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

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

Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High School is proud to announce that senior&nbsp;Isaac Berndt&nbsp;has been recognized as a&nbsp;National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist—an honor earned by less than 1% of high school seniors nationwide.

This prestigious recognition is based on outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, reflecting Isaac’s hard work, dedication and academic excellence. He now has the opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships to be awarded next spring.

"We are just incredibly proud of Isaac for being recognized as a National Merit Scholar.&nbsp;This is truly a great&nbsp;honor for him and our school community.&nbsp; Isaac is an exceptional&nbsp;student who cares deeply about his studies, his school, and his community. He carries himself with quiet humility and the highest moral character, and we are indeed blessed to have him represent our school at the national level.”&nbsp;said Principal, Mr. John Krajicek.&nbsp;

“Isaac’s recognition as a National Merit Semifinalist is a reflection of both his dedication and his character. Alongside his remarkable academic achievements, Isaac stands out as a kind leader who never hesitates to take on a challenge, puts in the extra time, and is always willing to help others in our school community. He sets an example through his work ethic and generosity every day.” said School Counselor, Mr. John Hamilton.

The National Merit Scholarship Program honors the nation’s most academically talented students each year. Isaac’s recognition adds to Sacred Heart’s tradition of academic excellence and faith-based education.

To learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/images/gid2/editor_documents/26_meritsemi.pdf?gid=2&amp;pgid=61&amp;sessionid=56e7307b-6819-46e5-b888-c0e20d155a7d&amp;cc=1">https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/images/gid2/editor_documents/26_meritsemi.pdf?gid=2&amp;pgid=61&amp;sessionid=56e7307b-6819-46e5-b888-c0e20d155a7d&amp;cc=1</a>

Sacred Heart student named semifinalist for National Scholarship, earned by less than 1% nationwide

<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

KINGMAN COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of a woman in Spivey, Kansas.

On Friday, Sept. 5, around 9:10 p.m., emergency medical services (EMS) were called to a residence in Spivey, according to a media release from the KBI.

The caller, identified as Linda Oeding, 70, requested EMS transport her mother, Betty Oeding, 94, to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for medical care. 

When EMS arrived, they observed Betty was experiencing malnourishment and improper living conditions, and recommended she be transported to a nearby hospital. Linda declined and insisted her mother be transported to Hutchinson.

Betty was admitted into the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and on Monday she was moved to hospice care. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, around 11:15 a.m., Betty died in hospice care. The Kingman County Sheriff’s Office was called at 4:53 p.m. to investigate and observed signs of neglect.

On Sept. 11, at approximately 11:05 a.m., the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI’s assistance with the investigation.

On Friday, Sept. 12, at 10:41 a.m., Linda Oeding was arrested and booked into the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office Jail on requested charges of first-degree murder, mistreatment of a dependent adult/elder person, abuse and neglect, and interfering with medical care. Formal charges are pending.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing. Nothing further will be released at this time.

KBI: Kansas woman  jailed for mistreatment death of her mother

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court this week for possession and transfer of machine guns, including machine gun conversion devices or “switches.”

Davorian M. Fleming, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 37 months’ imprisonment, according to the United State's Attorney.

On April 3, 2025, Fleming pleaded guilty to possession and transfer of machineguns. Fleming admitted the ‘switches” were machineguns and that he aided his co-defendants in the transfer of the machineguns.

Fleming’s co-defendant, K’Orion A. Duff, 23, also of Kansas City, Mo., was previously sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in the distribution of machinegun conversion devices.&nbsp; Two co-defendants are still awaiting sentencing.&nbsp;

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess or transfer a machinegun, as that term is defined in Title 26, United States Code, Section 5845(b).&nbsp;This definition includes machine gun conversion devices often referred to as “switches.”&nbsp; A machine gun conversion device allows a semi-automatic firearm to be modified to function as a fully automatic firearm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh Ragner.&nbsp; It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Prison: Kansas City man transferred machine guns

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement agencies have cleared the downtown Dodge City area and confirmed there are no safety concerns after a reported bomb threat Friday afternoon.

The section of downtown near the Post Office including the Ford County Courthouse and the Ford County Government Center are now safe and open to the community.

 The City of Dodge City thanked the community for its patience and extends appreciation to everyone involved for their efforts during this situation.

Police reported no injuries or addditional details.

FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement in Ford County are investigating a bomb threat.

Just after 2p.m. Friday, the Dodge City Police Department asked all residents downtown near the Post Office, including the Ford County Courthouse and the Ford County Government Center, to avoid the area due to a bomb threat. 

Multiple law enforcement officers were on the scene working to clear the area. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Downtown Dodge City reopens after police investigate bomb threat 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Republicans handed President Donald Trump a political victory Friday, giving final legislative approval to a redistricting plan that could help Republicans win an additional U.S. House seat in next year's elections.

The Senate vote sends&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-governor-redistricting-trump-33bfdc8790cdf8201d80c8c89258df3d">the redistricting plan</a>&nbsp;to Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe for his expected signature to make it law. But opponents immediately announced a referendum petition that, if successful, could force a statewide vote on the new map.

Missouri is the third state to take up mid-decade redistricting in an emerging national battle for partisan advantage ahead of the midterm elections. Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-texas-redistricting-trump-map-congress-b6222dd39c494c9ab48beafabc66dc35">lawmakers in Texas</a>&nbsp;passed a new U.S. House map last month aimed at helping their party win five additional seats. Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-texas-redistricting-congressional-map-4c22e21d5d4022d33a257045693b6fd4">lawmakers in California</a>&nbsp;countered with their own redistricting plan aimed at winning five more seats, but it still needs voter approval.

Each seat could be critical, because Democrats need to gain just three seats to win control of the House, which would allow them to obstruct Trump's agenda and launch investigations into him. Trump is trying to stave off a historic trend in which the president’s party typically loses seats in midterm elections.

Republicans currently hold six of Missouri’s eight U.S. House seats. The revised map&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymander-missouri-trump-3e7f49f7805daed8c6c83277bb66ba28">passed the state House</a>&nbsp;earlier this week as the focal point of a special session called by Kehoe.

Missouri's revised map targets a seat held by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymander-missouri-trump-e5b75246cbee8eb674dfdb27381cc8ac">Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver</a>&nbsp;by shaving off portions of his Kansas City district and stretching the rest of it into Republican-heavy rural areas. The plan reduces the number of Black and minority residents in Cleaver's district, partly by creating a dividing line along a street that Cleaver said had been a historical segregation line between Black and white residents.

Cleaver, who was Kansas City's first Black mayor, has served in Congress for over 20 years. He won reelection with over 60% of the vote in both 2024 and 2022 under districts adopted by the Republican-led state Legislature after the 2020 census.

Missouri passes plan that could help GOP win an additional US House seat

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — A suspect on trial for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shooting-gunshots-florida-f62f8378d3a8ce7b2e99d6a8fb40aba9">trying to assassinate</a>&nbsp;President Donald Trump while he played golf in South Florida last year forfeited his right to continue making an opening statement on Thursday when he veered off topic and talked about Adolf Hitler and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-routh-assassination-attempt-ukraine-suspicions-florida-530098c668f283d8a38eb5dd5570f1b2">Ryan Routh</a>, who is representing himself, was warned by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to stay on topic. The judge twice asked jurors to leave the courtroom so she could deal with the unconventional turn in Routh’s opening statement.

Both Routh and prosecutors had been given 40 minutes each to make opening statements, but Routh’s initial argument, read from a written statement, lasted less than 10 minutes before the judge said he had forfeited the right to continue because he was addressing unrelated matters.

“I gave you one more chance and you continued to read what has no relevance for this case,” Cannon said.

During the prosecution’s opening statement, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Shipley told jurors that Routh wanted to make sure that Trump wasn’t re-elected to the White House.

“This plot was carefully crafted and deadly serious,” Shipley said.

Routh has pleaded not guilty to charges of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-assassination-attempt-indictment-b4c956e1a126e4acfb3c4eae0c06ddb1">attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate</a>, assaulting a federal officer and several firearm violations.

<a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7Tv2j59PwNEyqGCi1y" target="_blank">▶ Stay up to date with the latest U.S. news by signing up to our WhatsApp channel.</a>

Prosecutors have said Routh, 59, methodically plotted to kill Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle through the shrubbery as Trump played golf on Sept. 15, 2024, at his West Palm Beach country club. A Secret Service agent spotted Routh before Trump came into view. Officials said Routh aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot.

Just nine weeks earlier, Trump had survived&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-butler-assassination-attempt-anniversary-crooks-d18804b0e1382003bbb91449638c721c">another attempt</a>&nbsp;on his life while campaigning in Pennsylvania. That gunman had fired eight shots, with one bullet grazing Trump’s ear, before being shot by a Secret Service counter sniper.

Five witnesses testified Thursday, including two Secret Service agents, two FBI agents and a witness who followed Routh in his car after the shooting so he could write down his license plate.

Tommy McGee, the witness, testified that he was driving by the golf course when he heard the gunshot and saw a man running out of bushes into the street, almost hitting his car. McGee said the suspect looked at him straight in the eye. Once the suspect jumped in a car and fled, McGee said, he followed him out of a desire to help the police, not realizing that Trump was involved.

Routh asked only a few questions of the witnesses on cross-examination, and when he did he referred to himself in the third-person, leading to some awkward exchanges with Secret Service Agent Robert Fercano, who had spotted him in the bushes. Routh asked the agent if he had been harmed by what happened, and Fercano replied, “I wasn’t physically harmed, but I was mentally harmed from you pointing a gun at me.”

Fercano described being in a golf cart only five feet (1.5 meters) from Routh when he saw him pointing a gun from the bushes.

The trial began nearly a year after prosecutors say Fercano thwarted the attempt to shoot the Republican presidential nominee. It’s expected to run two or three weeks. The trial’s start comes as police&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/charlie-kirk-shooting-response-updates">search for the gunman</a>&nbsp;who killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">conservative influencer Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;at a campus in Utah on Wednesday in what political leaders are calling an assassination.

Cannon is a Trump-appointed judge who drew scrutiny for her handling of a criminal case accusing Trump of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">illegally storing classified documents</a>&nbsp;at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.

Routh was a North Carolina construction worker who in recent years had moved to Hawaii. A self-styled mercenary leader, Routh spoke out to anyone who would listen about his dangerous, sometimes violent plans to insert himself into conflicts around the world, witnesses have told The Associated Press.

In the early days of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>, Routh tried to recruit soldiers from Afghanistan, Moldova and Taiwan to fight the Russians. In his native Greensboro, North Carolina, he was arrested in 2002 for eluding a traffic stop and barricading himself from officers with a fully automatic machine gun and a “weapon of mass destruction,” which turned out to be an explosive with a 10-inch (25.4-cm) fuse.

Wild opening statement in Trump assassination attempt trial

President Donald Trump&nbsp;has granted&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly’s&nbsp;request for a federal disaster declaration for the state due to damages caused by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding during the period of June 3-7, 2025.

Due to severe storms and flooding multiple counties sustained damage to utility infrastructure, roads, and bridges.

“These federal funds will go a long way in supporting the restoration work by those in counties impacted by the storms”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said.

The declaration allows state and local levels of government, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations that provide vital and essential services, such as rural electric cooperatives, to apply for Public Assistance funds for emergency and permanent work for the repair or replacement of infrastructure damaged by the disaster.

Counties named in the declaration are Barber, Butler, Chase, Coffey, Cowley, Franklin, Greenwood, Harper, Hodgeman, Kingman, Lyon, Morris, Osage, Stanton, Sumner, and Wallace.

Trump approves Kan. request for major presidential disaster declaration

OREM, Utah (AP) — The suspect in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-assassinated-utah-university-shooter-search-b0acf4797f57f3436d8f8d0843dbea43">the Charlie Kirk assassination</a>&nbsp;has been captured, President Donald Trump said Friday in an announcement representing a significant breakthrough in the investigation into a targeted killing that raised fresh alarms about political violence in the United States.

“With a high degree of certainty, we have him,” Trump announced in a live interview on Fox News Chanel. He said a minister also involved with law enforcement turned the suspect in to authorities.

“Somebody that was very close to him said, ‘Hmm, that’s him,’” Trump said.

Tyler Robinson, 22, had become “more political” in the run-up to the shooting and had indicated to a family friend afterward that he was responsible, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said. Cox also cited as key pieces of evidence engravings on bullets found in a rifle believed used in the attack as well as chatting app messages attributed to the shooting suspect that a roommate shared with law enforcement.

Cox, a Republican, called Kirk's killing an “attack on the American experiment,” and he urged a new generation to “choose a different path.”

Robinson is believed to have acted alone, and the investigation is ongoing, Cox said.

Robinson's arrest early Friday morning was disclosed by President Donald Trump, who said in a Fox News Channel interview that, “With a high degree of certainty, we have him.”

Calls to telephone numbers listed for Robinson in public records rang unanswered.

News of the arrest came hours after the FBI and state officials had pleaded for public help by releasing additional photographs of the suspect, a move that seemed to indicate that law enforcement was uncertain of the person's whereabouts.

Kirk was killed by a single shot in what police said was a targeted attack and Utah’s governor called a political assassination. Kirk co-founded the nonprofit political organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point USA</a>, based in Arizona.

Authorities recovered a high-powered, bolt-action rifle near the scene of the shooting and had said the shooter jumped off a roof and vanished into the nearby woods afterward.

Kirk had been speaking at a debate hosted by Turning Point at Utah Valley University at the time of Wednesday's shooting. He was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead hours later.

“He wanted to help young people, and he didn’t deserve this,” Trump said Friday. “He was really a good person.”

Federal investigators and state officials on Thursday had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-assassinated-utah-university-shooter-search-b0acf4797f57f3436d8f8d0843dbea43">released photos and a video</a>&nbsp;of the person they believe is responsible. Kirk&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-assassination-turning-point-utah-c8192d8eda83312aabf4cf0a3cd6e5f1">was shot as he spoke to a crowd</a>&nbsp;gathered in a courtyard at the university in Orem.

More than 7,000 leads and tips had poured in, officials said. Authorities have yet to cite a motive in the killing,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-killing-america-divided-violence-politics-9b75c05301668fa033f9b4cc98b046c9">the latest act of political violence</a>&nbsp;to convulse the United States.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the suspect had indicated to a family friend that he was connected to the shooting. Cox, a Republican, said the suspect had grown more political and was opposed to Kirk’s beliefs

The suspect in custody in connection with Kirk's killing is a 22-year-old from Utah, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. Authorities have identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson, said the official, who was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The FBI and the Justice Department did not immediately comment, but a news conference in Utah, where the killing took place on a college campus this week, was planned for later Friday. News of the arrest came hours after the FBI and state officials had pleaded for public help by releasing additional photographs of the suspect, a move that seemed to indicate that law enforcement was uncertain of the person's whereabouts.

Local

Region

Sports

Weather