TOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation shared the results of the statewide marijuana enforcement operation conducted in Kansas, between Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, according to a media release from the agency.

KBI agents, with support from local law enforcement, executed search warrants at 18 separate vape shops and CBD dispensaries in Wichita, Topeka, Salina, Great Bend, McPherson, Independence, Pratt, Abilene, Ulysses, Concordia and Sedan.

Marijuana products that are prohibited by Kansas law, or were suspected to contain unlawful amounts of THC, were seized. The preliminary results of items seized during the operation include:

Flower, also known as marijuana bud, (weight in ounces and pounds): 5,494 ounces or 343.38 pounds

THC pre-rolls, also called pre-rolled joints, (number of items): 43,867

THC and&nbsp;psilocybin&nbsp;edibles&nbsp;(number of packages): 84,481

Additionally, two subjects were arrested on Oct. 2, in Ulysses, for moving illegal THC products in order to evade law enforcement detection.

Gregory Reese, 63, of Ulysses, was arrested around 12:15 p.m., at N. Stubbs Road and E. Road 9 in rural Grant County. He was arrested for possession with the intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement, and no Kansas drug tax stamp.

Tammy Reese, 59, of Ulysses, was arrested for distribution of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, interference with law enforcement, criminal use of a weapon, and no Kansas drug tax stamp. She was arrested at Reese’s Enterprises at 119 W. Oklahoma, in Ulysses, at around 12:30 p.m.

Around 5 p.m., on Oct. 2, the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped a 20-foot box truck on U.S. Highway 400, near Fredonia. The truck was transporting THC products that were removed from the shelves of 19 Kansas shops. KBI agents seized the truck and its contents, and are investigating what occurred.&nbsp;

Evidence from these cases is being tested. The investigations are ongoing.

KBI shares results of the statewide marijuana enforcement operation

Many local organizations collaborate to hold a Fall Repair Cafe event dedicated to repairing items, sewing projects and small woodworking tasks.

On Saturday, October 18 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Salina Art Center Warehouse (149 S. 4th Street), volunteers will be ready to serve you with electrical repairs, flat tires on bicycles, fixing jewelry, sewing projects and small woodworking tasks.

This event is in collaboration with North Salina Community Development, Community Resilience Hub at Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina Art Center Warehouse Education Studio and Crossroads Church Men’s Group.&nbsp;

Please note, only small items will be services at this event.

For more information contact&nbsp;Barb Young,&nbsp;byoungkst8er@gmail.com or&nbsp;(785) 452-5272.

Upcoming event features local volunteers set to repair personal items for free

OCCK has announced they will host the 35th Annual Employment Expo, the region’s largest and longest-running job fair, on Thursday, October 16, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center.

This free event is designed to connect you directly with hiring employers from across North Central Kansas. Dozens of companies representing a wide range of industries will be on hand with immediate openings, providing job seekers a unique opportunity to explore careers, hand out resumes, and showcase their resumes.

· Direct access to hiring managers ready to meet and set up interviews

· A variety of job openings in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, customer service and more

· A chance to learn about training programs and community resources to support long-term employment success

“Job seekers appreciate the chance to meet with area employers face-to-face, ask questions and explore opportunities. Employers return each year not only to share their current openings but also to connect with people about future possibilities!”, said Shanna Sowers, Director of OCCK’s Workforce Solutions

The Employment Expo is open to anyone looking for work. Whether just entering the workforce, seeking a career change, or rejoining after time away. No registration is required. Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resume, dress for success, and come ready to connect. 

For more information, visit <a href="http://occk.com/service/employment-expo">occk.com/service/employment-expo</a>

OCCK hosting 35th annual Employment Expo at TPEC

The City of Salina will host its second Accessibility Seminar on Thursday, October 16, from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm at OCCK&nbsp;(1710 W. Schilling). The free event is sponsored by OCCK, Inc.

The seminar is a half-day educational opportunity to understand accessibility issues that individuals with disabilities face and resources available in the Salina area. 

Guest speakers include: Karen Chapman of KSDS Assistance Dogs., Inc. and Craig Knutson of Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns. The seminar will also have a panel featuring local agencies that assist individuals with disabilities gain employment.

The event is free to attend with limited seating. 

Those who wish to attend should complete the online registration at <a href="http://Salina-KS.gov/ADA">Salina-KS.gov/ADA</a> or contact the Community Relations Division at community.relations@salina.org.

For more information, call (785) 309-5745 or visit <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov/ADA">www.salina-ks.gov/ADA</a>.

For needed accommodations, call the Community Relations Division between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities with at least 5 business day notice of needed accommodations prior to the event.

City of Salina to host 2nd annual Accessibility Seminar 

Project Salina is informing the community of needing assistance to find a new location for their food collection efforts.

According to Board Member/Secretary for Project Salina, Yvonne Davis the warehouse they have been using will no longer be available after "Souper Bowl of Hope" in January 2026. Project Salina is reaching out to the community for help in finding them a new location.

Davis added, they need warehouse space for approximately 10 days in June 2026 for Project Salina and three weeks in January 2027 for the Souper Bowl of Hope drive.

- Large enough to store 20 pallets w/ room to maneuver a pallet jack.

- 24-hour access for Project Salina board members during use.

- Enclosed, weatherproof and lockable to safeguard donated food.

"The space doesn’t need to be fancy, just functional and secure.&nbsp;Thank you for your support in helping us continue our mission to feed our community," said Davis.

If you know of a location that may work, please check with your agency leadership and send Project Salina the&nbsp;the contact information for any potential spaces.

You can contact Project Salina at:&nbsp;projectsalina@gmail.com

Project Salina seeking community assistance for acquiring new warehouse

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.

*No image available for&nbsp;Batesel, Abryann Dannielle*

NAME:&nbsp;Batesel, Abryann Dannielle

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Harass by telecom device; Transmit comment/image/text to abuse/threat/har

NAME:&nbsp;Lawrence, Trevor James

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

NAME:&nbsp;Shepherd, Kiera Kaleese

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Probation Violation; Return for court testimony

NAME:&nbsp;Wise-Jayne, Tyler Allen

Saline County Jail Bookings, October 11

Project Salina has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the&nbsp; Kansas Masonic Foundation, in partnership with Salina Lodge 60. Representatives from the&nbsp; Finance and Charity Committees of Salina Lodge 60 presented the check to Project Salina board members on Wednesday, October 8.&nbsp;

As the philanthropic arm of Kansas Masons, the Kansas Masonic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Kansas communities and supporting fellow Masons and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has invested more than $50 million in Kansas communities and individuals through academic, scientific, and charitable initiatives. Salina Lodge 60 has been an active part of the Salina community since 1867. So far this year, the lodge has contributed more than $16,000 in donations to local scholarships and community organizations.&nbsp;

Founded in 1990 by Jack Parr and Jane Kramer, Project Salina is a local nonprofit committed to&nbsp; fighting hunger in Salina. Recognizing that food donations often peak during the holidays but decline in the summer—when demand for food assistance is highest—Project Salina works to&nbsp; fill that gap. The organization partners with six agencies: the Emergency Aid Food Bank, the Salvation Army, the Salina Rescue Mission, the Ashby House, DVACK, and Salina Grace.&nbsp;

Each year from May 1 to May 31, Project Salina collects cash and food donations to purchase food for its partner agencies. When supplies run low, agencies turn to Project Salina, which uses&nbsp; donated funds to keep their shelves stocked.&nbsp;

The $5,000 grant from the Kansas Masonic Foundation will directly support this mission, helping to keep food supplies strong so local agencies can continue serving individuals and&nbsp; families in need. Learn about how you can help Project Salina at:&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.projectsalina.com/">https://www.projectsalina.com/&nbsp;</a>

For more information about the Kansas Masonic Foundation, visit:

<a href="https://kansasmasonicfoundation.org">https://kansasmasonicfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;

Kansas Masonic Foundation awards $5,000 grant to Project Salina 

The Salina Senior Theatre Project will close its 5th season with&nbsp;"An Evening Of One Acts"&nbsp;featuring four performances titled "Blue Sky With Approaching Storm," "Bank Robbery ?," "You Know Your Old When"&nbsp;and "Just The Facts Ma'am."

The shows will be presented Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 at 7:00 pm at the Salvation Army Chapel&nbsp;(1137 N Santa Fe). The cast includes local talents such as, Danton McDiffett, Stephanie Silcott-McDiffett, Temprance Schreiner, Jan Oberle, Bethanny Carter,&nbsp;Amanda Lynn, Bob Hunter, Bob Sears, Wally Hitchcock, Terri Levin, Carol Bragg and Don Ratzlaff.&nbsp;

Tickets will go on sale Monday, October 13.&nbsp;

Tickets will be $10 in advance at the Salvation Army front desk (785)-823-2251 or at the door the night of each performance.

Refreshments will be provided and drawing for door prizes.&nbsp;Half of the proceeds received will go toward the Salvation Army Repair Fund.

Salina Senior Theatre Project closes 5th season with 4 performances

Red Fern Booksellers has announced their third local Authors Fair will occur, for another chance to meet authors from across the state.

On Sunday, October 19 from&nbsp;3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Red Fern Booksellers (106 S. Santa Fe Ave), Kansan&nbsp;authors expected to make an appearance include: Jamie Bosse, Willa R. Finnegan, Tim (T.D.) Keane, Sherry Krehbiel, Mary L. Schmidt, Julie Stielstra, Michael Travis and Randall Weber.

Each of these authors will have their books available for purchase. Several genres will be represented at this fair, including Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Poetry, and General Fiction.&nbsp;

Click <a href="https://redfernbooksellers.com/">here</a> for the Red Fern Booksellers website.

Red Fern hosting 3rd local Authors Fair Oct. 19

On Thursday, Salina Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a grand opening event for Dacus Auto Body and Collision Repair.

&nbsp;Co-owners Chris and Kena Dacus started Dacus Auto Body in McPherson 11 years ago. This past May, Dacus purchased Crossroads Collision from the previous owners, who were looking to retire. Located at&nbsp;1334 N Ohio, Dacus Auto Body and Collision Repair uses the same production staff as Crossroads Collision while also bringing in new workers to the site.&nbsp;

"I have a lot of connections to Salina from my childhood," said Kena Dacus. "It's been really welcoming and really nice."

Kena Dacus also announced that among the 17 OEM certifications Dacus Auto Body already holds, they recently received certification for Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer. Dacus hopes to continue to grow and provide new services to the Salina community.

For more information about&nbsp;Dacus Auto Body and Collision Repair, click <a href="https://www.dacusauto.com/#SalinaLocationHome">here</a>.

Chamber of Commerce celebrates body shop grand opening

The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Salina has long been more than just a place to shop for affordable clothing, furniture and household goods. It is a vital part of The Salvation Army’s mission to serve those in need. 

But, the store faces a serious challenge: 

Without an increase in sales and donations, the store may be forced to close its doors.

The store, located at 157 S. 5th Street, directly funds local programs that provide food, emergency shelter, financial assistance, and spiritual care to individuals and families in Salina. Every purchase made and every item donated stays in Salina, helping neighbors right here in our community.

“When you shop or donate at our thrift store, you are doing more than finding a bargain—you are helping a family keep the lights on, feeding a child who might otherwise go hungry, or giving hope to someone who feels forgotten,” said Lt. Luke Hursh. “Without this store, much of that support could disappear.”

· Affordable goods for families and individuals.

· Emergency Assistance for local families or individuals who are in need after an unexpected emergency.

· Direct funding for The Salvation Army’s programs in Salina.

Closing the store would mean a significant loss, not only to those who rely on affordable shopping but also to the many who benefit from the vital services the store helps fund.

“We are asking the community to rally around this ministry,” said Lt. Hursh. “Whether it’s by shopping a little more often, donating gently used items, or spreading the word, every act of support helps keep this mission alive.”

Community members are encouraged to donate gently used clothing, electronics, small furniture, and household goods, and to make shopping at The Salvation Army Thrift Store a part of their weekly routine. Together, the community can help keep the store open and ensure The Salvation Army continues its mission of “Doing the Most Good” in Salina.

Donations and Shopping Hours: The Salvation Army Thrift Store

157 S. 5th Street, Salina, KS 67401 Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm Donation Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm

Salvation Army of Salina Thrift Store faces financial strain: Needing community support to keep doors open

<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 10 - October 12

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 8 - October 10

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

TOPEKA —Law enforcement across the state continue to find drivers traveling far above the posted speed limit.&nbsp;

On Saturday, KHP Trooper Tod shared a photo of a traffic stop with a reminder from a fellow State Trooper, " Trooper Presley would like to remind everybody that for every 10 mph a vehicle travels over 50 mph, the risk of death in a crash doubles."

Speeding is reckless and it puts lives at risk.&nbsp;

KHP Trooper with an important reminder about driving too fast

The decision has far-reaching implications affecting the treatment of immigrants suspected of civil immigration violations in six midwestern states, including Missouri

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marysanchez/">Mary Sanchez</a>

The warrantless arrests of 11 immigrant restaurant workers in Liberty earlier this year violated a 2022 consent decree, a federal judge ruled.

The arrests of the workers at El Potro Mexican Café in February were among the first in the Kansas City area to draw widespread media attention.

The Liberty cases became part of a broader filing, challenging government tactics under the second Trump administration on behalf of 26 immigrant plaintiffs.

The case did not question the government’s right to make arrests on immigration violations. But it questioned whether it had violated the prior consent agreement by making warrantless arrests.

On Oct. 7, a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division,&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrantjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/214-Nava-v-DHS-Mem-Opinion_10-07-25.pdf" target="_blank">ruled in favor of the immigrant workers</a>.

Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to lift any conditions on the release of 22 immigrants, including 11 people who had been detained after the Liberty raid.

The other 11 people were detained in Chicago through warrantless arrests in their neighborhood or vehicles, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://immigrantjustice.org/press-release/federal-judge-extends-consent-decree-prohibiting-ice-from-arresting-people-without-warrants-or-probable-cause/" target="_blank">National Immigrant Justice Center</a>, which helped bring the case.

The decision has far-reaching implications and is a huge win for due process, said&nbsp;<a href="https://sharma-crawford.com/" target="_blank">Rekha</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://sharma-crawford.com/" target="_blank">Sharma-Crawford</a>, a Kansas City-based immigration attorney representing the Liberty workers.

The Liberty restaurant workers now are out on bond, an option that has become nearly impossible in recent months for detainees taken into ICE custody.

“Their deportation cases, at least for the time being, would have to be dismissed because they were all arrested unlawfully,” Sharma-Crawford said.

In addition to Missouri and Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Kentucky are also under the consent decree, known for the name of one of the original plaintiffs, Margarito Castañon Nava.

<a href="https://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/judge_display.php?LastName=Cummings" target="_blank">Cummings</a>&nbsp;also ordered the Department of Homeland Security to reissue its warrantless arrest policy nationwide and certify that any officers who violated the consent decree were retrained.

Also, ICE will need to report to the court the names and arrest documents for anyone else who had been arrested without a warrant on immigration violations since June in the Northern District of Illinois, and to continue making similar reports monthly.

In some of the cases, federal officials were accused of creating warrants after they had already arrested the individuals on the civil violations of being without lawful immigration or citizenship status.

Cummings also extended the consent decree to Feb. 2, 2026.

It had been set to expire May 12, 2025, had further violations not been found.

The date change “corresponds to the number of days between the date that ICE unequivocally ceased its compliance with the Agreement (June 11, 2025) and the date of this Memorandum Opinion and Order to provide plaintiffs with the full three-year term of the Agreement for which they bargained,” according to the judge’s ruling.

The Department of Homeland Security also was ordered to pay the plaintiffs’ attorney fees.

The case was brought by the National Immigrant Justice Center and the Roger Baldwin Foundation of the ACLU of Illinois.

“Today’s decision makes clear that DHS and ICE — like everyone else — must follow the Constitution and the law,” said ACLU of Illinois Deputy Legal Director Michelle Garcia, co-counsel, in a statement.

“The federal government’s reckless practice of stopping, harassing and detaining people — and then finding a justification for the action must end,” Garcia said. “The Trump administration’s destructive mass deportation scheme is not a reason to toss aside bedrock constitutional principles, disregard federal law or court orders.”

The ruling comes as the federal government ramps up the presence of immigration agents in Chicago, and President Donald Trump is threatening to send in the National Guard to maintain order in the face of protests in Portland.

The Department of Homeland Security has not issued a statement yet on the court’s decision.

The Liberty workers were detained after more than a dozen agents with Homeland Security Investigations entered the restaurant looking for a worker suspected of a child sex crime.

But communication problems, possibly exacerbated by language barriers, led to the federal agents entering a private office space, despite the lack of a warrant, and collecting employment documents.

Twelve workers were handcuffed and detained. One of the immigrants was later removed from the U.S.

The judgment is being noted by local immigrant rights advocates as an example of&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/07/03/immigration-court-kansas-city-deportation-legal-counsel/" target="_blank">strategic legal filings</a>&nbsp;designed to force the government to stay within the law.

More than 3,000 people in the Kansas City area have been trained in know-your-rights sessions by&nbsp;<a href="https://airrkc.org/" target="_blank">Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation</a>, or AIRR.

During the training, an emphasis is placed on witnesses filming federal agents during a raid to document that policies and the law are being followed, rather than focusing on the immigrants.

AIRR also stresses that witnesses refrain from name-calling of federal agents, as such video might be necessary to submit in cases like the one just decided in the Illinois court.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/10/09/ice-arrests-immigrant-workers-liberty/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

Federal judge rules against ICE in the warrantless arrests of 11 KC-area workers

SEDGWICK COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatalcrash that occurred&nbsp;just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; vehicle was northbound on Greenwich Road at Kansas 254. The driver failed to yield the right of way.

An eastbound vehicle struck struck the northbound vehicle. Investigators did not release names of those involved or additional information early Sunday.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

KHP investigating fatal 2-vehicle crash

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Their faces stare down from every street corner in Israel on posters now sun-faded and ripped. Their stories, told by anguished family members, are almost as well-known as celebrities. They are civilians and soldiers, fathers and sons. Some were at the Nova music festival, where almost 400 people were killed and dozens kidnapped.

The latest ceasefire, which began Friday, marks a key step toward ending a ruinous two-year war that was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, when some 1,200 people were killed and 251 kidnapped.

The fighting has killed 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants but says around half the deaths were women and children, and displaced around 90% of the Gaza population of some 2 million. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government, and the United Nations and many independent experts consider its figures to be the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties in Gaza.

There are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-hostages-d37b0d5bb5ce4340f3a8a48533948da0">currently 48 hostages being held in Gaza</a>, including the body of one soldier from a previous war. Israel has determined that at least 25 of the hostages were killed on Oct. 7, 2023, or died while in captivity. It is unclear how many of the remaining around 20 hostages are still alive and will return to Israel. There is only one remaining female hostage, who Israel believes was killed in captivity.

With the start of the ceasefire on Friday, the remaining hostages are expected to be released within 72 hours. Israel is set to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

Here is a look at 22 hostages Israel believes are still alive.

Matan Angrest, an Israeli soldier, was kidnapped from his military tank in southern Israel. He is the oldest of four children from Kiryat Bialik, outside of Haifa. His family has been among the most vocal protesters and very critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Tuesday's two-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack, his mother, Anat Angrest, addressed her son at a rally. “I know you’re in pain, and I can’t hug you. I hear you whisper, ‘Come for me, Mom,’ and I can’t protect you," she said.

The fraternal twins were taken from their homes in kibbutz Kfar Aza, on the border with Gaza, during the Oct. 7 attack. Seventeen others were also abducted from Kfar Aza, but the Berman twins are the only hostages from the kibbutz who remain in captivity. The family has heard from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-02-01-2025-bb560151db1437d0b35ac1d568457a46">hostages who returned in a previous deal</a>&nbsp;that, as of February, the brothers were alive but being held separately.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-iran-ceasefire-hostages-a54bb1fa663c33f4153a727ec1e396ee">Liran Berman, their older brother</a>, said it’s the longest the two have ever spent apart. In Kfar Aza, the twins lived in apartments across from each other. Gali is more outgoing, while Ziv is more reserved and shy with a sharp sense of humor, their brother said.

Elkana Bohbot was kidnapped from the Nova music festival. In the past year, Hamas has published multiple videos of Bohbot, filmed under duress, including one where he has a fake telephone conversation with his wife, Rivka; their son, Reem; his mother and his brother — pleading with them to help him get out of Gaza. His son made binoculars in kindergarten which he often uses to go out and “look for his father,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-hostages-trump-99529bfc998abe2c1851fbfbf2f728ab">according to Bohbot’s mother, Ruhama</a>.

Braslavski was working as a security guard at the Nova festival. He attempted to help festival goers evacuate and was wounded in both hands before being kidnapped, witnesses said. In August, the Islamic Jihad militant group released a video of a skeletal Braslavski sobbing and pleading for his life, adding that injuries to his foot prevent him from standing. The videos of Braslavski and Evyatar David digging his own grave horrified Israelis, sparking some of the largest attendance in months at weekly protests.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-hostages-hunger-videos-c9951a33a7f8d47d4ad77705d1267fbd">His father, Ofir, said</a>&nbsp;Rom is usually a strong, happy-go-lucky kid, and that video is the first time he’s seen his son cry.

Nimrod Cohen was kidnapped from a tank where he was stationed as a soldier in southern Israel. Cohen is obsessed with Rubik's cubes, his family said, and a burned Rubik's cube was found in the tank he was abducted from. This year, his mother, Viki Cohen,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-passover-hostages-gaza-afc2e5c267a64cbd7bd8a0cd505534b8">illustrated a Passover haggadah</a>, the text laying out the rituals and story recited during the Passover holiday, in honor of hostages, partly because her family has stopped celebrating holidays since the attack. “We don’t gather as a family, because it reminds us how much he is missing,” Cohen said. The only time the extended family gathers is at protests, she said.

The youngest of four Cunio brothers, Ariel was kidnapped from the Nir Oz kibbutz with his girlfriend, Arbel Yehoud, and her brother, Dolev, a married father of four who was later killed in captivity. According to news reports, Cunio and Yehoud had returned from an extended trip to South America weeks before the attack and had just adopted a puppy. Yehoud was released&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-ceasefire-hostages-01-30-2025-3cc7131495a60ce2bda73ca691abb7c8">during the ceasefire in January</a>.

David Cunio, brother of Ariel Cunio, was kidnapped with his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-hostages-cunio-captivity-869241bb259b00a8f98817edf89b0bc8">Sharon, and their 3-year-old twins</a>&nbsp;from the Nir Oz kibbutz. Sharon’s sister Danielle and her 5-year-old daughter, who were visiting, also were kidnapped. All were released in November, except for David Cunio. In July, Sharon shared a photo of the twins marking their fifth birthday, their second without their father, writing on Facebook that the girls have changed so much while he’s been in captivity that “they’re not the same little girls he knew.”

Evyatar David was taken hostage at the Nova music festival along with his childhood friend, Guy Gilboa-Dalal. In August, Hamas released a video of David, gaunt and pale, who said he was digging his own grave. The condition of the hostages in the videos horrified Israelis and led tens of thousands of protesters to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-war-witkoff-hostage-tel-aviv-b90fe087e8254179667e0cd6094cd438">take to the streets</a>&nbsp;and demand a ceasefire deal, in one of the largest turnouts for the weekly hostage protests in months.

Guy Gilboa-Dalal was among those abducted from the Nova music festival, while his brother managed to escape. In the past year, he’s appeared in two videos released by Hamas. In one, he appears alongside his childhood friend, David, with militants filming them pleading for their freedom in a vehicle while they watch three other hostages on stage being released to the Red Cross.

Maksym Harkin was abducted from Nova, which was the first festival he had ever attended, according to his family. Harkin was born in Ukraine and moved to Israel with his family, where he lived in Tirat HaCarmel in the north. He has a 3-year-old daughter and was the primary provider for his mother and 11-year-old brother. Just before he was taken, his mother said he sent a final text message that said, “I love you.” In July, Hamas released a video of him filmed under duress several months prior.

Eitan Horn, originally from Kfar Saba, was visiting his brother Iair at the Nir Oz kibbutz on Oct. 7. Both were kidnapped. For most of the war, the two were held with three other hostages in a filthy cell underground. In early February, militants filmed the emotional interaction between the brothers as they were told that Iair would be released and Eitan would stay in Gaza. Since his release,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinian-hamas-hostages-humanitarian-aid-b8d65cfaaabf7f747301bcdac1f5314f">Iair Horn has campaigned for his brother</a>&nbsp;and the other hostages, flying frequently to the United States and meeting with politicians.

Bipin Joshi arrived in Israel from his native Nepal a month before the attack. He is the only non-Israeli hostage believed to be alive in Gaza. He came to Israel on a student exchange to work and study agriculture at kibbutz Alumim on the Gaza border. Ten of the 17 Nepali students in the program were killed during the attack. Joshi, who was able to throw a number of live grenades out of the bomb shelter where they were hiding, was injured and kidnapped. Joshi’s sister, 17-year-old Pushpa Joshi,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nepal-israel-hamas-hostage-db2badc65a3dcc8a7b61e22076aa6772">regularly travels eight hours each direction</a>&nbsp;on buses to Kathmandu from her home in western Nepal to lobby officials to secure her brother’s release. In August, his family traveled to Israel to meet with President Isaac Herzog and join families demonstrating in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square.

Segev Kalfon was kidnapped from the Nova music festival, where he was last seen attempting to flee militants along the highway. Before the attack, he worked at his family’s bakery in Dimona, in southern Israeli. The middle child of three, Kalfon had recently been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, a condition his family has highlighted in urging his release. Kalfon’s family received a sign of life from him after the last ceasefire, when some of the hostages said they were held with him for months. Kalfon’s family has focused on religious rituals in their fight for his release, including traveling to the grave of prominent rabbis and dedicating a Torah scroll in his honor.

Bar Kupershtein was working at the Nova festival as a security guard when he was abducted. Witnesses said Kupershtein stayed at the festival to try to provide first aid to people who had been shot and injured. Kupershtein was the main financial support for his family after his father was severely injured in an accident several years ago, his aunt, Ora Rubinstein, told reporters. She said that his father worked with a physical therapist to regain the ability to speak, so he could meet with politicians to advocate for his son’s release. He has told the family that he will walk again when his son comes home, she said.

Omri Miran was kidnapped from the Nahal Oz kibbutz. During the attack, militants held his family, including his two daughters, ages 2 and 6 months, hostage in the kitchen of a neighbor’s house and then broadcast it on Facebook Live. Miran and the father of the other family, Tsachi Idan, were kidnapped.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-truce-hostages-netanyahu-4608f8d5c1d86be7249e0251c08d4bdd">Idan’s body was released</a>&nbsp;during the last hostage exchange after he was killed in captivity.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-passover-hostages-gaza-afc2e5c267a64cbd7bd8a0cd505534b8">Lishay Miran Lavi, Miran’s wife, said</a>&nbsp;their younger daughter knows “daddy Omri” only through photos and videos, and doesn’t really understand what a father is.

Eitan Mor was working as a security guard at the Nova music festival, where he helped evacuate people injured in the attack. Mor’s parents helped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-deal-prisoners-e886ead73905a1b88429d67705d03c47">found the Tikva Forum</a>, a loosely organized group of hostage families. They advocated for military pressure, not an immediate ceasefire or hostage release deal, as the best chance for bringing the hostages home. That stance has put Mor’s father at odds with many of the other families of hostages.

Tamir Nimrodi was kidnapped from Erez, a crossing on the northern border of Gaza that had been the main route for people entering and leaving the territory. He had been serving with the Israeli defense body overseeing humanitarian aid in Gaza. Nimrodi was kidnapped with two other soldiers by militants who walked them to the Gaza gate and forced them to cross. Israel confirmed the deaths of the two soldiers who were kidnapped with Nimrodi. There has been no sign of life from Nimrodi in the two years since he was seen in footage walking into Gaza in shorts and a T-shirt without his glasses.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-ceasefire-hostages-release-hamas-f47ee44c76ee172b39a4116c2cb42d18">Herut Nimrodi, his mother, has said she doesn’t know</a>&nbsp;what is worse: to think he has been killed in captivity, or that he’s alive but being held in terrible conditions. “I’m scared to even imagine,” she said.

Yosef-Chaim Ohana was kidnapped from the Nova music festival, where he was working as a bartender. Witnesses saw him attempting to help others escape before he was kidnapped. He is the oldest of three brothers, one of whom previously died from an illness.

Alon Ohel, who also has German and Serbian citizenship, was kidnapped at the Nova music festival from a mobile bomb shelter along with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hersh-goldberg-polin-israel-palestinians-gaza-hostages-0be443e7ce616cbce3f2cb984e7971ca">Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American-Israeli who was killed</a>&nbsp;in captivity in August 2024. A talented pianist, his family has placed pianos across Israel and several sites around the world to raise awareness of his plight. Three other hostages who had been held with Ohel for more than a year were released during the previous ceasefire, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-anniversary-hostages-dd57a453fee3212fcaa56ce23b36b36c">Eli Sharabi, who said Ohel was like his adopted son</a>. Sharabi said they were kept chained for the entire period of their captivity and subsisted on a moldy pita per day. Ohel has shrapnel in his eye from the attack on the bomb shelter and his family is worried he may be partially blind.

Avinatan Or was kidnapped from the Nova music festival along with his girlfriend, Noa Argamani, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-hostages-profiles-80b14cd4a796aa265ebfcc5bb5928477">rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024</a>. On Oct. 7, Hamas released a video of the pair that has become one of the most well-known videos from that day. It showed Argamani on an all-terrain vehicle crying, “Don’t kill me!” and reaching out her arms to Or, who is being marched away from her by militants. Or worked in hi-tech in Tel Aviv before his abduction.

Matan Zangauker was kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz along with his girlfriend,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-war-hostages-ceasefire-9875e2b5b8679b16106a9106bd37003c">Ilana Gritzewsky</a>. The two met while working on a medical cannabis farm there. Gritzewsky was released after 55 days and has since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-freed-hostages-gaza-hamas-ceasefire-c320040046b7f37d46c2e75dd92656d8">advocated tirelessly for his release</a>, wearing a hat of Zangauker’s she rescued from their burned home. His mother, Einav, has been a constant presence at protests, giving impassioned speeches and even being hoisted in a cage above the crowd to draw attention to the hostages’ plight. Zangauker, who said she was previously a Netanyahu supporter, has emerged as one of his harshest critics. ___

Associated Press writer Sam Metz contributed from Jerusalem.

Who are the hostages Israel believes are still alive?

RILEY COUNTY –&nbsp;Police are investigating a shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in the 1300 block of Marlatt Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

Just before 2p.m. polic responded to a report of shots fired in the 1300 Block of Marlatt Avenue. Upon arrival, RCPD located a 35-year-old man suffering from multiple apparent gunshot wounds. Officers immediately rendered first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The victim was transported to Stormont Vail in Topeka for serious injuries.

Police: Man hospitalized after shooting in Manhattan

JOHNSON COUNTY —An officer’s “use of deadly force which resulted in the death of Jose Enrique Cartagena-Chacon, 25, Grandview, Missouri, was justified under Kansas Law," according to&nbsp;Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe.

Following Howe's announcement, Lenexa Police released body camera video of the deadly encounter.

Just after 3a.m. on June 22, the Lenexa Police Department received a 911 call from a person who said that a tall Hispanic person in a blue shirt was holding a gun against the head of another person. This was occurring at the pool area at the Lenexa Crossings Apartments located at 12334 W. 97th Terrace, according to a statement from police.

The caller said that she was in a car nearby. Two Lenexa officers arrived minutes later and began to search the parking lot for the involved individuals. The officers saw a car with its lights on and approached it. 

Officer “A” approached the driver’s door and saw a Hispanic male, later identified as Jose Enrique Cartagena-Chacon, in the driver’s seat. The officer immediately noticed a black handgun in Cartagena-Chacon’s lap. Officer “A” ordered Cartagena-Chacon to put his hands in the air and not to touch the gun.

 Cartagena-Chacon picked up the gun. He then brought the gun up in a motion so the barrel was pointed toward the driver’s door, where Officer“A” stood. 

Cartagena-Chacon then began to move the gun towards the front passenger door where Officer “B” stood. At that time Officer “A” fired his weapon multiple times, killing Jose Enrique Cartagena-Chacon. The JohnsonCounty Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigative Team “OICIIT” was called to handle this investigation

Cartagena-Chacon’s cause of death was due to multiple gunshot wounds by the officer. Cacon also had a blood alcohol level of .248, according to an autopsy.

On June 22, 2025 at around 3:00 a.m. the Lenexa Police Department receiveda 911 call from a person who said that a tall Hispanic person in a blue shirt washolding a gun against the head of another person. This was occurring at thepool area at the Lenexa Crossings Apartments located at 12334 W. 97th Terrace. The caller said that she was in a car nearby.Two Lenexa officers arrived minutes later and began to search the parking lotfor the involved individuals. The officers saw a car with its lights on andapproached it. Officer “A” approached the driver’s door and saw a Hispanicmale, later identified as Jose Enrique Cartagena-Chacon, in the driver’s seat.The officer immediately noticed a black handgun in Cartagena-Chacon’s lap.Officer “A” ordered Cartagena-Chacon to put his hands in the air and not totouch the gun. Cartagena-Chacon picked up the gun. He then brought the gunup in a motion so the barrel was pointed toward the driver’s door, where Officer“A” stood. Cartagena-Chacon then began to move the gun towards the frontpassenger door where Officer “B” stood. At that time Officer “A” fired hisweapon multiple times, killing Jose Enrique Cartagena-Chacon. The JohnsonCounty Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigative Team “OICIIT” was calledto handle this investigation

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