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Here is the lineup for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor &amp; Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA for January 10, 2026:

&nbsp;Stan Unruh - State/Regional news updates

Karen Wood - Saline County Relay for Life

Lt. Luke Hursh - Salvation Army of Salina

Katie Zey &amp; Karen Vidricksen - Noon Network AMBUCS "Bid Appetit" Charity auction and fundraiser

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, January 10, 2026

Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad&nbsp;

ABILENE - The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad will soon have a full time employed staff member in charge of maintaining the railroad’s fleet of antique engines and passenger cars.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

&nbsp;A labor services agreement between the A&amp;SV and its consulting partner, Heritage Rail Management of Durango, Colorado, was signed Monday, which creates a staff position in charge of balancing the maintenance needs of the A&amp;SV and Heritage Rail, the management arm of American Heritage Railways (AHR) and the owner of vehicles currently stored on A&amp;SV sidetracks in Abilene and Enterprise.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

According to A&amp;SV General Manager Ross Boelling, AHR owns passenger cars that once belonged to the Utah Transit Authority that were moved to the railyards in Abilene and Enterprise two years ago. Additionally, AHR owns six cars of the&nbsp;Kansas Belle&nbsp;dinner train that were moved from Baldwin City to Abilene in 2024.&nbsp;

AHR currently pays the Abilene and Smoky Valley for car storage and intends to make cars from both sets of vehicles operational. Once restored, the vehicles would be dispatched to the company’s other owned and operated tourist railroads.

            Boelling said that the shared employee would live in the Abilene area and be able to devote time to ongoing projects of both firms.

            “Our goals for the upcoming months include such projects as upgrading our passenger coaches with restroom facilities and repainting our train. And steam engine restoration is an ongoing project. We need someone on the premises to lead volunteer workers in these tasks,” he said.

            Boelling added that the task of maintaining the railroad’s diesel engines is almost a fulltime job in itself. 

“The A&amp;SV has grown to the point where engine failure that could cause cancellation of dinner, excursion or charter trains can cost the railroad thousands of dollars. Trains need to be able to run as scheduled. Simply put, failure is not an option for us,” he said.

            Boelling was quick to point out that adding a paid maintenance supervisor does not mean that the railroad is decreasing its reliance on volunteers, a labor source that has always played a role in the railroad’s operations.

            “We’ve essentially grown into a fulltime business that is still supported by volunteer interest and that will not change,” he explained. 

“But while the backbone of the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad is our volunteer staff, such variables as health issues, and family and job demands, greatly affect staff availability at a time when our maintenance demands exceed what volunteer labor by itself can perform. We need a full time presence to supervise the workflow and keep it going.”

Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad&nbsp;will provide the application of the position on their website sometime next week.

Here is the link the their website:&nbsp;<a href="https://asvrr.org/">asvrr.org</a>&nbsp;

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad seeking full time position of maintaining engines and passenger cars

Unknown suspect(s) reportedly steals over $9,000 worth of items from a container in northwest Saline County.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office sometime between December 18 and January 8 at around 11:49 am, an individual illegally entered a container at northwest Saline County.

Reportedly, the suspect broke the lock on it and entered the container. The container held maintenance equipment for the water supply system in the area.

It was determined that a Puma 8008 HGE portable air compressor ($2,349), PitBull 14 Fusion machine ($5,954) along with three fusion machine dyes ($600) and miscellaneous hand tools ($400) were stolen. 

Moreover, there was damage made to the padlock and the trailer the container was on.

Ongoing investigation: Unknown suspect(s) steals over $9,000 worth of items from container 

The Saline County Sheriff's Office are informing the public and seeking tips for suspect(s) who attempted to burglarize a home.

On Sunday, December 28 at approximately 1:32 am, deputies responded to a residential automatic burglar alarm at a north Saline County home. Unknown suspect(s) attempted to enter the residence by cutting a screen and breaking a window on the south side of the residence. 

Although no items were taken during the burglary, the residence itself sustained $350 in damage. 

If you have any information concerning who attempted to commit this crime, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637).

You may receive a cash reward of up to $1000 and you are not required to give your name

Saline Co. Sheriff seeking tips regarding attempted residential burglary

LINDSBORG - Bethany College has announced the discontinuation of its Men's Wrestling program, due to low roster counts.

The institution made the announcement on Thursday, January 8 effective immediately. 

Dean of Athletics, Laura Moreno stated this decision was made due to consistent low rosters over the past 6-8 years.

"The sport got to the point where it was not sustainable for Bethany," said Moreno. "We recognize that this news may be disappointing to our athletes, alumni, coaches and supporters of the wrestling program. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship of every wrestler who has been part of the program. Your contributions have shaped the athletic legacy of Bethany College, and you have our deepest respect and gratitude. I especially want recognize Coach Mitchell Houghton for his work, dedication and time to support student athletes."

The athletic department are discussing and evaluating options about what possibilities may arise, after the discontinuation of the program.

Bethany College discontinuing Men's Wrestling program due to low roster counts

A chance of light rain Friday afternoon is expected to gradually transition into light snow towards the evening.

According to the US National Weather Service, a chance of rain is expected after 1:00 pm with a 50% chance to mix with snow after 4:00 pm.

Portions of central and south-central Kansas could see light snow accumulations up to 1 inch, and slick spots on bridges and overpasses are possible tonight.&nbsp;

A little after 7:00 pm, the mix will likely become all snow.

Higher accumulations are expected across southwest Kansas.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

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>.

Light snow up to 1 inch expected late Friday afternoon and into the evening in central Kansas

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, 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;Failure to appear; Driving While Suspended; Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Obispo Ortega,Diana Carolina

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Reckless Driving; N/A No seat belt; Speeding; maximum limits

Saline County Jail Bookings, January 9

EDITOR'S NOTE: Doug Rempp will be sworn in-person on January 12, as he stays Arizona during the winter season. He plans on making a commitment to the 1st meeting of every month during the winter. Starting March 2026, Rempp will consistently be at the commission meetings.

The Salina City Commission will hold its regular meeting on&nbsp;Monday January 12, 2026. The meeting will begin at&nbsp;4:00 pm&nbsp;inside&nbsp;Room 107&nbsp;of the&nbsp;City-County Building,&nbsp;300 West Ash Street.

For those who cannot attend the meeting, you can watch the livestream Monday, January 12 on YouTube at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas">https://www.youtube.com/cityofSalinaKansas</a>.

The following is the Salina City Commission meeting agenda in order:

1.&nbsp;Consider approval of the minutes of the December 22, 2025 regular meeting.

2.&nbsp;Consider Resolution No. 26-8326 to declare John Parker Jr. Park as a qualified municipal facility under the City of Salina Municipal Facility Naming Guidelines.

Residents are invited to share their comments for 3 minutes with the commission.

Outgoing Remarks and Recess Into Organizational Meeting

1.&nbsp;Comments from Commissioner Longbine at the end of his elected term.

2.&nbsp;Comments from Mayor Lenkiewicz at the end of his mayoral term.

3.&nbsp;Consider a motion to recess into the organizational meeting.

Organizational Meeting (City Clerk Presiding)

1.&nbsp;City Clerk administers Oath of Office to the new City Commissioners.

2.&nbsp;New Commissioners seated, meeting called to order and roll call taken.

3.&nbsp;Consider nominations for Mayor and Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.

4.&nbsp;Consider nominations for Acting Mayor and Vice Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.

5.&nbsp;City Clerk turns the gavel and meeting over to the newly appointed Mayor.

6.&nbsp;Mayor presents Plaques of Appreciation to Bill Longbine and Greg Lenkiewicz for their terms as Commissioner and Mayor, respectively.

7.&nbsp;Hear comments from the new Mayor.

For more information about each item, click <a href="https://agendasuite.org/iip/salina/meeting/details/1186">here</a>.

Doug Rempp to be sworn in as new Salina Commissioner during Jan. 12 commission meeting

Noon Network AMBUCS is preparing to host the 21st Annual Bid Appétit Charity Auction, themed&nbsp;“Pitch for a Purpose,”&nbsp;celebrating more than two decades of Inspiring Mobility and Independence in the Salina community. 

The annual fundraiser will be on&nbsp;Sunday, March 1, at&nbsp;Tony’s Pizza Event Center (800 The Midway), featuring live and silent auctions, themed games, food and drinks, and a special appearance by an Amtryke recipient.

The online silent auction opens February 16 at 12:00 pm&nbsp;and closes March 1 at 7:30 pm.

&nbsp;The in-person Bid Appétit event begins at 5:00 pm, with the live auction starting at 6:45 pm.&nbsp;

Tickets are available for $50 each, and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Bid Appétit is Noon Network AMBUCS’ signature annual fundraiser, supporting individuals of all ages through programs that promote mobility and independence. The annual auction serves as the chapter’s sole fundraiser, which funds all medical equipment, Amtrykes, and scholarships distributed throughout the year.&nbsp;

“Bid Appétit is more than a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of community,” said Noon Network President, Karen Vidricksen. “Every bid helps us provide life-changing mobility and independence to individuals of all ages. Together we build it, and they will ride.”

Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://onecau.se/bidappetit2026">onecau.se/bidappetit2026</a>&nbsp;or ask a Noon Network member.&nbsp;

Noon Network AMBUCS to host annual Bid Appétit: Pitch for a Purpose charity auction

<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>

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 9 - January 11

After an activity of showers and thunderstorms to occur late Wednesday night through Thursday, a storm system is expected follow that with light to modest snow accumulations across the region Friday afternoon through night.

The greatest potential for at least a half inch of rain is primarily along and east of I-135.

This is according to the US National Weather Service, but there remains some uncertainty as the weather agency will refine forecast details the next few days.

Chance of snow to occur Friday after upcoming showers and thunderstorms 

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 7 - January 9

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 5 - January 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 2 - January 4

Three day weather forecast Salina: New Years Eve & Day, Jan 2.

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 29 - New Years Eve

As Sunday's heavy snow activity has ended in Salina, light snow is expected to continue throughout central Kansas

Original:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b3728be6-8a12-4850-9531-978104a03ede">Be vigilant: Activity of snow has arrived throughout central Kansas</a>

According to the US National Weather Service, moderate to heavy snow has quickly come to an end, and only pockets of light snow are expected over the next couple of hours throughout the region. 

Even with road conditions improving quickly, continue to exercise caution as roads could be slick through tonight.

Areas of snow will remain through the late afternoon for locations generally along and just southeast of the Kansas Turnpike with little if any accumulation anticipated.

  Some locations may see visibility reduced to less than 3 miles at times.  There maybe a few slick spots on bridges and overpasses.

Salina is under a wind advisory until 6:00 pm Sunday.

The Emergency&nbsp;Accident Reporting Plan the Salina Police Department issued earlier on Sunday has been cancelled as well.

Monday's weather in Salina is expected to have a morning wind chill in the single digits to around zero. Afternoon highs are forecasted to be in the low 30s.

&nbsp;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>.

UPDATE: Heavy snow ends in Salina, pockets of light snow expected throughout central Kansas

Be aware, take precaution on the roads and prepare, as a fast band of snow has worked its way quickly through Salina and central Kansas.&nbsp;

According to the US National Weather Service, snow will combine with strong winds to reduced visibility to less than a mile at times. Those traveling along I-70 should expect rapid reductions in visibility as they head west.

Those traveling between Wichita and Salina need to be prepared for rapidly deteriorating conditions along I-135 and surrounding roadways. Slick spots on elevated surfaces and visibility under 1/2 mile are anticipated.

The National Weather Service expects the snow to continue until 3:00 pm on Sunday.&nbsp;

Moreover, a cold front will move across the area bringing strong northwest winds. Wind gusts in the 45 to 55 mph range will be common across the region.

Be sure to secure any loose outdoor items.

Salina has been issued to be under a wind advisory until 6:00 pm on Sunday.

SPD implements Emergency Accident Reporting Plan

The Salina Police Department has announced that the Emergency Accident Reporting Plan has been implemented due to severe weather and/or hazardous driving conditions, as the number of motor vehicle accidents exceeds the Department’s ability to respond in a timely manner.

Any non-hit and run, non-personal injury motor vehicle accident that does not require towing, and does not involve alcohol or drugs.

 Exchange personal information with the other driver(s) involved or property owner. 

Complete an Emergency Accident Reporting Plan accident report form as completely as possible and mail or deliver the completed report to the Salina Police Department within 48 hours.

Emergency Accident Reporting Plan forms are available at the Salina Police Department. They are also available online <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/media/Police%20Department%20doc/Downloadable%20Forms/Emergency_Accident_Report.pdf">here</a>.

On Monday, it is expected Salina to have a morning wind chill in the single digits to around zero. Afternoon highs on Monday are forecasted to be in the low 30s.

Visit this article periodically to view updates if the snow will continue past 3:00 pm today.

Be vigilant: Activity of snow has arrived throughout central Kansas

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.

On Christmas Eve, deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office located a stolen 2012 Hyundai passenger vehicle, originally reported stolen from Wichita at a residence located at 401 W. 1st Street in Cherryvale, Kansas.

Deputies obtained and executed a search warrant for the residence and property. During the execution of the warrant, deputies observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the residence. An amended search warrant for narcotics was subsequently obtained. During the search, deputies located more than three (3) grams of methamphetamine along with additional drug paraphernalia and items used for distribution.

Rachel McKenzie, of Cherryvale, Kansas, was taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where she was booked on the requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; She bonded out of jail days later, according to online jail records.

Sheriff: Suspected Kansas drug dealer jailed on Christmas Eve

KANSAS CITY —There is a new 6-foot-tall bundle of joy at the KCZoo.

On Friday, the zoo introduced Aspen, a female Masai giraffe born to 4-year-old Alika on December 29. 

A neonatal exam has been performed and showed that the calf is in good health. Aspen is already spending quality time with 2-month-old half-brother, Beni, and getting a masterclass in zoomies courtesy of her half-sister, 1 ½-year-old Willow.

Aspen is Alika’s first calf and father Aidan’s third. Other members of the Zoo’s herd include adult females Makali and Chandy, who are the respective mothers to Willow and Beni. 

Due to construction currently underway on a new giraffe complex, the entire giraffe herd will remain behind the scenes until the new habitat opens by Summer 2026 but may be seen on a live video feed available only at the Zoo. 

<a href="https://kansascityzoo.org/giraffe-habitat?fbclid=IwY2xjawPOa15leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwQW81UnhSVEVYSndJQW8xc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuOC9ZCL-3tzlxa3hyX6Wy5bTaqK6u0yt4O3Hq_RFHMLxZ4v8Lkcdjcbx3Sr_aem_0LEqDqkIQu3SXnWpvw0QsQ">Click here to learn more</a> about this exciting new complex.

Masai giraffes are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The KCZoo is partnering with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savegiraffesnow?__cft__[0]=AZZ9kK_jyA6olM47QfzZyfGivewk29wfjPxionuQlL3RawHl-biKXkaS72apNvb08B9wfamM_2AUA0OgznYjXmpTOdkPJdNragKvAOkqkQn2ulriczQxIAs33sxU8spA2uVkmp0z11dZ99uLsWIS-jH_w5TYv5w5EyhBwLXc9q_LzQ9m4yeTBHWP0NadFwX1Wek&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Save Giraffes Now</a> on co-existence projects in the Athi-Kapiti region of Kenya, a heavily populated region where human and wildlife conflict is a constant struggle.

In addition, the Zoo participates in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ZoosAquariums?__cft__[0]=AZZ9kK_jyA6olM47QfzZyfGivewk29wfjPxionuQlL3RawHl-biKXkaS72apNvb08B9wfamM_2AUA0OgznYjXmpTOdkPJdNragKvAOkqkQn2ulriczQxIAs33sxU8spA2uVkmp0z11dZ99uLsWIS-jH_w5TYv5w5EyhBwLXc9q_LzQ9m4yeTBHWP0NadFwX1Wek&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">The Association of Zoos and Aquariums</a> Species Survival Plan to ensure a genetically diverse and stable giraffe population in accredited facilities. This exciting new arrival is part of our Wild Beginnings program presented by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saintlukeskc?__cft__[0]=AZZ9kK_jyA6olM47QfzZyfGivewk29wfjPxionuQlL3RawHl-biKXkaS72apNvb08B9wfamM_2AUA0OgznYjXmpTOdkPJdNragKvAOkqkQn2ulriczQxIAs33sxU8spA2uVkmp0z11dZ99uLsWIS-jH_w5TYv5w5EyhBwLXc9q_LzQ9m4yeTBHWP0NadFwX1Wek&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Saint Luke's Health System</a> that celebrates “zooborns” at the KCZoo. Saint Luke’s commitment to innovative, patient-centered maternity care has helped local families flourish for more than 140 years and is a perfect sponsor for the Zoo’s growing animal families. Photos by senior animal care specialist Julia

6-foot tall bundle of joy at the Kansas City Zoo

KANSAS CITY —Police investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 61-year-old Gary L. Norris.

Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to&nbsp; a shooting reported in the area of 16th Street and Fremont Avenue, according to Officer Alyana Gonzalez.

First responders found Norris inside of a vehicle unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. Officers attempted to render medical aid until EMS personnel responded and transported him to an area hospital for treatment. Norris ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

Preliminary information indicates Norris was outside working on a vehicle when an interaction between the victim and another adult male escalated into gunfire. The suspect left the scene prior to police arrival. Police have not reported any suspect details.

Homicide: Police ID KC man shot while working on his vehicle

PAWNEE COUNTY —A&nbsp; Kansas couple made their first court appearance on Thursday following a more than two-year investigation of&nbsp;financial mistreatment and elder abuse.

Jeffrey S. Bates, 64 and Sandi K. Bates, 62, both of Larned, appeared before Pawnee Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

They were each charged with one Count of Conspiracy to Commit Financial Mistreatment of a Dependent Adult/Elder Person, with an aggregate value of at least $100,000, but less than $250,000, alleged to have occurred between July 15, 2015, and December 31, 2022. This charge is a severity level 6 person felony.

Jeffrey Bates faces an additional count of Physical Mistreatment of a Dependent Adult/Elder Person, by allegedly knowingly inflicting physical injury, unreasonable confinement or unreasonable punishment upon a dependent adult or an elder person, alleged to have occurred on or about November 26, 2022. This charge is a severity level 5 person felony. In the alternative Bates is charged with Criminal Restraint, a Class A Person Misdemeanor.

The charges stem from a two-and-a-half-year investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department initiated by a report of alleged elder abuse. The sheriff department was assisted in the investigation by the Kansas Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Unit.

The Bates were arrested by the sheriff’s department without incident at their Larned residence on December 1, 2025, and released later that day after posting surety bonds.

&nbsp;A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for January 21, 2026.

Under Kansas law, “elder person” means a person 60 years of age or older. As charged, the crime of Financial Mistreatment of a Dependent Adult/Elder Person means the intent to knowingly take the personal property or financial resources of a dependent adult or an elder person for the benefit of the defendant by taking control of the personal property or financial resources of said dependent adult or elder person through undue influence, coercion, harassment, duress, deception, false representation, false pretense or without adequate consideration to such dependent adult or elder person.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for January 21.

Kan. couple charged following an elder abuse investigation

A Minnesota prosecutor on Friday called on members of the public to send any video or other evidence in the fatal shooting of Renee Good directly to local investigators, challenging the Trump administration’s decision to leave the investigation solely to the FBI.&nbsp; Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance and the White House have released a new&nbsp;cellphone video showing perspective of federal agent at center of ICE-involved shooting.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-minnesota-jonathan-ross-b9ce88da676d74ec6a1ab36aa55fbda1">The federal agent who fatally shot Good</a>&nbsp;is an Iraq War veteran who has served for nearly two decades in the Border Patrol and ICE, according to records obtained by Associated Press.

White House releases phone video from ICE agent before fatal shooting

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks hit records Friday following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-growth-3520ef449c36be8ca60eb046177200a2">a mixed report on the U.S. job market</a>, one that may delay&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">another cut to interest rates</a>&nbsp;by the Federal Reserve but does not slam the door on it.

The S&amp;P 500 climbed 0.6% and topped its prior all-time high set earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 237 points, or 0.5%, and likewise set a record, while the Nasdaq composite led the market with a 0.8% gain.

The moves came after the U.S. Labor Department said employers hired fewer workers during December than economists expected, though the unemployment rate improved and was better than expected. It reinforced how the U.S. job market may be in a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-economy-c48fd84dfaa71eee962feb3a88fd8575">low-hire</a>, low-fire” state and may hopefully avoid a recession.

On Wall Street, power company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/facebook-meta-zuckerberg-ai-vistra-oklo-terrapower-0eb051a9a11d96f7ce200e186ad13476">Vistra soared</a>&nbsp;10.5% to help lead the market after signing a 20-year deal to provide electricity from three of its nuclear plants to Meta Platforms. Big Tech companies have been signing a string of such deals to electrify the data centers powering their moves into artificial-intelligence technology.

Oklo jumped 7.9% after saying it also signed a deal with Meta Platforms that will help it secure nuclear fuel and advance its project to build a facility in Pike County, Ohio.

Homebuilders and other companies involved in the housing market were strong in their first trading after President Donald Trump announced a plan to lower mortgage rates. Trump on late Thursday called for the purchase of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-housing-mortgage-rates-79294cf8eac1579b17430b4cd0708fcd">$200 billion in mortgage bonds</a>, similar to how the Fed in the past has bought bonds backed by mortgages to bring down mortgage rates.

Builders FirstSource, a supplier of building products, jumped 12% for one of the biggest gains in the S&amp;P 500 along with Vistra. Among homebuilders, Lennar rallied 8.9%, D.R. Horton climbed 7.8% and PulteGroup rose 7.3%.

They helped offset a 2.7% drop for General Motors. The auto giant said it will take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-motors-ev-byd-tesla-c9db4cd7030c9b58803e7375e25b9484">a $6 billion hit</a>&nbsp;to its results for the last three months of 2025 related to its pullback from electric vehicles. That’s on top of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-motors-gm-ev-emission-tax-2d2e43fd9dc0e12864e590a018be280f">$1.6 billion in charges</a>&nbsp;GM took in the prior quarter. Fewer tax incentives and easier fuel-emission regulations have been eating into demand for EVs.

WD-40 tumbled 6.6% after reporting a weaker profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Chief Financial Officer Sara Hyzer said the soft numbers were primarily because of timing issues, not weaker demand from end customers, and the company stood by its financial forecasts for the upcoming year.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 44.82 points to 6,966.28. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 237.96 to 49,504.07, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 191.33 to 23,671.35.

In the bond market, Treasury yields were mixed.

Friday’s improvement in the unemployment rate was enough to get traders to ratchet back expectations for a cut to interest rates at the Fed’s next meeting, which is scheduled for later this month. Traders are now forecasting just a 5% chance of that, down from 11% a day before, according to data from CME Group.

But traders nevertheless still largely expect the Fed to cut rates at least twice this upcoming year.

Whether they’re correct carries high stakes for financial markets. Lower interest rates can goose the economy and push up prices for investments, though they can also worsen inflation at the same time. And inflation has stubbornly remained above the Fed’s 2% target.

“Until the data provide a clearer direction, a divided Fed is likely to stay that way,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. “Lower rates are likely coming this year, but the markets may have to be patient.”

The yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.16% from 4.19% late Thursday. It tends to track expectations for longer-term economic growth and inflation.

The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks forecasts for what the Fed will do with short-term interest rates in the near term, rose to 3.53% from 3.49%.

A separate report released Friday morning suggested sentiment among U.S. consumers is strengthening, particularly among lower-income households. Perhaps more importantly for the Fed, the preliminary report from the University of Michigan also said expectations for inflation in the coming 12 months may be at their lowest level in a year. That could give it more freedom to cut interest rates.

Hopes for both lower interest rates and a solid economy have helped other areas of the stock market climb recently, wresting leadership away from the Big Tech and AI stocks that dominated the market for years. The smaller stocks in the Russell 2000, for example, climbed 4.6% this week, much more than the 1.6% rise of the S&amp;P 500.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia.

Another record setting day on Wall Street 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said on social media Thursday that he is directing the federal government to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds, a move he said would help reduce mortgage rates at a time when Americans are worried about home prices.

Trump and the White House have been trying to show they are responding to voter concerns about affordability ahead of midterm elections in November. Home prices have generally risen faster than incomes because of a persistent construction shortfall, making it harder for renters to buy their first home and for existing owners to upgrade to a new property — a challenge that dates back to Trump’s first term and the recovery from the housing market collapse that triggered the global financial crisis in 2008.

Trump said the two mortgage companies under government conservatorship, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have $200 billion in cash that will be used to make the purchase.

“This will drive Mortgage Rates DOWN, monthly payments DOWN, and make the cost of owning a home more affordable,” Trump posted on social media.

White House officials did not immediately respond to questions about the timelines for how purchases would occur.

The Federal Reserve has in the past bought mortgage bonds during times of economic turmoil in order to help reduce interest rates, leading many homeowners to refinance into rates of 3% or less. The low rates of the recent past make these homeowners reluctant to sell their properties, depriving the market of inventory.

“At a high level I feel this is putting a Band-Aid on a deeper issue and it probably wouldn’t lower rates enough to really undo the mortgage rate lock-in effect,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at the real estate brokerage Redfin.

Fairweather estimated the government purchases of mortgage debt could shave 0.25 to 0.5 percentage points off the rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. But the purchases wouldn’t address other factors such as a chronic shortage of homes on the market, which has helped make homeownership unaffordable for many Americans, she cautioned.

Mortgage rates have been averaging around 6.2%, according to Freddie Mac, which went into conservatorship along with Fannie Mae in 2008 when the U.S. economy crashed during the Great Recession. Thirty-year mortgage rates haven’t been below 6% since September 2022.

“Lowering mortgage rates by maybe a quarter point or half a point maybe will encourage more demand on the margins, but I don’t think it’s going to solve the restrictions that exist in the housing market,” Fairweather said.

There is also a risk because Trump would be spending the cash reserves that are supposed to help be a buffer against an economic downturn akin to what happened during the Great Recession. In a sense, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could be more vulnerable if anything negative happens to the housing market, meaning Trump is betting that possibility is highly unlikely.

Separately, the Fed holds roughly $2 trillion worth of mortgage-backed securities on its balance sheet. That’s down from $2.7 trillion in June 2022. The Fed began to unwind its mortgage-debt holdings as the U.S. economy recovered from the global pandemic.

Mortgage rates began to climb as inflation spiked coming out of the global pandemic, with the consumer price index hitting a four-decade high in 2022. The average mortgage rate is down from nearly 7% at the start of Trump’s second term last year, yet the decrease has done little to reassure a public that feels pressure from the costs of housing, food and energy.

When interest rates fall it can become cheaper to service housing debt on a monthly basis. The reduced monthly payments can improve affordability for a period until home prices adjust in response to changes in the rates. There was roughly $21.1 trillion in outstanding mortgage debt as of the middle of last year, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve.

Many homeowners took advantage of low interest rates during the pandemic to refinance their mortgages at rates of 3% or lower.

Trump last month said he planned to unveil housing reforms -- and on Wednesday he said he wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-housing-plan-investors-davos-6ec9f96c03d16c0714a6804c5f703db2">block institutional investors</a>&nbsp;from buying houses.

Trump taking action to make buying a home more affordable

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman will learn her fate for a deadly DUI crash that killed a teen.

Trisha Greer, 43, will appear in Judge Quinton Pittman's courtroom for sentencing on Friday afternoon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In October, Greer pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence before Judge Pittman. She originally pleading not guilty in June and was to face a jury trial.

Just after 11p.m. May 14, 2024, Greer was driving without headlights at 55th Street South and Hoover, according to Sheriff's Lt Nathan Gibbs. The vehicle struck and killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio who was standing with a group of people at the location.

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