Adventures In Pet Sitting in Salina

Five professional pet-sitting business owners have been named top finalists for Pet Sitters International’s 2026 Pet Sitter of the Year™ Award, the industry’s highest honor. Among those recognized globally and advancing in the judging process is MiKayla Anders, CPPS, owner of Adventures In Pet Sitting in Salina.

Pet Sitters International, the world’s leading educational association for professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses, selects finalists who demonstrate excellence in professional pet care, business operations, and community involvement.

The five finalists submit additional documentation regarding their business practices, community involvement, pet-care training, marketing efforts and proof of clear criminal history as they move on to the next phase of the judging process.&nbsp;

“The 2026 Pet Sitter of the Year will represent the professionalism, pet-care expertise and commitment to excellence that continue to elevate the pet-sitting industry worldwide,” said PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston. “These topfinalists not only excel in pet care and business operations, but they also model the ethical, compassionate practices that set professional pet-care businesses apart. Selecting only one winner for this honor will not be an easy task,” she added.

Since 1995, PSI has selected one professional pet-sitting business owner annually to be named Pet Sitter of the Year. Nominees are evaluated on stringent criteria including client and professional references, commitment to quality pet care and professionalism, contributions to the local community and industry-at-large, and commitment to continuing education.

It’s a true honor to be recognized globally for my years of professional pet sitting throughout Saline County and the surrounding areas,” said Anders. “I’m truly blessed to have such a caring staff, loving family, and loyal clients who have supported me through all of my pet-sitting adventures. I’m grateful for the education and resources that Pet Sitters International provides—tools that set professionals apart in this industry.

Anders founded Adventures In Pet Sitting seven years ago after earning her bachelor’s degree in biology from Kansas Wesleyan University. She is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) and Pet CPR &amp; First Aid Safety Certified through PSI. Her team provides in-home pet care for dogs, cats, farm animals such as horses, goats, and chickens, as well as small and exotic pets including lizards, frogs, guinea pigs, and birds.

The 2026 Pet Sitter of the Year will be announced in January 2026. For more information about Adventures In Pet Sitting provides visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.petsittingadventures.com/">www.petsittingadventures.com</a>

For more information about PSI or this award, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.petsit.com/">PSI’s website</a>.

Salina pet sitting business recognized globally as finalists for 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.

NAME:&nbsp;Eilrich, Jessica Coraleann

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose misd warrant; Transporting an open container

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Aggravated criminal sodomy; Unknown circumstance; Aggravated indecent liberties w child; Offender =&gt;18 fondle child &lt;14; Aggravated indecent solic of a child; Sex act with a child &lt;14; Rape; Offender is 18 or older and victim is &lt; 14 YOA

NAME:&nbsp;Howe, Destiny Yevette Jade

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Assault; Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;Rothrock, Alexander James

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct; Criminal Damage to&nbsp;Property; Misdemeanor; Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 9

LINDSBORG - The spirit of light, kindness, and tradition will shine brightly in Lindsborg this holiday season as Katelyn Reeves has been selected to serve as the 2025 Saint Lucia. 

The annual Saint Lucia Festival will take place on Saturday, December 13th, continuing a beloved Swedish custom that brings the community together in celebration of hope and generosity.

Rooted in the legend of Saint Lucia — a young girl who brought food and light to those in need during a time of famine in Sweden — the festival is one of Lindsborg’s most cherished holiday traditions. Dressed in a white gown with a red sash and crowned with a halo of candles, Lucia symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and compassion over hardship.

This year’s festivities will include Swedish folk dancing performances by the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers downtown at 10:15 am and again on the Bethany Lutheran Church lawn at 1:30 pm&nbsp;with the Lindsborg Folkdanslag. A Saint Lucia church service will follow at 3:00 pm&nbsp;inside Bethany Lutheran Church.

Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other holiday activities throughout downtown Lindsborg all day long.

Reeves, along with Star Boy Judah Cooper and fellow senior members of the Swedish Folk Dancers, will be serving refreshments downtown throughout the day. 

The organization will also host a Swedish Bake Sale from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm inside The Courtyard (125 N. Main St.), with all proceeds benefiting Grant’s Grace, an endowment fund established in memory of alumnus Grant Lysell-Alkire.

Lindsborg to celebrate annual & beloved Saint Lucia Festival Dec. 13

Eric Anthony Lorson (FishBones Photography) is a Salina-based photographer whose work blends more than 15 years of technical expertise with a constantly evolving artistic vision.

“Journey and Growth,” which features Lorson's photography, will open Wednesday, November 5 at The Gallery in Sams Hall of Fine Arts and run through Thursday, December 11.

Lorson’s portfolio spans live music, astrophotography, landscapes and portraiture.

“Collaboration sits at the heart of my process,” Lorson said. “Whether partnering with musicians, fellow artists or individuals seeking to capture their own story, I thrive in the exchange of perspectives that bring depth and energy to my work.”

Trained in graphic design and commercial arts, Lorson’s work reflects both precision and imagination, shaped by years of refining technical craft while deepening his ability to translate atmosphere, emotion and story into each frame.

A reception for Lorson will be 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm&nbsp;Friday, November 14.

The Gallery at KWU is free and open to the public.

Salina-based photographer set to open show at KWU 

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

ABILENE - Visitors often comment on the American flags waving along Buckeye Avenue and NW 3rd Street. The display helps showcase why Abilene is celebrated as a Best U.S. Small Town to Visit.

With 2026 marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Abilene is preparing to shine. 

America 250 offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate our nation’s story, and local leaders are working to create a welcoming and festive experience for the many visitors expected throughout the year.

As&nbsp;Traveling with Purpose&nbsp;shared, Merriam-Webster defines Americana as “materials concerning or characteristic of America, its civilization, or its culture; broadly: things typical of America.” They added that you could just as easily say, “See Abilene, Kansas.”

To prepare, the City of Abilene’s Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau seeks sponsors to support the community’s annual American flag program. Each year, flags are placed on poles from I-70 along Buckeye Avenue to the south city limits and from Buckeye west on NW 3rd Street. Flags fly proudly from April’s Eisenhower Marathon weekend through Veterans Day. Because they spend months outdoors, both flags and poles require regular replacement by the City’s Public Works team.

The goal is to purchase 200 new flags for the 2026 display.

While costs have increased, sponsorships will remain $25 to allow more community members to participate.

Each sponsorship helps offset the purchase and maintenance of the flags and ensures this treasured tradition continues into the nation’s semiquincentennial year.

“We want Abilene to be ready for America 250, and these flags are a welcoming sight for residents and guests alike,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “We are grateful for the continued support of our community, as well as friends across Kansas and beyond who help keep this tradition strong.”

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor one or more flags for the 2026 season.

For more information or to participate, please contact the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau at (785) 263-2231 or visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.abilenekansas.org/flags">www.AbileneKansas.org/flags</a>&nbsp;to donate online

Abilene prepares for America 250 with flag sponsorship drive

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear person/family; 2nd or subs

NAME:&nbsp;Hammon, Elijah Christopher

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct

NAME:&nbsp;Hokett, Christopher Lee

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Indirect

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

*No image available for&nbsp;Klinkerman, Shealynn Jane*

NAME:&nbsp;Klinkerman, Shealynn Jane

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm; Crim damage to prop;w/o consent &lt;$1K

NAME:&nbsp;Mullins, David Williams

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME:&nbsp;Santana, Angel De Jesus

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Improper method of notice to turn; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; felony; License carried/exhibited; Possess of firearm while under the influence

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 8

Salina Area Technical College has been recognized by the Associated General Contractors of Kansas (AGC) as the Mid-East Kansas Region Post-Secondary School of the Year for 2025. In addition, Brett Hillegiest, Electrical Technology Instructor, was named the Mid-East Kansas Region Post-Secondary Instructor of the Year for 2025.

These awards, presented by AGC’s Build Up Kansas Workforce Development Program, celebrate excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and the leadership that helps build a strong pipeline of skilled workers for Kansas industries.

In its recognition letter, AGC praised Salina Tech and Mr. Hillegeist for their “leadership in delivering valuable NCCER construction trade instruction” and for helping students earn industry-recognized credentials that prepare them for employment as professionals in Kansas’ growing construction sector.

The honor also includes a $1,000 per award to support Salina Tech’s Electrical Technology program.

“We are extremely proud of this recognition,” said Jennifer Callis, Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “It’s a reflection of the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students who work every day to advance technical education and meet workforce needs across Kansas. We are excited to celebrate Brett on receiving such an honor for his commitment to his program.”

The Associated General Contractors of Kansas represents the state’s leading commercial contractors and works to strengthen the construction industry through education, advocacy, and workforce development.

For more information about Salina Tech’s Electrical Technology, Construction Technology or any other programs, visit <a href="http://www.salinatech.edu">www.salinatech.edu</a>.

Salina Tech and Electrical Technology instructor receive prestigious awards 

A Retired Kansas Court of Appeals judge and his wife have established a new scholarship through the Kansas Bar Foundation (KBF) that celebrates the Buser family’s three generations of lawyers. 

The scholarship is designed to encourage law students to be the first person in their family to enter the legal profession and inspire students with a disability to achieve the goal of becoming a lawyer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Honorable Michael B. Buser and his wife, Holly Buser, provided funding for the Buser Family Scholarship. Judge Buser attended law school at the University of Kansas. His father, George J. Buser, Jr., attended the University of Kansas City (now the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law or UMKC School of Law) and was a career banker/trust officer in Overland Park. Following in Judge Buser’s footsteps is his son, Andrew, who graduated from UMKC School of Law and is general counsel of The Lead Group, a digital media company.

“The scholarship commemorates three generations of the Buser family who have practiced law in Kansas. It also acknowledges the commitment of many other Kansas families who have served our legal profession,” stated Buser. “For example, my former colleague on the Court, Judge Patrick D. McAnany, was a third-generation lawyer and father to a fourth-generation lawyer, his son Chris.”&nbsp;

In 2024, the McAnany family established the Judge Patrick D. McAnany Scholarship with the KBF. Judge Buser doubts there will be a fourth-generation attorney in their family. 

When Holly asked their 8-year-old grandson if he was going to be an attorney he said, “I don’t want to be an attorney.” She then asked him if he wanted to be a judge and he replied, “Yeah, I want to be Aaron Judge!”

Kevin Mitchelson, KBF President, stated, “One of our strategic goals is to build the Foundation’s endowments and offer more scholarships. In addition to encouraging individuals to be the first person in their family to enter the legal profession, the Buser Family Scholarship provides an opportunity for law students with disabilities. We are grateful to Judge Buser and Mrs. Buser and proud to offer this scholarship. We look forward to sharing this opportunity with law students.”

According to Judge Buser, besides prioritizing first-generation law students, students with disabilities also will receive preference in being awarded the scholarship. 

“This aspect of the scholarship is in recognition of my wife Holly’s 40-year career as a pediatric physical therapist,” stated Buser. “Recently my wife was thrilled to learn that an infant with neurological issues that she had treated more than 20 years ago just received a scholarship to earn a doctorate in physical therapy. Similarly, we hope this new KBF scholarship will assist a student with a disability to achieve the goal of becoming a lawyer.”

Kansas Bar Association&nbsp;The 2026 KBF&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksbar.org/?pg=scholarships">Scholarship program</a>&nbsp;will start accepting applications in December 2025.

The Buser Family Scholarship is one of twelve that will provide a total of about $40,000 to several outstanding students.

Retired Court of Appeals Judge & wife establish scholarship for first-gen law students and disabled pursuant in law career

McPherson Center for Health

MCPHERSON - McPherson Center for Health recently hosted its 4th annual&nbsp;Mammos &amp; Mocktails, an event dedicated to women’s health, early detection, and a little fun to go along!

This year’s event was especially exciting because it was the first time&nbsp;Mammos &amp; Mocktails&nbsp;could take full advantage of the hospital’s stereotactic breast biopsy technology, allowing women to receive advanced diagnostic care after their screening mammogram if necessary. Combined with the hospital’s 3D mammography technology, these tools help provide earlier, more accurate detection, all close to home.

This year’s event also had something new: Radiology Office Coordinator, Courtney Long, used a waitlist of patients overdue for a mammogram to help more women get scheduled sooner and be part of the celebration.

“We’ve had such a positive response over the years,” said Tammy Field, Director of Radiology. “It’s been wonderful to see not only the community engage with the event, but also our CAREgivers who volunteer to help with wayfinding and registration. Their involvement helps spread awareness throughout McPherson and beyond.”

Participants included both local residents and women who traveled from nearby communities, even a former McPherson resident who now lives in Salina made the trip back to have her mammogram performed during the event.

For Field, success isn’t measured in numbers but in the peace of mind women walk away with. “If we can put someone at ease so she’ll come back next year, or help identify something early, that’s a win,” she said.

What makes&nbsp;Mammos &amp; Mocktails&nbsp;special, Field added, is the level of experience and care behind it all. “Our Women’s Imaging and Diagnostic Center has more than 66 years of combined mammographer experience, all within a 5-Star Center for Health. That’s something we’re proud of.”

Field also credited the consistent support from senior leadership, CAREgivers, and the Radiology scheduling team. “It takes a lot of teamwork and heart to make this event happen every year, and I’m so grateful for everyone who plays a part,” she said.

Women who are due for their annual mammogram are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 620-241-2251 EXT 3950 or visiting <a href="http://mcphersoncenterforhealth.org">mcphersoncenterforhealth.org</a>.

McPherson Center for Health hosts 4th annual “Mammos & Mocktails” event

Rolling Hills Zoo was transformed into a haven of dreams for children with chronic or terminal illnesses and disabilities during this year’s Dream Night event held September 20, 2025. This event was made possible through the generous support of Salina Regional Health Foundation’s CHIP grant and the McCune &amp; Middlekauff Foundation.

A dedicated team of Dream Night volunteers greeted the VIP children and their parents or guardians upon their arrival, and each child received a special Rolling Hills Zoo keepsake bag, complete with a plush animal, water bottle, cozy animal themed hat, and a variety of delightful surprises inside.

Rolling Hills Zoo’s mascots George the Giraffe and Rowdy the Rhino, along with the Kansas Wesleyan University’s Casey the Coyote, greeted the children and posed for photos. Adding to this year’s excitement was a giant bubble maker creating an enticing pile of bubbles for the kids to run through, while the Salina Selfie Station offered a fun way for families to capture their VIP memories together.

After enjoying a warm meal in the Conference Center, families explored the Wildlife Museum, Hideaway Hollow and the Earl Bane Gallery, took tram rides through the zoo, participated in crafts, and met some of the zoo’s animal ambassadors up close. Smiles, laughter, and moments of pure joy filled every corner of the evening.

This year's Dream Night at Rolling Hills Zoo was attended by seventy-four remarkable children and their parents. The success of this event was made possible by the unwavering support of Independent Connection volunteers, the KWU Cheer Squad, and the devoted team at Rolling Hills Zoo.

VIP children who were unable to attend Dream Night on September 20th, received a special Golden Ticket which granted them and two parents or guardians free admission to the zoo. Additionally, they were presented with their VIP keepsake bag and a $20 gift card that could be redeemed at the Overlook Restaurant or Elephant’s Trunk Gift Shop. This gesture allowed additional VIP children to enjoy this special time set aside just for them.

The heartwarming tradition of Dream Night at the Zoo has a rich history beginning in 1996 at the Rotterdam Zoo. That year, children from the Sophia Children’s Hospital, especially cancer patients, were treated to a memorable evening. Over the years, this tradition has continued to grow, expanding the event to include more children and various hospitals and institutions.

In 2007, Rolling Hills Zoo joined this heartwarming initiative as an official partner, dedicating a special night exclusively to children with terminal or chronic illnesses and disabilities, along with their parents. Each year the Zoo is committed to providing an environment where children facing unique mental and physical health challenges can feel at ease and enjoy the company of animals while engaging in special activities at their own pace, all in a safe and enjoyable setting.

Rolling Hills Zoo, the Salina Regional Health Foundation, and the McCune &amp; Middlekauff Foundation are honored to have the opportunity to bring joy and unforgettable memories to these extraordinary children and their families through Dream Night at the Zoo. We look forward to continuing this tradition of love, care, and support in the years to come.

For more information about Rolling Hills Zoo and its ongoing conservation and animal care efforts, visit <a href="http://rollinghillszoo.org">rollinghillszoo.org</a> or follow the Zoo on social media.

Dream night brings joy to children with special needs at Rolling Hills Zoo

Kansas Wesleyan University will launch a marching band program in the fall of 2026, adding to the Music Department’s wide range of ensemble and performance opportunities for Coyote students.&nbsp;

“Here at Kansas Wesleyan, we are committed to providing involvement opportunities for our students,” said Ken Oliver, executive vice president. “While there may be some crossover in involvement between the two groups, a marching band opens different doors than a traditional ensemble, simply because of the positions and work involved. We will be one of the few private institutions in the region to offer this opportunity, and our hope is that opens doors for the next generation of Coyotes.&nbsp;

This will be the first time Kansas Wesleyan has a marching band in nearly a decade, and much like other KWU groups, it will provide opportunities for continuous improvement and personal growth.&nbsp;

“We have so much respect for elite musicians, without question,” said Jake Montoya, director of athletic bands, who will lead the marching band. “However, at KWU, we want any musician who will work hard, engage with their bandmates and put their best efforts in every day. We want to see musicians grow, and we want to see students fall more in love with music during their time as a Coyote. This is our philosophy as a department. For marching band, it means that we have opportunities for band members at different levels, with varying degrees of experience, and we want to hear from anyone interested in the program.”&nbsp;

Scholarships specific to the program will be available and will be announced in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

For additional information on the marching band program, contact Montoya at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jake.montoya@kwu.edu">jake.montoya@kwu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan University, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.&nbsp;

KWU to bring back marching band program after nearly a decade

<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>.

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 7 - November 10

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 5 - November 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 3 - November 5

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 31 - November 2

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 29 - October 31

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 27 - October 29

Four day weather forecast Salina, October 24 - October 27

The US National Weather Service has announced events of showers and thunderstorms are expected to return this weekend in Salina and throughout Central Kansas.

Accordingly, showers and thunderstorms will overspread the area starting Thursday night, with the greatest coverage in southern Kansas. Temperatures will drop into the upper 40s and 50s throughout the area.

Forecast depicts that showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur throughout the span of this weekend, and into Monday, October 27.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to return to Salina this weekend

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 22 - October 24

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 20 - October 22

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Donald Trump's administration is demanding states “undo” full SNAP benefits paid out under judges' orders last week, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has stayed those rulings, marking the latest swing in a seesawing legal battle over the anti-hunger program used by 42 million Americans.

The demand from the U.S. Department of Agriculture came as more than two dozen states warned of “catastrophic operational disruptions” if the Trump administration does not reimburse them for those SNAP benefits they authorized before the Supreme Court's stay.

Nonprofits and Democratic attorneys general sued to force the Trump administration to maintain the program in November. They won the favorable rulings last week, leading to the swift release of benefits to millions in several states.

But, even before it won a stay on those rulings through an appeal to the Supreme Court on Friday night, the Trump administration balked at reimbursing states for the initial round of SNAP payments. Wisconsin, for example, loaded benefits onto cards for 700,000 residents, but after the U.S. Treasury froze its reimbursements to the state, it anticipates running out of money by Monday, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' administration warned in a lengthy statement on Sunday.

The lack of money could leave vendors unpaid and trigger escalating legal claims, the states warned. “States could face demands to return hundreds of millions of dollars in the aggregate,” the filing at the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals says.

That situation "would risk catastrophic operational disruptions for the States, with a consequent cascade of harms for their residents,” the filing concludes.

That filing arrived as the Department of Agriculture on Saturday told states it would now consider any payments made last week to be “unauthorized.”

“To the extent States sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized,” Patrick Penn, deputy undersecretary of Agriculture, wrote to state SNAP directors. “Accordingly, States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025.”

Evers issued a quick response to the Trump administration’s demand. “No,” the governor said in a statement.

“Pursuant to and consistent with an active court order, Wisconsin legally loaded benefits to cards, ensuring nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites, including nearly 270,000 kids, had access to basic food and groceries," Evers said. “After we did so, the Trump Administration assured Wisconsin and other states that they were actively working to implement full SNAP benefits for November and would ‘complete the processes necessary to make funds available.’ They have failed to do so to date."

Read the memo: USDA demands states 'undo' full SNAP payments

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mark-kennedy">MARK KENNEDY</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — A newly discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/dr-seuss">Dr. Seuss</a>&nbsp;manuscript featuring the Cat in the Hat and celebrating the United States will be published next year, just in time for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-cuts-humanities-america250-anniversary-doge-572cf095773c66856a1da94030ffd5a9">America’s 250th anniversary.</a>

“Sing the 50 United States” is the first full manuscript written by Dr. Seuss — born Theodor Geisel — to be discovered since the posthumous release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/62c82fa1f4be43c7aa4355fd11c36478">“What Pet Should I Get?”</a>&nbsp;in 2015.

The new book aims to teach readers the names of the states. “To sing the 50 United States, you have to use your brain,” the Cat in the Hat advises. “Massachusetts. Minnesota. Missouri and Montana. M-i-s-s-Mississippi. Maryland! Michigan and Maine!”

“Uncovering a new work from Ted is like finding a time capsule of his imagination,” says Susan Brandt, president and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. “‘Sing the 50 United States’ celebrates his boundless creativity, genius with words, and enduring ability to inspire young readers everywhere. We’re honored to share this new Dr. Seuss treasure with readers across America during such a meaningful milestone year.”

The manuscript was found earlier this year in archival materials at the Geisel Library at The University California San Diego. Geisel also left behind a cover sketch and notes on the overall art direction. New illustrations were done by artist Tom Brannon, in the style of Dr. Seuss.

Random House Children’s Books will publish the book on June 2, 2026, with a first printing of 500,000 copies.

Newly discovered Dr. Seuss manuscript will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary

GÜIRIA, Venezuela (AP) — One was a fisherman struggling to eke out a living on $100 a month. Another was a career criminal. A third was a former military cadet. And a fourth was a down-on-his-luck bus driver.

The men had little in common beyond their Venezuelan seaside hometowns and the fact all four were among the more than 60 people killed since early September when the U.S. military&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-strike-rubio-trump-0f901b2a30ee20e314bcab1385ffb0c0">began attacking boats</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration alleges were smuggling drugs. President Donald Trump and top U.S. officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">have alleged the craft</a>&nbsp;were being operated by&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115373751811822463" target="_blank">narco-terrorists</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">cartel members</a>&nbsp;bound with deadly drugs for American communities.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-boat-strikes-drugs-cocaine-trafficking-e4fcf945e48e36bf2c510f9f111e031c">The Associated Press learned</a>&nbsp;the identities of four of the men – and pieced together details about at least five others – who were slain, providing the first comprehensive account of those who died in the strikes.

In dozens of interviews&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-strike-caribbean-drug-trafficking-trump-1061debe2f983ef7bc9666d3f002b3a0">in villages on Venezuela’s breathtaking northeastern coast</a>, from which some of the boats departed, residents and relatives said the dead men had indeed been running drugs but were not narco-terrorists or leaders of a cartel or gang.

Most of the nine men were crewing such craft for the first or second time, making at least $500 per trip, residents and relatives said. They were laborers, a fisherman, a motorcycle taxi driver. Two were low-level career criminals. One was a well-known local crime boss who contracted out his smuggling services to traffickers.

The men lived on the Paria Peninsula, in mostly unpainted cinderblock homes that can go weeks without water service and regularly lose power for several hours a day. They awoke to panoramic views of a national park’s tropical forests, the Gulf of Paria’s shallows and the Caribbean’s sparkling sapphire waters. When the time came for their drug runs, they boarded open-hulled fishing skiffs that relied on powerful outboard motors to haul their drugs to nearby Trinidad and other islands.

The residents and relatives interviewed by the AP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-election-maduro-opposition-human-rights-abuses-dd6d0b103adbf88f00fe60b0d781a873">requested anonymity out of fear of reprisals</a>&nbsp;from drug smugglers, the Venezuelan government or the Trump administration. They said they were incensed that the men were killed without due process. In the past, their boats would have been interdicted by the U.S. authorities and the crewmen charged with federal crimes, affording them a day in court.

The U.S. government “should have stopped them,” a man’s relative said.

It has been difficult for relatives to learn much about their dead loved ones because criminal gangs and the Venezuelan government have long repressed the flow of information in the region.

Venezuelan officials have blasted the U.S. government over the strikes, and the nation’s ambassador to the U.N. called the attacks “extrajudicial executions.” They have also steadfastly denied that drug traffickers operate in the country and have yet to acknowledge that any of its citizens have been killed in boat strikes. Spokespeople for Venezuela’s government did not respond to a request for comment.

The Trump administration has justified the strikes by declaring drug cartels to be “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">unlawful combatants</a>&nbsp;” and said the U.S. is now in an “armed conflict” with them. Trump has said each sunken boat has saved 25,000 American lives, presumably from overdoses. The boats, however, appear to have been transporting cocaine, not the far more deadly synthetic opioids that kill tens of thousands of Americans each year.

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, said in a statement to the AP that the Defense Department has “consistently said that our intelligence did indeed confirm that the individuals involved in these drug operations were narco-terrorists, and we stand by that assessment.”

So far, the U.S. military has blown up 17 vessels, killing more than 60 people. Nine of the craft were targeted in the Caribbean, and at least three of those had departed from Venezuela, according to the Trump administration. The military is striking the boats at the same time the administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-boat-strikes-warships-6ffd9e6f4eb738048c816c6d8257a6ef">is applying increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>. The Justice Department doubled a reward for his arrest to $50 million, and the U.S. military has built up an unusually large&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">force in the Caribbean Sea</a>&nbsp;and the waters off Venezuela and has flown pairs of supersonic, heavy bombers along the country’s coast.

Relatives and acquaintances said they have confirmed the deaths through word-of-mouth and inexplicit social media posts that sought to convey information about the dead men&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-election-arrests-repression-prison-opposition-c07ddb20770f02139e4f4a05d7bc4f60">without drawing the attention of Venezuelan authorities</a>. They have also made what they described as reasonable deductions: The men have not returned phone calls or texts in weeks, or reached out to say they were okay; Venezuelan authorities, residents said, have also searched some of the homes of the dead men.

“I want an answer, but who can I ask?” said a relative of one of the men. “I can’t say anything.”

A native of Güiria, a village on the southeast side of the peninsula, Robert Sánchez dropped out of school as a teenager and like many others in the region became a fisherman like his father, according to friends and relatives. The 42-year-old was considered among the peninsula’s best pilots, they said, having spent the better part of three decades mastering the area’s currents and winds, so much so he could navigate the waters at night without instruments.

As part of hired crews, the father of four spent his days fishing for snapper, kingfish and dogfish. The fisherman wanted to save enough money to buy a 75-horsepower boat engine so he could operate his own boat and not work for others. It was a dream Sánchez knew he was likely to never realize, relatives said: Most of his income — about $100 a month — went to feed his children.

The peninsula is part of Sucre state,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-economic-crisis-maduro-food-families-hungry-3e980da7bca693cc3877df0d7647a837">one of Venezuela’s poorest</a>. Sucre was once home to several fish processing plants, an auto assembly plant and a large public university, all of which offered well-paying jobs. Most have shuttered. The peninsula is dotted by the unfulfilled promises of 26 years of a self-described socialist government, including an abandoned shipyard and the rusted infrastructure meant for a natural gas complex.

With its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, the area is a popular transit hub for cocaine making its way from Colombia to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trinidad-us-military-venezuela-strikes-fishing-fcd24c441f58162b811a24b247334fc5">Trinidad and other Caribbean islands</a>&nbsp;before heading to Europe. Colombian cocaine destined for the U.S. is generally smuggled out of Colombia through the Pacific coast.

The larger economic pressures — and Sánchez’s goal of owning a boat engine — are what pushed the fisherman to accept an offer to help traffickers navigate the tricky waters he knew so well, friends and relatives said.

Sánchez had just finished offloading a day’s catch last month when he told his mother he would be taking a short trip and would see her in a couple of days. They had no idea where he was going.

After seeing clips on social media that mentioned his death, relatives broke the news to his mother, but not until after ensuring she had taken her blood pressure medication. Sánchez’s youngest son, a third grader, could not accept for days that his father was gone. He kept asking adults if his father could have survived the explosion, noting he might still be at sea.

No, the adults told the boy. His father was gone.

Luis “Che” Martínez was killed in the first strike. A burly 60-year-old, Martínez was a longtime local crime boss, and he made most of his living smuggling drugs and people across borders, according to several people who knew him.

He had been jailed by Venezuelan authorities on human-trafficking charges after a boat he had operated capsized in December 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-international-news-f8e553486c15efd8fec3415898fe1cc5">killing about two dozen people</a>, law enforcement officials said at the time. Among those who died in the accident were two of his sons and a granddaughter, relatives told the AP. The AP was not able to determine the disposition of his criminal case, but Martínez was eventually released from custody and returned to smuggling people and drugs, according to acquaintances.

Though they detested what he did for a living — and the control Martínez and similar criminals exerted over their villages — several residents said they appreciated how Martínez contributed annually to the town’s festival of the Virgin of the Valley, the patroness of fishermen, and he spent lavishly in local shops and restaurants. He also bet heavily on cockfights, a popular pastime, a bird breeder said.

Martínez was killed, a relative and several acquaintances said, in the first known U.S. strike, which took place Sept. 2. Trump quickly took to social media to claim the vessel had departed from Venezuela and had been carrying drugs. The 11-man crew, the president said, had been members of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-tren-aragua-trump-deportations-guantanamo-el-salvador-0e283ba28a6566426da45b21e4fdf9ee">Tren de Aragua gang</a>. He said all men were killed and also posted a short video clip of a small vessel appearing to explode in flames.

Martínez’s relatives said they did not believe the underworld figure was a member of that gang.

They said they have been provided no information from the Venezuelan government about his fate. They figured it out when they came across a photo of a body that had washed ashore in Trinidad. The photo had been shared on social media and messaging apps and depicted a badly mutilated body. The people familiar with Martínez said they knew instantly the stout corpse was Martínez because, on his left wrist, was strapped one of his most treasured belongings: an ostentatious watch.

Dushak Milovcic, 24, was drawn to crime by the adrenaline rush and money, so much that he dropped out of the country’s National Guard Academy, according to those who knew him. He started as a lookout for smugglers, they said. Though he had no experience at sea, he eventually won a promotion to the more lucrative and coveted jobs on drug-running boats.

It’s not clear how many trips he had undertaken before he was killed last month.

Juan Carlos “El Guaramero” Fuentes had operated a transit bus for several years but was facing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-economy-crisis-maduro-inflation-sanctions-dollar-5250770ae0e79fc69122b820ab8ac13e">dire financial circumstances</a>&nbsp;when it had broken down. The government had been unable — or unwilling — to fix it. That meant he was losing money because bus drivers in Venezuela typically pocket a portion of the fares, making it nearly impossible for him to feed and clothe his family.

Villagers said they were not surprised that Fuentes, who had no nautical experience, turned to smuggling to make ends meet. The higher-level traffickers who typically crewed such boats had been staying ashore to avoid being targeted by U.S. missiles. In their place, villagers said, they had been increasingly hiring novices like Fuentes.

Fuentes told friends he had been nervous about his first smuggling run, knowing it would be filled with risks from weather, rival gangs, even the U.S. military. The September trip had gone surprisingly smoothly, he told friends, and he readily agreed to join another crew. Fuentes was killed in a missile strike last month, friends said, the precise one unknown.

Konstantin Toropin contributed from Washington.

This story was supported by funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Report reveals details on those killed in U.S. military strikes on drug boats 

KANSAS CITY—Teamwork and technology led to the arrest of a drunk driver who fled from a deputy just after midnight on November 6, according to a social media report from the Clay County Sheriff. 

A Traffic Safety Unit deputy tried to stop a vehicle with no headlights, a common sign of impaired driving, near N.E. Parvin Road and N. Belmont Avenue. The driver fled and nearly struck another vehicle traveling northbound, before losing control and striking the back of a parked semi truck's trailer. 

The driver ran into Worlds of Fun. Worlds of Fun security started checking their cameras and were able to get a rough idea of where the suspect was as he moved through the park. Clay County Deputies put up their drone, which led law enforcement right to the suspect.

Officers from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClaycomoPD?__cft__[0]=AZW5iqdO8kWopKSnwdWcNGhCdhztbHmDWCooqqytxssxIIS235dC2Hd9biDwqRgoewcAaVbmI2EA9F_QgdFI0K4t1Pj0rPqVCesjtpQbEGY-S9bNfNPqcas1m5NDMmnp9GBz-klfh3loVTGpHs8fsRX3tb89rNWjTxXJiVCgvknT-fTnXe1Y3ajdCGO0ijfxN1Y&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Claycomo Police Department</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064540068196&amp;__cft__[0]=AZW5iqdO8kWopKSnwdWcNGhCdhztbHmDWCooqqytxssxIIS235dC2Hd9biDwqRgoewcAaVbmI2EA9F_QgdFI0K4t1Pj0rPqVCesjtpQbEGY-S9bNfNPqcas1m5NDMmnp9GBz-klfh3loVTGpHs8fsRX3tb89rNWjTxXJiVCgvknT-fTnXe1Y3ajdCGO0ijfxN1Y&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Pleasant Valley Missouri Police Department</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GladstoneMOPD?__cft__[0]=AZW5iqdO8kWopKSnwdWcNGhCdhztbHmDWCooqqytxssxIIS235dC2Hd9biDwqRgoewcAaVbmI2EA9F_QgdFI0K4t1Pj0rPqVCesjtpQbEGY-S9bNfNPqcas1m5NDMmnp9GBz-klfh3loVTGpHs8fsRX3tb89rNWjTxXJiVCgvknT-fTnXe1Y3ajdCGO0ijfxN1Y&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Gladstone MO Police</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kcpolice?__cft__[0]=AZW5iqdO8kWopKSnwdWcNGhCdhztbHmDWCooqqytxssxIIS235dC2Hd9biDwqRgoewcAaVbmI2EA9F_QgdFI0K4t1Pj0rPqVCesjtpQbEGY-S9bNfNPqcas1m5NDMmnp9GBz-klfh3loVTGpHs8fsRX3tb89rNWjTxXJiVCgvknT-fTnXe1Y3ajdCGO0ijfxN1Y&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City Missouri Police Department</a> all had responded to surround the area. Tests later showed the suspect's blood alcohol content was over the legal limit.

Reginald L. Finch, 22, has been charged with aggravated fleeing a stop, driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident.

Sheriff: Drunk driver ran from crash into Worlds of Fun

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;stretched into its 40th day Sunday even as senators stayed in Washington for a grueling weekend session hoping to find an end to the funding fight that has disrupted flights nationwide, threatened food assistance for millions of Americans and left federal workers without pay.

The Senate has so far shown few signs of progress over a weekend that could be crucial for the shutdown fight. Republican leaders are hoping to hold votes on a new package of bills that would reopen the government into January while also approving full-year funding for several parts of government. But the necessary Democratic support for that effort was far from guaranteed.

“We’re only a handful of votes away” from passing a bill to reopen the government,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-thune">Senate Majority Leader John Thune</a>, R-S.D., said Saturday.

Still, Democratic leaders are pushing hard for an extension of subsidies for health plans offered under the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Republicans have rejected that offer, but signaled openness to an emerging proposal from a small group of moderate Democrats to end the shutdown in exchange for a later vote on the “Obamacare” subsidies, which make coverage more affordable.

For those enrolled in Affordable Care Act exchanges, premiums on average are expected to more than double next year if Congress allows the enhanced subsidies to lapse.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, said the pledge to hold a vote on extending the health care subsidies would be a “wasteful gesture” unless “you have the commitment of the speaker of the House that he will support it and that the president of the United States will sign it.”

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