The Stovall’s of AJ Honey Farms are “bee-yond” joyful after closing on a new 12.5 acre farm and home, as part of their honey business expansion.

Judy and Allen Stovall are the founders and owners of AJ Honey Farms in Salina. The couple has recently signed on a new home and land to expand their business to a whole new level.&nbsp;

“This expansion was not a choice,” said Allen. “We are pushing so much business and in return, it is pushing us to expand.”

“We did not know when we started this business 7 years ago, the need that was already here for beekeeping,” said Judy.&nbsp;

The Stovall’s plan on planting pollinator perennial type flowers for their new bee farm, along with fruits, vegetables, an arboretum, education center(s), sunflower patch, lavender, lilies, iris (12 different varieties) "You pick strawberries," fruit trees and much more.

The farm is also expected to sustain around 80 bee hives. 

Next year the Stovall’s plan on expanding their total bee colonies to 200, which&nbsp;will allow them to provide more honey production.

Judy stated they want to educate Saline County on what it means to consume 'true honey’ and the work it takes to do just that. Allen added they want to install a&nbsp;classroom center, where students can learn about beekeeping. He also plans to establish an entomology lab where he will allow local colleges to use, on top of field trips and inviting homeschool students as well for learning&nbsp;opportunities.

The current AJ Honey Farms shop on&nbsp;901 N. 9th St. Suite A, will still be in business, as the farm will mainly be meant for produce.

Donations are welcome as well. Whether they be equipment or monetary, and each donor will be recognized on a plaque at the farm by the Stovall's.&nbsp;

Before the expansion became official, the Stovall’s reached out to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/about-fsa/history-mission">Farm Service Agency (FSA)</a>&nbsp;to obtain financial assistance for the expansion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/about-fsa/history-mission">FSA Mission</a>: (Farm Service Agency is equitably serving all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs for all Americans.)&nbsp;

The FSA loaned AJ Honey Farms with funds to assist them in purchasing the new land that will serve as a local pollinator preserve.&nbsp;

“From here forward especially with the help of FSA, I do not think there is any end in sight,” said Allen.

FSA is an agency with the <a href="https://www.usda.gov/">USDA</a> that supports farms and farming communities with programs, including disaster relief, conservation programs, commodity price guarantee programs and loan programs.

AJ Honey Farms employee Kendra Beasley has been working with the Stovall’s for 4 months and explained her working experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I love it here, because it is something different everyday,” said Beasley. “You get to make things, you get to talk to the customers and I just love the creative aspect this job brings. There is nothing about this job that is fake or pretentious.”&nbsp;

She added about discussing the working relationship she has with the Stovall’s.

“Our working relationship is like having dinner with friends,” she said.&nbsp;“It is just great, they are fabulous teachers and they so great to work for."

Judy commented on the employment expectations and working relationship she has with her employees at AJ Honey Farms.

"I am big on attitude and who we hire we," she said. "We are family, but we are professionals at the end of the day."

Allen and Judy met each other through an online game,&nbsp;“Conquer” 13 years ago before marrying.&nbsp;

“If Conquer had never been invented, we would not be here right now,” said Allen.

The couple met in a server (online gaming hub where players can meet from different locations), when they both found out they were going through a divorce of their own. Judy said she did not want to move on with another relationship, but was being encouraged by her gaming friends to give Allen a chance.

Allen then made the bold move by requesting Judy’s character to marry his character on the game. However, Judy denied the request at first but Allen kept trying and eventually their characters got married.

Throughout their gaming experience together, phone calls and online conversations, Allen asked Judy to meet him in person in Salina and the rest was history.

When the Stovall’s got married, Allen suggested he implement installing beehives along with Judy’s gardening in the backyard of their home. When Allen continued to expand his capacity of beehives, this is where the couple thought of the idea to start what is today, "AJ Honey Farms."

The Stovall’s recently just celebrated their 8-year wedding anniversary.

For the AJ Honey Farms website, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://ajhoneyfarms.com/">https://ajhoneyfarms.com/</a>

AJ Honey Farms expands to greater heights: Founders obtain new land and home for their honey business

Governor Kelly has ordered for flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims of the&nbsp;Minneapolis, Minnesota shooting at Annunciation Catholic School.

On Sunday, August 31st, flags across the state of Kansas are to be lowered to half-staff until sundown.

“Today, I have ordered flags in the State of Kansas fly at half-staff as Kansas mourns the tragedy that took place in Minneapolis where children were killed while praying,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “We grieve with the families who lost children, whose children were injured, and to all who will be impacted by this act of violence. Too many communities across our nation have endured the horrors of children dying in their schools and churches. We have repeatedly failed to protect our children and have talked around the issue of gun violence long enough. Action, long overdue, is needed that will make a difference and save our children’s lives.”

Governor directs flags flown at half-staff in honor of Minnesota Catholic school shooting victims

Do you love wildlife, people, and creating unforgettable experiences? Rolling Hills Zoo is looking for an enthusiastic Education Program Leader to inspire curiosity, spark conservation awareness, and lead fun, interactive educational adventures for guests of all ages! Must be available weekends and evenings and be trained to handle animals. This is a part-time position working 10-20 hours per week.&nbsp;

· Lead engaging programs on- and off-site for kids and adults alike&nbsp;

· Work with our amazing Ambassador Animals&nbsp;

· Mentor &amp; guide our Zoo Teens through positive leadership&nbsp;

· Create memorable experiences that connect people with wildlife&nbsp;

· Loves working with people of all ages and abilities&nbsp;

· Has strong public speaking &amp; communication skills&nbsp;

· Can inspire and guide volunteers &amp; teens&nbsp;

· Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment&nbsp;

· Is flexible and available for nights &amp; weekends&nbsp;

If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation and love sharing that passion with others, we want YOU on our team!&nbsp;

Rolling Hills Zoo is a drug-free workplace and values diversity in our workforce.&nbsp;

For more details and to apply go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/employment">https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/employment</a>

Cool weather and isolated showers expected Labor Day weekend 

Furry companions are looking to be introduced by <a href="https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/">CKF Addiction Treatment&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;as the brand new "Comfort Crew" program.

The "Comfort Crew" is CKF's newest program that is meant to bring connection, safety and support to patients going through difficult times. According to CKF, "Comfort Crew" is their companion dog program, designed to bring warmth, companionship and healing energy into recovery spaces. 

CKF will have specially trained dogs, along with their dedicated handlers to provide comfort during some of the most difficult moments in treatment. Whether it is a reassuring presence in group sessions, a calming influence in schools or a source of joy at community events.

Leading factor in starting "Comfort Crew"

Manager of Adolescent Services &amp; Community Engagement, Chelsey Eberwein stated the leading factor on why CKF started this new program.

"The leading factor in starting the Comfort Crew Program was our deep commitment to creating a healing environment that goes beyond traditional clinical care," she said. "It is also part of CKF’s mission to find new ways to create a more personal, compassionate, emotionally supportive environment for all individuals. We recognized that recovery is not just about treating substance use it’s about restoring connection, trust and emotional safety."

Eberwein added the opportunity "Comfort Crew" brings to impact the patient's life in a positive direction.

"We saw an opportunity to bring in the Comfort Crew to offer comfort during some of the most vulnerable moments in an individual’s life," she said. "The presence of these animals provides a unique kind of support that helps individuals feel safe, reduces anxiety, encourages openness and reminds individuals that they are not alone in their journey. It is a simple, yet powerful way to support healing. The Comfort Crew was born from that vision to bring warmth and connection into spaces where people are doing incredibly hard work."

Throughout research, CKF found that there are many&nbsp;therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted interventions. 

Eberwein stated that studies they conducted found that&nbsp;interacting with animals can lower cortisol levels, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and increase feelings of trust and safety, all of which are critical in addiction recovery. 

According to the <a href="https://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/02793695-20070601-12#:~:text=The%20Use%20of%20Animal%2DAssisted,Nursing%20and%20Mental%20Health%20Services">Journal of Psychosocial Nursing,</a>&nbsp;animal-assisted therapy showed to have significant increases in improvement on emotional well-being and engagement in treatment among individuals with substance use disorders.

"In one study, patients in addiction treatment were more likely to engage in therapy and complete their treatment plan when animal assisted therapies were present," Eberwein said. "While more research is always helpful, the evidence we have and the stories we hear every day show that programs like the Comfort Crew can make a meaningful difference."

For more information, contact CKF Addiction Treatment at: (785) 825-6224 or visit their website:&nbsp;<a href="https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/">https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/</a>

CKF introduces companion dog program to help patients through difficult times

Governor Kelly has proclaimed the month of September as "Kansas Preparedness Month" to help make Kansans aware of natural disaster preparedness and protection.

On Wednesday, August 27, the Governor signed a proclamation designating September as "Kansas Preparedness Month."

“Although the usual tornado season is behind us, I want to remind Kansans that severe storms and other disasters can happen in any season,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly&nbsp;said. “It is important that Kansans remain vigilant and prepared to face whatever situations come our way, starting with making a home emergency kit and an emergency plan.”

During the Kansas State Fair that starts Friday, September 5 - Sunday, September 14 in Hutchinson, fair-goers will have the opportunity to learn how to better prepare and protect themselves in the event of a natural and man-made disasters.

This learning opportunity will be available on Monday, September 8th at the state fair.

Information tables and displays of emergency vehicles will be set up from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm near the Administration Building inside the entrance of Gate E-1 to provide disaster preparedness and public safety information.

The public may also register for prize drawings and kids can play Preparedness Bingo.

Agencies and organizations participating in the Kansas Preparedness Day event include:

Kansas Division of Emergency Management/Kansas National Guard

22nd&nbsp;Air Refueling Wing Emergency Management

Kansas State 911 Board with their Emergency Mobile Dispatch Training Center

Reno County Community Emergency Response Team

Reno County Health Department/Health Education

Kansas Search and Rescue Dog Association

Monday, September 8 is also Dillons’ Dollar Day at the Fair; admission is $1 or free with a Dillons’ card.

"Kansas Preparedness Month" is the state's designation as <a href="https://www.ready.gov/september">"National Preparedness Month"</a>&nbsp;orchestrated by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/">Federal Emergency Management Agency</a> (FEMA)&nbsp;to encourage residents to prepare for disasters and emergencies, such as floods, tornadoes or severe winter weather.

According to the <a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/state-summary/KS">National Centers for Environmental Information&nbsp;</a>, from 1980-2024, there were 102 confirmed weather/climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each to affect Kansas. With Kansas being in the heart of "Tornado Alley,"&nbsp;Kansas ranks second nationally in average number of tornadoes per year (60) and third in tornadoes per 1,000 square miles (44) according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/toptenkstors#:~:text=The%20Udall%20Tornado%20roared%20into,70%25%20of%20the%20Udall%20population.">Storms Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Oklahoma</a>.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/toptenkstors#:~:text=The%20Udall%20Tornado%20roared%20into,70%25%20of%20the%20Udall%20population.">here</a>&nbsp;to view statistical information regarding the "Top 10 KS Tornadoes compiled by the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/toptenkstors#:~:text=The%20Udall%20Tornado%20roared%20into,70%25%20of%20the%20Udall%20population.">National Weather Service</a>.

Additional information on disaster kits and family preparedness can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ready.gov/" target="_blank">www.ready.gov</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.fema.gov">www.fema.gov</a>.

Governor Kelly designates September as "Kansas Preparedness Month"

HUTCHINSON - Feel the squish of the grapes in the time-honored tradition of grape stomping as you help celebrate the grape and farm winery industries in Kansas. 

The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host the 19th annual Kansas Grape Stomp on Saturday, September 6, at 1:00 pm in Gottschalk Park at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.

Gather around the grape tubs to watch state and local leaders and others stomp grapes to salute the Kansas grape and farm winery industries. The competitive stomp-off will lead the event and an open stomp for all Kansas State Fair attendees will follow.

As of August 2025, there are 51 farm wineries throughout Kansas, which contribute to the local economy and are a growing part of agritourism. KDA is committed to advocating for and promoting the agriculture industry, the state’s largest industry, employer and economic contributor, and encourages all fairgoers to attend the grape stomp to have fun while learning about the grape and farm winery industries in Kansas.

For more information about the event please contact Robin Dolby, from the Land of Kansas&nbsp;marketing coordinator, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Robin.Dolby@ks.gov">Robin.Dolby@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or (785) 564-6756.

Department of Agriculture to host 19th annual Kansas Grape Stomp at State Fair

OCCK Transportation was awarded an Innovation Award from the Kansas Public Transit Association at the 2025 Annual Meeting held August 12-13, 2025, at the Kansas Public Transit Conference in Wichita.

This award recognizes the organization’s leadership and groundbreaking advancements in public transportation over the past year.

With a service area covering 14 counties—one of the largest in Kansas—OCCK continues to push the boundaries of what rural and small transit systems can achieve. This year’s recognition highlights several transformative initiatives:

“OCCK Transportation continues to set the standard for rural and small urban transit systems,” said&nbsp;Michelle Coats, Regional Mobility Manager for North Central Kansas, who nominated OCCK for the award. “Their ability to innovate, form strong partnerships, and prioritize rider experience makes them a model for other agencies across the state.”

For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.occk.com/">www.occk.com</a>.&nbsp;

For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.salinacitygo.com/">www.salinacitygo.com</a>. Or, contact the OCCK Transportation Center at (785) 826-1583.&nbsp;

For more information about Kansas Mobility Management , visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ksrides.org/">www.ksrides.org</a>.&nbsp;

OCCK wins Kansas Public Transit Association’s innovation award

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 CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity; Improper driving on laned roadway; Transporting an open container

REQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Dionicio Reyes, Christian Alberto

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

NAME:&nbsp;Miramontes Fernandez, Saul

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

NAME:&nbsp;Shepherd, Mahala Nicole

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit;&nbsp;Unlawful abuse of toxic&nbsp;vapors

NAME:&nbsp;Whitford, Michael James

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Return for court testimony

NAME:&nbsp;Whitford, Quindon Luther Ray

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 28

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau&nbsp;

ABILENE - The shops of downtown Abilene are ready to welcome guests for the 6th Annual "Downtown Boutique Crawl" on Thursday, August 28 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm.

This late-summer tradition has become one of the community’s most anticipated girls’ nights out, bringing together shopping, fun and local pride.

With 11 participating businesses, shoppers will discover unique finds, exclusive specials and a festive atmosphere throughout the evening. The first 50 attendees will receive grab bags filled with surprises donated by local businesses. 

For every $10 spent, guests will earn a ticket for entry into the grand prize drawing—the more you shop, the more chances you have to win.

Participants are encouraged to begin the evening at Rackets Tap House (310 N. Spruce Street, enter through Little Ike Park), where check-in will take place. Select boutiques will also be serving beverages or snacks inside their stores.

“The Downtown Boutique Crawl is one of my favorite nights of the year,” said Jamie Stroda, owner of Aksent Boutique. “It’s such a fun way to welcome friends into our shop, share new styles, and celebrate the amazing local businesses that make downtown Abilene special. We can’t wait to see everyone on August 28 at our 6th Annual Boutique Crawl.”

Events like the Boutique Crawl highlight the impact of supporting small businesses. Every dollar spent downtown stays in the community, creating jobs, supporting families and keeping Abilene’s historic district valued.

Local boutiques offer more than merchandise—they provide personalized service, one-of-a-kind finds and an investment in Abilene’s future. By rallying around these shops, residents and visitors alike support the businesses who support them and their community.

With a forecast of 75 degrees, the event promises the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening in historic downtown Abilene.

Shoppers will also receive a bingo card and map. Those who visit all the stores can turn their card in at The Hair Emporium for a chance to win one of two big giveaways.

“Events like the Annual Abilene Downtown Boutique Crawl are one of the many reasons why Abilene is frequently named one of the best small towns to visit,” said Julie Roller Weeks, director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau.

Shop local for a chance to win grand prizes and buy exclusive specials in downtown Abilene on Thursday

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

<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>

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

After the high temperatures and over 100 heat indices, a possibility of rain is expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this week.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), an anticipation of showers and thunderstorms are expected to happen throughout Central Kansas. Reportedly, there is a better chance on Tuesday, August 19 and into the following day on Wednesday.

Slightly cooler weather is expected for Wednesday and Thursday with highs being in the range of 89-93.

Chances of showers and t-storms expected for Tuesday & Wednesday

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 18 - August 20

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 7:30 August 25, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a white 2020 Dodge Charger with an expired license plate near NW Grant Street and NW Jackson Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, a K-9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located.&nbsp; Deputies arrested 27-year-old Rachael R. Ratzloff of Topeka on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Vehicles; operate a vehicle without registration or with an expired tag and Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license

Kansas woman without driver's license caught transporting drugs

LYON COUNTY —A switch that malfunctioned is being blamed for triggering an active shooter alarm on Thursday.

Just before 4:30p.m. the Emporia Police Department received a report of an active shooter alarm at Newman Regional Health, 1201 W 12th Avenue in&nbsp; Emporia, according to Police Captain Ray Mattas.

Officers from the Emporia Police Department responded and law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the hospital and adjacent medical facilities for approximately two hours. No evidence of a shooter or any threat was found.

Further investigation revealed that the alarm was triggered by a malfunctioning emergency switch.

In addition to Emporia Police, personnel from the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Emporia State University Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, responded promptly to the scene. The Emporia Fire Department also provided support.

The Emporia Police Department extended its gratitude to all responding agencies and the staff at Newman Regional Health for their cooperation and swift action in resolving this incident. The safety and security of our community remain our top priority.

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Emporia responded to an active shooter alarm at Newman Regional Health, 1201 West 12 Street in Emporia, according to police spokesperson Christine Torrens. 

Officers thoroughly searched the premises, and it appears to be an alarm only — no active threat was identified.

Police asked the public continue to use caution in the area they remained on scene.

Police detail what caused active shooter alarm at hospital in Emporia

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas woman who called 911 to report shooting her son in October of 2024 was scheduled to attend a plea hearing on Thursday in Judge Eric Williams courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

&nbsp;Last week, Tesha Florence, 46, pleaded no contest to charges of second degree murder,&nbsp; aggravated assault and aggravated burglary, according to the District Attorney's office.

On October 9, 2025, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from Florence reporting that she shot her son, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

First responders located a 16-year-old identified as Robert Florence inside an apartment in the 9100 Block of East Harry. He had a single gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was in extremely critical condition. He died two days later, according to Moses.

At the scene, officers detained&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=168822">&nbsp;Florence,</a>&nbsp;the boy's mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the investigation into this case, detectives learned of a previously unreported incident from March 2024 where Florence threatened an ex-husband and his current girlfriend with a gun.

Florence will be sentenced October 17, according to the district attorney's office.

Mother enters plea in shooting death of her 16-year-old son

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-fed-governor-trump-firing-211c3db1a5082d46449f26b865fde850">Lisa Cook</a>&nbsp;has sued the Trump administration in an effort to overturn the president’s attempt to fire her, launching an unprecedented legal battle that could significantly reshape the Fed’s longstanding political independence.

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.284270/gov.uscourts.dcd.284270.1.0_17.pdf">Click here to read the lawsuit</a>

The lawsuit seeks an emergency injunction to block her firing and “confirm her status” as a member of the Fed's governing board.

“The President’s effort to terminate a Senate-confirmed Federal Reserve Board member is a broadside attack on the century-old independence of the Federal Reserve System,” Cook's lawyer, Abbe David Lowell, wrote in a court filing.

The case could become a turning point for the 112-year old Federal Reserve, which was designed by Congress to be insulated from day-to-day political influence. Economists prefer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-trump-independence-5c2ec1a37dc4aca6a59544f8b4513a45">independent central banks</a>&nbsp;because they can more easily take unpopular measures, such as lifting interest rates to combat inflation, than elected officials can.

The case was assigned to Judge Jia Cobb, an appointee of former President Joe Biden. A hearing was scheduled for Friday.

Many economists worry that if the Fed falls under the control of the White House, it will keep its key interest rate lower than justified by economic fundamentals to satisfy Trump's demands for cheaper borrowing. That could accelerate inflation and could also push up longer-term interest rates, such as those on mortgages and car loans. Investors may demand a higher yield to own bonds to offset greater inflation in the future, lifting borrowing costs throughout the economy.

“If Cook wins, she stays in place and we achieve some semblance of stability," said Peter Conti-Brown, a professor of financial regulation at the University of Pennsylvania and Fed historian in a Substack post. "If she loses ... that’s the end of Fed independence as it has been constructed and reconstructed over 112 years.”

If Trump can replace Cook, he may be able to gain a 4-3 majority on the Fed’s governing board. Trump appointed two board members during his first term and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-miran-794df2cd9d33b327bf3b836a553dd5ef">has nominated</a>&nbsp;a key White House economic adviser, Stephen Miran, to replace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-reserve-trump-kugler-powell-332a2e185ca8bbe695c78b0c5a1eb73b">Adriana Kugler</a>, another Fed governor who stepped down unexpectedly Aug. 1. Trump has said he will only appoint people to the Fed who will support lower rates.

No president has sought to fire a Fed governor before until Trump posted a letter on media&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-lisa-cook-trump-6fca3d2fbb54ba204cc91398e6a7b020">late Monday saying that Cook was fired</a>. Trump said the reason for her removal were allegations that she committed mortgage fraud in 2021, before she was appointed to the board. Most observers expect the case to end up at the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has signaled that the president can’t fire Fed officials over policy differences, but can do so “for cause,” typically meaning misconduct or neglect of duty. Cook has not been charged with any crime.

The lawsuit argues that the allegations don't involve misconduct by Cook while in office and haven't been proven. Cook should also have been given a chance to answer the charges, the suit says.

“The unsubstantiated and unproven allegation that Governor Cook ‘potentially’ erred in filling out a mortgage form prior to her Senate confirmation—does not amount to ‘cause,’” the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit also denies the charges against Cook, without providing supporting detail.

“Neither the type of ‘offense’ the President cited nor the threadbare evidence against Governor Cook would constitute 'cause' for removal even if the President’s allegations were true—which they are not,” the lawsuit said.

The president’s decision comes as he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">repeatedly attacked</a>&nbsp;Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the other members of the Fed’s interest-rate setting committee for not cutting the short-term interest rate they control more quickly. It currently stands at 4.3%, after Fed policymakers reduced it by a full percentage point late last year. Trump has said he thinks it should be as low as 1.3%, a level that no Fed official and few economists support.

The suit argues that the allegations of mortgage fraud are simply a pretext to fire Cook because she hasn't voted to lower interest rates: “The mortgage allegations against her are pretextual, in order to effectuate her prompt removal and vacate a seat for President Trump to fill and forward his agenda to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve.”

“The President cannot rely on brute force or clever shortcuts to circumvent Congress to bend the institution to his will,” Lowell wrote in a request for an emergency order blocking the firing. “History provides no sanction for an attempt to short-circuit ‘for cause’ removal protections by conjuring up unfounded allegations of past wrongdoing.

The lawsuit also seeks to block the Federal Reserve from accepting the firing and asks the court to require the Fed and Powell to “treat Governor Cook as a member of the Board of Governors.”

Powell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">signaled last week</a>&nbsp;that the central bank was leaning toward cutting its rate at its next meeting Sept. 16-17. Still, it's likely that the Fed will cut its key rate more slowly than Trump wants, and perhaps to as low as 3.25% or so — higher than Trump would prefer.

Cook is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-federal-reserve-firing-trump-dei-4fdbb4af653bcca7b6fb0432166b44f3">first Black woman</a>&nbsp;to serve as a governor. She was a Marshall Scholar and received degrees from Oxford University and Spelman College, and prior to joining the board she taught at Michigan State University and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

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