Halloween has brought more than costumes and candy to Northwest Missouri State University over the years — it’s been a stage for campus milestones and memorable moments.

Nodaway County Economic Development and partner agencies are hosting a Downtown Open Spaces Tour on Thursday, Nov. 6, offering opportunities for prospective business owners to explore available properties and connect with local entrepreneurs.

Diane Houston, who led the Maryville Public Library for 30 years and helped expand its services and space, is being remembered for her lasting contributions to the community following her passing.

About 73% of people in the United States plan to celebrate Halloween this year, according to national retail estimates. Total spending on the holiday is expected to surpass $13 billion. Candy remains one of the biggest categories, with sales projected to reach nearly $4 billion. Decorations are close behind at an estimated $4.2 billion, while costumes are expected to bring in around $4.3 billion. Even Halloween greeting cards are holding strong, adding about $700 million in sales nationwide.

Halloween may be wrapping up, but the Maryville Chamber of Commerce is already gearing up for the holiday season with its annual “Grinch of Maryville” contest.

Relations between the two neighbors hit a low point this month, with fighting killing people on both sides of the border. At issue is a rise in militancy in Pakistan since the Taliban took over Afghanistan.

Two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funding to provide SNAP benefits. But it's unclear how much, or when, those funds would be provided before the funding runs dry.

"67," pronounced "six seven," spread from a rap song, through sports and social media, to classrooms and homes across the U.S. But even the artist who coined it struggles to define it.

Some 42 million people in the U.S. who rely on SNAP benefits could soon join the already long lines at the nation's food banks and pantries that are also serving struggling federal workers.

Western states have some of America's lowest fertility rates. The rapidly rising cost of housing is playing a role.