ABILENE - The former Director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library &amp; Museum, Todd Arrington has resigned after refusing to gift a sword to the Trump administration.

After President Trump's recent visit to London on Wednesday, September 17, where he visited&nbsp;Britain's King Charles III, Trump wanted to gift King Charles III a sword from the museum.&nbsp;The sword in particular belonged to former 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower that was meant to symbolize the US-UK relationship and highlight the two countries’ collaboration in WWII. 

Reportedly, the US Department of State Officials asked Arrington to gift the sword, but he advised that he could not because it is a historical artifact and part of 'gifts that belonged to the American people.'

Arrington was then told he needed to either "resign or be fired." 

On Thursday he officially resigned from being Director at the museum.

Arrington was a veteran of the United States Army and holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He received a master of arts in history from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor of arts in history from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.

Arrington officially became Director on <a href="https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/press-releases/todd-arrington-appointed-director-dwight-d-eisenhower-presidential-library-and#:~:text=National%20Public%20Radio.-,Dr.,from%20Mansfield%20University%20of%20Pennsylvania.">June 2024</a>.

Former Eisenhower Library & Museum Director resigns after refusing to gift historic sword to Trump administration 

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;Agg endangering a child; Reckless &lt;18; Duty of driver to report accident with an unattended vehicle/property; 1st conv

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss of marijuana; Theft of prop/services;Value $25,000 to $100,000

Saline County Jail Bookings, October 5

The City of Salina and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are scheduled to hold a public meeting on the Old Smoky Hill River Channel Restoration Project.

According to the City, on Tuesday, October 7 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Chamber Annex (218 N. 7th St.) will be the location of the meeting.

The City and USACE has completed its draft feasibility report on the Smoky Hill Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project, which is part of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project.

The draft report concludes that the restoration project would not result in significant degradation to the environment.  The project will be overseen by USACE and includes dredging of built-up silt from the Old River Channel, reconstruction of the channel to include riffles, pools, runs and glides, construction of wetlands around Lakewood Lake and connecting the lake to the Old River Channel, trail improvements at Lakewood Lake, removal of the Western Star Mill weir and replacement with five step pools, and other improvements.

Public input will be received and are welcomed.

The draft study and associated documents may be viewed <a href="https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Planning-Public-Notices/Article/4308865/smoky-hill-draft-feasibility-study-and-integrated-environmental-assessment-ea-a/">here</a>.&nbsp;

If you cannot attend the meeting in-person, live video coverage will be available on the City of Salina’s YouTube channel at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/CityofSalinaKansas." target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/CityofSalinaKansas.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The recording will be available to view after the event, and will also be shown several times on SalinaTV, Cox Cable Channel 20.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://salina-tv.com/" target="_blank">https://salina-tv.com/</a>&nbsp;for Channel 20 schedule information.

In addition to taking public comment at the meeting, USACE will accept comments via email and US Mail. &nbsp;

Please send comments via email to&nbsp;Katherine.E.Lynch@usace.army.mil, or mail comments to: US Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, ATTN: Planning Branch Environmental Resources Section (PMP-R), 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106.

Smoky Hill River Renewal Project public meeting scheduled 

Several Salina arts organizations invite the public to join them in celebrating their anniversaries through an engaging free community activity: “Passport to the Arts" from October 6 - 31st.

Participants are encouraged to visit the Salina Symphony, Theatre Salina, Salina Arts &amp; Humanities and the Smoky Hill Museum. 

By engaging with each organization, community members will collect unique hole punches on a designated punch card—each representing a successful visit to these cultural organizations.

Completion of the punch card enters you into a drawing for one of four exclusive gift packages. Each package contains special items or event tickets from two of the participating organizations, ensuring winners enjoy a variety of cultural experiences.

Each organization will draw a winner from the completed punch cards on November 5th. Must be 18+ to win. Winners will be announced and contacted shortly thereafter.

Addresses to each participating organization:

- Salina Symphony: 151 S Santa Fe Ave, Office Entrance, Second Floor, Salina, KS

- Theatre Salina: 303 E Iron Ave, Salina, KS

- Salina Arts &amp; Humanities: 211 W Iron Ave, Second Floor, Salina, KS

- Smoky Hill Museum: 211 W Iron Ave, Salina, KS

This activity provides an opportunity to deepen community engagement with Salina’s rich arts scene while celebrating the shared milestones of these storied organizations. The activity is also a celebration of National Arts &amp; Humanities Month (NAHM), a collective recognition of the importance of culture in America. Embrace the arts, explore shared history, and join the celebration!

If you have additional questions about the activity, please email sah@salina.org or call (785) 309-5770.

For needed accommodations, please call Salina Arts &amp; Humanities at (785) 309-5770,&nbsp;Monday – Thursday between the hours of 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least five working days prior to the event.

Salina organizations celebrate anniversaries with free community event

The City of Salina announces that the US Army Corps of Engineers has completed its draft feasibility report on the Smoky Hill Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project, which is part of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project, and will hold a public meeting to present its findings and take public input.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 7 from 5:50-7:30pm at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Annex at 218 North Seventh Street, directly behind the Chamber of Commerce main building. All members of the public are invited to attend.

The draft study and associated documents may be viewed at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Planning-Public-Notices/Article/4308865/smoky-hill-draft-feasibility-study-and-integrated-environmental-assessment-ea-a/">https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Planning-Public-Notices/Article/4308865/smoky-hill-draft-feasibility-study-and-integrated-environmental-assessment-ea-a/</a>

The draft report concludes that the restoration project would not result in significant degradation to the environment. The project will be overseen by the Corps and includes dredging of built-up silt from the Old River Channel, reconstruction of the channel to include riffles, pools, runs and glides, construction of wetlands around Lakewood Lake and connecting the lake to the Old River Channel, trail improvements at Lakewood Lake, removal of the Western Star Mill weir and replacement with five step pools, and other improvements.

If you cannot attend the meeting in-person, live video coverage will be available on the City of Salina’s YouTube channel at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/CityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/CityofSalinaKansas</a>. The recording will be available to view after the event, and will also be shown several times on SalinaTV, Cox Cable Channel 20.

Please visit <a href="https://salina-tv.com/">https://salina-tv.com/</a> for Channel 20 schedule information.

In addition to taking public comment at the meeting, the Corps of Engineers will accept comments via email and US Mail. Please send comments via email to Katherine.E.Lynch@usace.army.mil, or mail comments to: US Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, ATTN: Planning Branch Environmental Resources Section (PMP-R), 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106.

City of Salina and US Army Corps of Engineers holding public meeting on Old Smoky Hill River Channel Restoration project

Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum

LINDSBORG - There are just three months left for Kansas taxpayers to take advantage of an opportunity to preserve a priceless historical treasure in Lindsborg, while also securing a tax credit worth 70% of their donation.

In 2024, the Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum was named to receive $166,600 in Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce, supporting total fundraising of up to $238,000. 

These credits have been used to enhance fundraising efforts for the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion Restoration &amp; Improvement Project, which in summer 2025 funded the completion of critical structural repairs that will ensure the Pavilion will remain standing.

The Pavilion is a center of Swedish-American culture in “Little Sweden USA” – as the venue or backdrop for multiple events throughout the year. Designed to last for just a year during the St. Louis World’s Fair, it marks its 121st anniversary in 2025. It is one of very few international buildings remaining from the St. Louis World’s Fair and the only remaining international fair building by premier architect Ferdinand Boberg.

Businesses and individuals subject to Kansas income tax are eligible to receive a tax credit through this program by donating to make repairs to the Pavilion. Donors giving at least $250 to the Pavilion Project may qualify for a 70% tax credit. For example, a donor making a $1,000 gift receives a $700 tax credit when they file their state taxes, making the net cost to the donor only $300.

However, there is still remaining capacity to accept donations under the grant, as 19% of the value of the grant still remains unclaimed by donors to the museum project – representing $45,839.75 in remaining donation capacity. (So far, $193,451.40 has been donated or pledged to the project). 

Time is running out for potential donors to take advantage of the opportunity, as all donations must be made before December 31, 2025, to qualify for tax credits.

With the structural repairs now completed, the museum is now in the “Raise the Roof” portion of the campaign – with donated funds going to funding a new roof for the Swedish Pavilion. The Pavilion currently has a more than 30-year-old asphalt roof (which, additionally, is not historically accurate) that is starting to show serious signs of its age. There are often leaks after heavy rain or snow, threatening the long-term viability of the 121-year-old structure.

A new pavilion roof that will prevent leaks and be more historically accurate. Current plans are to re-roof the Pavilion with composite Brava “Spanish Barrel” tile roofing in antique clay color. Closely matching the original style of the Pavilion when built in 1904, the composite tiles will have all the beauty and warmth of traditional clay material, but with less weight and a significantly longer expected lifespan – on the order of up to up to half a century with inherent UV protection to prevent degradation and the ability to withstand winds of 188 mph or more.

While finishing out the tax credits grant will go along way toward fundraising for the new roof, additional fundraising will be needed beyond that. To further incentivize giving to “Raise the Roof,” the museum is offering special recognition rewards to anyone who gives at specific tiers to re-roof the Pavilion – whether they qualified to receive tax credits or not.

- All donations of $100 or more will receive an invitation to a VIP recognition reception to celebrate the new roof, as well as listing on our website and in the reception program.

- Donations of $1,000 or more will receive the VIP invitation and program listing AND recognition on a special “Honor Wall” to be placed in the Swedish Pavilion. 

- For every $1,000 donated, you will have the option for a custom 3D-printed “roof tile,” a ¼ scale replica of the actual “Brava” tiles that will be used on the roof. It’s the perfect way to have a lasting testament to your personal love of history and Swedish culture, to put up a permanent message in memory of a loved one, or to recognize a special event in your life – such as a new baby, milestone birthday, or anniversary.

To take advantage of this special opportunity, interested donors can contact one of the museum staff at (785) 227-3595 or oldmillmuseum@gmail.com.

They will assist with customizing a commemorative tile or to answer any questions.

For more information about the tax credits, the Raise the Roof campaign, or the Swedish Pavilion, please visit <a href="http://www.oldmillmuseum.org/raise-the-roof">www.oldmillmuseum.org/raise-the-roof</a>.

Historical Lindsborg museum using final 20% of tax credits grant to finish Swedish Pavilion

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner

NAME:&nbsp;Chanminaraj, Christopher Michael

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Crim discharge of firearm;land/water no permiss

NAME:&nbsp;Geissert, Keenan Michael

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Abuse order

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Return for court testimony; Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Burglary; Vehicle to steal firearm; Theft of prop/serv;Firearm &lt;$25,000

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Waggoner, Mark Douglas

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

Saline County Jail Bookings, October 4

As part of a nationwide effort to reduce home fires, the Salina Fire Department (SFD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week™ campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”.

The annual campaign runs from October 5th-11th&nbsp;and emphasizes the importance of using, charging and disposing of lithium-ion batteries safely.

While lithium-ion batteries power many everyday items including phones, tablets, e-bikes, and laptops, they can overheat and cause a fire or explode if damaged or not used correctly. Fire officials across the country have reported an increasing number of fires related to these batteries.

“Lithium-ion batteries have become a routine part of our lives, which is why it is so important that residents understand the fire risks and how to minimize them,” said Matt Rittel, Salina Fire Department Prevention Officer. “By following the NFPA’s safety tips, we can all take charge of our own fire safety and prevent a potential tragedy.”

The “Charge into Fire Safety” campaign focuses on three key actions for residents:

- Purchase and use only devices and chargers that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL.

- When replacing a battery, get an exact replacement recommended by the manufacturer.

- Avoid knock-off or counterfeit charging products, which may not meet safety standards.

- Always use the charging cable that came with the product.

- Never leave devices charging unattended, especially overnight or while you are away.

- Charge devices on a hard, non-combustible surface, and never under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch.

- Unplug devices once they are fully charged.

- Keep batteries and chargers at room temperature and away from heat and direct sunlight.

- Stop using a battery immediately if you notice signs of failure, such as excessive heat, swelling, leaking, or a strange odor.

- Do not throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins, as they can cause fires at waste facilities.

- Recycle batteries responsibly at a designated battery recycling location. 

Visit <a href="https://www.call2recycle.org/">www.call2recycle.org</a> to find a nearby drop-off spot.

SFD encourages all residents to check their smoke alarms and practice their home escape plans during Fire Prevention Week. 

In addition, the Salina Fire Department Prevention Division will be conducting grade school visits to Saline County 4th grade classrooms, with the fire safety trailer, to practice escaping in the event of a fire during Fire Prevention Week.

Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been the longest-running public health observance in the U.S., commemorated annually during the week of October 9th to remember the Great Chicago Fire.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit the NFPA website at <a href="http://www.fpw.org">www.fpw.org</a>.

Salina FD promoting national campaign to reduce home fires October 5-11

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KVDL) at Kansas State University in collaboration with Bavarian Nordic and the One Health Commission Bat Rabies Education Team (BRET), are hosting a poster contest to educate children about rabies prevention in Kansas.

Kansas students from kindergarten to 12th grade are encouraged to participate.

Winning submissions will receive a donation to their school as well as a personal prize. Submissions are due January 30, 2026. More information can be found on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksvdl.org%2Fworld-rabies-day%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001999b5b69b9-0d00b905-c5c9-4bbc-a282-999618a42a86-000000/4g0A-YvwNzyp9U-zBOg0KC5ppCkdgynGH1PvYgid0_o=425">KVDL website.</a>

This contest aims to raise awareness about rabies, the impacts it can have on ecosystems and how to prevent rabies transmission. Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that can be transmitted to people by infected mammals. Wildlife such as bats, which are the origin of most human rabies cases in the United States, still play an integral role in the Kansas ecosystem through pollination and eating crop-destroying insects.

Not all wild animals have rabies, but recognizing the potential for wildlife rabies reservoirs to transmit rabies to humans and pets is crucial for rabies transmission prevention.

By following the theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” the posters submitted for this contest should highlight how individuals and communities can work together to prevent rabies.

For more information on rabies in Kansas, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1497%2FRabies%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001999b5b69b9-0d00b905-c5c9-4bbc-a282-999618a42a86-000000/ICVF9kKD3lKs7Sfi1ohV5d37Yi1kDwq8Sj9ETk89dDo=425">KDHE rabies webpage</a>.

KDHE, KVDL calling all KS students to participate in upcoming World Rabies Day Poster Competition

Christ Cathedral clergy and members invite the community to the church’s annual "St. Francis Blessing of the Animals Service" on Sunday, October 5 at 4:00 pm , at 138 S. 8th Street in downtown Salina.

Christ Cathedral’s annual St. Francis Blessing of the Animals Service welcomes all safe, well-behaved animals who are on a leash or in a carrier or tank. Less social animals can be blessed using a hard-copy photograph or digital image.

Each animal is blessed by the presiding priest with a personal prayer and a light sprinkle of holy water. Every pet in attendance receives a St. Francis medal for its collar and a baggie of pet treats. If you have lost a pet in the last year, please bring a picture of them and join us that day, as we will remember all fur family members who have passed over the rainbow bridge.

A renowned friar from Assisi, Italy, St. Francis is said to have spoken to a wolf and preached to birds. Born to affluence, St. Francis dedicated his life in ministry to the most vulnerable of God’s creatures. He is the founder of the religious Order of St. Francis.

The Pet Blessing is held in the Cathedral’s shaded, fenced Gazebo Park directly south of the education building and parish hall. Pet owners are welcome to take their own pictures during and after the Blessing service.

Special invited guests this year will include local service animals and canine partners from local law-enforcement agencies and USD 305. Cash donations will be accepted that day to benefit the shared City-County Salina Animal Services/Shelter.

 No RSVP is needed; arrive 10 minutes in advance to give you and your pet ample space alongside other guests.

Christ Cathedral is “the church in the heart of the city, with a heart for the city.” Established in 1906, the Cathedral is the largest, most active congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas, that stretches from Salina to the Colorado border.

The Cathedral houses a flourishing Montessori School, leads the Welcome Table daily lunch program provided at Salina Grace on Broadway, and offers programs including Bible studies, Book Club, musical outreach and more. 

For more information, contact Mo. Shay Craig at christcathedral@ChristCathedralSalina.org, call (785) 827-4440 or visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/christcathedralsalina">https://www.facebook.com/christcathedralsalina</a>.

Christ Cathedral church invites community to bring their pets for the "St. Francis Blessing of the Animals" 

Kansas Wesleyan University Admissions will host "Saline County Private Schools Visit Week," a time of focus on future Coyotes from Sacred Heart High School and Cornerstone Classical School. 

The event will be held November 3-7 on campus.

“Community is such an important part of everything we do at Kansas Wesleyan,” said Levi Thomas, assistant vice president of enrollment. “We’ve been able to develop some great relationships with schools throughout the area, and hope that announcements like this one strengthen and deepen those relationships. We hope to see numerous students from these schools on campus soon!”

Please note that any student may schedule a KWU visit at any time, so public or home school students are welcome this week, as private school students are at others.

A full listing of admissions events can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/admissionsevents">www.kwu.edu/admissionsevents</a>.

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwu.edu/news">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KWU to host visit week for Saline County Private Schools

<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 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

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 19 - September 21

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;did not let the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;interfere with a stop in Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday to salute the Navy as it celebrates its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.navy.mil/Navy-250/">250th anniversary</a>&nbsp;— using his speech to praise both the Navy and himself.

Trump delivered remarks that by his own recognition bordered on making it more like a campaign event, generating some applause from the crowd before closing out with a recording of his theme song, “YMCA” by Village People.

“Let’s face it, this is a rally,” Trump told the crowd that the Navy estimated to be 10,000 people.

The president criticized his political opponents and attacked Democratic lawmakers as the shutdown entered its fifth day, causing military personnel to work without pay until the government reopens.

“I want you to know that despite the current Democrat induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny. Don’t worry about it," Trump said to cheers from the crowd.

The government shutdown that began Wednesday has sparked partisan blame games as several thousand federal employees are furloughed and key infrastructure and energy projects in Democratic-run areas such as New York and Chicago have been put on hold. It lurked in the background of the event as Trump praised a Navy that he said has “never failed to hunt, kill and win.”

Senate Democrats rejected efforts to preserve a continuation of government operations when the new budget year started on Wednesday. They cited the lapse in subsidies that could cause health insurance costs to climb rapidly for people who get coverage through the 2010 Affordable Care Act. Democratic lawmakers also have sought to reverse cuts to Medicaid that Trump signed into law.

Democrats oppose Trump's move to have his administration decline to spend congressionally approved funds, saying it undermines the budgeting process, among other concerns. Meanwhile, Trump has explored laying off federal workers at what he called “Democrat Agencies.”

Among those joining Trump for the festivities were first lady Melania Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Navy Secretary John Phelan, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, a former Navy rear admiral who was a White House doctor during Trump's first term.

After his arrival in Norfolk, Trump went to the USS George H.W. Bush and spoke to the sailors and handed out challenge coins.

The Trumps then watched a military demonstration while standing on the deck of the aircraft carrier. Navy destroyers launched missiles and fired shells into the Atlantic Ocean, Navy SEALs descended from helicopters and fighter jets catapulted off.

The president has increasingly sought to leverage support from within the military as he has escalated its role in American society, asking troops to patrol the streets of U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago, Memphis, Baltimore and Portland, Oregon. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Trump was seeking to send his state's National Guard to Portland after the administration's previous moves to deploy troops in the Oregon National Guard were blocked in court.

Trump on Tuesday addressed a gathering of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-hegseth-meeting-military-commanders-4ceb8026bff7c652b08c08e8afb1df99">military leaders</a>&nbsp;abruptly summoned from across the globe to Virginia by Hegseth. The Republican president proposed using U.S. cities as training grounds for the armed forces and he spoke of needing military might to combat what he called the “invasion from within.”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-combat-women-race-hegseth-d406029d0e0dfd52443ef8d7fcb765cb">Hegseth declared</a>&nbsp;an end to “woke” culture and announced new directives for troops that include “gender-neutral” or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-pentagon-defense-combat-women-trump-b423fd49730d9ab97151a2d2a4fdf6a7">“male-level” standards</a>&nbsp;for physical fitness.

The administration is seeking to reshape Pentagon culture and use military resources for the president’s priorities, including quelling domestic unrest and violent crime.

Trump has also engaged the military in an armed conflict with drug cartels, leading to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hegseth-venezuela-drug-cartels-unlawful-combatants-1848b02febe08acacb82979d7da47dfb">four strikes</a>&nbsp;on boats in the Caribbean that Washington says were involved in trafficking.

🎥 President, First Lady celebrate Navy's 250th birthday 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat">RIO YAMAT</a>,&nbsp; AP Airlines&nbsp;and&nbsp;Travel Writer

If a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-chuck-schumer-20e54a0f5e4fee909d0f9ea2c07c15e1">U.S. government shutdown</a>&nbsp;goes on long enough, it could throw a wrench in travel plans, potentially leading to longer airport wait times, flight delays and even cancellations.

The shutdown began Wednesday after President Donald Trump and Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-trump-health-care-54b2a584657a0b619bc8326708a05604">failed to reach a deal</a>&nbsp;to continue funding government services and operations. That means a vast majority of employees who keep U.S. airports and air travel running are working without pay until the government reopens.

“The longer a shutdown drags on, the more likely we are to see longer TSA lines, flight delays and cancellations, national parks in disrepair and unnecessary delays in modernizing travel infrastructure,” Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, warned in a statement.

Here’s what to know about the shutdown and its potential impacts on your travel plans.

Travelers can still fly despite the lapse in funding, and early on in the shutdown, they might not even notice any issues at the airport.

Control towers and airport security checkpoints will still be staffed, with about 13,200 air traffic controllers and more than 61,000 Transportation Security Administration employees expected to remain on the job.

But as more time passes for the workers since their last paycheck, travelers could start to see longer lines at security and flight interruptions, said Jeffrey Price, professor of aviation at the Metropolitan State University of Denver.

“The system does become a little bit more brittle, and the longer this goes, the more the traveler is going to notice it,” Price said.

That’s what happened in 2018 and 2019, when Trump led the country into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/30769167ab7a4ef9adf880d020b775dd">its longest shutdown ever</a>&nbsp;for 35 days during his first term.

About three weeks into that shutdown, some unpaid security screeners started calling in sick, and air traffic controllers sued the government in a bid to get their paychecks. Miami International Airport had to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f147ae8bd1e44787aa11ebe725fd59c0">temporarily close</a>&nbsp;one of its terminals because TSA officers were calling in sick at twice the airport’s usual rate.

The latest shutdown is unfolding at a time when both the TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration are already facing staffing shortages, including a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers.

If the system can’t handle the number of flights that are scheduled, the FAA will slow down landings and take offs and passengers will see more delays and cancellations.

Nick Daniels, president of the union that represents air traffic controllers, said a shutdown weakens the aviation safety system by adding stress on controllers and taking away many of the workers who support them and maintain the outdated system they rely on.

“They’re out there working right now with critical staffing — the lowest staffing we’ve had in decades of only 10,800, where there should be 14,633. And on top of that, they’re working with unreliable equipment,” Daniels said.

During the 35-day shutdown during Trump’s first term, controllers in the busiest U.S. air traffic facilities&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/event/116th-congress/house-event/LC64697/text" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;working as much as 60 hours per week, and an increasing number of TSA agents also quit their jobs.

“This is more than just an inconvenience to the traveler,” Price said of the shutdown. “This is definitely going to bring up safety and security issues, if it really starts to go into the long term.”

Amtrak says its passengers trains will continue running. It operates more than 300 trains daily in 46 states, the D.C. area and three Canadian provinces.

In a statement, the country’s rail operator said that passengers planning to travel on its trains “in the coming days and weeks can be assured that Amtrak will remain open for business.”

Ports of entry into the country are expected to stay open for international travelers, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2025-09/DOT_Shutdown_Plan_9.30.25.pdf" target="_blank">contingency plan</a>.

The department estimated that about 63,000 workers at Customs and Border Protection would still report to work. They include employees who are responsible for protecting the country’s borders and monitoring traffic coming into the U.S. at official border crossings, like airports and land crossings from Canada and Mexico.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency responsible for overseeing the naturalization process, is primarily funded by application fees, meaning a lapse in funding at the federal government has minimal impacts on most passport and visa processing.

Agency spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said in a statement, however, that the shutdown does temporarily shutter the agency’s E-Verify program, a free online system that employers can use to confirm their new employees are authorized to work in the U.S.

Smithsonian museums, research centers and the National Zoo were scheduled to stay open to the public through at least Oct. 6. Further updates will be posted on&nbsp;<a href="https://t.co/PKDX7SulEi" target="_blank">the Smithsonian website</a>.

The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex, with 17 museums and its zoo located in the Washington, D.C. area, as well as two museums in New York City.

National Parks will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-national-parks-liberty-bell-4c30b0b6db4ba8a7d0583a2d5fe58022">remain mostly open</a>&nbsp;during the shutdown.

The National Park Service’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/doi-nps-lapse-plan2025930508.pdf" target="_blank">contingency plan</a>&nbsp;says park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials will “generally remain accessible to visitors.” But parks without ”accessible areas” will be closed, and additional sites could shutter if damage is done to park resources or garbage builds up during the shutdown.

The park service oversees 400 sites, including large national parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, national battlefields and national monuments like the Statue of Liberty.

Associated Press transportation reporter Josh Funk contributed from Omaha, Nebraska.

A prolonged US government shutdown could impact your travel plans

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — The Trump administration said Friday that it would pay migrant children $2,500 to voluntarily return to their home countries, dangling a new incentive in efforts to persuade people to self-deport.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement didn’t say how much migrants would get or when the offer would take effect, but The Associated Press obtained an email to migrant shelters saying children 14 years of age and older would get $2,500 each. Children were given 24 hours to respond.

The notice to shelters from the U.S. Health and Human Services Department’s Administration for Families and Children did not indicate any consequences for children who decline the offer. It asked shelter directors to acknowledge the offer within four hours.

ICE said in a statement that the offer would initially be for 17-year-olds.

“Any payment to support a return home would be provided after an immigration judge grants the request and the individual arrives in their country of origin,” ICE said. “Access to financial support when returning home would assist should they choose that option.”

ICE, the Department of Homeland Security and the Health and Human Services Department did not immediately respond to questions about the amount of the payment and age eligibility.

ICE dismissed widespread reports among immigration lawyers and advocates that it was launching a much broader crackdown Friday to deport migrant children who entered the country without their parents, called “Freaky Friday.”

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