On Friday, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the protection of human life, stopped by Salina during their inaugural traveling memorial/tour, "AFTERMATH."

<a href="https://kfl.org/">Kansans For Life</a>&nbsp;launched AFTERMATH back in 2019, after the Hodes &amp; Nauser v. Schmidt decision at the Kansas Supreme Court.

In 2015, the <a href="https://kscourts.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/News/2019-News-Releases/April-2019/Supreme-Court-announces-decision-in-Hodes-Nauser?utm_source=chatgpt.com">KS Legislature</a> enacted Senate Bill 95, which&nbsp;banned the use of the <a href="https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.dilation-and-evacuation-d-e.tw2462#:~:text=Dilation%20and%20evacuation%20(D&amp;E)%20is,hospital%20for%20a%20few%20hours.">dilation &amp; evacuation (D &amp; E)</a> abortion procedure (a common second‑trimester method). A lawsuit was filed against the state in 2019 to argue that the KS Constitution "protects a woman's right to an abortion" and the bill "violates that right," because it prevents physicians from using the safest procedure for most second-trimester abortions.

The decision made, was the Kansas Constitution protects a woman's right to abortion and that it was substantially likely Senate Bill 95 violated that right.

Since then, Kansans for Life provided the numbers of abortions in the state alone:

Kansans for Life Director of Communications, Mackenzie Ayers stated the whole point of the tour is to "present the facts."

"The reason we are doing this, is to present the facts and show what is happening here in Kansas," Ayers said. "Alot of people are unaware that this is happening, and AFTERMATH helps shed light on an often hidden reality."

Ayers added, though many people won't agree with their campaign, they still will do whatever it takes to support women.

"Someone may not agree, they may not be pro-life, but we support women and women deserve full information before an abortion is performed on her," she said. "We want to change hearts and minds, because we believe that we are in a cultural battle."

The tour invites and encourages people to have a respectful conversation, concerning the topic of abortion.

Becky Norlin, Co-Founder of <a href="https://www.centralkansasactivists.org/">Central Kansas Activists</a>,&nbsp;attended the event along with others to protest on the parking lot of Jerry Ivey Park. She gave her comments on where she stands with abortion.

"Every woman should have a choice and there is no right or wrong that we can decide for anybody else," she said.&nbsp;

Norlin added that teaching about sex-education in schools is important for people to prevent abortions.

"Who would not want less abortions? No woman wants to make that decision. That is a very cruel and hard decision, and so women should be supported through that," she said. "If we can lessen abortions through education, ensuring child care is provided, housing stability, food and being secure for these children, that is pro-life."

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2024/b2023_24/members/rep_sanders_clarke_1/">Representative for the 69th District, Clark Sanders</a> made an appearance at the event to support Kansans for Life. Sanders said he is very active in pro-life legislation in Topeka and is advocating for direct election of Kansas Supreme Court Justices.

"There is a big initiative to change the way we choose the members of the Supreme Court (Kansas)," Sanders said. "I am advocating for direct election of Supreme Court Justices. We need to get our Supreme Court changed in Kansas and the only we can do that, is to figure out a new way to get Justices on the Supreme Court. That will be good for alot of things, not the least of which would be for pro-life causes."

The AFTERMATH tour will continue their traveling memorial on October 10 in Chanute. Afterwards, they will head to Basehor on October 18 and end in Ark City, October 25.

For more information about AFTERMATH, click <a href="https://aftermathks.com/">here</a>.

Nonprofit advocating for protecting human life stops by Salina during inaugural traveling memorial 

KANOPOLIS - Opened since 1952, the historic Kanopolis Drive-in Theater had their 2025 season cut short due to a broken 16-year old projector.

The single-screen Drive-in theater located on the northwest side of Kanopolis, KS, unexpectedly ended their 2025 season. Co-owner Jessica Eagle announced on the drive-in theater's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16Reerrvpp/">Facebook</a> page that the projector is not fixable, after attempts to repair it.

To replace the projector, it will cost upwards of around $100,000.&nbsp;

To make a donation, click <a href="https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLPA00TDDQ42T/checkout/5SQWCVIWA6PVKHT5FMZHEJCH">here</a>.

Kanopolis drive-in 2025 season cut short due to broken projector, accepting donations for replacement

The Kansas Department of Commerce encourages job seekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair. 

Hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, the fair will take place from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm&nbsp;Wednesday, October 8.

“With our economy booming, there is no better time than now for working and job seeking Kansans to grow their professional skills and experience in a new position,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a transitioning service member or a senior associate looking for a new role — there is a new journey and chapter to be started for everyone, right here in Kansas.”

The Virtual Job Fair format allows people to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

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

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

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2Ff5dad4b1-1149-48c8-ab9b-1fca338de794%2Fkansasworks-virtual-statewide-job-fair-october-8th,-2025/1/01010199ba5f786e-18dcc391-4f05-46e5-857f-0e78ddea0653-000000/pVWCeiLIhLkJgGDriKAziOtGB5DW4D-iyTbL392UZ-4=425">here</a>.

Job seekers and employers encouraged to attend upcoming virtual job fair, registration required

Governor Laura Kelly has announced the launch of her statewide listening tour, "The People’s Budget." 

Throughout the fall, Governor Kelly will travel to 8 communities across Kansas to host town hall events where she will speak directly with Kansans, gathering their priorities for the state’s budget ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

“Today, I’m launching The People’s Budget tour, because Kansans should know and have a say in where their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are going,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My administration has been laser-focused on building a strong fiscal foundation for our state. In the months ahead, it’s critical that we continue down the path of responsible budgeting to ensure Kansas does not return to the days of reckless fiscal mismanagement.”

The People’s Budget tour will launch on Thursday, October 9,&nbsp;at Salina South High School.

Governor Kelly will be joined at each event by Adam Proffitt, Director of the Budget/Secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration.

According to the Kelly administration, each January, the Governor presents a balanced budget proposal to the Kansas Legislature that outlines investments in education, health care, infrastructure, public safety, and other key areas. Moreover, the Kansas Legislature disregarded Governor's budget proposal, "opting to craft its own budget" according to the Kelly administration.

The Kelly administration added, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F618%2F/1/01010199ba79a05f-427cee74-c40a-447c-bd0c-63ada3f4c6ef-000000/uIVRHJTUCEgARrUqgPG4NflEa-a4ZlLuw8NBPDuOfBU=425">budget passed in April</a>&nbsp;by the Legislature leaves the state "facing severe budget shortfalls in the years ahead."

Reportedly, the budget created by the state Legislature is projected to have Kansas spend $300 to $700 million more than it receives each year for the foreseeable future, jeopardizing the long-term fiscal health of the state.&nbsp;

The People’s Budget tour will take place on the schedule below:

Space at each venue will be limited and entrance will be on a first-come first-serve basis.

The Governor’s Office encourages RSVPs in advance to accurately gauge community interest in each event. Those interested in attending the events should visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FBudgetTourRSVP/1/01010199ba79a05f-427cee74-c40a-447c-bd0c-63ada3f4c6ef-000000/OqgWhMz3e4c1Zqfd7LV2Bwxb5ws3nRn73Wyqf4UKUI4=425">this form</a>&nbsp;for additional information. Doors will open approximately 15 minutes before the listed start time.

Submission of an RSVP does not guarantee entry due to venue capacity.

Gov. Kelly to speak at Salina South, gathering priorities for 2026 state budget

The Salina Family YMCA has announced that registration is officially open for the Youth Winter Basketball season. 

Those who register on Monday receive early bird pricing.

The Salina Family YMCA offers programs for all young athletes. Those programs include:

- Little Tikes Basketball – for ages 2.5–5, introducing basic basketball skills, coordination and teamwork in a fun, engaging environment. Season runs Tuesdays, January 13 - February 17.

- Youth Basketball – for K–6th grade, focusing on skill development, sportsmanship, and teamwork through weekly practices and games. Season runs Saturdays, January 17 - February 21.

Players of all experience levels are welcome.

To register or to learn more, visit: <a href="https://www.salinaymca.org/youth-basketball">salinaymca.org/youth-basketball</a>

If you have any questions, contact Salina Family YMCA Sports Director,&nbsp; Jonathan Barajas at jbarajas@salinaymca.org.

Registration open for Youth Winter Basketball at Salina YMCA

The City of Salina has announced that the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) presentation on the Smoky Hill Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project, scheduled for Tuesday has been cancelled.

ORIGINAL:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/81e545a0-afba-4fdc-bca7-78856fc15aa3">Smoky Hill River Renewal Project public meeting scheduled </a>

USACE will determine at a later date if the meeting can be rescheduled.

UPDATE: Smoky Hill River Renewal Project public meeting cancelled for Tuesday

Get ready for upcoming most runner friendly Marathon in Kansas, which will be held on Saturday,&nbsp;November 8 in downtown Salina.

With a little over three months until race day there are 4,475 runners registered from all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Tanzania, which puts Salina Crossroads on pace to be the largest marathon event in Kansas this year. 

There are over 2,000 runners registered from outside the state of Kansas and nearly 3,700 from outside of Salina. For the 2024 race, Visit Salina estimated that the Salina Crossroads Marathon generated $1,019,080 in economic impact for the Salina Community.

This year the Salina Crossroads Marathon will need more than 300 volunteers. 

Volunteers can sign up for the Salina Crossroads Marathon at <a href="https://salinacrossroadsmarathon.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=100689">https://salinacrossroadsmarathon.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=100689</a>.

Volunteer needs include course monitors, finish line and festival, and packet pickup. Course Monitors will ensure safety along the run course by assisting traffic across intersections, providing pedestrians/runners with course direction, and encouraging participants along the course. 

Festival volunteers will be placed in various areas around the finish line area and assist with the removal of timing chips, handing out participant finisher medals, distributing participant food/beverage items, and cleaning &amp; maintaining a green event. There are shifts on Friday (Nov 7) from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm and Saturday morning (Nov 8) starting at 6:00 am for packet pickup that includes assigning runners their bib number and getting them their race shirt.

"Volunteers are what separate the very best marathons from other races. We are often one of the highest rated marathons on national race sites and one of the most frequent comments is how amazing our volunteers are,” said Co-Race Director-Daniel Craig.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon has made a commitment to be a “Gold Standard” race by distributing 100% of race entry fees back to Saline County Youth Sports. 

Thanks to over 50 sponsors/supporters, the Salina Crossroads Marathon is one of the most affordable races in Kansas and raised $28,212 for the Salina Burn Track and Field Club, Salina Family YMCA, Kansas Youth Sports, SAYSI, and School Marathon Foundation in 2024. In addition to the marathon, Salina Crossroads has a 5K, 10K (new for 2025), half marathon, team relay events, and a half-mile kid’s fun run. The generosity of the community also allows Salina Crossroads to be one of the most affordable races in Kansas. 

Runners can register at <a href="https://register.chronotrack.com/r/83999">https://register.chronotrack.com/r/83999</a>.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon strives to be the most runner friendly Marathon in Kansas. The goals of the Salina Crossroads Marathon are to have a high-quality race that can bring in runners from across the United States, create a significant economic impact for the community, provide 100% of the race entry fees to local organizations, offer volunteer opportunities and provide fun family friendly events so the entire community can come be a part of a USATF Certified and Boston Qualifying Marathon weekend. 

“Our team has always been open to and encouraged ideas to make the race unique. We are thankful for strong support from the City of Salina and local businesses to help the ideas come to life. From a vintage vehicle leading the pack at the starting line, to live music along the course, to slices of ice cream pie when you cross the finish line, our goal is to create a race experience for runners and spectators that people will talk about and remember” said Co-Race Director Chris Lehecka.

The Salina Crossroads Marathon began when two local runners (Chris Lehecka and Daniel Craig) started visiting about what it would look like for Salina to have a high-quality marathon and half marathon race. The City of Salina helped develop a fun and scenic course that minimized disruptions to traffic and parking in Downtown Salina. 

The Salina Crossroads Marathon planning committee includes individuals in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors as well as local runners. Andrew Manley serves as a co-race director and treasurer for the Salina Crossroads Marathon. 

The goals of the Salina Crossroads Marathon are to have a high-quality race that can bring in runners from across the United States, provide 100% of the race entry fees to local organizations, and provide fun family friendly events so the entire community can come be a part of a USATF Certified and Boston Qualifying Marathon weekend.

For more information about the Salina Crossroads Marathon, visit the website at <a href="http://runsalinacrossroads.com">runsalinacrossroads.com</a> or follow on Facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1469896640070189">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1469896640070189</a>.

Salina Crossroads Marathon announced for Nov. 8th, registration open and volunteers needed

A witness report of a man acting&nbsp;suspiciously when entering a vehicle, results in arrest.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Saturday, October 4 at around 8:00 pm, a witness reported of a man acting suspiciously as he was getting into a white 2005 Honda CRV in the 100 block of S. 5th.

After the report, an officer in the area located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was identified as 27-year old, Buddy Redding and he was arrested without incident.

SPD contacted the owner of the vehicle (64-year old female) and she stated that Redding was not supposed to be operating it.

The victim stated the key fob was accidentally left inside the vehicle before it was stolen.

Redding was booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charges of Attempted Theft, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia.

Stolen vehicle in North Salina results in arrest 

Salina Police are currently investigating a vehicle theft from a Ford dealership.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Friday, October 3 employees from the Long McArthur Ford dealership reported that between 10:50 am and 11:00 pm on Sunday, September 28, a used&nbsp;red 2013 Camaro was stolen.

SPD added the Camaro possibly had an unknown dealer tag. Loss of value is $44,900.

The suspect appeared to be a male from surveillance footage.

High in value Camaro stolen from Salina Ford dealership, investigation ongoing

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has released Salina's Most Wanted list for October 2025.&nbsp;

All photos provided are courtesy of the Saline County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The current&nbsp;arrested number is 3,931.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Criminal Threat / Agg. Domestic Battery

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Bond Violation / Poss. Opiate / Poss. Para.

NAME:&nbsp;Dyson, Michael Dewayne Jr.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Poss. Opiate / Interfere w/ LEO / Contribute to Child Misconduct x2 / Poss. Marijuana / Poss. Para.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Violate Off. Reg. Act x2

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Theft / DMG to PROP. / Theft by Decept. / False Info. / Poss. Opiate / Poss MJ / Poss. Para. / Inter. w/ LEO

NAME:&nbsp;Golde, Thomas Lee-Arthur III

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate s x2 / Conspiracy Agg. Escape from Custody

NAME:&nbsp;Harwell, Richard Preston

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Bond Viol. / Poss. Opiate / Poss. Para. / No Drug Tax Stamp / Recruit Gang Member / Crim. Threat / Int. w/ LEO

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Att Distribution of Methamphetamine / Paraphernalia / Possess Hydrocodone / Possess Marijuana / Use of cell phone in Felony / No drug tax stamp

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Forgery / Att. Forgery / Theft / Att. Theft

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony Bond Viol. / Flee &amp; Elude / Int. w/ LEO /Poss. MJ / Poss. Para. / Crim. DMG to Prop. / DWS / Duty to Report Acc.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Poss. Opiate x2 /Poss. Marijuana / Interfere w/ LEO

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Forgery / Att. Theft of Prop.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Att. Agg. Burglary

NAME:&nbsp;Murdoch, Johnny Anthony

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony FTA / Criminal Threat / Battery

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony / Burglary / Theft / Damage to Property

NAME:&nbsp;Stebbins, Christopher Joel

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Felony PV / Burglary / Theft / Crim. Damage to Property

Saline County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted — October 2025

DOWNS - The Kansas Storytelling Festival is set to host a Tall Tales contest in Downs, which is known as the "Storytelling Capital of Kansas."

This storytelling event begins at 7:00 pm on Saturday, October 11, at the Zion Lutheran Church (1019 Blunt St.).&nbsp;Everyone is welcome to attend this free storytelling event and hear some outrageous and semi-true whoppers. The audience will help select the winner by voting for their favorite story told throughout the night.

If you’ve ever thought about telling a Tall Tale in public, there’s still time to enter. This Tall Tales contest is open for anyone interested in being one of the 4 finalists who will perform at the 2026 Kansas Storytelling Festival, April 24-25, 2026 in Downs. This is the 3rd&nbsp;and final qualifying contest this year. The first qualifier was held in Tonganoxie, KS where Larry Brown (Columbia, MO) became the first finalist. Matthew Kitchen (Derby, KS) won the second qualifying contest in Wichita, KS. The last two finalists will be selected on Saturday.

A tall tale is a unique form of American storytelling, which the narrator usually has a part in the story. Telling a Tall Tale uses exaggerated detail describing things larger than they really are.&nbsp; A tall tale is a story based on a fact, or facts, and filled with unbelievable elements told as if they were true and factual. A tall tale has just enough truth to make a good story and to incite the imagination. 

Professional storytellers can not compete. 

Information and rules for the Tall Competition are posted at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">kansasstorytellingfestival.com</a>&nbsp;

The Kansas Storytelling Festival began in 1994 in Downs, KS. Next spring will be it’s 32nd&nbsp;year of celebrating storytelling. Several years later, a Tall Tales contest began and continues at the Festival on Friday evening with 4 finalists trying to win the travelling trophy – a shovel. The highlight of the festival’s Friday night performance is the Tall Tales Contest.

For more information or to register for this event, please contact Jeri at (785) 454-1177 or go to the Kansas Storytelling Festival website&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/">https://www.kansasstorytellingfestival.com/</a>&nbsp;or the Kansas Storytelling FaceBook page&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival">https://www.facebook.com/KansasStorytellingFestival</a>.

Stories must be between 5 and 7 minutes long. Family friendly stories only.

Tall Tale stories contest set to occur Saturday in Downs

<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 6 - October 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 3 - October 5

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 1 - October 3

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

DOUGLAS COUNTY—A Kansas High School student is being hailed as a hero for taking action to save a woman's life.

Adrian Mendoza, a senior from Free State High School in Lawrence has attended the Lawrence Kansas&nbsp; Police Department's Teen Police Academy the last two summers, according to a social media report from Lawrence Police.

There, he learned life-saving techniques that he used when there were needed.  Adrian was serving food at a local independent living facility where he saw someone choking and another person struggling to help.  He says he doesn't even remember thinking about it.  His training took over and he performed the Heimlich maneuver the officers taught him. A chicken bone dislodged in her throat and the woman is fine today.

Kan. high school student takes action to save a woman's life

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a shooting&nbsp; in Wichita continue asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;16-year-old Cesar Govea, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

Govea is wanted in connection with a shooting on August 24, that injured his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend and a 17-year-old boy. The victims were inside a vehicle near Wichita and Waterwalk when Govea opened fire.

Govea is considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach him.

If you know his whereabouts, do not approach him and call 911 immediately. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Kan. teen accused of shooting ex-girlfriend still at large

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mike-stobbe">MIKE STOBBE</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has adopted recommendations by a new group of vaccine advisers, and stopped recommending COVID-19 shots for anyone — leaving the choice up to patients.

The government health agency on Monday announced it has adopted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-advisers-vaccines-hepatitis-b-covid19-a1fb61ef7e29d93d2828618d890cceb3">recommendations made last month</a>&nbsp;by advisers picked by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Before this year, U.S. health officials — following recommendations by infectious disease experts — recommended annual COVID-19 boosters for all Americans ages 6 months and older. The idea was to update protection against the coronavirus as it continues to evolve.

As the COVID-19 pandemic waned, experts increasingly discussed the possibility of focusing vaccination efforts on people 65 and older — who are among those most at risk for death and hospitalization.

But Kennedy,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-senate-cdc-3a5a090fc9d9f547377203fe5c61ffa2">who has questioned</a>&nbsp;the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, abruptly announced in May that COVID-19 vaccines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-pregnant-women-children-70c358cad726e57d680234c3ecdec926">were no longer recommended</a>&nbsp;for healthy children and pregnant women. He also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9">dismissed the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices</a>&nbsp;and replaced them with a handpicked group.

The new group voted last month to say all Americans should make their own decisions. But the CDC also says vaccine decisions, especially for seniors, should involve checking with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

The recommendation was endorsed by Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill, who is serving as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-monarez-fired-trump-kennedy-vaccines-science-17fd8a19064e39906bc0125fd81e3525">the CDC’s acting director</a>. O’Neill signed off on it last week, but HHS officials announced it Monday.

The panel also urged the CDC to adopt stronger language around claims of vaccine risks, despite pushback from outside medical groups who said the shots had a proven safety record from the billions of doses administered worldwide.

In a statement Monday, O’Neill celebrated the change, saying past guidance “deterred health care providers from talking about the risks and benefits of vaccination.”

“Informed consent is back,” O’Neill said in a statement some doctors objected to.

Doctors routinely discuss vaccines with patients and parents, and share printed information about the risks and benefits of each shot, said Dr. Jesse Hackell, a retired New York physician who has coauthored several American Academy of Pediatrics policy statements on vaccinations.

“To make a statement that informed consent is back implies that it had gone away. In no way has it gone away,” he said.

Major medical societies continue to recommend shots for younger children, pregnant women and others at higher risk of severe illness. They say the Trump administration’s discussion of risk overemphasizes rare side effects and doesn’t account for the dangers of coronavirus infection itself.

The decision clears the government’s Vaccines for Children program to ship COVID-19 vaccine doses. The program provides routine vaccinations at no cost to children whose families qualify.

O’Neill also signed off on a panel recommendation that children under 4 get their first vaccine dose for varicella — also known as chickenpox — as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-vaccines-acip-hepatitis-b-chickenpox-21623ff8ead38ae1b21db488ee82a1f8">a standalone shot</a>&nbsp;rather than in combination shot with measles, mumps and rubella.

There is a single shot that contains all four, but it carries a higher risk of fevers and fever-related seizures. Since 2009, the CDC had said it prefers separate shots for initial doses of those vaccines and 85% of toddlers already get the chickenpox vaccine separately.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

CDC makes major change on recommending COVID-19 shots 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/maria-sherman">MARIA SHERMAN</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — It’s the life of a saleswoman.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift’s</a>&nbsp;12th studio album,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-life-showgirl-music-review-d2681b9f07592d96f336ef7e8438ef74">“The Life of a Showgirl,”</a>&nbsp;sold 2.7 million copies in traditional album sales — which include physical and digital formats — in its first day in the U.S. That’s according to Luminate, an industry data and analytics company.

The sales are impressive for a number of reasons. Swift has broken her record for most first week sales... in one day. Her last album, 2024’s “The Tortured Poets Department,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-tortured-poets-department-chart-59cf23c8056e05768b41a0594be984cc">amassed 2.61 million</a>&nbsp;equivalent album units in the U.S. in its first week.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-life-showgirl-music-easter-eggs-ee01eff74472cecc05a8f46076af0c6d">“The Life of a Showgirl”</a>&nbsp;has also become the second-largest sales week for any album in the modern era, since Luminate began tracking sales in 1991. That was also accomplished in just one day.

Currently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/faeee2b6622b4205b5acd6f8fc67b393">Adele’s “25,”</a>&nbsp;which sold 3.378 million copies in its first week in 2015 in the U.S., holds the top spot.

Also, according to Luminate, “The Life of a Showgirl” has already broken the record for the most copies of a vinyl album sold in a single week in the U.S., with 1.2 million copies. The previous record holder?&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-tortured-poets-department-review-b24d2275df5cf78ffa9069c61b9825ec">“The Tortured Poets Department,”</a>&nbsp;which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-tortured-poets-department-chart-59cf23c8056e05768b41a0594be984cc">sold 859,000 copies</a>&nbsp;on vinyl in its first week.

Swift’s many variants may have something to do with the album’s economic success. One of her major partners,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/target-corp">Target</a>, carries three CD variants, titled as “It’s Frightening,” “It’s Rapturous” and “It’s Beautiful” editions. There is also an exclusive vinyl release, “The Crowd Is Your King” edition in “summertime spritz pink shimmer vinyl.”

There are a number of other vinyl variants as well: “The Tiny Bubble in Champagne Collection,” “The Baby That’s Show Business Collection,” “The Shiny Bug Collection,” and the standard LP and cassette, in “sweat and vanilla perfume&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-life-showgirl-orange-color-0a7e40dd51b4aae99ca1a67fbb5e7f89">Portofino orange vinyl.”</a>

Artwork varies throughout, likely inspiring diehard fans to pick up multiple copies.

And most recently, on Saturday, Swift announced four new CD variants featuring acoustic renditions of the album’s tracks. Each edition features two different stripped-down recordings.

She also dominated the box office over the weekend with her three-day event, “The Official Release Party of a Show Girl,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-rock-box-office-0e65ac235b9ece26c21276b0fb557cbe">which debuted at No. 1</a>&nbsp;with $33 million in North America, according to Sunday estimates from Comscore.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ make history, sets sales records

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident jsut after 5a.m. Monday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Dodge Nitro driven by Bradley J. Theis, 39, Wichita, was northbound on Interstate 35 and attempted to take the exit at North Hydraulic.&nbsp; The driver lost control entering the gore area. The SUV became airborne, landed in the east ditch and rolled onto its top after striking a light pole.

Theis was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp; Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man killed in violent SUV rollover accident

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges for a shooting at a home in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2734/Roscoe-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Nathan Roscoe</a>, 42,&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Assault, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm charges.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2735/Roscoe-PCREDACTED-1">Click here to read the probable cause statement</a>

On September 27, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence regarding shots fired and located the victim who was alert and conscious. The victim had an obvious wound on his head and was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the head, a<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2735/Roscoe-PCREDACTED-1">ccording to court records</a>.

Based on witness reports, Roscoe was identified as the shooter and was still in the residence before complying with the deputies’ orders and being taken into custody.&nbsp;

Roscoe remains jailed on a $50,000 bond.&nbsp;

Victim survived after shot in the head by Kansas City felon

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in connection with sex crimes involving a runaway teen was back in court Friday.

Samuel Loredo, 22, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal sodomy and one count each of indecent liberties with a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and aggravated interference with parental custody before&nbsp;Judge Quentin Pittman, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's ofice.

Just after noon November 18, 2024 law enforcement in Murray, Kentucky informed the Wichita Police Department that a 14-year-old runaway may be in Wichita based on their investigation, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

Wichita police responded to the area of 2300 N Woodlawn in Wichita where it was believed that the child may have been. Patrol and Investigations began working together to find additional information to locate the juvenile and determine the circumstances around their presence in Wichita.

Throughout the afternoon and the evening detectives with the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit worked to conduct additional interviews. Through those interviews, detectives determined that Loredo was communicating with the 14-year-old and arranged for the juvenile to travel to Wichita.

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