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

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

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 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

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

<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

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.”

President Donald Trump has made clear he is unlikely to compromise any time soon. He pressed Republicans again over the weekend to get rid of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-filibuster-resistance-senate-thune-shutdown-e2facc2a1a32811d294b1bd16853f307">Senate’s filibuster rules</a>&nbsp;that prevent the chamber from advancing on most legislation unless there is support from 60 senators.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and others, negotiating among themselves and with some rank-and-file Republicans, have been discussing bills that would pay for parts of government — food aid, veterans programs and the legislative branch, among other things — and extend funding for everything else until December or January. The agreement would only come with the promise of a future health care vote, rather than a guarantee of extended subsidies.

It was unclear whether enough Democrats would support such a plan. Even with a deal, Trump appears unlikely to support an extension of the health benefits. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., also said this past week that he would not commit to a health vote.

Republican leaders only need five additional votes to fund the government, and the group involved in the talks has ranged from 10 to 12 Democratic senators.

Some Republicans have said they are open to extending the COVID-19-era tax credits as premiums could skyrocket for millions of people, but they want new limits on who can receive the subsidies. They lined up Saturday to take to the Senate floor and argue that subsidies for the plans should be routed through individuals.

“We’re going to replace this broken system with something that is actually better for the consumer,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said.

Trump wants Republicans to end the shutdown quickly and scrap the filibuster, which requires 60 Senate votes for most legislation, so they can bypass Democrats altogether. Vice President JD Vance, a former Ohio senator, endorsed the idea in an online post Saturday, saying Republicans who want to keep the filibuster are “wrong.”

Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-filibuster-resistance-senate-thune-shutdown-e2facc2a1a32811d294b1bd16853f307">rejected</a>&nbsp;Trump’s call, and Thune is eyeing a bipartisan package that mirrors the proposal the moderate Democrats have been sketching out. What Thune, who has refused to negotiate, might promise on health care is unknown.

The package would replace the House-passed legislation that the Democrats have rejected 14 times since the shutdown began Oct. 1. The current bill would only extend government funding until Nov. 21.

A test vote on new legislation could come in the next few days if Thune decides to move forward.

Then Democrats would have a crucial choice: Keep fighting for a meaningful deal on extending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-obamacare-shutdown-e94d96a8a837a5f7f681dc6893872d3b">the subsidies</a>&nbsp;that expire in January, while prolonging the pain of the shutdown? Or vote to reopen the government and hope for the best as Republicans promise an eventual health care vote, but not a guaranteed outcome.

Schumer on Saturday persisted in arguing that Republicans should accept a one-year extension of the subsidies before negotiating the future of the tax credits.

“Doing nothing is derelict because people will go bankrupt, people will lose insurance, people will get sicker,” Schumer said in a floor speech. “That’s what will happen if this Congress fails to act.”

Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim, Joey Cappelletti, Mary Clare Jalonick and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.

Government shutdown at 40 days as senators work through the weekend

WASHINGTON (AP) —Federal and state health officials are investigating 13 cases in 10 states of infant botulism linked to baby formula that was being recalled, authorities said Saturday.

ByHeart Inc. agreed to begin recalling two lots of the company's Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, the Food and Drug Administration said in a statement.

All 13 infants were hospitalized after consuming formula from two lots: 206VABP/251261P2 and 206VABP/251131P2.

The cases occurred in Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington.

No deaths were reported. The FDA said it was investigating how the contamination happened and whether it affected any other products.

Available online and through major retailers, the product accounted for an estimated 1% of national formula sales, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People who bought the recalled formula should record the lot number if possible before throwing it out or returning it to where it was purchased, the CDC said in a statement.

They should use a dishwasher or hot, soapy water to clean items and surfaces that touched the formula. And they should seek medical care right away if an infant has consumed recalled formula and then had poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing or decreased facial expression.

Infant botulism is caused by a bacterium that produces toxins in the large intestine.

Symptoms can take weeks to develop, so parents should keep vigilant, the CDC said.

Symptoms of&nbsp;Infant botulism&nbsp;&nbsp;

Infant botulism in 10 US states linked to formula being recalled

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A suspect in the November 1, death of a woman in Kansas City, Kansas has been charged.

The Wyandotte County District Attorney's office has charged 22-year-old Kevin Calamaco-Morales with felony first-degree murder in the shooting death of 20-year-old Ana Juarez.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Calamaco-Morales also is charged with criminal discharge of a firearm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 4:30 a.m. November 1, officers with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department were called the area of North 11th Street and Barnett Avenue to investigate a shooting.

When officers arrived on the scene they located Juarez, outside of her home. She had been shot.&nbsp;She was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries.&nbsp;

Calamaco-Morales was arrested at the scene and is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $500,000 bond, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas Police.

Man accused of killing woman outside her Kansas home

GEARY COUNTY —The Junction City Vice Mayor, 30-year-old Alovence Gordon has been arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Assault and Deadly Use of a Weapon. 

He was booked into the Detention Center at 3:41 p.m. Saturday, according to information from the Geary County Detention Center.

Gordon's term on the Junction City Commission runs until January. He ran for reelection but was defeated in the August primary election.

Junction City Vice Mayor is in jail for an alleged violent crime

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The runner who died from injuries after she was struck in a hit-and-run incident Thursday evening near Lawrence was Elsa McGrain, 20, a University of Kansas student from Omaha, according to&nbsp; Sheriff's Department Spokesman Officer George Diepenbrock.

She was studying pre-medicine and set to graduate in 2026.&nbsp;

Elsa was running and a vehicle struck her around 6 p.m. Thursday in the 1700 block of E 1500 Road, which is North Seventh Street extended and south of U.S. Highway 24-40 near the Lawrence Regional Airport.

Douglas County deputies and detectives continue to work diligently to investigate this thoroughly, find the driver involved and work appropriately through the justice system from there.

Detectives have determined the vehicle of interest is a truck that is all white with no side markings.

DGSO continues to ask anyone who might have information about the vehicle in the photo or been in the area on E 1500 Road between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday and has potential information to call DGSO Detective Lance Flachsbarth, 785-393-5845, or Douglas County Crime Stoppers, 785-843-TIPS (8477), and leave your contact information.

Sheriff: Victim in fatal hit-and-run was KU student

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal judge sentenced a former Kansas credit union manager to 63 months in prison for stealing more than $750,000 from her long-time employer and substantially jeopardizing the safety and soundness of the financial institution, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Rita Hartman, 71, of Atchison pleaded guilty to one count of false entries in federal credit union records.

For 30 years, Hartman was the manager of Muddy River Credit Union (formerly Atchison Casting Credit Union and Bradken Federal Credit Union), which served the employees of a foundry located in Atchison, Kansas. 

Hartman’s position gave her control over all aspects of Muddy River’s finances. Between 2007 and 2021, she abused the trust that Muddy River granted her to steal approximately $346,000 in customer cash deposits. 

Hartman also fraudulently credited approximately $430,000 in deposits and loan payments to her or her relatives’ accounts when no payments or deposits had been made. Hartman concealed her conduct by altering ledgers and records and by falsifying information submitted to Muddy River’s regulators. &nbsp;She obstructed efforts to uncover her fraud by submitting fraudulent documents to regulators and delaying a mandated audit. &nbsp;

The defendant’s embezzlement wiped out Muddy River’s capital and rendered it insolvent, ultimately forcing a merger into another credit union to continue operations.&nbsp;

In 2013, the then-Governor of the State of Kansas appointed Hartman to the Kansas Credit Union Council, which advises the Kansas Department of Credit Unions on issues and needs of credit unions. Hartman is also a former mayor and city commissioner in Atchison. A federal judge ordered that during her imprisonment, all of Hartman’s state pension payments be directed towards the $778,361 in restitution she was ordered to pay as part of her sentence.

“For decades, Rita Hartman was a prominent, well-respected figure in Atchison, Kansas,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Instead of living up to the high regard that people in the community had for her, she exploited their trust and used it to perpetuate her embezzlement scheme and line her pockets with stolen funds.”&nbsp;

“The defendant was entrusted with the fiscal responsibility of the credit union’s members. In using the money for her personal benefit, the defendant’s actions were a betrayal of that trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s longstanding commitment to working financial fraud investigations and to hold individuals accountable for their actions.”

Prison for Kan. credit union manager's $700K embezzlement scheme

NEW YORK (AP) — Peloton is recalling nearly 878,000 of its exercise bikes across the U.S. and Canada because the products’ seat posts can break during use, posing fall hazards.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Peloton-Recalls-Original-Series-Bike-Exercise-Bikes-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards" target="_blank">notices published</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada on Thursday, the recall covers certain “Peloton Original Series Bike+” units carrying model number PL02. Peloton has received three reports of seat posts breaking on these bikes in the U.S., two of which resulted in fall injuries. There’s been no additional incidents&nbsp;<a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/peloton-original-series-bike-model-pl02-seat-post-recalled-due-potential-fall-hazard" target="_blank">in Canada</a>&nbsp;to date.

Both consumer safety watchdogs and Peloton urge owners of these bikes to stop using them and contact the New York-based exercise company for a free seat post replacement.

“The integrity of our products and our Members’ well-being are our top priorities,” a Peloton spokesperson said in an emailed statement — adding that the company would make its redesigned seat post replacements “available to all affected Bike+ users.”

<a href="https://support.onepeloton.com/s/article/Peloton-Original-Series-Bike-Plus-Seat-Post-Recall-and-Free-Seat-Post-Replacement?language=en_CA" target="_blank">Peloton’s website</a>&nbsp;has information to help determine if your bike is part of the recall and instructions on how to install this new seat post if needed.

The now-recalled bikes were sold at Peloton and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores, as well as websites like Amazon and eBay, from 2020 through April 2025 for about $2,495. The impacted Bike+ units have serial numbers beginning with the letter “T.” About 833,000 units were sold in the U.S. and another 44,800 in Canada.

Peloton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/peloton-recall-exercise-bike-97e041d66bb5677af87a2db02a093437">previously recalled 2 million of its original Bikes</a>&nbsp;(with model number PL01) back in 2023, following similar — and more numerous — reports of breaking seat posts and related injuries.

The Bike+ products recalled this week were manufactured before that 2023 recall, between December 2019 and July 2022. But the company has since rolled out its redesigned seat post. According to Peloton’s spokesperson, Bike+ products made since the middle of 2023 have had that new seat post and are not impacted.

Why Peloton is recalling 878,000 exercise bikes

Speaker: Ten Republicans in House refuse to sign petition to change U.S. House boundaries

Local

Region

Sports

Weather