Kansas Trails Inc. has announced the launch of the first-ever Ride for Resilience (R4R), a 30-day, 700-mile cycling journey across Kansas trails to raise awareness and funds for both GO2 for Lung Cancer and Kansas Trails Inc.

From September 15 to October 15, Mike Scanlon, Executive Director of Kansas Trails Inc., will ride across 60 trails and 50 Kansas towns, sharing stories of survival, community, and resilience.

Along the way, he hopes to meet cancer survivors, fighters and trail enthusiasts who will join him in celebrating the power of trails and the strength of the human spirit.

“Trails are more than paths through the prairie; they are lifelines for small towns, strengthening connections and boosting local economies,” said Scanlon. “This ride is about resilience—in lung cancer treatments that extend lives and research that opens new possibilities, in the riders who bike our trails, and in the rural communities those trails connect.”

Scanlon, who was diagnosed in March 2024 with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), credits a rare biomarker (EGFR Exon 19 deletion) and targeted therapy (Tagrisso by AstraZeneca) for keeping him among the small fraction of NSCLC patients currently with No Evidence of Disease (NED). While his own battle continues, he is determined to use his journey to inspire others and to bring awareness to the need for wider biomarker testing and cancer research.

The fundraising goal for Ride 4 Resilience is $75,000, shared equally between GO2 for Lung Cancer and Kansas Trails Inc. Two anonymous donors have pledged to match every dollar up to $20,000, doubling the impact of contributions.

Daily highlights will be shared on social media throughout the ride, with opportunities for local communities to participate as the tour passes through their towns.

“This is more than a ride,” Scanlon added. “It’s about leaving our communities not less, but better and more beautiful than we found them. If I can help one person with lung cancer or brighten one Kansas town, it will be the greatest gift I can offer.”

Donate: <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/ride-for-resilience-r4r-help-us-make-a-difference">https://www.gofundme.com/f/ride-for-resilience-r4r-help-us-make-a-difference</a>

Follow the journey: Facebook: @kstrails | Instagram: @kstrails | LinkedIn: kansas-trails-inc/

Kansas man to ride 60 trails around the state to raise funds for lung cancer

Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/">McCain Performance Series</a>&nbsp;will showcase an extraordinary musical collaboration featuring banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck, harpist Edmar Castañeda and drummer Antonio Sánchez on Sunday, September 28, in an evening of cross-genre artistry.

The ensemble is led by 19-time Grammy Award winner Fleck, whose groundbreaking career spans from his beginning work with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones to collaborations with jazz legend Chick Corea and a bold reinterpretation of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." 

For decades, Fleck has redefined the banjo's boundaries, breaking past traditional bluegrass scores and into the genres of jazz, classical, world music and more.

Joining him is Colombian-born jazz harpist Castañeda, celebrated for fusing Latin rhythms and modern jazz expression with classical performance. Known for leading acclaimed ensembles and collaborating with renowned artists including Hiromi, Paquito D'Rivera and Grégoire Maret, Castañeda brings the spirit of his native country to global stages.

Completing the trio is five-time Grammy Award-winning drummer Sánchez, best known for his innovative work with the group Bad Hombre and his Golden Globe-nominated percussion score for the acclaimed 2014 film "Birdman." 

The Mexico City native has performed alongside guitar master Pat Metheny and jazz legends including Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Charlie Haden and Michael Brecker.

Together, the trio will perform original compositions — including selections from their collaborative album "BEATrio" — blending rhythm, melody and fun into an unforgettable performance.

For discount details, contact the ticket office. Additional information is available at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mccain@k-state.edu">mccain@k-state.edu</a>.

Béla Fleck trio to bring genre-blending performance to McCain Auditorium

MCPHERSON - The Evaline Hess Healthcare Careers Education Scholarship Committee is proud to announce that 19 scholarships have been awarded to students pursuing careers in healthcare.

Each year, the committee reviews applications from both new candidates and returning awardees, with eligibility for up to four years of support. The program is made possible through the collaboration of the Scholarship Committee and McPherson Hospital, honoring the legacy of George and Evaline Hess, whose generosity has had a lasting impact on healthcare education in McPherson.

Established in 1980, the Evaline Hess Healthcare Careers Education Scholarship has helped generations of students by providing financial assistance for health-related education. Scholarships are awarded in three categories: initial entry into healthcare, career advancement, and updates in technical training. Through these awards, the committee aims to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The charitable Evaline Hess Healthcare Careers Education Fund is administered by the McPherson County Community Foundation and continues to welcome additional gifts in support of its mission.

Students interested in applying for the 2026 scholarships should contact Tara Williams at McPherson Hospital in late January 2026 at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:taras@mcphersonhospital.org">taras@mcphersonhospital.org</a>.

Evaline Hess Healthcare Careers Education Scholarship awards 19 scholarships to local students

Schools across Kansas have an exciting opportunity to unite around the shared goal of student health through the Healthy Habits for Life grant program available now at <a href="http://bcbsks.com/hhfl">bcbsks.com/hhfl</a>.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation is offering up to $200,000 in grants to assist schools in implementing programs that promote healthy lifestyle choices to their K-12 students. These school-based programs must address at least one of four criteria: reduce cardiovascular risk, increase physical activity, learn healthy eating habits, and reinforce positive mental health among students.

Since its creation in 2005, the Healthy Habits for Life grant program has awarded more than $2 million through more than 2,000 grants. School personnel have used past grant dollars to educate students on healthy portion sizes, begin a daily walking program for students before or after school, invest in equipment for physical education classes and much more.

“Healthy Habits for Life grants give schools the tools they need to help kids be active, eat well and take care of their minds. These grants are more than money – they’re an investment in our future,” said Marlou Wegener, Chief Operating Officer of the BCBSKS Foundation. “By helping students build healthy habits now, we’re preparing strong, confident leaders who can make Kansas a healthier place for everyone.”

Healthy Habits for Life grants are available in the service area of the BCBSKS Foundation, which includes all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. The maximum grant amount is $2,000 and grants are limited to one per school but&nbsp;multiple schools within a district can apply.

Applications must be received no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, October 10, with the funds distributed in mid-December. Grant recipients may use the funds for programs offered during the 2026 calendar year.

School nurses, physical education, health and family and consumer science teachers, athletic directors, principals and other school administrators are encouraged to visit <a href="http://bcbsks.com/hhfl">bcbsks.com/hhfl</a> for a program overview, application and tip sheet.

Kansas schools invited to apply for grants to champion student health and wellness

Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery

LINDSBORG - Pianists Slawomir Dobrzanski and Alfonso Hernandez will be performing selections by Mozart, Schubert, Ravel, and more at the Sandzén Gallery&nbsp;(401 N. 1st St.) on Sunday, September 21&nbsp;at 2:00 pm.&nbsp;

Praised by the Buenos Aires Herald as “one of the best Polish pianists,” Slawomir Dobrzanski currently serves as Professor of Piano at the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Kansas State University. Originally from Poland, he is a graduate of the Chopin University of Music in Warsaw and the University of Connecticut. Dobrzanski has released several world-premiere recordings of piano music and is the author of the first biography of Polish composer Maria Szymanowska in the English language.&nbsp;

Alfonso Hernandez is a passionate musician and arts advocate, praised by Prensa Libre as “one of the best Guatemalan pianists today, thanks to his energy, precision, and delicacy.” He earned a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Maryland and an MBA in Arts Innovation from the Global Leaders Institute in Washington, D.C. Hernandez also earned degrees from the University of Houston, Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. He has participated in many renowned music festivals, including Chautauqua in New York, Aspen in Colorado, and Zeister Muziekdagen in the Netherlands.&nbsp;

The Sandzén Gallery is located at 401 North First Street in Lindsborg. There is no charge for the concert, however, donations are appreciated. 

For further information, please call the Gallery at (785) 227-2220 or email: sandzengallery@gmail.com.

Sandzén Gallery hosts piano duet recital with Slawomir Dobrzanski & Alfonso Hernandez

Do you lack experience but have a great attitude? We will provide on-the-job training to help you gain the skills and experience you will need to be a successful and independent route sales driver. 

Are you energetic, self-motivated, and hardworking? If so, we want you on our team! At Mahaska, we are looking for driven individuals who are eager to take ownership of their work while being part of a stellar team of dedicated professionals. 

As a Sales Route Driver, you will be responsible for selling, delivering, and placing beverage products at established accounts along a designated route. This full-time, salaried position includes hands-on training, during which you will learn the position. Applicants are required to have A Class A CDL, the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and maneuver a two-wheel cart weighing up to 200 lbs. Must also have a valid Drivers License with clean driving record and must be 21 years of age or older.&nbsp;

o Sign-on bonus of up to $2,000, based on experience&nbsp;

o Health, dental, and vision insurance (after 60 days of employment)&nbsp;

o Monthly and quarterly sales incentive (for those who qualify)&nbsp;

o Quarterly safety bonus (for those who qualify)&nbsp;

o Paid life insurance up to $25,000 (after 60 days of employment) 

To apply <a href="https://mahaska.com/careers/">https://mahaska.com/careers/&nbsp;</a>

Mahaska will pre-employment drug screen, background check, and physical. Mahaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Since 2021, Kansas has received opioid settlement funds to address the impact of addiction. Saline County and the City of Salina are projected to receive over $1 million across 13 years. After funding a community needs study, the County and City are partnering on a grant program to distribute these funds locally. A joint agreement is set to take effect Monday, September 15, followed by the creation of an Opioid Grant Review Committee. Four of the seven members are appointed by the City of Salina.&nbsp;

The City is accepting expression of interest forms for vacancies that currently or will soon exist on the following citizen boards, commissions, and committees, including the newly formed Salina-Saline County Opioid Settlement Grant Review Committee:&nbsp;

- Accessibility Advisory Board&nbsp;

· One (1) Citizen-at-large with a disability&nbsp;

- Arts &amp; Humanities Commission&nbsp;

· One (1) Mechanical Master/Journeyman&nbsp;

- Business Improvement District Design Review&nbsp;

- Human Relations Commission&nbsp;

- Law Enforcement Citizen Review Board&nbsp;

· One (1) Citizen-at-large with a demonstrated interest or experience in police and/or community relations and/or who reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of the City of Salina&nbsp;

- Parks &amp; Recreation Advisory Board&nbsp;

· One (1) Outside Representative (resident of Saline County, not City of Salina)&nbsp;

- Salina-Saline County Opioid Settlement Grant Review Committee&nbsp;

- Solid Waste Management Committee&nbsp;

· One (1) Resident of the unincorporated area of the County nominated by Saline County (must apply at salinecountyks.gov/boards-committees)&nbsp;

*The Youth on Board program allows for individuals between the ages of 15-20 attending a secondary or post-secondary school to serve on certain boards that are noted above for a one-year term.&nbsp;

If you are interested in serving the community by becoming a member of one of these boards, commissions or committees, you are asked to fill out an expression-of-interest (EOI) form. An expression-of-interest form or more information may be obtained from the <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/">City of Salina</a> website by following the link or by visiting the City Clerk’s Office, 300 W. Ash, Room 206.

If you have any questions, please call (785) 309-5735.

Citizen's board volunteers needed: City announces new board

Here is the preview for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor &amp; Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA Salina for&nbsp;September 13:

- Sheila Alstatt, Salina Roboyotes&nbsp;

- Daniel Craig, Fe for a Cure (Tammy Walker Cancer Center)

- Brenda Gutierrez, Salina Area Technical College

All episodes are recorded and uploaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=05fb1ecb-7d68-4542-adb3-9b7c11d9b5e5&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p92136680=true&amp;relocateURL=true">910 AM and 107.5 FM KINA website</a>, under the 'KINA Saturday Mornings'&nbsp;tab.

Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro preview, September 13

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Saline County man&nbsp; who admitted to vandalizing a&nbsp; church in Wichita was to learn his fate on Friday.

Sentencing was delayed for 23-year-old Michael Gonzalez, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp; The case was continued until October 10.

In July Gonzalez pleaded guilty to felony charges: of burglary and criminal desecration and two misdemeanor charges of theft and criminal damage to property.

Just after 8:30a.m. March 15, police responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located in the 2000 block of N. Arkansas Street in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.

Officers discovered significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.

Recognizing the severity of this crime, Wichita Police and investigators—alongside federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full-scale investigation. The Wichita Police dedicated Crime Scene Investigation team worked diligently to analyze evidence, leading to the swift identification of a suspect.

Officers from the Wichita Police Field Community Response Teams were provided with critical intelligence and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:20 a.m. March 16, officers located and arrested Gonzalez in the 2800 block of N. Hillside in Wichita without incident.

&nbsp;Gonzalez remains jailed on bonds totaling over $500,000, according to online jail records.

Sentencing delayed for extreme vandalism at Kansas church

In remembrance of Charlie Kirk, Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and all victims and survivors of political violence, Governor Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas to be lowered to half-staff effective immediately Friday, September 12 until sundown on Sunday, September 14.

“Our nation should not be a place where freedom of speech is silenced with political violence,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I call on all Kansans, and all Americans, to join in a movement to bring political violence to an end. We must stop the use of dangerous rhetoric and return to respectfully debating issues without threats, hate, or violence.”

Flag orders: Governor directs flags flown half staff after recent violent events, effective immediately

<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 12 - September 14

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 10 - September 12

The US National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Saline County, that has officially taken into effect now and will remain until Wednesday of this week.

According to Saline County Emergency Management, water levels for rivers and creeks have continued to rise from Monday's heavy rainfall. It was estimated between 4 to 10 inches of rain have already fallen across the county, leading to&nbsp;flooded roadways in Brookville&nbsp;and&nbsp;many rural routes that are waterlogged or impassable.

Additional rainfall is expected to occur late tonight (Monday, September 8) into Tuesday morning.&nbsp;Scattered showers and storms are possible, mainly east of Saline County.

Moreover, additional showers and storms are expected to develop from the west on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, bringing extra heavy rainfall.

Then late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, another round of storms are possible.

Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, allow extra time for commutes and use alternate routes where needed.

Expected to crest at 26.5 feet late tonight into Tuesday afternoon (Moderate Flood Stage). At this level, widespread agricultural flooding is expected. If high flow continues on the Saline River, water could back up on Mulberry Creek, flooding properties including the KOA campground.

Expected to crest at 26.6 feet late Wednesday morning or early afternoon (Minor Flood Stage).

UPDATE: Flood warning issued through Wednesday in Saline County

Storms from this morning throughout Central KS are expected to now continue past noon.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) the scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout Central KS are expected to now continue past noon on Monday.

The National Weather Service also expects a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms to occur tonight in Salina.

Please be aware of the roads as localized flooding is possible.

UPDATE: Central KS storms continue past noon

W. Old 40 Highway between S. Reese and S. Wyman roads in Saline County, are reportedly closed due to flooding.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has placed road-closed barricades on W. Old 40 Highway between S. Reese and S. Wyman due to flooding.

The Sheriff's Office will update Salina Post once the highway reopens.

Flooding causes Saline County highway to close

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 8 - September 10

Cold temperatures are expected during the evening hours this weekend, with lows in the 40s.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), after a cold front passed through Central Kansas on early Friday morning, evening lows for tonight and Saturday evening are expected to be from 48-56 degrees.

Temperatures tonight and Saturday evening drop 20-25 degrees below normal, with highs in the 60s for Friday.

Temperatures dropping to the 40s during the evening hours this weekend

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 5 - September 7

Possibilities of scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this evening.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), these storms will gradually increase from the west later tonight and persist through early to mid-evening on Friday. Pockets of heavy rainfall are likely, with a few isolated storms capable of dime to nickel size hail.

Salina has a 68% chance of showers and thunderstorms for tonight.

Another round of thunderstorms anticipated throughout Central Kansas tonight

A round of severe storms are expected to occur later this evening on Wednesday, September 3 in Salina.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), widely scattered storms are anticipated to occur in Salina from the hours of 4:00 - 7:00 pm. These storms reportedly are expected to develop in Central Kansas, move south and east throughout the evening and nighttime hours.

Accordingly, +2 inch sized hail and 60-70 mph wind gusts are possible.&nbsp;

The US National Weather Service advises you to a plan ahead if you have outdoor activities late this afternoon or early this evening of Wednesday.

Severe storms expected Wednesday evening in Salina

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">Cami Koons</a>

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it had improved and expanded its Farm to School Grant program and would invest up to $18 million to connect locally grown food to child nutrition programs.&nbsp;

The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants program was initiated in 2013, but according to a news release, the fiscal year 2026 investment represents the “largest total amount” the department has offered in a given year.&nbsp;

The Farm to School Grant announcement was made alongside U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/09/repub/rfk-jr-lists-100-recommendations-to-make-america-healthy-again/" target="_blank">Make America Healthy Again report</a>, which called for more whole, unprocessed foods in children’s diets.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the grants are “one of the best ways we can deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to children, while also strengthening local agriculture.”&nbsp;

“These grants will open new doors for small family farms, expand access to healthy food in schools, and inspire the next generation of Great American Farmers,” Rollins said in the news release.&nbsp;

State agencies, tribal organizations, child nutrition programs, nonprofits, agricultural producers and groups of producers can apply for grants from $100,000 to $500,000 to support new and existing farm to school projects, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/grant/f2s/fy26?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">grant website</a>.&nbsp;

Eligible projects are those that: incorporate more unprocessed and locally produced foods in school meals, encourage the consumption of fresh foods, train producers on food safety and procurement requirements or educate students on agriculture and nutrition.

The release from USDA said updates to the program will also streamline the application process, remove barriers to innovation and emphasize partnerships.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is proud to streamline this program, so it works better for families, farmers, and communities across our nation,” Rollins said in the release. “Putting America’s Farmers First starts with putting our children first.”

According to USDA’s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://farmtoschoolcensus.fns.usda.gov/census-results/states/ia" target="_blank">Farm to School Census</a>, more than 440 Iowa school food authorities, the entities that manage school food service, have participated in the program.

The grants can also be used to support agriculture education at schools through things like ag and nutrition classes, or school gardening programs. According to the census, nearly 50% of Iowa school food authorities had classroom programs and slightly more than 15% of Iowa school food authorities had edible gardens.&nbsp;

According to USDA, Farm to School Grant awards totaled $100 million since 2013.&nbsp;

The millions in Farm to School Grant dollars are significantly less than the billions of dollars that schools and food banks used under a pandemic-era program to support local food purchases.&nbsp;

These programs, Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance, were&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/03/11/usda-cuts-programs-bringing-local-food-into-schools-food-banks/" target="_blank">canceled in March</a>&nbsp;after USDA announced in October 2024 over a $1 billion in funds to continue the programs across the country.&nbsp;

Tommy Hexter, the policy director for Iowa Farmers Union, said the new investment from USDA is positive, but said it doesn’t make up for the loss of programs that provided “vital government support” to food farmers and players in the local food system.

Hexter said the canceled programs created relationships between farmers, food hubs, the state department of agriculture, schools and community, that are “fundamental to our food system in Iowa.”

“The first and foremost thing with this announcement is like, yes, let’s see how we can take advantage of this new announcement and make these programs come to Iowa,” Hexter said. “But we also are acknowledging that this investment does not replace the major loss of funding that happened earlier this year.”

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/11/usda-to-invest-up-to-18-m-in-farm-to-school-grants/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Kansas Reflector, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

USDA to invest up to $18 million in farm to school grants

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alex-veiga">ALEX VEIGA</a> Associated Press

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell this week to its lowest level in nearly a year, reflecting a pullback in Treasury yields ahead of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-trump-federal-reserve-fabecefa501709184895bf73b3dc698a">expected interest rate</a>&nbsp;cut from the Federal Reserve next week.

The long-term rate eased to 6.35% from 6.5% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.2%.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell. The average rate slipped to 5.5% from 5.6% last week. A year ago, it was 5.27%, Freddie Mac said.

Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-miran-independence-powell-4b1e7a52e6f943de392a32b1ae10a5d7">interest rate policy</a>&nbsp;decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation.

Rates have been mostly declining since late July amid growing expectations that the Fed will cut its benchmark short-term interest rate for the first time this year at the central bank’s meeting of policymakers next week.

While the Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, its actions can influence bond investors’ appetite for long-term U.S. government bonds, like 10-year Treasury notes. Lenders use the yield on 10-year Treasurys as a guide to pricing home loans. The yield was at 4% Thursday afternoon.

The Fed has kept its main interest rate on hold this year because it’s been more worried about inflation potentially worsening because of President Donald Trump’s tariffs than about the job market.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">But in a high-profile speech last month</a>, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled the central bank may cut rates in coming months amid concerns about weaker job gains following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-trump-federal-reserve-68a15f89d68793a6cf88a522ff33246c">grim July jobs report,</a>&nbsp;which included massive downward revisions for June and May.

More recent job market data have fueled speculation that the central bank could be preparing to lower rates.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-trump-firing-f686eab61f7d6b702ca10b12b0250498">The Labor Department said last week</a>&nbsp;that the economy added just 22,000 jobs in August. And on Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-revisions-labor-department-f4a29a2b948f7bce0d6558824ffe0fd5">revised jobs data</a>&nbsp;from the government showed the U.S. job market had been much weaker last year and this year than earlier data suggested.

Meanwhile, the latest weekly snapshot of unemployment benefit claims shows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-a69fc3afbbebe731c29824b855e3c83f">more U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits</a>&nbsp;last week, an indication that the number of layoffs could be rising.

The housing market has been in a slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began climbing from historic lows.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-64769d50ce9c16dee9ffb90c01735071">Sales have remained sluggish so far this year</a>&nbsp;as the average rate on a 30-year mortgage has mostly hovered above 6.5%.

The average rate is now at its lowest level since Oct. 10, when it was 6.32%.

A similar pullback in rates happened last year in the weeks leading up to the Fed’s interest rate policy meeting in September. That’s when the Fed cut its key interest rate for the first time since March 2020, in the early days of the pandemic. Back then, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage got down to a 2-year low of 6.08%, but soon after climbed again, reaching above 7% by mid-January.

Mortgage rates could follow a similar trajectory this time, given that expectations of a Fed rate cut have already brought mortgage rates lower.

“We should not expect rates to drop much further, and in fact, there is a possibility that mortgage rates could actually increase after the Fed cut,” said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS.

For now, the recent pullback in mortgage rates has been encouraging to many prospective homebuyers and homeowners eager to refinance.

Mortgage applications, which include loans to buy a home or refinance an existing mortgage, jumped to a three-year high last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Applications for mortgage refinancing loans made up nearly 50% of all applications last week, as homeowners who bought in recent years when mortgage rates surged seized the opportunity to lower their monthly home loan payment.

If mortgage rates continue to ease, home shoppers will benefit from more affordable financing. But lower mortgage rates could also bring in more buyers, making the market more competitive, at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-estate-housing-market-home-prices-6a2ae673d0c93e98b69d3c6b99925124">sellers across the country are having a tougher time driving a hard bargain.</a>

Average rate on a 30-year mortgage falls to lowest level in nearly a year

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;says it was “recklessness” for Democrats to leave it to President Joe Biden to decide whether to continue seeking another term last year, but she defends his ability to do the job, according to an excerpt of her new book.

Harris, in an excerpt of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-memoir-107-days-presidential-campaign-88b2b68dc8b9f191d79fc6b582a7828a">“107 Days”</a>&nbsp;published Wednesday in The Atlantic, writes that as questions swirled about whether the then-81-year-old Biden should seek reelection, she and others left the decision to him and first lady Jill Biden.

“Was it grace, or was it recklessness? In retrospect, I think it was recklessness,” Harris said.

The remarks are the first time Harris has been publicly critical of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-election-2024-president-democrats-trump-9c72115656855da89a41cac3f79aa65b">Biden’s decision to run again</a>&nbsp;— an ill-fated decision that saw him&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/elections/2024/biden-drops-out-of-2024-race-after-disastrous-debate-inflamed-age-concerns-vp-harris-gets-his-nod/" target="_blank">drop out</a>&nbsp;in July 2024 after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-panic-performance-democrats-debate-trump-cnn-fe6546f2c9762e80e6067ba10abedea8">a disastrous debate performance</a>, leaving her to head up the Democratic ticket and ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-day-trump-harris-white-house-83c8e246ab97f5b97be45cdc156af4e2">lose to Republican Donald Trump</a>.

“The stakes were simply too high,” Harris writes in the book. “This wasn’t a choice that should have been left to an individual’s ego, an individual’s ambition. It should have been more than a personal decision.”

Biden’s office did not immediately have a comment Wednesday.

Throughout the campaign and in its wake, Harris had avoided much criticism of the president she served beside and defended him amid questions about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-age-democrats-midterms-2028-6738bf46f73c06c70015e4b1abe43df7">his mental acuity</a>.

In the book excerpt, Harris continues to defend Biden’s ability to do the job but describes him in 2024 and especially at the time of his “debate debacle” as “tired.”

“On his worst day, he was more deeply knowledgeable, more capable of exercising judgment, and far more compassionate than Donald Trump on his best. But at 81, Joe got tired. That’s when his age showed in physical and verbal stumbles,” Harris writes. “I don’t think it’s any surprise that the debate debacle happened right after two back-to-back trips to Europe and a flight to the West Coast for a Hollywood fundraiser. I don’t believe it was incapacity.”

She adds that if she believed Biden were incapacitated, she would have said so out of loyalty to the country.

Harris also blames those close to Biden for unflattering media coverage throughout the time she served as vice president and throwing her under the bus to boost Biden’s public standing.

She writes about receiving a high level of scrutiny as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-donald-trump-legacy-6d8fcb857029295107662c760aaf6b8f">the first female vice president</a>&nbsp;but says “when the stories were unfair or inaccurate, the president’s inner circle seemed fine with it. Indeed, it seemed as if they decided I should be knocked down a little bit more.”

Harris writes that she often learned that Biden’s staff was “adding fuel to negative narratives” that surrounded her, such as stories about her vice presidential office being in disarray and having high turnover.

The former vice president also accuses Biden’s staff of being afraid of her upstaging him, describing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bloody-sunday-march-selma-alabama-civil-rights-dd03b6cc8e68e42ac89e1c9d641c12b9">a speech</a>&nbsp;she gave in Selma, Alabama, in March of last year in which she called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and more humanitarian aid to be delivered to people there.

“It went viral, and the West Wing was displeased,” Harris says, “I was castigated for, apparently, delivering it too well.”

She suggests that diminishing her also diminished Biden, especially “given the concerns about his age.”

Harris’ success, she writes, would be a marker of Biden’s good judgment and a reassurance to the public that if something happened to the president she could step in.

“My success was important for him,” she writes. “His team didn’t get it.”

Harris’ book, whose title is a nod to the length of her abbreviated presidential campaign, is set to be published by Simon &amp; Schuster on Sept. 23.

Harris says leaving reelection decision to Biden was 'recklessness'

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects in connection with a disturbance and shots fired outside a West Wichita convenience store on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Just after 12:30 p.m. Thursday, police were called to the convenience store after a reported disturbance and shots fired in the parking lot.&nbsp;

Investigators learned that five female students from Northwest High School went to the convenience store to purchase items from the suspects, who were known to one of the girls. 

After the exchange, a confrontation ensued between the females and the suspects inside a bathroom. The altercation moved to the parking lot of the convenience store, where an 18-year-old male produced a handgun and fired one round in the air to scare the girls away.&nbsp;

The 18-year-old and a 17-year-old suspect fled the scene, but were located in El Dorado by Butler County Sheriff deputies and taken into custody shortly after. 

They were transported back to Wichita for questioning, and both were arrested. The 18-year-old&nbsp; was booked on a requested charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The 17-year-old was booked on a requested charge of misdemeanor theft.&nbsp;

Teens fired shots to scare Kan. high school girls on lunch break

KANSAS CIty —Eight people were injured in an accident involving a school bus just after 4p.m. Friday in Kansas City.

A car and small school bus were involved in the accident at Linwood and Cleveland, according to KC Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp; EMS transported six children and two adults to a local hospital for evaluation of minor injuries.

&nbsp;Authorities released no additional detials.

Kansas City Police are investigating the accident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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