The Kansas Highway Patrol welcomed Kansas US Representative, Tracey Mann who is on tour across the "The Big First" District of Kansas to hear updates about local law enforcement agencies, their efforts and how the federal and state government can support their needs.

Kansas US Representative in the 1st District ("The Big First),<a href="https://mann.house.gov/about"> Tracey Mann</a>&nbsp;visited the <a href="https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/find-a-troop/troop-location-map/special-operations/troop-j-training-academy/">Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Troop </a>J&nbsp;in Salina as part of the Congressman's "Law Enforcement Tour" across the 1st district. Mann has been touring across the district that encompasses&nbsp;60 of the 105 counties in Kansas since the start of August.

Mann stopped by the KHP Troop J Academy on Thursday, August 28 to review, hear updates, challenges and issues about the agency's training program, facilities, state dispatch center and more.

According to Mann, some of the key takeaways for the agency would be to support them with federal grants.

"There is alot of opportunities for federal grants and law enforcement can apply for state grants both through the Department of Justice and Homeland Security," said Mann. "We discussed about how our office can help them (KHP) as they are pursuing grants and how we can let them know there are grant opportunities that they might be eligible for."

Concerns about the protection of State legislation was discussed among Mann and the KHP. Mann stated this concern deals at the federal level as well and is an ongoing conversation as far as moving forward with a plan.

"We are living in very divided times, we see acts of crime and violence against elected officials," he said. "A lot of talk in Washington is happening right now on what security might look like. It is preliminary and we will see what it looks like in the future."&nbsp;

Mann touched on the economic benefits and positive impacts Salina receives with having a KHP training academy.

"Salina is in the middle of our state, so it is easy for this to become a destination, not just for the training but also for education," he said. "People that come here to do training, they are also visiting restaurants, shops and potentially bringing their families. It is good for the overall economy in Salina."

One aspect the KHP is implementing in their training is advocating for mental health. Mann understood from the KHP, that Law Enforcement Officers on average sees 700 traumatic experiences (passing of a individual and/or critical experiences) during a 20 year period, in contrast to a non-law enforcement officer who sees an average of 4.

"Making sure local, state and federal law enforcement are getting the mental health resources and the training they need is a big deal," said Mann. "I had known at a high level certainly that there were needs, but I have never heard it quantified in those terms before."

Rep. Mann's next stops are at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/about/forensicsciencelab.shtml">Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Forensic Science Laboratory in Great Bend</a>, and the <a href="https://kletc.org/">Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson</a>.

Kansas US Rep. Mann visits KHP Academy in Salina as part of law enforcement tour: Takeaways from the Congressman

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>

You can also call:&nbsp;(785) 656-9856&nbsp;during business hours.

Recent obituaries and service times

Saline County Kansas Road and Bridge Department

Starting around&nbsp;September 4 or 5&nbsp;(weather permitting), Saline County Road and Bridge will begin&nbsp;chip&nbsp;seal&nbsp;road maintenance. Work will start on&nbsp;Kipp Road&nbsp;and continue on other scheduled routes throughout the county.

A full project map showing locations of planned work is available on the Saline County website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UCH5VS-zB7vgCsl-rFeoZNU9UqpAQe4cIkt7hJ4LnsbjlROYW65sbCjkSEKPgK7J0Xd2KhvXbh8i_OlrkG6eW1E_WPXoitCwg9p7Kow1MPnhVd_d6GkAAZg0fGnUWD9pA_CqE5aLLgNti9hhMsNF2TqTxY4cN2zRHH4P8DA4sEAulFn6m8Yf9iBXU48BB9eSRj-wJlbf-BS7_3FOioeurb4ilcIRPlChWQkwMQR62RSMAyF78bDhdjBFuhTSQhEzCv5Didnd7vROHG2BJrjIav2jiBNzcRu_sxvb77L8B9oq4djl1TPmz8NmOhB4LtXt&amp;c=zvxpwgQkkoU-qsKrQpqRVUN8t9wxaFJhyOrTDfVUizcsKVedxT_WoA==&amp;ch=_Gelp2t4bR9-quCikvATBIq2sIrJBNyoLn4jDTN0PfKXTGDdp97U8Q==">2025 Bituminous&nbsp;Chip&nbsp;Sealing</a>&nbsp;(map above).

Chip&nbsp;sealing is a cost-effective way to maintain roads. Repaving with hot mix asphalt costs about&nbsp;$250,000 per mile, while&nbsp;chip&nbsp;sealing costs about&nbsp;$28,000 per mile. That means the county can maintain nearly nine miles of road for the same cost as repaving just one.

The process&nbsp;seals cracks to keep water out—which helps prevent potholes and cracking—and adds a textured surface that improves traction. When applied every 4 to 7 years,&nbsp;chip&nbsp;sealing extends the life of roads and delays the need for more expensive reconstruction.

While the work may slow traffic for a short time, it saves taxpayer dollars, improves road safety, and helps keep Saline County’s road system in better condition over the long term.

For more details, including a project map, visit the Saline County website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UCH5VS-zB7vgCsl-rFeoZNU9UqpAQe4cIkt7hJ4LnsbjlROYW65sbCjkSEKPgK7J0Xd2KhvXbh8i_OlrkG6eW1E_WPXoitCwg9p7Kow1MPnhVd_d6GkAAZg0fGnUWD9pA_CqE5aLLgNti9hhMsNF2TqTxY4cN2zRHH4P8DA4sEAulFn6m8Yf9iBXU48BB9eSRj-wJlbf-BS7_3FOioeurb4ilcIRPlChWQkwMQR62RSMAyF78bDhdjBFuhTSQhEzCv5Didnd7vROHG2BJrjIav2jiBNzcRu_sxvb77L8B9o2awjpX8_IulGE98zEozUv&amp;c=zvxpwgQkkoU-qsKrQpqRVUN8t9wxaFJhyOrTDfVUizcsKVedxT_WoA==&amp;ch=_Gelp2t4bR9-quCikvATBIq2sIrJBNyoLn4jDTN0PfKXTGDdp97U8Q==">2025 Bituminous&nbsp;Chip&nbsp;Sealing</a>&nbsp;or contact the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001UCH5VS-zB7vgCsl-rFeoZNU9UqpAQe4cIkt7hJ4LnsbjlROYW65sbPqvgSuWjurrJziNKLZOUEvJ7JPKP5uhO3RgY5W0hIvmDTOPRZjr8FqlNie5dCkLp-3kbi5PL6BG2zIw-TjQ8OIIF8o54XPMsi6iIcmNncj3tye_MpEp2dE=&amp;c=zvxpwgQkkoU-qsKrQpqRVUN8t9wxaFJhyOrTDfVUizcsKVedxT_WoA==&amp;ch=_Gelp2t4bR9-quCikvATBIq2sIrJBNyoLn4jDTN0PfKXTGDdp97U8Q==">Saline County Road and Bridge Department</a>.

Saline County announces chip seal maintenance to begin early September

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

ABILENE - Abilene will welcome visitors from across the country September 4-6, for the 60th Anniversary Seeley Genealogical Society (SGS) Reunion. This marks the first time in a decade the reunion has returned to Abilene, which last hosted the event in 2015.

The three-day reunion will be based at the historic Seelye Mansion, a nationally recognized landmark built in 1905 by Dr. A.B. Seelye. The mansion, still filled with its original Edison light fixtures and furnishings, offers a rare glimpse into early 20th-century life and continues to serve as a focal point for the Seeley family story.

Attendees will enjoy family history research sessions, workshops, group tours, and meals together, including a barbeque on the mansion grounds and a train excursion aboard the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad. A cherished tradition, the 2025 Reunion Quilt Raffle, will also take place during the event.

Terry Tietjens, longtime caretaker and historian of the Seelye Mansion,&nbsp;said the reunion is a fitting tribute to the family who built the home.

“Dr. and Mrs. Seelye and their daughters, Marion and Helen, were remarkable people whose influence can still be felt in this community. They welcomed innovation, valued family, and left behind a home that continues to tell their story. Hosting the Seeley Genealogical Society reunion here is a tribute to their legacy and the family’s history.”

Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau,&nbsp;said Abilene is proud to serve as host city.

“The Seelye Mansion is one of Abilene’s most cherished historic sites, and it is an honor for our community to once again host the Seeley Genealogical Society reunion here. It’s gatherings like these that keep the mansion’s story alive and remind us why Abilene has been recognized by USA Today as one of the Best Historic Small Towns in America.”

For more information visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.seeley-society.org/2025-reunion">www.seeley-society.org/2025-reunion</a>

Abilene to host 2025 Seeley Genealogical Society Reunion at Historic Seelye Mansion

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

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

· Work with our amazing Ambassador Animals&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 29

Salina Police and EMS assist an unresponsive man, but police later arrested him due to multiple warrants.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Thursday at around noon, EMS and SPD were notified about an unresponsive man that drove his vehicle onto a curb in the 300 block of S. 8th. When they arrived, medical personnel had to break the window of the vehicle to help the man identified as 30-year old, Phoenix Leonard.

EMS was able to get Leonard out of the vehicle and further transported him to Salina Regional Health Center. He was later released.

However, SPD stated they arrested Leonard due to multiple warrants. They are currently investigating the incident and stated that further charges are possible.

SPD and EMS assist unresponsive man, police make arrest due to multiple warrants

<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>.

Labor Day weekend weather forecast Salina, August 29 - September 1

Here is the preview for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor and Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA Salina for&nbsp;August 30th:

9:00 am - Adrienne Allen, Salina Symphony&nbsp;

9:30 am - Leslie Manning, Saline County Farm Bureau

- Vehicle &amp; Farm Tire Collection event on Saturday, September 6th

*The show will be cut short due to Labor Day holiday weekend*

All episodes are recorded and uploaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=05fb1ecb-7d68-4542-adb3-9b7c11d9b5e5&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p92136680=true&amp;relocateURL=true">910 AM and 107.5 FM KINA website</a>, under the 'KINA Saturday Mornings'&nbsp;tab.

Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro preview, August 30

Red Fern Booksellers has announced the dates and details of their third annual Author's Fair that will be held in October.

On Sunday,&nbsp;October 19th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, Red Fern Booksellers&nbsp;will host a day for local authors to meet and discuss about their writings with the community. This free event is open to the public on 106 S. Santa Fe Ave.

For authors that are interested in applying for the Author's Fair, Red Fern is requiring you to fill out an application form by going to:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://forms.gle/Luwdh93vJdCJgJyg6">https://forms.gle/Luwdh93vJdCJgJyg6</a>

This form is open now to apply and will close Wednesday, September 10th.

Red Fern will review each of the application submissions and contact those authors who have been selected for the Author's Fair by Monday, September 15th.

If you do not hear back by then, feel free to re-apply for the Spring Fair.&nbsp;

Contact Red Fern Booksellers for any questions or comments at&nbsp;(785) 833-2088 or by email at:&nbsp;info@redfernbooksellers.com

Red Fern to host annual Author's Fair: Applications now open for local authors to participate

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

What inspires me, as the president of Fort Hays State University, is the impact of our students, faculty, and staff. What I love about Elle Hutchinson’s story is how it embodies the essential traits we relish at FHSU. Elle is a determined contender, an inspired innovator, and a caring individual. Elle’s journey in higher education has been nothing short of remarkable.

Elle shared that Fort Hays State University (FHSU) was the perfect fit for her when choosing a university. Growing up near Hays and engaging with FHSU alumni allowed her to appreciate the institution's value. Elle shared with me that the decision was ultimately grounded in affordability, the transferability of her credits from Barton Community College (BCC), and her desire to remain close to family.

Elle graduated with her associate’s degree from BCC, graduating with highest honors, just a week before she walked across the stage at Great Bend High School, a unique achievement that pushed the boundaries of what she thought was possible.

Like FHSU, BCC is very student-focused. When the leadership at BCC learned about Elle pursuing her high school diploma and her associate's degree simultaneously, they worked with Elle to create and promote a program designed to facilitate an academic pathway for other high school students. That spirit of innovation, of always blazing a new path, is precisely what FHSU is all about.

The challenge of pursuing two degrees simultaneously truly motivated Elle. She wanted to challenge herself, push beyond conventional boundaries, and set an exemplary trajectory for her educational experience. Hearing how other high school students benefited from the initiative Elle helped establish strengthened her resolve and motivated her to keep moving forward.

Managing coursework from two institutions (Great Bend High School and BCC) came with several obstacles. “I encountered skepticism from peers and guidance counselors who doubted my ability to succeed. However, this motivated me to seek assistance from those who believed in my potential. I found that surrounding myself with encouraging support systems was crucial.”

Maintaining balance among the demands of work, academics, and personal life is another skill Elle developed. Balancing her commitments meant focusing weekdays primarily on work and studies. This sometimes involved finding creative ways to integrate schoolwork into her social time, ensuring she could enjoy life while fulfilling her responsibilities. Through it all, Elle’s priority was always to remain close to family and friends.

Elle carried that philosophy with her to FHSU, where she served on the Student Government Association, holding several leadership roles, and as a student assistant in the Office of Student Fiscal Services. While at FHSU, she majored in Business Education – Corporate Communications. She chose this major for its versatility in the real world, plus its helpfulness in pursuing a legal career.

“Law has long been a field I aspired to enter, primarily due to its versatility and my passion for helping others. An attorney can do almost anything; they are not confined to just practicing law. Additionally, there is a lot of variety within the practice of law,” Elle shared

Elle is interested in agricultural law. Last summer, she interned at Bauer &amp; Pike Law Firm in Great Bend, which solidified her interest in the legal field and introduced her to the complexity and balance built into our legal system. She also benefited greatly from this real-world learning experience and from the dedicated mentorship she received.

Another pivotal experience for Elle was her employment as a student worker in the Student Fiscal Services office at FHSU. “I engaged with a team that shared professional guidance, and we became lifelong friends.” Working in Student Fiscal Services opened Ellie’s eyes to the available financial resources available to help keep the Fort Hays State experience affordable. She learned about many different scholarships that helped reduce the cost of tuition for her at FHSU. She also gained a heightened awareness of the financial resources that exist to make the next step in her academic career, law school, more affordable.

Staying focused on her academic and career goals often required establishing a balance in the demands for her time to ensure she still maintained a social life, which always remained important to her. “I believe that healthy interaction with friends can enhance productivity. Though I prioritized homework, I ensured that I scheduled social activities to maintain my mental health. This kept me motivated. There were many times when I had to make a tough decision to stay in and study rather than go out. You have to be willing to make sacrifices.”

Elle credits her achievements to her family. “They supported me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. I cannot imagine trying to do all of this without such amazing parents, support systems, and role models.”

Elle credits her remarkable success to her father, Shawn Hutchinson; her mother, Jamie Hutchinson; her BCC advisor, Karen Kratzer; the student fiscal services staff; and Dr. Wendy Rohleder-Sook, FHSU chairman of the department of communication studies, law, and political science. She is also grateful for the mentorship of Judge Charles Pike (Great Bend Municipal judge) and Julie Carroll, attorneys at the Bauer and Pike Law firm, where she interned last summer.

With her current studies completed, including a FHSU bachelor's degree earned with honors, she is taking a gap year before pursuing law school. In the interim, she is working in her family-owned small business, Satellite Pros &amp; Central Plains Security, and has recently accepted a position as a media consultant for Barton County.

As we celebrate Elle’s achievements, let us also recognize the spirit of those who support our students, from faculty to family. Together, we forge paths for the future, inspired by stories like Elle’s that remind us of the impact we can have in our communities. 

Here’s to Elle and all our students who strive for greatness, shaped by their experiences and determination, while driven to serve the greater good!

Cool weather and isolated showers expected Labor Day weekend 

The US National Weather Service has issued a "Flood Watch" throughout parts of Central Kansas until Thursday afternoon.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), many locations in Central Kansas are expected to see heavy rainfall tonight (Wednesday, August 27) and into Thursday morning, with some areas likely observing over 2 inches.

Salina is listed to have a 77% chance of rainfall over 1 inch and low chance for it to be over 2 inches.

Wichita is listed to have 62% chance, while Hutchinson a 47% chance of rainfall to be over 2 inches.&nbsp;

Saline County Emergency Management is informing county residents to prepare for at least two rounds of thunderstorms. The first round this Wednesday afternoon is expected to be less severe. 

However, a stronger system is forecast to move in late tonight (Wednesday) through Thursday morning with a higher risk of heavy rainfall and localized flooding.

Safety tips by Saline County Emergency Management include:&nbsp;

"Flood Watch" issued throughout Central Kansas: Heavy rainfall expected Wednesday night into Thursday

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 27 - August 29

Fall-like temps, along with isolated and scattered showers are expected to occur this week throughout Central Kansas.

Temperatures are listed to drop this week, along with isolated and scattered showers in Central Kansas. According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), the best chances for rainfall will be on Wednesday, August 27 and into Thursday, August 28, after Monday's showers.

Severe weather is not expected, but there are possibilities some of the weather could produce brief periods of heavy rainfall.&nbsp;

Temperatures drop this week, along with isolated and scattered showers throughout Central Kansas 

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 25 - August 27

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 22 - August 24

Cooler temperatures are looking to transpire with isolated storms for this upcoming weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the&nbsp;US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) after Friday, August 22, temperatures are expected to drop, starting Saturday - Monday. Isolated storms are anticipated to occur in the event of the cooler weather this weekend.

Monday, August 25 is listed as the coolest day with highs only reaching to the mid 70's.

Cooler temps with isolated storms expected for the weekend in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 20 - August 22

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

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

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

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

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating the death of a&nbsp;Ulysses, Kansas woman in February have made an arrest.

On February 28, Finney County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a home in Finney County for a report of a woman not breathing, according to a media release from Garden City Police. Deputies found the 29-year-old woman deceased in the home belonging to her boyfriend 33-year-old Ricardo Galvez-Aguayo of Garden City. 

An investigation into the woman’s death revealed that she had died from a Fentanyl overdose. During a search of the residence, there were multiple items of illegal drugs to include Fentanyl found hidden in Galvez-Aguayo's room where the woman died. 

Law Enforcement learned that Galvez-Aguayo was also known in the community to be a supplier of Fentanyl to drug users. Galvez-Aguayo is said to have misled Finney County Sheriff's Office Investigators during the investigation. Galvez-Aguayo was arrested and lodged in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Distribution of a Controlled Substance causing Death and Interference of a Law Enforcement Officer; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence. Galvez-Aguayo was granted a $500,000 Own Recognizance bond, and released from custody.

SW Kansas man accused in girlfriends's fentanyl death

ATCHISON —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.

At 8:30p.m. on Thursday, police responded to an apartment complex in the 300 block Santa Fe Street in Atchison to investigate a possible burglary, according to Police Chief Mike Wilsonm.

It was determined that no burglary had occurred but during the investigation the resident and reporting party, 61-year-old Gary Odum, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

&nbsp;Odum was arrested on a requested charge for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He has a previous conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Call about burglary led to Kansas felon's drug arrest

The special legislative session will also include a proposal to change the initiative petition process in a way that would mean as few as 23% of voters could defeat a statewide ballot measure

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri lawmakers will return to the Capitol next week to gerrymander the state’s congressional map in the hopes of creating a new Republican seat.&nbsp;

They will also debate putting a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot that would make it harder for voters to change the constitution through the initiative petition process.&nbsp;

Both proposals were included in the special legislative session agenda crafted by Gov. Mike Kehoe and announced on Friday. The move has been expected for weeks, with Missouri Republicans f<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/21/missouri-gop-leader-says-lawmakers-will-start-with-a-congressional-map-drawn-in-d-c/">acing pressure from President Donald Trump&nbsp;</a>to redraw U.S. House districts so the GOP can win more seats in next year’s midterm elections.

&nbsp;“This is about clarity for voters and ownership of our future, and I hope the legislature will work together to pass our Missouri First Map and critically needed IP reform,” Kehoe said in a statement Friday afternoon.

Missouri has eight congressional districts, and Democrats hold two. The new map would split Kansas City, which is currently entirely in the 5th District and represented by 11-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, into three districts where Republicans would have an electoral edge.&nbsp;

The intended result is a map where the GOP holds 90% of the state’s seats in the U.S. House.

“President Trump’s unprecedented directive to redraw our maps in the middle of the decade and without an updated census is not an act of democracy — it is an unconstitutional attack against it,” Cleaver said shortly after the proposed new map was revealed. “This attempt to gerrymander Missouri will not simply change district lines, it will silence voices. It will deny representation.”

Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from St. Louis County, said the president’s motivation for the gerrymandering push is fear of voters seeing files related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“If Democrats retake the House, they will release the Epstein Files, and this scares the hell out of President Trump,” Beck said. “That’s why the President has ordered Missouri to rubber stamp a rigged map drawn in Washington D.C. because he knows Missouri Republicans would rather protect pedophiles than say ‘no’ to Donald Trump.”

As for changes to the initiative petition process, Republicans are pushing a plan that would require a statewide majority and a majority vote in five of the state’s eight congressional districts in order to approve a constitutional amendment.&nbsp;

Currently, a simple majority is all that is required.

Under that “concurrent majority” standard, analysis by The Independent last year found that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/05/as-few-as-1-in-5-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-senate-proposal/">as few as 23% of voters</a>&nbsp;could defeat a statewide ballot measure.

The gerrymandering and initiative petition push will begin in the Missouri House next week, with the expectation that bills will be sent to the Missouri Senate for it to consider them during the legislature’s annual veto session on Sept. 10.&nbsp;

Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers. The bills are unlikely to face any stumbling blocks in the House, but Senate Democrats are expected to use the filibuster and other procedural maneuvers to gum up legislative business as much as possible.&nbsp;

In order to overcome the gridlock, Senate Republicans may once again have to break a filibuster and force a vote by turning to a rule that was previously rarely-used but got deployed twice during the regular legislative session in May.&nbsp;

Doing so would create even more bad blood in a legislative chamber already teetering on the edge of full on partisan collapse and could upend the 2026 session before it even gets started.&nbsp;

There are also questions about whether redistricting now would violate Missouri’s constitution.&nbsp;

The Missouri Constitution calls for the legislature to draw new congressional districts every 10 years after new census numbers are certified to the governor.&nbsp;

That happened in 2022, which attorneys Chuck Hatfield and Alix Cossette argue means new districts cannot be drawn until the next census is complete.&nbsp;

“The plain language of the Missouri Constitution and the Missouri Supreme Court’s precedent make clear that mid-cycle congressional redistricting is prohibited,” Hatfield and Cossette, two longtime Democratic attorneys, wrote in a memo laying out issues with the GOP plan. “Any attempt to do so will draw a substantial legal challenge which will likely succeed and invalidate any map adopted by the General Assembly.”

There are also questions about whether relying on population data could also lead to a court throwing out any new map.&nbsp;

Kehoe acknowledged the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/article_34cd0710-36ea-4d6b-bff4-2e62c876e286.html" target="_blank">questions about the legality of the plan&nbsp;</a>while speaking to reporters Friday morning.&nbsp;

“I’ve heard opinions on both sides of that conversation,” he said. “It will get settled in due time.”

Missouri governor calls lawmakers back to Capitol to gerrymander congressional map

KANSAS CITY —The Medical examiner has officially identified the victims of a small plane crash near Kansas City on Wednesday as 76-year-old Mark W. Spelts and 75-year-old Victoria "Vickie" A. Spelts of Chico, California.

Mark Spelts’ business also announced that he and Vickie passed away in a plane crash in Clay County, Missouri.

The couple had come from an airport in Washington, Missouri, and intended to land at the Midwest National Air Center.&nbsp;

Just before noon Wednesday, dispatchers in Clay County, Missouri received a call about heavy smoke coming from a field near NE 140th Street and Rhodus Road, according to the sheriff's office. Callers believed it may have been from a plane crash. When deputies arrived, they located a Cessna C340 fully engulfed in flames in a soybean field. There were two occupants inside, and they were confirmed deceased.

&nbsp;Sheriff's Office investigators notified the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, which have taken over the investigation into what caused the crash.

Medical examiner IDs couple who died in plane crash near Kansas City

The Powerball® jackpot just hit an estimated $1 billion for Saturday night’s drawing. After reviewing national ticket sales, game leaders increased the Powerball jackpot estimate Friday morning from $950 million to $1 billion, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. Saturday’s jackpot has an estimated cash value of $453.1 million.

This is the sixth Powerball jackpot to reach the billion-dollar mark in the game’s 33-year history.

“We’re bringing extra excitement to Labor Day Weekend with a Powerball jackpot that’s climbed to a billion dollars!” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “For just $2, every ticket is a chance to win big, while also giving back to public programs and services that benefit communities wherever Powerball is played.”

Saturday’s Powerball drawing will be broadcast live at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. The Powerball drawing will also be live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

If a player wins Saturday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $453.1 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Saturday’s drawing will be the 39th drawing since the Powerball jackpot was last won in California on May 31, 2025. The summer jackpot streak has already created 62 winning tickets worth $1 million or more, and 608 winning tickets worth $50,000 or more.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $36 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

Powerball soars to sixth largest in game's 33-year history

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mae-anderson">MAE ANDERSON</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Low-value imports are losing their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-exemption-china-shein-temu-43df1673ac9508ae58fc76150101d686">duty-free status</a>&nbsp;in the United States this week as part of President Donald Trump’s agenda for making the nation less dependent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/impact-trump-tariffs-consumer-prices-11a60663140aab0b79c20bb8e2a5f3a7">on foreign goods</a>&nbsp;and resetting global trade with tariffs.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-russia-india-9e388a55583e7007149819c52f0fd71b">An executive order</a>&nbsp;signed last month eliminates a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-trump-tariffs-china-1b52319a85572331baf31cb6287ecddf">widely used customs exemption</a>&nbsp;for international shipments worth $800 or less starting Friday, nearly two years earlier than the deadline set in the tax cuts and spending bill approved by Congress.

Although the president previously ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-china-online-shipments-7d15066205389ad06760856e4e5074ca">from China and Hong Kong</a>, having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-exemption-ends-august-29-edc26b9f0d7935ad7978c7eba5e3967c">online shoppers</a>.

Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will require vetting and be subject to their origin country’s applicable tariff rate, which can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-into-effect-economy-warning-signs-eafe20de9abad312573b320fd4b5fb33">range from 10% to 50%</a>. For the next six months, carriers handling orders sent through the global mail network also can choose a flat duty of $80 to $200 per package instead of the value-based rate.

In response, the national postal services of more than a dozen countries said they would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-tariffs-goods-services-suspension-85c7b36b9e92c0e640dfe2ac418cd907">temporarily suspend</a>&nbsp;sending some or most U.S.-bound packages due to confusion over processing and payment requirements. Japan and Switzerland on Monday joined Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Thailand, the U.K. and New Zealand in saying they would pause shipments.

The Trump administration says the exemption has become a loophole that foreign businesses exploit to evade tariffs and criminals use to get drugs, counterfeit products and other contraband into the U.S. Former President Joe Biden and members of Congress also discussed the issue.

Other countries have similar exemptions, but the threshold is usually lower. For example, 150 euros ($175) is the value limit in the 20 European Union countries that use the euro as their official currency. The U.K. allows foreign businesses to send parcels worth up to 135 pounds ($182) without incurring tariff charges.

In the U.S., the “de minimis” — Latin for lacking significance or importance — exemption started in 1938 as a way to save the federal government the time and expense of collecting duties on imported goods with a retail value of $1 or less. U.S. lawmakers eventually increased the eligibility cutoff to $5 in 1990, to $200 in 1993 and to $800 in 2015, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Since then, the number of shipments claiming de minimis treatment has exploded. A total of 1.36 billion packages with a combined value of $64.6 billion reached the U.S. last year, compared to 134 million packages sent under the exemption in 2015, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency reported.

About 60% of the 2024 shipments came from China and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-post-us-suspend-shipping-goods-tariff-0a52db6fc32e559cb6c5e42b8c9824d7">Hong Kong</a>, according to an analysis logistics firm Flexport prepared based on U.S. government data. Multiple countries and regions accounted for the remainder, including Canada, Mexico, the European Union, India and Vietnam.

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