Saline County Sheriff's Office are seeking tips after a trailer burglary resulted in over $9,000 of items were stolen.

Original: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/19c2da51-8d2c-4951-a32f-d5a5fa7c25d9">Unknown suspect(s) steals over $9,000 worth of items from container</a>

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office sometime between&nbsp; December 18, 2025 and January 8, 2026, an unknown suspect(s)&nbsp;forced entry into a white box trailer located in west Saline County (north of Hedville)

Reportedly, the suspect(s) gained access by cutting the lock and forcing the door open causing approximately $120 in damage to the trailer. 

Once entry was gained into the trailer, the following items were stolen:

Puma 8008GHE portable air compressor, a Pit Bull 14 Fusion machine with three sets of dies, and miscellaneous hand tools. 

The estimated loss in tools and equipment is approximately $9303.

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

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

UPDATE: Saline Co. Sheriff seeking tips after trailer burglary, over $9,000 of stolen items 

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/267396805154598/">Salina Jeepers Club</a>&nbsp;are collaborating with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068315317205">Thursday Night Cruisers of Salina</a>&nbsp;to put together a dream vintage parade &amp; car show for a man in hospice care to fulfill his "last wish."

On January 31, the car show &amp; parade will occur in Buhler, KS from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. The show will be held Buhler, KS near Sunshine Meadows Retirement Home on 400 S Buhler Rd.

Sunshine Meadows Retirement Home in Buhler serves the man who is in hospice care.

There is no entry fee and the parade/car show is open to anyone wishing to participate.

The Salina Jeepers Club has been active for over seven years and their mission is to bring community, positivity and connection.

"We proudly attend local events and fundraisers to support meaningful causes, but we also believe that simply showing up and spreading joy matter just as much," said Samantha Cook of Salina Jeepers Club. "At the core of our group is the belief that life can be hard, but there should always be something to look forward to. Through fun, kindness and community involvement, we aim to remind people that positivity still exists and that small moments can make a big impact."

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/267396805154598">To join the group or learn more about Salina Jeepers Club, go to their Facebook page.</a>

Salina car groups holding vintage parade & car show for man in hospice care to fulfill his "last wish" 

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Khamdalanikone,Khamphun

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Liquor; Purch/poss/consume 18-20 yrs; unkn conv

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

Saline County Jail Bookings, January 30

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;January 31, 2026:

Rev. Shay Craig - Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church; moving to North Dakota to become 1st woman as Bishop of the Diocese

Juan Maldonado - Central Kansas United Fútbol Club

Susan Hawksworth - Smoky Hill Museum; 165th Kansas birthday

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 31, 2026

<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, January 30 - February 1

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) has been re-verified as a Level III Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). 

Trauma centers verified by the ACS must undergo a lengthy review every three years to insure standards for optimal care of injured patients are being met.

The ACS verification program looks at all aspects of trauma care from the prehospital phase to the rehabilitation process. Verified trauma centers also must remain focused on performance improvement to confirm processes in place lead to the best possible patient outcomes. 


Salina Regional was first verified as a Level III Trauma Center in 2012. This is the fifth time the hospital has been verified by the ACS. 

Since the Trauma Program was implemented at Salina Regional, a team of individuals with highly defined roles are on stand-by around the clock—ready to descend upon the emergency department whenever a trauma alert is received. 

Team members include a trauma surgeon, emergency department physician, trauma nurse, intensive care nurse, surgical nurse and staff from pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, blood bank, respiratory care, security and chaplaincy.

“The American College of Surgeons’ re-verification of Salina Regional Health Center as a Level III Trauma Center reaffirms our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional trauma care to patients in Saline County and across north central Kansas,” said Dr. Justin Klaassen, a trauma surgeon and medical director for the Trauma Program at Salina Regional. “This recognition highlights the expertise, hard work and teamwork of our EMS partners, emergency department clinicians, surgeons, nursing and rehabilitation staff, and the many support personnel who contribute to the care of critically injured patients. It also underscores our continued involvement within the Kansas Trauma System.”

Salina Regional Trauma Center receives re-verification from American College of Surgeons for 5th time

Saline County&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2024/b2023_24/members/rep_sanders_clarke_1/">Rep. Clarke Sanders</a> (R-Kansas, 69th District) and <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/members/sen_hill_scott_1/">Sen. Scott Hill</a> (R-Kansas, 24th District) gave comments on the passing of a Senate Bill, that would require government bathrooms to be designated to people's biological sex at birth.

The Kansas House and Senate voted on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/">Senate Bill 244</a>&nbsp;(SB244), Wednesday. The House passed on a 87-36 vote, along party lines with one Republican opposed. The Senate also voted with a 30-9 result, along party lines as well.

There is an expectation Governor Laura Kelly would veto the legislation, as there would need to be 84 House votes and 27 Senate votes to override the veto if that would happen.

Kansas Democrats argued the hearing of the bill was "rushed through the legislative process," given the fact the hearing was being held in less than a 24 hour notice and "without public input."

Sanders said legislators "followed the rules" and that constituents knew about this bill, as he received many emails regarding the hearing.

"There is a process, we followed the rules and somebody had a chance to talk to their constituents, because I got alot of emails on this bill, so people knew it was going to happen," he said.&nbsp;

Sanders added SB 244 was known about already, due to the fact that <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2426/">House Bill 2426</a> ("gender" to mean biological sex at birth, correct gender ID on driver's licenses and birth certificates) was introduced on January 12 and then added into the Senate bill, making it <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/">House Sub for SB244</a>.

However, the only difference was the addition of public bathrooms into the bill.

"There was already a set up bill before it even came over to us, and I think it's mischaracterizing to say that nobody knew about it," Sanders said.

His message to the public on why restricting public bathroom access based on sex at birth is necessary, is because he does not want "men in women's bathrooms and women in men's bathrooms."

"As a general rule we don't men in women's bathrooms and women in men's bathrooms, and I don't think that is unreasonable."

At the end of the hearing, there was no fiscal note that was made for how much the bill would cost. 

However, Sanders said there is no reason to place a fiscal note.

"There is no cost of the state, because bathrooms are already labeled as men, women or family. There are no labels that need to be changed or construction needed to be put in place."

Moreover with the arguments that the hearing of the bill was rushed, Sen. Hill stated a condensed session saves taxpayer dollars and the legislature operates on a rapid pace.

Hill also said the hearings were held in accordance with notification guidelines.

"The resultant recommendation to the House committee of the whole is subject to a calendar restraint however there is not a hour restriction, example 24 hours," he said. "That is a legalistic way of saying that although the bill was expedited, it was in no way improper."

He added the debate in Topeka was "robust," much more than any committee hearing ever is and the legislation was not passed from "lack of knowledge."

"This legislation was passed not from lack of knowledge, but rather from a sensitivity to the wishes of average Kansans that have made it very clear that they want to see biological males use male only facilities and biological females to use female only facilities."

Hill thought the statement of Kansas Democrats arguing there was "no public input" is flawed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The legislators are publicly elected officials, they are all accessible from the public and I know I am. The input directed to legislators both publicly and in private conversations are as valid as committee proceedings. The judiciary committee did not approve SB244 without knowledge of the content. I would contend that no issue in this legislature which began in 2025 has had more information and committee hearing time than the idea of protecting the private space of biological females and males. The opponents of this legislation may contend it only passed because the legislature was uninformed, however I think after 6 plus hours of debate in committee of the whole anyone who has not heard the issues on both sides is not capable of hearing."

There may be a slight cost to the reissuing of birth certificates with the correct biological birth sex, but would be easily absorbed according to Hill. With there being no fiscal note, he confirmed the same point as Sanders by stating "the use of restrooms and other designated spaces requires no changes of governmental buildings, since the spaces already exist and are designated."

Furthermore, Hill added if there is a fiscal note, it can be available before veto override if necessary.

"If there is a significant fiscal note it can be available before veto override if necessary. It is important to note that the changing of birth certificates that have already been done due to subverted previous legislation only increase in number the longer the length of time to clarify the previous legislation. That is a major component of how expedited this bill has been."

Rep. Sanders and Sen. Hill give comments over passing of Bill requiring government bathrooms designated to biological sex at birth

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Salina-Senior-Theatre-Project-100069630977046/">Salina Senior Theatre Project</a>&nbsp;(SSTP) will be showcasing a witty comedy with auditions being held before the selecting of the cast.

SSTP will hold auditions for "Dinner at Seven, Panic at Nine," a comedy by Iva Polansky, on Monday, February 23 &amp; Tuesday, February 24 at 7pm&nbsp;inside the Hawthorne Clubhouse (715 North 9th) in Salina.

The comedy is about&nbsp;longtime friends whose monthly dinner party erupts into chaos when one member reveals she's written a tell-all novel exposing everyone's secrets, comprised with a sharp exploration of friendship, truth and second acts in life.

Selections will be looking for 4 females and 3 male actors, open to anyone aged 50 plus, regardless of theatre experience.

Reading copies of the scripts can be obtained by calling 785-502-0017 or by email at: SSTP67401@yahoo.com

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Salina-Senior-Theatre-Project-100069630977046/">Go here to visit the&nbsp;Salina Senior Theatre Project Facebook page for more information.</a>

Salina Senior Theatre Project holding auditions for chaotic witty comedy 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina has officially announced the return of its largest annual fundraiser, Bowl For Kids’ Sake (BFKS), to occur March 27–28, 2026, at The Alley.

This year’s event invites community to swap snow boots for flip-flops and embrace a tropical “ALOHA” theme.

BFKS is a high-impact peer-to-peer fundraising event that brings together teams of six to raise funds in support of local youth mentoring. 

Each team is encouraged to raise a minimum of $600—just $100 per person—to help the organization meet their $100,000 fundraising goal. All proceeds stay in Saline County to help create and sustain meaningful mentoring relationships that change the lives of youth in our community.

- Friday, March 27: Evening session at 7:00 PM

- Saturday, March 28: Sessions at 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM

Participants will celebrate their fundraising success with a two-hour bowling session, complete with food, drinks, sponsor swag bag, event t-shirt and exciting prizes. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best tropical attire, with special awards presented to the Best Dressed and Most Spirited teams.

Registration is now open, and you can register your team now by visiting <a href="http://www.bbbssalina.org/bfks">www.bbbssalina.org/bfks</a>.

Sessions are filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina announces "ALOHA" theme for 2026 Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraiser, registration now open

The Salina Family YMCA is inviting women in the community to enjoy an evening of fun and fitness during Ladies Night on Friday, February 6, from 5:00–8:30 pm.

This special event will include dinner, a variety of group exercise classes, and plenty of prizes, making it a perfect night to unwind, try something new, and spend time with friends. 

Whether participants are longtime YMCA members or never been to the Y at all, Ladies Night offers a welcoming and energetic atmosphere designed to celebrate community and wellness.

“Our goal is to create a fun, encouraging space where women can move, laugh, and connect,” said Stacy Serrault, Group Exercise Coordinator at the Salina Family YMCA. “It’s a great way to experience the Y and enjoy a night that’s all about feeling good.”

The cost to attend is $10 for YMCA members and $20 for non-members.&nbsp;

<a href="http://salinaymca.org/events/ladies-night">Space is limited, and you can register now here&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

Salina YMCA to hold "Ladies night" in February, evening of fitness, prizes and dinner

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 28 - January 30

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 26 - January 28

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 23 - January 25

Saline County Emergency Management&nbsp;

The National Weather Service in Wichita reports an&nbsp;Arctic outbreak and winter weather&nbsp;will impact Saline County&nbsp;beginning Friday and continuing through Monday morning, bringing&nbsp;dangerous cold, hazardous travel conditions, and&nbsp;accumulating snow.

Arctic air is expected to move into the area early Friday morning and persist through the weekend, with&nbsp;dangerous wind chills between -10°F and -20°F&nbsp;likely from Friday morning through Monday morning. The coldest conditions are expected during the overnight and early morning hours.

Snow&nbsp;is expected to begin late Friday afternoon or Friday evening and continue through Saturday night, with&nbsp;slick roads&nbsp;and&nbsp;hazardous travel&nbsp;possible. While higher snowfall totals are more likely south of Saline County, confidence is high that snow will affect the area.&nbsp;Travel impacts are expected&nbsp;due to&nbsp;reduced visibility, slick roads,&nbsp;and&nbsp;prolonged cold conditions.

A&nbsp;Winter Storm Watch&nbsp;remains in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday night, and an&nbsp;Extreme Cold Watch&nbsp;has been issued for the entire forecast area through Monday morning. Confidence is high in the timing and severity of the cold, with medium confidence in exact snowfall amounts due to potential shifts in the heaviest snow band.&nbsp;

<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/55d47694801/2b6fb17f-1676-4697-ac6f-7c32ed6b5928.pdf?rdr=true">Click here to view the full packet of the upcoming severe weather</a>

Arctic outbreak & winter weather to impact Saline Co. Friday - Monday

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 21 - January 23

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 19 - January 21

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 16 - January 18

High wind gusts are expected to make its way through Salina and central Kansas on Friday.

According to the US National Weather Service, gusty&nbsp;northwest winds are forecasted during the day on Friday. Wind gusts are expected to range from 40-50 mph.

This is also paired with dry conditions, which there will be a very high grassland fire danger in the afternoon.

Russell is expected to have the highest speed of wind gusts with the range being 45-50 mph.

High temperatures for Salina is 41 degrees.

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.

High wind gusts and grassland fire danger expected throughout central Kansas, Salina on Friday

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 14 - January 16

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a fatal hit-and-run that killed a teen will return to court Friday.

Gauge Brasher, now 20,&nbsp; will appear for an arraignment hearing in the courtroom of Judge Jeffrey Goering, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; Brasher may be asked to enter a plea in the case.

 The DA's office charged Brasher with 2nd degree murder in the death of&nbsp;14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa. He is also charged with failure to stop at an accident and criminal damage to property.

&nbsp;Wichita police took Brasher&nbsp; into custody shortly after 4 p.m. August 15, in the 3100 block of E. Range Road, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

Around 6:30 p.m. August 13, a nearby Kansas Highway Patrol trooper in the area saw the aftermath of the crash that killed&nbsp;14-year-old Jackson Nzabonimpa and saw two men running from a black BMW that had crashed. After a short foot pursuit, both men were apprehended.

The preliminary investigation indicated the BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a power pole and then a utility box. The impact forced the power pole and utility box into Nzabonimpa, who died on scene from his injuries.&nbsp;

Witnesses at the intersection identified the 19-year-old suspect Gauge Brasher, who fled as the driver. He is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. The investigation indicated that impairment and speed were likely contributing factors in the collision. Brasher was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment and later left the hospital. Police issued an alert in attempt to locate him. The passenger in the BMW is a 24-year-old man who was detained and later released with no charges.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brasher is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

Arraignment hearing for Kan. driver who hid after crash that killed boy

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/graham-dunbar">GRAHAM DUNBAR</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-graves">WILL GRAVES</a>

GENEVA (AP) — American gymnast Jordan Chiles may reclaim the bronze medal on floor exercise from the 2024 Paris Olympics that was stripped from her following an appeal by Romania after all.

Switzerland’s supreme court said on Thursday its judges sent the “highly exceptional circumstances” of the bronze medal awarded in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/simone-biles-olympics-floor-beam">women’s floor exercise</a>&nbsp;back to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to examine new evidence.

The outcome of an event that created a celebrated Olympic photo featuring Chiles, floor exercise silver medalist Simone Biles and gold medalist Rebeca Andrade of Brazil — all women of color — rests on just a handful of seconds: Can the U.S. team prove it made a timely appeal in the Olympic arena on behalf of Chiles?

The federal judges’ ruling — highly unusual in cases of this nature — suggested Chiles could regain the bronze medal she originally got in Paris after challenging her judged score.

Chiles’ third-place finish was overturned within days on appeal by the Romanian team to the CAS’ Olympic court in Paris. The medal was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/romanian-gymnast-bronze-medal-chiles-3cec6ec6344b8d4ecc91270916b0d357">awarded in Bucharest</a>&nbsp;the next week to Ana Maria Barbosu.

The federal court wants CAS to examine a recording that could show the original U.S. challenge of the judged score was within a one-minute deadline on the field of play.

“In the highly exceptional circumstances of the case in question,” the Swiss Federal Tribunal said in a statement, “it considers that there is a likelihood for the audio-visual recording of the final on Aug. 5, 2024 to lead to a modification of the contested award in favor of the applicant (Chiles).”

The CAS said in a statement Thursday it “can now ensure a thorough judicial review of the new evidence that has since been made available.”

The court based in Lausanne, across the Olympics’ home city from the supreme court, gave no timetable for the review. It likely will take at least one year to prepare and process before a verdict is ready.

Still, the federal court’s decision has given Chiles renewed hope of keeping her medal and putting the controversy behind her.

“We are delighted that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court has righted a wrong and given Jordan the chance she deserves to reclaim her bronze medal,” Maurice M. Suh, part of the legal team representing Chiles, said in a statement. “As the Court recognized, there is ‘conclusive’ video evidence that Jordan was the rightful winner of the bronze medal.”

Suh added that Chiles will “fight vigorously” and is grateful to have a “full and fair opportunity to defend her bronze medal.”

USA Gymnastics praised the court for recognizing “the flaws in the initial process and that Jordan’s case can now be heard inclusive of all relevant evidence.”

Chiles, now 24, has pressed forward with her life after dealing with significant online backlash — some of it racially tinged — in the immediate aftermath.

She returned to compete collegiately at UCLA while also leaning into her burgeoning celebrity, participating on the reality competition “Dancing With the Stars,” posing for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, and is currently featured in a commercial for a female athleisure apparel line that also includes tennis icon Serena Williams and track star Sha’Carri Richardson.

Graves reported from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Jordan Chiles' appeal granted in Olympics bronze medal battle

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect who admitted setting a fire near the historic Orpheum Theatre,&nbsp;200 N Broadway Street, in Wichita is expected to learn his fate Tuesday.

Jeremy Wycoff, 34, Wichita, who in September pleaded guilty to aggravated arson, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office, will appear in Judge Seth Rundell's courtroom for sentencing. The&nbsp; sentencing hearing for Wycoff was delayed in November and earlier this month.

On the evening of April 10, crews responded to report of a fire near the 102-year-old theatre that is undergoing renovations.&nbsp;

"Thanks to the quick response of Wichita Fire Department, the situation was contained before it caused any major damage to our building or our neighbors along First Street," the theatre announced on their social media page.

Three days after the crime, police arrested Wycoff and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail where he remains jailed on a bond of just over $100,000.

Suspect in arson fire near historic Kan. theatre to learn his fate

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that he will nominate former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-reserve-system">Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;official Kevin Warsh to be the next chair of the Fed, a decision likely to result in sharp changes to the powerful agency that could bring it closer to the White House.

Warsh would replace current chair Jerome Powell when his term expires in May. Trump chose Powell to lead the Fed in 2017 but this year has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">relentlessly assailed him</a>&nbsp;for not cutting interest rates quickly enough.

"I have known Kevin for a long period of time, and have no doubt that he will go down as one of the GREAT Fed Chairmen, maybe the best,” Trump posted on his Truth Social site. “On top of everything else, he is ‘central casting,’ and he will never let you down.”

The appointment, which requires Senate confirmation, amounts to a return trip for Warsh, 55, who was a member of the Fed's board from 2006 to 2011. He was the youngest governor in history when he was appointed at age 35. He is currently a fellow at the right-leaning Hoover Institution and a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

In some ways, Warsh is an unlikely choice for the Republican president because he has long been a hawk in Fed parlance, or someone who typically supports higher interest rates to control inflation. Trump has said the Fed’s key rate should be as low as 1%, far below its current level of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">about 3.6%</a>, a stance few economists endorse.

During his time as governor, Warsh objected to some of the low-interest rate policies that the Fed pursued during and after the 2008-09 Great Recession. He also often expressed concern at that time that inflation would soon accelerate, even though it remained at rock-bottom levels for many years after that recession ended.

More recently, however, in speeches and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-high-cost-of-the-feds-mission-creep-role-responsibility-monetary-policy-economy-20a352f8?mod=article_inline">opinion columns</a>, Warsh has said he supports lower rates.

Warsh beat out several other candidates, including Trump's top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, investment manager Rick Rieder, and current Fed governor Christopher Waller.

Warsh’s appointment would be a major step toward Trump asserting more control over the Fed, one of the few remaining independent federal agencies. While all presidents influence Fed policy through appointments, Trump’s rhetorical attacks on the central bank have raised concerns about its status&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-federal-reserve-powell-trump-63c3e35e8606b7b73455b08aa21456dd">as an independent institution</a>.

The announcement comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-independence-inflation-5c8cfa5816845d4f005db51c91cdab0d">an extended and unusually public search</a>&nbsp;that underscored the importance of the decision to Trump and the potential impact it could have on the economy. The chair of the Federal Reserve is one of the most powerful economic officials in the world, tasked with combating inflation in the United States while also supporting maximum employment. The Fed is also the nation’s top banking regulator.

The Fed’s rate decisions, over time, influence borrowing costs throughout the economy, including for mortgages, car loans and credit cards.

For now, Warsh would likely fill a seat on the Fed’s governing board that was temporarily occupied by Stephen Miran, a White House adviser who Trump appointed in September. Once on the board, Trump could then elevate Warsh to the chair position when Powell’s term ends in May.

Since Trump's reelection, Warsh has expressed support for the president's economic policies, despite a history as a more conventional, pro-free trade Republican.

In a January 2025 column in The Wall Street Journal, Warsh wrote that "the Trump administration’s strong deregulatory policies, if implemented, would be disinflationary. Cutbacks in government spending — inspired by the Department of Government Efficiency — would also materially reduce inflationary pressures.” Lower inflation would allow the Fed to deliver the rate cuts the president wants.

Trump has sought to exert more control over the Fed. In August he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-trump-fed-independence-firing-d06dfb46fbd300195c3cedc8cb5adadb">tried to fire Lisa Cook</a>, one of seven governors on the Fed’s board, in an effort to secure a majority of the board. Cook, however,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cook-trump-56e36badb0d1e9752e306fd6609747bd">sued to keep her job</a>, and the Supreme Court, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-cook-federal-reserve-powell-a8572f8a1f62cf653e822a64c714d05a">a hearing last week</a>, appeared inclined to let her stay in her position while her suit is resolved.

Economic research has found that independent central banks have better track records of controlling inflation. Elected officials, like Trump, often demand lower interest rates to juice growth and hiring, which can fuel higher prices.

Trump had said he would appoint a Fed chair who will cut interest rates to lower the government's borrowing costs and bring down mortgage rates, though the Fed doesn't decide those costs directly.

In December, he wrote on social media of the need for lower borrowing costs and said, “Anyone who disagrees with me will never be the Fed chairman!”

If confirmed by the Senate, Warsh would face challenges in pushing interest rates much lower. The chair is just one member of the Fed’s 19-person rate-setting committee, with 12 of those officials voting on each rate decision. The committee is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">already split</a>&nbsp;between those worried about persistent inflation, who’d like to keep rates unchanged, and those who think that recent upticks in unemployment point to a stumbling economy that needs lower interest rates to bolster hiring.

Financial markets could also push back. If the Fed cuts its short-term rate too aggressively and is seen as doing so for political reasons, then Wall Street investors could sell Treasury bonds out of fear that inflation would rise. Such sales would push up longer-term interest rates, including mortgage rates, and backfire on Warsh.

Trump considered appointing Warsh as Fed chair during his first term, though ultimately he went with Powell. Warsh’s father-in-law is Ronald Lauder, heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics fortune and a longtime donor and confidant of Trump’s.

Prior to serving on the Fed's board in 2006, Warsh was an economic aide in George W. Bush's Republican administration and was an investment banker at Morgan Stanley.

Warsh worked closely with then-Chair Ben Bernanke in 2008-09 during the central bank’s efforts to combat the financial crisis and the Great Recession. Bernanke later wrote in his memoirs that Warsh was “one of my closest advisers and confidants” and added that his “political and markets savvy and many contacts on Wall Street would prove invaluable.”

Warsh, however,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/files/FOMC20080430meeting.pdf">raised concerns</a>&nbsp;in 2008, as the economy tumbled into a deep recession, that further interest rate cuts by the Fed could spur inflation. Yet even after the Fed cut its rate to nearly zero, inflation stayed low.

More recently, Warsh has become harshly critical of the Fed, calling for “regime change" and assailing Powell for engaging on issues like climate change and diversity, equity and inclusion, which Warsh said are outside the Fed's mandate.

His more critical approach suggests that if he does ascend to the position of chair, it would amount to a sharp transition at the Fed.

In a July interview on CNBC, Warsh said Fed policy “has been broken for quite a long time.”

“The central bank that sits there today is radically different than the central bank I joined in 2006,” he added. By allowing inflation to surge in 2021-22, the Fed “brought about the greatest mistake in macroeconomic policy in 45 years, that divided the country.”

Details on President Trump's pick to chair the Federal Reserve

WASHINGTON (AP) — Journalist Don Lemon was arrested in connection with an anti-immigration protest that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-protest-church-minneapolis-fcc97a29b9c4434c665d76d4811c5a3e">disrupted a service</a>&nbsp;at a Minnesota church and increased tensions between residents and the Trump administration, his lawyer said Friday.

Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he had been covering the Grammy Awards, his attorney Abbe Lowell said.

It is unclear what charge or charges Lemon is facing in the Jan. 18 protest. The arrest came after a magistrate judge last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-minnesota-church-disruption-bondi-ed084f5005187f58eabe0cc627d1862b">rejected prosecutors’ initial bid</a>&nbsp;to charge the journalist.

Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023, has said he has no affiliation to the organization that went into the church and that he was there as a journalist chronicling protesters.

“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” Lowell said in a statement. “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”

Lowell added that “Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on social media Friday morning confirming the arrest of Lemon and three others who were present during the protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, where a local official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement serves as a pastor.

“At my direction, early this morning federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota,” Bondi said.

Since he left CNN, Lemon has joined the legion of journalists who have gone into business for himself, posting regularly on YouTube. He hasn’t hidden his disdain for Trump. Yet during his online show from the church, he said repeatedly, “I’m not here as an activist. I’m here as a journalist.” He described the scene in front of him, and interviewed churchgoers and demonstrators.

Shortly after the first attempt to charge him fell through, he predicted on his show that the administration would try again.

“And guess what,” he said, “here I am. Keep trying. That’s not going to stop me from being a journalist. That’s not going to diminish my voice. Go ahead, make me into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspension-supporters-94b79634a19b2c4ce70a2b4195ef1175">the new Jimmy Kimmel,</a>&nbsp;if you want. Just do it. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

A prominent civil rights attorney and two other people involved in the protest were arrested last week. Prosecutors have accused them of civil rights violations for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-church-protest-history-58817d7033c6b83867131f4cee87256a">disrupting the Cities Church service</a>.

The Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation after the group interrupted services by chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">37-year-old mother of three</a>&nbsp;who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.

“Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP,” Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote in social media post last week.

Cities Church belongs to the Southern Baptist Convention and lists one of its pastors as David Easterwood, who leads an ICE field office. Many Baptist churches have pastors who also work other jobs.

The Justice Department’s swift investigation into the church disruption stands in contrast to its decision not to open a civil rights investigation into Good’s killing by an ICE officer. The department has not said whether it will open a civil rights probe into the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shooting-minneapolis-protests-ice-immigration-41437baa4b349279cf8abfaf1076162c">37-year-old Alex Pretti</a>&nbsp;by federal officers.

“Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention and resources to this arrest, and that is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case,” Lowell said.

Former CNN anchor arrested after protest that disrupted church service

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with&nbsp;threatening violence against a federal official.

According to court documents, Adam Lee Osborn, 60, of Wichita was indicted on one count of interstate communications with a threat to injure and one count of influencing, impeding, and retaliating against a federal official by threatening.&nbsp;

On January 23, 2026, Osborn allegedly indicated via social media that he intended to murder Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.&nbsp;

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