SALINE COUNTY - The Saline County Commission signed a proclamation on October 29th, declaring&nbsp;November 4–11 as Operation Green Light for Veterans&nbsp;in Saline County.

The week encourages residents, businesses and local organizations to shine green lights in recognition of America’s veterans and their families.

Participating is simple, just replace one exterior or interior light with a green bulb.

“Lighting our buildings green is a visible reminder that we owe a debt of gratitude to those who’ve served,” said County Commission Chairman Rodger Sparks. “It’s a small gesture that carries a big meaning, one that lets every veteran know they are valued and never forgotten.”

Whether it’s a porch light visible to passersby or a lamp in your window, that green glow sends a powerful message: 

Our veterans are seen, appreciated and supported.

To mark the week, Saline County buildings will be illuminated green and residents are encouraged to share photos of their displays using #OperationGreenLight and tagging Saline County on social media.

Operation Green Light, now in its fifth year, is a collaborative effort of the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO). 

The initiative highlights the crucial role counties play in connecting veterans with benefits and services that help them thrive after military service.

Support Veterans by participating in "Operation Green Light" 

Dr. Trish Petak, associate professor of business and accounting, was recently recognized as this year’s Salina Women of Achievement honoree in the field of education. 

Petak will join six other women, including KWU alumna Heidi Feyerherm-Smith ’08, in being honored at the organization’s annual event on Thursday, November 6 at Theatre Salina (303 E Iron Ave).&nbsp;

“To be awarded Educator of the Year&nbsp;is such an incredible honor and is profoundly meaningful because it’s a recognition from my hometown of Salina,” said Petak. “I'm blessed that my career at KWU&nbsp;has allowed me to teach thousands of amazing students while giving back to the lifelong community I love.”

Petak is the longtime leader of KWU’s DECA program, a team that has achieved significant national success with several championship performances. She has held roles with the noon AMBUCS group, the Salina YMCA board and other local non-profit proceedings, in addition to being a key leader in KWU’s Department of Business and Accounting.&nbsp;

Tickets are still available to the Nov. 6 event.

For more information or to reserve your seat, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.woasalina.org/">https://www.woasalina.org/</a>.&nbsp;

KWU Professor to be honored by Salina’s Women of Achievement

GYPSUM - The community of Gypsum is inviting the public to join a retirement open house celebration in honor of Jim Reese.

Reese, has been selling farm equipment in the Saline County area for 44 years. He first started his diligence at Dauer Implement in 1981.

He worked there until 2010, where Reese started at Carrico Implement in Ellsworth in May 2010. Since then, Reese served areas such as Saline County, McPherson and Dickinson.

The open house will be held on Saturday, November 8 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Gypsum City Auditorium (625 Maple St.)

The event will be free and open to the public, as light refreshments will be offered.

Gypsum invites public to celebrate retirement party for local man serving Saline County since 1981

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg robbery; Inflicts bodily harm; Criminal restraint; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

NAME:&nbsp;De Banos Pino, Kriss Alexander

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Poss of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp;Griffin, Lance Michael

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg Domestic Battery: impede breathing/choke; Aggravated kidnapping; Agg robbery; Inflicts bodily harm; Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Defective tail lamps; Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, November 1

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, released the annual “Overview of the Health Insurance Market in Kansas.” This report details the 2026 Kansas Health Insurance Market (Marketplace). The report can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://insurance.ks.gov/documents/healthlife/health/KID-Issue-Brief.pdf">here</a>.

Open enrollment is an opportunity for Kansans to make decisions about their health insurance coverage. They can stay on their current policy, if available, or enroll in a different policy from the same company or a different company.

“It is important for Kansans to make informed decisions when deciding which coverage is best for them and their families,” Schmidt said. “Open enrollment is the time to evaluate your coverage and chose a plan that is best for you and your family’s healthcare needs.”

<a></a>The open enrollment period for Kansans will be from November 1 until January 15. Kansans who would like to start their health insurance coverage effective January 1 must enroll by December 15. Health insurance purchased on the Marketplace between December 16 and January 15 will not begin coverage until February 1.

Rates listed in the report reflect the non-renewal of the enhanced subsidies by Congress after December 31, 2025.

For additional information on the 2026 Kansas Health Insurance Marketplace and open enrollment, please visit the Department’s website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/health-life/">insurance.kansas.gov/health-life</a>.

Department of Insurance releases 2026 overview of the Kansas Health Insurance Market

From&nbsp;November 2–8, Salina is joining communities across Kansas to celebrate the fifth annual&nbsp;Kansas Mobility Week, a statewide effort to promote accessible, safe and sustainable transportation options.

Local residents are invited to participate in a variety of activities, including:

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will officially recognize the week with a&nbsp;proclamation, underscoring the importance of connecting Kansans to jobs, healthcare, education, and recreation through accessible transportation.

"Kansas Mobility Week is about more than just buses and bikes—it’s about connecting communities, promoting health, and improving quality of life for all residents,"&nbsp;said Michelle Coats, Mobility Manager for North Central Kansas.&nbsp;"We invite everyone to get involved, try new ways to move, and celebrate the options available right here in our community."

Additional events and activities across Kansas can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ksrides.org/">www.ksrides.org</a>.

Kansas Mobility Week is an annual celebration of transportation options across the state, highlighting walking, biking, transit, and other mobility choices. Participating agencies host events, offer free rides, and engage the public to promote safe and accessible travel for all Kansans.

Community invited to participate in various activities throughout Kansas Mobility Week 

Kansas State Department of Education&nbsp;

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Education to align state and federal school accountability systems into a single, coherent model focused on student achievement and school improvement.

Kansas districts and schools currently operate under two separate systems: the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation framework and the federal Every Student Succeeds Act identification process. Both systems have the same goal of improving student outcomes, but the duplication increases administrative burden and creates confusion for districts. KSDE is seeking to streamline requirements so educators can focus their time and resources on student learning.

In a July 29, 2025,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ed.gov/dear-colleague-letters/july-29-2025">&nbsp;Dear Colleague letter</a>, the Education Department encouraged states to request “creative and effective waivers” that align federal programs with state priorities, maximize the impact of federal funds, and improve outcomes for students.

The waiver request submitted by Kansas would:

The waiver would provide the time necessary to bring state and federal accountability systems into alignment and create a single model of support that is clear, efficient, and focused on proven strategies for improving student outcomes.

“This is about coherence and stability,” said KSDE Deputy Commissioner Dr. Renee Nugent. “By aligning our state and federal systems, we are removing barriers and ensuring every Kansas school is working from the same set of goals. This unified approach allows educators to focus on what truly matters, supporting students and accelerating academic achievement.”

Schools currently identified under ESSA would:

Schools that meet exit criteria during the waiver period may exit identification. However, KSDE encourages schools to remain voluntarily to retain support and funding.

Schools that would have been newly identified will be invited to participate in a pilot program that aligns their existing KESA action plans with the new unified accountability system, without adding another federal designation during the transition.

KSDE believes this waiver will benefit students and educators by:

The waiver request is open for public comment. Kansans are encouraged to review the proposal and submit feedback at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Special-Education-and-Title-Services/Announcements-Special-Education-and-Title-Services">https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Special-Education-and-Title-Services/Announcements-Special-Education-and-Title-Services</a>

The U.S. Department of Education has 120 days from the date of submission to review the request and issue a decision.

If the waiver is not approved, KSDE will continue to meet all federal statutory requirements, including identifying schools under ESSA, while continuing its work to build a single accountability and improvement system that strengthens support for every Kansas school.

Kansas seeks federal waiver to create single accountability system, improve clarity for schools

Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas

Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK) will host its annual Festival of Trees fundraiser on Friday, November 21&nbsp;at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Salina Downtown (115 E Mulberry St).

The elegant evening event, themed&nbsp;Christmas Masquerade,&nbsp;begins at 6:00 pm and promises to be an unforgettable night of giving back to the community while supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Andrea Quill, CEO of DVACK, sat down to discuss the upcoming fundraiser and what attendees can expect from this year's celebration.

"Festival of Trees has become one of our most important fundraising events of the year," Quill explained. "It's an opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy a wonderful evening, and make a real difference in the lives of survivors and their families."

Tickets for the event are $150 per person and include a plated dinner and access to a premium open bar throughout the evening. Quill emphasized that the event offers excellent value while supporting a crucial cause. Attendees are encouraged to dress in cocktail attire or business casual, with the added festive touch of masks to complement the Christmas Masquerade theme.

Silent and Live Auctions Feature Unique Items

The highlight of the evening will be the silent and live auctions, featuring an impressive array of items donated by local businesses and community members. According to Quill, this year's auction inventory is particularly exciting.

"We have something for everyone," Quill said. "From beautiful artwork to stunning jewelry, household items that make perfect gifts, and of course, our signature decorated Christmas trees."

The themed Christmas trees have become a beloved tradition at Festival of Trees, with talented individuals creating uniquely decorated trees that attendees can bid on. Each tree showcases different themes and decorating styles, making them one-of-a-kind pieces that winners can take home to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

Christmas décor items will also be available for bidding, perfect for those looking to add festive touches to their homes or find unique gifts for loved ones.

Vacation Package and Concert Experience Up for Grabs

Among the premium auction items is a vacation package to Avon, Colorado, offering the winning bidder a getaway to one of the state's premier mountain destinations. The package provides an opportunity to experience breathtaking scenery and mountain town charm.

In a particularly special donation, the band Soul Preachers has contributed a private concert performance to the auction. The winning bidder will receive a show performed by the band at a private party of their choosing.

"The Soul Preachers donation is incredibly generous," Quill noted. "It's not often you can bid on having a live band perform at your own private event. We're so grateful for their support and creativity in contributing something truly unique."

50/50 Raffle Offers Additional Chance to Win

In addition to the auctions, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a 50/50 raffle throughout the evening. Half of the raffle proceeds will go to one lucky winner, while the other half will support DVACK's mission and programs.

When asked about the importance of events like the Festival of Trees, Quill became passionate about DVACK's mission and the community's role in supporting it.

"The funds raised at Festival of Trees directly support our shelter, our crisis hotline, our legal advocacy program, and all of our services for survivors," Quill explained. "Every dollar raised helps us provide safe housing, supportive counseling, support groups, and resources that help survivors rebuild their lives."

DVACK serves individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence throughout North Central Kansas. The organization operates a 24-hour crisis hotline, provides emergency shelter, and offers a range of outreach support services designed to help survivors achieve safety and independence.

"Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life," Quill said. "It doesn't discriminate based on income, education, or background. Our services are available to anyone who needs them, and events like this make that possible."

Quill emphasized that the success of Festival of Trees depends entirely on community support, both from those who donate items for the auction and those who attend the event.

"We're so fortunate to be part of a community that cares deeply about this issue," she said. "The generosity we see from local businesses, artists, and individuals who contribute to our auction is truly heartwarming. And when people choose to spend their evening with us, supporting our mission, it means everything."

Festival of Trees will take place on Thursday, November 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Salina Downtown.

Tickets are $150 per person and include a plated dinner, premium open bar, and participation in both the silent and live auctions.

For more information about purchasing tickets or to learn more about DVACK's programs and services, interested community members can contact DVACK at (785) 827-5862 or dvack@dvack.org.

"We hope to see a great turnout this year," Quill concluded. "It's going to be a beautiful evening, and every person who attends is making a direct impact on the lives of survivors in our community."

DVACK hosting elegant event for the purpose of supporting domestic violence survivors 

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Here is the lineup for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor &amp; Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA Salina for November 1:

- Vickee Spicer, Theatre Salina (news and updates)

- Chad Young, Salina Rescue Mission (Supporting community amidst Federal Gov. shutdown)

- Karen Babcock-Brassea, KWU Theatre Department and "Dracula"&nbsp;

- Michelle Peck, The Garage (new exhibits and new book)

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 with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro lineup, November 1

The <a href="https://www.kansasimpactcoalition.com/">Kansas Impact Coalition</a> (KIC) has added another location after starting the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d6c6228e-f18e-48b7-a1a6-d39278ed386c">Salina Fridge &amp; Freezer</a> to provide food those in need, amidst the Federal Government shutdown.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d6c6228e-f18e-48b7-a1a6-d39278ed386c">Salina Fridge &amp; Freezer starts at Bravo’s Sliders &amp; Bites</a>

According to Miranda Bachman of KIC, the additional location is at Salina Seventh-Day Adventist Church (834 N. Eleventh St.). This location&nbsp;will&nbsp;only be carrying&nbsp;have a fridge (for now) for people to be apart of a dignity-first model:

Those wishing to support, can donate fresh food for the fridge at this location. People can also leave non-perishable goods on top of the fridge as well.

- Other refrigerated food, drinks and goods

- Non perishable goods (leave on top of fridge)

Be sure to donate to the fridge and freezer at&nbsp;Bravo’s Sliders &amp; Bites, (1400 East Iron Avenue).&nbsp;The fridge and freezer will remain accessible 24 hours a day to anyone in the community at the Bravo's location. People can donate non-perishable goods at this location as well.

The fridge will remain accessible 24 hours at the church.

UPDATE: Another location announced for Salina Fridge and Freezer 

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 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

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 22 - October 24

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 20 - October 22

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 17 - October 19

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 15 - October 17

Three day weather forecast Salina, October 13 - October 15

JEFFERSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Saturday in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Taurus driven by&nbsp;Stewart, Loretta L.&nbsp;Stewart, 67, Nortonville, was southbound in the northbound lane of Kansas 4 Highway just north of 62nd Street. The car struck a northbound 2019 Dodge Journey driven by Phillip A. Webster, 27, Fort Riley, head-on.

Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene and ws transported to Barnett Family Funeral Home. EMS transported Webster and passengers in the SUV including Shianne K,&nbsp;Webster, 28, and a 2-month-old girl to Stormont Vail. EMS transported a 6-month-girl in the SUV to Children's Mercy. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman dead, 2 adults and 3 children injured in head-on crash

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/barack-obama">Barack Obama</a>&nbsp;is encouraging voters to elect Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-virginia-governor-utility-prices-electricity-a7b783d93da03faac900ef5514394f6f">governors in Virginia and New Jersey</a>&nbsp;in races this Tuesday to rebuke Donald Trump 10 months into his second presidency and a year ahead of midterm elections that could reshape it.

Obama's appearances Saturday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-spanberger-sherrill-virginia-new-jersey-trump-5869ac164d05f00f4ca07d7919e3960b">Abigail Spanberger</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-election-governor-general-assembly-dfc750b30bc129750437b6ad0b2afbec">Mikie Sherrill</a>&nbsp;contrast with Trump spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, leaving Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/earlesears-spanberger-virginia-governor-election-trump-4d12737fe5f1912039d247ff00a1d9b1">Winsome Earle-Sears</a>&nbsp;in Virginia and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-jersey-governor-immigration-ciattarelli-trump-sherrill-4802fd86c36b7d9d0e804efd6368ed05">Jack Ciattarelli</a>&nbsp;in New Jersey to campaign for themselves.

At the same time, California advocates made a final push ahead of a statewide referendum over whether to redraw the state’s congressional map in Democrats’ favor. The effort, backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, is part of a national redistricting battle that began when Trump urged GOP-run states to help him maintain a friendly House majority in 2026.

Obama praised Spanberger and Sherrill, center-left Democrats who helped their party win a U.S. House majority halfway through Trump's first presidency, as experienced figures who would improve voters' financial circumstances. Yet Obama, who remains Democrats' most popular figure nearly nine years removed from the White House, spent much of his time during separate rallies lambasting Trump for “lawlessness and recklessness” and “shambolic” economic policy. Obama urged voters to “set a glorious example for the nation” by rejecting nominees loyal to a president with “autocratic impulses.”

“The stakes are now clear,” Obama said in Virginia. “We don't need to speculate about the dangers to our democracy. We don't need to ask ourselves how much more coarse and mean our culture can become. Elections matter, and they matter to you.”

Obama took care not to blame voters who backed Trump in 2024 because of inflation and a roiled economy. But, he asked in New Jersey, “Has any of that gotten better for you?”

In some ways, it was standard partisan fare in the closing stretch of a campaign. Yet it stood out as an unusually intense rebuke of a sitting president by a predecessor and because Republicans offered little defense of Trump in their own campaign stops Saturday, instead trying to localize the off-year elections as much as possible.

On a bus tour across New Jersey, Ciattarelli referenced the president mostly to chide Sherrill for mentioning him so much, along with her experience as a Navy helicopter pilot.

“Her disdain for the president. And she can fly a helicopter. Is any of that going to fix New Jersey?” Ciattarelli said in suburban Westfield.

Earle-Sears did not mention Trump at all as she campaigned with term-limited Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “We are not going back,” she said, arguing for conservative continuity in Purcellville. “There's only darkness back there. Abigail Spanberger represents the darkness.”

Trump isn't on site, but he's been in the conversation

Trump endorsed Ciattarelli and has said — without naming Earle-Sears — that he backs her Virginia bid. He conducted a phone rally for Ciattarelli but has not campaigned in person for either nominee.

On Friday evening in south Florida, Trump attended a shindig at his resort with the theme “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody.” On Saturday, he headed to Trump International Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida, and is scheduled to attend a dinner for MAGA, Inc., a super PAC founded by allies. The president is due to return to Washington on Sunday.

Trump's arms-length approach reflects a complicated reality for Republicans: He remains intensely popular among the most conservative voters but has a more precarious standing with the rest of the electorate.

Some of their supporters greeted Ciattarelli and Earle-Sears wearing red “Make America Great Again" hats from Trump's campaigns. But the nominees stayed focused on state policies.

In suburban Westfield, Ciattarelli took selfies for about an hour and talked about proposals to lower energy costs and property taxes, among other ideas. His campaign also has concentrated on his family’s deep roots in the state and argued it’s time for a “Jersey guy” as governor. Sherrill was born in Virginia.

In multiple small-town stops, Earle-Sears promised to lower taxes, defend parents' ability to shape education policy and stave off unions and business regulations. “I'm for common sense,” she said in northern Virginia.

She has previously embraced Trump, while Ciattarelli has played up his good relationship with the White House.

Two Democrats take slightly different approaches to Trump

As she has been throughout the fall, Sherrill did not shy away from Trump and the national stakes.

“When everything seems to come down to our election, when people across the nation, look at me with fear and despair in their eyes and ask me, is New Jersey up for this moment? My answer was, ‘Hell yeah,’” she said in Newark.

Spanberger kept to her more circumspect style regarding Trump, pairing economic arguments against his policies with more opaque references to the president's moves that upend democratic norms.

“Virginia voters can and will send a message amid the recklessness and the heartlessness coming out of Washington,” she said ahead of Obama. She criticized “the political turmoil coming out of Washington right now” and introduced Obama by recalling “a time not that long ago ... when we had a president ... who worked to bring us together instead of tearing us apart.”

Still, according to AdImpact data, Spanberger's biggest advertising expenses are for spots that try to tie Earle-Sears to Trump.

The economy and shutdown overshadow the governor's races

Spanberger and Sherrill have both pledged to tackle rising consumer costs. In New Jersey, however, Ciattarelli has blamed Democrats for higher energy costs because outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy has been leading the state for two terms.

The Democrats have blasted Republicans' federal domestic policy and tax cut bill. Spanberger on Saturday criticized Trump's Department of Government Efficiency and the ongoing federal shutdown — both of which have a disproportionate impact in a state with more than 300,000 federal employees, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Earle-Sears has pinned the shutdown on Spanberger, arguing the former congresswoman should use her leverage with Virginia's Democratic U.S. senators. Both have voted against the GOP's spending extension bill as Democrats demand Republicans address looming health care cuts.

Additionally, the contests could offer some clues as to whether social issues carry any less weight with voters than in previous elections. Spanberger and Sherrill herald their support for abortion rights, Spanberger doing so in the last Southern state not to impose new restrictions or bans in recent years. Earle-Sears did not mention her opposition to abortion rights Saturday but has said repeatedly that Spanberger in an extremist on transgender rights — attacks similar to those that Trump wielded effectively against Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024.

___ Barrow reported from Atlanta. Catalini reported from Newark. Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report.

Obama blasts Trump ahead of Election Day 

CHAUTAUQA COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Saturday in&nbsp;Chautauqua County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy Silverado driven by Floyd E. Hull, 68, Sedan was southbound on Kansas Highway 99 approximately three miles south of Sedan.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield at U.S. 166. The pickup struck a westbound 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Gregory L.&nbsp;Hopper, 57, Myrtle, Missouri.

Hull was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Dickens Funeral Home. Hopper was not injured. Hull was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man killed in pickup, semi crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas felon charged in a deadly hotel shooting has admitted his responsibility for the crime.

In October, 22-year-old John Griffin&nbsp; pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter in the February 2024 shooting death of&nbsp;35-year-old Christopher Harrell and 35-year-old Natisha Phillips in a motel room&nbsp; in 7300 block of E. Kellogg in Wichita,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 9:30a.m. February 24, 2024,&nbsp; police were dispatched to a shooting call at a motel&nbsp; in the 7300 block of E. Kellogg, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located the two shooting victims in a motel room identified as Harrell and Phillips both of Wichita.

EMS transported Harrell to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Phillips was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Officers also located a young child at the scene, who was unharmed, and police used resources to address any psychological or medical needs for the child.&nbsp;Subsequent investigation led the arrest of Griffin 

Griffin&nbsp; had been in prison for portion of 2022 and 2023 after a conviction for Battery Juvenile Corrections Facility officer, Employer person confined, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. During his time his approximately 18 months in prison, Griffin had been disciplined nearly three dozen times for battery, theft, fighting and other crimes, according to the KDOC.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas felon with a violent history admits killing couple at hotel

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement arrested 79 people, including five related to homicides and 15 child predators during a citywide enforcement operation last week with federal partners, according to. social media report from the Kansas City office of the FBI. The child predators have been charged.

Efforts also targeted gang members and others related to violent crime.

In total, 79 arrests, 98 federal/state/municipal warrants cleared, 69 new charges issued, plus narcotics and cash seized.

Members of KCPD’s Special Investigations Division, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Gang Enforcement Squad, Illegal Firearms Squad, Crime Gun Intelligence Center, and SWAT teams were involved.

FBI Kansas City operation resulted in more than 6 dozen arrests

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 4a.m. Saturday in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Corvette driven by Jeremy Head, 41, Leavenworth, was eastbound in the 700 Block of Shawnee Street in Leavenworth.at a high rate of speed. The car went airborne, became unstable when it made contact with the roadway. The vehicle rotated and struck the curb, a tree and a building.&nbsp;

Head was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. EMS transported a passenger&nbsp;Margaret Spain, 32, Leavenworth to KU Medical Center. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead, woman injured in violent crash into a building

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cora-lewis">CORA LEWIS</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jobs-federal-reserve-aefac7cc9eb26d5cbf57c386a8f65839" rel="nofollow">cut its benchmark interest rate</a>&nbsp;by a quarter point Wednesday for the second time since September. Before that, it had gone nine months without a cut.

The federal funds rate is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another. While the rates consumers pay to borrow money aren’t directly linked to this rate, shifts affect what you pay for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, and other financial products.

“While the full economic impact of such a move will unfold over time, early indicators suggest that even modest rate cuts can have meaningful consequences for consumer behavior and financial health,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research at credit reporting agency TransUnion.

The Fed has two goals when it sets the rate: one, to manage prices for goods and services, and two, to encourage full employment. Typically, the Fed might increase the rate to try to bring down inflation and decrease it to encourage faster economic growth and increase hiring. The challenge now is that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-inflation-trump-prices-economy-wall-street-fed-consumers-280a2fd30de3bb44bd87cd0248082322" rel="nofollow">inflation is higher</a>&nbsp;than the Fed’s 2% target but the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-shutdown-trump-77afb7e7a6ef75c564f81cd611664271" rel="nofollow">job market has been weak</a>. The government shutdown has also prevented the collection and release of data the Fed relies on to monitor the health of the economy.

Still, the Fed has projected it will cut rates once more before the end of the year.

Interest on savings accounts won’t be as appealing

For savers, falling interest rates will slowly erode attractive yields currently on offer with certificates of deposit (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts.

Three of the top five high yield savings accounts had rate cuts after the last Fed rate cut in September, according to Ken Tumin, founder of DepositAccounts.com, while two of the big five banks (Ally and Discover/Capital One) cut their savings account rates. The top rates for high yield savings account right now remain around 4.46% to 4.6%.

Those are still better than the trends of recent years, and a good option for consumers who want to earn a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bank-accounts-economy-savings-dbf6c9d356de2349ec89ed9e3c99168c" rel="nofollow">return on money</a>&nbsp;they may want to access in the near-term. A high yield savings account generally has a much higher annual percentage yield than a traditional savings account. The national average for traditional savings accounts is currently 0.63%, according to Bankrate.

There may be a few accounts with returns of about 4% through the end of 2025, according to Tumin, but the Fed cuts will filter down to these offerings, lowering the average yields as they do.

For prospective homebuyers, the market has already priced in the rate cut.

“Mortgage rates, in particular, have responded swiftly,” said Raneri. “Just in the past week, they fell to their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mortgage-rates-housing-interest-financing-home-6dfe7db9f54eeee330cb8b669cab60ac" rel="nofollow">lowest level in over a year</a>. While mortgage rates don’t always move in lockstep with the Fed’s target rate — often pricing in anticipated future cuts, the continued easing of monetary policy may well push rates even lower.”

Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates said a declining interest rate environment will provide some relief for borrowers over time.

“Whether it’s a homeowner with a 7% mortgage or a recent graduate hoping to refinance student loans and credit card debt, lower rates can ease the burden on many indebted households by opening opportunities to refinance or consolidate,” he said.

Auto loans are not expected to decline soon

Americans have faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/cars" rel="nofollow">steeper auto loan rates</a>&nbsp;over the last three years after the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate starting in early 2022. Those are not expected to decline anytime soon. While a cut will contribute to eventual relief, it might be slow in arriving, analysts say.

“If the auto market starts to freeze up and people aren’t buying cars, then we may see lending margins start to shrink, but auto loan rates don’t move in lockstep with the Fed rate,” Kates said.

Prices for new cars remain at historically high levels, not adjusting for inflation.

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