An inspection report from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/">Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services</a> (CMS) on <a href="https://www.advenaclaycenter.com/">Advena Living of Clay Center</a>, revealed the reason why a total of 30 residents were evacuated from the nursing home.

According to the CMS report, an inspection conducted on Wednesday, August 6 revealed that 'mold' was present in 20 resident's room air conditioning vents, in the entryway of the facility, 4 empty rooms, a quiet room, the activity room and on the floors of west shower. During that time, the facility housed 30 residents and had only potentially 6 usable rooms, but did not have any signs of decontamination procedures in the occupied rooms that had mold.

The report further stated, the facility had 'not initiated an evacuation plan to mitigate the risk to the residents from the highly infectious mold.'

CMS stated the 'facility must establish and maintain an infection
prevention and control program designed to provide a
safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to help
prevent the development and transmission of
communicable diseases and infections.'

Furthermore, CMS sampled 20 residents, including 6 with impaired respiratory function.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d74d7a6f-1086-45f8-a8c7-6e54f2d7faf1">More questions than answers: State of Kansas evacuates nursing home residents in Clay Center</a>

Based on the observation, Advena 'failed to
take immediate actions to safely relocate residents
from mold-contaminated areas and failed to
decontaminate facility areas populated and used by
residents.'&nbsp;

During the inspection of every room, it was determined that a 'thick, black-colored mold growing in all rooms on the one hundred hall, rooms 101
through 115 (no room 114), and rooms 201 through 210 on
the two hundred hall.' The inspection further stated 'this deficient practice placed
all the residents in the facility in immediate jeopardy
and at risk for complications related to mold exposure.'

However, Advena staff attempted/offered to bring all residents to the living or dining room, but some residents chose to stay in their rooms.&nbsp;

As mentioned in the report, 'one resident&nbsp;laid in his
bed without a mask or any protective equipment with
personal items all around the room. 8-10 facility staff then proceeded to spray bleach water in the rooms with black colored mold in the air vents and coils... The&nbsp;staff
who were cleaning the air conditioning vents and coils
stated they were not trained on how to clean black
mold.'

Mold has the capability of causing health problems and producing allergens,&nbsp;(substances that can cause
allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases,
potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins), according to the report. Moreover, inhaling or
touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic
reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses
include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing,
runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).


CMS stated, allergic reactions to mold are common and they can be
immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. Additionally,&nbsp;mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin,
nose, throat and lungs of both mold allergic and
non-allergic people, according to the report.

Information has not been disclosed, as far as the exact locations of where the residents were relocated.

According to Cara Sloan-Ramos of the the<a href="https://www.kdads.ks.gov/">&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Department for Aging and Disability Services</a>&nbsp;(KDADS), KDADS cannot release any information on where the residents were relocated, due to 'privacy.' However, she stated all residents 'have been successfully relocated.'

According to the report, 'all residents were relocated to another facility on Thursday, August 7.'

Advena Living on Tenth (Topeka), Advena Living of Cherryvale and Advena Living of Fountainview (Rose Hill) all decided to leave "no comment" regarding the relocation of the residents.

Advena Living of Fountainview added they are not disclosing any information due to the<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html#:~:text=End%20Notes-,Introduction,public's%20health%20and%20well%20being."> Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996</a> (HIPAA). HIPAA, is a US federal law that sets national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information, ensuring the portability of health insurance between jobs and simplifying healthcare transactions.

Salina Post is currently awaiting responses from Advena Living of Bonner Springs, Clearwater and Woodlawn (Wichita).

UPDATE: Advena Clay Center residents evacuated due to mold, relocation unknown

&nbsp;Governor Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be lowered to half-staff from sunup to sundown on Thursday, September 11, 2025, to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

“We will never forget the horrific tragedy that occurred 24 years ago, taking the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans and injuring thousands more,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“In the face of a terrorist attack, we reflect on the valor and bravery demonstrated that day by our nation’s first responders, who saved the lives of many despite losing more than 400 of their own. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their selfless service and sacrifice.”

Governor directs flags flown half-staff in honor of 9/11

Salina Police arrested a Sedgwick man, after backing up traffic with a semi-truck.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday, September 8 at around 1:00 pm, a report was made about a semi-truck that was stopped in the middle of the road on the 600 block of S. Ohio. The driver of the semi was reportedly loading a vehicle, but had tow straps lying across one of the northbound lanes, causing traffic to back up.

Drivers who were backed up, asked the driver of the semi identified as 47-year old, Justin Scott (Sedgwick, KS) to move the straps. Scott reportedly did not do so, and one of the backed up drivers (who was a male) decided to exit their vehicle and move the straps.

When the man did so, Scott pushed him and placed the straps back on the driving lane. Scott then grabbed a pipe from the semi and raised it at the man, as if he was going to hit him with it.

The man then ran back to his vehicle and drove off. As he was driving away, Scott allegedly struck his vehicle near the truck area.

Officers arrived to the scene shortly after and arrested Scott. He was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:

Aggravated Assault, Battery and Criminal Damage to Property.

Damage to the victim's vehicle was estimated to be around $2,000.

Sedgwick man arrested after backing up traffic with semi-truck

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of its first Salina Business Expo, a dynamic new event designed to connect local businesses, entrepreneurs and the Salina community.

The Expo will take place on Thursday,&nbsp;September 18&nbsp;at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center (800 The Midway) from&nbsp;10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Free and open to the public, the Business Expo will showcase a diverse array of businesses from Salina and surrounding areas. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, discover local products and services and gain insight into the vibrant economic landscape of North Central Kansas.

“The Salina Business Expo is all about strengthening local connections,” said Renee Duxler, President and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, “This is an opportunity for businesses of all sizes to showcase what they do best and for residents to see just how much talent and innovation exists right here in Salina.”

• Exhibitor booths from over 70 local and regional businesses

• Presentations and performances throughout the day

• Photo booth for individuals, groups, and families to celebrate Salina

“This Expo will be more than just a trade show—it’s a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit and community pride that defines Salina,” said Hayley Rhodes, Business Development Director for the Chamber, “Whether you're a startup, a long-established company, or a resident simply curious about what Salina has to offer, this event is for you.”

For more information, visit <a href="http://www.salinakansas.org">www.salinakansas.org</a> or follow the Chamber on social media @SalinaChamber.

Chamber of Commerce to host first ever Salina Business Expo 

Male suspect turns himself in after allegedly assaulting another man inside a Salina home.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Friday, September 5 at around 5:00 pm, a male victim of assault reported to police that a man identified as 47-year old, Shaun Curtis (Abilene, KS) broke into their home on the 200 block of E. Minneapolis.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the victim knew Curtis and stated he had broken into the home because he was 'looking for a woman.' Once Curtis gained entry, he allegedly struck the victim&nbsp;multiple times in the face, causing a deep laceration above their eyebrow. 

Shortly after, Curtis left the home and was not found by SPD.

However on Monday, September 8, Curtis turned himself into the Saline County Jail where he was charged&nbsp;with Aggravated Burglary and Aggravated Battery.

The victim received medical treatment for their injuries at Salina Regional Health Center.

Suspect turns himself in after alleged domestic assault 

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 CHARGE: Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm; Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; No Proof Of Insurance; Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation

*No image available for&nbsp;Howell, Chase Allen*

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon; Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Criminal Damage to Property; Value Unknown

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 9

The construction of a new fire station for the Salina Fire Department (SFD) is taking steps in making upgrades before completion.

Just yesterday (Monday, September 8), SFD received approval from the Salina Commission to upgrade its current alerting system. According to SFD Chief Shane Pearson, this upgrade will provide automated dispatching features. These features will allow for an audible tone alert, followed by an electrical voice notification of emergency dispatch information.

These alerts will ramp up tone alerts, as well as activation of select station levels.

"This (alert system) will be adding to the current system we have in place and with the (new) station coming along, needing to install that alerting system into the new fire station is what this request was for," said Chief Pearson.

The total cost for upgrades of the alert system is $156,590.26, to be purchased by the City.

The new fire station located on the corner of E. Crawford and Markley is currently under construction, which is roughly 1/2 - 1/4 miles east of the current SFD station No.1.

"The construction process is moving right along and it's looking pretty nice," said Pearson.

Pearson stated a completion date for SFD fire station No.4 is expected May - June 2026.

New SFD station receives alert system upgrades before completion

Governor Kelly is seeking applicants to fill the district court judge position in the 18th Judicial District, which is composed of Sedgwick County. The governor received official notice of this vacancy from the Clerk of the Appellate Courts on Wednesday, September 3.&nbsp;

The vacancy is due to the passing of Judge Bruce Brown.

Individuals wishing to apply should email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:judicialapplications@ks.gov">judicialapplications@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;for application materials.

Applicants must submit materials by Friday,&nbsp;October 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;

District court judges in the 18th Judicial District are elected and serve four-year terms. Consistent with K.S.A. 25-312a, the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve until a successor is elected and qualified at the next general election to serve the remainder of the unexpired term.&nbsp;

Governor seeking to fill vacant Sedgwick Co. judge position, applications now available

SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Genesis G70 driven by Xzavius Lee-Wayne&nbsp; Stewart, 21, Wichita, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Niles Road. The vehicle hydroplaned, went into a spin, entered the north ditch and struck the embankment.&nbsp;

&nbsp;EMS transported Stewart to&nbsp;Salina Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. man hospitalized after vehicle hydroplanes

The US National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Saline County, that has officially taken into effect now and will remain until Wednesday of this week.

According to Saline County Emergency Management, water levels for rivers and creeks have continued to rise from Monday's heavy rainfall. It was estimated between 4 to 10 inches of rain have already fallen across the county, leading to&nbsp;flooded roadways in Brookville&nbsp;and&nbsp;many rural routes that are waterlogged or impassable.

Additional rainfall is expected to occur late tonight (Monday, September 8) into Tuesday morning.&nbsp;Scattered showers and storms are possible, mainly east of Saline County.

Moreover, additional showers and storms are expected to develop from the west on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, bringing extra heavy rainfall.

Then late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, another round of storms are possible.

Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, allow extra time for commutes and use alternate routes where needed.

Expected to crest at 26.5 feet late tonight into Tuesday afternoon (Moderate Flood Stage). At this level, widespread agricultural flooding is expected. If high flow continues on the Saline River, water could back up on Mulberry Creek, flooding properties including the KOA campground.

Expected to crest at 26.6 feet late Wednesday morning or early afternoon (Minor Flood Stage).

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>.

UPDATE: Flood warning issued through Wednesday in Saline County

$19.00 to $20.00 Per Hour (depends on experience)

Full-Time (40 Hour) and Part-Time (28 Hour) Positions Available

• Full-Time Position Includes Health Benefit and Retirement Match

• have a personal relationship with Jesus

• be willing and able to serve our students in faith development

• be willing and able to provide academic support to our students

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; during the school day

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; after school daily

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; occasional (not frequent) evenings&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; occasional (not frequent) hours on weekends

• be a licensed driver with a good driving record

To apply, please call (785) 827-2028 or via email to office@thecityonthenet.com

UPDATE: Central KS storms continue past noon

W. Old 40 Highway between S. Reese and S. Wyman roads in Saline County, are reportedly closed due to flooding.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has placed road-closed barricades on W. Old 40 Highway between S. Reese and S. Wyman due to flooding.

The Sheriff's Office will update Salina Post once the highway reopens.

Flooding causes Saline County highway to close

<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, September 8 - September 10

Cold temperatures are expected during the evening hours this weekend, with lows in the 40s.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), after a cold front passed through Central Kansas on early Friday morning, evening lows for tonight and Saturday evening are expected to be from 48-56 degrees.

Temperatures tonight and Saturday evening drop 20-25 degrees below normal, with highs in the 60s for Friday.

Temperatures dropping to the 40s during the evening hours this weekend

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 5 - September 7

Possibilities of scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this evening.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), these storms will gradually increase from the west later tonight and persist through early to mid-evening on Friday. Pockets of heavy rainfall are likely, with a few isolated storms capable of dime to nickel size hail.

Salina has a 68% chance of showers and thunderstorms for tonight.

Another round of thunderstorms anticipated throughout Central Kansas tonight

A round of severe storms are expected to occur later this evening on Wednesday, September 3 in Salina.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), widely scattered storms are anticipated to occur in Salina from the hours of 4:00 - 7:00 pm. These storms reportedly are expected to develop in Central Kansas, move south and east throughout the evening and nighttime hours.

Accordingly, +2 inch sized hail and 60-70 mph wind gusts are possible.&nbsp;

The US National Weather Service advises you to a plan ahead if you have outdoor activities late this afternoon or early this evening of Wednesday.

Severe storms expected Wednesday evening in Salina

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 3 - September 5

A series of showers and possible thunderstorms, along with mild temperatures are expected for this week.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) showers are expected to occur throughout the morning of Tuesday, September 2nd, Wednesday, Thursday evening and into the morning of Friday.

Mild temperatures are anticipated as well. The hottest day of the week being Wednesday with highs ranging from 83-90 degrees. 

Highs of 72-80 are expected for Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Series of showers along with mild temperatures expected for this week

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump says new guidance on school prayer is expected soon.

The president made the announcement Monday during remarks at a meeting of the White House Religious Liberty Commission. He said the Education Department will issue new guidance “protecting the right to prayer in our public schools.”

Public schools have been barred from leading students in classroom prayer since 1962, when the Supreme Court said it violated the First Amendment. But the Education Department has long promoted guidance saying students can pray together during lunch and other free times.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/897f550e2d5b809acaeffdf489aa62c9">issued revised guidance</a>&nbsp;on the topic in 2020 that largely mirrored what was already on the books. Former President Joe Biden’s administration made minor changes in 2023, saying schools can take “reasonable steps” to ensure students aren’t pressured to participate in prayer.

During his campaign in 2023, Trump said he would support “bringing back prayer to our schools.

Trump administration announces ‘America Prays’ initiative

During the president’s speech, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner detailed plans to infuse prayer with celebrations of the United States’ 250th anniversary next year.

He said the “America Prays” initiative would try to get 1 million people a week to pray for the country.

“This about the miracles that would take place over the next year,” Turner said.

When Turner finished, Trump finished his speech and said “we will never apologize for our faith.”

President Trump: New guidance on school prayer expected soon

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating one of several weekend homicides in Wichita have made an arrest after a standoff.

The Sedgwick County Fugitive Warrant Section deputies located the suspect identified according to county booking records as James R. Standefer on Monday afternoon at an apartment complex in the 7100 block of W. Shade Lane in Wichita, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office.

As a precaution, deputies briefly evacuated or sheltered residents in the complex.&nbsp; The SWAT team was called to the complex. After a short standoff, Standefer surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody at 5:40 p.m.

Just before 3 a.m. Sunday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received an automated crash detection alert from a mobile device in the area in the 7700 Block of South Broadway near Haysville, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt.

 Haysville Police officers, along with Sedgwick County EMS and Fire District 1, responded and located an SUV that had crashed into a tree.

Inside the vehicle, first responders found 43-year-old Jesse Dean Rau of Haysville suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where he later died. A female passenger sustained minor injuries from the crash.

Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe at least three individuals were inside the SUV when a disturbance occurred, during which Rau was shot by another occupant.

 The SUV then left the roadway and struck a tree. The suspected shooter, believed to be Stadefer ran from the scene. He remains jailed on requested charges of first degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

Homicide arrest: Kan. man in SUV crash found with gunshot wound

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas' leadership in Qatar on Tuesday as they considered a U.S. proposal for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip</a>. The strike on the territory of a U.S. ally marked a stunning escalation and risked upending talks aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-09-08-2025-e91a0c8d415b489d5a8da42501cfc366">winding down the war</a>&nbsp;and freeing hostages.

Qatar, an energy-rich U.S. ally hosting thousands of American troops, has served as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas for several years, even before the war. It condemned what it referred to as a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms" as smoke rose over its capital, Doha.

It was not immediately clear if anyone was hurt in the strike. Hamas has survived numerous assassinations of top leaders and is still intact in Gaza, despite having suffered major blows since the outbreak of the war triggered by its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

The future of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-offensive-gaza-city-ceasefire-2521a7370ab1cd32cbf28943cc8d542e">the long-stalled ceasefire talks</a>&nbsp;was more uncertain, as Israel gears up for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-gaza-offensive-netanyahu-explainer-614c49ba068155488e67731fdabafce4">a major offensive aimed at taking over Gaza City</a>. That escalation has been met with heavy international condemnation and opposition within Israel from those who fear it will doom the remaining hostages.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, saying "all parties must work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire, not destroying it.”

Israel had long threatened Hamas in Qatar

Israel has long threatened to strike Hamas leaders wherever they are. While it has often welcomed Qatar's role as a mediator, alongside Egypt, it has also accused the Gulf nation of not putting enough pressure on the group.

In contrast to previous Israeli operations against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-ismail-haniyeh-killed-tehran-hamas-2d16ae7ed668b954ac0e7a53eaf92671">senior militants abroad</a>, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to publicly claim the strike, saying: “Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it and Israel takes full responsibility."

He said the decision was taken Monday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-jerusalem-shooting-a71a30ef7eaeb7a350acc1ca42e0424d">a shooting attack in Jerusalem</a>&nbsp;that killed six people and an attack on Israeli forces in Gaza that killed four soldiers.

In a statement after the strike on Doha, which didn't specifically name Qatar, Israel's military said Hamas' leaders were “directly responsible for the brutal October 7th massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel.”

The military said it used “precise munitions and additional intelligence” in the strike, without elaborating. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss details beyond the statement, confirmed the strike targeted Hamas.

Qatar condemned what it referred to as a “cowardly Israeli attack” on Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari called it a “flagrant violation of all international laws and norms" and said Qatar “will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior.”

The U.S. Embassy in Qatar said that it had instituted a shelter-in-place order for its facilities.

Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump said he was giving his “last warning” to Hamas regarding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-offensive-gaza-city-ceasefire-2521a7370ab1cd32cbf28943cc8d542e">a possible ceasefire</a>, as the U.S. advanced a new proposal that Arab officials said included the immediate release of all the hostages.

A senior Hamas official called it a “humiliating surrender document,” but the militant group said it would discuss the proposal and respond within days.

An Egyptian official said the strike came when a meeting by Hamas officials over the talks had been scheduled for the site. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, because he wasn’t authorized to talk to reporters.

The proposal, presented by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, calls for a negotiated end of the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza once the hostages are released and a ceasefire is established. That's according to Egyptian and Hamas officials familiar with the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door discussions.

Hamas has said it will only release the remaining 48 hostages, around 20 of them believed to be alive, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu has rejected those terms, saying the war will continue until all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed, with Israel maintaining open-ended security control over Gaza.

Mediators had previously focused on brokering a temporary ceasefire and the release of some hostages, with the two sides then holding talks on a more permanent truce. Witkoff walked away from those talks in July, after which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-talks-trump-f3d4c2e92fa59452954e799a75705861">Hamas accepted a proposal</a>&nbsp;that the mediators said was almost identical to an earlier one that Israel had approved.

The war in Gaza has already left Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/genocide-scholars-israel-gaza-war-9b24a48075b1d150b9bba8a8ae911cd2">increasingly isolated internationally</a>, with even many of its Western allies calling for it to end the war and do more to address the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-hunger-israel-ceasefire-a5f88e20db2a5c4f754117de9bdada69">parts of which are experiencing famine</a>.

Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates' foreign minister, expressed “full solidarity with our dear Qatar" shortly after the attack.

The United Arab Emirates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-09-03-2025-15a7856a92d4663527598e46dd91b789">recently warned Israel</a>&nbsp;that any move to annex the occupied West Bank would threatened the Abraham Accords, a landmark agreement brokered by Trump during his first term in which the two nations normalized relations.

Trump hopes to expand those accords to include regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia, but those prospects have dimmed as the war has ground on.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman described the strike as a “criminal act and a flagrant violation of international law" in a phone call with Qatar's ruler.

Josef Federman reported from Jerusalem. Samy Magdy contributed to this report from Cairo.

Israel targets Hamas leadership in attack on ally of the United States

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in. Topeka have made an arrest.

Just after 7:30a.m. September 1, police responded to a shooting&nbsp;in the 100 block of NW Holman Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell. First responders located 30-year-old Cody Bush of Topeka with&nbsp;life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

As a result of the investigation, police announced Monday they arrested 42-year-old Justin Shumway, 42, of Topeka. He is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Robbery.

Police: Kansas man jailed for robbery, murder

Attorney General Kris Kobach says Kelly is breaking state, federal law

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a lawsuit Monday against Gov. Laura Kelly to force disclosure to federal officials of names, Social Security numbers, birthdates and home addresses for everyone enrolled in SNAP.

Kobach said he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=24636&amp;t=638929457500168275" target="_blank">filed a motion in Shawnee County District Court</a>&nbsp;to compel the Democratic governor to comply with his interpretation of state and federal statute on sharing information sought by the federal government. The Republican attorney general said he chose to act before a Sept. 19 deadline that could lead to loss of $10.4 million in federal aid to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

SNAP serves 188,000 Kansans and makes use of $400 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funds annually.

Kobach said it was rare for an attorney general to directly file suit against a governor, but he felt compelled to do so for the second time in three years because “when a governor flagrantly violates the law it is necessary for the state, represented by its attorney general, to take action.”

“She appears to be playing a game of chicken, apparently unaware of her obligation under Kansas statute and perhaps also unaware that federal law requires her to provide this information,” Kobach said.

Kobach said he didn’t have a personal conversation with the governor in an attempt to resolve the conflict prior to filing the suit. He was joined at the news conference by House Speaker Dan Hawkins, who advised the governor capitulate to the Trump administration’s requests.

“Attorney General Kobach and Speaker Hawkins are engaging in what can only be described as low-rent political theater,” the governor said. “We learned last week that the attorney general made vague statements about suing me in Alaska. My chief of staff made requests to both the attorney general and speaker for meetings to discuss this issue on Friday, and both declined to meet.”

“Now, in a rushed press conference rife with false statements and incorrect law, we learn there is going to be a lawsuit filed. A copy of which my office has yet to receive,” said Kelly, who is chair of the Democratic Governors Association. “The attorney general is known for not doing his homework or placing priority on protecting Kansans’ private data. I have always worked to protect Kansans, especially from federal overreach, and I will continue to do so.”

For several months, USDA has applied pressure on Laura Howard, secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, to divulge all personal data in its possession on SNAP recipients. USDA indicated the information could be used for about a dozen purposes, including an attempt to figure out why about 10% of the people awarded SNAP benefits in Kansas might not be eligible.

Howard, who also was named in Kobach’s lawsuit, told the USDA the state was leery of contributing to a federal database that could be shared with entities not “legally allowed to access that information.”

Kobach said existence of a California lawsuit challenging a federal data request shouldn’t be used by Kelly to justify refusing to cooperate in Kansas. The Kelly administration also endorsed a multistate lawsuit in Massachusetts challenging demands placed on states by the administration of President Donald Trump.

“The idea that a random lawsuit of dubious merit in a distant jurisdiction … somehow allows a governor in another state to refuse to follow the law — that’s crazy,” Kobach said. “Her argument is lawless and absurd.”

Kobach was joined at a news conference by Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi and Hawkins, both Republicans from Wichita.

“The Department for Children and Families must comply with the law and cooperate with the federal government,” Blasi said. “The governor’s refusal to comply with this law jeopardizes benefits for our most needy Kansans.”

Hawkins said he was confounded that the Kelly administration had an elevated error rate in distribution of SNAP benefits.

“The governor is stonewalling,” Hawkins said. “When the secretary refuses to provide the data, she is not only dodging accountability but also breaking the law.”

Kobach said he wanted a district court judge in Shawnee County to expedite the lawsuit to prevent interruption of federal funding earmarked for SNAP. He said the petition submitted to the district court pointed to state law requiring the governor to cooperate in the administration of food stamps and to comply with requests for information on the program. U.S. law sets a system for penalizing states for noncompliance.

“For anyone thinking that the Trump administration is doing this because they just got a wild hair and decided, ‘You know what, let’s go after the states on this.’ No, this is required by federal statute,” the attorney general said.

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