After Attorney General, Kris Kobach sued the Kelly administration for not sending basic information of&nbsp;Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to the federal government, the Shawnee County District Court has granted a dismissal of the lawsuit.

According to the Kelly administration, the court granted the Governor a motion to dismiss AG Kobach's lawsuit regarding the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) SNAP data request on Tuesday. 

Governor Kelly issued the following statement:

“It is unfortunate that Attorney General Kobach decided to engage in low-rent political theater, wasting taxpayer dollars and spreading misinformation,”&nbsp;said Gov. Kelly.&nbsp;“I appreciate the court granting my administration’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit on the grounds that the Attorney General’s actions were premature as we continue through the USDA’s administrative review process and that my administration does not have a legal duty to turn over Kansans’ personal information at this time. Had the Attorney General met with my office prior to filing his lawsuit, as my office had requested, we could have explained the issue without having to go through the time and expense of the court. It is clear from the court’s order that the Attorney General’s arguments were without merit.”

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0ad24636-7369-4fc8-8b5e-855a301361ad">DCF in full support of not releasing personal info of SNAP recipients following lawsuit from Kobach</a>

The Kelly administration added that AG Kobach has 'made false claims' that Kansas has lost $10.4 million in SNAP funding.

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/0ad24636-7369-4fc8-8b5e-855a301361ad"></a>"The Attorney General has, on multiple occasions, made false claims that the State of Kansas has lost $10.4 million in administrative funding for the SNAP program," said the Office of Governor Kelly.

According to the Kansas Department for Children and Families, the state 'has not lost any SNAP administrative funding' and will continue to operate as normal.

The following is a statement from AG Kobach:

“We disagree with the judge’s interpretation of ripeness and are considering an appeal. Regardless, the governor continues to defy Kansas law. Needy Kansans have now lost $10.4 million in food assistance because of her political theatrics. That money is not coming back. It is laughable to suggest that she will be able to persuade the USDA to change its decision. And now, because of the governor’s desire to thumb her nose at the Trump administration, needy Kansans will lose another $10.4 million of food assistance in December.”

UPDATE: Court grants Kelly administration motion to dismiss AG Kobach's SNAP lawsuit, comments from both sides

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and the Stiefel Theatre has announced and are encouraging the public to join this years' "Think!" Leadership Summit on Thursday, October 16.

This event that will occur at the Stiefel Theatre (151 S. Santa Fe Ave.), is expected to bring together powerhouse speakers and a vibrant community of leaders from across industries, disciplines and generations.

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.&nbsp;Welcome &amp;&nbsp;opening remarks

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.&nbsp;Art Athens:&nbsp;Sharpening leadership skills and real-world case studies

10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.&nbsp;Brian Beaulieu: Fresh economic and strategic foresight to navigate your business through 2026 and beyond

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.&nbsp;Phil Gwoke: Generational and team-building insights to strengthen your organization’s culture

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.&nbsp;Casey Brown: Tangible frameworks to drive value, set bold goals, and lead with clarity

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;Janet Evans:&nbsp;Discover a renewed sense of purpose and the confidence to push boundaries in your organization

Art Athens is a distinguished speaker and leadership development expert with a robust military background as a former Marine Corps Major General. Throughout his illustrious career in the Marines, Athens held various command and staff positions, honing his expertise in leadership under high-stress conditions. Following his military service, he transitioned to academic and motivational speaking roles, including serving as the Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Brian Beaulieu is the CEO and Chief Economist of ITR Economics, one of the oldest privately held economic research and consulting firms in the United States. With over 40 years of experience in the field, Brian has established himself as a trusted voice in economic forecasting and strategic planning. He joined ITR in 1982 and became CEO in 1987, guiding the firm’s mission to help businesses and investors anticipate economic trends and make data-driven decisions. Under his leadership, ITR Economics has developed a reputation for accuracy, boasting a long-term forecast accuracy rating of over 94%.

Phil Gwoke is a sought-after generational expert and keynote speaker known for his engaging presentations that bridge generational gaps in the workplace and marketplace. With a keen understanding of the unique characteristics and motivations of different generations, Gwoke delivers insightful and actionable advice to help organizations improve communication, teamwork, and productivity. Gwoke's dynamic style makes him a popular speaker at corporate events, conferences, and educational workshops.

Casey Brown is a pricing geek with a passion to help leaders, entrepreneurs, and sellers command the prices they deserve. She’s helped over one thousand companies generate over one billion dollars in incremental profits. Casey founded Boost Pricing to help companies sell at higher prices to drive profitable growth. Through her work at Boost and in her keynotes, Casey demystifies customer tactics to arm sellers with practical, ready-to-implement steps to harness their value, price with confidence, and unleash profits.

Janet Evans is a renowned American former swimmer, widely considered the greatest female distance freestyler in history. A four-time Olympic gold medalist, Evans broke seven world records and held numerous national titles during her career. Beyond her swimming achievements, she has worked as a motivational speaker, author, and spokesperson.

Tickets are on sale now at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ptqllyfab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001X1p-6tc3yMPQ-rpNb4FuLAhykhUv_aL-u6ge1ykcDN7iH2JZjkYaMkskKzFYi6kFBCcsePCtSvGXNP-J9rkd732wtPn49kQuWfxtZYT0tiA1a22aLdq2m_aPFgv6UPRbW8lks7UXBQjOHN9boU69BVhIijyi5rnz&amp;c=M3KYPPTcHWwu7vR3XS2mpok4A803zOsfEaeGPaibzVDGEIqbpdOPSA==&amp;ch=qN0TwvzvkWOivO0E2Q0qGPMlY8XcljR2X8a2NL6PcyP5H73Qh-ZgXQ==">stiefeltheatre.org</a>&nbsp;or by phone at (785) 827-1998.

Stiefel Theatre hosting full day of keynote speakers at leadership summit  

Monster trucks are back and ready to roar as Marshall Motor Company celebrates the 20th Annual Monster Truck Event on Saturday, October 4&nbsp;from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at 3550 S. 9th Street.

This milestone event features HALL BROTHERS RACING, one of the nation’s premier Monster Truck Racing teams, sponsored by Ram Trucks. Fans can look forward to seeing the legendary RAMINATOR and RAMUNITION trucks in action, plus two massive “Crush Trucks” taking over the lot for the 3:00 pm car-crushing finale.

Monster Truck Rides are available for $5 (available all day except during the 3:00 pm crush event), along with food trucks. Event goers can meet teams as well.

A Friday night setup will be open for fans to watch preparations support a good cause – 100% of ride proceeds benefit the Salina Marine Detachment’s Christmas Marine Toy Box, helping provide gifts for local children during the holidays.

 Larry Marshall, event sponsor and owner of Marshall Motor Company, shared, “This is more than just a monster truck event — it’s a celebration of community. For 20 years, we’ve been proud to bring smiles to kids’ faces, partner with the Marines to give back to local families, and offer a day of fun that Salina looks forward to every fall.” 

Jason Stroda, General Manager of Marshall Motor Company, added, “We love hearing the cheers when the trucks start crushing cars — the energy is unmatched! This event is our way of saying thank you to the community for their continued support.” 

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to avoid lines for the ride truck and grab the best views of the action.

For more information, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.marshallmotor.com/">www.marshallmotor.com</a> or call (785) 823-2237.

20th annual Marshall Motor’s Monster Truck event returns: Celebrating two decades of high-octane family fun

<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, October 1 - October 3

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;Probation Violation; Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Kappelman, James Patrick

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

NAME:&nbsp;Roberts, Tryston Anthony Ryan

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

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit (2 requested charges)

Saline County Jail Bookings, October 1

&nbsp;Kansas Department of Transportation

OTTAWA COUNTY - Beginning Wednesday, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin resurfacing K-106 in Ottawa County.

Project work will consist of a surface recycle on about 7 miles of K-106 from the east city limits of Minneapolis to the Ottawa County State Fishing Lake. (See map above).

During construction, flaggers and a pilot car will be used to guide one lane of traffic through construction at a reduced speed. Drivers should plan for delays of 15 minutes or less during daylight hours.

Dustrol Inc., of Towanda, is the prime contractor for this $946,547 project, which is scheduled to be completed by November 2025, conditions permitting.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101999bb3d2dc-9964ca00-8844-463a-bb7f-99d2d5b5ca67-000000/DyrOsALbQiQsT7MlLtCaRnWPZ8U3t3LkNTHHGJRzpwA=424">kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

For updates on highway projects in north central Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Fnorthcentralnews%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101999bb3d2dc-9964ca00-8844-463a-bb7f-99d2d5b5ca67-000000/_2_x_ElsU0QuIFALF0wv_Ttpmz7RR9BlVj1w0KSmelg=424">ksdot.gov/northcentralnews</a>.

K-106 resurfacing has begun in Ottawa County

The Kansas Department of Commerce (KDOC) announced that $1.5 million is available for a sixth round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize dilapidated and underutilized downtown buildings in small communities across the state. These grants help close the financial gaps for communities striving to make their downtown districts economically vibrant.

Since the launch of the program in 2021, $7 million has been awarded to fund more than 100 different community projects throughout Kansas. The state investment has leveraged $36.7 million in local matching funds.

“Most small communities have plenty of buildings in their downtown, but not enough of them are ready to be occupied by small businesses,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Restoring these beautiful buildings brings the structures back to productive use as centers of commerce and helps keep downtowns alive and vital.”

The HEAL grant program helps communities revitalize downtown buildings as spaces for new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare or entrepreneurial activities.

Submitted projects must show potential to become economic drivers in the community and demonstrate that the space will be occupied by the end of the project. There must be proof of 1:1 matching funds from the building owner that will be required at the time of application.

The application window opens October 1 and closes December 31. Awardees will be notified in March. Communities that received HEAL grants in fall 2024 or spring 2025 are not eligible to apply for this round of funding.

For interested parties, a virtual webinar about the specifics of the program is scheduled for 3:00 pm Monday, October 6. Registration is required for the webinar and a Zoom link will be provided once registration is completed. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Fwebinar%2Fregister%2FWN_9GpOdD5hRdG2S-7tWT3vBA%23%2Fregistration/1/010101999c38d28f-a6831313-010a-40c9-835d-a6971c91c7fe-000000/spr4ao2wEA53KX9z5BO2togAl9-XU5uYpRHX_ujv8vo=424">here</a>.

The Office of Rural Prosperity will host office hours from 10:00 to 11:00 am October 16, November 13 and December 11 for those with questions. Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fus02web.zoom.us%2Fmeeting%2Fregister%2FemYrwRQARD6I0699gFKeAQ%23%2Fregistration/1/010101999c38d28f-a6831313-010a-40c9-835d-a6971c91c7fe-000000/dzBzYFUB6q2VoaPBJTtCgaGcVXhPAPoHFCQva5-Rn24=424">here</a>&nbsp;to register.

For additional information about HEAL grants, the webinar and the online application, please click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fcommunity-development%2Fheal%2F/1/010101999c38d28f-a6831313-010a-40c9-835d-a6971c91c7fe-000000/J3bG8tk1SbIUjdzyhOUvftXT5NpvXLlQ-O5XsH0x2ZE=424">here</a>.

KDOC offers $1.5M in HEAL grants to revitalize downtown buildings

Governor Kelly has directed flags to be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds and facilities from sunup to sundown on Friday, October 3, in honor of Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann.

Sgt. Heimann was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, September 28.

“For nearly a decade, Sergeant Heimann was committed to protecting those in Hays, and he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“His sacrifice is a debt that we will never forget or be able to repay. My sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy, and to all Kansans as we grieve our state’s fourth line-of-duty death in the last three months.”

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/45c90b33-b465-4895-91a5-6a3500fa2d9f">Sergeant Heimann will be honored during services held on Friday, October 3.</a>

Flag directed at half-staff for fallen Hays officer on Friday

Kansas Law Enforcement and First Responders traveled through I-135 for the vehicle escort of fallen Hays Police Department officer,&nbsp;Sgt. Scott Heimann.

The escort started Tuesday afternoon in Wichita and traveled through I-135, past Salina.

Hays Memorial Chapel (1906 Pine Street) is the destination point.

Heimann was killed in the line of duty while responding to a barricaded subject incident. He was pronounced dead just after 4:00 am on Sunday, September 28.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Friday, October 3, at Gross Memorial Coliseum with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.haysmemorial.com/obituary/Scott-Heimann">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full obituary

KS Law Enforcement and First Responders travel through Salina during escort for fallen Hays officer 

Victim of fraud recovers over $7,000 before nearly losing the amount by a scammer.&nbsp;

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday, a 74-year old woman was on her computer at home, when suddenly a fraudulent pop-up came across her browser. She then clicked on the pop-up and was provided a phone number to contact.

Afterwards, the woman contacted the phone number and connected with someone claiming they were from the "FDIC fraud division from Sunflower Bank." The caller advised that she needed to go to her bank, take $7,400 from her checking/savings account and transfer the amount over to the scammer.

The scammer gave instructions to the victim to say to the banktellers, she is needing the cash to "take a trip to Jamaica," if they expressed concerns of fraud. The victim then said the statement to the tellers and withdrew the full amount.

Furthermore, the scammer told the victim to turn the cash into Bitcoin. She then was able transfer the amount through Bitcoin Depot, which the funds were placed into a Bitcoin wallet.

Shortly after, the victim contacted SPD about concerns of her being scammed.

SPD was then able to contact Bitcoin Depot to freeze the victim's account, before the money was fully transferred.

The victim successfully recovered the full amount.

SPD Lt. Zeigler warned the public that it is a scam, if people tell you to lie to the bank and say you taking a trip somewhere you are not.

Fraud victim recovers over $7,000 before nearly losing the amount by a scammer

Two juveniles were arrested after committing multiple thefts at Target.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), security of the Target store on 2939 Market Pl., detained two female juveniles ages 14 and 16 for shoplifting.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Target has been aware of the shoplifting since September 17 where the juveniles stole $96.99 of items. Moreover, on the 20th the juveniles stole $17 worth of items and on the 23rd, they stole $186.46 of items from the store.

Then on Monday, September 29 they stole a total of $66 of items.

SPD apprehended the juveniles from Target security and transported them to the Juvenile Detention Center in Junction City.

Furthermore, SPD added a third female suspect aged 13, was part of the shoplifting crimes, but was not present during the time of the arrest of the other two juveniles.&nbsp;

According to SPD Lt. Zeigler, the crimes are a Felony Theft.

Multiple Target store thefts results in two juvenile arrests

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 29 - October 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 26 - September 28

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/">weathe</a>

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 24 - September 26

As Tuesday morning's showers continue throughout Central Kansas,&nbsp; flooding remains a possibility.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) the severity remains low for these scattered showers and storms throughout the region on Tuesday. However, heavy rainfall amounts and flooding are a possibility.&nbsp;

Please stay alert on the roadways and be safe while driving.

Flooding remains possible with Tuesday morning's showers 

The US National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita forecasts severe thunderstorms are expected to develop after midnight tonight and continue into Tuesday morning across Central Kansas.

According to NWS Wichita, these storms are likely to produce high rainfall rates, which may lead to flooding. Storms are expected to move in from the west after midnights, with most locations in Saline County after 3:00 am. The heaviest rainfall is likely between 4:00 am and noon Tuesday.

Saline County Emergency Management stated there is slightly lower confidence on how large hailstones may get, but the confidence is in the heavy rainfall and flooding potential has been increasing.

Severe storms with heavy rainfall amounts expected after midnight in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 22 - September 24

Scattered storms are possible to develop this evening across Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), these storms have a chance of occurring late tonight with stronger storms capable of producing hail up to quarter size. However, the severity is marginal and chances are low throughout the region.

Scattered storms possible to occur late tonight in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 19 - September 21

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue today and into Thursday throughout the Central Kansas region.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms have impacted central and north-central Kansas this morning. Locally heavy rainfall will be the primary hazard. However, activity should tend to gradually dissipate as the morning progresses.

A few strong to marginally severe thunderstorms are possible after 4:00 pm today, mainly along the west of Flint Hills.&nbsp;

These showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Thursday.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue into Thursday, heavy rainfall anticipated

WASHINGTON (AP) — A vote to swiftly end the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-chuck-schumer-20e54a0f5e4fee909d0f9ea2c07c15e1">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;failed Wednesday, as Democrats in the Senate held firm to the party’s demands to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-tax-credits-obamacare-shutdown-f1ee636ddba7f65baa5234c55cb0c96e">fund health care</a>&nbsp;subsidies that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and Republicans refuse to provide.

The tally showed cracks in the Democrats' resolve on day one of the shutdown but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-10-1-2025">offered no breakthrough</a>. Blame was being cast on all sides. The White House and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep programs and services open, throwing the country into a new cycle of uncertainty.

Roughly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9b62-d3e5-a399-ff7b4ce10000">750,000 federal workers</a>&nbsp;were expected to be furloughed, with some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9c25-d394-abb9-bf2ff8a90000">potentially fired</a>&nbsp;by Trump's Republican administration. Many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/effects-of-government-shutdown-donald-trump-4a16fc477eb67b7cf7ac708e578146e3">offices will be shuttered</a>, perhaps permanently, as the president vows to "do things that are irreversible" to punish Democrats. Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ap%2C+deportations&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1151US1151&amp;oq=ap%2C+deportations&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMggIAxAAGBYYHjIKCAQQABgKGBYYHjILCAUQABgWGB4YxwMyCwgGEAAYFhgeGMcDMgYIBxBFGEHSAQgzMzAxajBqN6gCCLACAfEFvyEijmQRltw&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">deportation agenda</a>&nbsp;is expected to run full speed ahead, while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9ca5-d8db-af9f-bcbfbbfc0000">education</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9b5d-d3e5-a399-ff7d80870000">environmental</a>&nbsp;and other services sputter. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9ca8-d073-abdf-ddfdfb520000">economic fallout</a>&nbsp;is expected to ripple nationwide.

“I certainly pray they will come to their senses,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">House Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;said, flanked by GOP leaders at the Capitol.

This is the third time Trump has presided over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">a federal funding lapse</a>&nbsp;and the first since his return to the White House this year. His record underscores the polarizing divide over budget priorities in a political climate that rewards hard-line positions rather than more traditional compromises.

The Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-democrats-republicans-trump-fight-c4949dace66c18d6099b5e23fd98b049">picked this fight</a>, which was unusual for the party that prefers to keep government running, but their voters are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-congress-chuck-schumer-government-funding-shutdown-43d1acea20c34ad28d848edc08ad6375">eager to challenge</a>&nbsp;the president’s second-term agenda. Democrats are demanding funding for health care subsidies that are expiring for millions of people under the Affordable Care Act, causing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-tax-credits-obamacare-shutdown-f1ee636ddba7f65baa5234c55cb0c96e">insurance premiums to spike</a>&nbsp;nationwide.

Republicans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-republicans-funding-schumer-congress-trump-0c1973b2d0aad76aa5a3ec3749965edd">refused to negotiate</a>&nbsp;and have encouraged Trump to steer clear of any talks. After convening a White House meeting this week with the Democratic leaders, the president posted a cartoonish fake video mocking the Democratic leadership that was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-9-30-2025#00000199-9afd-d8db-af9f-baff3ed90000">widely viewed as unserious and racist</a>.

“President Trump’s behavior has become more erratic and unhinged," Democratic leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Sen. Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Rep. Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;said in a joint statement, calling for an “intervention" to get the country out of the shutdown. “Instead of negotiating a bipartisan agreement in good faith, he is obsessively posting crazed deepfake videos.”

Vice President JD Vance said Republicans want to resolve the health care issues that concern Democrats but will not negotiate until the government reopens.

“It's craziness, and people are going to suffer because of this,” Vance said Wednesday on the Fox News show “Fox &amp; Friends.”

What neither side has devised is an easy off-ramp to prevent what could become a protracted closure. The ramifications are certain to spread beyond the political arena, upending the lives of Americans who rely on the government for benefit payments, work contracts and the many services being thrown into turmoil.

Economic fallout expected to ripple nationwide

An economic jolt could be felt in a matter of days. The government is expected Friday to produce its monthly jobs report, which may or may not be delivered.

Wall Street&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-shutdown-trump-b4bddbf826a5eabee1113f62aeb5e25e">veered toward losses</a>&nbsp;before the opening bell Wednesday as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;went into effect just after midnight, but stocks drifted around their record highs later in the day.

Across the government, stoppages were getting underway. Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, headed by Russ Vought, directed agencies to execute plans not just for furloughs, which are typical during a federal funding lapse, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">mass firings</a>&nbsp;of federal workers. It’s part of the Trump administration’s mission, including its Department of Government Efficiency, to shrink the government.

The Medicare and Medicaid health care programs are expected to continue, though staffing shortages could mean delays for some services. The Pentagon would still function. And most employees will stay on the job at the Department of Homeland Security.

But Trump has warned that the administration could focus on programs that are important to Democrats, “cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like.”

As agencies sort out which workers are essential, or not, Smithsonian museums are expected to stay open at least until Monday. A group of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-national-parks-burgum-superintendents-trash-b5109ba06f1cb3baef9370f585650136">former national park superintendents</a>&nbsp;urged the administration to close the parks to visitors, arguing that poorly staffed parks in a shutdown are a danger to the public and put park resources at risk.

Ahead of Wednesday’s start of the fiscal year, House Republicans had approved a temporary funding bill, over opposition from Democrats, to keep government running into mid-November while broader negotiations continue.

But that bill has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">failed repeatedly</a>&nbsp;in the Senate, including Wednesday, on a 55-45 vote. It needs 60 votes to advance, which requires cooperation between the two parties in a chamber where the GOP has a 53-47 majority. A Democratic bill also failed.

Divisions within the Democrats are apparent, as three senators again crossed over to join Republicans, signaling that Democratic leverage may be eroding. One Republican opposed the GOP plan.

During the roll call, an widening group of senators engaged in an intense conversation, including GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota, who has been talking with colleagues about the idea of a one-year extension of the expiring health care subsidies.

“It’s just one thought, and there are other ideas that are out there," Rounds said afterward.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-thune-ap-interview-omb-memo-6b79cd64987b6173f1b3295dc3505994">Senate Majority Leader John Thune</a>, who has said Republicans are happy to discuss the health care issue — but not as part of talks to keep the government open — is working to peel off more Democrats to his side.

The standoff is a political test for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Schumer</a>, who has drawn scorn from a restive base of left-flank voters pushing the party to hold firm in its demands for health care funding.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Johnson</a>&nbsp;sent lawmakers home nearly two weeks ago after having passed the GOP bill, but said they would be back next week.

Trump, during his meeting with the congressional leaders, expressed surprise at the scope of the rising costs of health care, but Democrats left with no path toward talks.

During Trump’s first term, the nation endured its longest-ever shutdown, 35 days, over his demands for funds Congress refused to provide to build his promised U.S.-Mexico border wall.

In 2013, the government shut down for 16 days during the Obama presidency over GOP demands to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Other closures date back decades.

Associated Press writers Matt Brown, Joey Cappelletti, Will Weissert, Fatima Hussein and other AP reporters nationwide contributed to this report.

🎥Plenty of blame being thrown around over government shutdown

DOUGLAS COUNTY—A stark reminder of the importance of paying attention while driving, ditching all distractions, and focusing on the road, according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol Troop B.

 While children were about to load onto a stopped school bus in Douglas County near U.S. 56 and Kansas 33, a truck rear-ended the bus. 

"Sixteen children on their way to school, in what is supposed to be the safest way to get them there, shook and jarred by another vehicle that failed to stop for the bus."

There were no injuries to any children headed to school and only minor injuries to the truck driver.&nbsp;

KHP: Students avoid injury after truck rear-ends Kan. school bus

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington is bracing for what could be a prolonged federal shutdown after lawmakers deadlocked and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">missed the deadline</a>&nbsp;for funding the government.

Republicans supported a short-term measure to fund the government generally at current levels through Nov. 21, but Democrats blocked it, insisting the measure address their concerns on health care. They want to reverse the Medicaid cuts in President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-un-sabotage-sinister-escalator-teleprompter-4ea2203722a9afabc991ac6626fff948">Donald Trump’s</a>&nbsp;mega-bill passed this summer and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tax-cuts-food-stamps-6542e448a2f6ed7b93ab8f7fe84ac53a">extend tax credits</a>&nbsp;that make health insurance premiums more affordable for millions of people who purchase through the marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act.

Republicans called the Democratic proposal a nonstarter that would cost taxpayers more than $1 trillion.

Neither side shows any&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">signs of budging</a>.

Here’s what to know about the shutdown that began Wednesday:

Now that a lapse in funding has occurred, the law requires agencies to furlough their “non-excepted” employees. Excepted employees, who include those who work to protect life and property, stay on the job but don’t get paid until after the shutdown ends.

The White House Office of Management and Budget begins the process with instructions to agencies that a lapse in appropriations has occurred and they should initiate orderly shutdown activities. That memo went out Tuesday evening.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates roughly 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed each day of the shutdown, with the total daily cost of their compensation at roughly $400 million.

What government work continues during a shutdown?

FBI investigators, CIA officers, air traffic controllers and agents operating airport checkpoints keep working. So do members of the Armed Forces.

Those programs that rely on mandatory spending generally continue during a shutdown.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-data-department-of-government-efficiency-f8b842c3eeaea5a304c690fba9b032ef">Social Security payments</a>&nbsp;still go out. Seniors relying on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-trust-fund-trump-74e13292f510739724a555d7ded7c1a3">Medicare coverage</a>&nbsp;can still see their doctors and health care providers can be reimbursed.

Veteran health care also continues during a shutdown. Veterans Affairs medical centers and outpatient clinics will be open, and VA benefits will be processed and delivered. Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries.

Will furloughed federal workers get paid?

Yes. In 2019, Congress passed a bill enshrining into law the requirement that furloughed employees get retroactive pay once operations resume.

While they’ll eventually get paid, the furloughed workers and those who remain on the job may have to go without one or more of their regular paychecks, depending upon how long the shutdown lasts.

Service members would also receive back pay for missed paychecks once federal funding resumes.

Yes.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-postal-services-us-suspended-tariffs-d74eb6022e8838f39bba8ed9588c74ba">The U.S. Postal Service</a>&nbsp;is unaffected by a government shutdown. It’s an independent entity funded through the sale of its products and services, not by tax dollars.

All administrations get some leeway to choose which services to freeze or maintain in a shutdown.

The first Trump administration worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/66b50739f4b84063a2ff56dff3156712">blunt the impact</a>&nbsp;of what became the country’s longest partial shutdown in 2018 and 2019. But on Tuesday, Trump threatened the possibility of increasing the pain that comes with a shutdown.

“We can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them and irreversible by them,” Trump said of Democrats. “Like cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like.”

Each federal agency develops its own shutdown plan. The plans outline which workers would stay on the job during a shutdown and which would be furloughed.

In a provocative move, the Office of Management and Budget has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-congress-government-shutdown-99d4cafe53209f6dc6ae5562c2ac79d2">threatened the mass firing</a>&nbsp;of federal workers in a shutdown. An OMB memo said those programs that didn’t get funding through Trump’s mega-bill this summer would bear the brunt of a shutdown.

Agencies should consider issuing reduction-in-force notices for those programs whose funding expires, that don’t have alternative funding sources and are “not consistent with the President’s priorities,” the memo said.

That would be a much more aggressive step than in previous shutdowns, when furloughed federal workers returned to their jobs once the shutdown was over. A reduction in force would not only lay off employees but eliminate their positions, which would trigger another massive upheaval in a federal workforce that’s already faced major rounds of cuts due to efforts from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-federal-takeover-economy-5a81e02a246995a066db375eb47c5692">the Department of Government Efficiency</a>&nbsp;and elsewhere in Trump’s Republican administration.

—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/budget/fy-2026-hhs-contingency-staffing-plan/index.html">Health and Human Services</a>&nbsp;will furlough about 41% of its staff out of nearly 80,000 employees, according to a contingency plan posted on its website.

As part of that plan, the Atlanta-based&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/monarez-cdc-vaccines-kennedy-rfk-jr-194fd4336aaa74cb6e7c715d0605b47e">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;would continue to monitor disease outbreaks, while activities that will stop include research into health risks and ways to prevent illness.

Meanwhile, research and patient care at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-national-institutes-of-health-research-cuts-6b69c254bc245f0ec1c7ddf1af74281f">National Institutes of Health</a>&nbsp;would be upended. Patients currently enrolled in studies at the research-only hospital nicknamed the House of Hope will continue to receive care. Additional sick patients hoping for access to experimental therapies can’t enroll except in special circumstances, and no new studies will begin.

At the Food and Drug Administration, its “ability to protect and promote public health and safety would be significantly impacted, with many activities delayed or paused.” For example, the agency would not accept new drug applications or medical device submissions that require payment of a user fee.

— The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harriet-tubman-park-service-trump-dei-a8dbb6fa252518d0598aad5f0ce6f1ab">National Park Service</a>&nbsp;plans to furlough about two-thirds of its employees while keeping parks largely open to visitors during the federal shutdown, according to a contingency plan released Tuesday night. The plan says “park roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors.”

The plan also allows parks to enter into agreements with states, tribes or local governments willing to make donations to keep national park sites open. The park service has more than 400 sites, including large national parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, national battlefields and historic sites.

Sites could close if damage is being done to park resources or garbage is building up.

Many national parks including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-travel-barack-obama-wyoming-lifestyle-c3df56fd72be4ed48a2b8066f365f900">Yellowstone and Yosemite stayed open</a>&nbsp;during a 35-day shutdown during Trump’s first term. Limited staffing led to vandalism, gates being pried open and other problems including an off-roader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e28b313197bb46bebef0faca24b333ed">mowing down one of the namesake trees</a>&nbsp;at Joshua Tree National Park in California.

—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/smithsonian-trump-history-museum-teachers-3bfba38c574e9b72824f5b4c4f633d52">Smithsonian Institution</a>: Museums, research centers and the National Zoo will remain open through at least Monday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congressional-budget-office-swagel-trump-bill-3a76f5ce1f7bd02c1dac2269d87d91db">Phillip Swagel</a>, director of the Congressional Budget Office, said a short shutdown doesn’t have a huge impact on the economy, especially since federal workers, by law, are paid retroactively. But “if a shutdown continues, then that can give rise to uncertainties about what is the role of government in our society, and what’s the financial impact on all the programs that the government funds.”

“The impact is not immediate, but over time, there is a negative impact of a shutdown on the economy,” he added.

Markets haven’t reacted strongly to past shutdowns, according to Goldman Sachs Research. At the close of the three prolonged shutdowns since the early 1990s, equity markets finished flat or up even after dipping initially.

A governmentwide shutdown would directly reduce growth by around 0.15 percentage points for each week it lasted, or about 0.2 percentage points per week once private-sector effects were included, and growth would rise by the same cumulative amount in the quarter following reopening, writes Alec Phillips, chief U.S. political economist at Goldman Sachs.

Associated Press writer Ali Swenson, Fatima Hussein, Matthew Brown and Annie Ma contributed to this report.

What happens now that a government shutdown is underway

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

On September 27, the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office received a report of unlawful sexual solicitation involving an 18-year-old girl.

According to the report a 58-year-old man requested to meet with the young woman near Eskridge, Kansas last week, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office.

 During the brief meeting, the suspect is alleged to have provided the victim with cash and a condom and is alleged to have solicited her. Deputies met with the victim, collected evidence and initiated a proactive investigation. 

Due to evidence collected during this WBSO proactive investigative action to include the totality of circumstances and objective reasonableness on On September 30. , the suspect, identified as JD Hill of Eskridge was taken into custody without incident. 

&nbsp;Hill was transported to WBCO Jail where he is presently confined on a $5,000 bond on requested charges of (Attempted) Buying Sexual Relations, Hiring a person to engage. The case will be forwarded to the Wabaunsee County Attorney for review of formal charges.

58-year-old Kan. man accused of sex crimes involving teen

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas district court judge on Tuesday dismissed a case filed by Attorney General Kris Kobach that challenged the right of Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration to withhold Kansans’ personal data from the federal government.

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