This edition of&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/salina-sees-you">Salina Sees You</a>, brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://local.demandforce.com/b/visionsource-drscoleandcooper">Drs. Cooper &amp; Banninger, LLC Family Vision Care</a>&nbsp;(1000 E. Cloud) presents:

The African Children's Choir, comprising of over 15 children from Africa will be coming to perform at Salina churches this end of November. The children's lives benefit tremendously from being apart of the choir and Salina is being encouraged to support.

The African Children’s Choir is a program part of the <a href="https://africanchildrenschoir.com/programs/">Music for Life</a> organization, which provides education, leadership training and life skills to children who are in need throughout Africa.&nbsp;

This month, the choir is set to perform at three churches in Salina as part of their 9-month tour across the US.&nbsp;The choir consists of 17 children, ages 8-11 all from different backgrounds throughout Africa.

It has been 4 decades since the inauguration of the choir, meant to transform lives through the power of music, education and hope. Throughout their tour they have been going to more than 100 cities across the country. The choir is known to captivate audiences with their heartwarming performances, bringing traditional hymns and African cultural songs, while sharing stories of God’s faithfulness through joyful worship.

Ray Barnett, founded the choir back in 1984 when he was on a humanitarian trip to war-torn Uganda, when he gave a small boy a ride from his decimated home to the safety of another village. During the journey, the child sang and that simple song of dignity and hope, became the catalyst for a program that has changed the lives of thousands of children.

“When I went back to Canada and people were not very interested in Uganda, I remembered this small boy,” Barnett said. “I knew that if only a group of these beautiful children could go to the West, people would be deeply moved and would certainly want to help.”

Each child in the choir has faced significant hardships, often with limited access to education. Through the choir, these children gain life changing opportunities for education and personal growth, becoming beacons of hope for their community

Daniel Tamale, is currently the Ugandan Tour leader for the choir. He was a former African Children's Choir member and is now volunteering his time back to the organization.

"I have never expected to be a tour leader, not that I did not believe in myself, but it's such a responsibility that calls on maturity and at the same time an open mind to learn and grow, so I am grateful for the opportunity," said Tamale on being a tour leader. "The children are having a great time and they are learning so many things."

The children in the choir, is the first time they have been in the US throughout the tour. Since September, the choir has been on tour and will end next year in May.

“When they first got to the airport back in Uganda, many of these children have never been on a plane," said Tamale. "Them coming to the US, they are seeing tall buildings, being in nice cars, nice homes... So just the experience of doing things for the first time has been mind-blowing for them and they are grateful."

Given Tamale's experience of participating in the choir and now volunteering as the tour leader, he stated he "speaks into the children's lives, letting them know anything is possible."&nbsp;

He added they use Biblical principles in helping the children grow and mature in their lives.

"It's the only way you can train up a child," said Tamale. "The Bible says, train up a child in the way they should go; even when they are old and they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). In our mentorship and discipleship, we use the Bible. These children have dreams, and they can be who they want to be in the future. We are training people who are going to become of substance and bring value in their communities, with an education."

This edition of Salina Sees You is brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://local.demandforce.com/b/visionsource-drscoleandcooper">Drs. Cooper &amp; Banninger, LLC Family Vision Care</a>&nbsp;(1000 E. Cloud). Call&nbsp;(785) 823-6391&nbsp;or visit today, to make an appointment.

“The African Children’s Choir proves just how powerful music can be,” said Choir Manager, Tina Sipp. “These concerts not only provide hope and encouragement to our audiences, but they offer the children life-changing experiences that help shape them into future leaders.”

Throughout the tour, Tamale shared feedback and comments from people who have watched the choir perform at their churches across the US.

"People come to us and say, how are you able to be on stage with so much joy and yet, you are coming from such hardships? So, they get to learn it's not just about having everything that gives you the joy and happiness, it's the peace of mind that comes with gratitude and appreciation for the little that you have," said Tamale. "Many people come and say, if only our children could understand how blessed they are and how much they have. They will also say, they have been touched, they have learned from our culture, but above all they having understood that joy and happiness is not just about materialistic things."

Ever since the inauguration of the choir, over 59,000 children have benefitted from being apart of the African Children's Choir. Those children range from Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Rwanda.

“At the end of the day, all the credit goes to God and of course we are forever grateful for everyone that pitches in, with whatever kind of support they give, because God does use people," stated Tamale.

Local families host the children in their homes, where they are able to share and learn about new customs, food and culture. 

There is no charge for admission, and their concerts are free and open to the public. 

Donations are welcome throughout the concerts and you can also donate on their website.

All proceeds go towards the different Music for Life programs, the children's medical care, discipleship training, and above all their education.

For more information or to donate, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://africanchildrenschoir.com/">africanchildrenschoir.com</a>

- Sunday, November 23, 2025 || 8:15, 9:45, 11:15 AM || The Ark Church Salina 2020 S. Ohio St.&nbsp;

- Sunday, November 23, 2025 || 7:00 PM || First Covenant Church 2625 E. Magnolia Rd.

- Friday, November 28, 2025 || 7:00 PM || Salina First United Methodist 122 N. Eighth St.

🎥 Salina Sees You: African Children's Choir set to perform in Salina 

ABILENE - With the US Federal Government officially reopening on Wednesday, there is still no clear answer on when the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library &amp; Museum will open back up its doors to the community.

According to the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau, there has been no confirmation made on when the library &amp; museum will reopen.&nbsp;

Whenever you visit the website, a notification pops-up stating:

"The National Archives staff are working to restore full operations as quickly as possible. Our facilities around the country, including the Presidential libraries, will open to the public as soon as they are ready. Please check <a href="http://archives.gov">archives.gov</a> for updates on the status of specific locations."

According to the <a href="https://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/about/frequently-asked-questions#:~:text=A%20Presidential%20Library%20is%20constructed,Library%20and%20supporting%20its%20programs.">National Archives</a>, a presidential library (such as the&nbsp;Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library &amp; Museum) receives federal funding&nbsp;for its operation, maintenance, and upkeep as it is a part of the <a href="https://www.archives.gov/">National Archives and Records Administration </a>(NARA) system.

However, the construction of the library was funded through private donations and public programs, and exhibits rely on financial support from the private&nbsp;<a href="https://eisenhowerfoundation.net/">Eisenhower Foundation</a>&nbsp;and other non-federal sources.&nbsp;

These private foundations also provide continuing support for library programs and special events, such as conferences and exhibitions.

Salina Post will provide updates on when the&nbsp;Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library &amp; Museum, will officially reopen.

No confirmation yet on Eisenhower Library & Museum reopening after end of record-long Gov. shutdown

Law enforcement are currently investigating an act where gunshots were reportedly fired at a south Salina neighborhood.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) at around 2:45 am on Thursday, there were reports of 3-5 gunshots that were fired in the&nbsp;1300 block of Midland.

A vehicle was then heard driving away&nbsp;simultaneously after the gunshots.&nbsp;

When officers arrived to the scene, they found evidence of shell casings along the street of the neighborhood.&nbsp;

There were no reports of damage or any injuries that occurred.

SPD stated there is no description of the vehicle that drove away from the scene at this time.

Law enforcement investigating gunshots fired at south Salina neighborhood

SALINE COUNTY - A juvenile was hospitalized after being in a UTV, rollover crash in Saline County.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday late afternoon, deputies were dispatched to the 2700 block of S. Donmyer Road for the report of a rollover crash.

Upon arrival, deputies reported there was two juvenile males that were traveling north in the 2700 block of S. Donmyer Road in a Kubota RTV520 UTV. When the crash happened, the UTV rolled and came to rest on the passenger side.

After the crash, the passenger who was a juvenile called his father and he responded to the scene. His father then initially was taking his son to Salina Regional Health Center for injuries he sustained. Salina EMS then met his father and his son in the 6400 block of Magnolia Road, transporting him to the hospital.

Due to the juvenile driver's age, traffic citations were not issued.

UTV rollover crash results in juvenile hospitalized

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 Bobo, Darren Jamel*

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 100 grams - &lt; 1 kilogram; Poss para w/intent to manuf contr subst; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Crim poss weapon by a convicted felon; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Failure to appear; Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; drugs or combination of drugs; Poss of marijuana; Speeding; maximum limits

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Thompson, Curtis Howard

NAME:&nbsp;Wright, Dennis Lamar Maurice

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Assault; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

Saline County Jail bookings, November 13

MITCHELL COUNTY —Two people were injured in a home explosion on Wednesday in Mitchell County.

Just before 6:30pm, the Mitchell County Communication Center received calls of a house explosion had occurred at the corner of Elkhorn Street and Wisconsin Street in Simpson, Kansas, according to a media release from the Mitchell County Sheriff.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene and located two adult victims with severe injuries. Both victims were transported to the Mitchell County Health Hospital Systems ER initially. The victims were then flown to higher level of care hospitals. 

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted and responded to the scene.&nbsp;

Sheriff: 2 critically injured in Kansas home explosion

A great opportunity is available for the community to ask questions to Kansas political figures in an informative meeting.

On Tuesday, November 18,&nbsp;7:00 pm at Knights of Columbus (115 N. Tenth St.) this event will feature Ty Masterson, President of the Kansas Senate and Dan Hawkins, Kansas Speaker of the House.

According to Rosemary Mai of the Granny Brigade, Masterson and Hawkins will be reporting about the "goings-on" that are happening within the state government.

People in attendance are encouraged to ask questions and are anticipated to receive answers from Masterson and/or Hawkins.

Ty Masterson & Dan Hawkins coming to Granny Brigade meeting to report about the "goings-on" within the state government

The Trap and Release program at the Salina Animal Services is a great way to maintain public health, manage cat colonies, address nuisance behaviors, protect against wildlife and improve community engagement by volunteering.

According to Andrea Born, Animal Services Operations Manager, every 3rd Thursday is the trap and release day.&nbsp; The&nbsp;shelter takes in public dogs, but not public cats.

Instead, they receive "Community Cats," which are&nbsp;free roaming, unowned cats who are managed by Salina Animal Services to control the cat population, improve health and welfare, as well as decrease the shelter intake.

Cats are trapped safely, usually the night before Thursday and are brought in from community members as they can borrow traps from the shelter too.&nbsp;

The shelter will then&nbsp;Spay or neuter, give a 1-year rabies vaccine and ear tip the cat. People who brought them in will then pick up the cat, and safely return them to the same location they picked them up to prevent repopulation.

There are some stipulations such as, if the temperatures are under 30 degrees overnight from Wednesday into Thursday morning, the shelter will cancel the trap and release day and wait till the next month. This is due to keeping the cats safe from being in the traps during below freezing temperatures.

The shelter has vaccinated and sterilized a total of 162 cats so far this year.

For more information, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/animal-services">https://www.salina-ks.gov/animal-services</a>

Trap and Release volunteer program at Salina Animal Services: What to know

Here is the lineup for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor &amp; Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA for&nbsp;November 15:

- Rev. Shay Craig, Dean of Christ&nbsp;Episcopal&nbsp;Cathedral in Salina

- Daniel Craig, Salina Crossroads Marathon

- Amanda Otto, Big Brothers Big Sisters "Frosty Fun Run"

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

Saturday Morning Show lineup with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro, November 15

Following a competitive application process, 32 first-year students at Kansas State University have been selected as new members of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/bluekey/activities/quest/">Quest Freshman Honorary</a>, a program facilitated by Blue Key Senior Honorary.

Quest works to develop student leaders through mentorship, personal development and campus involvement. Upon selection, members of Quest are paired with mentors from Blue Key.

Under the leadership of Blue Key, Quest takes a behind-the-scenes look at everything that K-State has to offer, providing members with opportunities to tour K-State Athletics facilities, enjoy a meal at the university president's home and connect with student leaders across campus, fostering a commitment to lifelong service and leadership. 

Quest provides freshman leaders with the tools necessary to give back to the K-State family.

The following undergraduate students are members of Quest for the 2025-2026 year:

Avery Vogt, advertising and public relations, and Jackson Weidler, business administration, both from&nbsp;Andover; Ava Gustin, medical laboratory science,&nbsp;Carbondale; Oliver Nobert, civil engineering,&nbsp;Clyde; Lillian Hulse, agricultural education,&nbsp;Culver; Allyson Rietcheck, feed and pet food science,&nbsp;Gardner; and Darcy Feist, diets and sports nutrition,&nbsp;Great Bend.Marisa Wasinger, agricultural education,&nbsp;Hays; Paige Mueller, news and sports media,&nbsp;Hiawatha; Ella Beesley, elementary education,&nbsp;Hugoton; Ayanna Lopez, landscape architecture,&nbsp;Kansas City; Maren Carter, secondary education,and Isabelle Connealy, computer science, both from&nbsp;Lenexa; Anagha Nair, advertising and public relations, and Jocelyn Brott, English, both from&nbsp;Manhattan; and Maggie Chandler, agricultural education,&nbsp;Neodesha.Ryan Duewer, electrical engineering,&nbsp;Overland Park; Brooklyn Countryman, secondary education,&nbsp;Quinter; Fallon Miller, wildlife biology,&nbsp;Rossville; Aubrey Schmelzle, hospitality management,&nbsp;Sabetha; Carson Ablard, political science,&nbsp;Salina; Charlotte Caldwell, human health biology,&nbsp;Shawnee; Jazzmyne Means, architectural engineering,&nbsp;Stilwell; and Cohen Richardson, construction science,&nbsp;Wichita.

Kendra Sutter, communication sciences and disorders,&nbsp;Weldona, Colorado; Reagan O’Farrell, agricultural economics,&nbsp;Appleton City, Missouri; LeAine Caruthers, kinesiology and integrative physiology,&nbsp;Harrisonville, Missouri; Addison Conrad, business management,&nbsp;Lake Winnebago, Missouri; Camden Findlay, music education,&nbsp;Liberty, Missouri; Addi Crouse, animal science and industry,&nbsp;Belgrade, Nebraska; Rysdon Tomlinson, finance,&nbsp;Bennington, Nebraska; and Kate Yeager, animal science and industry,&nbsp;Frisco, Texas.

Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/bluekey/">k-state.edu/bluekey</a>&nbsp;to learn more about Quest Freshman Honorary and other Blue Key programs.

Quest Freshman Honorary selects next generation of K-State student leaders, one from Salina

The City of Salina proudly announces the final installation of the 2024 SculptureTour Salina People's Choice Award winner, "Going Home," by distinguished artist Sondra L. Jonson. 

This exquisite bronze sculpture now enhances Salina’s public art collection.

"Going Home" was successfully placed within the Saline County War Memorial in Sunset Park just ahead of Veteran’s Day. Memorial Art Company took great care of the final details, craning in the sculpture, which was secured to the polished black granite capstone ahead of the final delivery. The granite complements the art and environment as it reflects the surroundings in the polished surface.

The piece is an incredible new addition to the memorial site, and the public is encouraged to stop and enjoy the sculpture during park hours.

Voting for the 2025 People’s Choice sculpture is still in progress, and everyone is encouraged to participate through December 31, 2025. 

Ballots can be found and submitted along the SculptureTour route on Santa Fe Ave, more information about SculptureTour Salina can be found at <a href="http://www.sculpturetoursalina.org">www.sculpturetoursalina.org</a>

"Going Home" artwork gets final installation within the Saline Co. War Memorial

<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>.

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 12 - November 14

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 10 - November 12

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 7 - November 10

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 5 - November 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, November 3 - November 5

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 31 - November 2

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 29 - October 31

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 27 - October 29

Four day weather forecast Salina, October 24 - October 27

The US National Weather Service has announced events of showers and thunderstorms are expected to return this weekend in Salina and throughout Central Kansas.

Accordingly, showers and thunderstorms will overspread the area starting Thursday night, with the greatest coverage in southern Kansas. Temperatures will drop into the upper 40s and 50s throughout the area.

Forecast depicts that showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur throughout the span of this weekend, and into Monday, October 27.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to return to Salina this weekend

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Government, university and community leaders commemorated the opening Wednesday of a state-of-the-art convention center at the University of Kansas, which is equipped with amenities meant to draw thousands of annual visitors and generate revenue to pay off the university’s large-scale development project.

More than 100 people milled about the center’s grand entrance hall and conference rooms to hear Gov. Laura Kelly, university chancellor Douglas Girod and three others praise the teamwork and vision behind the University of Kansas Conference Center. They predicted a future of economic and community prosperity before cutting a ceremonious red ribbon held by the university’s mascots, Big Jay and Baby Jay.

The center is part of the project to revamp the school’s football stadium and northern campus entrance to create the Gateway District. The project could cost up to $808 million, and it relies heavily on state and local incentives, along with funding from the Republican-led Kansas Legislature and private donors to subsidize development.

The conference center is expected to be among the first steps in producing a return on those public and private investments.

“Not only will this facility benefit the greater Lawrence community, but it will also attract out-of-state visitors, spurring significant economic activity,” said Kelly, a Democrat. “Today marks a major step towards completion of the first phase of the university’s Gateway District project.”

The 55,000-square-foot center is the first of its kind in Douglas County. Kelly said the conference center has “required an intense collaborative effort.”

It is adjoined to the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and the center’s visitors can access a patio that puts them at eye-level with players and coaches. Conference center users can also access stadium amenities, including the digital scoreboard, meeting rooms and various offices, said Girod.

The university envisions galas, weddings, conventions, trade shows and other large social events as potential uses for the center, said Girod. Event bookings already stretch into 2027, he said.

“As a result of this design, it really positions us to host all kinds of events, bringing out-of-town visitors into our community,” Girod said, “and that’s really what it’s all about at the end of the day, to generate additional economic activity to the city, county, state and beyond.”

Girod said he hopes the new center will attract events from around the world. An estimated 400,000 people visit Lawrence annually. KU’s Rock Chalk Park soccer complex on the western edge of the city is currently under consideration for hosting a team base camp for the 2026 World Cup.

The conference center isn’t a typical one, in large part because of its location, Girod said.

“Right in the heart of Lawrence, right at the foot of the hill, right at the base of campus, right at the gateway of our campus, and, of course, as part of our stadium,” he said.

The Legislature allocated $35 million to the project in 2022 from American Rescue Plan Act funds. It received $50 million in grant funding in 2023 from the Kansas Department of Commerce, which required a three-to-one match of private funds. The city of Lawrence approved in August a $95 million package of incentives, including the city’s first Sales Tax and Revenue, or STAR, bonds, which allow the city to finance the project with nearly $86 million in bonds. Once built, the development’s revenues and sales taxes will pay off the bonds.

Now that phase 1 is complete, the roughly $300 million phase 2 is expected to begin once KU’s football season ends, said Girod.

The second phase is expected to begin with renovations to the east side of the football stadium and construction of a parking garage and a 150-room hotel. A roughly 440-bed student housing complex, outdoor event plaza and retail, restaurant and office space are expected to follow, extending use of the area beyond football season.

Nearly 1 million people are predicted to visit the Gateway District annually once the project is complete in 2030, according to a feasibility study submitted to the city of Lawrence. Developers expect the district to produce a net economic output of $84.9 million and more than 1,600 full-time jobs.

“Today marks a shift in what is possible in Lawrence,” said Kim Anspach, the executive director of Explore Lawrence, the city’s tourism arm.

Capacity often restricted the city’s ability to host and grow events, she said. The center helps create a “steady rhythm of activity,” which helps support the year-round stability of the local economy.

The center is not a one-time boost, Anspach said; it’s a foundation.

KU convention center opens, capping phase 1 of $800M stadium expansion, redevelopment

FINNEY COUNTY —On Wednesday, during morning drop-off at Garfield Early Childhood Center, 121 West Walnut, a pedestrian accident occurred, resulting in a student being transported to the hospital with minor injuries. 

First responders arrived at the scene following reports of the incident. The investigation determined that a pickup truck driven by 56-year-old Jose Perez Castrellon, 56, was traveling southbound on 8th Street. As he turned left onto Walnut Street, Perez Castrellon failed to yield and struck the student, who was crossing in the crosswalk with their parent. 

Finney County EMS transported the student to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment and they are "on the mend," according to police.

Perez Castrellon was found to be driving with a suspended license. He was taken to the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Driving While Suspended (2nd) and cited for Failure to Yield to Pedestrians. He has as many as 4 previous DUI convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Pickup driver who struck SW Kan. student in crosswalk has history of DUI

WASHINGTON (AP) —What's in the bill to end the government shutdown?

The legislation is the result of a deal reached by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-8-democrats-e83180c0b69642a00a234c244d9ea76e">eight senators who broke ranks</a>&nbsp;with the Democrats after reaching the conclusion that Republicans would not bend on using a government funding to bill to extend the health care tax credits.

The compromise funds three annual spending bills and extends the rest of government funding through Jan. 30. Republicans promised to hold a vote by mid-December to extend the health care subsidies, but there is no guarantee of success.

The bill includes a reversal of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-federal-worker-firings-0439e8d0979d9a32e021c5c851fea1cf">the firing of federal workers</a>&nbsp;by the Trump administration since the shutdown began. It also protects federal workers against further layoffs through January and guarantees they are paid once the shutdown is over. The bill for the Agriculture Department means people who rely on key food assistance programs will see those benefits funded without threat of interruption through the rest of the budget year.

The package includes $203.5 million to boost security for lawmakers and an additional $28 million for the security of Supreme Court justices.

Democrats also decried language in the bill that would give senators the opportunity to sue when a federal agency or employee searches their electronic records without notifying them, allowing for up to $500,000 in potential damages for each violation.

The language seems aimed at helping Republican senators pursue damages if their phone records were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-january-6-senate-grassley-26dcd37c3b9e84c0173e63799baf3fa4">analyzed by the FBI</a>&nbsp;as part of an investigation into Trump's efforts to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his 2020 election loss</a>. The provisions drew criticism from Republicans as well. Johnson said he was “very angry about it.”

“That was dropped in at the last minute, and I did not appreciate that, nor did most of the House members,” Johnson said, promising a vote on the matter as early as next week.

The biggest point of contention, though, was the fate of the expiring enhanced tax credit that makes health insurance more affordable through Affordable Care Act marketplaces.

“It's a subsidy on top of a subsidy. Our friends added it during COVID,” Cole said. “COVID is over. They set a date certain that the subsidies would run out. They chose the date."

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the enhanced tax credit was designed to give more people access to health care and no Republican voted for it.

“All they have done is try to eliminate access to health care in our country. The country is catching on to them,” Pelosi said.

Details on what's in the bill that ended the government shutdown

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating and searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred October 23 at Dr. Glen Dey Park, located at 2801 N. Grove in Wichita.&nbsp; Crime Stoppers is now offering a $10,000 reward in the case.  Police indicated they have only received very few tips on the investigation since the crime occurred.

At approximately 7:03 p.m. an off-duty WPD detective working secondary employment at&nbsp; the park heard multiple gunshots from another area of the park. The detective immediately ran toward the scene and found 32-year-old Travon Stewart suffering from gunshot wounds.

The detective called for backup and emergency medical services, then began life-saving measures until EMS arrived. Stewart was transported to a local hospital in extremely critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Preliminary findings indicate that around 200 to 300 people were in attendance at the football games. Stewart was at the park selling concessions as a fundraiser for a football team not affiliated with the Wichita Junior Football League.

Homicide investigators responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses who remained in the area. Detectives believe this was a targeted shooting and not connected to the youth football games.

Anyone who attended the games or may have information is urged to contact the Wichita Police Department Investigations Section at 316-268-4407.&nbsp;

Reward increased for arrest in killing at Kan. youth football game 

More than 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-red-cup-day-strike-workers-bdaff6272bedcec43a536a4a024137f6">plan to strike</a>&nbsp;at 65 U.S. stores Thursday to protest a lack of progress in labor negotiations with the company.

The strike was intended to disrupt Starbucks'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-strike-red-cup-day-7c07617260ea1c4760410e29b4509b6b">Red Cup Day</a>, which is typically one of the company's busiest days of the year. Since 2018, Starbucks has given out free, reusable cups on that day to customers who buy a holiday drink.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-workers-united-union-lawsuit-israel-palestinian-f212a994fef67f122854a4df7e5d13f5">Starbucks Workers United</a>, the union organizing Starbucks baristas, said stores in 45 cities would be impacted, including New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, San Diego, St. Louis, Dallas, Columbus, Ohio, and Starbucks' home city of Seattle. There is no date set for the strike to end, and more stores are prepared to join if Starbucks doesn't reach a contract agreement with the union, organizers said.

Starbucks emphasized that the vast majority of its U.S. stores would be open and operating as usual Thursday. The coffee giant has 10,000 company-owned stores in the U.S., as well as 7,000 licensed locations in places like grocery stores and airports.

Around 550 company-owned U.S. Starbucks stores are currently unionized. More have voted to unionize, but Starbucks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-close-stores-layoffs-3aa70c7d3828520855998a490ebe865b">closed 59 unionized stores</a>&nbsp;in September as part of a larger reorganization campaign.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-dress-code-baristas-strike-3a39bbf41247d2090afa9b487ccf3d97">Striking workers</a>&nbsp;say they're protesting because Starbucks has yet to reach a contract agreement with the union. Starbucks workers first voted to unionize at a store in Buffalo in 2021. In December 2023, Starbucks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-workers-united-union-coffee-05d3d30c2c7e100a07f5d74fefb2d556">vowed to finalize</a>&nbsp;an agreement by the end of 2024. But in August of last year, the company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-ceo-narasimhan-chipotle-0173c2b9189c808968613b1285c1c366">ousted Laxman Narasimhan</a>, the CEO who made that promise. The union said progress has stalled under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-ceo-brian-niccol-f2b918d9862a329d7f0ba3373ebbc444">Brian Niccol</a>, the company’s current chairman and CEO.

Workers say they're seeking better hours and improved staffing in stores, where they say long customer wait times are routine. They say too many workers aren't getting the required 20 hours per week they need before Starbucks' benefits kick in. They also want higher pay, pointing out that executives like Niccol are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-niccol-chipotle-coffee-7cf3e56164ad0b9cba05002e7805b1fc">making millions</a>.

The union also wants the company to resolve hundreds of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-starbucks-union-fired-workers-tennessee-18547e128a14fae93a148383f48cb305">unfair labor practice</a>&nbsp;charges filed by workers, who say the company has fired baristas in retaliation for unionizing and has failed to bargain over changes in policy that workers must enforce, like its decision earlier this year to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-customers-purchase-restroom-code-conduct-3876b0592418f30fc19a4e56848ed28b">limit restroom use</a>&nbsp;to paying customers.

Starbucks stands by its wages and benefits

Starbucks says it offers the best wage and benefit package in retail, worth an average of $30 per hour. Among the company's benefits are up to 18 weeks of paid family leave and 100% tuition coverage for a four-year college degree. In a letter to employees last week, Starbucks’ Chief Partner Officer Sara Kelly said the union walked away from the bargaining table in the spring.

Kelly said Starbucks remained ready to talk and “believes we can move quickly to a reasonable deal.” Kelly also said surveys showed that most employees like working for the company, and its barista turnover rates are half the industry average.

Unionized workers have gone on strike at Starbucks before. In 2022 and 2023, workers walked off the job on Red Cup Day. Last year, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-strike-baristas-workers-united-7b2f6e5d7b039bc1909d646d84cd426d">five-day strike</a>&nbsp;ahead of Christmas closed 59 U.S. stores. Each time, Starbucks said the disruption to its operations was minimal. Starbucks United said the new strike is open-ended and could spread to many more unionized locations.

The number of non-union Starbucks locations dwarfs the number of unionized ones. But Todd Vachon, a union expert at the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, said any strike could be highly visible and educate the public on baristas' concerns.

Unlike manufacturers, Vachon said, retail industries depend on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-ceo-niccol-coffee-b547ab2141e194b30675ad8d1caff90d">the connection</a>&nbsp;between their employees and their customers. That makes shaming a potentially powerful weapon in the union’s arsenal, he said.

Starbucks' same-store sales, or sales at locations open at least a year, rose 1% in the July-September period. It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-earnings-sales-north-america-71dc61f607d013a418c53535daa21a3f">the first time</a>&nbsp;in nearly two years that the company had posted an increase. In his first year at the company, Niccol set new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-dress-code-lawsuits-union-9d1eff89242d00f65d459d8a393f409a">hospitality standards</a>, redesigned stores to be cozier and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-ceo-niccol-coffee-b547ab2141e194b30675ad8d1caff90d">more welcoming</a>, and adjusted staffing levels to better handle peak hours.

Starbucks also is trying to prioritize in-store orders over mobile ones. Last week, the company's holiday drink rollout in the U.S. was so successful that it almost immediately sold out of its glass Bearista cup. Starbucks said demand for the cup exceeded its expectations, but it wouldn't say if the Bearista will return before the holidays are over.

Starbucks workers kick off US strike on company's busy Red Cup Day

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill Wednesday night, ending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-republicans-schumer-health-insurance-tax-credits-a57733892f05a8893f5781203238e889">a record 43-day shutdown</a>&nbsp;that caused financial stress for federal workers who went without paychecks, stranded scores of travelers at airports and generated long lines at some food banks.

Trump’s signature draws to a close the second government shutdown he’s overseen in the White House, one that magnified the partisan divisions in Washington as his administration took unprecedented unilateral actions -- including canceling projects and trying to fire federal workers -- to pressure Democrats into relenting on their demands.

The signing ceremony came just hours after the House passed the measure on a mostly party-line vote of 222-209. The Senate had already passed the measure Monday.

Democrats wanted to extend an enhanced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aca-credits-health-care-subsidies-government-shutdown-7f7a3609bf78dd7e43be9a041a090220">tax credit</a>&nbsp;expiring at the end of the year that lowers the cost of health coverage obtained through Affordable Care Act marketplaces. They refused to go along with a short-term spending bill that did not include that priority. But Republicans said that was a separate policy fight to be held at another time.

“We told you 43 days ago from bitter experience that government shutdowns don’t work,” said Rep. Tom Cole, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "They never achieve the objective that you announce. And guess what? You haven’t achieved that objective yet, and you’re not going to.”

The frustration and pressures generated by the shutdown was reflected when lawmakers debated the spending measure on the House floor.

Republicans said Democrats sought to use the pain generated by the shutdown to prevail in a policy dispute.

“They knew it would cause pain and they did it anyway,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said.

Democrats said Republicans raced to pass tax breaks earlier this year that they say mostly will benefit the wealthy. But the bill before the House Wednesday “leaves families twisting in the wind with zero guarantee there will ever, ever be a vote to extend tax credits to help everyday people pay for their health care,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats would not give up on the subsidy extension even if the vote did not go their way.

“This fight is not over,” Jeffries said. “We’re just getting started.”

The House had not been in legislative session since Sept. 19, when it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-trump-funding-bill-republicans-shutdown-1fea0f79c85ec69b91d9789fbda00834">passed a short-term measure</a>&nbsp;to keep the government open when the new budget year began in October. Johnson sent lawmakers home after that vote and put the onus on the Senate to act, saying House Republicans had done their job.

🎥President Trump signs bill to end the 43 day government shutdown

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;– The Wichita Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita man.

The whereabouts of 68-year-old Curtis Vines are unknown, and public assistance is requested to help locate him.

Vines was last seen Wednesday, Nov. 12, at around 9:45 a.m., in the 6000 block of East Ironhorse. He does not have access to a vehicle and is believed to be on foot.

Local

Region

Sports

Weather