SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement and school district officials in&nbsp; Salina are investigating a teacher on felony allegations.

Over the weekend, a parent of a 16-year-old boy, reported to the Salina Police Department suspicious text messaging between the teen and a teacher at South Middle School, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

Police conducted an investigation with the cooperation of USD 305 and determined the teacher, 47-year-old Amanda Freeman, had furnished the juvenile, and possibly other juveniles, with alcohol and THC products. 

Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, Freeman was arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Felony Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct, Aggravated Endangerment of a Child, Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Social Hosting and Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor, according to Feldman.

Middle school teacher accused of giving teen alcohol, THC products

In response to the recent heavy flooding across the area, the Salina Area United Way has announced the launch of its Emergency Relief Fund.

This new initiative is designed to provide immediate support for neighbors in need—and to serve as an ongoing resource for future emergencies.&nbsp;

This fund, part of the organization’s Community Resiliency pillar, will help individuals and families impacted by the flooding, as well as those who may face unexpected crises in the future, such as house fires, sudden loss of income, or other urgent challenges. 

The goal is simple: to ensure that when hardship strikes, no one in our community has to face it alone.&nbsp;

“Flooding has left many families struggling to recover, and emergencies can happen at any time,” said Christina Small, Executive Director of the Salina Area United Way. “The Emergency Relief Fund allows us to respond quickly to immediate needs and ensures that this support will be available to help our neighbors whenever future crises arise. Because this fund is brand new and still growing, we ask that individuals in need of emergency assistance allow at least a week before reaching out, so we can build the resources needed to serve everyone effectively. In the meantime, we encourage those in need to call 2-1-1 to access a list of local resources and support services available in their area.”&nbsp;

Every dollar contributed goes directly toward providing flexible, rapid assistance to help individuals and families stabilize, recover and move forward with dignity.&nbsp;

The Salina Area United Way invites community members, businesses and organizations to join in this effort. By contributing, donors are investing in a stronger, more resilient community that can respond in times of urgent need.&nbsp;

Donations to the Emergency Relief Fund can be made here: <a href="https://givebutter.com/SAUWReliefFund">https://givebutter.com/SAUWReliefFund</a> or by contacting the Salina Area United Way office at (785) 827-1312 or SAUW@unitedwaysalina.org.&nbsp;

Salina Area United Way launches Emergency Relief Fund after recent flooding

The Kansas State Fair has announced a schedule change for tonight’s Josiah Queen with Ben Fuller concert at the Nex-Tech Grandstand. The show, originally set for 7:30 p.m., will now begin at 6:30 p.m. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m.

Current ticketholders do not need to take any action—tickets remain valid for the adjusted time. Those still looking to attend can purchase tickets at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/12251/kansas-state-fair">etix.com</a>.

Fair officials say the change comes in response to ongoing closures of on-grounds parking lots following heavy rainfall earlier this week. Handicapped parking will remain available near Gates 5 and 9.

By moving the concert up one hour, organizers aim to ensure the show concludes before the Fair’s free shuttle service ends at 11:30 p.m. Shuttles are running from off-site parking locations, including the Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson Uptown Mall, and Bold 3PL.

The Kansas State Fair runs through Sunday, Sept. 14, with concerts, entertainment, livestock shows, and family activities scheduled daily.

State Fair changes time for Josiah Queen, Ben Fuller concert

The <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/">Kansas Department of Commerce</a> encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Weekend Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasworks.com/">KANSASWORKS</a>.

Designed for jobseekers who can’t attend job fairs during the standard work week, this event will run from 8:00 am Friday, September 26&nbsp;until 5:00 pm Sunday, September 28.

“In this new era of Kansas economic growth, we have experienced a dramatic increase in career opportunities across a broad array of industries,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “There are positions available for everyone — in any stage of life and all levels of experience. The timing is right for jobseekers to write their own new chapter in Kansas.”

This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.

The virtual format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2F0354cbff-d256-45d6-b438-768a39545117%2Fkansasworks-virtual-statewide-job-fair-september-26th-27th,-2025%2Fattendee/1/0101019934408a34-2ec7faea-f117-442e-9d76-118fdb33dae5-000000/pqGTBAWTntq8DwbNFiGa48ETr_y3jbQwrevuAIZymQc=422">here</a>.

KANSASWORKS partners with Kansas companies to offer weekend job fair

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has begun dirt work in the first phase of reconstruction and realignment of K-4 in Saline County.

The multi-phase project covers about 7 miles of K-4 from the Smoky Hill River bridge to just east of S Kipp Road.

During this first phase of construction, traffic will be minimally impacted with the occasional shoulder closure for grading and drainage structure work off the highway.

Sporer Land Development Inc., of Oakley is the primary contractor for this $23.9 million project and has scheduled the entire project to be completed in Fall 2027.

KDOT urges all motorists to stay alert and follow all posted signs when approaching and driving through a work zone. To stay aware of all highway construction projects across Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101993051be7b-226a701b-6f38-43c4-aad2-99d31122e204-000000/5xQu57dsbX6S7_54Ge55DTI8MPiMtQu7fG19zZWBWks=421">kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 511.

First phase of reconstruction started on K-4 Highway in Saline County

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

<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 10 - September 12

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;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;Coleman, Casey Elizabeth

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Contempt of Court; Direct

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation (2 requested charges);&nbsp;Failure to appear (4 requested charges)

NAME:&nbsp;Eagle Feather Johnson, Julius Dakota

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18; Contribute to child misconduct; Encourage to commit a felony; Distribute marijuana; &lt; 25 grams; Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Furnishing alcohol or CMB to a minor; Poss of marijuana; Unlawfully hosting minors consuming alcohol or CMB

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

*No image available for&nbsp;Stanley Townsend, Elizabeth Grace*

NAME:&nbsp;Stanley Townsend, Elizabeth Grace

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circ; misd

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 10

CLAY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Tuesday in Clay County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Freightliner semi driven by Dillon Ray&nbsp;Williams, 18, Clay Center, was&nbsp;westbound on Kansas 9 two miles east of Clifton. The vehicle drifted into the north ditch. The driver overcorrected and the semi entered the south ditch and struck an embankment.

EMS transported Williams and a passenger James Dean&nbsp;Jensen, 55, Morganville, to the Clay County Medical Center. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Two hospitalized after semi strikes embankment

As the removal process for the 'log jam' along the Smoky Hill River near Bill Burke and Indian Rock Park continues, heavy rainfall from this week's storms have increased water flow.

With Saline County currently under a <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/47201a02-c69f-4e88-821f-1249ddac25e2">flood warning</a>&nbsp;until Wednesday, the Saline County Emergency Management team stated heavy rainfall of up to 12 inches has caused widespread flooding across the western half of the county. This has also also caused rising river levels that are expected to continue through Wednesday.

Here is a list of current river conditions for the Smoky Hill River as of Tuesday morning:

According to Utilities Director for the City of Salina Martha Tasker, the rainfall from the rivers (listed above) have come through the log jam near Bill Burke and Indian Rock Parks. She added that a projection of water flow rate is expected to be peaked by 1:00 pm on Wednesday.

Tasker stated the Cubic Feet per Second (water flow rate) right now is 3,290 cfs and is anticipated to rise up to 4,050 cfs by tomorrow (unofficial). This would make the water levels rise up by a couple feet of where it is currently at.

"The rain events we have had are not normal," said Tasker. 

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/483d033a-a3aa-4b22-8041-02404862faa1">DIEHL Enterprises Inc</a>. is the construction company currently removing the log jam.

🎥 Saline County storms increase water flow along Smoky Hill River's "log jam"

CLOUD COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for a violent knife attack in north central Kansas.

Just before 9:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the 200 Block of West 11th Street in Concordia after a report of a victim with a stab wound, according to a media release from Concordia Police Chief Brent Gering.

First responders located a victim with a life-threatening stab wound and multiple defensive wounds. The Concordia Fire Department rendered aid to the victim and transported the victim to North Central Kansas Medical Center. The victim was later transferred to Salina Regional Health Center.

Officers located the suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Martin Santos Ambros. Officers placed him in handcuffs. He then attempted to escape custody and was unsuccessful.&nbsp; The scene was secured and evidence collected. Santos-Ambros is being held in the Cloud County Jail on requested charges of attempted-murder in the 2nd degree-domestic and Felony interference with law enforcement.

Knife attack victim hospitalized in Salina, suspect in custody

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

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 3 - September 5

CLEVELAND (AP) — Nick Loftin singled in the tying run and scored on Maikel Garcia’s double in the seventh inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night.

Kansas City snapped a three-game losing streak and moved within 3 1/2 games of Seattle, which holds the third and final American League wild-card position. The Guardians are three behind the Mariners.

Cleveland led 3-2 after six before Loftin drove in Tyler Tolbert, then came around on Garcia’s liner off the wall in left against Hunter Gaddis. Tim Herrin (5-4) was charged with both runs.

Luinder Avila (1-0) worked two scoreless innings for his first career win and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth for his major league-leading 39th save.

Kyle Manzardo hit a two-run homer in the first and Bo Naylor had an RBI single in the fourth for Cleveland, which had won five straight. Manzardo’s 432-foot shot off Jonathan Bowlan was the longest of his career and his 26th homer of the season.

Vinnie Pasquantino and Jonathan India both singled in runs for Kansas City. Pasquantino reached 100 RBIs for the first time.

Guardians starter Logan Allen gave up two runs in five innings, remaining winless in seven outings since July 29.

Jac Caglianone walked with one out in the seventh and was replaced by pinch-runner Tolbert, who scored on Loftin’s pinch-hit single off Herrin. Gaddis entered and gave up Garcia’s RBI double.

Kansas City used six pitchers with Bowlan logging the first two innings. Michael Wacha was slated to start before suffering a concussion as a result of what manager Matt Quatraro termed “an off-field accident.”

Royals RHP Stephen Kolek (5-5, 3.88 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (10-5, 3.17 ERA) in the four-game series finale on Thursday.

⚾ Royals snap 3-game skid with victory over the Guardians

🎥President Trump's message on the assassination of Charlie Kirk

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy was arrested Sept. 9, 2025, in Hutchinson on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child, according to a statement from the Sheriff's office.

 The Hutchinson Police Department took 31-year-old Travis Scott Haydon of Hutchinson into custody in connection with the case.

Haydon was booked into the Reno County Jail, where he remains in custody. Upon learning of his arrest, the Sheriff’s Office placed Haydon on administrative leave. He has been employed at the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility since January 2024.

The Hutchinson Police Department is conducting the criminal investigation.

Kansas detention deputy accused of child sex crimes

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office has filed formal charges against Clowie Ann McLaughlin, 80, of Augusta, in connection with a deadly crash on August 30 that claimed the lives of two Wichita women.

McLaughlin is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, severity level 4 person felonies, in the deaths of 42-year-old LaShea Bell and her daughter, 25-year-old A’Niah Bell.

The crash happened around 9:35 p.m. at the intersection of Central and Webb Road. According to Wichita police, McLaughlin’s black Chevrolet truck collided with a white BMW carrying the Bells and a gray Jeep driven by a 41-year-old man. LaShea Bell was pronounced dead at the scene, while A’Niah Bell later died at a local hospital. The Jeep driver was treated at the scene and released.

Police said speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in the collision. McLaughlin was taken to a hospital for treatment of her own injuries and was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail after being medically cleared. She bonded out Sunday evening after posting a $100,000 bond.

McLaughlin is scheduled to make her first court appearance on Monday, September 15, at 10 a.m.

Because the investigation and legal proceedings remain ongoing, authorities say no further details will be released at this time. Officials also reminded the public that all criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

80-year-old charged in DUI crash that killed Kan. mother, daughter 

OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday at a Utah college event in an act that drew renewed attention to the threat of political violence across the United States.

The death was announced on social media by Trump, who praised the 31-year-old Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the youth organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point USA</a>, as “Great, and even Legendary.”

“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.

The suspected shooter has not been arrested, Orem, Utah, Mayor David Young said. A person who was taken into custody by law enforcement at the university where Kirk was speaking was not the suspect, according to a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Videos posted to social media from Utah Valley University show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent emblazoned with the slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” A single shot rings out and Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as a large volume of blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators are heard gasping and screaming before people start to run away. The AP was able to confirm the videos were taken at Sorensen Center courtyard on the Utah Valley University campus.

“We are confirming that he was shot and we are praying for Charlie,” said Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA.

Kirk was speaking at a debate hosted by his nonprofit political organization. Immediately before the shooting, Kirk was taking questions for an audience member about mass shootings and gun violence.

“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” an audience members asked. Kirk responded: “Too many.”

The questioner followed up: “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?”

“Counting or not counting gang violence?” Kirk asked.

The event had been met with divided opinions on campus. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”

Last week, Kirk posted on X images of news clips showing his visit to Utah colleges was sparking controversy. He wrote, “What’s going on in Utah?”

Trump and a host of Republican and Democratic elected officials decried the shooting and offered prayers for Kirk on social media.

“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum. The attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband at their house in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish, in April. The most notorious of these events is the shooting of Trump during a campaign rally last year.

Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, a Republican who was at the event, said in an interview on Fox News Channel that he heard one shot and saw Kirk go back.

“It seemed like it was a close shot,” Chaffetz said, who seemed shaken as he spoke.

He said there was a light police presence at the event and Kirk had some security but not enough.

“Utah is one of the safest places on the planet,” he said. “And so we just don’t have these types of things.”

Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk, then 18, and William Montgomery, a tea party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government. It was not an immediate success.

But Kirk’s zeal for confronting liberals in academia eventually won over an influential set of conservative financiers.

Despite early misgivings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-turning-point-voter-mobilization-musk-07286c2572b02aafefdda1cda093e788">Turning Point</a>&nbsp;enthusiastically backed Trump after he clinched the GOP nomination in 2016. Kirk served as a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, during the general election campaign.

Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. Trump and his son were equally effusive and often spoke at Turning Point conferences.-------------------

OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-charlie-kirk-turning-point-afb64a04493ddf44df3b7338536a6524">Turning Point USA</a>&nbsp;and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was in critical condition at a Utah hospital Wednesday after being shot at a college event, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

A person who was taken into custody at Utah Valley University was not the suspect, according to a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly. It was not clear if authorities were still searching the campus for a suspect.

Kirk was speaking at a debate hosted by his nonprofit political organization. The event had been met with divided opinions on campus. An online petition calling for university administrators to bar Kirk from appearing received nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement last week citing First Amendment rights and affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”

The college said a “single shot” had been fired at Kirk and a suspect was in custody.

Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the then-president. Trump and his son were equally effusive and often spoke at Turning Point conferences.

OREM, Utah (AP) — Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot Wednesday at an event at a Utah college, Turning Point said.

Kirk was attending an event at Utah Valley University.

The shooting comes amid a spike in political violence in the United States across all parts of the ideological spectrum. The attacks include the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband at their house in June, the firebombing of a Colorado parade to demand Hamas release hostages, and a fire set at the house of Pennsylvania’s governor, who is Jewish, in April. The most notorious of these events is the shooting of President Donald Trump during a campaign rally last year.

Kan. lawmakers react to shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk 

HARVEY COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 7a.m. Wednesday in Harvey County.

According to the city of Newton, Peter Hartman, 90, of Hesston,&nbsp; was driving a passenger vehicle southeast on Hesston Road northwest of North Newton. The vehicle collided with a semi-trailer that was attempting to make a right turn from Hesston Road onto 36th Street.

EMS transported Hartman in critical condition to a Wichita hospital. He later died of his injuries.

There were no passengers in either vehicle. The accident remains under investigation.

90-year-old Kansas driver dies after crash with a semi

FINNEY COUNTY—The Red Cross is assisting families in southwest Kansas after an apartment fire in Garden City.

Just before 8:30p.m. Sept. 6,&nbsp; the Garden City Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a&nbsp; fire in an apartment building in 300 block of College Street in Garden City, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, Command 1 identified a two-story apartment building with heavy smoke and fire visible. Fire crews conducted an offensive fire attack to the upstairs apartments while simultaneously completing primary search and rescue on the apartments with physical fire, followed by surrounding apartments. 

All occupants of the apartments were found to be safely evacuated prior to the arrival of fire crews.

Fire Marshal Robertson responded to the scene for investigation. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. No injuries were reported, and no damage estimates are known at this time.

American Red Cross was requested to respond and assist with the displaced families.

Red Cross assisting families displaced by SW Kan. apartment fire

WASHINGTON­—Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets Chairwoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) delivered opening remarks at Tuesday’s hearing titled “<a href="https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/restoring-public-trust-through-uap-transparency-and-whistleblower-protection/">Restoring Public Trust Through UFO/UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection</a>.”

In her opening statement, Task Force Chairwoman Luna highlighted the lack of transparency from the federal government and intelligence communities on the research and disclosure of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs). Task Force Chairwoman Luna also reiterated the importance of addressing threats to U.S. national security by (UFOs or now known as UAPs and the need for the federal government to acknowledge them.

Read the Congresswoman's full statement below:

Good morning, and welcome to this hearing regarding UAP disclosures.

For too long, the issue of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – commonly known as UAPs – has been shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and in some cases outright dismissal.&nbsp;

Today, I want to state clearly: this is not science fiction or creating speculation.&nbsp;

This is about national security, government accountability, and the American people’s right to the truth.

I have now spoken to a number of whistleblowers from the military, to include at the infamous Eglin AFB incident that occurred when myself and former Rep Matt Gaetz as well as Rep Burchett followed up on a lead from multiple active-duty air force pilot whistleblowers that alleged that the USAF was covering up UAP activity at Eglin AFB.&nbsp;

We have heard from a number of whistleblowers, specifically military pilots, that the reason for not coming forward publicly is out of fear that speaking out would cost them their flight status, and potentially their careers.&nbsp;

We cannot protect our airspace if our best-trained observers are silenced.&nbsp;

We cannot advance science if we refuse to ask questions.&nbsp;

And we cannot maintain trust in government if we keep the American people in the dark.

Now, Congress has tried to fix this problem.

Congress tried to create formal channels – through the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, also known as AARO and the Intelligence Community Inspector General – for service members and officials to make disclosures.

But the reality: the reports that come in are too often brushed aside, slow-walked, or met with skepticism rather than serious investigation. Recently, the former AARO director known as Sean Kirpatrick attacked our witness and members on this committee. It should be noted that he is a documented liar and brings into question what his purpose at AARO really was if it was not to follow up on investigations and disclose his findings to Members of Congress.&nbsp;

A former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Chris Mellon, described a report published by ARRO that “found no evidence that any USG investigation, academic-sponsored research, or official review panel has confirmed that any sighting of a UAP represented extraterrestrial technology,” as “the most error-ridden and unsatisfactory government report I can recall reading during or after decades of government service.” Mellon further noted that this was the first ARRO report submitted to Congress without the Director of National Intelligence’s sign-off and seemingly excluded input from “any of the scholars or experts who have studied and written extensively on this topic as would normally be the case in another field.” Mellon determined that the report failed to fulfill the congressional mandate under which it was required, omitted entire agencies with “known investigations or activities relating to UAP,” and omitted any discussion of efforts to hide classified or unclassified information about UAP. Such efforts were unaddressed by the report despite the existence of agency records and investigations concerning them, including at US Customs and Border Protection.

If we set up offices and oversight bodies only to let them become graveyards for testimony or worse yet, ruses for pretending to investigate when in actuality, there was no follow up, then we are not doing our jobs.

In recent months, Congress has also been presented with evidence that points to technologies that to our knowledge, are beyond our current capabilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It is our duty as elected representatives to follow the facts, wherever they lead, and to ensure those facts are not buried under classification stamps or bureaucratic excuses.&nbsp;

Let me be clear: whether UAPs represent adversarial technology, natural phenomena, or something beyond current human understanding, Congress has a responsibility to investigate.&nbsp;

If these objects are foreign in origin, they pose a direct threat to our national security.&nbsp;

If they represent something unknown, they demand rigorous scientific inquiry – not ridicule, not secrecy, and not silence.&nbsp;

Adversarial nations are not waiting for us to catch up – they are studying these phenomena aggressively as well and multiple nations have also announced their own parliamentary investigation into this very topic.

If we continue to hide information from ourselves, we risk strategic surprises.&nbsp;

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