Independence and Hallsville school districts to continue four-day weeks with 62% and 75% voter approval

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

When the Independence School District announced it was switching to a four-day week during the 2023-24 school year, it drew questions from local families and statewide officials.

Parents wondered what kind of child care they would have on days without classroom instruction. And&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/08/four-day-school-week-faces-scrutiny-from-missouri-legislature-state-education-board/">lawmakers debated</a>&nbsp;whether the state needed to intervene.

Ultimately, Missouri’s General Assembly passed a law requiring a vote for non–rural school districts to authorize a four-day week.

On Tuesday, the Independence and Hallsville school districts became the first large districts to receive the approval of voters to continue with four-day weeks.

“I knew that the majority of our community supported it,” Hallsville Superintendent Tyler Walker told The Independent. “I was a little bit surprised to see how much support it was.”

In Hallsville, residents had two questions on the ballot related to the school district. One asked about the four-day week and the other was a bond measure previously passed in April&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/27/numerous-voter-approved-bonds-in-missouri-in-jeopardy-for-violating-public-notice-law/">but not confirmed by the State Auditor</a>.

The election drew 25% of registered voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.showmeboone.com/clerk/elections/results/unofficial.asp" target="_blank">according to the Boone County Clerk</a>, and 75% of those voted in favor of the four-day school week. The vote authorizes the schedule for the next 10 years, when then the district will have to hold another special election.

Walker didn’t think the margin would be that wide. Earlier surveys from the district’s 2022 adoption of the schedule put approval at around 60%.

He believes that the district’s growing success on standardized tests and other publicly available metrics have given families confidence that the four-day week isn’t such a bad thing.

“Our community has grown to appreciate the four day week more after experiencing it for a few years,” he said.

Todd Fuller, director of communications for the Missouri State Teachers Association, told The Independent that voters in districts who have already been operating in a four-day week like Independence and Hallsville have an idea of how it works for their students. The state law, passed in 2024, will require a vote prior to the schedule’s adoption for those who do not already adopt the abbreviated week.

“Anyone who’s a constituent of the district has had time to digest this process, and they’ve been able to decide over a two-year period whether it’s been beneficial or not beneficial for their kids,” Fuller said. “So if they are expressing that feeling with their vote, then we’re going to have a pretty good understanding of what they really want.”

The association doesn’t have an official stance on the four-day week. But Fuller said the teachers it represents have been pleased with the schedule.

Jorjana Pohlman, president of Independence’s branch of the Missouri National Education Association, told The Independent that the overall sentiment is positive from the district’s educators.

Mondays out of the classroom have become a good time for teachers to have doctor’s appointments, spend time with their families and plan for the week ahead, she said.

“In the beginning, it was fear of the unknown for families as well as teachers,” she said. “A lot of teachers had the attitude of, ‘Let’s try it.’ They, I think overall, felt it was a positive thing.”

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primecenter.org/education-reports-database/4dsw-case-study" target="_blank">study by Missouri State University researchers</a>&nbsp;looked at recent applicants to teaching positions in Independence, finding that the four-day week was a key part of the district’s recruitment.

In particular, 63% of applicants rated the four-day schedule as a top-three reason for applying, and 27% said it was their top priority.

The study also looked at the value of the four-day week for applicants, asking how much they would sacrifice in salary to work at a district with the schedule. On average, applicants were willing to sacrifice $2267 annually for the four-day week.

Walker said the schedule has also improved recruitment in Hallsville, with a dramatic uptick in veteran teachers applying to positions.

With teachers coming to Independence schools particularly for their schedule, some worried that returning to a five-day week would have large consequences for staffing. But Pohlman said a survey showed that the loss of educators is less than many would think.

“The educators, they care deeply about their students, and they want what’s best for students and for the community, whether it’s four day week or five day week,” she said. “They are still going to be committed.”

Almost&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primecenter.org/prime-blog/4dsw-summary" target="_blank">a third of Missouri districts have adopted a four-day week</a>, with around 91% of those districts in rural settings. Only districts in cities with at least 30,000 residents, or those located in Jackson, Clay, St. Louis, Jefferson and St. Charles counties, must call for a vote before moving to a four-day week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762369520602.png" alt=" On Tuesday, voters in two Missouri towns approved a four-day school week. Both districts had already been operating on the schedule but required voter approval to continue (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> On Tuesday, voters in two Missouri towns approved a four-day school week. Both districts had already been operating on the schedule but required voter approval to continue (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Independence and Hallsville school districts to continue four-day weeks with 62% and 75% voter approval</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>When the Independence School District announced it was switching to a four-day week during the 2023-24 school year, it drew questions from local families and statewide officials.Parents wondered what kind of child care they would have on days without classroom instruction. And&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/08/four-day-school-week-faces-scrutiny-from-missouri-legislature-state-education-board/">lawmakers debated</a>&nbsp;whether the state needed to intervene.Ultimately, Missouri’s General Assembly passed a law requiring a vote for non–rural school districts to authorize a four-day week.On Tuesday, the Independence and Hallsville school districts became the first large districts to receive the approval of voters to continue with four-day weeks.“I knew that the majority of our community supported it,” Hallsville Superintendent Tyler Walker told The Independent. “I was a little bit surprised to see how much support it was.”In Hallsville, residents had two questions on the ballot related to the school district. One asked about the four-day week and the other was a bond measure previously passed in April&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/27/numerous-voter-approved-bonds-in-missouri-in-jeopardy-for-violating-public-notice-law/">but not confirmed by the State Auditor</a>.The election drew 25% of registered voters,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.showmeboone.com/clerk/elections/results/unofficial.asp" target="_blank">according to the Boone County Clerk</a>, and 75% of those voted in favor of the four-day school week. The vote authorizes the schedule for the next 10 years, when then the district will have to hold another special election.Walker didn’t think the margin would be that wide. Earlier surveys from the district’s 2022 adoption of the schedule put approval at around 60%.He believes that the district’s growing success on standardized tests and other publicly available metrics have given families confidence that the four-day week isn’t such a bad thing.“Our community has grown to appreciate the four day week more after experiencing it for a few years,” he said.Todd Fuller, director of communications for the Missouri State Teachers Association, told The Independent that voters in districts who have already been operating in a four-day week like Independence and Hallsville have an idea of how it works for their students. The state law, passed in 2024, will require a vote prior to the schedule’s adoption for those who do not already adopt the abbreviated week.“Anyone who’s a constituent of the district has had time to digest this process, and they’ve been able to decide over a two-year period whether it’s been beneficial or not beneficial for their kids,” Fuller said. “So if they are expressing that feeling with their vote, then we’re going to have a pretty good understanding of what they really want.”The association doesn’t have an official stance on the four-day week. But Fuller said the teachers it represents have been pleased with the schedule.Jorjana Pohlman, president of Independence’s branch of the Missouri National Education Association, told The Independent that the overall sentiment is positive from the district’s educators.Mondays out of the classroom have become a good time for teachers to have doctor’s appointments, spend time with their families and plan for the week ahead, she said.“In the beginning, it was fear of the unknown for families as well as teachers,” she said. “A lot of teachers had the attitude of, ‘Let’s try it.’ They, I think overall, felt it was a positive thing.”A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primecenter.org/education-reports-database/4dsw-case-study" target="_blank">study by Missouri State University researchers</a>&nbsp;looked at recent applicants to teaching positions in Independence, finding that the four-day week was a key part of the district’s recruitment.In particular, 63% of applicants rated the four-day schedule as a top-three reason for applying, and 27% said it was their top priority.The study also looked at the value of the four-day week for applicants, asking how much they would sacrifice in salary to work at a district with the schedule. On average, applicants were willing to sacrifice $2267 annually for the four-day week.Walker said the schedule has also improved recruitment in Hallsville, with a dramatic uptick in veteran teachers applying to positions.With teachers coming to Independence schools particularly for their schedule, some worried that returning to a five-day week would have large consequences for staffing. But Pohlman said a survey showed that the loss of educators is less than many would think.“The educators, they care deeply about their students, and they want what’s best for students and for the community, whether it’s four day week or five day week,” she said. “They are still going to be committed.”Almost&nbsp;<a href="https://www.primecenter.org/prime-blog/4dsw-summary" target="_blank">a third of Missouri districts have adopted a four-day week</a>, with around 91% of those districts in rural settings. Only districts in cities with at least 30,000 residents, or those located in Jackson, Clay, St. Louis, Jefferson and St. Charles counties, must call for a vote before moving to a four-day week.

Missouri voters approve 4-day school week in two districts, showing rising support

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; — A Kansas&nbsp; woman accused in the stabbing death of her mother on Halloween made her first court appearance Tuesday.

Angelynn Elizabeth Mock, 47, was charged with first-degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 8a.m. Friday, police responded to a reported stabbing at a residence in the 1500 block of East Crowley in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. First responders located Mock outside the home.

&nbsp;Inside the residence, officers found 80-year-old Anita Avers unresponsive in her bed with multiple stab wounds.&nbsp;Sedgwick County EMS transported the victim to St. Francis Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased at 8:26 a.m.

Mock was transported to the hospital for treatment before being taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; She is due back in court November 14, according to the district attorney's office. She is being held on a one-million dollar bond.

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; — A Kansas&nbsp; woman accused in the stabbing death of her mother on Halloween will make her first court appearance Tuesday.

Angelynn Elizabeth Mock, 47, is in custody on a one-million dollar bond on a requested charge of first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of her 80-year-old mother, Anita Avers.

Just before 8a.m. Friday, police responded to a reported stabbing at a residence in the 1500 block of East Crowley in Wichita, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect, identified from jail booking records&nbsp; as Mock, outside the home.

&nbsp;Inside the residence, officers found Anita Avers unresponsive in her bed with multiple stab wounds.&nbsp;Sedgwick County EMS transported the victim to St. Francis Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased at 8:26 a.m.

Mock was transported to the hospital for treatment before being taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761944840018.png" alt="Police on the sene early Friday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the sene early Friday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; — A Kansas&nbsp; woman accused in the stabbing death of her mother on Halloween made her first court appearance Tuesday.Angelynn Elizabeth Mock, 47, was charged with first-degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 8a.m. Friday, police responded to a reported stabbing at a residence in the 1500 block of East Crowley in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. First responders located Mock outside the home.&nbsp;Inside the residence, officers found 80-year-old Anita Avers unresponsive in her bed with multiple stab wounds.&nbsp;Sedgwick County EMS transported the victim to St. Francis Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased at 8:26 a.m.Mock was transported to the hospital for treatment before being taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; She is due back in court November 14, according to the district attorney's office. She is being held on a one-million dollar bond.----------------SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp; — A Kansas&nbsp; woman accused in the stabbing death of her mother on Halloween will make her first court appearance Tuesday.Angelynn Elizabeth Mock, 47, is in custody on a one-million dollar bond on a requested charge of first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of her 80-year-old mother, Anita Avers.Just before 8a.m. Friday, police responded to a reported stabbing at a residence in the 1500 block of East Crowley in Wichita, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect, identified from jail booking records&nbsp; as Mock, outside the home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1761994823380.png" alt="Mock photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mock photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Inside the residence, officers found Anita Avers unresponsive in her bed with multiple stab wounds.&nbsp;Sedgwick County EMS transported the victim to St. Francis Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased at 8:26 a.m.Mock was transported to the hospital for treatment before being taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.

Halloween homicide: Kan. woman accused of killing her mother to face a judge

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona was sentenced Thursday in Sedgwick County District Court for the 2022 vehicular crash that resulted in the death of Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter.

Judge William Woolley sentenced Burgett to 3 and one half year or&nbsp; 42 months in prison after previously pleading no contest to one count of Involuntary Manslaughter while driving under the influence of THC.

In October of 2022, a&nbsp;2016 Dodge Charger driven by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter, 22, Bel Aire, was southbound on 135th Street at 29th Street north one mile west of Northwest Wichita and Maize responding to a disturbance, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.

A westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Burgett failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the drivers side of the Dodge Charger, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Deputy Carter was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Burgett to a local hospital.

Deputy Carter had only worked in the field alone for a week, according to Sheriff Easter. She began field training in the summer of 2022 and completed that training Oct. 1.&nbsp;

Deputy Carter had served the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for one and a half years in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility before transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau in February 2022. She graduated the Law Enforcement Academy on July 21, 2022.&nbsp;

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Woolley also ordered Burgett to serve 36 months of post-release supervision.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A driver involved in a&nbsp;&nbsp;fatal crash that killed a Kansas Sheriff's Deputy expected to learn his fate Thursday.

Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona is scheduled for a sentencing hearing in Judge William Wooley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In July Burgett pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter, according to the district attorneys office.

He was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and&nbsp; driving while suspended, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680091672733.png" alt="Burgett photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Burgett photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona was sentenced Thursday in Sedgwick County District Court for the 2022 vehicular crash that resulted in the death of Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter.Judge William Woolley sentenced Burgett to 3 and one half year or&nbsp; 42 months in prison after previously pleading no contest to one count of Involuntary Manslaughter while driving under the influence of THC.In October of 2022, a&nbsp;2016 Dodge Charger driven by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter, 22, Bel Aire, was southbound on 135th Street at 29th Street north one mile west of Northwest Wichita and Maize responding to a disturbance, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.A westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Burgett failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the drivers side of the Dodge Charger, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.Deputy Carter was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Burgett to a local hospital.Deputy Carter had only worked in the field alone for a week, according to Sheriff Easter. She began field training in the summer of 2022 and completed that training Oct. 1.&nbsp;Deputy Carter had served the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for one and a half years in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility before transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau in February 2022. She graduated the Law Enforcement Academy on July 21, 2022.&nbsp;During the sentencing hearing, Judge Woolley also ordered Burgett to serve 36 months of post-release supervision.-------------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A driver involved in a&nbsp;&nbsp;fatal crash that killed a Kansas Sheriff's Deputy expected to learn his fate Thursday.Kelvin Burgett, 28, Prescott Valley, Arizona is scheduled for a sentencing hearing in Judge William Wooley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In July Burgett pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter, according to the district attorneys office.He was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and&nbsp; driving while suspended, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665249753989.png" alt="Deputy Sidnee Carter" />
 <figcaption>Deputy Sidnee Carter</figcaption>
 </figure>In October of 2022, a&nbsp;2016 Dodge Charger driven by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Deputy Sidnee Carter, 22, Bel Aire, was southbound on 135th Street at 29th Street north one mile west of Northwest Wichita and Maize responding to a disturbance, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.A westbound 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Burgett failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the drivers side of the Dodge Charger, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.Deputy Carter was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported Burgett to a local hospital.Deputy Carter had only worked in the field alone for a week, according to Sheriff Easter. She began field training in the summer of 2022 and completed that training Oct. 1.&nbsp;Deputy Carter had served the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office for one and a half years in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility before transferring to the Law Enforcement Bureau in February 2022. She graduated the Law Enforcement Academy on July 21, 2022.&nbsp;

Driver in crash that killed Kansas deputy learns his fate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEDGWICK COUNTY – The Wichita Police Department reported that 75-year-old Jerry Watson was located, and is now safe.

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WichitaPolice?__cft__[0]=AZVWLN7z-lOBwkrGImdY_9CGXto-FHI5w_i-O0V6IGPKpUeYMOU93-GDaNYEakUUtyw8zvJRZcSjVTVA9cORHRol-26v3FeIkQVUl5WOMZ41tQ4s4eFZC5jHlkFopu7-Xcw3rKQduMEGMDAZ8UwEJJu5tJbb41vIgX_4aM9_B9UlYebYlPcemE0AZh56q_R0Yy0&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Wichita Police Department</a> requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man.

The whereabouts of 75-year-old Jerry Watson are unknown, and public assistance is requested to help locate him. Watson was last seen Saturday, Oct. 25, at around 3:15 p.m., heading westbound on 21st Street passing Broadway. He is likely driving a 2008 red Chevy Impala with Kansas tag 1022ALJ.

Watson is a white male who is 5-feet-7 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. He has  gray hair.

If you see Jerry Watson or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at (316)-268-4111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761477743994.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY – The Wichita Police Department reported that 75-year-old Jerry Watson was located, and is now safe.-----------------The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WichitaPolice?__cft__[0]=AZVWLN7z-lOBwkrGImdY_9CGXto-FHI5w_i-O0V6IGPKpUeYMOU93-GDaNYEakUUtyw8zvJRZcSjVTVA9cORHRol-26v3FeIkQVUl5WOMZ41tQ4s4eFZC5jHlkFopu7-Xcw3rKQduMEGMDAZ8UwEJJu5tJbb41vIgX_4aM9_B9UlYebYlPcemE0AZh56q_R0Yy0&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Wichita Police Department</a> requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man.The whereabouts of 75-year-old Jerry Watson are unknown, and public assistance is requested to help locate him. Watson was last seen Saturday, Oct. 25, at around 3:15 p.m., heading westbound on 21st Street passing Broadway. He is likely driving a 2008 red Chevy Impala with Kansas tag 1022ALJ.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761477601660.png" alt="Photo Wichita police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita police</figcaption>
 </figure>Watson is a white male who is 5-feet-7 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. He has gray hair.If you see Jerry Watson or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at (316)-268-4111.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas man is safe

It is not a year with presidential candidates, but the Alfred E. Smith&nbsp; Memorial Foundation dinner at the&nbsp;at Waldorf Astoria in New York City still raised a lot of fun and funds Thursday night.

Former Secretaries of State Mike Pompeo and&nbsp;Antony Blinken delivered lighthearted remarks.&nbsp;They shared their experiences working under different administrations and discussed many topics, including diplomacy, foreign policy, and the 2025 New York City Mayoral race. Pomopeo also discussed his weight loss.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/former-secretaries-of-state-blinken-pompeo-at-alfred-e-smith-dinner/667251">Click here to watch a replay</a> of the fun at the dinner.

The white-tie dinner raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities and has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted barbs, poke fun at themselves and pretend to get along.

Pompeo was the nation’s top diplomat from 2018 to 2021 in the administration of President Donald Trump. He was the GOP congressman from Wichita from 2011 to 2017.

It is not a year with presidential candidates, but the Alfred E. Smith&nbsp; Memorial Foundation dinner at the&nbsp;at Waldorf Astoria in New York City still raised a lot of fun and funds Thursday night.Former Secretaries of State Mike Pompeo and&nbsp;Antony Blinken delivered lighthearted remarks.&nbsp;They shared their experiences working under different administrations and discussed many topics, including diplomacy, foreign policy, and the 2025 New York City Mayoral race. Pomopeo also discussed his weight loss.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;I&#39;ve lost over 90 pounds since leaving office.&quot; -- Mike Pompeo ... Al Smith dinner <a href="https://t.co/e10kfcNYNu">pic.twitter.com/e10kfcNYNu</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1979207793082036425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/former-secretaries-of-state-blinken-pompeo-at-alfred-e-smith-dinner/667251">Click here to watch a replay</a> of the fun at the dinner.The white-tie dinner raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities and has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted barbs, poke fun at themselves and pretend to get along.Pompeo was the nation’s top diplomat from 2018 to 2021 in the administration of President Donald Trump. He was the GOP congressman from Wichita from 2011 to 2017.

🎥Former Kan. Congressman a keynote roaster at Alfred E. Smith dinner

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman who admitted her role in the death of a 7-year-old boy learned her fate Thursday afternoon.

Judge William Wolley sentenced&nbsp;Tasha Diane Dillard, 25, Wichita to 37-months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. The judge granted a defense motion for a downward sentence departure. She was sentenced below the minimum recommended sentence guideline, according to the district attorney's office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman who admitted her role in the death of a 7-year-old boy is expected to learn her fate Thursday.

Tasha Diane Dillard, 25, Wichita, will attend a sentencing hearing in Judge William Wolley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

In early September she pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated child endangerment, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She had been scheduled to face a trial starting on September 15.

Dillard had originally been charged with 1st degree murder and 7 counts of aggravated endangering a child, according to the District Attorney's office.

On March 16, police responded to a call of a shooting at an apartment in the 3700 block of E Ross Parkway, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The caller reported that someone had been shot and that a child was bleeding.

When officers arrived, they found 7-year-old Davion Gunter suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Davion was transported to a local hospital, where he was&nbsp; pronounced deceased.

At the scene, officers found seven other children and multiple adults. Wichita Police homicide investigators and the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit responded immediately, conducting interviews and gathered evidence.

As a result, police took Dillard into custody, and the children were placed in protective care. Dillard remains jailed on a  bond of $500,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742206494454.png" alt="DILLARD-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>DILLARD-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman who admitted her role in the death of a 7-year-old boy learned her fate Thursday afternoon.Judge William Wolley sentenced&nbsp;Tasha Diane Dillard, 25, Wichita to 37-months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. The judge granted a defense motion for a downward sentence departure. She was sentenced below the minimum recommended sentence guideline, according to the district attorney's office.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman who admitted her role in the death of a 7-year-old boy is expected to learn her fate Thursday.Tasha Diane Dillard, 25, Wichita, will attend a sentencing hearing in Judge William Wolley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.In early September she pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated child endangerment, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She had been scheduled to face a trial starting on September 15.Dillard had originally been charged with 1st degree murder and 7 counts of aggravated endangering a child, according to the District Attorney's office.On March 16, police responded to a call of a shooting at an apartment in the 3700 block of E Ross Parkway, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The caller reported that someone had been shot and that a child was bleeding.When officers arrived, they found 7-year-old Davion Gunter suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Davion was transported to a local hospital, where he was&nbsp; pronounced deceased.At the scene, officers found seven other children and multiple adults. Wichita Police homicide investigators and the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit responded immediately, conducting interviews and gathered evidence.As a result, police took Dillard into custody, and the children were placed in protective care. Dillard remains jailed on a bond of $500,000.

Sentencing day for death of 7-year-old Kansas boy

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement have located the woman from the doorbell video.

Just after 3 p.m. Tuesday Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview.

Investigators are conducting interviews and have identified the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. At this stage of the investigation, police believe this incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman does not have any significant injuries.

Police thanked the public for sharing the video and still images that generated additional attention about this incident, we do believe it led the woman to call and saying she was the person police were looking for.

Police stressed they do not have any reason to believe there is ongoing danger to the general public.

Police are continuing their investigation into the video and the case will be presented to the appropriate attorney’s office for formal charging consideration.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A $2,000 reward from Crimestoppers is now being offered for helping police identify a man and woman seen in a video of an alleged abduction that occurred in Wichita.

The Wichita Police Department continues asking for the community’s help in identifying and locating the woman in the video. She was last seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.

Police worked throughout Monday on this investigation, following up on numerous leads. They also received 15 additional tips overnight Monday, according to a statement from Wichita Police during a Tuesday morning news conference.

At this time, police have not been able to identify the woman and man seen in the video. Exploring all options, police reached out to regional and federal law enforcement partners for additional assistance.

The Wichita Police team has processed the audio, reducing background noise, hoping that someone will recognize her voice. Please take a moment to review the video.

&nbsp;If you recognize her or have any information about her identity or whereabouts, please contact 911 immediately.

You may also reach out to WPD Investigations at 316-268-4407, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement have located the woman from the doorbell video.Just after 3 p.m. Tuesday Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">We’ve worked throughout the day on this investigation, following up on numerous leads, and we appreciate the public&#39;s help. At this time, we have not been able to identify the female and male seen in the video. Exploring all options, we&#39;ve reached out to our regional and… <a href="https://t.co/APj14eTdRI">pic.twitter.com/APj14eTdRI</a>&mdash; Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaPolice/status/1977848955233869931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Investigators are conducting interviews and have identified the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. At this stage of the investigation, police believe this incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman does not have any significant injuries.Police thanked the public for sharing the video and still images that generated additional attention about this incident, we do believe it led the woman to call and saying she was the person police were looking for.Police stressed they do not have any reason to believe there is ongoing danger to the general public.Police are continuing their investigation into the video and the case will be presented to the appropriate attorney’s office for formal charging consideration.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A $2,000 reward from Crimestoppers is now being offered for helping police identify a man and woman seen in a video of an alleged abduction that occurred in Wichita.The Wichita Police Department continues asking for the community’s help in identifying and locating the woman in the video. She was last seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">We’ve worked throughout the day on this investigation, following up on numerous leads, and we appreciate the public&#39;s help. At this time, we have not been able to identify the female and male seen in the video. Exploring all options, we&#39;ve reached out to our regional and… <a href="https://t.co/APj14eTdRI">pic.twitter.com/APj14eTdRI</a>&mdash; Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaPolice/status/1977848955233869931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Police worked throughout Monday on this investigation, following up on numerous leads. They also received 15 additional tips overnight Monday, according to a statement from Wichita Police during a Tuesday morning news conference.At this time, police have not been able to identify the woman and man seen in the video. Exploring all options, police reached out to regional and federal law enforcement partners for additional assistance.The Wichita Police team has processed the audio, reducing background noise, hoping that someone will recognize her voice. Please take a moment to review the video.&nbsp;If you recognize her or have any information about her identity or whereabouts, please contact 911 immediately.

You may also reach out to WPD Investigations at 316-268-4407, or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

🎥Reward offered in search for Kansas abduction victim

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government starts phasing out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f18671b03d07a6b227b46e614e541e7d">paper checks</a>&nbsp;for most programs on Tuesday.

The change, which was initiated through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March, will affect recipients of benefits including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-social-security-90th-anniversary-shortfall-9552a6b2d862bda0f553cc5d349ba469">Social Security</a>, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds.

Trump’s Republican administration argues the shift of all payments and collections to electronic methods is designed to protect taxpayers from fraud and stolen checks, speed up processing and cut costs. But advocates fear that the shift will hurt marginalized Americans who lack access to digital services and may not even know this phase-out is coming.

“A lot of claimants move around and don’t always get their mail,” says Jennifer Burdick, a divisional supervising attorney in the SSI Unit at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia. “And the folks that I represent who get paper checks mostly learned from me about this transition.”

Roughly 10% of Burdick’s clients receive paper checks. She worries that new recipients who need a paper check to open a checking account at a bank will find it difficult or even nearly impossible to get that done after the phase-out.

Nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/deposit/GIS/data/Reports/T2StateSum.htm" target="_blank">400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients</a>&nbsp;receive their benefits through paper checks. That amounts to less than 1% of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/chartbooks/fast_facts/2023/fast_facts23.html" target="_blank">the 70.6 million</a>&nbsp;retirees, disabled people and children who receive Social Security benefits.

Instead of paper checks, they will receive a direct deposit or a Direct Express card, which is intended for people without a bank account. However, the Social Security Administration says it will still issue paper checks if no other options are available.

“Where a beneficiary has no other means to receive payment, we will continue to issue paper checks,” the SSA says.

Kathleen Romig, the director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, notes that the people most affected by this change tend to be the most vulnerable, “often unbanked or unhoused, and lacking in the tools and skills they need to access digital services.” There are reasons they haven’t made the switch yet — some people’s mental health crises make them wary of financial institutions, and others simply don’t have enough money to open a bank account.

“This is a population that can’t afford to miss a payment, so it’s very important that the Trump administration manage the transition without interrupting their benefits,” Romig said.

Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group for the preservation of Social Security benefits, calls the phase-out of paper checks unnecessary.

“If it’s not handled right, it will be devastating” for people who are unaware of the change and have limited incomes, Altman said. “I think anyone should be able to get a paper check. And while less than 1% is getting a check, that’s still a lot of people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615638192534.png" alt="Image pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government starts phasing out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f18671b03d07a6b227b46e614e541e7d">paper checks</a>&nbsp;for most programs on Tuesday.The change, which was initiated through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March, will affect recipients of benefits including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-social-security-90th-anniversary-shortfall-9552a6b2d862bda0f553cc5d349ba469">Social Security</a>, Supplemental Security Income and tax refunds.Trump’s Republican administration argues the shift of all payments and collections to electronic methods is designed to protect taxpayers from fraud and stolen checks, speed up processing and cut costs. But advocates fear that the shift will hurt marginalized Americans who lack access to digital services and may not even know this phase-out is coming.“A lot of claimants move around and don’t always get their mail,” says Jennifer Burdick, a divisional supervising attorney in the SSI Unit at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia. “And the folks that I represent who get paper checks mostly learned from me about this transition.”Roughly 10% of Burdick’s clients receive paper checks. She worries that new recipients who need a paper check to open a checking account at a bank will find it difficult or even nearly impossible to get that done after the phase-out.Nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/deposit/GIS/data/Reports/T2StateSum.htm" target="_blank">400,000 Social Security and SSI recipients</a>&nbsp;receive their benefits through paper checks. That amounts to less than 1% of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/chartbooks/fast_facts/2023/fast_facts23.html" target="_blank">the 70.6 million</a>&nbsp;retirees, disabled people and children who receive Social Security benefits.Instead of paper checks, they will receive a direct deposit or a Direct Express card, which is intended for people without a bank account. However, the Social Security Administration says it will still issue paper checks if no other options are available.“Where a beneficiary has no other means to receive payment, we will continue to issue paper checks,” the SSA says.Kathleen Romig, the director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, notes that the people most affected by this change tend to be the most vulnerable, “often unbanked or unhoused, and lacking in the tools and skills they need to access digital services.” There are reasons they haven’t made the switch yet — some people’s mental health crises make them wary of financial institutions, and others simply don’t have enough money to open a bank account.“This is a population that can’t afford to miss a payment, so it’s very important that the Trump administration manage the transition without interrupting their benefits,” Romig said.Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group for the preservation of Social Security benefits, calls the phase-out of paper checks unnecessary.“If it’s not handled right, it will be devastating” for people who are unaware of the change and have limited incomes, Altman said. “I think anyone should be able to get a paper check. And while less than 1% is getting a check, that’s still a lot of people.”

US government phasing out paper checks. What that means for you

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating a fatal 2-vehicle crash that occurred just before 3a.m. Sunday in Wichita have identified the victim as&nbsp;18-year-old Kadrian Jackson, of Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police.

An SUV driven by a Jackson was westbound on Central Avenue through a green light at Hydraulic, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.

A northbound motorcycle ran a red light at Central and struck the SUV’s left rear quarter panel. The collision caused Jackson to lose control of the SUV and overturn.&nbsp; The crash trapped the 18-year-old under the SUV.

Wichita Fire crews extricated Jackson, and he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead at 2:47 a.m., according to Wright. 

Two SUV passengers were also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The motorcyclist was transported to a medical center for treatment.

Preliminary investigation indicates suspected impairment by the 32-year-old motorcyclist may have been a factor in the crash. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for review, pending blood test results before possible charges.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal 2-vehicle crash that occurred just before 3a.m. Sunday in Wichita.

An SUV driven by an 18-year-old was westbound on Central Avenue through a green light at Hydraulic, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright. 

A northbound motorcycle ran a red light at Central and struck the SUV’s left rear quarter panel. The collision caused the SUV driver to lose control and overturn.&nbsp; The crash trapped the 18-year-old SUV driver under the vehicle.

Wichita Fire crews extricated him, and he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead at 2:47 a.m., according to Wright. Two SUV passengers were also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The motorcyclist was transported to a medical center for treatment.

Police detained the motorcyclist. Early evidence suggests alcohol may have been a factor. Once testing and evidence collection are complete, the case will be forwarded to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the teen who died.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating a fatal 2-vehicle crash that occurred just before 3a.m. Sunday in Wichita have identified the victim as&nbsp;18-year-old Kadrian Jackson, of Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police.An SUV driven by a Jackson was westbound on Central Avenue through a green light at Hydraulic, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.A northbound motorcycle ran a red light at Central and struck the SUV’s left rear quarter panel. The collision caused Jackson to lose control of the SUV and overturn.&nbsp; The crash trapped the 18-year-old under the SUV.Wichita Fire crews extricated Jackson, and he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead at 2:47 a.m., according to Wright. Two SUV passengers were also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The motorcyclist was transported to a medical center for treatment.Preliminary investigation indicates suspected impairment by the 32-year-old motorcyclist may have been a factor in the crash. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for review, pending blood test results before possible charges.-------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal 2-vehicle crash that occurred just before 3a.m. Sunday in Wichita.An SUV driven by an 18-year-old was westbound on Central Avenue through a green light at Hydraulic, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright. A northbound motorcycle ran a red light at Central and struck the SUV’s left rear quarter panel. The collision caused the SUV driver to lose control and overturn.&nbsp; The crash trapped the 18-year-old SUV driver under the vehicle.Wichita Fire crews extricated him, and he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead at 2:47 a.m., according to Wright. Two SUV passengers were also taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The motorcyclist was transported to a medical center for treatment.Police detained the motorcyclist. Early evidence suggests alcohol may have been a factor. Once testing and evidence collection are complete, the case will be forwarded to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the teen who died.

Police: Alcohol a possible factor in fatal Kan. SUV, motorcycle crash

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday ordered Israel to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">stop bombing the Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;after Hamas said it had accepted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">some elements of his plan</a>&nbsp;to end the nearly two-year war and return all the remaining hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Hamas said it was willing to release the hostages and hand over power to other Palestinians, but that other aspects of the plan require further consultations among Palestinians. Senior Hamas officials suggested there were still major disagreements that required further negotiations.

There was no immediate response from Israel, which is largely shut down for the Jewish Sabbath, and Hamas' response fell short of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demands that the group surrender and disarm.

But Trump welcomed Hamas' response, saying: “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE."

“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out," he wrote on social media.

Hamas said aspects of the proposal touching on the future of the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rights should be decided on the basis of a “unanimous Palestinian stance” reached with other factions and based on international law.

The statement also made no mention of Hamas disarming, a key Israeli demand included in Trump’s proposal.

Trump's plan would end the fighting and return hostages

Trump appears keen to deliver on pledges to end the war and return dozens of hostages ahead of the second anniversary of the attack on Tuesday. His peace plan has been accepted by Israel and welcomed internationally, but key mediators Egypt and Qatar have said some elements need further negotiation.

Egypt welcomed the Hamas statement, saying that it shows that the Palestinians want to “end a dark period in the history of the region," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-israel-palestinians-france-saudi-recognition-two-states-88f3a87f7d79df02311f09b3e45560e9">pave the way for a future state</a>, something Israel opposes.

Earlier, Trump had warned that Hamas must agree to the deal by Sunday evening, threatening an even greater military onslaught.

“If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas," Trump wrote Friday on social media. "THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”

Under the plan, which Trump unveiled earlier this week alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-general-assembly-israel-netanyahu-speech-e53eee3b76dfa568e03ac584e46991a5">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>, Hamas would immediately release the remaining 48 hostages — around 20 of them believed to be alive. It would also give up power and disarm.

In return, Israel would halt its offensive and withdraw from much of the territory, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and allow an influx of humanitarian aid and eventual reconstruction.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-gaza-resettlement-migration-trump-netanyahu-53cd2eb252a5d304006872c63772eee2">Plans to relocate much of Gaza's population</a>&nbsp;to other countries would be shelved.

The territory of some 2 million Palestinians would be placed under international governance, with Trump himself and former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/britain-tony-blair-mideast-gaza-trump-plan-76e663c132d73ba151ad70ebf6ac958c">British Prime Minister Tony Blair</a>&nbsp;overseeing it. The plan provides no path for eventual reunification with the Israeli-occupied West Bank in a future Palestinian state.

Palestinians long for an end to the war, but many view this and previous U.S. proposals as strongly favoring Israel.

Hamas officials air objections in TV interviews

Trump’s proposal “cannot be implemented without negotiations,” Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official based outside of Gaza, told the Al Jazeera network.

The Hamas statement said it was willing to return all remaining hostages according to the plan’s “formula,” likely referring to the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. It also reiterated its longstanding openness to handing power over to a politically independent Palestinian body.

But Abu Marzouk said it might be difficult for Hamas to release all the hostages within 72 hours as the proposal dictates, because it could take days or weeks to locate the remains of some of the captives.

He said Hamas was willing to hand over its weapons to a future Palestinian body that runs Gaza, but there was no mention of that in the official statement.

Another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, told Al Araby television that Hamas would refuse foreign administration of the Gaza Strip and that the entry of foreign forces would be “unacceptable.”

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas said Friday that it has accepted some elements of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war in the Gaza Strip</a>, including giving up power and releasing all remaining hostages, but that others require further consultations among Palestinians.

The statement came hours after Trump said that Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">must agree to the deal</a>&nbsp;by Sunday evening, threatening an even greater military onslaught nearly two years into the war sparked by the Oct. 7 attack into Israel. There was no immediate response from the United States or Israel, which is largely shut down for the Jewish Sabbath.

Hamas said it was willing to return all remaining hostages according to the plan’s “formula,” likely referring to the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. It also reiterated its longstanding openness to handing power over to a politically independent Palestinian body.

But it said aspects of the proposal touching on the future of the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rights should be decided on the basis of a “unanimous Palestinian stance” reached with other factions and based on international law.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said that Hamas must agree to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">a proposed peace deal</a>&nbsp;for Gaza by Sunday evening and threatened that the group will face more attacks if it doesn't.

“An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time,” Trump wrote Friday on social media. “Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”

The Republican president unveiled the plan alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week.

Trump’s proposal would place Gaza under control of a temporary governing committee led by Trump himself. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would be involved as well.

Civilians would not be required to evacuate the territory, something that Trump had floated before. Hamas would be required to disarm and release any remaining hostages. Surviving fighters would be allowed to leave.

Hamas said Tuesday that it would study the proposal. Trump told reporters then that Hamas would have “three or four days” to respond.

Trump has struggled to force an end to the conflict, which began when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023</a>. His latest post on social media is another attempt to increase pressure on Hamas.

“Most of the rest are surrounded and MILITARILY TRAPPED, just waiting for me to give the word, ‘GO,’ for their lives to be quickly extinguished," Trump said. "As for the rest, we know where and who you are, and you will be hunted down, and killed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759172020282.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday ordered Israel to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">stop bombing the Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;after Hamas said it had accepted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">some elements of his plan</a>&nbsp;to end the nearly two-year war and return all the remaining hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/3dGpkSu0kW">pic.twitter.com/3dGpkSu0kW</a>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1974221827984523702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hamas said it was willing to release the hostages and hand over power to other Palestinians, but that other aspects of the plan require further consultations among Palestinians. Senior Hamas officials suggested there were still major disagreements that required further negotiations.There was no immediate response from Israel, which is largely shut down for the Jewish Sabbath, and Hamas' response fell short of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demands that the group surrender and disarm.But Trump welcomed Hamas' response, saying: “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE."“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out," he wrote on social media.Hamas said aspects of the proposal touching on the future of the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rights should be decided on the basis of a “unanimous Palestinian stance” reached with other factions and based on international law.The statement also made no mention of Hamas disarming, a key Israeli demand included in Trump’s proposal.<h2>Trump's plan would end the fighting and return hostages</h2>Trump appears keen to deliver on pledges to end the war and return dozens of hostages ahead of the second anniversary of the attack on Tuesday. His peace plan has been accepted by Israel and welcomed internationally, but key mediators Egypt and Qatar have said some elements need further negotiation.Egypt welcomed the Hamas statement, saying that it shows that the Palestinians want to “end a dark period in the history of the region," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-israel-palestinians-france-saudi-recognition-two-states-88f3a87f7d79df02311f09b3e45560e9">pave the way for a future state</a>, something Israel opposes.Earlier, Trump had warned that Hamas must agree to the deal by Sunday evening, threatening an even greater military onslaught.“If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas," Trump wrote Friday on social media. "THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”Under the plan, which Trump unveiled earlier this week alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-general-assembly-israel-netanyahu-speech-e53eee3b76dfa568e03ac584e46991a5">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>, Hamas would immediately release the remaining 48 hostages — around 20 of them believed to be alive. It would also give up power and disarm.In return, Israel would halt its offensive and withdraw from much of the territory, release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and allow an influx of humanitarian aid and eventual reconstruction.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-gaza-resettlement-migration-trump-netanyahu-53cd2eb252a5d304006872c63772eee2">Plans to relocate much of Gaza's population</a>&nbsp;to other countries would be shelved.The territory of some 2 million Palestinians would be placed under international governance, with Trump himself and former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/britain-tony-blair-mideast-gaza-trump-plan-76e663c132d73ba151ad70ebf6ac958c">British Prime Minister Tony Blair</a>&nbsp;overseeing it. The plan provides no path for eventual reunification with the Israeli-occupied West Bank in a future Palestinian state.Palestinians long for an end to the war, but many view this and previous U.S. proposals as strongly favoring Israel.<h2>Hamas officials air objections in TV interviews</h2>Trump’s proposal “cannot be implemented without negotiations,” Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official based outside of Gaza, told the Al Jazeera network.The Hamas statement said it was willing to return all remaining hostages according to the plan’s “formula,” likely referring to the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. It also reiterated its longstanding openness to handing power over to a politically independent Palestinian body.But Abu Marzouk said it might be difficult for Hamas to release all the hostages within 72 hours as the proposal dictates, because it could take days or weeks to locate the remains of some of the captives.He said Hamas was willing to hand over its weapons to a future Palestinian body that runs Gaza, but there was no mention of that in the official statement.Another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, told Al Araby television that Hamas would refuse foreign administration of the Gaza Strip and that the entry of foreign forces would be “unacceptable.”DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas said Friday that it has accepted some elements of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war in the Gaza Strip</a>, including giving up power and releasing all remaining hostages, but that others require further consultations among Palestinians.The statement came hours after Trump said that Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-hamas-palestinians-peace-plan-ce2e84de8aa5fd308fe751ae9c3118e8">must agree to the deal</a>&nbsp;by Sunday evening, threatening an even greater military onslaught nearly two years into the war sparked by the Oct. 7 attack into Israel. There was no immediate response from the United States or Israel, which is largely shut down for the Jewish Sabbath.Hamas said it was willing to return all remaining hostages according to the plan’s “formula,” likely referring to the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. It also reiterated its longstanding openness to handing power over to a politically independent Palestinian body.But it said aspects of the proposal touching on the future of the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rights should be decided on the basis of a “unanimous Palestinian stance” reached with other factions and based on international law.The statement also made no mention of Hamas disarming, a key Israeli demand included in Trump’s proposal.----------------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said that Hamas must agree to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-plan-gaza-israel-hamas-war-d5bb4097af1d46ba16ab20914d265ff7">a proposed peace deal</a>&nbsp;for Gaza by Sunday evening and threatened that the group will face more attacks if it doesn't.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/XAn5KkGaZu">pic.twitter.com/XAn5KkGaZu</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1974115106104783135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time,” Trump wrote Friday on social media. “Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”The Republican president unveiled the plan alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week.Trump’s proposal would place Gaza under control of a temporary governing committee led by Trump himself. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair would be involved as well.Civilians would not be required to evacuate the territory, something that Trump had floated before. Hamas would be required to disarm and release any remaining hostages. Surviving fighters would be allowed to leave.Hamas said Tuesday that it would study the proposal. Trump told reporters then that Hamas would have “three or four days” to respond.Trump has struggled to force an end to the conflict, which began when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023</a>. His latest post on social media is another attempt to increase pressure on Hamas.“Most of the rest are surrounded and MILITARILY TRAPPED, just waiting for me to give the word, ‘GO,’ for their lives to be quickly extinguished," Trump said. "As for the rest, we know where and who you are, and you will be hunted down, and killed.”

Trump sets final deadline for Hamas to agree to peace deal

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/didi-tang">DIDI TANG</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>

MAGNOLIA, Ky. (AP) — The leafy soybean plants reach Caleb Ragland’s thighs and are ripe for harvest, but the Kentucky farmer is deeply worried. He doesn’t know where he and others like him will sell their crop because China has stopped buying.

Beijing, which traditionally has snapped up at least a quarter of all soybeans grown in the U.S., is in effect boycotting them in retaliation for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trump-announces-sweeping-new-tariffs-to-promote-us-manufacturing-risking-inflation-and-trade-wars/" target="_blank">the high tariffs</a>&nbsp;President Donald Trump has imposed on Chinese goods and to strengthen its hand in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tiktok-china-b2621f7554d4a45eef83d05b4b958034">negotiations</a>&nbsp;over a new overall trade deal.

It has left American soybean farmers fretting over not only this year’s crop but the long-term viability of their businesses, built in part on China’s once-insatiable appetite for U.S. beans.

“This is a five-alarm fire for our industry,” said Ragland, who leads the American Soybean Association trade group.

The situation might even be enough to test farmers’ loyalty to Trump, although he still enjoys strong support throughout rural America. If no deal is reached soon, they hope the government will come through with aid as it did during Trump’s first term, but they see that only as a temporary solution. Trump said Thursday he is considering an aid package.

U.S. and Chinese officials have held&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-bessent-spain-china-trump-e70c554b5d34cd8f8de30093e9126d4f">four rounds of trade talks</a>&nbsp;between May and September, with another likely in the coming weeks. No progress on soybeans has been reported.

Getting closer to harvest, “I’m honestly getting worried that the time is running out,” said Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council.

After Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, China&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-fentanyl-tariffs-trump-f77abc5dc8cba277a07c0f2cddb9a9e9">responded with tariffs of its own</a>, which now total up to 34% on U.S. soybeans. That makes soybeans from other countries cheaper.

China’s retaliatory tariffs also hit U.S. growers of sorghum, corn and cotton, and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/geoducks-china-us-tariffs-economy-849c8052fd0e679fa421c48d32ed1bc7">geoduck divers</a>&nbsp;have been affected. But soybeans stand out because of the crop’s outsized importance to U.S. agricultural exports. Soybeans are the top U.S. food export, accounting for about 14% of all farm goods sent overseas.

And China has been by far the largest foreign buyer. Last year, the U.S. exported nearly $24.5 billion worth of soybeans, and China accounted for more than $12.5 billion. That compared with $2.45 billion by the European Union, the second-largest buyer. This year, China hasn’t bought beans since May.

With U.S. farmers hurting, the Trump administration is under growing pressure to reach a deal with China. As talks drag on, Trump appears ready to help.

“We’re going to take some of the tariff money — relatively small amount, but a lot for the farmers — and we’re going to help the farmers out a little bit” during this transition period, Trump said.

The only way most farmers survived Trump’s trade war in his first term was with tens of billions of dollars in government payments. But that’s not what most farmers want.

“The American farmer, especially myself included, we don’t want aid payments,” said Brian Warpup, 52, a fourth-generation farmer from Warren, Indiana. “We want to work. We work the land, we harvest the land, the crop off the land. And the worst thing that we could ever want is a handout.”

Farmers are looking to Trump for a long-term solution.

“Overwhelmingly, farmers have been in President Trump’s corner,” said Ragland, the president of the soybean association. “And I think the message that our soybean farmers as a whole want to deliver is: ‘President Trump, we’ve had your back. We need you to have ours now.’”

He said farmers appreciate the willingness to provide some short-term relief, but what they ultimately need are strong, reliable markets. “Our priority remains seeing the United States secure lasting trade agreements — particularly with China — that allow farmers to sell their crops and build a sustainable future with long-term customers,” he said.

Ragland, 39, hopes his three sons will become the 10th generation to till his 4,500 acres in Magnolia, Kentucky. Unless something changes soon, he worries that thousands of farmers may not survive.

Coming into this year, many farmers were just hoping to break even because crop prices were weak while their costs had only increased. Trump’s tariffs, which helped make their crops uncompetitive around the world, drove prices down further. And tariffs on steel and fertilizer sent costs up even more.

Darin Johnson, president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, said he still has faith in the Trump administration to reach a good trade deal with China.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759021668596.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/didi-tang">DIDI TANG</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-funk">JOSH FUNK</a>MAGNOLIA, Ky. (AP) — The leafy soybean plants reach Caleb Ragland’s thighs and are ripe for harvest, but the Kentucky farmer is deeply worried. He doesn’t know where he and others like him will sell their crop because China has stopped buying.Beijing, which traditionally has snapped up at least a quarter of all soybeans grown in the U.S., is in effect boycotting them in retaliation for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trump-announces-sweeping-new-tariffs-to-promote-us-manufacturing-risking-inflation-and-trade-wars/" target="_blank">the high tariffs</a>&nbsp;President Donald Trump has imposed on Chinese goods and to strengthen its hand in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tiktok-china-b2621f7554d4a45eef83d05b4b958034">negotiations</a>&nbsp;over a new overall trade deal.It has left American soybean farmers fretting over not only this year’s crop but the long-term viability of their businesses, built in part on China’s once-insatiable appetite for U.S. beans.“This is a five-alarm fire for our industry,” said Ragland, who leads the American Soybean Association trade group.The situation might even be enough to test farmers’ loyalty to Trump, although he still enjoys strong support throughout rural America. If no deal is reached soon, they hope the government will come through with aid as it did during Trump’s first term, but they see that only as a temporary solution. Trump said Thursday he is considering an aid package.U.S. and Chinese officials have held&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-bessent-spain-china-trump-e70c554b5d34cd8f8de30093e9126d4f">four rounds of trade talks</a>&nbsp;between May and September, with another likely in the coming weeks. No progress on soybeans has been reported.Getting closer to harvest, “I’m honestly getting worried that the time is running out,” said Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council.<h2>Political pressure is growing</h2>After Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, China&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-fentanyl-tariffs-trump-f77abc5dc8cba277a07c0f2cddb9a9e9">responded with tariffs of its own</a>, which now total up to 34% on U.S. soybeans. That makes soybeans from other countries cheaper.China’s retaliatory tariffs also hit U.S. growers of sorghum, corn and cotton, and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/geoducks-china-us-tariffs-economy-849c8052fd0e679fa421c48d32ed1bc7">geoduck divers</a>&nbsp;have been affected. But soybeans stand out because of the crop’s outsized importance to U.S. agricultural exports. Soybeans are the top U.S. food export, accounting for about 14% of all farm goods sent overseas.And China has been by far the largest foreign buyer. Last year, the U.S. exported nearly $24.5 billion worth of soybeans, and China accounted for more than $12.5 billion. That compared with $2.45 billion by the European Union, the second-largest buyer. This year, China hasn’t bought beans since May.With U.S. farmers hurting, the Trump administration is under growing pressure to reach a deal with China. As talks drag on, Trump appears ready to help.“We’re going to take some of the tariff money — relatively small amount, but a lot for the farmers — and we’re going to help the farmers out a little bit” during this transition period, Trump said.The only way most farmers survived Trump’s trade war in his first term was with tens of billions of dollars in government payments. But that’s not what most farmers want.<h2>What farmers expect from Trump</h2>“The American farmer, especially myself included, we don’t want aid payments,” said Brian Warpup, 52, a fourth-generation farmer from Warren, Indiana. “We want to work. We work the land, we harvest the land, the crop off the land. And the worst thing that we could ever want is a handout.”Farmers are looking to Trump for a long-term solution.“Overwhelmingly, farmers have been in President Trump’s corner,” said Ragland, the president of the soybean association. “And I think the message that our soybean farmers as a whole want to deliver is: ‘President Trump, we’ve had your back. We need you to have ours now.’”He said farmers appreciate the willingness to provide some short-term relief, but what they ultimately need are strong, reliable markets. “Our priority remains seeing the United States secure lasting trade agreements — particularly with China — that allow farmers to sell their crops and build a sustainable future with long-term customers,” he said.Ragland, 39, hopes his three sons will become the 10th generation to till his 4,500 acres in Magnolia, Kentucky. Unless something changes soon, he worries that thousands of farmers may not survive.Coming into this year, many farmers were just hoping to break even because crop prices were weak while their costs had only increased. Trump’s tariffs, which helped make their crops uncompetitive around the world, drove prices down further. And tariffs on steel and fertilizer sent costs up even more.Darin Johnson, president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, said he still has faith in the Trump administration to reach a good trade deal with China.“I think where the patience is probably wearing thin is the time,” said Johnson, a fourth-generation farmer. “I don’t think anybody thought that we were going to take this much time because we were told 90 deals, 90 deals in 90 days.”<h2>China’s negotiating strategy</h2>The U.S. soybean industry grew in response to Chinese demand starting back in the 1990s, when China began its rapid economic rise and turned to foreign producers to help feed its people. Protein-rich soybeans are an essential part of the diet.While China relies on domestic crops for steamed beans and tofu, it needs far more soybeans for oil extraction and animal feed. In 2024, China produced 20 million metric tons of soybeans, while importing more than 105 million metric tons.American farmers have come to count on China as their biggest customer, and this has “given the Chinese a point of leverage,” Sutter said. By holding off on buying U.S. soybeans, China is seen as trying to leverage that purchasing power in the trade talks.“I think that’s the strategy,” said Sutter of the U.S. Soybean Export Council. “I think that’s why China is targeting soybeans and other agricultural products, because they know that farmers have a strong lobby and farmers are important to the U.S. government.”Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, didn’t answer specific questions on soybean purchases but urged the U.S. to work with Beijing.“The essence of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation is mutual benefit and win-win,” Liu said.China turned to Brazil when Trump launched his first trade war in 2018. Last year, Brazilian beans accounted for more than 70% of China’s imports, while the U.S. share was down to 21%, World Bank data shows. Argentina and other South American countries also are selling more to China, which has diversified to boost food security.<h2>What American farmers are doing in response</h2>U.S. farmers also are broadening their customer base, said Sutter, who recently traveled to Japan and Indonesia in search of new markets. Taiwan pledged to purchase $10 billion worth of soybeans, corn, wheat and beef in the next four years.“There’s strong diversification efforts underway,” Sutter said. But “China is so big, it’s hard to replace them overnight.”Farmers are working to boost consumption at home, too. Growth in biodiesel production has taken in some of the soybeans that were once exported. Others are crushed to produce soybean oil and soybean meal. The United Soybean Board is investing in research into the benefits of using soybeans to feed dairy cows and hogs.But Iowa farmer Robb Ewoldt, a director with the Soybean Board, knows that such domestic uses are growing gradually.“We cannot replace a China in one shot,” Ewoldt said. “It’s not going to happen. We need to be realistic in that.”___Tang reported from Washington, and Funk from Omaha, Nebraska. Associated Press journalists Dylan Lovan in Magnolia, Kentucky, Obed Lamy in Warren, Indiana, and Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis contributed to this report.

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