hcj

Top 5 Kansas news stories

October 7, 2025

Teri Hansen

07 Oct 2025 • 5 min read

Kroger recalls deli pasta salads at Kansas stores over listeria risk

Lawrence High School senior saves choking woman with Heimlich maneuver

Kansas WIC program funded through October despite national shortage warnings

Trump plans multibillion-dollar aid package for soybean farmers amid China trade war

Chiefs drop to No. 12 in NFL power rankings after falling to 2-3

Kroger recalls deli pasta salads at Kansas stores over listeria risk

Kroger has issued a voluntary recall of basil pesto bowtie salad and smoked mozzarella penne salad sold at Kansas locations, including Dillons stores, due to potential listeria contamination. The pasta salads were available at deli counters and in grab-and-go packages between Sept. 6 and Oct. 2. The recall was initiated after Kroger learned that pasta from supplier Nate's Fine Foods of Roseville, California, may have been contaminated. Kansas is among 28 states affected by the recall of products sold at more than 1,860 stores nationwide. No illnesses have been reported, and all affected products have been removed from shelves. Kansas customers should dispose of or return the items for a full refund and can call 1-800-KROGERS with questions.

KSN

Lawrence High School senior saves choking woman with Heimlich maneuver

Adrian Mendoza, a senior at Free State High School in Lawrence, is being hailed as a hero after saving an 18-year-old woman who was choking at a Lawrence assisted living facility during dinner. Mendoza performed the Heimlich maneuver after recognizing the woman couldn't speak or breathe, successfully dislodging the obstruction after several attempts. The teenager credited his quick response to training he received at the Lawrence Police Department Teen Police Academy, where he learned to recognize choking signs and perform life-saving techniques. The woman made a full recovery and expressed gratitude for Mendoza's intervention. School resource officer Bailey Salsbury praised Mendoza's actions as a reflection of the Teen Police Academy program's effectiveness. Mendoza, who said helping others comes naturally to him, plans to pursue a career in law enforcement after college.

KAKE

Kansas WIC program funded through October despite national shortage warnings

Kansas WIC officials say the federally funded nutrition program for women, infants and children should remain operational through the end of October, even as some states warn they have as little as two weeks of funding remaining due to the ongoing government shutdown. Tom Langer, public health officer for the City-Cowley County Health Department, explained that Kansas operates WIC differently than many states by reimbursing benefits after they're distributed rather than receiving funding upfront, providing more cushion during the federal impasse. The National WIC Association has warned that a crisis point could arrive within weeks if Congress doesn't pass a federal spending bill, with potentially devastating consequences for families who rely on infant formula and other nutritional support. However, Langer urged Kansas WIC beneficiaries not to panic or rush to stockpile supplies, saying such behavior would worsen the situation. He emphasized that as long as federal funding resumes by the end of October, Kansas participants should continue receiving benefits without interruption.

KWCH

Trump plans multibillion-dollar aid package for soybean farmers amid China trade war

President Donald Trump is planning a substantial aid package ranging from $10 billion to $14 billion for U.S. soybean farmers, including Kansas producers, to help them survive China's ongoing boycott of American soybeans in response to his trade war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the public could expect news of support for soybean farmers as soon as Tuesday, though details of the aid package remain unclear. China, which has been the largest foreign buyer of American soybeans for many years, last purchased U.S. beans in May and has not bought any for this harvest season, which began in September, instead turning to Brazil and Argentina for supplies. Kansas farmers and agricultural producers across the country have expressed frustration at being caught in the middle of the trade dispute, saying they would rather sell their crops on the open market than receive government bailouts. The American Soybean Association president welcomed Trump's acknowledgment of farmers' difficulties but warned that time is running out to reach a deal before China bypasses U.S. suppliers entirely by purchasing from South American countries for the remainder of the year. During Trump's first trade war with China, he provided American farmers more than $22 billion in aid payments in 2019 and nearly $46 billion in 2020, though the latter also included COVID-related assistance.

NYT

Chiefs drop to No. 12 in NFL power rankings after falling to 2-3

The Kansas City Chiefs tumbled from fourth to 12th in Sports Illustrated's NFL power rankings after losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-28 on Monday night, dropping their record to 2-3 and below .500 for the first time this season. The Chiefs showed strong confidence and vigor in the first half against Jacksonville before the Jaguars' offense, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, dominated the second half. The loss came despite what appeared to be a rejuvenated Chiefs team that looked sharp early in the contest. The Chiefs will face another difficult test this week when they host the Detroit Lions, who currently sit atop the power rankings at 4-1. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledged after Monday's defeat that the team has already suffered too many losses this season, highlighting the urgency as Kansas City looks to turn around its early-season struggles.

Sports Illustrated

Sources

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