In the world

China officially completed the largest telescope in the world, which opened Sept. 25. The telescope’s construction displaced around 8,000 people from their homes and cost around $180 million. Standing with a diameter of 500 meters, the telescope is 195 meters wider than the second largest telescope of its kind in the world, the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. According to China’s official Xinhua News, the telescope will be used for “observation of pulsars as well as exploration of interstellar molecules and interstellar communication signals.”

In the U.S.

A new law took effect Saturday in North Carolina limiting public access to police bodycam footage. The law states that the footage is not public record, allowing individual heads of law enforcement agencies make the decision whether or not to disclose the video footage. North Carolina is now one of a growing two dozen states who have passed  legislation affecting public record laws in the past two years. Supporters believe the laws protect investigation integrity, while detractors worry they eliminate evidence the public has a right to see.

In Missouri

September 15, Republican members of the House and Senate reversed Missouri Governor Jay Nixon’s veto for a law that would loosen Missouri gun laws. The new law, taking effect Jan. 1 of next year, dictates that Missouri citizens will no longer need a permit or training for concealed carrying of guns, which has been required in the state since 2004.

In Kansas City

Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s November 1999 application to buy a Kansas City casino is now locked away from public viewing. Trump offered $15 million for the current Isle of Capri casino, but lacked a gaming license required by Missouri law. Because of an unspecified reason, Trump’s company cancelled its application for the required gaming license. Because of Missouri law, this cancellation dictates that the public cannot view the sought-after documents.