and their families. This lapse will also put unnecessary strain on state and local governments and community organizations, as families increasingly rely on emergency services and local food pantries that are already struggling to fill a growing nutrition gap. It will affect school systems, including college and university communities, where food insecurity will stand in the way of educating students. Suspending SNAP benefits will also harm the hundreds of thousands of grocers and merchants that accept SNAP payment for food purchases across the country. The USDA has estimated that in a slowing economy, every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity.&nbsp;In Kansas, nearly 188,000 children, families, and seniors rely on SNAP each month to meet their needs. Ordinarily, more than 93,000 Kansas households would receive a total distribution of more than $34.4 million in SNAP benefits. The Kansas Department for Children and Families, which administers the SNAP program, will continue to closely monitor the situation and its impacts on services the agency provides.While the federal government funds and sets the monthly amount of SNAP benefits, states are responsible for administering programs in their state. Suspending SNAP benefits in this manner is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. Where Congress has clearly spoken, providing that SNAP benefits should continue even during a government shutdown, USDA does not have the authority to say otherwise. The coalition will also be filing a temporary restraining order later today asking the court to immediately turn benefits back on.&nbsp;Joining&nbsp;Governor Kelly in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon,&nbsp;Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. The Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania have also joined.Information about federal shutdown impacts on DCF programs and services is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2FPages%2Fdefault.aspx/1/0101019a2c925b18-1a97ee00-5c46-46fa-81bf-8fdbbe95f1b6-000000/5VIAYM9XO3ktK7g_ze-kJeW4ZRwH1bkUQnl31aoZJFY=428">dcf.ks.gov.</a>

Kansas sues Trump Admin. for 'illegally suspending SNAP benefits'

TOPEKA — Kansas farm leaders are pushing Congress to get back to work and solve problems facing the agriculture industry, pointing out that a closed government doesn’t mean U.S. lawmakers can’t be in session.

“I’m up here in Republic County and there’s a lot of activity going around harvest,” said Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union. “And then, of course, wheat drilling and all that, too, and getting ready to move cattle off of pastures. The work doesn’t stop for farmers. We don’t pause, we don’t shut down. We have to keep going.”

Levendofsky, speaking earlier this month in a virtual press conference arranged by Kansas Congresswoman Sharice Davids, echoed comments from Kansas agriculture secretary Mike Beam to get Congress back to work.

“It’s time to get back to work on and really address some things, particularly some things that really don’t cost money — it’s just public policy that we need to address,” Beam said on the same call.

Levendofsky said the farm bill was allowed to expire, and even though some agricultural issues were addressed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, much is left to do.

“I’ve talked with farmers in our organization, farmers in my area, and farmers all across the state, and they’re very frustrated with what’s going on right now,” he said.

As farmers are grappling with increased input expenses, tariffs and weather, Davids said she was “p***ed” about President Donald Trump’s expressed intentions to import more Argentinian beef.

“I think we need to be doing everything we can to support American ranchers and producers and farmers and not importing in stuff that we’re growing here,” she said.

Matthew Steele, CEO and executive director of the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association, listens to news every day with a strong dose of caution and “trying to read through the lines.” As an engineer with a compliance background, he’s always looking deeper, he said.

“You’ve got to always be thinking about this is the black and white, what does all the gray around it mean?” he said in a call with the Kansas Reflector.

For instance, outcry about the potential of Mexico reopening its U.S. border to import feeder cattle doesn’t have as big of an impact as people might expect, Steele said.

About 1 million head a year come in from Mexico, out of 83 million head produced in the U.S., he said.

“It’s not that big of a number,” Steele said. “They’re still anywhere from three to eight or nine months from being ready for harvest anyway. Where the impact comes is those aren’t prime animals that are coming up. It’s not like they’re bringing in certified Angus roasts and steaks. It’s lower quality we grind up and serve as hamburgers.”

Still, the market took that news and went “crazy,” he said. Live cattle contracts fell Monday, dropping about $7 on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/future/lc00?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqe5Xw6SQAaUNwGs9A2aB5ASjPdCoXZgWQjhkC7P1xNSJF4pjUBVwcdsSUxoQ54%3D&amp;gaa_ts=6900dd4b&amp;gaa_sig=Lbzoo0bAhVTAV00lcfxF6snutG3jmoxhqzu_x9PHRP9kDvieAxABx0qDmPz3uZmoJfgkA4qY-GOI_WMvS5ytDA%3D%3D" target="_blank">according to Marketwatch</a>.

Steele said his organization is telling farmers to call their representatives to share stories and help them understand how the system works. Although organizations like Kansas Cattlemen’s are advocating, it means more coming from the people who are doing the work, he said.

Adam Phelon, a Kansas Soybean Association board member who farms with his family near Garnett, joined Davids’ call to share his frustration with the shutdown and what a challenge it can be throughout rural communities with a “snowball effect” that hits many areas.

Phelon said farmers need consistency and certainty to make plans, and they don’t have that right now. He also pointed to families that need support from programs like Women, Infants and Children payments and a friend in the Navy who is stationed in Germany and wasn’t able to make their house payment that was due in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761674362747.png" alt=" Kansas ranchers are concerned about statements out of Washington, D.C., about importing more beef from Mexico and Argentina and how that affects market prices. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas ranchers are concerned about statements out of Washington, D.C., about importing more beef from Mexico and Argentina and how that affects market prices. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas farm leaders are pushing Congress to get back to work and solve problems facing the agriculture industry, pointing out that a closed government doesn’t mean U.S. lawmakers can’t be in session.“I’m up here in Republic County and there’s a lot of activity going around harvest,” said Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union. “And then, of course, wheat drilling and all that, too, and getting ready to move cattle off of pastures. The work doesn’t stop for farmers. We don’t pause, we don’t shut down. We have to keep going.”Levendofsky, speaking earlier this month in a virtual press conference arranged by Kansas Congresswoman Sharice Davids, echoed comments from Kansas agriculture secretary Mike Beam to get Congress back to work.“It’s time to get back to work on and really address some things, particularly some things that really don’t cost money — it’s just public policy that we need to address,” Beam said on the same call.Levendofsky said the farm bill was allowed to expire, and even though some agricultural issues were addressed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, much is left to do.“I’ve talked with farmers in our organization, farmers in my area, and farmers all across the state, and they’re very frustrated with what’s going on right now,” he said.As farmers are grappling with increased input expenses, tariffs and weather, Davids said she was “p***ed” about President Donald Trump’s expressed intentions to import more Argentinian beef.“I think we need to be doing everything we can to support American ranchers and producers and farmers and not importing in stuff that we’re growing here,” she said.Matthew Steele, CEO and executive director of the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association, listens to news every day with a strong dose of caution and “trying to read through the lines.” As an engineer with a compliance background, he’s always looking deeper, he said.“You’ve got to always be thinking about this is the black and white, what does all the gray around it mean?” he said in a call with the Kansas Reflector.For instance, outcry about the potential of Mexico reopening its U.S. border to import feeder cattle doesn’t have as big of an impact as people might expect, Steele said.About 1 million head a year come in from Mexico, out of 83 million head produced in the U.S., he said.“It’s not that big of a number,” Steele said. “They’re still anywhere from three to eight or nine months from being ready for harvest anyway. Where the impact comes is those aren’t prime animals that are coming up. It’s not like they’re bringing in certified Angus roasts and steaks. It’s lower quality we grind up and serve as hamburgers.”Still, the market took that news and went “crazy,” he said. Live cattle contracts fell Monday, dropping about $7 on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/future/lc00?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=AWEtsqe5Xw6SQAaUNwGs9A2aB5ASjPdCoXZgWQjhkC7P1xNSJF4pjUBVwcdsSUxoQ54%3D&amp;gaa_ts=6900dd4b&amp;gaa_sig=Lbzoo0bAhVTAV00lcfxF6snutG3jmoxhqzu_x9PHRP9kDvieAxABx0qDmPz3uZmoJfgkA4qY-GOI_WMvS5ytDA%3D%3D" target="_blank">according to Marketwatch</a>.Steele said his organization is telling farmers to call their representatives to share stories and help them understand how the system works. Although organizations like Kansas Cattlemen’s are advocating, it means more coming from the people who are doing the work, he said.Adam Phelon, a Kansas Soybean Association board member who farms with his family near Garnett, joined Davids’ call to share his frustration with the shutdown and what a challenge it can be throughout rural communities with a “snowball effect” that hits many areas.Phelon said farmers need consistency and certainty to make plans, and they don’t have that right now. He also pointed to families that need support from programs like Women, Infants and Children payments and a friend in the Navy who is stationed in Germany and wasn’t able to make their house payment that was due in October.“The difficult thing is that even when the government does get back up and running, we’re going to be so far behind,” Phelon said. “We applaud the Congress for getting the renewable fuel standards up to where they should be, but those should be implemented at the beginning of November, and because of this government shutdown, it may be pushed back into the following year.”Although Davids said the Farm Service Agency announced last week it would resume partial operations, that wasn’t enough to help Kansas farmers.“This is just a Band-Aid on a larger problem of a government shutdown, and our farmers, ranchers, producers are hurting,” Davids said. “They haven’t received some of their farm subsidies or loans. Conservation projects are stalled, like one that’s near Baldwin City, Kansas, they can’t move forward because no one is in the office to simply process the paperwork. Without crop or market reports, producers are being forced to make major financial decisions in the dark. These programs are truly a lifeline for rural America.”