A community fundraiser is underway to help Juan and Zulma De Leon, owners of the popular 805 Tacos food truck, after a devastating fire on August 27 destroyed their business and main source of income.

805 Tacos has been more than a food truck—it’s been a gathering place where neighbors lined up for authentic tacos and warm hospitality. Now, Salina is rallying to bring it back.

Donations will go directly toward replacing the truck, restocking supplies, and helping the De Leons get back on their feet.

Donate to the GoFundMe: <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-805-tacos-owners-after-taco-truck-fire?attribution_id=sl%3A2b5dc9c3-80a0-4e53-b0d8-ec6eaff64d07&amp;utm_campaign=unknown&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=widget">Support 805 Tacos Owners After Taco Truck Fire</a>

“805 Tacos isn’t just food—it’s family, tradition, and community,"&nbsp;said Shelby&nbsp;Hermosillo of the Kansas Impact Coalition. "Let’s rally together to bring it back."

Contact: Miranda or Shelby; Kansas Impact Coalition at:&nbsp;(785) 342-2638

Fundraiser launched after beloved 805 Tacos truck destroyed in fire

For the 9th year in a row, the Local Food Works Foundation is hosting "Feast on the Fe" on Saturday, September 13.&nbsp;

In the middle of downtown Salina (200 block of Santa Fe), the Local Food Works Foundation will be holding their annual fundraiser. Check-in starts at 5:00 pm with a&nbsp;Cash Bar&nbsp;opening at 5:30 pm, and the dinner runs from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

This fundraiser celebrates the local food system, featuring a gourmet meal prepared by local chefs using local ingredients. It also helps raise awareness&nbsp;to showcase Saline County chefs and farmers.

Tickets are on sale now and are available for purchase:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feast-on-the-fe-2025-tickets-1571952254509?aff=oddtdtcreator">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feast-on-the-fe-2025-tickets-1571952254509?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>

All proceeds collected from this event go towards an annual grant that the Local Food Works Foundations gives to farmers, chefs, entrepreneurs and&nbsp; anyone providing local food to Saline County. 

Feast on the streets: "Feast on the Fe" occurring September 13, tickets on sale now

The Saline County AFA Community, in partnership with Agriculture Future of America (AFA), has awarded the prestigious AFA Leader and Academic Scholarship to Anna Karber and Caden Parry from Saline County, KS. 

Each scholarship, valued at $3,200, recognizes academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to pursuing a career in food, agriculture, and natural resources.&nbsp;

Anna Karber, a Southeast of Saline graduate, is attending Kansas State University this fall and is majoring in Animal Science and Industry. 

Caden Parry, also a Southeast of Saline graduate, is attending Fort Hays State University with a major in Agronomy and a minor in Agribusiness Management.&nbsp;

Through the Saline County AFA Community Scholarship, Karber and Parry will not only receive financial assistance but also gain access to the transformative AFA Leaders Conference in November. This premier leadership development experience equips students with the skills to bridge the gap between college and career.&nbsp;

“We are extremely proud to connect Anna and Caden to the AFA network through this scholarship and not only support them financially, but also help them gain access to opportunities that will help them build careers in the agriculture industry,” said Jason Kern, Community Coordinator for the Saline County AFA Partnership. “This scholarship would not be possible without the support of our local community donors, who show these kids that their local community believes in their future.”&nbsp;

AFA community scholarships are funded by dedicated volunteers across eight states who raise funds to support these awards. Donors raised locally are then matched by the national AFA organization to complete the award. 

Because of consistent donor support, Saline County has awarded more than 50 scholarships since the partnership began in 1998. Many of the scholarship recipients have come back to live and work in the Saline County community.&nbsp;

“AFA Leader and Academic Scholarships celebrate outstanding students who demonstrate a clear career vision, strong leadership, active community engagement, and financial need,” shares Mark Stewart, AFA President and CEO. "The collaboration with our community partners enables AFA to cultivate exceptional talent, ensuring that the agriculture industry continues to thrive with leaders who are deeply connected to their roots and driven by purpose."&nbsp;

To learn more about AFA Leader and Academic Scholarships or AFA Leaders Conference, visit <a href="http://www.agfuture.org">www.agfuture.org</a>. &nbsp;

The following donors made the 2025 awards possible:&nbsp;

Morton Buildings; Jackson Crop Insurance; Lang Diesel, Inc.; Wimer Family Charitable Foundation; Saline County Conservation District; Saline County Farm Bureau; Bennington State Bank; Tri-Valley Seed &amp; Service, LLC; Carrico Implement, Inc.; Nichols Financial, LLC; Everhart Precision Ag, LLC; Hedville Grain &amp; Feed, LLC; Kubota of Salina; Advantage Trust Company Star Seed, LLC; Kermit Dorf and Connie Cox-Dorf; Bill Mahanay &amp; Family; Trent &amp; Emily Page; Jason and Kristi Kern.

About Agriculture Future of America &nbsp;

AFA builds bridges for young leaders to foster engagement and innovation in food and agriculture through premier leader and career development experiences. In the last five years, AFA has provided 26,000 leader development experiences to college leaders and young professionals from more than 200 colleges and universities throughout 43 states since its inception in 1996. AFA has awarded more than $11.5 million in academic and leader development scholarships. 

For more information about AFA, visit <a href="http://agfuture.org">agfuture.org</a>.

Two Saline County college students receive prestigious agriculture scholarship

Grain growers in central Kansas who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the state’s five grain commodity commissions — corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers — should be gathering petition signatures now to meet the November 30, 2025, filing deadline.

Voting will take place in January-February 2026.

The 2026 election will cover districts IV, V, VI — or the central third of Kansas.

Clay, Cloud, Jewell, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Republic, Rooks, Smith, and Washington counties.District V:&nbsp;Barton, Dickinson, Ellis, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Marion, McPherson, Rice, Rush, Russell, and Saline counties.

Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Kiowa, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Sedgwick, Stafford, and Sumner counties.

To be eligible to run, candidates must have been actively engaged in growing that commodity (corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers) within the preceding five years and must reside in and represent the district where they maintain their primary residence. 

To be included on the 2026 ballot, candidates must gather 20 signatures from eligible growers, with no more than five signatures from any one county.&nbsp;

Eligible growers are Kansas residents who will be at least 18 years old by January 1, 2026, and who have actively grown corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers or wheat for the last three years.&nbsp;

Candidates may choose to collect signatures either on paper or online, or by using a combination of both. 

The online petition portal is available at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fportal.kda.ks.gov%2Fenrollment%2FCommoditiesCandidatePetition%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019905a73987-c5ca6e10-03b0-4474-8c44-fa11c0f02a88-000000/SNBiKWyvpE4wE-Ki9pclDz0YdPAOztcbMRw7ODBBdNQ=420">https://portal.kda.ks.gov/enrollment/CommoditiesCandidatePetition</a>.&nbsp;

After creating an account, candidates will receive a unique URL to share with eligible signors, who can then provide their contact information and sign the petition electronically. Paper candidate registration packets are also available from the Kansas Department of Agriculture or the grain commodity commissions.&nbsp;

Commodity commissions are grower-led organizations committed to supporting the economic viability of their industries and fostering continuous improvement in their respective commodities. 

Commissioners serve three-year terms, which will begin on April 1, 2026. They oversee how check-off funds are invested in areas of market development, education, promotion, and research.

For more information on Kansas commodity commissions, including voter registration, please visit the Kansas Department of Agriculture website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FCommodityCommissions%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019905a73987-c5ca6e10-03b0-4474-8c44-fa11c0f02a88-000000/IFmTvHFATdGIVxj-2z2lr8arvDma__hUAbVnRAhOZUw=420">www.agriculture.ks.gov/CommodityCommissions</a>.

Department of Agriculture opens filing for Commodity Commission Candidates

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 1 - September 3

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ.; misd.

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Freilinger, Brenda Alice

REQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg. Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke; Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 1

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Violation of restrictions on driver's license or permit; Fleeing a LEO; fail/refuse to stop; 1st conviction; Fail to yield at stop or yield sign

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Driving while habitual violator; No Proof Of Insurance; Fail to yield at stop or yield sign

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Harass by telecom device; Cause device to ring/activate to harass; Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 31

Great news continues to come out of the Kansas Wesleyan University campus, as the school recently announced that it projects fall enrollment to exceed 950 students. That is the third consecutive year the school has topped that plateau and the first time that has occurred in school history.&nbsp;

Among the 952 projected students, 575 are returning to campus, the second-highest total in university history. It is the first time in school history that KWU has posted more than 500 returning undergraduate students for three straight years. The university estimates 525 students are in campus housing, the second-highest total ever and nearly 35% more than 2019.&nbsp;

“It’s been a great three years, filled with tremendous accomplishments and numerous firsts,” said KWU President Dr. Matt Thompson. “We’re proud of these enrollment records, three straight KCAC Commissioner’s Cups, three straight years with 100% pass rates on the NCLEX and the list goes on. Our students continue to excel on the field, in the classroom and in the community, thanks to our numerous supporters. We are truly grateful to everyone who hires KWU interns, serves as a host family or attends an on-campus event, because each of those helps foster the KWU experience for students.”

KWU’s incoming students hail from 37 states and 21 countries, helping to enhance the diversity of the campus&nbsp;and community experience. Pre-Nursing and Business are the most popular majors for new students. The first-year student grade point average (GPA) is 3.51 and incoming transfer&nbsp;sits&nbsp;at 3.22.&nbsp;

Overall, the university projects the same enrollment as Fall 2023 and continues a trend that has seen a 34.6% increase in total enrollment since 2019. The MBA program looks to be an important part of that success moving forward, as the returning MBA student number nearly doubled in just one year, helped by several key scholarship offerings.&nbsp;

“Community has always been a key part of what drives Kansas Wesleyan forward,” said Executive Vice President Ken Oliver. “We’re pleased that the MBA scholarship offerings we’ve developed, highlighted by the Saline County MBA Scholarship, appear to be opening doors to workers throughout the county to further their education. That, in the process, builds an even better community.”

The university saw the largest graduating class in its history last year, a group that approached 200 individuals. In addition, a certificate program tied to off-site efforts concluded and COVID-related eligibility, related to some student-athletes returning for Masters’ programs, wrapped up.&nbsp;

“We recruit alumni at Kansas Wesleyan, not just students,” said Oliver. “We achieved all of those goals, thanks to great work by faculty, staff and numerous coaches, led and mentored by Admissions. Kansas Wesleyan is here for the long haul, and we are ready to help build up North Central Kansas for the next 140 years!”&nbsp;

Kansas Wesleyan’s Fall 2025 enrollment will become official on the 20th day of the semester, Monday, Sept. 15.&nbsp;

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KWU’s enrollment tops 950 for third consecutive year

Central Kansas Mental Health Center

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention, highlight the importance of recognizing warning signs, and ensure that everyone knows help is available through crisis hotlines such as the 988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline.&nbsp;

Suicide is a leading cause of death in Kansas, impacting not only individuals and families but entire communities. 

Access to timely care and crisis services is a proven protective factor that can save lives. Hotlines such as 988, the Veterans Crisis Line, the Trevor Project, the Farm Aid Hotline, and the Crisis Text Line provide immediate, confidential support 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.&nbsp;

Throughout September, Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC) is working with community partners to distribute 988 awareness materials and promote crisis services across the region. The goal is to make sure every resident knows where to turn in a moment of need.&nbsp;

“We want people to know that they are not alone, and that help is always available,” said Crisis Director Esther Kency. “Whether through 988, CKMHC’s mobile crisis services, mental health co-responders, or other trusted hotlines, immediate support is out there for anyone experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis.”&nbsp;

Everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention. CKMHC encourages individuals to:&nbsp;

· Learn the warning signs and reach out when someone may be struggling.&nbsp;

· Reduce the stigma around mental health by speaking openly and compassionately.&nbsp;

· Share resources and offer support to friends, family, and neighbors.&nbsp;

· Promote access to care, a proven protective factor that saves lives.&nbsp;

Together, we can foster a community of hope, support, and compassion for all affected by suicide.&nbsp;

Warning signs of suicide may include:&nbsp;

· Talking about wanting to die or expressing hopelessness&nbsp;

· Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities&nbsp;

· Extreme mood swings or sudden changes in behavior&nbsp;

· Increased use of alcohol or drugs&nbsp;

· Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior&nbsp;

It is crucial to take these signs seriously. If you or someone you know is showing these warning signs, reach out immediately for help.&nbsp;

· 988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 anytime for immediate support.&nbsp;

· CKMHC 24/7 Crisis services – 785-823-6322&nbsp;

· Farm Aid Hotline – Call 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243).&nbsp;

· Veterans Crisis Line – Call 988 and press 1.&nbsp;

· National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or text “START” to 88788.&nbsp;

· The Trevor Project – Call 1-866-488-7386, text “START” to 678678, or visit thetrevorproject.org.&nbsp;

· Crisis Text Line – Text HELLO to 74174

For more information about&nbsp;Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC), visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ckmhc.org/">https://www.ckmhc.org/</a>

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month highlights access to crisis services

As the Museum prepares for its 1950s exhibit, it’s the perfect time to feature Nelly Don, a Kansas native who revolutionized the apparel industry. 

Join Marla Day as she introduces Nelly Don, a Parsons native, who built a fashion empire. Day will discuss the vision, hard work, fair treatment of her workers and more that made Nelly Don the largest dressmaker of the 20th century. Day is the curator of Kansas State University’s Historic Costume and Textile Museum in Manhattan. Humanities Kansas underwrites this presentation.

This free presentation is offered at the Smoky Hill Museum, Thursday, September 4,&nbsp;5:30-6:30 pm.

Enjoy the presentation at the Museum or from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. 

Register for your Zoom link at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org/">www.smokyhillmuseum.org</a>.

“Dress for Success: Nelly Don and American Fashion” is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

Museum hosts free presentation about fashion icon, Nelly Don

The Salina Area United Way is taking bold steps to expand its reach and impact across North Central Kansas. 

As part of its refreshed mission and vision, United Way will be focusing on building new resources and programs to strengthen all ten counties it serves: Saline, Ellsworth, Ottawa, Cloud, Republic, Mitchell, Lincoln, Russell, Jewell, and Osborne.&nbsp;

“Our goal is simple: to unite people and resources in ways that create resilient, thriving communities,” said Christina Small, Executive Director of the Salina Area United Way. “This expansion is about being more intentional with our efforts, ensuring that every county in our region feels the impact of United Way’s work. And just as importantly, every dollar raised will stay in that local county, invested back into their communities."&nbsp;

One area of immediate focus will be the continued growth of the Early Childcare Initiative, which will soon expand to support in-home childcare providers in addition to licensed centers. This work is designed to address one of the region’s most pressing challenges—accessible and affordable childcare—while also supporting providers who play a vital role in early childhood development.&nbsp;

As part of this growth, United Way will place its Funded Partner program on a one-year pause to allow greater focus on expanding its reach and initiatives. This pause will not reduce or cut any existing programs or resources; instead, it allows the organization to focus on building new opportunities that will strengthen families and communities across the region. 

As United Way evolves its approach, it remains deeply committed to the organizations that make our region stronger. Many of these partners will continue working alongside United Way through new collaborative initiatives, ensuring that vital programs remain supported while the organization extends its impact across all ten counties.&nbsp;

“This is an exciting moment for us,” added Christina. “We’re not stepping back from our community—we’re stepping up to serve more people, in more places, and in more meaningful ways than ever before.”&nbsp;

Community members and supporters are invited to learn more at the Business After Hours &amp; Campaign Kick-off on Thursday, September 25&nbsp;from 5:00–7:00 pm&nbsp;at 328 N. Ohio St.

The Salina Area United Way invites community members, businesses and partners to join them in this next chapter of growth. Together, the organization believes North Central Kansas can be stronger, more connected and better equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.&nbsp;

For more information about Salina Area United Way’s mission and initiatives, visit <a href="http://www.unitedwaysalina.org">www.unitedwaysalina.org</a>.

United Way takes steps to expand resources across 10 counties

Labor Day weekend weather forecast Salina, August 29 - September 1

Cool weather and isolated showers are expected to occur this Labor Day weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), the highs for this upcoming Labor Day weekend are only expected to reach 80 degrees in Central Kansas. Friday, August 29th is looking to only be around 75-79, with Saturday - Monday being 77-83 degrees.

Rain chances are anticipated to occur on Saturday and last into the start of next week.

Cool weather and isolated showers expected Labor Day weekend 

The US National Weather Service has issued a "Flood Watch" throughout parts of Central Kansas until Thursday afternoon.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), many locations in Central Kansas are expected to see heavy rainfall tonight (Wednesday, August 27) and into Thursday morning, with some areas likely observing over 2 inches.

Salina is listed to have a 77% chance of rainfall over 1 inch and low chance for it to be over 2 inches.

Wichita is listed to have 62% chance, while Hutchinson a 47% chance of rainfall to be over 2 inches.&nbsp;

Saline County Emergency Management is informing county residents to prepare for at least two rounds of thunderstorms. The first round this Wednesday afternoon is expected to be less severe. 

However, a stronger system is forecast to move in late tonight (Wednesday) through Thursday morning with a higher risk of heavy rainfall and localized flooding.

Safety tips by Saline County Emergency Management include:&nbsp;

"Flood Watch" issued throughout Central Kansas: Heavy rainfall expected Wednesday night into Thursday

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 27 - August 29

Fall-like temps, along with isolated and scattered showers are expected to occur this week throughout Central Kansas.

Temperatures are listed to drop this week, along with isolated and scattered showers in Central Kansas. According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), the best chances for rainfall will be on Wednesday, August 27 and into Thursday, August 28, after Monday's showers.

Severe weather is not expected, but there are possibilities some of the weather could produce brief periods of heavy rainfall.&nbsp;

Temperatures drop this week, along with isolated and scattered showers throughout Central Kansas 

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 25 - August 27

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 22 - August 24

Cooler temperatures are looking to transpire with isolated storms for this upcoming weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the&nbsp;US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) after Friday, August 22, temperatures are expected to drop, starting Saturday - Monday. Isolated storms are anticipated to occur in the event of the cooler weather this weekend.

Monday, August 25 is listed as the coolest day with highs only reaching to the mid 70's.

Cooler temps with isolated storms expected for the weekend in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 20 - August 22

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/christopher-rugaber">CHRISTOPHER RUGABER</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s attempt to fire a member of the Federal Reserve’s governing board has raised alarms among economists and legal experts who see it as the biggest threat to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-trump-independence-5c2ec1a37dc4aca6a59544f8b4513a45">central bank’s independence</a>&nbsp;in decades.

The consequences could impact most Americans’ everyday lives: Economists worry that if Trump gets what he wants — a loyal Fed that sharply cuts short-term interest rates — the result would likely be higher inflation and, over time, higher borrowing costs for things like mortgages, car loans and business loans.

Last week, Trump <a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-lisa-cook-trump-6fca3d2fbb54ba204cc91398e6a7b020">sought</a>&nbsp;to fire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-fed-governor-trump-firing-211c3db1a5082d46449f26b865fde850">Lisa Cook</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-federal-reserve-firing-trump-dei-4fdbb4af653bcca7b6fb0432166b44f3">first Black woman</a>&nbsp;appointed to the Fed’s seven-member governing board. It was the first time in the Fed’s 112-year history that a president has tried to fire a governor.

Trump said he was doing so because of allegations raised by one of his appointees that she has committed mortgage fraud.

Cook has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cook-trump-308f2e6ac04f62643d96b8347d5b2417">argued in a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking to block her firing that the claims are a pretext for Trump’s true goal: Gaining more control over the Fed. A court may decide next week whether to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cook-trump-e9933d518af5155250bebbdc29fd3f2b">temporarily block Cook’s firing</a>&nbsp;while the case makes its way through the legal process.

Cook is accused of claiming two homes as primary residences in July 2021, before she joined the board, which could have led to a lower mortgage rate than if one had been classified as a second home or an investment property. She has suggested in her lawsuit that it may have been a clerical error but hasn’t directly responded to the accusations.

Trump and members of his administration have made no secret about their desire to exert more control over the Fed. Trump has repeatedly demanded that the central bank cut its key rate to as low as 1.3%, from its current level of 4.3%.

Before trying to fire Cook, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-powell-federal-reserve-building-renovation-2393d9ac9fdb9508f285d0faa5f4de41">repeatedly attacked</a>&nbsp;the Fed’s chair, Jerome Powell, for not cutting the short-term interest rate and threatened to fire him as well.

“We’ll have a majority very shortly, so that’ll be good,” Trump said Tuesday, a reference to the fact that if he is able to replace Cook, his appointees will control the Fed’s board by a 4-3 vote.

“The particular case of Governor Cook is not as important as what this latest move shows about the escalation in the assaults on the Fed,” said Jon Faust, an economist at Johns Hopkins and former adviser to Powell. “In my view, Fed independence really now hangs by a thread.”

Some economists do think the Fed should cut more quickly, though virtually none agree with Trump that it should do so by 3 percentage points. Powell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">has signaled</a>&nbsp;the Fed is likely to cut by a quarter point in September.

Why economists prefer independent central banks

The Fed wields extensive power over the U.S. economy. By cutting the short-term interest rate it controls — which it typically does&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-congress-general-news-47edd7d4ae44414490b645068e7da54a">when the economy falters</a>&nbsp;— the Fed can make borrowing cheaper and encourage more spending, growth, and hiring. When it raises the rate to combat the higher prices that come with inflation, it can weaken the economy and cause job losses.

Most economists have long preferred independent central banks because they can take unpopular steps that elected officials are more likely to avoid. Economic research has shown that nations with independent central banks typically have lower inflation over time.

Elected officials like Trump, however, have much greater incentives to push for lower interest rates, which make it easier for Americans to buy homes and cars and would boost the economy in the short run.

Douglas Elmendorf, an economist at Harvard and former director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, said that Trump’s demand for the Fed to cut its key rate by 3 percentage points would overstimulate the economy, lifting consumer demand above what the economy can produce and boosting inflation — similar to what happened during the pandemic.

“If the Federal Reserve falls under control of the president, then we’ll end up with higher inflation in this country probably for years to come,” Elmendorf said.

And while the Fed controls a short-term rate, financial markets determine longer-term borrowing costs for mortgages and other loans. And if investors worry that inflation will stay high, they will demand higher yields on government bonds, pushing up borrowing costs across the economy.

In Turkey, for example, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan forced the central bank to keep interest rates low in the early 2020s, even as inflation spiked to 85%. In 2023, Erdogan allowed the central bank more independence, which has helped bring down inflation, but short-term interest rates rose to 50% to fight inflation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/turkey-central-bank-interest-rates-33610217e70f157478e03f031d50fad9">and are still 46%</a>.

Other U.S. presidents have badgered the Fed. President Lyndon Johnson harassed then-Fed Chair William McChesney Martin in the mid-1960s to keep rates low as Johnson ramped up government spending on the Vietnam War and antipoverty programs. And Richard Nixon pressured then-Chair Arthur Burns to avoid rate hikes in the run-up to the 1972 election. Both episodes are widely blamed for leading to the stubbornly high inflation of the 1960s and ‘70s.

Trump has also argued that the Fed should lower its rate to make it easier for the federal government to finance its tremendous $37 trillion debt load. Yet that threatens to distract the Fed from its congressional mandates of keeping inflation and unemployment low.

Presidents do have some influence over the Fed through their ability to appoint members of the board, subject to Senate approval. But the Fed was created to be insulated from short-term political pressures. Fed governors are appointed to staggered, 14-year terms to ensure that no single president can appoint too many.

Jane Manners, a law professor at Fordham University, said there is a reason that Congress decided to create independent agencies like the Fed: They preferred “decisions that are made from a kind of objective, neutral vantage point grounded in expertise rather than decisions are that are wholly subject to political pressure.”

Yet some Trump administration officials say they want more democratic accountability at the Fed.

In an interview with USA Today Vice President JD Vance said, “What people who are saying the president has no authority here are effectively saying is that seven economists and lawyers should be able to make an incredibly critical decision for the American people with no democratic input.”

And Stephen Miran, a top White House economic adviser, wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://manhattan.institute/article/reform-the-federal-reserves-governance-to-deliver-better-monetary-outcomes" target="_blank">a paper</a>&nbsp;last year advocating for a restructuring of the Fed, including making it much easier for a president to fire governors.

The “overall goal of this design is delivering the economic benefits” of an independent central bank, Miran wrote, “while maintaining a level of accountability that a democratic society must demand.” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-miran-794df2cd9d33b327bf3b836a553dd5ef">has nominated</a>&nbsp;Miran to the Fed’s board to replace Adriana Kugler, who stepped down unexpectedly Aug. 1.

Trump has personally insulted Powell for months, but his administration now appears much more focused on the Fed’s broader structure.

The Fed makes its interest rate decisions through a committee that consists of the seven governors, including Powell, as well as the 12 presidents of regional Fed banks in cities such as New York, Kansas City, and Atlanta. Five of those presidents vote on rates at each meeting. The New York Fed president has a permanent vote, while four others vote on a rotating basis.

While the reserve banks’ boards choose their presidents, the Fed board in Washington can vote to reject them. All 12 presidents will need to be reappointed and approved by the board in February, which could become more contentious if the board votes down one or more of the 12 presidents.

“The nuclear scenario is ... the reappointment of the reserve bank presidents and interfering with that, (which) would be the signal that things are truly going off the rails,” said Adam Posen, president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

How the Fed losing its independence could affect your life

By LUENA RODRIGUEZ-FEO VILEIRA, MAKIYA SEMINERA and COLLIN BINKLEY Associated Press

One international student after another told the University of Central Missouri this summer that they couldn't get a visa, and many struggled to even land an interview for one.

Even though demand was just as high as ever, half as many new international graduate students showed up for fall classes compared to last year.

The decline represents a hit to the bottom line for Central Missouri, a small public university that operates close to its margins with an endowment of only $65 million. International students typically account for nearly a quarter of its tuition revenue.

“We aren’t able to subsidize domestic students as much when we have fewer international students who are bringing revenue to us,” said Roger Best, the university's president.

Signs of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/international-students-visas-trump-uk-dubai-6fd432398ce4c87f49a89c9c39421dec">decline in international students</a>&nbsp;have unsettled colleges around the U.S. Colleges with large numbers of foreign students and small endowments have little financial cushion to protect them from steep losses in tuition money.

International students represent at least 20% of enrollment at more than 100 colleges with endowments of less than $250,000 per student, according to an Associated Press analysis. Many are small Christian colleges, but the group also includes large universities such as Northeastern and Carnegie Mellon.

The extent of the change in enrollment will not be clear until the fall, Some groups have forecast a decline of as much as 40%, with a huge impact on college budgets and the wider U.S. economy.

International students face new scrutiny on several fronts

As part of a broader effort to reshape higher education, President Donald Trump has pressed colleges to limit their numbers of international students and heightened scrutiny of student visas. His administration has moved to deport foreign students involved in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-mahmoud-khalil-ice-15014bcbb921f21a9f704d5acdcae7a8">pro-Palestinian activism</a>, and new student visa appointments were put on hold for weeks as it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-visas-trump-social-media-6632a2c585245edcd6a63594345dd8c7">ramped up vetting</a>&nbsp;of applicants' social media.

On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security said it will propose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/28/2025-16554/establishing-a-fixed-time-period-of-admission-and-an-extension-of-stay-procedure-for-nonimmigrant">a rule</a>&nbsp;that would put new limits on the time foreign students can stay in the U.S.

The policies have introduced severe financial instability for colleges, said Justin Gest, a professor at George Mason University who studies the politics of immigration.

Foreign students are not eligible for federal financial aid and often pay full price for tuition — double or even triple the in-state rate paid by domestic students at public universities.

“To put it more dollars and cents-wise, if an international student comes in and pays $80,000 a year in tuition, that gives universities the flexibility to offer lower fees and more scholarship money to American students,” Gest said.

A Sudanese student barely made it to the US for the start of classes

Ahmed Ahmed, a Sudanese student, nearly didn't make it to the U.S. for his freshman year at the University of Rochester.

The Trump administration in June announced a travel ban on 12 countries, including Sudan. Diplomatic officials assured Ahmed he could still enter the U.S. because his visa was issued before the ban. But when he tried to board a flight to leave for the U.S. from Uganda, where he stayed with family during the summer, he was turned away and advised to contact an embassy about his visa.

With the help of the University of Rochester’s international office, Ahmed was able to book another flight.

At Rochester, where he received a scholarship to study electrical engineering, Ahmed, 19, said he feels supported by the staff. But he also finds himself on edge and understands why other students might not want to subject themselves to the scrutiny in the U.S., particularly those who are entirely paying their own way.

“I feel like I made it through, but I’m one of the last people to make it through,” he said.

Colleges are taking steps to blunt the impact

In recent years, international students have made up about 30% of enrollment at Central Missouri, which has a total of around 12,800 students. In anticipation of the hit to international enrollment, Central Missouri cut a cost-of-living raise for employees. It has pushed off infrastructure improvements planned for its campus and has been looking for other ways to cut costs.

Small schools — typically classified as those with no more than 5,000 students — tend to have less financial flexibility and will be especially vulnerable, said Dick Startz, an economics professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Lee University, a Christian institution with 3,500 students in Tennessee, is expecting 50 to 60 international students enrolled this fall, down from 82 the previous school year, representing a significant drop in revenue for the school, said Roy Y. Chan, the university’s director of graduate studies.

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