FRESNO COUNTY —A hunter missing for almost three weeks in the California wilderness is alive and well.

Over the weekend hunters found 65-year-old Ron Dailey of Selma, California alive on the Swamp Lake trail Deputies and EMS have made contact with him, according to a statement from the Fresno County Sheriff's office.

Dailey had been missing since October 13, when he did not return from a hunting trip.&nbsp;

Fresno County Sheriff's deputies and volunteers with the county Search and Rescue Unit actively searched for Dailey. He left home on the morning of Monday, October 13, and was supposed to be back home that same evening, but had not been seen or heard from since.  He told family he was going to the Shaver Lake / Courtright Reservoir area of Fresno County.  The latest information we have is that when hunting, Ron was known to travel down small roads, dirt paths off of Dinkey Creek Road and McKinley Grove Road.

Ron is 5-foot-7,&nbsp; 190 lbs. with brown eyes, brown hair and a beard.  He does have underlying medical conditions.  He was driving a silver, 4-door, 2002 Dodge Dakota with California license plate 16028S2. The sheriff's office released no other details on Monday until authorities can interview him.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762224116242.png" alt="Photo Fresno County SAR Posse" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Fresno County SAR Posse</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>FRESNO COUNTY —A hunter missing for almost three weeks in the California wilderness is alive and well.</p><p>Over the weekend hunters found 65-year-old Ron Dailey of Selma, California alive on the Swamp Lake trail Deputies and EMS have made contact with him, according to a statement from the Fresno County Sheriff's office.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid0djFr4G8ziWmDU3s4jxeuUDRp8hycoXTpgJimnhDWeiWVAsddMx9Hz5wYZnRhYnScl%26id%3D61565747247079&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="734" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><p>Dailey had been missing since October 13, when he did not return from a hunting trip.&nbsp;</p><p>Fresno County Sheriff's deputies and volunteers with the county Search and Rescue Unit actively searched for Dailey. He left home on the morning of Monday, October 13, and was supposed to be back home that same evening, but had not been seen or heard from since.  He told family he was going to the Shaver Lake / Courtright Reservoir area of Fresno County.  The latest information we have is that when hunting, Ron was known to travel down small roads, dirt paths off of Dinkey Creek Road and McKinley Grove Road.</p><p>Ron is 5-foot-7,&nbsp; 190 lbs. with brown eyes, brown hair and a beard.  He does have underlying medical conditions.  He was driving a silver, 4-door, 2002 Dodge Dakota with California license plate 16028S2. The sheriff's office released no other details on Monday until authorities can interview him.</p>

Sheriff: Hunter missing for 20 days in wilderness found alive

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

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay for a portion of November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the department said Monday in a brief to a federal court in Rhode Island.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71820142/21/rhode-island-state-council-of-churches-v-rollins/" target="_blank">four-page report</a>&nbsp;from the USDA answered U.S. District Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr.’s order that President Donald Trump’s administration pay at least a portion of benefits to the 42 million people who receive assistance through the program by the end of Wednesday.

McConnell on Saturday laid out two options for the administration: pay for partial benefits by the end of Wednesday through a contingency fund holding about $5.5 billion, or pay for a full month of benefits by tapping other reserve sources such as the child nutrition program by the end of Monday.&nbsp;

USDA opted to use the contingency fund, giving the department until the end of Wednesday to pay out benefits.

A month of SNAP benefits costs the federal government about $9 billion.

USDA “will fulfill its obligation to expend the full amount of SNAP contingency funds today by generating the table required for States to calculate the benefits available for each eligible household in that State,” Monday’s brief said. “USDA will therefore have made the necessary funds available and have authorized the States to begin disbursements once the table is issued.”

<p>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762195854495.png" alt=" A sign in a convenience store along Barlowe Road in Hyattsville, Maryland, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, advertises that it accepts SNAP benefits. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)" />
                        <figcaption> A sign in a convenience store along Barlowe Road in Hyattsville, Maryland, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, advertises that it accepts SNAP benefits. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay for a portion of November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the department said Monday in a brief to a federal court in Rhode Island.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71820142/21/rhode-island-state-council-of-churches-v-rollins/" target="_blank">four-page report</a>&nbsp;from the USDA answered U.S. District Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr.’s order that President Donald Trump’s administration pay at least a portion of benefits to the 42 million people who receive assistance through the program by the end of Wednesday.</p><p>McConnell on Saturday laid out two options for the administration: pay for partial benefits by the end of Wednesday through a contingency fund holding about $5.5 billion, or pay for a full month of benefits by tapping other reserve sources such as the child nutrition program by the end of Monday.&nbsp;</p><p>USDA opted to use the contingency fund, giving the department until the end of Wednesday to pay out benefits.</p><p>A month of SNAP benefits costs the federal government about $9 billion.</p><p>USDA “will fulfill its obligation to expend the full amount of SNAP contingency funds today by generating the table required for States to calculate the benefits available for each eligible household in that State,” Monday’s brief said. “USDA will therefore have made the necessary funds available and have authorized the States to begin disbursements once the table is issued.”</p>

Trump admin. to pay partial November SNAP benefits by Wednesday

President Trump was the opening interview on 60 minutes Sunday. He taped the interview with Norah O'Donnell in Florida after his return from a successful trip to Asia. 

This was his first interview with the show since CBS parent company Paramount settled a lawsuit filed by President Trump over editing of the 60 minutes interview with Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 election. The White House released the full 73 minute unedited video of President Trump's interview. The program only used 27 minutes on their broadcast.

<p>President Trump was the opening interview on 60 minutes Sunday. He taped the interview with Norah O'Donnell in Florida after his return from a successful trip to Asia. </p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">See President Donald J. Trump&#39;s FULL interview on <a href="https://twitter.com/60Minutes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@60Minutes</a> — all 73+ minutes, without the network&#39;s edits and cuts.<br><br>WATCH IN FULL: <a href="https://t.co/i95cQ3Gqei">pic.twitter.com/i95cQ3Gqei</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1985162774041804844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>This was his first interview with the show since CBS parent company Paramount settled a lawsuit filed by President Trump over editing of the 60 minutes interview with Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 election. The White House released the full 73 minute unedited video of President Trump's interview. The program only used 27 minutes on their broadcast.</p>

White House releases unedited President Trump 60 Minutes interview

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/juanvassallo/">Juan Vassallo</a>-

Soybeans sit in storage, farm bankruptcies are rising, and total farm debt continues to climb. By nearly every measure, American farmers are struggling.

Experts say financial pressures are expected to continue mounting.

Due to rising costs, low crop prices and the effects of the trade war, economists project that growers could see roughly $44 billion in net cash income losses from their 2025–26 crops.

At a September&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagofed.org/events/2025/midwest-agriculture-conference" target="_blank">conference</a>&nbsp;on agriculture and trade uncertainty hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank, Shawn Arita, professor at North Dakota State University and former senior economist with the USDA, presented projections showing losses across nine major crops.

With production costs far outpacing revenue, Arita and his team at the NDSU Agricultural Risk Policy Center estimate losses of about $20 billion for corn, $10 billion for soybeans and $8.5 billion for wheat — with peanuts, cotton, barley, oats, grain sorghum and rice adding another $6 billion combined.

Since 2023, U.S. farmers have struggled with high input costs and weak commodity prices, a squeeze economists attribute partly to the Russia-Ukraine war.

But this squeeze is made worse by the loss of key export markets — particularly China.

“The tariffs are creating challenges, but it’s not fair to say they are the main culprit,” Arita said. “Certainly, they are exacerbating the issue.”

Arita also noted that the crop sector tends to follow trade cycles more closely than inflation trends. “[China is] not going to start buying soybeans until they get something out of these negotiations,” he said during his presentation.

Still, the main problem remains high costs across the board — tractors, machinery, fertilizers and other inputs, many of which are imported. Although it’s too early to determine whether President Trump’s tariffs will have an effect on these prices, Arita said it’s “simple economics”: higher taxes on these products inevitably lead to higher production costs.

While some farmers are expected to receive financial assistance through the Big Beautiful Bill, that support isn’t set to arrive until October 2026.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2025/10/28/us-farmers-face-44-billion-in-losses-as-costs-rise-and-markets-shrink/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762051424365.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
                        <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/juanvassallo/">Juan Vassallo</a>-</p><p>Soybeans sit in storage, farm bankruptcies are rising, and total farm debt continues to climb. By nearly every measure, American farmers are struggling.</p><p>Experts say financial pressures are expected to continue mounting.</p><p>Due to rising costs, low crop prices and the effects of the trade war, economists project that growers could see roughly $44 billion in net cash income losses from their 2025–26 crops.</p><p>At a September&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagofed.org/events/2025/midwest-agriculture-conference" target="_blank">conference</a>&nbsp;on agriculture and trade uncertainty hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank, Shawn Arita, professor at North Dakota State University and former senior economist with the USDA, presented projections showing losses across nine major crops.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762051269695.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>With production costs far outpacing revenue, Arita and his team at the NDSU Agricultural Risk Policy Center estimate losses of about $20 billion for corn, $10 billion for soybeans and $8.5 billion for wheat — with peanuts, cotton, barley, oats, grain sorghum and rice adding another $6 billion combined.</p><p>Since 2023, U.S. farmers have struggled with high input costs and weak commodity prices, a squeeze economists attribute partly to the Russia-Ukraine war.</p><p>But this squeeze is made worse by the loss of key export markets — particularly China.</p><p>“The tariffs are creating challenges, but it’s not fair to say they are the main culprit,” Arita said. “Certainly, they are exacerbating the issue.”</p><p>Arita also noted that the crop sector tends to follow trade cycles more closely than inflation trends. “[China is] not going to start buying soybeans until they get something out of these negotiations,” he said during his presentation.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762051344746.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Still, the main problem remains high costs across the board — tractors, machinery, fertilizers and other inputs, many of which are imported. Although it’s too early to determine whether President Trump’s tariffs will have an effect on these prices, Arita said it’s “simple economics”: higher taxes on these products inevitably lead to higher production costs.</p><p>While some farmers are expected to receive financial assistance through the Big Beautiful Bill, that support isn’t set to arrive until October 2026.</p><p>This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2025/10/28/us-farmers-face-44-billion-in-losses-as-costs-rise-and-markets-shrink/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.</p>

US farmers face $44 billion in losses as costs rise and markets shrink

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761957209962.png" alt="President Trump spoke to reporters upon arrival Palm Beach, Florida on Friday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>President Trump spoke to reporters upon arrival Palm Beach, Florida on Friday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/GaXZbasg6U">pic.twitter.com/GaXZbasg6U</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984383011937534409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump: It will be my honor to fund SNAP if ....

Sen. Dan McKeon faces Class II misdemeanor allegation by woman attending gathering

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst was cited this week for misdemeanor “public indecency” stemming from an incident at lawmakers’ end-of-session party this spring, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Patrol investigators cited him after investigating an allegation by a woman attending a sine die party often attended by staff, family and friends of legislators, Patrol Public Relations Director Cody Thomas confirmed first to the Examiner.

The Patrol received a report in early September about an alleged incident in the evening hours of May 29 at Lincoln Country Club. That is the same time and location that lawmakers attended the first of two post-legislative session sine die parties.

“An adult female reported that Dan McKeon had made inappropriate contact with her buttocks with his hand, over the top of her clothing,” Thomas said in response to a reporter’s questions about the incident.

Thomas said the State Patrol issued McKeon a citation for public indecency — a Class II misdemeanor — Thursday. The allegation was forwarded to Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon’s office, which had no immediate comment.

McKeon, reached in person just before an Agriculture Committee hearing on Friday, told the Examiner: “I’m not going to respond.”

“Just like anything else, you just shut your mouth,” McKeon said.

Kathleen Neary, the attorney representing the woman making the allegations, said her client is grateful to the Nebraska State Patrol for conducting a swift and thorough investigation.

Additionally, Neary said her client plans to file an administrative charge with the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC). The NEOC filing is an administrative prerequisite to filing a lawsuit against the state under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

While Neary is hopeful that the matter could be resolved without a lawsuit, she noted that, if necessary, she will sue and ask the jury for a verdict that vindicates and compensates her client for the harms that she has suffered.

McKeon is a registered Republican who was elected to the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature in 2024, replacing former State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul. McKeon’s biographical page on the Nebraska Legislature’s website highlights that he has been married for 30 years and has four children.

During his first session in office, McKeon passed two bills to ease agricultural regulations and has another bill pending that aims to protect veterans from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/05/05/legislation-would-protect-nebraska-veterans-benefits-from-predatory-claim-sharks/">“predatory claim sharks.”</a>

The Examiner is not naming the woman making the allegation, because it is the policy of States Newsroom and the Examiner not to identify people who say they have been abused unless they wish to talk publicly.

People around the Capitol have been talking for months about an alleged incident involving someone who works for the Legislature.

Democrat State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha said he is “anxiously awaiting” the results of the State Patrol’s investigation. He confirmed that lawmakers have been aware of the incident behind the scenes for some time and said it’s been a “concern” among him and other senators.

“This type of behavior is really egregious,” Fredrickson said.

On Oct. 20, State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha — a progressive nonpartisan — posted on social media in response to a comment criticizing her that the Legislature doesn’t “have an ‘ethics committee,’ and if we did, my colleague who grabbed a staffers ass at an event a few months ago would have resigned already.”

Hunt, in a separate post on Friday, called elected office “a public trust” and said it should not be “a shield for misconduct.” She called on McKeon to resign and said the Legislature should also be held accountable for “sweeping” the incident “under the rug.”

“My colleague Senator McKeon — or ‘Dirty Dan,’ as he calls himself — should have resigned from this office, which I never observed him to represent with dignity or professionalism, long ago,” Hunt said in a Facebook post.

“Dirty Dan” is likely a reference to “Dirty Dan’s Barn Bash,” a Sept. 27 fundraiser McKeon touted in the midst of the State Patrol investigation.

As of mid-afternoon Friday, no resignation letters from a member of the Legislature had been received by the legislative or executive offices that would expect them.

Gov. Jim Pillen, through a spokesperson, had no immediate comment.

Republican Speaker John Arch, through a staffer, referred questions to Republican State Sen. Ben Hansen of the Legislature’s Executive Board, which investigates allegations of wrongdoing against members.

Hansen neither confirmed nor denied whether the Executive Board was separately investigating the incident. He said he could not disclose details because of a strict confidentiality standard, but added, “The Legislature handles all incidents of workplace harassment with the utmost respect and importance.”

Republican State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, vice chair of the Executive Board, confirmed that members of the committee are looking into the situation separately from the criminal investigation, but she said the group hasn’t yet reached a conclusion.

McKeon is expected in Lancaster County Court Dec. 10, authorities said.

McKeon faced court proceedings earlier this year on an unrelated civil case. The senator was named in a lawsuit filed in April by Kaup Produce Inc. The company sued McKeon for breach of contract, alleging McKeon did not pay for more than $18,000 worth of seed and other agricultural products the company provided him.

The case was closed on July 7, according to Nebraska’s judicial website. The case summary says the case “was disposed as uncontested default,” indicating that an agreement had been reached between the parties.

Nebraska Examiner Reporters Zach Wendling and Juan Salinas II contributed to this report.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761963289167.png" alt=" State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst. Oct. 24, 2025. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption> State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst. Oct. 24, 2025. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>Sen. Dan McKeon faces Class II misdemeanor allegation by woman attending gathering</h2><p>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ebamer/">Erin Bamer</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN — State Sen. Dan McKeon of Amherst was cited this week for misdemeanor “public indecency” stemming from an incident at lawmakers’ end-of-session party this spring, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.</p><p>Patrol investigators cited him after investigating an allegation by a woman attending a sine die party often attended by staff, family and friends of legislators, Patrol Public Relations Director Cody Thomas confirmed first to the Examiner.</p><p>The Patrol received a report in early September about an alleged incident in the evening hours of May 29 at Lincoln Country Club. That is the same time and location that lawmakers attended the first of two post-legislative session sine die parties.</p><p>“An adult female reported that Dan McKeon had made inappropriate contact with her buttocks with his hand, over the top of her clothing,” Thomas said in response to a reporter’s questions about the incident.</p><p>Thomas said the State Patrol issued McKeon a citation for public indecency — a Class II misdemeanor — Thursday. The allegation was forwarded to Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon’s office, which had no immediate comment.</p><p>McKeon, reached in person just before an Agriculture Committee hearing on Friday, told the Examiner: “I’m not going to respond.”</p><p>“Just like anything else, you just shut your mouth,” McKeon said.</p><p>Kathleen Neary, the attorney representing the woman making the allegations, said her client is grateful to the Nebraska State Patrol for conducting a swift and thorough investigation.</p><p>Additionally, Neary said her client plans to file an administrative charge with the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission (NEOC). The NEOC filing is an administrative prerequisite to filing a lawsuit against the state under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.</p><p>While Neary is hopeful that the matter could be resolved without a lawsuit, she noted that, if necessary, she will sue and ask the jury for a verdict that vindicates and compensates her client for the harms that she has suffered.</p><p>McKeon is a registered Republican who was elected to the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature in 2024, replacing former State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul. McKeon’s biographical page on the Nebraska Legislature’s website highlights that he has been married for 30 years and has four children.</p><p>During his first session in office, McKeon passed two bills to ease agricultural regulations and has another bill pending that aims to protect veterans from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/05/05/legislation-would-protect-nebraska-veterans-benefits-from-predatory-claim-sharks/">“predatory claim sharks.”</a></p><p>The Examiner is not naming the woman making the allegation, because it is the policy of States Newsroom and the Examiner not to identify people who say they have been abused unless they wish to talk publicly.</p><p>People around the Capitol have been talking for months about an alleged incident involving someone who works for the Legislature.</p><p>Democrat State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha said he is “anxiously awaiting” the results of the State Patrol’s investigation. He confirmed that lawmakers have been aware of the incident behind the scenes for some time and said it’s been a “concern” among him and other senators.</p><p>“This type of behavior is really egregious,” Fredrickson said.</p><p>On Oct. 20, State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha — a progressive nonpartisan — posted on social media in response to a comment criticizing her that the Legislature doesn’t “have an ‘ethics committee,’ and if we did, my colleague who grabbed a staffers ass at an event a few months ago would have resigned already.”</p><p>Hunt, in a separate post on Friday, called elected office “a public trust” and said it should not be “a shield for misconduct.” She called on McKeon to resign and said the Legislature should also be held accountable for “sweeping” the incident “under the rug.”</p><p>“My colleague Senator McKeon — or ‘Dirty Dan,’ as he calls himself — should have resigned from this office, which I never observed him to represent with dignity or professionalism, long ago,” Hunt said in a Facebook post.</p><p>“Dirty Dan” is likely a reference to “Dirty Dan’s Barn Bash,” a Sept. 27 fundraiser McKeon touted in the midst of the State Patrol investigation.</p><p>As of mid-afternoon Friday, no resignation letters from a member of the Legislature had been received by the legislative or executive offices that would expect them.</p><p>Gov. Jim Pillen, through a spokesperson, had no immediate comment.</p><p>Republican Speaker John Arch, through a staffer, referred questions to Republican State Sen. Ben Hansen of the Legislature’s Executive Board, which investigates allegations of wrongdoing against members.</p><p>Hansen neither confirmed nor denied whether the Executive Board was separately investigating the incident. He said he could not disclose details because of a strict confidentiality standard, but added, “The Legislature handles all incidents of workplace harassment with the utmost respect and importance.”</p><p>Republican State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, vice chair of the Executive Board, confirmed that members of the committee are looking into the situation separately from the criminal investigation, but she said the group hasn’t yet reached a conclusion.</p><p>McKeon is expected in Lancaster County Court Dec. 10, authorities said.</p><p>McKeon faced court proceedings earlier this year on an unrelated civil case. The senator was named in a lawsuit filed in April by Kaup Produce Inc. The company sued McKeon for breach of contract, alleging McKeon did not pay for more than $18,000 worth of seed and other agricultural products the company provided him.</p><p>The case was closed on July 7, according to Nebraska’s judicial website. The case summary says the case “was disposed as uncontested default,” indicating that an agreement had been reached between the parties.</p><p>Nebraska Examiner Reporters Zach Wendling and Juan Salinas II contributed to this report.</p>

Nebraska state senator cited for ‘public indecency’ during session-ending party

By:<a href="https://stateline.org/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>

WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Boston ruled Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal — but gave the Trump administration until Monday to respond to her finding before she decides on a motion to force the benefits be paid despite the ongoing government shutdown.

At nearly the same time Friday, a Rhode Island federal judge in a similar case brought by cities and nonprofit groups ordered USDA to continue payments and granted a request for a temporary restraining order.

In Massachusetts, in a Friday afternoon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71783393/26/commonwealth-of-massachusetts-v-united-states-department-of-agriculture/" target="_blank">order</a>, District Court of Massachusetts Judge Indira Talwani said she would continue to take “under advisement” a coalition of Democratic states’ request to force the release of funds from a contingency account holding about $6 billion.

Her ruling came a day before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-double-whammy-snap-food-benefits-ending-and-federal-workers-go-unpaid" target="_blank">a cutoff of&nbsp;</a>Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to low-income households.

Because Congress is locked in a stalemate over a stopgap spending bill and did not appropriate money for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, administration officials say the program cannot provide federal funds beginning Saturday. In states, SNAP benefits are loaded onto cards on varying dates, but the cutoff would be effective for November benefits.

Talwani, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, called the administration’s conclusion it can’t provide SNAP funding “erroneous,” and said the reserve fund was sufficient for SNAP benefits to flow to states and the vendors that add money to debit-like cards issued to the program’s beneficiaries that are used to purchase groceries.&nbsp;

The law creating the program mandated that benefits continue, she said.

“Defendants are statutorily mandated to use the previously appropriated SNAP contingency reserve when necessary and also have discretion to use other previously appropriated funds,” Talwani wrote.

Talwani ordered the administration to say by Monday whether it would provide at least partial benefits for November.

The 25 states that sued were Massachusetts, California, Arizona, Minnesota, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state, Wisconsin Kansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The District of Columbia also sued.&nbsp;

In Rhode Island, where the judge granted a temporary restraining order, the advocacy group Democracy Forward, which was among those bringing the suit, praised the move.

“A federal court today granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump-Vance administration’s unlawful effort to halt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown,” the group said. &nbsp;“The decision ensures that millions of children, seniors, veterans, and families will continue to receive essential food assistance while the case proceeds.”

The judge in that case, John James McConnell Jr., said the administration’s actions violated a key federal administrative law against arbitrary and capricious executive action and federal spending laws “by disregarding Congress’s direction that SNAP must continue operating,” Democracy Forward said.

<p>By:<a href="https://stateline.org/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Boston ruled Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal — but gave the Trump administration until Monday to respond to her finding before she decides on a motion to force the benefits be paid despite the ongoing government shutdown.</p><p>At nearly the same time Friday, a Rhode Island federal judge in a similar case brought by cities and nonprofit groups ordered USDA to continue payments and granted a request for a temporary restraining order.</p><p>In Massachusetts, in a Friday afternoon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71783393/26/commonwealth-of-massachusetts-v-united-states-department-of-agriculture/" target="_blank">order</a>, District Court of Massachusetts Judge Indira Talwani said she would continue to take “under advisement” a coalition of Democratic states’ request to force the release of funds from a contingency account holding about $6 billion.</p><p>Her ruling came a day before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-double-whammy-snap-food-benefits-ending-and-federal-workers-go-unpaid" target="_blank">a cutoff of&nbsp;</a>Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to low-income households.</p><p>Because Congress is locked in a stalemate over a stopgap spending bill and did not appropriate money for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, administration officials say the program cannot provide federal funds beginning Saturday. In states, SNAP benefits are loaded onto cards on varying dates, but the cutoff would be effective for November benefits.</p><p>Talwani, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, called the administration’s conclusion it can’t provide SNAP funding “erroneous,” and said the reserve fund was sufficient for SNAP benefits to flow to states and the vendors that add money to debit-like cards issued to the program’s beneficiaries that are used to purchase groceries.&nbsp;</p><p>The law creating the program mandated that benefits continue, she said.</p><p>“Defendants are statutorily mandated to use the previously appropriated SNAP contingency reserve when necessary and also have discretion to use other previously appropriated funds,” Talwani wrote.</p><p>Talwani ordered the administration to say by Monday whether it would provide at least partial benefits for November.</p><p>The 25 states that sued were Massachusetts, California, Arizona, Minnesota, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state, Wisconsin Kansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The District of Columbia also sued.&nbsp;</p><p>In Rhode Island, where the judge granted a temporary restraining order, the advocacy group Democracy Forward, which was among those bringing the suit, praised the move.</p><p>“A federal court today granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump-Vance administration’s unlawful effort to halt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown,” the group said. &nbsp;“The decision ensures that millions of children, seniors, veterans, and families will continue to receive essential food assistance while the case proceeds.”</p><p>The judge in that case, John James McConnell Jr., said the administration’s actions violated a key federal administrative law against arbitrary and capricious executive action and federal spending laws “by disregarding Congress’s direction that SNAP must continue operating,” Democracy Forward said.</p><p>McConnell also was appointed by Obama.</p>

Trump admin. blocked from cutting off SNAP benefits as two judges issue orders

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;Naqwan Antonio Lucas, 18, of the District of Columbia, has been charged in a 16-count indictment for the June 30 murder of 21-year-old&nbsp; Eric Tarpinian-Jachym and charged in a second indictment for the July 4 murder of 17-year-old Zoey Kelley, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Eric&nbsp;Tarpinian-Jachym was a congressional intern in the office of Kansas 4th District Representative Ron Estes.

Lucas, aka “Qwan,” appeared before Judge Dana Dayson Thursday afternoon in D.C. Superior Court for his arraignment on both indictments. Lucas pleaded not guilty and Judge Dayson held Lucas until a status hearing with his co-defendants scheduled for November 7.

“These were predictable homicides based upon the behavior of these individuals and the records that everyone knew about, yet the D.C. Council is interested in protecting not the victims but the criminals under the guise of protecting the innocence of youth,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “It’s time for them to start protecting the citizens of the District.”

Lucas was arrested Wednesday night in Montgomery Village, Maryland, by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, MPD, and U.S. Marshals.

On June 30, Tarpinian, a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, was an innocent bystander when three armed suspects exited a stolen vehicle and began firing shots at two young men near the intersection of 7th and M Street NW. Tarpinian, of Granby, Massachusetts, was shot four times and died the next day. Five other people also were assaulted or injured.

Kelvin Thomas, Jr., 17, and Naqwan Lucas’ brother Jailen Lucas, 17, were arrested September 5 and charged as adults on counts of first-degree murder while armed in connection with Tarpinian’s slaying.

On July 4, MPD officers were flagged down about 5:20 p.m.&nbsp;on the 1700 block of Benning Road NE. The officers followed two witnesses into an apartment and found Zoey Kelly, 17, dead of a gunshot wound to the head inside of a storage container wrapped in bedding in the bedroom closet.

Last week, the MPD and FBI announced a $75,000 reward for information leading to Lucas’ arrest.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761862535029.png" alt="Image DC Police" />
                        <figcaption>Image DC Police</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WASHINGTON –&nbsp;Naqwan Antonio Lucas, 18, of the District of Columbia, has been charged in a 16-count indictment for the June 30 murder of 21-year-old&nbsp; Eric Tarpinian-Jachym and charged in a second indictment for the July 4 murder of 17-year-old Zoey Kelley, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Eric&nbsp;Tarpinian-Jachym was a congressional intern in the office of Kansas 4th District Representative Ron Estes.</p><p>Lucas, aka “Qwan,” appeared before Judge Dana Dayson Thursday afternoon in D.C. Superior Court for his arraignment on both indictments. Lucas pleaded not guilty and Judge Dayson held Lucas until a status hearing with his co-defendants scheduled for November 7.</p><p>“These were predictable homicides based upon the behavior of these individuals and the records that everyone knew about, yet the D.C. Council is interested in protecting not the victims but the criminals under the guise of protecting the innocence of youth,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “It’s time for them to start protecting the citizens of the District.”</p><p>Lucas was arrested Wednesday night in Montgomery Village, Maryland, by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, MPD, and U.S. Marshals.</p><p>On June 30, Tarpinian, a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, was an innocent bystander when three armed suspects exited a stolen vehicle and began firing shots at two young men near the intersection of 7th and M Street NW. Tarpinian, of Granby, Massachusetts, was shot four times and died the next day. Five other people also were assaulted or injured.</p><p>Kelvin Thomas, Jr., 17, and Naqwan Lucas’ brother Jailen Lucas, 17, were arrested September 5 and charged as adults on counts of first-degree murder while armed in connection with Tarpinian’s slaying.</p><p>On July 4, MPD officers were flagged down about 5:20 p.m.&nbsp;on the 1700 block of Benning Road NE. The officers followed two witnesses into an apartment and found Zoey Kelly, 17, dead of a gunshot wound to the head inside of a storage container wrapped in bedding in the bedroom closet.</p><p>Last week, the MPD and FBI announced a $75,000 reward for information leading to Lucas’ arrest.</p>

3rd suspect charged in DC slaying of intern for Kan. congressman

President Trump arrived home from his trip to Asia in time to join FIrst Lady Melania Trump and hand out candy to children during a Halloween event at the White House on Thursday evening.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761872548675.png" alt="image from White House video" />
                        <figcaption>image from White House video</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>President Trump arrived home from his trip to Asia in time to join FIrst Lady Melania Trump and hand out candy to children during a Halloween event at the White House on Thursday evening.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Halloween at the White House 2025 🍁🍂🎃 <a href="https://t.co/8ouTBcLuVk">pic.twitter.com/8ouTBcLuVk</a></p>&mdash; Office of the First Lady (@FirstLadyOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/FirstLadyOffice/status/1984258805233025096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump and the First Lady Participate in Halloween at The White House <a href="https://t.co/AnezkesE8L">https://t.co/AnezkesE8L</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1984014953540362675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> host Halloween trick-or-treating at the White House 🎃 <a href="https://t.co/7S1CFTtSt3">pic.twitter.com/7S1CFTtSt3</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984015930272485702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump, former McDonald&#39;s worker himself, greets new Drive-Thru employees at the White House <a href="https://t.co/99KwxiH7wM">pic.twitter.com/99KwxiH7wM</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984024039850197436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> strikes again! 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/mjzufQiAut">https://t.co/mjzufQiAut</a> <a href="https://t.co/98J3vfTMfg">pic.twitter.com/98J3vfTMfg</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984026442494279730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a> brings her son trick-or-treating at the White House with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> 🧡🖤💛 <a href="https://t.co/tzW4PL3Syt">pic.twitter.com/tzW4PL3Syt</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984017034141950458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> hugs trick-or-treaters at the White House ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/QdY8EsicA4">pic.twitter.com/QdY8EsicA4</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984022682506293310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kids&#39; Halloween costumes at White House with President Trump and First Lady <a href="https://t.co/qOToLC5x5z">pic.twitter.com/qOToLC5x5z</a></p>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1984063387467387053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President, First Lady host trick-or-treaters at the White House

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)</a>&nbsp;has provided details about three separate recalls for prazosin hydrochloride, a medication used to treat patients with hypertension, due to safety concerns. These are all Class II recalls. According to the FDA, this means taking the drug could lead to “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” or a small possibility of “serious adverse health consequences.”&nbsp;

Prazosin hydrochloride is sold by Pfizer under the brand name Minipress. The drug included in these recalls, however, is a generic version sold by New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA.

Teva Pharmaceuticals is recalling more than 580,000 bottles of the drug. The voluntary recalls were put in place due to high levels of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C, a potential carcinogen. Test results confirmed that the levels exceeded what the FDA allows according to its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/spotlight-cder-science/determining-recommended-acceptable-intake-limits-n-nitrosamine-impurities-pharmaceuticals" target="_blank">Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach</a>.

These recalls were first initiated on Oct. 7. The FDA classified them as Class II incidents on Oct. 24.

In addition to being used as a hypertension treatment, prazosin hydrochloride has been associated with key benefits when prescribed to treat PTSD-related nightmares.

<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)</a>&nbsp;has provided details about three separate recalls for prazosin hydrochloride, a medication used to treat patients with hypertension, due to safety concerns. These are all Class II recalls. According to the FDA, this means taking the drug could lead to “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” or a small possibility of “serious adverse health consequences.”&nbsp;</p><p>Prazosin hydrochloride is sold by Pfizer under the brand name Minipress. The drug included in these recalls, however, is a generic version sold by New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA.</p><p>Teva Pharmaceuticals is recalling more than 580,000 bottles of the drug. The voluntary recalls were put in place due to high levels of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C, a potential carcinogen. Test results confirmed that the levels exceeded what the FDA allows according to its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/spotlight-cder-science/determining-recommended-acceptable-intake-limits-n-nitrosamine-impurities-pharmaceuticals" target="_blank">Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach</a>.</p><p>These recalls were first initiated on Oct. 7. The FDA classified them as Class II incidents on Oct. 24.</p><p>In addition to being used as a hypertension treatment, prazosin hydrochloride has been associated with key benefits when prescribed to treat PTSD-related nightmares.</p>

FDA announces nationwide recall of tainted blood pressure medicine

NU spokesperson says report raises important questions but ‘does not adequately reflect the complexity of university finances’

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN —&nbsp;A new external analysis indicates the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the NU system are “financially healthy,” leaving some UNL faculty “scratching our heads” as to why administrators are again seeking to trim 1.8% from the budget.

UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/13/unl-proposes-27-5-million-devastating-cuts-six-program-areas-slated-for-elimination/">proposed</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://budgetprocess.unl.edu/proposed-budget-reductions/" target="_blank">$27.5 million in budget cuts</a>&nbsp;in mid-September. The total includes $21 million to eliminate a structural budget deficit that Bennett said had “compounded over time,” plus $6.5 million to “help safeguard against repetitive budget reduction cycles.”&nbsp;

Over the past five years, UNL has already weathered more than $75 million in combined cuts.

“We can’t take the budget justification on face value,” said Sarah Zuckerman, president of the UNL’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors, which sought the analysis.

However, an NU spokesperson responding to the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/University-of-Nebraska-Lincoln-Financial-Analysis-October-2025-Bonnie-Fox-Garrity-Final.pdf">financial analysis report</a>&nbsp;said while it raises important questions, “it does not adequately reflect the complexity of university finances.”

Zuckerman is one of many faculty continuing to push back on the necessity of the cuts, questioning the data used to identify a host of programs proposed for elimination or merger. Among the proposed eliminations are six academic areas, including the Department of Educational Administration where Zuckerman is an associate professor.

Every campus in NU’s system is paring back budgets, and regents are set to vote on chancellor recommendations at a Dec. 5 meeting. A UNL committee of faculty, staff and students had until last week to respond to Bennett’s recommendations and offer alternatives.

UNL has declined to release the committee report before Bennett finalizes his proposal, expected by early next month.

On Wednesday, Bonnie Fox Garrity, a financial analyst for the national AAUP and a business professor at D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York, shared her October analysis of UNL and the NU system requested by Zuckerman’s AAUP chapter. She’s done similar reports for other campuses, too.

Among Garrity’s findings are that of UNL’s proposed $27.5 million in cuts, trims to “instruction” account for 69% of the proposed reductions, yet the area is 20.2% of UNL’s total expenses.

The report found that there are fewer instructional employees at UNL since 2019, a decrease of 7.8% to mid-2024, and these employees’ salaries had risen by 4.5%. The increases were not adjusted for inflation. Meanwhile, the number of non-instructional employees at UNL — which includes top administrators —&nbsp;had grown by 7.6%. Salaries for that group of employees grew by 31.7%.

Over the past decade, Garrity said UNL’s total expenditures grew 39.1%, which accounts for a 97% increase in athletics, which is financially independent. There also was a 53.1% increase in administrative spending and 30.3% increase in instructional spending.

“Our approach is that the financial expenditure should be focused on the core mission of the institution, on the students, on the educational experience,” Garrity said.

Garrity, at a news conference Wednesday announcing the report, said she doesn’t see a “financial crisis” justifying the cuts.

“Even in the announcement of the cuts it was clear that a portion of the cuts were something like a proactive move,” Garrity said. “It is my thought that the cuts could be avoided.”

Zuckerman said she came to UNL nine years ago happy to be at a “real university” with resources and support. However, she said “year after year” those resources “disappeared,” with budget reductions in eight of her nine years.

The AAUP asked for a similar financial analysis in 2021, Zuckerman said, which also indicated UNL was in strong financial health. She and other faculty worry UNL’s actions will hurt the trajectory of UNL, diminish its educational offerings and hurt student opportunities.

“That analysis left us scratching our heads as to why there had been so many cuts,” Zuckerman said.

A UNL spokesperson directed the Nebraska Examiner to a spokesperson for the NU system, Cara Pesek, who said NU values the “essential” role of faculty and appreciates the engagement of Zuckerman’s AAUP and others around “shared governance.”

Pesek noted NU and its NU Foundation are financially strong in part because of “careful fiscal stewardship.” There are also many restricted or designated university funds that Pesek said can’t be used for academic salaries or instruction.

In the end, there is another challenge NU has faced for a decade: Lagging state support to the tune of over $200 million that hasn’t kept up with inflation. NU’s main “state-aided budget” consists of tax dollars and tuition. Pesek said this is “creating structural pressures that require careful ongoing management.”&nbsp;

The NU Board of Regents froze tuition rates during the COVID-19 pandemic but increased tuition in each of the past three academic years, including 5% before this fall semester began.

“These campus-led efforts are part of a long-term plan to achieve and maintain fiscal balance, protect the university’s core academic mission and ensure that Nebraska’s only public university remains strong for generations to come,” Pesek said in a statement. “We deeply value the role of shared governance in achieving these goals.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761826662987.png" alt="Bonnie Fox Garrity, a financial analyst with the national American Association of University Professors and a business professor with D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York, leads a news conference presenting a financial analysis she did in October 2025 into the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s budget. Oct. 29, 2025. (Courtesy of UNL AAUP chapter)" />
                        <figcaption>Bonnie Fox Garrity, a financial analyst with the national American Association of University Professors and a business professor with D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York, leads a news conference presenting a financial analysis she did in October 2025 into the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s budget. Oct. 29, 2025. (Courtesy of UNL AAUP chapter)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>NU spokesperson says report raises important questions but ‘does not adequately reflect the complexity of university finances’</h2><p>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN —&nbsp;A new external analysis indicates the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the NU system are “financially healthy,” leaving some UNL faculty “scratching our heads” as to why administrators are again seeking to trim 1.8% from the budget.</p><p>UNL Chancellor Rodney Bennett&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/09/13/unl-proposes-27-5-million-devastating-cuts-six-program-areas-slated-for-elimination/">proposed</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://budgetprocess.unl.edu/proposed-budget-reductions/" target="_blank">$27.5 million in budget cuts</a>&nbsp;in mid-September. The total includes $21 million to eliminate a structural budget deficit that Bennett said had “compounded over time,” plus $6.5 million to “help safeguard against repetitive budget reduction cycles.”&nbsp;</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761826712319.png" alt="Faculty protest plans at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to trim $27.5 million from the campus budget, which includes the proposed elimination of six academic programs. Oct. 9, 2025. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
                        <figcaption>Faculty protest plans at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to trim $27.5 million from the campus budget, which includes the proposed elimination of six academic programs. Oct. 9, 2025. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Over the past five years, UNL has already weathered more than $75 million in combined cuts.</p><p>“We can’t take the budget justification on face value,” said Sarah Zuckerman, president of the UNL’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors, which sought the analysis.</p><p>However, an NU spokesperson responding to the&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/University-of-Nebraska-Lincoln-Financial-Analysis-October-2025-Bonnie-Fox-Garrity-Final.pdf">financial analysis report</a>&nbsp;said while it raises important questions, “it does not adequately reflect the complexity of university finances.”</p><p>Zuckerman is one of many faculty continuing to push back on the necessity of the cuts, questioning the data used to identify a host of programs proposed for elimination or merger. Among the proposed eliminations are six academic areas, including the Department of Educational Administration where Zuckerman is an associate professor.</p><p>Every campus in NU’s system is paring back budgets, and regents are set to vote on chancellor recommendations at a Dec. 5 meeting. A UNL committee of faculty, staff and students had until last week to respond to Bennett’s recommendations and offer alternatives.</p><p>UNL has declined to release the committee report before Bennett finalizes his proposal, expected by early next month.</p><h2>Instruction 20.2% expenses, 69% cuts</h2><p>On Wednesday, Bonnie Fox Garrity, a financial analyst for the national AAUP and a business professor at D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York, shared her October analysis of UNL and the NU system requested by Zuckerman’s AAUP chapter. She’s done similar reports for other campuses, too.</p><p>Among Garrity’s findings are that of UNL’s proposed $27.5 million in cuts, trims to “instruction” account for 69% of the proposed reductions, yet the area is 20.2% of UNL’s total expenses.</p><p>The report found that there are fewer instructional employees at UNL since 2019, a decrease of 7.8% to mid-2024, and these employees’ salaries had risen by 4.5%. The increases were not adjusted for inflation. Meanwhile, the number of non-instructional employees at UNL — which includes top administrators —&nbsp;had grown by 7.6%. Salaries for that group of employees grew by 31.7%.</p><p>Over the past decade, Garrity said UNL’s total expenditures grew 39.1%, which accounts for a 97% increase in athletics, which is financially independent. There also was a 53.1% increase in administrative spending and 30.3% increase in instructional spending.</p><p>“Our approach is that the financial expenditure should be focused on the core mission of the institution, on the students, on the educational experience,” Garrity said.</p><p>Garrity, at a news conference Wednesday announcing the report, said she doesn’t see a “financial crisis” justifying the cuts.</p><p>“Even in the announcement of the cuts it was clear that a portion of the cuts were something like a proactive move,” Garrity said. “It is my thought that the cuts could be avoided.”</p><h2>‘Scratching our heads’</h2><p>Zuckerman said she came to UNL nine years ago happy to be at a “real university” with resources and support. However, she said “year after year” those resources “disappeared,” with budget reductions in eight of her nine years.</p><p>The AAUP asked for a similar financial analysis in 2021, Zuckerman said, which also indicated UNL was in strong financial health. She and other faculty worry UNL’s actions will hurt the trajectory of UNL, diminish its educational offerings and hurt student opportunities.</p><p>“That analysis left us scratching our heads as to why there had been so many cuts,” Zuckerman said.</p><h2>Value of ‘shared governance’</h2><p>A UNL spokesperson directed the Nebraska Examiner to a spokesperson for the NU system, Cara Pesek, who said NU values the “essential” role of faculty and appreciates the engagement of Zuckerman’s AAUP and others around “shared governance.”</p><p>Pesek noted NU and its NU Foundation are financially strong in part because of “careful fiscal stewardship.” There are also many restricted or designated university funds that Pesek said can’t be used for academic salaries or instruction.</p><p>In the end, there is another challenge NU has faced for a decade: Lagging state support to the tune of over $200 million that hasn’t kept up with inflation. NU’s main “state-aided budget” consists of tax dollars and tuition. Pesek said this is “creating structural pressures that require careful ongoing management.”&nbsp;</p><p>The NU Board of Regents froze tuition rates during the COVID-19 pandemic but increased tuition in each of the past three academic years, including 5% before this fall semester began.</p><p>“These campus-led efforts are part of a long-term plan to achieve and maintain fiscal balance, protect the university’s core academic mission and ensure that Nebraska’s only public university remains strong for generations to come,” Pesek said in a statement. “We deeply value the role of shared governance in achieving these goals.”</p>

Faculty question need for $27.5 million in cuts after report finds UNL ‘financially healthy’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎥Good news for borrowers despite federal gov't shutdown 

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Public grocery benefits will pause starting Wednesday for roughly 150,000 low-income recipients across Nebraska due to the federal government shutdown, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced.

DHHS issued a statement late Tuesday saying the pause of&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/SNAP.aspx" target="_blank">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program&nbsp;</a>(SNAP) benefits on Oct. 29 comes at the direction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Steve Corsi, DHHS CEO, said his agency has a plan in place to begin working with the USDA to process payments and get benefits to recipients as soon as possible when the government shutdown ends.

Current SNAP recipients can continue to use any remaining benefits on their grocery cards. Unspent SNAP funds remain accessible for nine months from the date of last use.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, in the DHHS statement, lashed out at congressional Democrats, who have sought to extend health insurance subsidies as part of negotiations to reopen the government.&nbsp;

“This federal shutdown is completely avoidable, but Senate Democrats continue to refuse to pass a clean funding extension,” he said, blaming “political games” for the SNAP cutoff.

Angie Lauritsen, state director for Nebraska For Us, turned up the heat on Republicans.

“Now, more than 150,000 Nebraskans on SNAP will have an even harder time paying for their groceries as Republicans in Congress have decided cutting off access to food is more important than lowering health care costs,”&nbsp; she said.&nbsp;

Nebraska’s all-GOP federal delegation voted previously for SNAP changes that will&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/20/afghan-refugee-and-father-of-10-braces-for-hunger-pains-as-big-beautiful-bill-sets-in/">squeeze out some Nebraskans</a>, she noted, which put pressure on food pantries and organizations filling gaps. Congressional Republicans have argued they were trying to make the programs more accountable.

During the pause, DHHS staff members still are available to accept and process program applications, recertifications and changes, the agency said.

DHHS encouraged Nebraskans who need help to contact 211, a statewide resource and referral hotline. It also encouraged Nebraskans to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://uwm211.org/nebraska-programs" target="_blank">https://uwm211.org/nebraska-programs</a>, where individuals can connect with food, housing, financial assistance and other support services.

“During this difficult time for some Nebraskans, 211 is prepared and ready to help residents in need of services,” Matt Wallen, CEO of the United Way of the Midlands, said in a statement.&nbsp;

DHHS said it is coordinating with food banks, nonprofit partners and community organizations across Nebraska, and offered contacts for resources:

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689674819900.png" alt="Image USDA" />
                        <figcaption>Image USDA</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a><br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN — Public grocery benefits will pause starting Wednesday for roughly 150,000 low-income recipients across Nebraska due to the federal government shutdown, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announced.</p><p>DHHS issued a statement late Tuesday saying the pause of&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/SNAP.aspx" target="_blank">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program&nbsp;</a>(SNAP) benefits on Oct. 29 comes at the direction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.</p><p>Steve Corsi, DHHS CEO, said his agency has a plan in place to begin working with the USDA to process payments and get benefits to recipients as soon as possible when the government shutdown ends.</p><p>Current SNAP recipients can continue to use any remaining benefits on their grocery cards. Unspent SNAP funds remain accessible for nine months from the date of last use.</p><p>Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, in the DHHS statement, lashed out at congressional Democrats, who have sought to extend health insurance subsidies as part of negotiations to reopen the government.&nbsp;</p><p>“This federal shutdown is completely avoidable, but Senate Democrats continue to refuse to pass a clean funding extension,” he said, blaming “political games” for the SNAP cutoff.</p><p>Angie Lauritsen, state director for Nebraska For Us, turned up the heat on Republicans.</p><p>“Now, more than 150,000 Nebraskans on SNAP will have an even harder time paying for their groceries as Republicans in Congress have decided cutting off access to food is more important than lowering health care costs,”&nbsp; she said.&nbsp;</p><p>Nebraska’s all-GOP federal delegation voted previously for SNAP changes that will&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/20/afghan-refugee-and-father-of-10-braces-for-hunger-pains-as-big-beautiful-bill-sets-in/">squeeze out some Nebraskans</a>, she noted, which put pressure on food pantries and organizations filling gaps. Congressional Republicans have argued they were trying to make the programs more accountable.</p><p>During the pause, DHHS staff members still are available to accept and process program applications, recertifications and changes, the agency said.</p><p>DHHS encouraged Nebraskans who need help to contact 211, a statewide resource and referral hotline. It also encouraged Nebraskans to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://uwm211.org/nebraska-programs" target="_blank">https://uwm211.org/nebraska-programs</a>, where individuals can connect with food, housing, financial assistance and other support services.</p><p>“During this difficult time for some Nebraskans, 211 is prepared and ready to help residents in need of services,” Matt Wallen, CEO of the United Way of the Midlands, said in a statement.&nbsp;</p><p>DHHS said it is coordinating with food banks, nonprofit partners and community organizations across Nebraska, and offered contacts for resources:</p><ul>
                        <li><b>Food Bank for the Heartland:</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.GfuENRT80eFcHB0yCoTjprrYr-2FsLGbDdQBNM5ZVX79sGjfQrv-2FzWaLo8ONF47EYbLf5IyCQnMARDcQwMycQqrSI18aDCgadpAyxPPhur6Es-3D8eKg_KcqCxNa05K5oDg3JLT1-2BJ7gzHl3toFs2LWgEpeKNAIwVAQCJvCzc7bIgaLn6INSdgDnaJLnz6QN3wBhz5IcdZyQqV75Zs-2BfRmmy-2Bj-2Fxc2rvNsROdwLs7wljjov2iOG-2FEpBlW-2F8ktJfsEqjuHYZTcKUMS0NZWLFv5NQ4-2FuLFxtGLjWQFv02RmRrxibeDmDJHGM9j6hn2FoCp-2FakzHWlF1gs-2FE2oIGtq5cW2Ciw8Wai-2BYei-2FLFjlKKi-2B-2BwDam-2FxFScJv1mYw6tuW-2FwjNlC5eBWZXaerjohIZRZNT96yeVs1Gv-2BsYOCiAP-2FvqklaWVBIYA6l0g1cAKFHqV-2FSD3geP076qPM6Yv6SBQDtX2qp9JgwtGhMiWcZAOJRya8dUoDbZyMcyxMrOqeGh-2BHDC-2FdLJ1hQA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://foodbankheartland.org/food-resources/find-food/</a></li><li><b>Food Bank of Lincoln:</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.GfuENRT80eFcHB0yCoTjprySiF5bM9z27v5-2Ftez8aDhBM6-2BoPCy-2FMJAI28r-2F0kSSuEj2Aal-2BW-2BE1vM-2Fl-2BcZaGQ-3D-3DkHDQ_KcqCxNa05K5oDg3JLT1-2BJ7gzHl3toFs2LWgEpeKNAIwVAQCJvCzc7bIgaLn6INSdgDnaJLnz6QN3wBhz5IcdZyQqV75Zs-2BfRmmy-2Bj-2Fxc2rvNsROdwLs7wljjov2iOG-2FEpBlW-2F8ktJfsEqjuHYZTcKUMS0NZWLFv5NQ4-2FuLFxtGLjWQFv02RmRrxibeDmDJHGM9j6hn2FoCp-2FakzHWlF1gs-2FE2oIGtq5cW2Ciw8Wai-2Bavi8SKnmfp-2BtOrpqOSNYTnFEaF4YBU4UgEfOLZdTIsHfaQa3xlOKHHAZ-2BcNC7TuBsnMezLcEGnfjnnCrwvrcOZysCRSdIHob9mWXX3UFlb5PmA7UF2MZ5RBs506XJDykIi8aeTcAP-2Fj1sFun31aF8tDG7b-2F9VlPMLqgonQUxOGxA-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.lincolnfoodbank.org/get-food/food-finder/</a></li><li><b>Catholic Charities:</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.GfuENRT80eFcHB0yCoTjpusGAK4D3-2BWJ5nsfXt-2F10yrp3qv5cj9AN7vL-2BNulPHLi2QHk_KcqCxNa05K5oDg3JLT1-2BJ7gzHl3toFs2LWgEpeKNAIwVAQCJvCzc7bIgaLn6INSdgDnaJLnz6QN3wBhz5IcdZyQqV75Zs-2BfRmmy-2Bj-2Fxc2rvNsROdwLs7wljjov2iOG-2FEpBlW-2F8ktJfsEqjuHYZTcKUMS0NZWLFv5NQ4-2FuLFxtGLjWQFv02RmRrxibeDmDJHGM9j6hn2FoCp-2FakzHWlF1gs-2FE2oIGtq5cW2Ciw8Wai-2BbB0P8YNCWLJrmVCbi8BlREnE4m9iz145ZzOvRrwlD4ugaRmM6PolEbTXjH-2FV6-2FX9b5Qu3r0CrfbXQd-2BLRIp2fhHsE2hCpQiOKMFpDW-2BDmeZw8Q-2F7uKyHghhPcVktEHYwIGRq1C9AaZhf0YsA7U69HQa5dmTVp1Evnaqk7lnpg34w-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org</a></li><li><b>MyLNK Resource Finder:</b>&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.GfuENRT80eFcHB0yCoTjpsQl4txOChW5xgSwfdmXGQU-3D0xTD_KcqCxNa05K5oDg3JLT1-2BJ7gzHl3toFs2LWgEpeKNAIwVAQCJvCzc7bIgaLn6INSdgDnaJLnz6QN3wBhz5IcdZyQqV75Zs-2BfRmmy-2Bj-2Fxc2rvNsROdwLs7wljjov2iOG-2FEpBlW-2F8ktJfsEqjuHYZTcKUMS0NZWLFv5NQ4-2FuLFxtGLjWQFv02RmRrxibeDmDJHGM9j6hn2FoCp-2FakzHWlF1gs-2FE2oIGtq5cW2Ciw8Wai-2BZZmDTbIMbyDwfPynWdPjhgdVKUSrYZPVgyJMVztN-2FUeheB2APwzB5XuLHHSVxyO906BlkEt2nhcryai5RNIcKT1pnfVMB8zXSvOixkj6t32L08sEHd8KehIiPUHjVGiRzhc3DTiuoVn9p3CFsAVfFcGFt-2BUt9Orw6tFa4OVaLMsg-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://mylnk.app/home</a>&nbsp;</li>
                    </ul>

Nebraska stops public food aid benefits as government shutdown continues

Washington D.C. - Today in Washington, the Senate again failed to advance a stopgap funding bill meant to reopen the federal government. For the 13th time, the measure fell short—ensuring the shutdown continues.

In a vote that needed 60 to pass, the Senate voted 54-45-1, keeping the government shutdown.

The legislation would have extended government funding and kept agencies operating until November 21. It had already passed the House and been sent to the Senate, but Democrats blocked it today, continuing their strategy even as the impacts of the shutdown become more acute.

The shutdown began on October 1, 2025, and with today being Day 28, it has now become the second-longest government shutdown in U.S. history — surpassing the 21-day impasse of December 1995 to January 1996. The record remains the 35-day shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019.

With each day that passes, the effects are mounting: thousands of federal employees are working without pay or are furloughed; vital services face interruptions; and major deadlines loom, including the looming cutoff of food assistance benefits for millions and the open enrollment window for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

On the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) implored Democrats to provide the extra votes needed and pass the bill immediately, calling it the straightforward way to restore funding and avoid further damage.

On the other side, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other Democratic lawmakers held firm, arguing the proposed bill lacked commitments on key issues such as healthcare subsidies, housing support and other domestic programs — areas they say cannot be ignored if government funding is to be restored responsibly.

Interestingly, though the shutdown drags on and public frustration is rising, recent polling shows somewhat resilient approval for key Republican figures. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that President Donald Trump’s approval rating ticked up to 42 percent, up two points since earlier in the month, even as Americans place more blame on Republican lawmakers than Democrats for the shutdown. Meanwhile, another poll shows 37 percent of registered voters approve of how Republicans in Congress are doing their job — the highest level that party has reached in recent years.

As of now, no new roadmap has been announced. Republicans have indicated they may pursue narrower “carve-out” bills to pay certain federal workers or continue programs such as SNAP, but they maintain that the full-scale reopening remains the better option.

Meanwhile, Americans — especially federal employees and those relying on government assistance — are bracing for further uncertainty. With major program deadlines, funding cliffs and ripple effects across states.

&nbsp;<b>Sources</b>:
Reuters, CBS News, Bloomberg Government, Fox News, ABC News, New York Post, Time Magazine&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p><i>By Allison Peck</i></p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761676473780.png" alt="(Chart Courtesy USA Today)" />
                        <figcaption>(Chart Courtesy USA Today)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Washington D.C. - Today in Washington, the Senate again failed to advance a stopgap funding bill meant to reopen the federal government. For the 13th time, the measure fell short—ensuring the shutdown continues.</p><p>In a vote that needed 60 to pass, the Senate voted 54-45-1, keeping the government shutdown.</p><p>The legislation would have extended government funding and kept agencies operating until November 21. It had already passed the House and been sent to the Senate, but Democrats blocked it today, continuing their strategy even as the impacts of the shutdown become more acute.</p><p>The shutdown began on October 1, 2025, and with today being Day 28, it has now become the second-longest government shutdown in U.S. history — surpassing the 21-day impasse of December 1995 to January 1996. The record remains the 35-day shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019.</p><p>With each day that passes, the effects are mounting: thousands of federal employees are working without pay or are furloughed; vital services face interruptions; and major deadlines loom, including the looming cutoff of food assistance benefits for millions and the open enrollment window for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.</p><p>On the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) implored Democrats to provide the extra votes needed and pass the bill immediately, calling it the straightforward way to restore funding and avoid further damage.</p><p>On the other side, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other Democratic lawmakers held firm, arguing the proposed bill lacked commitments on key issues such as healthcare subsidies, housing support and other domestic programs — areas they say cannot be ignored if government funding is to be restored responsibly.</p><p>Interestingly, though the shutdown drags on and public frustration is rising, recent polling shows somewhat resilient approval for key Republican figures. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that President Donald Trump’s approval rating ticked up to 42 percent, up two points since earlier in the month, even as Americans place more blame on Republican lawmakers than Democrats for the shutdown. Meanwhile, another poll shows 37 percent of registered voters approve of how Republicans in Congress are doing their job — the highest level that party has reached in recent years.</p><p>As of now, no new roadmap has been announced. Republicans have indicated they may pursue narrower “carve-out” bills to pay certain federal workers or continue programs such as SNAP, but they maintain that the full-scale reopening remains the better option.</p><p>Meanwhile, Americans — especially federal employees and those relying on government assistance — are bracing for further uncertainty. With major program deadlines, funding cliffs and ripple effects across states.</p><p>&nbsp;<b>Sources</b>:
Reuters, CBS News, Bloomberg Government, Fox News, ABC News, New York Post, Time Magazine&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Senate Blocks Government-Reopening Bill for 13th Time, Shutdown Deepens & Polling Climbs

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

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

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

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