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

NEW YORK (AP) — Army veteran Samuel Port couldn’t believe what he was reading in his latest weekly newsletter emailed from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-republicans-shutdown-negotiations-votes-health-care-29b11579bfc694a52b9e8e272a47bb91">blamed Senate Democrats for the federal shutdown</a>, saying they were blocking a stopgap bill to fund the government “due to unrelated policy demands.” It then listed various disruptions to veterans’ resources.

In Port’s view, the finger-pointing was inappropriate from a federal agency and lacked the context that Republicans, too, could have taken steps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">to keep the government funded</a>. He said it wore away any trust he had left in the VA to offer services without a political agenda.

“This blatant propaganda being spat out was astonishing,” said Port, a Virginia-based volunteer for the progressive advocacy organization Common Defense. “Then the astonishment turned into just anger that we’re being politicized like this.”

Port is among a growing number of Americans whose routine interactions with the federal government this week have been met with partisan messaging. As a Senate deadlock keeps the federal government unfunded, with no end in sight, some traditionally apolitical federal agencies are using their official channels to spread a coordinated political message: It’s the Democrats’ fault.

The rhetoric, popping up in bright-red webpage banners, email autoreplies and social media posts, lays blame on the political party that is out of power in Washington when both sides are refusing to accommodate the other.

Democrats, who have minorities in both the U.S. Senate and House, have demanded that a set of expiring health insurance tax credits be extended before they sign on to any deal. Republicans, who need several Democratic votes in the Senate, said those negotiations should wait until after the funding measure passes.

Experts say the communication strategy from across the federal government reflects how aligned President Donald Trump’s entire administration has become in targeting his political opponents.

Far more partisan than the straightforward alerts that typically grace agency websites during shutdowns, the messages are in keeping with Trump’s pattern of requiring loyalty and obedience at all levels of government.

“There’s really been a consistent and sustained effort to try to pull the entire bureaucracy in sync with what the president wants,” said Don Kettl, a professor emeritus and former dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. “The big risk here is that it erodes the fundamental trust that people have in government’s ability to be impartial.”

Several government websites blame Democrats

Many internet users noticed the first political postings from government agencies on Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-warning-democrats-hatch-act-hud-d21afb79d01007bdd39a9211af1e2b99">before the shutdown began.</a>&nbsp;The website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development displayed a message warning that “The Radical Left are going to shut down the government and inflict massive pain on the American people unless they get their $1.5 trillion wish list of demands.”

That afternoon, employees across the federal government reported receiving messages from their agencies noting Trump’s general opposition to a shutdown.

It’s difficult to know with certainty how many federal agencies and departments are promoting the partisan language across websites, social media accounts and email messages. Of the 15 executive departments in Trump’s Cabinet, at least 10 posted messages this week that blamed Democrats or the “radical left” for the shutdown on their official websites or social media accounts.

The website of the Small Business Administration placed its message in a red banner that took up the entire screen on a smartphone. It said actions from Senate Democrats are preventing the agency “from serving America’s 36 million small businesses.” Other websites, including that of the Food and Drug Administration, told visitors that mission-critical activities would continue “during the Democrat-led government shutdown.”

Several other federal agencies and departments maintained politically neutral messages, noting simply that there might be delays in services or updates because of the lapse in funding.

Employee out-of-office messages are changed

At the Department of Education, out-of-office email messages were reset Wednesday with language blaming Democrats for the shutdown.

“On September 19, 2025, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5371, a clean continuing resolution,” the message said. “Unfortunately, Democrat Senators are blocking passage of H.R. 5371 in the Senate which has led to a lapse in appropriations.”

Some employees tried to change it to something nonpartisan only to see it reverted, according to an employee who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.

The White House isn’t shying away from the politics, displaying a by-the-second ticker on its website adding up the length of time for which “Democrats Have Shut Down the Government.”

Concerned citizens calling the White House comment line on Wednesday also heard a political voicemail message. In the recording, press secretary Karoline Leavitt repeats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-government-shutdown-health-care-immigrant-11b3ec0066407a17b407bc8e43962fd9">Trump’s false claim</a>&nbsp;that Democrats forced the government shutdown fight because they want to fund health care for illegal immigrants.

Ethics watchdogs said the political messages from government agency websites and emails exceed the level of partisanship they have seen in the past from the civil service.

Multiple experts said the messages also violate a 1939 law called the Hatch Act, which restricts certain political activities by federal employees. Kathleen Clark, a government ethics lawyer and law professor at Washington University, said they are “aimed at pursuing partisan political advantages” and therefore violate the law.

On Thursday, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee sent a letter to the Office of Special Counsel calling for an investigation into the messages for “apparent violations of the Hatch Act.”

Donald K. Sherman, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said he doesn’t think the messages violate the Hatch Act because they discuss the Democratic Party related to a policy difference rather than an election or a candidate. Still, he said, the postings might violate other ethics laws and are “wildly inappropriate.”

Veterans Affairs spokesman Pete Kasperowicz defended his agency’s email message, saying it was “100% factual.”

HUD Secretary Scott Turner said in a Wednesday night interview with NewsNation that he’s not worried about the Hatch Act allegations against his agency. He called them a “distraction” to deflect from “irresponsible actions on the Hill” and how “Americans are being impacted greatly by this government shutdown.”

Asked about the HUD website banner Thursday morning, House Speaker Mike Johnson said it shared “the objective truth.”

“There are 44 Democrats in the Senate — and by the way every Democrat in the House except one — who voted to shut the government down,” Johnson said in a press conference outside his office. “They are the ones that made that decision. The White House, the executive branch, take no pleasure in this.”

Associated Press writers Collin Binkley, Joey Cappelletti and Gary Fields i

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ali-swenson">ALI SWENSON</a>NEW YORK (AP) — Army veteran Samuel Port couldn’t believe what he was reading in his latest weekly newsletter emailed from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HUD’s website has been updated with the following message: “The Radical Left in Congress shut down the government. HUD will use available resources to help Americans in need.” <a href="https://t.co/4Q1ufb2glW">pic.twitter.com/4Q1ufb2glW</a>&mdash; Department of Housing and Urban Development (@HUDgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/HUDgov/status/1973246606087737612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-republicans-shutdown-negotiations-votes-health-care-29b11579bfc694a52b9e8e272a47bb91">blamed Senate Democrats for the federal shutdown</a>, saying they were blocking a stopgap bill to fund the government “due to unrelated policy demands.” It then listed various disruptions to veterans’ resources.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Senate Democrats just voted to send the government into a shutdown. DEMOCRAT SHUTDOWN LOADING. <a href="https://t.co/t7I2x7guxZ">pic.twitter.com/t7I2x7guxZ</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1973171967865004192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In Port’s view, the finger-pointing was inappropriate from a federal agency and lacked the context that Republicans, too, could have taken steps&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">to keep the government funded</a>. He said it wore away any trust he had left in the VA to offer services without a political agenda.“This blatant propaganda being spat out was astonishing,” said Port, a Virginia-based volunteer for the progressive advocacy organization Common Defense. “Then the astonishment turned into just anger that we’re being politicized like this.”Port is among a growing number of Americans whose routine interactions with the federal government this week have been met with partisan messaging. As a Senate deadlock keeps the federal government unfunded, with no end in sight, some traditionally apolitical federal agencies are using their official channels to spread a coordinated political message: It’s the Democrats’ fault.The rhetoric, popping up in bright-red webpage banners, email autoreplies and social media posts, lays blame on the political party that is out of power in Washington when both sides are refusing to accommodate the other.Democrats, who have minorities in both the U.S. Senate and House, have demanded that a set of expiring health insurance tax credits be extended before they sign on to any deal. Republicans, who need several Democratic votes in the Senate, said those negotiations should wait until after the funding measure passes.Experts say the communication strategy from across the federal government reflects how aligned President Donald Trump’s entire administration has become in targeting his political opponents.Far more partisan than the straightforward alerts that typically grace agency websites during shutdowns, the messages are in keeping with Trump’s pattern of requiring loyalty and obedience at all levels of government.“There’s really been a consistent and sustained effort to try to pull the entire bureaucracy in sync with what the president wants,” said Don Kettl, a professor emeritus and former dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. “The big risk here is that it erodes the fundamental trust that people have in government’s ability to be impartial.”<h2>Several government websites blame Democrats</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759452448754.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Many internet users noticed the first political postings from government agencies on Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-warning-democrats-hatch-act-hud-d21afb79d01007bdd39a9211af1e2b99">before the shutdown began.</a>&nbsp;The website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development displayed a message warning that “The Radical Left are going to shut down the government and inflict massive pain on the American people unless they get their $1.5 trillion wish list of demands.”That afternoon, employees across the federal government reported receiving messages from their agencies noting Trump’s general opposition to a shutdown.It’s difficult to know with certainty how many federal agencies and departments are promoting the partisan language across websites, social media accounts and email messages. Of the 15 executive departments in Trump’s Cabinet, at least 10 posted messages this week that blamed Democrats or the “radical left” for the shutdown on their official websites or social media accounts.The website of the Small Business Administration placed its message in a red banner that took up the entire screen on a smartphone. It said actions from Senate Democrats are preventing the agency “from serving America’s 36 million small businesses.” Other websites, including that of the Food and Drug Administration, told visitors that mission-critical activities would continue “during the Democrat-led government shutdown.”Several other federal agencies and departments maintained politically neutral messages, noting simply that there might be delays in services or updates because of the lapse in funding.<h2>Employee out-of-office messages are changed</h2>At the Department of Education, out-of-office email messages were reset Wednesday with language blaming Democrats for the shutdown.“On September 19, 2025, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5371, a clean continuing resolution,” the message said. “Unfortunately, Democrat Senators are blocking passage of H.R. 5371 in the Senate which has led to a lapse in appropriations.”Some employees tried to change it to something nonpartisan only to see it reverted, according to an employee who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.The White House isn’t shying away from the politics, displaying a by-the-second ticker on its website adding up the length of time for which “Democrats Have Shut Down the Government.”Concerned citizens calling the White House comment line on Wednesday also heard a political voicemail message. In the recording, press secretary Karoline Leavitt repeats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-government-shutdown-health-care-immigrant-11b3ec0066407a17b407bc8e43962fd9">Trump’s false claim</a>&nbsp;that Democrats forced the government shutdown fight because they want to fund health care for illegal immigrants.<h2>Could the messaging violate federal law?</h2>Ethics watchdogs said the political messages from government agency websites and emails exceed the level of partisanship they have seen in the past from the civil service.Multiple experts said the messages also violate a 1939 law called the Hatch Act, which restricts certain political activities by federal employees. Kathleen Clark, a government ethics lawyer and law professor at Washington University, said they are “aimed at pursuing partisan political advantages” and therefore violate the law.On Thursday, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee sent a letter to the Office of Special Counsel calling for an investigation into the messages for “apparent violations of the Hatch Act.”Donald K. Sherman, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said he doesn’t think the messages violate the Hatch Act because they discuss the Democratic Party related to a policy difference rather than an election or a candidate. Still, he said, the postings might violate other ethics laws and are “wildly inappropriate.”Veterans Affairs spokesman Pete Kasperowicz defended his agency’s email message, saying it was “100% factual.”HUD Secretary Scott Turner said in a Wednesday night interview with NewsNation that he’s not worried about the Hatch Act allegations against his agency. He called them a “distraction” to deflect from “irresponsible actions on the Hill” and how “Americans are being impacted greatly by this government shutdown.”Asked about the HUD website banner Thursday morning, House Speaker Mike Johnson said it shared “the objective truth.”“There are 44 Democrats in the Senate — and by the way every Democrat in the House except one — who voted to shut the government down,” Johnson said in a press conference outside his office. “They are the ones that made that decision. The White House, the executive branch, take no pleasure in this.”___Associated Press writers Collin Binkley, Joey Cappelletti and Gary Fields i

Blame game on at federal agencies; messages fault Dems for the shutdown

The Heartland Community Foundation is excited to host the second annual Give Fest — communitywide giving day — on Friday, October 10 in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties! Get ready to experience a day filled with philanthropy, community spirit, and Oktoberfest-themed fun. With up to 100% of donations matched by the Heartland Community Foundation, this is a powerful opportunity to maximize your impact while supporting your favorite local nonprofits.

During the 24-hour giving period, all donations made to participating nonprofits will be matched&nbsp;from a $150,000 match pool, with $50,000 designated for each county. These donations go directly&nbsp;to the nonprofit's endowed fund at the Heartland Community Foundation, ensuring a stable&nbsp;financial future for the organization, while the match dollars are available for immediate use,&nbsp;providing vital, immediate support. To give even more people the chance to give, early-bird giving&nbsp;begins online at midnight this Wednesday, Oct. 1, at <a href="https://www.heartlandgivefest.org/">www.HeartlandGiveFest.org</a> and continues&nbsp;through 11:59 p.m., Oct. 10.

With 58 participating organizations, there’s a cause that will speak to everyone’s unique charitable passion. Whether your interests lie in education or healthcare, first responders or food insecurity, and many more, there is a nonprofit that aligns with the causes that matter most to you.

Give Fest was created to mobilize the community to “give back” in a big way. Not only does the event raise essential funds for nonprofits, but it also brings a playful Oktoberfest twist to the giving season, celebrating the cultural heritage of the region.

 This is an opportunity to come together and make a difference. In 2024, Give Fest raised over $240,000 in donations, and with $160,000 in matching funds, more than $400,000 went directly to strengthen local nonprofits. This year, we’re ready to build on that success together. 

"Give Fest is one of my favorite days of the year because it shows the power of community," said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. "When neighbors come together to give, the impact multiplies — not just through the matching dollars, but through the spirit of generosity that carries forward long after the day is over."

This year's festivities will feature in-person events at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

• Ellis County: Hays Rec Center Main Gym, 1105 Canterbury, Hays

• Rooks County: Rooks County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, 918 S. Elm, Stockton

• Trego County: Trego County Fairgrounds, 13th and Russell, WaKeeney 

Nonprofits will share information with visitors, and attendees can enjoy Oktoberfest food, drinks, and entertainment while connecting with local organizations and learning more about the causes they can support.

Returning this year, nonprofits will get to compete in a lively cornhole challenge for a chance to win up to $400 in bonus match dollars for their organization. Attendees can also take part in the Nonprofit Passport activity: visit nonprofit tables (8 in Ellis County, 6 in Rooks and Trego counties) to be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card for yourself and $100 in bonus match dollars for your favorite organization. Come cheer on your favorite nonprofits and join in the fun! 

In a heartwarming effort to inspire the next generation of givers, Heartland Community Foundation is proud to bring back the 5th Grade Give Bucks initiative. Every 5th grader in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties will once again receive funds to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Ellis County students will each receive $15, while Rooks and Trego County students will each receive $10. On October 10, students will visit the Give Fest events to meet nonprofits throughout the day, learn about their missions, and choose where to donate their Give Bucks. This initiative teaches young people firsthand the joy and power of philanthropy.

• Online: Donate at www.HeartlandGiveFest.org from midnight on October 1 through 11:59 p.m. on October 10. Online gifts will be eligible for matching funds for a full week!

• In-Person: Drop off donations at the Give Fest events or the Heartland Community Foundation office, 1200 Main St., Hays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 10.

• Mail: Send donations to Heartland Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1673, Hays, KS 67601. They must be received by October 10.

• Out-of-Town Donors: Send your gift directly to the nonprofit, and they will bring it to be counted. Checks should be made out to Heartland Community Foundation with the charity’s name in the memo, along with a donor form.

One of the most convenient features of Give Fest is that donors can make a single donation and designate it to one or more participating nonprofits. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible, and you can easily support multiple organizations at once with one simple gift.

To keep with all the Give Fest excitement, follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=%20Heartland%20Community%20Foundation%20%20">Heartland Community Foundation on Facebook</a> or the social media pages of your favorite nonprofits! Many participating organizations will mark Give Fest with their own events and fundraisers, so check in with them for updates on how you can participate.

About Heartland Community Foundation

Since 2007, the Heartland Community Foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties through philanthropy. As an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, HCF connects donors with the philanthropic causes they love, supporting initiatives in various areas including education, healthcare, youth, community development, and more. By fostering a spirit of generosity and engaging local donors, nonprofits, and community members, HCF aims to create a vibrant, supportive community for all. The Heartland Community Foundation is committed to promoting generosity, building endowment funds, and empowering communities to thrive.

For more information, visit <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759341873827.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Community FoundationThe Heartland Community Foundation is excited to host the second annual Give Fest — communitywide giving day — on Friday, October 10 in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties! Get ready to experience a day filled with philanthropy, community spirit, and Oktoberfest-themed fun. With up to 100% of donations matched by the Heartland Community Foundation, this is a powerful opportunity to maximize your impact while supporting your favorite local nonprofits.During the 24-hour giving period, all donations made to participating nonprofits will be matched&nbsp;from a $150,000 match pool, with $50,000 designated for each county. These donations go directly&nbsp;to the nonprofit's endowed fund at the Heartland Community Foundation, ensuring a stable&nbsp;financial future for the organization, while the match dollars are available for immediate use,&nbsp;providing vital, immediate support. To give even more people the chance to give, early-bird giving&nbsp;begins online at midnight this Wednesday, Oct. 1, at <a href="https://www.heartlandgivefest.org/">www.HeartlandGiveFest.org</a> and continues&nbsp;through 11:59 p.m., Oct. 10.With 58 participating organizations, there’s a cause that will speak to everyone’s unique charitable passion. Whether your interests lie in education or healthcare, first responders or food insecurity, and many more, there is a nonprofit that aligns with the causes that matter most to you.Give Fest was created to mobilize the community to “give back” in a big way. Not only does the event raise essential funds for nonprofits, but it also brings a playful Oktoberfest twist to the giving season, celebrating the cultural heritage of the region. This is an opportunity to come together and make a difference. In 2024, Give Fest raised over $240,000 in donations, and with $160,000 in matching funds, more than $400,000 went directly to strengthen local nonprofits. This year, we’re ready to build on that success together. "Give Fest is one of my favorite days of the year because it shows the power of community," said Sarah Meitner, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation. "When neighbors come together to give, the impact multiplies — not just through the matching dollars, but through the spirit of generosity that carries forward long after the day is over."This year's festivities will feature in-person events at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.:• Ellis County: Hays Rec Center Main Gym, 1105 Canterbury, Hays• Rooks County: Rooks County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, 918 S. Elm, Stockton• Trego County: Trego County Fairgrounds, 13th and Russell, WaKeeney Nonprofits will share information with visitors, and attendees can enjoy Oktoberfest food, drinks, and entertainment while connecting with local organizations and learning more about the causes they can support.Returning this year, nonprofits will get to compete in a lively cornhole challenge for a chance to win up to $400 in bonus match dollars for their organization. Attendees can also take part in the Nonprofit Passport activity: visit nonprofit tables (8 in Ellis County, 6 in Rooks and Trego counties) to be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card for yourself and $100 in bonus match dollars for your favorite organization. Come cheer on your favorite nonprofits and join in the fun! In a heartwarming effort to inspire the next generation of givers, Heartland Community Foundation is proud to bring back the 5th Grade Give Bucks initiative. Every 5th grader in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties will once again receive funds to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Ellis County students will each receive $15, while Rooks and Trego County students will each receive $10. On October 10, students will visit the Give Fest events to meet nonprofits throughout the day, learn about their missions, and choose where to donate their Give Bucks. This initiative teaches young people firsthand the joy and power of philanthropy.How to Give • Online: Donate at www.HeartlandGiveFest.org from midnight on October 1 through 11:59 p.m. on October 10. Online gifts will be eligible for matching funds for a full week!• In-Person: Drop off donations at the Give Fest events or the Heartland Community Foundation office, 1200 Main St., Hays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on October 10.• Mail: Send donations to Heartland Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1673, Hays, KS 67601. They must be received by October 10.• Out-of-Town Donors: Send your gift directly to the nonprofit, and they will bring it to be counted. Checks should be made out to Heartland Community Foundation with the charity’s name in the memo, along with a donor form.One of the most convenient features of Give Fest is that donors can make a single donation and designate it to one or more participating nonprofits. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible, and you can easily support multiple organizations at once with one simple gift. To keep with all the Give Fest excitement, follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=%20Heartland%20Community%20Foundation%20%20">Heartland Community Foundation on Facebook</a> or the social media pages of your favorite nonprofits! Many participating organizations will mark Give Fest with their own events and fundraisers, so check in with them for updates on how you can participate.Participating Nonprofits IncludeELLIS COUNTY<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759340166751.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759340374943.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759340613083.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759340907341.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759341124113.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759341175005.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759341636564.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759341701295.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>About Heartland Community FoundationSince 2007, the Heartland Community Foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in Ellis, Rooks, and Trego counties through philanthropy. As an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, HCF connects donors with the philanthropic causes they love, supporting initiatives in various areas including education, healthcare, youth, community development, and more. By fostering a spirit of generosity and engaging local donors, nonprofits, and community members, HCF aims to create a vibrant, supportive community for all. The Heartland Community Foundation is committed to promoting generosity, building endowment funds, and empowering communities to thrive. For more information, visit <a href="https://heartlandcommunityfoundation.org/">heartlandcommunityfoundation.org</a>.

Heartland Community Foundation Give Fest is Oct. 10 in Ellis, Rooks, Trego counties

After 25 impactful years, HaysMed is retiring its traditional drive-thru flu shot clinic and launching a more flexible, integrated approach to community health. Starting this fall, flu shots will be offered during its monthly blood screening events- providing a convenient, one-stop opportunity for preventive care.

The decision to discontinue the drive-thru format comes in response to changing community needs and increased access to free flu shots at local pharmacies such as Walgreens, Walmart, and Dillon’s. While the HaysMed drive-thru clinic once served nearly 4,000 individuals annually, recent participation has dropped below 1,500. This new format allows the hospital to better align with current trends and improve accessibility for the community.

Participants can now receive a free flu shot, participate in blood screening lab draws, or do both- all in one visit. Flu shots will be available on the following Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. – 10:00a.m. at Entrance B (Miller Pavillion), using parking Lot B on September 6, October 4, or November 1, 2025.

Children’s flu shots will be administered in the same area as adult vaccinations to simplify the experience for families. To help with flow and minimize wait times, participants may choose to go directly to the flu shot station or begin with blood screening.

Since its inception, HaysMed has proudly administered 69,802 flu shots to the community. In 2024 alone, the hospital provided 1,300 adult and 378 pediatric vaccines free of charge, thanks to the support of the HaysMed Foundation.

The HaysMed flu shot events have also supported local families through food donations. In 2024, participants donated 583 pounds of canned food to the Community Assistance Center. Since 2007, the hospital collected a total of 26,854 pounds- nearly 13.5 tons of food!

All attendees are encourage to bring a non-perishable food item to continue this tradition of giving back.

Watch the HaysMed 2025 Flu Shot video&nbsp;below about this change.

HaysMed is thrilled to continue partnering with Fort Hays State University and Fort Hays North Central Tech nursing students, who will assist with flu shot administration. Their involvement ensures hands-on learning and reflects the spirit of community collaboration.

· Free flu shots available for individuals 6 months and older

· Participants may choose to receive a flu shot, participate in blood screening lab draws, or both

· Consent forms available at&nbsp;<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu/">haysmedfoundation.org/flu</a>&nbsp;– please complete, print, and bring a signed copy for each person being vaccinated

· Short-sleeved shirts recommended for ease of vaccination

· Egg-free vaccines will not be available; individuals with egg allergies should consult their healthcare provider

· High-dose flu vaccines for those 65+ will not be offered at these events

For more information about blood screenings, visit the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysmed.com/august-volunteer-community-blood-screenings/">monthly blood screenings article</a>. For flu shot updates, maps, and logistics, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu/">haysmedfoundation.org/flu/</a>.

Together, HaysMed is working to keep the community healthy, strong, and connected- now in a format that’s more convenient than ever.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696974409148.jpg" alt="file photo" />
 <figcaption>file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HaysMedAfter 25 impactful years, HaysMed is retiring its traditional drive-thru flu shot clinic and launching a more flexible, integrated approach to community health. Starting this fall, flu shots will be offered during its monthly blood screening events- providing a convenient, one-stop opportunity for preventive care.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759421035601.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Why the Change?The decision to discontinue the drive-thru format comes in response to changing community needs and increased access to free flu shots at local pharmacies such as Walgreens, Walmart, and Dillon’s. While the HaysMed drive-thru clinic once served nearly 4,000 individuals annually, recent participation has dropped below 1,500. This new format allows the hospital to better align with current trends and improve accessibility for the community.What to Expect:Participants can now receive a free flu shot, participate in blood screening lab draws, or do both- all in one visit. Flu shots will be available on the following Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. – 10:00a.m. at Entrance B (Miller Pavillion), using parking Lot B on September 6, October 4, or November 1, 2025.Children’s flu shots will be administered in the same area as adult vaccinations to simplify the experience for families. To help with flow and minimize wait times, participants may choose to go directly to the flu shot station or begin with blood screening.Since its inception, HaysMed has proudly administered 69,802 flu shots to the community. In 2024 alone, the hospital provided 1,300 adult and 378 pediatric vaccines free of charge, thanks to the support of the HaysMed Foundation.The HaysMed flu shot events have also supported local families through food donations. In 2024, participants donated 583 pounds of canned food to the Community Assistance Center. Since 2007, the hospital collected a total of 26,854 pounds- nearly 13.5 tons of food!All attendees are encourage to bring a non-perishable food item to continue this tradition of giving back.Watch the HaysMed 2025 Flu Shot video&nbsp;below about this change.HaysMed is thrilled to continue partnering with Fort Hays State University and Fort Hays North Central Tech nursing students, who will assist with flu shot administration. Their involvement ensures hands-on learning and reflects the spirit of community collaboration.Flu Shot Key Details:· Free flu shots available for individuals 6 months and older· No appointment necessary· Participants may choose to receive a flu shot, participate in blood screening lab draws, or both· Consent forms available at&nbsp;<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu/">haysmedfoundation.org/flu</a>&nbsp;– please complete, print, and bring a signed copy for each person being vaccinated· Short-sleeved shirts recommended for ease of vaccination· Egg-free vaccines will not be available; individuals with egg allergies should consult their healthcare provider· High-dose flu vaccines for those 65+ will not be offered at these eventsFor more information about blood screenings, visit the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haysmed.com/august-volunteer-community-blood-screenings/">monthly blood screenings article</a>. For flu shot updates, maps, and logistics, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://haysmedfoundation.org/flu/">haysmedfoundation.org/flu/</a>.Together, HaysMed is working to keep the community healthy, strong, and connected- now in a format that’s more convenient than ever.

Free flu shots at HaysMed on Saturday

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

Nearly half of U.S. Department of Agriculture employees will be furloughed during the federal government shutdown, though key programs that support nutrition, forest preservation and wildfire prevention, the most pressing plant and animal diseases and agricultural commodity assessments will continue.

Many offices, including county USDA service centers, will be closed or operating with minimal staff until Congress agrees on a temporary spending package. Support, payment processing and other functions of these offices are also suspended during the shutdown.

Congress failed to pass a stopgap spending bill Tuesday which resulted in the start of a government shutdown at midnight and federal agencies had to implement the contingency plans required by the Office of Management and Budget.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fy2026-usda-lapse-plan.pdf" target="_blank">contingency plan</a>&nbsp;filed&nbsp;by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only a handful of agency operations will continue during the shutdown. The primary objective is that agencies cannot incur financial obligations if the funding source has lapsed and any planned or in-the-works activities that would incur new obligations, must cease.&nbsp;

Activities that may continue during the shutdown include those that are financed by something other than current year appropriations, expressly authorized to continue, either by law or by necessary implication, necessary to the presidential duties and powers or related to emergencies that endanger human life or the protection of property.

According to the plan, more than 42,000 USDA employees are expected to be furloughed during the shutdown. That’s about half of the more than 85,000 employees the agency said would be “on board” prior to the shutdown.&nbsp;

USDA programs that will continue despite the shutdown:&nbsp;

Under the contingency plan, USDA functions like ongoing research, reports, outreach and technical assistance are suspended. The agency will also stop processing payments and disaster assistance.&nbsp;

Trade negotiations, hazardous fuel treatments, special use permits, regulatory work, training and travel by USDA employees and agencies are also suspended.&nbsp;

According to the contingency plan, most functions are suspended for the Risk Management Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Food and Nutrition Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistical Service, Rural Development, and staff offices.

Website updates are also suspended under the shutdown. A banner atop the USDA website informs visitors that the website will not be updated “due to the Radical Left Democrat shutdown.”&nbsp;

“President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people,” the banner reads.&nbsp;

According to the plan, “all activities will cease” for the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and her office during the shutdown.&nbsp;

Approximately 67% of Farm Service Agency, or FSA, employees will be furloughed. According to the plan, selected leadership at headquarters and USDA offices will stay on during the shut down. This means county service centers, and the majority of the services they offer, will not be available during the shutdown.&nbsp;

Nearly all, 1135 out of 1237 employees, at the Food and Nutrition Service offices were projected to be furloughed during the shutdown, though according to the plan, enough employees remain to facilitate SNAP, child nutrition programs and WIC. WIC must make unspent funds from past years available in order to continue operations through October.

Close to 20,000 of the 32,390 Forest Service employees will continue to work on certain approved areas of agency work, like wildfire prevention, protection of federal land and federal directives to expand timber production. Public access to recreation sites managed by the department will be reduced, according to the plan.&nbsp;

A significant portion of Agricultural Marketing Service operations are funded by previous farm bill appropriations or by user fees, so services like the Federal Grain Inspection Service and dairy grading will continue, as will market news information.

Operations like country of origin labeling, the packers and stockyards program, the national organic program, shell egg surveillance and the pesticide data program will be suspended.&nbsp;

The plan calls for a number of reconsiderations in the event the shutdown persists longer than 5 days. This could include, for example a farm loan employee or other staff member on call at USDA service centers, or the reinstatement of some furloughed employees to deal with wildfire management.&nbsp;

Glenn “GT” Thompson, chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, blamed Democrats, who&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/30/repub/protesters-at-us-capitol-back-democrats-in-shutdown-fight-over-health-care-costs/" target="_blank">demanded extentions to the Affordable Care Act</a>&nbsp;be added to the stopgap spending bill, for shutting down the government and putting “critical USDA services in jeopardy.”

“These political games harm rural America through disruptions to farm payments, disaster relief, food assistance, and other critical services,” the Republican from Pennsylvania said in a statement. “Performative photo ops at state fairs and lip service to the producers who feed, fuel, and clothe our country won’t hide the truth—Democrats forcing a government shutdown only inflicts more pain on our agricultural economy.”

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/01/what-the-government-shutdown-means-for-usda-agencies/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716664034438.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cami-koons/">Cami Koons</a>Nearly half of U.S. Department of Agriculture employees will be furloughed during the federal government shutdown, though key programs that support nutrition, forest preservation and wildfire prevention, the most pressing plant and animal diseases and agricultural commodity assessments will continue.Many offices, including county USDA service centers, will be closed or operating with minimal staff until Congress agrees on a temporary spending package. Support, payment processing and other functions of these offices are also suspended during the shutdown.Congress failed to pass a stopgap spending bill Tuesday which resulted in the start of a government shutdown at midnight and federal agencies had to implement the contingency plans required by the Office of Management and Budget.According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fy2026-usda-lapse-plan.pdf" target="_blank">contingency plan</a>&nbsp;filed&nbsp;by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only a handful of agency operations will continue during the shutdown. The primary objective is that agencies cannot incur financial obligations if the funding source has lapsed and any planned or in-the-works activities that would incur new obligations, must cease.&nbsp;Activities that may continue during the shutdown include those that are financed by something other than current year appropriations, expressly authorized to continue, either by law or by necessary implication, necessary to the presidential duties and powers or related to emergencies that endanger human life or the protection of property.According to the plan, more than 42,000 USDA employees are expected to be furloughed during the shutdown. That’s about half of the more than 85,000 employees the agency said would be “on board” prior to the shutdown.&nbsp;USDA programs that will continue despite the shutdown:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Farm loan processing.</li><li>Certain natural resources and conservation programs that are mandatory under the farm bill or to protect human life and private property, like the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, dam safety and rehab work, the National Water and Climate Center which tracks flooding and weather risks and the National Soil Survey Center.&nbsp;</li><li>“Core” nutrition safety net programs. This includes SNAP and child nutrition programs which have funding appropriations through October. The Women Infants and Children, or WIC, program is set to continue through the shutdown “subject to the availability of funding.” According to the plan, WIC can “recover and reallocate” unused grant funding from previous years to cover gap in coverage.&nbsp;</li><li>Food safety operations, like inspections and laboratory testing.</li><li>Wildfire preparation and response.&nbsp;</li><li>Activities like grading, assessment, inspection, import and export for farm commodities. These activities are supported by user fees and therefore not impacted by the shutdown.</li><li>Emergency programs under USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that address new world screwworm, highly pathogenic avian influenza, African swine fever, rabies and exotic fruit flies. Surveying for other plant and livestock diseases will cease during the shutdown.&nbsp;</li><li>Prior obligations in the Section 521 rental housing agreement program. This is the program element of USDA Rural Development offices that will persist.</li><li>Operational requirements like human resource policies, cybersecurity and critical IT infrastructure.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Under the contingency plan, USDA functions like ongoing research, reports, outreach and technical assistance are suspended. The agency will also stop processing payments and disaster assistance.&nbsp;Trade negotiations, hazardous fuel treatments, special use permits, regulatory work, training and travel by USDA employees and agencies are also suspended.&nbsp;According to the contingency plan, most functions are suspended for the Risk Management Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Food and Nutrition Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistical Service, Rural Development, and staff offices.Website updates are also suspended under the shutdown. A banner atop the USDA website informs visitors that the website will not be updated “due to the Radical Left Democrat shutdown.”&nbsp;“President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people,” the banner reads.&nbsp;According to the plan, “all activities will cease” for the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and her office during the shutdown.&nbsp;Approximately 67% of Farm Service Agency, or FSA, employees will be furloughed. According to the plan, selected leadership at headquarters and USDA offices will stay on during the shut down. This means county service centers, and the majority of the services they offer, will not be available during the shutdown.&nbsp;Nearly all, 1135 out of 1237 employees, at the Food and Nutrition Service offices were projected to be furloughed during the shutdown, though according to the plan, enough employees remain to facilitate SNAP, child nutrition programs and WIC. WIC must make unspent funds from past years available in order to continue operations through October.Close to 20,000 of the 32,390 Forest Service employees will continue to work on certain approved areas of agency work, like wildfire prevention, protection of federal land and federal directives to expand timber production. Public access to recreation sites managed by the department will be reduced, according to the plan.&nbsp;A significant portion of Agricultural Marketing Service operations are funded by previous farm bill appropriations or by user fees, so services like the Federal Grain Inspection Service and dairy grading will continue, as will market news information.Operations like country of origin labeling, the packers and stockyards program, the national organic program, shell egg surveillance and the pesticide data program will be suspended.&nbsp;The plan calls for a number of reconsiderations in the event the shutdown persists longer than 5 days. This could include, for example a farm loan employee or other staff member on call at USDA service centers, or the reinstatement of some furloughed employees to deal with wildfire management.&nbsp;Glenn “GT” Thompson, chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, blamed Democrats, who&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/30/repub/protesters-at-us-capitol-back-democrats-in-shutdown-fight-over-health-care-costs/" target="_blank">demanded extentions to the Affordable Care Act</a>&nbsp;be added to the stopgap spending bill, for shutting down the government and putting “critical USDA services in jeopardy.”“These political games harm rural America through disruptions to farm payments, disaster relief, food assistance, and other critical services,” the Republican from Pennsylvania said in a statement. “Performative photo ops at state fairs and lip service to the producers who feed, fuel, and clothe our country won’t hide the truth—Democrats forcing a government shutdown only inflicts more pain on our agricultural economy.”This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/10/01/what-the-government-shutdown-means-for-usda-agencies/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

What the government shutdown means for USDA agencies

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Thursday, October 2
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Friday, October 3
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Saturday, October 4
 KJLS: Fort Hays State
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🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats kept their promise to reject any Republican spending bill that didn’t extend or restore health care benefits, choosing instead to force&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-chuck-schumer-20e54a0f5e4fee909d0f9ea2c07c15e1">a government shutdown</a>. Now they have to figure out how to get out of it.

Just hours after the shutdown began, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said that if the Republicans work with them, “the shutdown could go away very quickly.”

But that won’t be easy. Republican leaders — Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump — have said that they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-health-care-blame-ee852953197b7b59f3447aa3a2167ac0">won’t negotiate or be “held hostage</a>&nbsp;” by Democrats demanding concessions to reopen the government. The bill Democrats voted against was a simple extension of funding for 45 days, legislation they say should be noncontroversial.

While that uncompromising Republican position may not last long — there were some early, informal talks on the Senate floor Wednesday — reaching a deal would be difficult. It’s deeply uncertain, for now, if the two sides could find common ground on health care policy or sow enough trust for the Democrats to change their position.

At the same time, an extended shutdown could be increasingly painful for Democrats. The Trump administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">threatened to lay off thousands of workers</a>&nbsp;and target Democratic-leaning states. On Wednesday, the White House announced it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-new-york-rail-projects-money-withheld-ada494e08ae9ae5269c6ce554ecdbd43">putting a hold on subway and tunnel projects</a>&nbsp;in Schumer’s home state of New York.

“This Democrat shutdown is actually delaying progress on the issues that Democrats claim to be interested in,” Thune, who represents South Dakota, said on the Senate floor Wednesday.

Some wavering Democrats emerge in shutdown saga

Republicans were encouraged Tuesday evening when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-senate-schumer-thune-trump-health-care-b85fe6cdd5d8cdc3e3aa1f4ae889474f">three Democrats voted with them to keep the government open</a>&nbsp;— Democratic Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine.

Republicans, who hold the majority, need eight Democrats to win the 60 votes needed for passage in the 53-47 Senate. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was the only Republican to vote with Democrats against the measure.

Thune is holding repeated votes on the measure, which failed 55-45 on Tuesday night and again Wednesday morning. He said he hopes that five Democrats will eventually feel the pressure and support the bill “when they realize that this is playing a losing hand.”

Republicans are eyeing several moderate Democrats who appeared to be wavering before casting “no” votes on Tuesday night, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Gary Peters of Michigan. Both voted to keep the government open in March,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-congress-chuck-schumer-government-funding-shutdown-43d1acea20c34ad28d848edc08ad6375">along with Schumer</a>, while many of their colleagues voted for a shutdown.

But Shaheen and Peters each voted no on Tuesday after extensive negotiations with colleagues in both parties on the floor. Shaheen said afterward that “I have been in intensive conversations with colleagues from both sides of the aisle on how to find a path forward and I’m eager to work with my Republican colleagues to find common ground.”

Democrats at a crossroad: To dig in or dig out?

As some Democrats are already looking for a way out, others say they need to dig in and fight.

“As Donald Trump’s lawlessness grows during this shutdown, our spines should stiffen, not bend,” Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said in a social media post on Wednesday. “Let’s stand for something. The American people don’t want us to fund the destruction of their health care and the destruction of our democracy.”

The divisions in the caucus pose a dilemma for Schumer, who was blasted by base voters and activists in March when he voted with Republicans to keep the government open. Many Democrats in the House and Senate have suggested that shutting down the government is their only leverage to fight Trump and push back on his policies, including health care and spending cuts.

“Standing up to (Trump) on this is sending a message to him on those other issues as well,” said Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

Democrats have demanded that Republicans immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-congress-shutdown-democrats-republicans-bb3464820a347fd2c0399e78e335881e">extend health care subsidies</a>&nbsp;for people who purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. The expanded subsidies first put in place in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic are set to expire at the end of the year, raising premium costs for millions of people.

Many Republicans have said they are open to an extension, but they want to see changes. Other Republicans — especially in the House — see it as an unacceptable expansion of President Barack Obama’s signature health care law, which Republicans have tried to eliminate or cut back since it was enacted 15 years ago.

Johnson has not committed to talks on the issue and said, “There has to be reform.”

Obamacare “is a flawed system,” Johnson said on CNBC.

Thune has repeatedly said that Republicans are willing to negotiate on the issue once the government reopens.

Even so, some Republicans began informal talks with Democrats on the Senate floor Wednesday about potentially extending the expanded subsidies for a year and then eventually phasing them out. The idea floated by Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota would likely be rejected by many Republicans, but Democrats said they were encouraged that the two sides were talking at all.

“At least we’re on the same page talking about the same problem,” Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., said after the floor huddle. “So I see that as progress, but it’s a long way from where we have to end up.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">Past shutdowns</a>&nbsp;show that it’s hard to win major concessions by closing the government.

In 2018, the government shut down for three days as Democrats, led by Schumer, insisted that any budget measure come with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-donald-trump-immigration-bills-north-america-532fcd6149a34d488723517156c34a55">protections for young immigrants</a>&nbsp;known as “Dreamers” under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. They voted to reopen after then-Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised only a vote on the issue.

Later that year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">Trump forced a shutdown</a>&nbsp;over funding for his border wall and retreated after 35 days as intensifying delays at the nation’s airports and missed paydays for hundreds of thousands of federal workers.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and House Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-general-news-9f568e68401b4695ad8290e89169d9c2">triggered a shutdown in 2013</a>&nbsp;over Obama’s health care law. Bipartisan negotiations in the Senate finally ended the shutdown after 16 days, and Republicans did not win any major concessions on health care.

“I don’t think shutdowns benefit anybody, least of all the American people,” Thune said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759369156073.png" alt="House Minority Leaker Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Schumer following their Oval Office meeting this week-image courtesy Jeffries' office" />
 <figcaption>House Minority Leaker Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Schumer following their Oval Office meeting this week-image courtesy Jeffries' office</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats kept their promise to reject any Republican spending bill that didn’t extend or restore health care benefits, choosing instead to force&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-chuck-schumer-20e54a0f5e4fee909d0f9ea2c07c15e1">a government shutdown</a>. Now they have to figure out how to get out of it.Just hours after the shutdown began, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said that if the Republicans work with them, “the shutdown could go away very quickly.”But that won’t be easy. Republican leaders — Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump — have said that they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-health-care-blame-ee852953197b7b59f3447aa3a2167ac0">won’t negotiate or be “held hostage</a>&nbsp;” by Democrats demanding concessions to reopen the government. The bill Democrats voted against was a simple extension of funding for 45 days, legislation they say should be noncontroversial.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Even the Democrat-controlled CBO highlights the disastrous impacts of a government shutdown ➡️ costing Americans $400 MILLION A DAY. <a href="https://t.co/3lPyMNBCyY">pic.twitter.com/3lPyMNBCyY</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1973478659664314727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>While that uncompromising Republican position may not last long — there were some early, informal talks on the Senate floor Wednesday — reaching a deal would be difficult. It’s deeply uncertain, for now, if the two sides could find common ground on health care policy or sow enough trust for the Democrats to change their position.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨A statement from <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wc91BposJE">pic.twitter.com/Wc91BposJE</a>&mdash; Department of State (@StateDept) <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept/status/1973520967440969807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At the same time, an extended shutdown could be increasingly painful for Democrats. The Trump administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">threatened to lay off thousands of workers</a>&nbsp;and target Democratic-leaning states. On Wednesday, the White House announced it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-new-york-rail-projects-money-withheld-ada494e08ae9ae5269c6ce554ecdbd43">putting a hold on subway and tunnel projects</a>&nbsp;in Schumer’s home state of New York.“This Democrat shutdown is actually delaying progress on the issues that Democrats claim to be interested in,” Thune, who represents South Dakota, said on the Senate floor Wednesday.<h2>Some wavering Democrats emerge in shutdown saga</h2>Republicans were encouraged Tuesday evening when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-senate-schumer-thune-trump-health-care-b85fe6cdd5d8cdc3e3aa1f4ae889474f">three Democrats voted with them to keep the government open</a>&nbsp;— Democratic Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine.Republicans, who hold the majority, need eight Democrats to win the 60 votes needed for passage in the 53-47 Senate. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was the only Republican to vote with Democrats against the measure.Thune is holding repeated votes on the measure, which failed 55-45 on Tuesday night and again Wednesday morning. He said he hopes that five Democrats will eventually feel the pressure and support the bill “when they realize that this is playing a losing hand.”Republicans are eyeing several moderate Democrats who appeared to be wavering before casting “no” votes on Tuesday night, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Gary Peters of Michigan. Both voted to keep the government open in March,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-congress-chuck-schumer-government-funding-shutdown-43d1acea20c34ad28d848edc08ad6375">along with Schumer</a>, while many of their colleagues voted for a shutdown.But Shaheen and Peters each voted no on Tuesday after extensive negotiations with colleagues in both parties on the floor. Shaheen said afterward that “I have been in intensive conversations with colleagues from both sides of the aisle on how to find a path forward and I’m eager to work with my Republican colleagues to find common ground.”<h2>Democrats at a crossroad: To dig in or dig out?</h2>As some Democrats are already looking for a way out, others say they need to dig in and fight.“As Donald Trump’s lawlessness grows during this shutdown, our spines should stiffen, not bend,” Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said in a social media post on Wednesday. “Let’s stand for something. The American people don’t want us to fund the destruction of their health care and the destruction of our democracy.”The divisions in the caucus pose a dilemma for Schumer, who was blasted by base voters and activists in March when he voted with Republicans to keep the government open. Many Democrats in the House and Senate have suggested that shutting down the government is their only leverage to fight Trump and push back on his policies, including health care and spending cuts.“Standing up to (Trump) on this is sending a message to him on those other issues as well,” said Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.<h2>The politics of health care</h2>Democrats have demanded that Republicans immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-congress-shutdown-democrats-republicans-bb3464820a347fd2c0399e78e335881e">extend health care subsidies</a>&nbsp;for people who purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. The expanded subsidies first put in place in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic are set to expire at the end of the year, raising premium costs for millions of people.Many Republicans have said they are open to an extension, but they want to see changes. Other Republicans — especially in the House — see it as an unacceptable expansion of President Barack Obama’s signature health care law, which Republicans have tried to eliminate or cut back since it was enacted 15 years ago.Johnson has not committed to talks on the issue and said, “There has to be reform.”Obamacare “is a flawed system,” Johnson said on CNBC.Thune has repeatedly said that Republicans are willing to negotiate on the issue once the government reopens.Even so, some Republicans began informal talks with Democrats on the Senate floor Wednesday about potentially extending the expanded subsidies for a year and then eventually phasing them out. The idea floated by Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota would likely be rejected by many Republicans, but Democrats said they were encouraged that the two sides were talking at all.“At least we’re on the same page talking about the same problem,” Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., said after the floor huddle. “So I see that as progress, but it’s a long way from where we have to end up.”<h2>Lessons from the past</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">Past shutdowns</a>&nbsp;show that it’s hard to win major concessions by closing the government.In 2018, the government shut down for three days as Democrats, led by Schumer, insisted that any budget measure come with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-donald-trump-immigration-bills-north-america-532fcd6149a34d488723517156c34a55">protections for young immigrants</a>&nbsp;known as “Dreamers” under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. They voted to reopen after then-Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised only a vote on the issue.Later that year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">Trump forced a shutdown</a>&nbsp;over funding for his border wall and retreated after 35 days as intensifying delays at the nation’s airports and missed paydays for hundreds of thousands of federal workers.Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and House Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-general-news-9f568e68401b4695ad8290e89169d9c2">triggered a shutdown in 2013</a>&nbsp;over Obama’s health care law. Bipartisan negotiations in the Senate finally ended the shutdown after 16 days, and Republicans did not win any major concessions on health care.“I don’t think shutdowns benefit anybody, least of all the American people,” Thune said.___

Democrats voted for a shutdown. Now they have to find a way out

RUSSELL — The 16th annual Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ will be held on Friday, October 3 and Saturday,&nbsp;October 4, in Downtown Russell.

Hosted by Russell Main Street, Inc., this two-day&nbsp;festival has become one of Russell’s most anticipated annual gatherings, celebrating our&nbsp;community’s businesses, food, music, and culture while drawing visitors from across the region. Each year, this event helps bring energy and economic activity to the heart of Russell, and 2025&nbsp;promises to be one of the biggest yet.

While Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ is packed with fun, food, and entertainment, the heart of the event&nbsp;runs deeper. Russell Main Street, Inc. hosts the festival as part of its mission to revitalize&nbsp;downtown Russell and keep it thriving as the hub of our community.

Proceeds from the event go directly back into downtown projects, small business support,&nbsp;beautification efforts, and creating events that bring people to Main Street. 

As RMSI Director&nbsp;Kelsey Decker shared “Every bite of BBQ and every ticket purchased helps us build a stronger, more vibrant&nbsp;downtown. This is about celebrating Russell while investing in its future.”

Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ and Brew Me would not be possible without the incredible support of&nbsp;local businesses and organizations:

Their support not only makes this festival possible but also ensures Russell’s downtown&nbsp;continues to thrive year after year.

Mark your calendars for October 3–4, 2025 and get ready for a weekend of mouthwatering BBQ,&nbsp;craft beer tastings, competitions, music, and fun for the whole family.

For tickets, contest signups, and full details, visit <a href="https://www.russellmainstreet.com/bricks-broncs-bbq">www.russellmainstreet.com/bricks-broncs-bbq</a>&nbsp;or call 785-483-2897.

Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ—Where the smoke, the flavor, and the fun all come together in the&nbsp;heart of Russell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758724294013.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>RUSSELL — The 16th annual Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ will be held on Friday, October 3 and Saturday,&nbsp;October 4, in Downtown Russell. Hosted by Russell Main Street, Inc., this two-day&nbsp;festival has become one of Russell’s most anticipated annual gatherings, celebrating our&nbsp;community’s businesses, food, music, and culture while drawing visitors from across the region. Each year, this event helps bring energy and economic activity to the heart of Russell, and 2025&nbsp;promises to be one of the biggest yet.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647019678.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647089268.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758724364041.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647156114.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Purpose: More Than Just BBQWhile Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ is packed with fun, food, and entertainment, the heart of the event&nbsp;runs deeper. Russell Main Street, Inc. hosts the festival as part of its mission to revitalize&nbsp;downtown Russell and keep it thriving as the hub of our community.Proceeds from the event go directly back into downtown projects, small business support,&nbsp;beautification efforts, and creating events that bring people to Main Street. As RMSI Director&nbsp;Kelsey Decker shared “Every bite of BBQ and every ticket purchased helps us build a stronger, more vibrant&nbsp;downtown. This is about celebrating Russell while investing in its future.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647742766.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Thank You to Our SponsorsBricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ and Brew Me would not be possible without the incredible support of&nbsp;local businesses and organizations:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647348218.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647452256.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Their support not only makes this festival possible but also ensures Russell’s downtown&nbsp;continues to thrive year after year.Join Us Downtown!&nbsp;Mark your calendars for October 3–4, 2025 and get ready for a weekend of mouthwatering BBQ,&nbsp;craft beer tastings, competitions, music, and fun for the whole family.For tickets, contest signups, and full details, visit <a href="https://www.russellmainstreet.com/bricks-broncs-bbq">www.russellmainstreet.com/bricks-broncs-bbq</a>&nbsp;or call 785-483-2897.Bricks, Broncs, &amp; BBQ—Where the smoke, the flavor, and the fun all come together in the&nbsp;heart of Russell.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758647683789.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>

Anna Alvena (Brown) West

PAWNEE COUNTY– William M. Boos, 54, Ellis, appeared in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff Tuesday before Pawnee Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell for Felony First Appearances on a four count felony complaint, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Boos is currently charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property in excess of $5,000 done with the intent to obtain scrap metal, one count of Theft of at least $25,000, but less than $100,000, and one count of Theft of at least $1,500, but less than $25,000.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff into the theft of radiators from approximately 26 vintage automobiles at two separate rural locations in the western portion of Pawnee County occurring between April 18, 2025, and June 20, 2025. The thefts were reported on June 29, 2025. The investigation determined approximately 40 vehicles were damaged.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled October 14.

Under Kansas law, criminal damage to property becomes as aggravated offense if the damage is done with the intent to obtain regulated scrap materials.

The defendant remains in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff with bond set at $65,000 cash or surety.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759352925335.png" alt="Boos photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Boos photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY– William M. Boos, 54, Ellis, appeared in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff Tuesday before Pawnee Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell for Felony First Appearances on a four count felony complaint, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Boos is currently charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property in excess of $5,000 done with the intent to obtain scrap metal, one count of Theft of at least $25,000, but less than $100,000, and one count of Theft of at least $1,500, but less than $25,000.The charges stem from an investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff into the theft of radiators from approximately 26 vintage automobiles at two separate rural locations in the western portion of Pawnee County occurring between April 18, 2025, and June 20, 2025. The thefts were reported on June 29, 2025. The investigation determined approximately 40 vehicles were damaged.A preliminary hearing is scheduled October 14.Under Kansas law, criminal damage to property becomes as aggravated offense if the damage is done with the intent to obtain regulated scrap materials.The defendant remains in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff with bond set at $65,000 cash or surety.

Ellis man accused of theft of radiators from 26 vintage vehicles

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jane-goodall">Jane Goodall</a>, the conservationist renowned for her groundbreaking chimpanzee field research and globe-spanning environmental advocacy, has died. She was 91.

The Jane Goodall Institute announced the primatologist’s death Wednesday in an Instagram post. According to the Washington, D.C.-based institute, Goodall died of natural causes while in California on a U.S. speaking tour.

Her discoveries “revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world," it said.

While living among chimpanzees in Africa decades ago, Goodall documented the animals using tools and doing other activities previously believed to be exclusive to humans, and also noted their distinct personalities. Her observations and subsequent magazine and documentary appearances in the 1960s transformed how the world perceived not only humans' closest living biological relatives but also the emotional and social complexity of all animals, while propelling her into the public consciousness.

“Out there in nature by myself, when you’re alone, you can become part of nature and your humanity doesn’t get in the way,” she told The Associated Press in 2021. “It’s almost like an out-of-body experience when suddenly you hear different sounds and you smell different smells and you’re actually part of this amazing tapestry of life.”

She had been scheduled to meet with students and teachers on Wednesday to launch the planting of 5,000 trees around wildfire burn zones in the Los Angeles area. Organizers learned of her death as the event was to begin at EF Academy in Pasadena, said spokesperson Shawna Marino. The first tree was planted in Goodall’s name after a moment of silence.

“I don’t think there’s any better way to honor her legacy than having a thousand children gathered for her,” Marino said.

Goodall in her later years devoted decades to education and advocacy on humanitarian causes and protecting the natural world. In her usual soft-spoken British accent, she was known for balancing the grim realities of the climate crisis with a sincere message of hope for the future.

From her base in the British coastal town of Bournemouth, she traveled nearly 300 days a year, even after she turned 90, to speak to packed auditoriums. Between more serious messages, her speeches often featured her whooping like a chimpanzee or lamenting that Tarzan chose the wrong Jane.

Tributes from animal rights organizations, political leaders and admirers poured in following news of her death.

“I’m deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Jane Goodall, our dear Messenger of Peace. She is leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity &amp; our planet," said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

While first studying chimps in Tanzania in the early 1960s, Goodall was known for her unconventional approach. She didn’t simply observe them from afar but immersed herself in every aspect of their lives. She fed them and gave them names instead of numbers, which some scientists criticized.

Her findings were circulated to millions when she first appeared on the cover of National Geographic in 1963 and then in a popular documentary. A collection of photos of Goodall in the field helped her and even some of the chimps become famous. One iconic image showed her crouching across from the infant chimpanzee named Flint. Each has arms outstretched, reaching for the other.

In 1972,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rootsandshoots.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/flo-obituary.pdf">the Sunday Times</a>&nbsp;published an obituary for Flo, Flint's mother and the dominant matriarch. Flint died soon after showing signs of grief and losing weight.

″What the chimps have taught me over the years is they’re so like us. They’ve blurred the line between humans and animals,″ she said in 1997.

Goodall earned top civilian honors from a number of countries. She was awarded the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-medal-of-freedom-clinton-soros-denzel-washington-4b19a363d3058ac3b8107e2002b93651">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;in 2025 by then-U.S. President Joe Biden and won the prestigious&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jane-goodall-templeton-prize-1ee6d31271e9329799342c0fa8f1e8b9">Templeton Prize</a>&nbsp;in 2021.

“Her groundbreaking discoveries have changed humanity’s understanding of its role in an interconnected world, and her advocacy has pointed to a greater purpose for our species in caring for life on this planet,” said the Templeton Prize citation, which honors individuals whose life’s work embodies a fusion of science and spirituality.

The Humane World for Animals said Wednesday that Goodall’s influence on the animal protection community was immeasurable.

“Her work on behalf of primates and all animals will never be forgotten,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of the group formerly the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International.

Born in London in 1934, Goodall said her fascination with animals began around when she learned to crawl. In her book, “In the Shadow of Man,” she described an early memory of hiding in a henhouse to see a chicken lay an egg. She was there so long her mother reported her missing to police.

She bought her first book — Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “Tarzan of the Apes” — when she was 10 and soon made up her mind about her future: Live with wild animals in Africa.

That plan stayed with her through a secretarial course when she was 18 and two different jobs. By 1957, she accepted an invitation to travel to a farm in Kenya.

There she met the famed anthropologist and paleontologist Louis Leakey at a natural history museum in Nairobi. He gave her a job as an assistant secretary.

Three years later, despite Goodall not having a college degree, Leakey asked if she would be interested in studying chimpanzees in what is now Tanzania. She told the AP that he chose her “because he wanted an open mind.”

The beginning was filled with complications. British authorities insisted she have a companion, so she brought her mother. The chimps fled if she got within 500 yards (460 meters) of them. She also spent weeks sick from what she believed was malaria.

Eventually she gained the animals’ trust. By the fall of 1960 she observed the chimpanzee named David Greybeard make a tool from twigs to fish termites from a nest. It was previously believed that only humans made and used tools.

She also found that chimps have individual personalities and share humans’ emotions of pleasure, joy, sadness and fear. She documented bonds between mothers and infants, sibling rivalry and male dominance. She found there was no sharp line between humans and the animal kingdom.

In later years, she discovered chimpanzees engage in a type of warfare, and in 1987 she and her staff observed a chimp “adopt” a 3-year-old orphan that wasn't closely related.

Her work moved into global advocacy after she watched a disturbing film of experiments on laboratory animals in 1986.

″I knew I had to do something,″ she said. ″It was payback time.″

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759356690455.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>0By HALLIE GOLDEN Associated Press<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jane-goodall">Jane Goodall</a>, the conservationist renowned for her groundbreaking chimpanzee field research and globe-spanning environmental advocacy, has died. She was 91.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jane Goodall has died at the age of 91. Here&#39;s her receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January. Find all of her C-SPAN appearances here: <a href="https://t.co/9yN0ncolvf">https://t.co/9yN0ncolvf</a> <a href="https://t.co/FPvK99srtp">https://t.co/FPvK99srtp</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1973461332411449525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Jane Goodall Institute announced the primatologist’s death Wednesday in an Instagram post. According to the Washington, D.C.-based institute, Goodall died of natural causes while in California on a U.S. speaking tour.Her discoveries “revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world," it said.While living among chimpanzees in Africa decades ago, Goodall documented the animals using tools and doing other activities previously believed to be exclusive to humans, and also noted their distinct personalities. Her observations and subsequent magazine and documentary appearances in the 1960s transformed how the world perceived not only humans' closest living biological relatives but also the emotional and social complexity of all animals, while propelling her into the public consciousness.“Out there in nature by myself, when you’re alone, you can become part of nature and your humanity doesn’t get in the way,” she told The Associated Press in 2021. “It’s almost like an out-of-body experience when suddenly you hear different sounds and you smell different smells and you’re actually part of this amazing tapestry of life.”<h2>Goodall never lost hope for the future</h2>She had been scheduled to meet with students and teachers on Wednesday to launch the planting of 5,000 trees around wildfire burn zones in the Los Angeles area. Organizers learned of her death as the event was to begin at EF Academy in Pasadena, said spokesperson Shawna Marino. The first tree was planted in Goodall’s name after a moment of silence.“I don’t think there’s any better way to honor her legacy than having a thousand children gathered for her,” Marino said.Goodall in her later years devoted decades to education and advocacy on humanitarian causes and protecting the natural world. In her usual soft-spoken British accent, she was known for balancing the grim realities of the climate crisis with a sincere message of hope for the future.From her base in the British coastal town of Bournemouth, she traveled nearly 300 days a year, even after she turned 90, to speak to packed auditoriums. Between more serious messages, her speeches often featured her whooping like a chimpanzee or lamenting that Tarzan chose the wrong Jane.Tributes from animal rights organizations, political leaders and admirers poured in following news of her death.“I’m deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Jane Goodall, our dear Messenger of Peace. She is leaving an extraordinary legacy for humanity &amp; our planet," said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.<h2>Living among the chimpanzees</h2>While first studying chimps in Tanzania in the early 1960s, Goodall was known for her unconventional approach. She didn’t simply observe them from afar but immersed herself in every aspect of their lives. She fed them and gave them names instead of numbers, which some scientists criticized.Her findings were circulated to millions when she first appeared on the cover of National Geographic in 1963 and then in a popular documentary. A collection of photos of Goodall in the field helped her and even some of the chimps become famous. One iconic image showed her crouching across from the infant chimpanzee named Flint. Each has arms outstretched, reaching for the other.In 1972,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rootsandshoots.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/flo-obituary.pdf">the Sunday Times</a>&nbsp;published an obituary for Flo, Flint's mother and the dominant matriarch. Flint died soon after showing signs of grief and losing weight.″What the chimps have taught me over the years is they’re so like us. They’ve blurred the line between humans and animals,″ she said in 1997.Goodall earned top civilian honors from a number of countries. She was awarded the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-medal-of-freedom-clinton-soros-denzel-washington-4b19a363d3058ac3b8107e2002b93651">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;in 2025 by then-U.S. President Joe Biden and won the prestigious&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jane-goodall-templeton-prize-1ee6d31271e9329799342c0fa8f1e8b9">Templeton Prize</a>&nbsp;in 2021.“Her groundbreaking discoveries have changed humanity’s understanding of its role in an interconnected world, and her advocacy has pointed to a greater purpose for our species in caring for life on this planet,” said the Templeton Prize citation, which honors individuals whose life’s work embodies a fusion of science and spirituality.The Humane World for Animals said Wednesday that Goodall’s influence on the animal protection community was immeasurable.“Her work on behalf of primates and all animals will never be forgotten,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of the group formerly the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International.<h2>Charting a course from an early age</h2>Born in London in 1934, Goodall said her fascination with animals began around when she learned to crawl. In her book, “In the Shadow of Man,” she described an early memory of hiding in a henhouse to see a chicken lay an egg. She was there so long her mother reported her missing to police.She bought her first book — Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “Tarzan of the Apes” — when she was 10 and soon made up her mind about her future: Live with wild animals in Africa.That plan stayed with her through a secretarial course when she was 18 and two different jobs. By 1957, she accepted an invitation to travel to a farm in Kenya.There she met the famed anthropologist and paleontologist Louis Leakey at a natural history museum in Nairobi. He gave her a job as an assistant secretary.Three years later, despite Goodall not having a college degree, Leakey asked if she would be interested in studying chimpanzees in what is now Tanzania. She told the AP that he chose her “because he wanted an open mind.”The beginning was filled with complications. British authorities insisted she have a companion, so she brought her mother. The chimps fled if she got within 500 yards (460 meters) of them. She also spent weeks sick from what she believed was malaria.Eventually she gained the animals’ trust. By the fall of 1960 she observed the chimpanzee named David Greybeard make a tool from twigs to fish termites from a nest. It was previously believed that only humans made and used tools.She also found that chimps have individual personalities and share humans’ emotions of pleasure, joy, sadness and fear. She documented bonds between mothers and infants, sibling rivalry and male dominance. She found there was no sharp line between humans and the animal kingdom.In later years, she discovered chimpanzees engage in a type of warfare, and in 1987 she and her staff observed a chimp “adopt” a 3-year-old orphan that wasn't closely related.<h2>Becoming an activist</h2>Her work moved into global advocacy after she watched a disturbing film of experiments on laboratory animals in 1986.″I knew I had to do something,″ she said. ″It was payback time.″When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and halted her in-person events, she began podcasting from her childhood home in England. Through dozens of “Jane Goodall Hopecast” episodes, she talked with guests including U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, author Margaret Atwood and marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson.“If one wants to reach people; If one wants to change attitudes, you have to reach the heart," she said during her first episode. "You can reach the heart by telling stories, not by arguing with people’s intellects.”In later years, she pushed back on “gloom and doom” messaging and aggressive tactics by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greta-thunberg-international-news-environment-climate-change-switzerland-ee36c1b18874d3ebec2c743f0968396f">climate activists</a>, saying they could backfire.Her advice: “Focus on the present and make choices today whose impact will build over time.”___Associated Press journalist Christopher Weber in Los Angeles and Tammy Webber in Fenton, Michigan; contributed.___The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/standards-for-working-with-outside-groups/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/discover/Supporting-AP">AP.org</a>.