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><p>KANSAS CITY—Authorities investigating the death of an inmate in Jackson County, Missouri have released his name.&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p>Preliminary findings continue to indicate that no physical interaction occurred between Hercules and corrections officers prior to his death.</p><p>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</p>

Sheriff: Investigation on cause of death of inmate continues 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Donald Trump's comments Thursday suggesting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nuclear-weapons-testing-7a4626d2f9f8df62aa250b2acded51fd">the United States will restart its testing of nuclear weapons</a>&nbsp;upends decades of American policy in regards to the bomb, but come as Washington's rivals have been conducting their own atomic tests and expanding their arsenals.

Nuclear weapons policy, once thought to be a relic of the Cold War, increasingly has come to the fore as Russia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-nato-moscow-b7696dca6ca1d517f59179f981a57c56">has made repeated atomic threats</a>&nbsp;to both the U.S. and Europe during its war on Ukraine. Moscow also acknowledged this week testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-missile-nuclear-test-launch-drills-burevestnik-dd6a424d6c545ad42848416b77e93619">a nuclear-powered-and-capable cruise missile</a>&nbsp;called the Burevestnik, code-named Skyfall by NATO,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-nuclear-poseidon-drone-burevestnik-missile-6c0d55d4d1a56e60ce750f8abe5eccab">and a nuclear-armed underwater drone</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-europe-business-science-china-79388639f73d8c8835001982bcb016d6">China is building more ground-based nuclear missile silos.</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, North Korea just unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missile-kim-jong-un-8a6b9f3498d50effe3f72969bfe9c842">a new intercontinental ballistic missile it plans to test,</a>&nbsp;part of a nuclear-capable arsenal likely able to reach the continental U.S.

The threat is starting to bleed into popular culture as well, most recently with director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/movies-general-news-arts-and-entertainment-d87d1268a80544949b28980107956b40">Kathryn Bigelow</a>&nbsp;'s new film&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-of-dynamite-movie-kathryn-bigelow-interview-e0dff7fbedd3f5076d975762e608e50c">“A House of Dynamite.”</a>

But what does Trump's announcement mean and how would it affect what's happening now with nuclear tensions? Here's what to know.

Trump’s remarks came before meeting with China’s Xi

Trump’s comments came in a post on his Truth Social website just before meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In it, Trump noted other countries testing weapons and wrote: “I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.”

The president’s post raised immediate questions. America’s nuclear arsenal is maintained by the Energy Department and the National Nuclear Security Administration, a semiautonomous agency within it — not the Defense Department. The Energy Department has overseen testing of nuclear weapons since its creation in 1977. Two other agencies before it — not the Defense Department — conducted tests.

Trump also claimed the U.S. “has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country.” Russia is believed to have 5,580 nuclear warheads, according to the Washington-based Arms Control Association, while the U.S. has 5,225. Those figures include so-called “retired” warheads waiting to be dismantled.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute further breaks the warhead total down, with the U.S. having 1,770 deployed warheads with 2,591 in reserve. Russia has 1,718 deployed warheads and 1,930 in reserve.

The two countries account for nearly 90% of the world’s atomic warheads.

U.S. last carried out a nuclear test in 1992

From the time America conducted its “Trinity” nuclear bomb detonation in 1945 to 1992, the U.S. detonated 1,030 atomic bombs in tests — the most of any country. Those figures do not include the two nuclear weapons America used against Japan in Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II.

The first American tests were atmospheric, but they were then moved underground to limit nuclear fallout. Scientists have come to refer to such tests as “shots.” The last such “shot,” called Divider as part of Operation Julin, took place Sept. 23, 1992, at the Nevada National Security Sites, a sprawling compound some 105 kilometers (65 miles) from Las Vegas.

America halted its tests for a couple of reasons. The first was the collapse of the Soviet Union at the end of the Cold War. The U.S. also signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty in 1996. There have been tests since the treaty, however — by India, North Korea and Pakistan, the world's newest nuclear powers. The United Kingdom and France also have nuclear weapons, while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-dimona-nuclear-weapons-construction-reactor-3f5cbd0aaf25e2c087b881f6352d7de4">Israel long has been suspected of possessing atomic bombs</a>.

But broadly speaking, the U.S. also had decades of data from tests, allowing it to use computer modeling and other techniques to determine whether a weapon would successfully detonate. Every president since Barack Obama has backed plans to modernize America's nuclear arsenal, whose maintenance and upgrading will cost nearly $1 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The U.S. relies on the so-called “nuclear triad” — ground-based silos, aircraft-carried bombs and nuclear-tipped missiles in submarines at sea — to deter others from launching their weapons against America.

Restarting testing raises additional questions

If the U.S. restarted nuclear weapons testing, it isn't immediately clear what the goal would be. Nonproliferation experts have warned any scientific objective likely would be eclipsed by the backlash to a test — and possibly be a starting gun for other major nuclear powers to begin their own widespread testing.

“Restarting the U.S. nuclear testing program could be one of the most consequential policy actions the Trump administration undertakes — a U.S. test could set off an uncontrolled chain of events, with other countries possibly responding with their own nuclear tests, destabilizing global security, and accelerating a new arms race,” experts warned in a February article in the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.

“The goal of conducting a fast-tracked nuclear test can only be political, not scientific. ... It would give Russia, China and other nuclear powers free rein to restart their own nuclear testing programs, essentially without political and economic fallout.”

Any future U.S. test likely would take place in Nevada at the testing sites, but a lot of work likely would need to go into the sites to prepare them given it's been over 30 years since the last test. A series of slides made for a presentation at Los Alamos National Laboratories in 2018 laid out the challenges, noting that in the 1960s the city of Mercury, Nevada, — at the testing grounds — had been the second-largest city in Nevada.

On average, 20,000 people had been on site to organize and prepare for the tests. That capacity has waned in the decades since.

“One effects shot would require from two to four years to plan and execute,” the presentation reads. “These were massive undertakings.”

The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carnegie.org/">the Carnegie Corporation of New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://outrider.org/">Outrider Foundation</a>. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761820813647.png" alt="President Trump's remarks came just before he met with&nbsp;Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday-image from White House video" />
                        <figcaption>President Trump's remarks came just before he met with&nbsp;Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday-image from White House video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Donald Trump's comments Thursday suggesting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nuclear-weapons-testing-7a4626d2f9f8df62aa250b2acded51fd">the United States will restart its testing of nuclear weapons</a>&nbsp;upends decades of American policy in regards to the bomb, but come as Washington's rivals have been conducting their own atomic tests and expanding their arsenals.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761820003060.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Nuclear weapons policy, once thought to be a relic of the Cold War, increasingly has come to the fore as Russia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-nato-moscow-b7696dca6ca1d517f59179f981a57c56">has made repeated atomic threats</a>&nbsp;to both the U.S. and Europe during its war on Ukraine. Moscow also acknowledged this week testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-missile-nuclear-test-launch-drills-burevestnik-dd6a424d6c545ad42848416b77e93619">a nuclear-powered-and-capable cruise missile</a>&nbsp;called the Burevestnik, code-named Skyfall by NATO,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-nuclear-poseidon-drone-burevestnik-missile-6c0d55d4d1a56e60ce750f8abe5eccab">and a nuclear-armed underwater drone</a>.</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-europe-business-science-china-79388639f73d8c8835001982bcb016d6">China is building more ground-based nuclear missile silos.</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, North Korea just unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missile-kim-jong-un-8a6b9f3498d50effe3f72969bfe9c842">a new intercontinental ballistic missile it plans to test,</a>&nbsp;part of a nuclear-capable arsenal likely able to reach the continental U.S.</p><p>The threat is starting to bleed into popular culture as well, most recently with director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/movies-general-news-arts-and-entertainment-d87d1268a80544949b28980107956b40">Kathryn Bigelow</a>&nbsp;'s new film&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-of-dynamite-movie-kathryn-bigelow-interview-e0dff7fbedd3f5076d975762e608e50c">“A House of Dynamite.”</a></p><p>But what does Trump's announcement mean and how would it affect what's happening now with nuclear tensions? Here's what to know.</p><h2>Trump’s remarks came before meeting with China’s Xi</h2><p>Trump’s comments came in a post on his Truth Social website just before meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In it, Trump noted other countries testing weapons and wrote: “I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.”</p><p>The president’s post raised immediate questions. America’s nuclear arsenal is maintained by the Energy Department and the National Nuclear Security Administration, a semiautonomous agency within it — not the Defense Department. The Energy Department has overseen testing of nuclear weapons since its creation in 1977. Two other agencies before it — not the Defense Department — conducted tests.</p><p>Trump also claimed the U.S. “has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country.” Russia is believed to have 5,580 nuclear warheads, according to the Washington-based Arms Control Association, while the U.S. has 5,225. Those figures include so-called “retired” warheads waiting to be dismantled.</p><p>The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute further breaks the warhead total down, with the U.S. having 1,770 deployed warheads with 2,591 in reserve. Russia has 1,718 deployed warheads and 1,930 in reserve.</p><p>The two countries account for nearly 90% of the world’s atomic warheads.</p><h2>U.S. last carried out a nuclear test in 1992</h2><p>From the time America conducted its “Trinity” nuclear bomb detonation in 1945 to 1992, the U.S. detonated 1,030 atomic bombs in tests — the most of any country. Those figures do not include the two nuclear weapons America used against Japan in Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761819774893.png" alt="Associated Press" />
                        <figcaption>Associated Press</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The first American tests were atmospheric, but they were then moved underground to limit nuclear fallout. Scientists have come to refer to such tests as “shots.” The last such “shot,” called Divider as part of Operation Julin, took place Sept. 23, 1992, at the Nevada National Security Sites, a sprawling compound some 105 kilometers (65 miles) from Las Vegas.</p><p>America halted its tests for a couple of reasons. The first was the collapse of the Soviet Union at the end of the Cold War. The U.S. also signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty in 1996. There have been tests since the treaty, however — by India, North Korea and Pakistan, the world's newest nuclear powers. The United Kingdom and France also have nuclear weapons, while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-dimona-nuclear-weapons-construction-reactor-3f5cbd0aaf25e2c087b881f6352d7de4">Israel long has been suspected of possessing atomic bombs</a>.</p><p>But broadly speaking, the U.S. also had decades of data from tests, allowing it to use computer modeling and other techniques to determine whether a weapon would successfully detonate. Every president since Barack Obama has backed plans to modernize America's nuclear arsenal, whose maintenance and upgrading will cost nearly $1 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office.</p><p>The U.S. relies on the so-called “nuclear triad” — ground-based silos, aircraft-carried bombs and nuclear-tipped missiles in submarines at sea — to deter others from launching their weapons against America.</p><h2>Restarting testing raises additional questions</h2><p>If the U.S. restarted nuclear weapons testing, it isn't immediately clear what the goal would be. Nonproliferation experts have warned any scientific objective likely would be eclipsed by the backlash to a test — and possibly be a starting gun for other major nuclear powers to begin their own widespread testing.</p><p>“Restarting the U.S. nuclear testing program could be one of the most consequential policy actions the Trump administration undertakes — a U.S. test could set off an uncontrolled chain of events, with other countries possibly responding with their own nuclear tests, destabilizing global security, and accelerating a new arms race,” experts warned in a February article in the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.</p><p>“The goal of conducting a fast-tracked nuclear test can only be political, not scientific. ... It would give Russia, China and other nuclear powers free rein to restart their own nuclear testing programs, essentially without political and economic fallout.”</p><p>Any future U.S. test likely would take place in Nevada at the testing sites, but a lot of work likely would need to go into the sites to prepare them given it's been over 30 years since the last test. A series of slides made for a presentation at Los Alamos National Laboratories in 2018 laid out the challenges, noting that in the 1960s the city of Mercury, Nevada, — at the testing grounds — had been the second-largest city in Nevada.</p><p>On average, 20,000 people had been on site to organize and prepare for the tests. That capacity has waned in the decades since.</p><p>“One effects shot would require from two to four years to plan and execute,” the presentation reads. “These were massive undertakings.”</p><p>___</p><p>The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carnegie.org/">the Carnegie Corporation of New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://outrider.org/">Outrider Foundation</a>. The AP is solely responsible for all content.</p>

Read what President Trump said about testing nuclear weapons 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/dee-ann-durbin">DEE-ANN DURBIN</a><br>Associated Press

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/halloween-tech-tip-tracking-safety-d99d0649e2dea5da94da0bdcc4806dbf" rel="nofollow">Trick-or-treaters</a>&nbsp;may find more fruity candy than chocolate among their Halloween handouts this year. That should be fine with younger consumers, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gum-chewing-popularity-mars-wrigley-ac8251d03c5248d3716988fe144d2333" rel="nofollow">have been gravitating for years</a>&nbsp;toward non-chocolate candies like gummies, freeze-dried treats and other sweets that come in a variety of shapes, colors and flavors.

Last year, 52% of the total volume of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/halloween-costumes-tariffs-prices-34d069ab28bc01e600599e2f935f1b72" rel="nofollow">Halloween</a>&nbsp;candy sold in the U.S. was made of chocolate, according to Dan Sadler, a principal for client insights at the market research company Circana. But in the 12 weeks ending Oct. 5, chocolate accounted for 44% of the Halloween candy sold in the U.S.

Prices may be part of it. Global cocoa prices more than quadrupled between January 2023 and January 2025 due to poor harvests in West Africa, where 70% of cocoa is produced. Chocolate candy is lot more expensive as a result.

Chocolate Halloween candy in the U.S. cost an average of $8.02 per pound in the 12 weeks ahead of Oct. 5, while non-chocolate candy cost an average of $5.77 per pound, Sadler said.

Here’s a look at Halloween candy by the numbers:

The amount Americans spent on Halloween candy in 2024, according to the National Confectioners Association. That was 18% of all candy sales last year.

The number of M&amp;M’s that Mars Inc. makes each day at the facility in Topeka that produces its Halloween candy.

The price for a metric ton of cocoa in January, which was an all-time high. Cocoa prices have fallen since then, but Sadler said it will take months for consumers to see the impact of those lower prices.

Miles between Topeka and New York. If you stretched out all the Snickers bars that Mars makes annually in Topeka, you could make that trip seven times.

Percentage of U.S. consumers who bought candy for trick-or-treaters last year, according to Hershey. Hershey said 45% of consumers reported buying Halloween candy for themselves.

Market share for Hershey in Halloween candy last year, making it the top performer. Hershey said its Halloween assortment — which includes Reese’s, Kit Kat and Almond Joy — was the top seller last Halloween.

Date which Mars started rolling Halloween candy out to U.S. stores this year. Mars makes Snickers, M&amp;Ms, Skittles, Starburst and other candies.

Growth in dollar sales of non-chocolate candy in the U.S. in 2024, according to the National Confectioners Association. Chocolate candy sales, in comparison, grew 0.4%.

Average number of weeks ahead of Halloween that Americans buy Halloween candy, according to Mars. Generation Z buys it sooner, around 4.5 weeks in advance.

Amount of time Mars takes to plan for a Halloween season.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761414251525.jpg" alt="Image courtesy Pixaby" />
                        <figcaption>Image courtesy Pixaby</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/dee-ann-durbin">DEE-ANN DURBIN</a><br>Associated Press</p><p>Ghouls, goblins … and gummy bears.</p><p><a href="https://apnews.com/article/halloween-tech-tip-tracking-safety-d99d0649e2dea5da94da0bdcc4806dbf" rel="nofollow">Trick-or-treaters</a>&nbsp;may find more fruity candy than chocolate among their Halloween handouts this year. That should be fine with younger consumers, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gum-chewing-popularity-mars-wrigley-ac8251d03c5248d3716988fe144d2333" rel="nofollow">have been gravitating for years</a>&nbsp;toward non-chocolate candies like gummies, freeze-dried treats and other sweets that come in a variety of shapes, colors and flavors.</p><p>Last year, 52% of the total volume of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/halloween-costumes-tariffs-prices-34d069ab28bc01e600599e2f935f1b72" rel="nofollow">Halloween</a>&nbsp;candy sold in the U.S. was made of chocolate, according to Dan Sadler, a principal for client insights at the market research company Circana. But in the 12 weeks ending Oct. 5, chocolate accounted for 44% of the Halloween candy sold in the U.S.</p><p>Prices may be part of it. Global cocoa prices more than quadrupled between January 2023 and January 2025 due to poor harvests in West Africa, where 70% of cocoa is produced. Chocolate candy is lot more expensive as a result.</p><p>Chocolate Halloween candy in the U.S. cost an average of $8.02 per pound in the 12 weeks ahead of Oct. 5, while non-chocolate candy cost an average of $5.77 per pound, Sadler said.</p><p>Here’s a look at Halloween candy by the numbers:</p><h2>$7.4 billion</h2><p>The amount Americans spent on Halloween candy in 2024, according to the National Confectioners Association. That was 18% of all candy sales last year.</p><h2>30 million</h2><p>The number of M&amp;M’s that Mars Inc. makes each day at the facility in Topeka that produces its Halloween candy.</p><h2>$10,710</h2><p>The price for a metric ton of cocoa in January, which was an all-time high. Cocoa prices have fallen since then, but Sadler said it will take months for consumers to see the impact of those lower prices.</p><h2>1,254</h2><p>Miles between Topeka and New York. If you stretched out all the Snickers bars that Mars makes annually in Topeka, you could make that trip seven times.</p><h2>61%</h2><p>Percentage of U.S. consumers who bought candy for trick-or-treaters last year, according to Hershey. Hershey said 45% of consumers reported buying Halloween candy for themselves.</p><h2>40.8%</h2><p>Market share for Hershey in Halloween candy last year, making it the top performer. Hershey said its Halloween assortment — which includes Reese’s, Kit Kat and Almond Joy — was the top seller last Halloween.</p><h2>July 5</h2><p>Date which Mars started rolling Halloween candy out to U.S. stores this year. Mars makes Snickers, M&amp;Ms, Skittles, Starburst and other candies.</p><h2>4.9%</h2><p>Growth in dollar sales of non-chocolate candy in the U.S. in 2024, according to the National Confectioners Association. Chocolate candy sales, in comparison, grew 0.4%.</p><h2>3.6</h2><p>Average number of weeks ahead of Halloween that Americans buy Halloween candy, according to Mars. Generation Z buys it sooner, around 4.5 weeks in advance.</p><h2>2 years</h2><p>Amount of time Mars takes to plan for a Halloween season.</p>

By the Numbers: Why trick-or-treaters may bag more gummy candy this Halloween

MEADE COUNTY—Law enforcement in southwest Kansas are investigating a new social media challenge and have issued a warning to those involved.

Last weekend, law enforcement took mutiple reports of trespassing, criminal damage and disorderly conduct at homes where individuals were kicking doors of homes while taking videos of themselves, according to a statement from the Meade County Sheriff.&nbsp;

Many of he incidents resulted in damage to the home's screen door and front entry doors,&nbsp; some of which are possible felonies due to the extent of the damage. Deputies later learned of a social media challenge promoting the act of kicking random doors while taking a video and sharing it for attention.&nbsp;

Deputies continue investigating and are seeking help from the community with information on the 'Door kick Challenge' in the county. The Sheriff's Office also advised parents of the inherent, potential life-threatening risk of kicking random doors of homes. Any reasonable homeowner may interpret the act of kicking their door as a&nbsp; &nbsp;perceived threat and take action to protect their property and family.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596206214739.png" alt="File photo-&nbsp;U.S. Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General" />
                        <figcaption>File photo-&nbsp;U.S. Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>MEADE COUNTY—Law enforcement in southwest Kansas are investigating a new social media challenge and have issued a warning to those involved.</p><p>Last weekend, law enforcement took mutiple reports of trespassing, criminal damage and disorderly conduct at homes where individuals were kicking doors of homes while taking videos of themselves, according to a statement from the Meade County Sheriff.&nbsp;</p><p>Many of he incidents resulted in damage to the home's screen door and front entry doors,&nbsp; some of which are possible felonies due to the extent of the damage. Deputies later learned of a social media challenge promoting the act of kicking random doors while taking a video and sharing it for attention.&nbsp;</p><p>Deputies continue investigating and are seeking help from the community with information on the 'Door kick Challenge' in the county. The Sheriff's Office also advised parents of the inherent, potential life-threatening risk of kicking random doors of homes. Any reasonable homeowner may interpret the act of kicking their door as a&nbsp; &nbsp;perceived threat and take action to protect their property and family.</p>

Sheriff warns about door kick social media challenge in Kansas

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><p>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.</p><p>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.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761775636955.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>

KCPD: Homicide victim found near front of residence

During his meeting with President Trump, China's President Xi agreed to buy 25 million metric tons of soybeans annually for next 3 years, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

&nbsp;Bessent added that as part of the deal President Trump struck with Xi, China will start by purchasing 12 million metric tons of soybeans from the U.S. between now and January.

“So you know, our great soybean farmers, who the Chinese used as political pawns, that’s off the table, and they should prosper in the years to come,” Bessent said in an interview on Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria.”

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump described his face-to-face with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday as a roaring success, saying he would cut tariffs on China, while Beijing had agreed to allow the export of rare earth elements and start buying American soybeans.

The president told reporters aboard Air Force One that the U.S. would lower tariffs implemented earlier this year as punishment on China for its selling of chemicals used to make fentanyl from 20% to 10%. That brings the total combined tariff rate on China down from 57% to 47%

“I guess on the scale from 0 to 10, with ten being the best, I would say the meeting was a 12,” Trump said. “I think it was a 12.”

Trump said that he would go to China in April and Xi would come to the U.S. “some time after that.” The president said they also discussed the export of more advanced computer chips to China, saying that Nvidia would be in talks with Chinese officials.

Trump said he could sign a trade deal with China “pretty soon.”

Xi said Washington and Beijing would work to finalize their agreements to provide “peace of mind” to both countries and the rest of the world, according to a report on the meeting distributed by state media.

“Both sides should take the long-term perspective into account, focusing on the benefits of cooperation rather than falling into a vicious cycle of mutual retaliation,” he said.

Despite Trump’s optimism after a 100-minute meeting with Xi in South Korea, there continues to be the potential for major tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Both nations are seeking dominant places in manufacturing, developing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and shaping world affairs like Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs since returning to the White House for a second term, combined with China’s retaliatory limits on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-trump-tariff-sanction-export-controls-3224a28221243f0569f065a18dd645e2" rel="nofollow">exports of rare earth elements</a>, gave the meeting newfound urgency. There is a mutual recognition that neither side wants to risk blowing up the world economy in ways that could jeopardize their own country’s fortunes.

When the two were seated at the start of the meeting, Xi read prepared remarks that stressed a willingness to work together despite differences.

“Given our different national conditions, we do not always see eye to eye with each other,” he said through a translator. “It is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then.”

There was a slight difference in translation as China’s Xinhua News Agency reported Xi as telling Trump that having some differences is inevitable.

The leaders met in Busan, South Korea, a port city about 76 kilometers (47 miles) south from Gyeongju, the main venue for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-trump-xi-apec-tariffs-gyeongju-2f757a6ea64284fb6bf792aba8b214fb" rel="nofollow">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation</a>&nbsp;summit.

In the days leading up to the meeting, U.S. officials signaled that Trump did not intend to make good on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-china-cc47e258cfc6336dfddcc20fa67a3642" rel="nofollow">recent threat</a>&nbsp;to impose an additional 100% import tax on Chinese goods, and China showed signs it was willing to relax its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-earths-exports-trump-dad99d532f858f04d750d0b8c50e5ed6" rel="nofollow">export controls on rare earths</a>&nbsp;and also buy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/soybeans-trade-tariff-china-united-states-export-025792707c4e4e91d975f8558edae1d8" rel="nofollow">soybeans from America</a>.

Officials from both countries met earlier this week in Kuala Lumpur to lay the groundwork for their leaders. Afterward, China’s top trade negotiator Li Chenggang said they had reached a “preliminary consensus,” a statement affirmed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent who said there was “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-china-tariffs-rare-earths-soybeans-exports-efa3b57ce5cd94ee5bfcad1988d9fccd" rel="nofollow">a very successful framework</a>.”

Shortly before the meeting on Thursday, Trump posted on Truth Social that the meeting would be the “G2,” a recognition of America and China’s status as the world’s biggest economies. The Group of Seven and Group of 20 are other forums of industrialized nations.

But while those summits often happen at luxury spaces, this meeting took place in humbler surroundings: Trump and Xi met in a small gray building with a blue roof on a military base adjacent to Busan’s international airport.

The anticipated detente has given investors and businesses caught between the two nations a sense of relief. The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-nikkei-trump-china-7d7150df20283db5a295abc64d225a63" rel="nofollow">stock market</a>&nbsp;has climbed on the hopes of a trade framework coming out of the meeting.

Pressure points remain for both US and China

Trump has outward confidence that the grounds for a deal are in place, but previous negotiations with China this year in Geneva, Switzerland and London had a start-stop quality to them. The initial promise of progress has repeatedly given way to both countries seeking a better position against the other.

“The proposed deal on the table fits the pattern we’ve seen all year: short-term stabilization dressed up as strategic progress,” said Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “Both sides are managing volatility, calibrating just enough cooperation to avert crisis while the deeper rivalry endures.”

The U.S. and China have each shown they believe they have levers to pressure the other, and the past year has demonstrated that tentative steps forward can be short-lived.

For Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-united-states-trump-xi-timeline-tariffs-adc2c2c00f13d8dcd4ecc92251b11533" rel="nofollow">that pressure comes from tariffs</a>.

China had faced new tariffs this year totaling 30%, of which 20% were tied to its role in fentanyl production. But the tariff rates have been volatile. In April, he announced plans to jack the rate on Chinese goods to 145%, only to abandon those plans as markets recoiled.

Then, on Oct. 10, Trump threatened a 100% import tax because of China’s rare earth restrictions. That figure, including past tariffs, would now be 47% “effective immediately,” Trump told reporters on Thursday.

Xi has his own chokehold on the world economy because China is the top producer and processor of the rare earth minerals needed to make fighter jets, robots, electric vehicles and other high-tech products.

China had tightened export restrictions on Oct. 9, repeating a cycle in which each nation jockeys for an edge only to back down after more trade talks.

What might also matter is what happens directly after their talks. Trump plans to return to Washington, while Xi plans to stay on in South Korea to meet with regional leaders during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which officially begins on Friday.

“Xi sees an opportunity to position China as a reliable partner and bolster bilateral and multilateral relations with countries frustrated by the U.S. administration’s tariff policy,” said Jay Truesdale, a former State Department official who is CEO of TD International, a risk and intelligence advisory firm.

Ken Moritsugu in Beijing and Seung Min Kim and Michelle Price in Washington contributed to this report. Boak reported from Tokyo and Megerian reported from Busan, South Korea.

<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><p>During his meeting with President Trump, China's President Xi agreed to buy 25 million metric tons of soybeans annually for next 3 years, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent</p><p>&nbsp;Bessent added that as part of the deal President Trump struck with Xi, China will start by purchasing 12 million metric tons of soybeans from the U.S. between now and January.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump on trade truce with China. <a href="https://t.co/MN2IMj0OWD">pic.twitter.com/MN2IMj0OWD</a></p>&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><p>“So you know, our great soybean farmers, who the Chinese used as political pawns, that’s off the table, and they should prosper in the years to come,” Bessent said in an interview on Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria.”</p><p>------------------</p><p>ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump described his face-to-face with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday as a roaring success, saying he would cut tariffs on China, while Beijing had agreed to allow the export of rare earth elements and start buying American soybeans.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LETS GOOO!!! Soybeans! Sorghum! 🇺🇸🚜 BIG news out of President Trump’s historic meeting with President Xi!<br><br>More details coming soon. THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!!! <a href="https://t.co/5hHpKbX70F">pic.twitter.com/5hHpKbX70F</a></p>&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" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LETS GOOO!!! Soybeans! Sorghum! 🇺🇸🚜 BIG news out of President Trump’s historic meeting with President Xi!<br><br>More details coming soon. THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!!! <a href="https://t.co/5hHpKbX70F">pic.twitter.com/5hHpKbX70F</a></p>&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"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<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></p>&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><p>The president told reporters aboard Air Force One that the U.S. would lower tariffs implemented earlier this year as punishment on China for its selling of chemicals used to make fentanyl from 20% to 10%. That brings the total combined tariff rate on China down from 57% to 47%</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">President Xi’s motorcade arrives <a href="https://t.co/AFnI2qI9zE">pic.twitter.com/AFnI2qI9zE</a></p>&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"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&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></p>&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"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump and President Xi shake hands <a href="https://t.co/rGCGFDbWK5">pic.twitter.com/rGCGFDbWK5</a></p>&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"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<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></p>&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><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<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></p>&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><p>“I guess on the scale from 0 to 10, with ten being the best, I would say the meeting was a 12,” Trump said. “I think it was a 12.”</p><p>Trump said that he would go to China in April and Xi would come to the U.S. “some time after that.” The president said they also discussed the export of more advanced computer chips to China, saying that Nvidia would be in talks with Chinese officials.</p><p>Trump said he could sign a trade deal with China “pretty soon.”</p><p>Xi said Washington and Beijing would work to finalize their agreements to provide “peace of mind” to both countries and the rest of the world, according to a report on the meeting distributed by state media.</p><p>“Both sides should take the long-term perspective into account, focusing on the benefits of cooperation rather than falling into a vicious cycle of mutual retaliation,” he said.</p><h2>Sources of tension remain</h2><p>Despite Trump’s optimism after a 100-minute meeting with Xi in South Korea, there continues to be the potential for major tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Both nations are seeking dominant places in manufacturing, developing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and shaping world affairs like Russia’s war in Ukraine.</p><p>Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs since returning to the White House for a second term, combined with China’s retaliatory limits on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-trump-tariff-sanction-export-controls-3224a28221243f0569f065a18dd645e2" rel="nofollow">exports of rare earth elements</a>, gave the meeting newfound urgency. There is a mutual recognition that neither side wants to risk blowing up the world economy in ways that could jeopardize their own country’s fortunes.</p><p>When the two were seated at the start of the meeting, Xi read prepared remarks that stressed a willingness to work together despite differences.</p><p>“Given our different national conditions, we do not always see eye to eye with each other,” he said through a translator. “It is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then.”</p><p>There was a slight difference in translation as China’s Xinhua News Agency reported Xi as telling Trump that having some differences is inevitable.</p><h2>Finding ways to lower the temperature</h2><p>The leaders met in Busan, South Korea, a port city about 76 kilometers (47 miles) south from Gyeongju, the main venue for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-trump-xi-apec-tariffs-gyeongju-2f757a6ea64284fb6bf792aba8b214fb" rel="nofollow">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation</a>&nbsp;summit.</p><p>In the days leading up to the meeting, U.S. officials signaled that Trump did not intend to make good on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-china-cc47e258cfc6336dfddcc20fa67a3642" rel="nofollow">recent threat</a>&nbsp;to impose an additional 100% import tax on Chinese goods, and China showed signs it was willing to relax its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-earths-exports-trump-dad99d532f858f04d750d0b8c50e5ed6" rel="nofollow">export controls on rare earths</a>&nbsp;and also buy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/soybeans-trade-tariff-china-united-states-export-025792707c4e4e91d975f8558edae1d8" rel="nofollow">soybeans from America</a>.</p><p>Officials from both countries met earlier this week in Kuala Lumpur to lay the groundwork for their leaders. Afterward, China’s top trade negotiator Li Chenggang said they had reached a “preliminary consensus,” a statement affirmed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent who said there was “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-china-tariffs-rare-earths-soybeans-exports-efa3b57ce5cd94ee5bfcad1988d9fccd" rel="nofollow">a very successful framework</a>.”</p><p>Shortly before the meeting on Thursday, Trump posted on Truth Social that the meeting would be the “G2,” a recognition of America and China’s status as the world’s biggest economies. The Group of Seven and Group of 20 are other forums of industrialized nations.</p><p>But while those summits often happen at luxury spaces, this meeting took place in humbler surroundings: Trump and Xi met in a small gray building with a blue roof on a military base adjacent to Busan’s international airport.</p><p>The anticipated detente has given investors and businesses caught between the two nations a sense of relief. The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-nikkei-trump-china-7d7150df20283db5a295abc64d225a63" rel="nofollow">stock market</a>&nbsp;has climbed on the hopes of a trade framework coming out of the meeting.</p><h2>Pressure points remain for both US and China</h2><p>Trump has outward confidence that the grounds for a deal are in place, but previous negotiations with China this year in Geneva, Switzerland and London had a start-stop quality to them. The initial promise of progress has repeatedly given way to both countries seeking a better position against the other.</p><p>“The proposed deal on the table fits the pattern we’ve seen all year: short-term stabilization dressed up as strategic progress,” said Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “Both sides are managing volatility, calibrating just enough cooperation to avert crisis while the deeper rivalry endures.”</p><p>The U.S. and China have each shown they believe they have levers to pressure the other, and the past year has demonstrated that tentative steps forward can be short-lived.</p><p>For Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-united-states-trump-xi-timeline-tariffs-adc2c2c00f13d8dcd4ecc92251b11533" rel="nofollow">that pressure comes from tariffs</a>.</p><p>China had faced new tariffs this year totaling 30%, of which 20% were tied to its role in fentanyl production. But the tariff rates have been volatile. In April, he announced plans to jack the rate on Chinese goods to 145%, only to abandon those plans as markets recoiled.</p><p>Then, on Oct. 10, Trump threatened a 100% import tax because of China’s rare earth restrictions. That figure, including past tariffs, would now be 47% “effective immediately,” Trump told reporters on Thursday.</p><p>Xi has his own chokehold on the world economy because China is the top producer and processor of the rare earth minerals needed to make fighter jets, robots, electric vehicles and other high-tech products.</p><p>China had tightened export restrictions on Oct. 9, repeating a cycle in which each nation jockeys for an edge only to back down after more trade talks.</p><p>What might also matter is what happens directly after their talks. Trump plans to return to Washington, while Xi plans to stay on in South Korea to meet with regional leaders during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which officially begins on Friday.</p><p>“Xi sees an opportunity to position China as a reliable partner and bolster bilateral and multilateral relations with countries frustrated by the U.S. administration’s tariff policy,” said Jay Truesdale, a former State Department official who is CEO of TD International, a risk and intelligence advisory firm.</p><p>___</p><p>Ken Moritsugu in Beijing and Seung Min Kim and Michelle Price in Washington contributed to this report. Boak reported from Tokyo and Megerian reported from Busan, South Korea.</p>

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

Sunset Zoo in Manhattan announced on Wednesday the passing of Susie the Western chimpanzee.S usie had been under close veterinary and caretaker observation to monitor for expected age-related health challenges such as development of cataracts, arthritis, and muscle loss for many years.

Through daily quality of life assessments which provide an objective understanding of animal wellbeing, staff recently noticed a significant decline in Susie’s behavior, mobility, and comfort level. Veterinary and animal care teams recognized that they could not provide any more medical and palliative care than was already administered. After careful evaluation and thoughtful discussion with chimpanzee experts, care staff, and Zoo management, the team made the compassionate yet difficult choice to humanely euthanize Susie.

At 71, Susie had the proud distinction of being the oldest female chimpanzee in human care. Susie lived more than three decades beyond the average chimpanzee lifespan in the wild, which is typically around 40 years. Her life is a testament to the dedication of Sunset Zoo’s animal care team and partners at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.“Susie was a truly special animal here at Sunset Zoo,” reflected Sunset Zoo Director, Scott Shoemaker. “She touched the hearts of every member of our team. Whether she was giving ‘kisses’ to those she knew or enjoying one of her favorite treats—popcorn—she always brought joy to our days. She will be deeply missed.”

Susie was born in 1954 and arrived at Sunset Zoo in 1974. Like other members of the community, she witnessed many changes to the Zoo and the chimpanzee habitat specifically. When Susie first arrived at Sunset Zoo, she lived in a habitat near where the otters are currently located. She moved to the then-primate building which has since been removed from public view and houses the keeper offices. In 1997, the Chimpanzees of Tanganyika habitat opened, which became her permanent home.“Like so many in Manhattan, I grew up visiting Susie,” remembered Parks and Recreation Director, Aaron Stewart. “She was part of my childhood and has been part of this community’s story for generations. Her long life is something we should truly celebrate—a reflection of the remarkable care she received and the deep compassion of those who watched over her every day.

But her passing is also deeply felt. For countless families, Susie was their first connection to wildlife, their first visit to Sunset Zoo, and their first lesson in empathy for animals. Her presence brought joy, wonder, and a sense of shared pride that will live on in the memories of our community and everyone who had the privilege to know her.”Susie is survived by her troop members Julian (46), Hazina (38), Hususa (33), and Koto (12). Over her lifetime, Susie gave birth to seven offspring and held the distinction of being the oldest chimpanzee in human care to give birth. She is survived by two of her daughters: Sesa, born in 1988 and now residing at Montgomery Zoo, and Siri, born in 2010—when Susie was 56 years old—who lives at Albuquerque BioPark Zoo.

“Susie’s legacy will extend far beyond her years here at Sunset Zoo,” remarked Sunset Zoo Curator of Education, Erica Buckwalter. “Not only did she play a vital role in helping secure a future for chimpanzees in managed care, but she also inspired generations of guests to care for and protect wildlife and wild places. We can honor her legacy by being good stewards of the natural world she helped us appreciate.”Sunset Zoo appreciates the compassion and concern of guests and asks for their understanding as the team mourns the loss of this beloved member of the Zoo family.

Guests wishing to share their memories of Susie may sign the cards located in the Ballard Gallery primate viewing area.Chimpanzees are currently listed as&nbsp;Endangered&nbsp;in the wild, with populations continuing to decline due to habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and poaching. It is estimated that only around 150,000 to 250,000 individuals remain across Africa. Conservation efforts are critical to protect remaining wild populations, support sustainable habitats, and prevent further decline of this intelligent and social species.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761774794245.png" alt="Photos courtesy Sunset Zoo" />
                        <figcaption>Photos courtesy Sunset Zoo</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Sunset Zoo in Manhattan announced on Wednesday the passing of Susie the Western chimpanzee.S usie had been under close veterinary and caretaker observation to monitor for expected age-related health challenges such as development of cataracts, arthritis, and muscle loss for many years.</p><p>Through daily quality of life assessments which provide an objective understanding of animal wellbeing, staff recently noticed a significant decline in Susie’s behavior, mobility, and comfort level. Veterinary and animal care teams recognized that they could not provide any more medical and palliative care than was already administered. After careful evaluation and thoughtful discussion with chimpanzee experts, care staff, and Zoo management, the team made the compassionate yet difficult choice to humanely euthanize Susie.</p><p>At 71, Susie had the proud distinction of being the oldest female chimpanzee in human care. Susie lived more than three decades beyond the average chimpanzee lifespan in the wild, which is typically around 40 years. Her life is a testament to the dedication of Sunset Zoo’s animal care team and partners at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.“Susie was a truly special animal here at Sunset Zoo,” reflected Sunset Zoo Director, Scott Shoemaker. “She touched the hearts of every member of our team. Whether she was giving ‘kisses’ to those she knew or enjoying one of her favorite treats—popcorn—she always brought joy to our days. She will be deeply missed.”</p><p>Susie was born in 1954 and arrived at Sunset Zoo in 1974. Like other members of the community, she witnessed many changes to the Zoo and the chimpanzee habitat specifically. When Susie first arrived at Sunset Zoo, she lived in a habitat near where the otters are currently located. She moved to the then-primate building which has since been removed from public view and houses the keeper offices. In 1997, the Chimpanzees of Tanganyika habitat opened, which became her permanent home.“Like so many in Manhattan, I grew up visiting Susie,” remembered Parks and Recreation Director, Aaron Stewart. “She was part of my childhood and has been part of this community’s story for generations. Her long life is something we should truly celebrate—a reflection of the remarkable care she received and the deep compassion of those who watched over her every day.</p><p>But her passing is also deeply felt. For countless families, Susie was their first connection to wildlife, their first visit to Sunset Zoo, and their first lesson in empathy for animals. Her presence brought joy, wonder, and a sense of shared pride that will live on in the memories of our community and everyone who had the privilege to know her.”Susie is survived by her troop members Julian (46), Hazina (38), Hususa (33), and Koto (12). Over her lifetime, Susie gave birth to seven offspring and held the distinction of being the oldest chimpanzee in human care to give birth. She is survived by two of her daughters: Sesa, born in 1988 and now residing at Montgomery Zoo, and Siri, born in 2010—when Susie was 56 years old—who lives at Albuquerque BioPark Zoo.</p><p>“Susie’s legacy will extend far beyond her years here at Sunset Zoo,” remarked Sunset Zoo Curator of Education, Erica Buckwalter. “Not only did she play a vital role in helping secure a future for chimpanzees in managed care, but she also inspired generations of guests to care for and protect wildlife and wild places. We can honor her legacy by being good stewards of the natural world she helped us appreciate.”Sunset Zoo appreciates the compassion and concern of guests and asks for their understanding as the team mourns the loss of this beloved member of the Zoo family.</p><p>Guests wishing to share their memories of Susie may sign the cards located in the Ballard Gallery primate viewing area.Chimpanzees are currently listed as&nbsp;Endangered&nbsp;in the wild, with populations continuing to decline due to habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and poaching. It is estimated that only around 150,000 to 250,000 individuals remain across Africa. Conservation efforts are critical to protect remaining wild populations, support sustainable habitats, and prevent further decline of this intelligent and social species.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/2ad95e37-ce0c-42a0-b6fe-a62a47ea360d" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure>

Kan. zoo mourns the loss the oldest female chimp in human care

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

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

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that the U.S. military carried out another strike on a boat he said was carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing all four people aboard the vessel, as the Trump administration pursues its divisive campaign against drug cartels in the waters off South America.

Hegseth said in a social media post that intelligence determined the craft was “transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics.” He said the strike was conducted in international waters and no U.S. forces were harmed.

A video posted by Hegseth shows a boat exploding into flames and smoke.

The Trump administration has been conducting a nearly two-month campaign in the waters off of South America, while building up U.S. military forces in the region. This has fueled speculation that the moves are aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dhs-plan-capture-maduro-pilot-planes-7915d5a0819ceb518a8ca2b47da8b2e5" rel="nofollow">ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>, whom the U.S. has accused of narcoterrorism.

The Trump administration has shown no evidence to support its claims about the boats that have been struck, their connection to drug cartels, or even the identity of the people killed in the strikes that began in early September.

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Wednesday that the U.S. military carried out another strike on a boat he said was carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing all four people aboard the vessel, as the Trump administration pursues its divisive campaign against drug cartels in the waters off South America.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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. <br><br>This vessel, like all the others, was known by our… <a href="https://t.co/mBOLA5RYQe">pic.twitter.com/mBOLA5RYQe</a></p>&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><p>Hegseth said in a social media post that intelligence determined the craft was “transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics.” He said the strike was conducted in international waters and no U.S. forces were harmed.</p><p>A video posted by Hegseth shows a boat exploding into flames and smoke.</p><p>The Trump administration has been conducting a nearly two-month campaign in the waters off of South America, while building up U.S. military forces in the region. This has fueled speculation that the moves are aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dhs-plan-capture-maduro-pilot-planes-7915d5a0819ceb518a8ca2b47da8b2e5" rel="nofollow">ousting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>, whom the U.S. has accused of narcoterrorism.</p><p>The Trump administration has shown no evidence to support its claims about the boats that have been struck, their connection to drug cartels, or even the identity of the people killed in the strikes that began in early September.</p>

🎥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><p>SALINE COUNTY —Police responded to report of a loose dog have made a drug arrest.</p><p>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</p><p>&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.</p><p>McMurray was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Drug Paraphernalia.</p>

Police make drug arrest while looking for dog

GYEONGJU, South Korea (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump" rel="nofollow">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday that “it’s too bad” he’s not allowed to run for a third term, conceding the constitutional reality even as he expressed interest in continuing to serve.

“If you read it, it’s pretty clear,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One enroute from Japan to South Korea. “I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad.”

The president’s comments, which continue his on-again, off-again musings about a third term, came a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/" rel="nofollow">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;said it would be impossible for Trump to stay in the White House.

“I don’t see the path for that,” he told reporters at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday.

Johnson, the Republican leader who has built his career by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/" rel="nofollow">drawing closer to Trump</a>, said he discussed the issue with the president, and he thinks Trump understands the situation.

“He and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution,” he said.

<p>GYEONGJU, South Korea (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump" rel="nofollow">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday that “it’s too bad” he’s not allowed to run for a third term, conceding the constitutional reality even as he expressed interest in continuing to serve.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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></p>&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><p>“If you read it, it’s pretty clear,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One enroute from Japan to South Korea. “I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad.”</p><p>The president’s comments, which continue his on-again, off-again musings about a third term, came a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/" rel="nofollow">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;said it would be impossible for Trump to stay in the White House.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<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></p>&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><p>“I don’t see the path for that,” he told reporters at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday.</p><p>Johnson, the Republican leader who has built his career by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/" rel="nofollow">drawing closer to Trump</a>, said he discussed the issue with the president, and he thinks Trump understands the situation.</p><p>“He and I have talked about the constrictions of the Constitution,” he said.</p>

🎥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><p>CITY OF NEWTON</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>“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.</p><p>The company’s initial plans are to use the Newton facility for testing during the manufacturing process.</p><p>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.</p><p>The City and County will also pay about $18,000 in fees to Shield AI’s real estate broker.</p>

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

5 hospitalized after bus carrying FFA students overturns 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Wednesday for a second time this year as it seeks to shore up economic growth and hiring even as inflation stays elevated.

“Job gains have slowed this year, and the unemployment rate has edged up but remained low through August,” the Fed said in a statement issued Wednesday. “More recent indicators are consistent with these developments." The government hasn't issued unemployment data after August because of the shutdown. The Fed is watching private-sector figures instead.

Wednesday's decision brings the Fed's key rate down to about 3.9%, from about 4.1%. The central bank had cranked its rate to roughly 5.3% in 2023 and 2024 to combat the biggest inflation spike in four decades. Lower rates could, over time, reduce borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, as well as for business loans.

The move comes amid a fraught time for the central bank, with hiring sluggish and yet inflation stuck above the Fed’s 2% target. Compounding its challenges, the central bank is navigating without the economic signposts it typically relies on from the government, including monthly reports on jobs, inflation and consumer spending, which have been suspended because of the government shutdown. The Fed has signaled it may reduce its key rate again in December but the data drought raises the uncertainty around its next moves.

The Fed typically raises its short term rate to combat inflation, while it cuts rates to encourage borrowing and spending and shore up hiring. Right now its two goals are in conflict, so it is reducing borrowing costs to support the job market, while still keeping rates high enough to avoid stimulating the economy so much that it worsens inflation.

Speaking to reporters after the Fed's announced its rate decision, Fed chair Jerome Powell said there were “strongly differing views about how to proceed in December” at the policy meeting and a further reduction in rates is not “a foregone conclusion.”

On Wednesday, the Fed also said it would stop reducing the size of its massive securities holdings, which it accumulated during the pandemic and after the 2008-2009 Great Recession. The change, to take effect Dec. 1, could over time slightly reduce longer-term interest rates on things like mortgages but won't have much impact on consumer borrowing costs.

The Fed purchased nearly $5 trillion of Treasury securities and mortgage-backed bonds from 2020 to 2022 to stabilize financial markets during the pandemic and keep longer-term interest rates low. The bond-buying lifted its securities holdings to $9 trillion.

In the past three years, however, the Fed has reduced its holdings to about $6.6 trillion. To shrink its holdings, the Fed lets securities mature without replacing them, reducing bank reserves. In recent months, however, the reductions appeared to disrupt money markets, threatening to push up shorter-term interest rates.

Two of the 12 officials who vote on the Fed’s rate decisions dissented, but in different directions. Fed governor Stephen Miran dissented for the second straight meeting in favor of a half-point cut. Miran was appointed by President Donald Trump just before the central bank’s last meeting in September.

Jeffrey Schmid, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, voted against the move because he preferred no change to the Fed’s rate. Schmid has previously expressed concern that inflation remains too high.

Trump has repeatedly attacked Powell for not reducing borrowing costs more quickly. In South Korea early Wednesday he repeated his criticisms of the Fed chair.

“He’s out of there in another couple of months,” Trump said. Powell’s term ends in May. On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-independence-inflation-5c8cfa5816845d4f005db51c91cdab0d">confirmed</a>&nbsp;the administration is considering five people to replace Powell, and will decide by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, the government shutdown has interrupted economic data. September's jobs report, scheduled to be released three weeks ago, is still postponed. This month's hiring figures, to be released Nov. 7, will likely be delayed and may be less comprehensive when they are finally released. And the White House said last week that October's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-shutdown-no-report-70a0e2773445ded8a7239c4899fc410c">inflation report</a>&nbsp;may never be issued at all.

The data drought raises risks for the Fed because it is widely expected to keep cutting rates in an effort to shore up growth and hiring. Yet should job gains pick up soon, the Fed may not detect the change. And if hiring rebounds after weak job gains during the summer, further rate cuts may not be justified.

Before the government shutdown cut off the flow of data Oct. 1, monthly hiring gains had weakened to an average of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-trump-firing-f686eab61f7d6b702ca10b12b0250498">just 29,000 a month</a>&nbsp;for the previous three months, according to the Labor Department's data. The unemployment rate ticked up to a still-low 4.3% in August from 4.2% in July.

More recently, several large corporations have announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/layoffs-2025-amazon-ups-job-cuts-8413af9ac5b434b092ed76d6fa6cd196">sweeping layoffs</a>, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-amazon-layoffs-turnaround-85afc1c459883f41a2283c8394ce1eaf">UPS</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-layoff-ai-14000-artificial-intelligence-cb64af47ebb794541fbdfa8fd264932c">Amazon</a>, and Target, which threatens to boost the unemployment rate if it continues.

Meanwhile, last week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-inflation-trump-prices-economy-wall-street-fed-consumers-280a2fd30de3bb44bd87cd0248082322">inflation report</a>&nbsp;— released more than a week late because of the shutdown — showed that inflation remains elevated but isn’t accelerating and may not need higher interest rates to tame it.

The government's first report on the economy's growth in the July-September quarter was scheduled to be published on Thursday, but will be delayed, as will Friday's report on consumer spending that also includes the Fed's preferred inflation measure.

Fed officials say they are monitoring a range of other data, including some issued by the private sector, and don't feel handicapped by the lack of government reports.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761764214354.png" alt="Fed Chairman Jerome Powell during the announcement on Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Fed Chairman Jerome Powell during the announcement on Wednesday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Wednesday for a second time this year as it seeks to shore up economic growth and hiring even as inflation stays elevated.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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></p>&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><p>“Job gains have slowed this year, and the unemployment rate has edged up but remained low through August,” the Fed said in a statement issued Wednesday. “More recent indicators are consistent with these developments." The government hasn't issued unemployment data after August because of the shutdown. The Fed is watching private-sector figures instead.</p><p>Wednesday's decision brings the Fed's key rate down to about 3.9%, from about 4.1%. The central bank had cranked its rate to roughly 5.3% in 2023 and 2024 to combat the biggest inflation spike in four decades. Lower rates could, over time, reduce borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, as well as for business loans.</p><p>The move comes amid a fraught time for the central bank, with hiring sluggish and yet inflation stuck above the Fed’s 2% target. Compounding its challenges, the central bank is navigating without the economic signposts it typically relies on from the government, including monthly reports on jobs, inflation and consumer spending, which have been suspended because of the government shutdown. The Fed has signaled it may reduce its key rate again in December but the data drought raises the uncertainty around its next moves.</p><p>The Fed typically raises its short term rate to combat inflation, while it cuts rates to encourage borrowing and spending and shore up hiring. Right now its two goals are in conflict, so it is reducing borrowing costs to support the job market, while still keeping rates high enough to avoid stimulating the economy so much that it worsens inflation.</p><p>Speaking to reporters after the Fed's announced its rate decision, Fed chair Jerome Powell said there were “strongly differing views about how to proceed in December” at the policy meeting and a further reduction in rates is not “a foregone conclusion.”</p><p>On Wednesday, the Fed also said it would stop reducing the size of its massive securities holdings, which it accumulated during the pandemic and after the 2008-2009 Great Recession. The change, to take effect Dec. 1, could over time slightly reduce longer-term interest rates on things like mortgages but won't have much impact on consumer borrowing costs.</p><p>The Fed purchased nearly $5 trillion of Treasury securities and mortgage-backed bonds from 2020 to 2022 to stabilize financial markets during the pandemic and keep longer-term interest rates low. The bond-buying lifted its securities holdings to $9 trillion.</p><p>In the past three years, however, the Fed has reduced its holdings to about $6.6 trillion. To shrink its holdings, the Fed lets securities mature without replacing them, reducing bank reserves. In recent months, however, the reductions appeared to disrupt money markets, threatening to push up shorter-term interest rates.</p><p>Two of the 12 officials who vote on the Fed’s rate decisions dissented, but in different directions. Fed governor Stephen Miran dissented for the second straight meeting in favor of a half-point cut. Miran was appointed by President Donald Trump just before the central bank’s last meeting in September.</p><p>Jeffrey Schmid, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, voted against the move because he preferred no change to the Fed’s rate. Schmid has previously expressed concern that inflation remains too high.</p><p>Trump has repeatedly attacked Powell for not reducing borrowing costs more quickly. In South Korea early Wednesday he repeated his criticisms of the Fed chair.</p><p>“He’s out of there in another couple of months,” Trump said. Powell’s term ends in May. On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-independence-inflation-5c8cfa5816845d4f005db51c91cdab0d">confirmed</a>&nbsp;the administration is considering five people to replace Powell, and will decide by the end of this year.</p><p>Meanwhile, the government shutdown has interrupted economic data. September's jobs report, scheduled to be released three weeks ago, is still postponed. This month's hiring figures, to be released Nov. 7, will likely be delayed and may be less comprehensive when they are finally released. And the White House said last week that October's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-shutdown-no-report-70a0e2773445ded8a7239c4899fc410c">inflation report</a>&nbsp;may never be issued at all.</p><p>The data drought raises risks for the Fed because it is widely expected to keep cutting rates in an effort to shore up growth and hiring. Yet should job gains pick up soon, the Fed may not detect the change. And if hiring rebounds after weak job gains during the summer, further rate cuts may not be justified.</p><p>Before the government shutdown cut off the flow of data Oct. 1, monthly hiring gains had weakened to an average of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-trump-firing-f686eab61f7d6b702ca10b12b0250498">just 29,000 a month</a>&nbsp;for the previous three months, according to the Labor Department's data. The unemployment rate ticked up to a still-low 4.3% in August from 4.2% in July.</p><p>More recently, several large corporations have announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/layoffs-2025-amazon-ups-job-cuts-8413af9ac5b434b092ed76d6fa6cd196">sweeping layoffs</a>, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-amazon-layoffs-turnaround-85afc1c459883f41a2283c8394ce1eaf">UPS</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-layoff-ai-14000-artificial-intelligence-cb64af47ebb794541fbdfa8fd264932c">Amazon</a>, and Target, which threatens to boost the unemployment rate if it continues.</p><p>Meanwhile, last week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-inflation-trump-prices-economy-wall-street-fed-consumers-280a2fd30de3bb44bd87cd0248082322">inflation report</a>&nbsp;— released more than a week late because of the shutdown — showed that inflation remains elevated but isn’t accelerating and may not need higher interest rates to tame it.</p><p>The government's first report on the economy's growth in the July-September quarter was scheduled to be published on Thursday, but will be delayed, as will Friday's report on consumer spending that also includes the Fed's preferred inflation measure.</p><p>Fed officials say they are monitoring a range of other data, including some issued by the private sector, and don't feel handicapped by the lack of government reports.</p>

🎥Good news for borrowers despite federal gov't shutdown 

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

<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><p><b>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a><br></b><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a></p><p>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;</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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;</p><p>“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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>“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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>The union put together lists of food banks and other local resources, he said.&nbsp;</p><p>“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.</p><p>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.</p><p>“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.”</p><h2>Food pantries struggling</h2><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>“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?”</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>“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;</p><p>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;</p><p>“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.”</p><h2>Economic challenges</h2><p>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.</p><p>SNAP benefits put nearly $33 million each month into the Kansas economy, according to the USDA.&nbsp;</p><p>The effect on grocery stores of missing SNAP payments will be “immediate,” McCormick said, although multiple factors determine the effect in specific stores.</p><p>“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.”</p><p>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.</p><p>“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.</p><p>“The independent retailer is rather resilient and creative when it comes to adversity,” McCormick said.</p><p>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;</p><p>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;</p><p>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.</p><p>“It definitely will have an effect on small-town stores and people who need those services,” he said.</p><p>He isn’t yet adapting inventory but is in a “wait-and-see” mode, Bird added.</p><p>Others affected by the federal government shutdown include banks, mortgage companies and property management companies that rent apartments.</p><p>“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;</p><p>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.</p><p>“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.</p><p>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;</p><p>“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.”</p>