Artists from across the region are headed to Arkansas City, Kansas for a Cowboy Poetry weekend event this October.

For the second year in a row, cowboy poets from Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas will come together to celebrate cowboy culture. This free event will run from October 11-12 at Rivers Eagle Bar &amp; Grill (31332 61st Lane South, Arkansas City, KS).

A self proclaimed "cowgirl poet and crazy goat lady," Mary Powell is one of the performers at this year's event. Previously the 2023 Humorous Division cowboy poet for the state of Kansas, Powell lives in the world of cowboy poetry.

"Cowboy poetry is poetry that rhymes. It breaks the rules of English grammar. It is all focused on the cowboy way of life: agriculture, patriotism, God, gun and country type stuff," Powell explained. "We share our beliefs and our way of life through our poetry and stories."

Powell went on to say, "If there is anybody out there who fancies themselves a cowboy poet who has a poem about the cowboy way of life that rhymes, we are more than happy to have you come along."

Arkansas City holds cowboy poetry event

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Behling, Zachariah Martin

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime; Aggravated kidnapping; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Robbery

NAME:&nbsp;Burciaga Aguirre, Eduardo

REQUESTED CHARGES: Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Defective tail lamps; Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity; Operate a MV w/o a valid license

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Driving While Suspended; Improper driving on laned roadway; No Proof Of Insurance; Speeding; maximum limits

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 14

Central Kansas Mental Health Center

Central Kansas Mental Health Center (CKMHC) marks two years of the Co-Responder Program during National Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week, September 14–20, 2025. 

This week honors the essential work of co-responders and crisis responders in Salina, who provide immediate support to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis while strengthening the community’s overall safety and wellbeing.&nbsp;

Mental health and substance use challenges can lead to homelessness, incarceration, and emergency room visits, which are more intrusive and costly for communities than earlier interventions and connections to behavioral health services. National data show that one in four people with a mental illness have been arrested, and individuals with serious mental illness are significantly more likely to experience law enforcement encounters that escalate or involve the use of force. These realities highlight the urgent need for compassionate intervention and stronger connections to care.&nbsp;

To address this need, Central Kansas Mental Health Center, the Salina Police Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, and Saline Fire Department launched the Co-Responder Program in September 2023, supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act funding through Saline County. This partnership places behavioral health professionals alongside law enforcement officers, ensuring that people in crisis receive immediate support, compassionate care, and connection to longer-term services.&nbsp;

“The Co-Responders have supported individuals with a wide range of needs, not just mental health. People have received help with VA assistance, shelter, food, and clothing,” shared Officer Chris Venables of the Salina Police Department. “I have seen them spend countless hours assisting people. Without their efforts and compassion, many would fall through the cracks and never get the help they need. They also help law enforcement officers and EMS personnel find solutions that, in the past, might have only resulted in jail or a hospital visit.”&nbsp;

In just two years, the program has impacted over 1000 individuals, expanded with the addition of a second co-responder in 2024, and has played a vital role in training first responders. The co-responder team helps lead Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainings, which equip officers with de-escalation skills and practical knowledge about mental health. These efforts reduce the need for force and increase the likelihood that individuals in crisis are referred to appropriate care rather than entering the criminal justice system.&nbsp;

Undersheriff Brent Melander of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the program’s impact: “The CKMHC Co-Responder program has been invaluable in assisting deputies during mental health crises and ensuring follow-up with families. Co-Responders often meet with family members after an incident to provide guidance on next steps, answer difficult questions, and connect them with resources. Their partnership helps law enforcement support individuals and families in ways we could not do alone.”&nbsp;

In recognition of National Co-responder and Crisis Responder Week, CKMHC extends gratitude to all crisis responders in our community—including co-responders, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and crisis line staff—whose service makes a lasting difference for individuals and families across Salina.

If someone is experiencing a behavioral health crisis that poses an immediate risk to safety, call 911. Community members can inform dispatch that the situation may involve a mental health concern and request a CIT-trained officer or co-responder to respond. For ongoing support or non-emergency behavioral health needs, individuals may also contact CKMHC directly at (785) 823-6322 or the 988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline.

CKMHC recognizes Co-responder and crisis responder week

ABILENE - The Memorial Health System (MHS) Volunteer Corps has once again been recognized with the Gold Award of Excellence from the Hospital Auxiliaries of Kansas – marking their 31st consecutive year receiving this distinguished honor.&nbsp;

To qualify for the award, volunteer groups must meet 15 requirements each year. The MHS Volunteer Corps fulfilled these by engaging in a variety of impactful activities, including:&nbsp;

· Hosting fundraisers such as the Purse-A-Palooza Silent Auction, Scrub Hub,&nbsp;

SUNdae FUNdraiser, and the popular Collective Goods lobby sale&nbsp;

· Supporting health career scholarships&nbsp;

· Promoting National Volunteer Week&nbsp;

Jenny Stuck, MHS Volunteer Services Manager, commended the Corps for their achievement.&nbsp;

“We have the most amazing volunteers!” Stuck said. “Meeting the Gold Award requirements every year shows the level of commitment our volunteers have to Memorial Health System and our community, which is truly remarkable. Each and every volunteer plays a role in the success and strength of the Volunteer Corps.”&nbsp;

For more information on becoming a volunteer at Memorial Hospital, please contact Jenny Stuck, MHS Volunteer Services Manager, at 785-263-6692.

Memorial Health System Volunteer Corps receives 31st Gold Award of Excellence

The Friends of the River Foundation is excited to announce the annual "Fall Fix-Up 2025," set for Saturday, October 4th, from 8:00 am to noon.

This cherished community event brings Salina residents together to improve and beautify key areas of our city through hands-on volunteer projects.

Volunteers of all ages are invited to take part in activities at multiple locations around Salina. Tools and snacks will be provided. 

Participants are encouraged to dress in clothes suitable for outdoor work and projects that may get messy. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Ashby House (143 S. 8th St.) – Campus clean-up, sheetrock hanging, painting, yard work, apartment prep, and storm window installation.

City of Salina – Storm Drain Project (336 S. Santa Fe Ave., The Temple parking lot) – Install medallions to raise awareness about trash in waterways.

CHDO (748 Duvall Ave.) – Repair and paint sheds, stain/paint porches and decks, and trim or remove overgrown trees, vines, and shrubs.

Friends of the River – Smoky Hill River (YMCA parking lot, park at Kenwood Cove) – Remove invasive plants and clean up trash along the river.

North Town District Mounted Patrol &amp; Rescue Squad (1020 W. North St.) – Trim shrubs, pull weeds, and clean landscaping.

5 Corners (N. 9th &amp; Broadway/Pacific intersection) – Trim shrubs and clean landscaping.

Little Library Storage – Waddle’s Heating &amp; Cooling (346 N. 9th St.) – Organize and box books by category.

Salina Downtown (Strand Plaza, 118 S. Santa Fe – parking in back) – Refresh planter pots, add mulch, tie ribbons on grasses, and sweep/clean benches and planters along Santa Fe.

Salina Food Bank (255 S. Chicago) – Garden clean-up, landscaping, weeding, shelf cleaning, and a Christmas project.

Salina Rescue Mission (1716 Summers Rd.) – Clean garden beds, refresh prayer garden, weatherproof wooden posts, assist with painting, and move supplies between floors.

The Temple (336 S. Santa Fe, north red door) – Cleaning and painting.

City of Salina – Free Landfill Day (4292 S. Burma Rd.) – Free disposal from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm (loads must be covered or secured).

The Friends of the River Foundation encourages all community members to join in this meaningful day of service. Fall Fix-Up is a great way to meet neighbors, give back, and take pride in keeping Salina a beautiful place to live. 

Sign-up to volunteer at For more information, please contact Jane at janea@smokyhillriver.org or (785) 493-8491.

Friends of the River invites community for annual "Fall Fix-Up"

From Kansas soil to Kosovo's frontlines, retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Hector A. Vasquez has devoted more than four decades to serving the Kansas Army National Guard. 

On September 6, Kansas State University formally recognized Vasquez's distinguished military career by presenting him with the 2025 Kansas State University Medal for Military Excellence.

Vasquez was presented with the commemorative medal by President Richard Linton during a first-quarter public ceremony at the K-State vs. Army football game, recognizing his exemplary military service and commitment to living out the university's mission of service to Kansas. Vasquez was also recognized during a private ceremony on July 21, where he received a certificate from Executive Vice President for External Engagement and Chief of Staff Marshall Stewart in front of family and friends.

Raised in&nbsp;Topeka, Vasquez has been a Wildcat fan since his teenage years. He began his college studies at K-State in fall 1977 but paused his education after just one semester to enlist in the Kansas Army National Guard, later returning to earn his bachelor's degree in social sciences in 2010.

Before his first uniformed military appointment, Vasquez served as a civilian technician, holding nine different positions in the Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Topeka. During his military service, Vaquez held nine military assignments, served three deployments — Bosnia 1996, Iraq 2004-2005 and Kosovo 2007-2008 — completed 28 military education courses and received a total of 34 awards, decorations and badges.

Vasquez's dedication extends far beyond his military service to every aspect of his life, including his love for K-State. A strong supporter of K-State Athletics, Vasquez and his family have contributed to the Ahearn Fund since 2018 and hold football season tickets and regularly attend men's basketball, women's basketball and baseball games.&nbsp;

"My dad really embodies what it means to be a K-Stater and is the best representation of our K-State family," said Whitney Vasquez, his daughter. "He has received many distinguished honors in his military career, but nothing means more to him than being recognized by his K-State family as a veteran, patriot, family man and die-hard Wildcat fan."

The Kansas State University for Military Excellence, coordinated by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/">Office of External Engagement</a>, is the most prestigious military-related award that K-State grants. The award honors those who have showcased exemplary leadership, vision and service to the country while remaining committed to Kansas State University and its land-grant mission.

Decorated Kansas Army National Guard veteran honored with K-State's most prestigious military-related award

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact; Interfere w/ LEO; unknown circumstance; Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 13

Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/">McCain Performance Series</a>&nbsp;will showcase an extraordinary musical collaboration featuring banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck, harpist Edmar Castañeda and drummer Antonio Sánchez on Sunday, September 28, in an evening of cross-genre artistry.

The ensemble is led by 19-time Grammy Award winner Fleck, whose groundbreaking career spans from his beginning work with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones to collaborations with jazz legend Chick Corea and a bold reinterpretation of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." 

For decades, Fleck has redefined the banjo's boundaries, breaking past traditional bluegrass scores and into the genres of jazz, classical, world music and more.

Joining him is Colombian-born jazz harpist Castañeda, celebrated for fusing Latin rhythms and modern jazz expression with classical performance. Known for leading acclaimed ensembles and collaborating with renowned artists including Hiromi, Paquito D'Rivera and Grégoire Maret, Castañeda brings the spirit of his native country to global stages.

Completing the trio is five-time Grammy Award-winning drummer Sánchez, best known for his innovative work with the group Bad Hombre and his Golden Globe-nominated percussion score for the acclaimed 2014 film "Birdman." 

The Mexico City native has performed alongside guitar master Pat Metheny and jazz legends including Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Charlie Haden and Michael Brecker.

Together, the trio will perform original compositions — including selections from their collaborative album "BEATrio" — blending rhythm, melody and fun into an unforgettable performance.

For discount details, contact the ticket office. Additional information is available at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mccain@k-state.edu">mccain@k-state.edu</a>.

Béla Fleck trio to bring genre-blending performance to McCain Auditorium

Kansas Trails Inc. has announced the launch of the first-ever Ride for Resilience (R4R), a 30-day, 700-mile cycling journey across Kansas trails to raise awareness and funds for both GO2 for Lung Cancer and Kansas Trails Inc.

From September 15 to October 15, Mike Scanlon, Executive Director of Kansas Trails Inc., will ride across 60 trails and 50 Kansas towns, sharing stories of survival, community, and resilience.

Along the way, he hopes to meet cancer survivors, fighters and trail enthusiasts who will join him in celebrating the power of trails and the strength of the human spirit.

“Trails are more than paths through the prairie; they are lifelines for small towns, strengthening connections and boosting local economies,” said Scanlon. “This ride is about resilience—in lung cancer treatments that extend lives and research that opens new possibilities, in the riders who bike our trails, and in the rural communities those trails connect.”

Scanlon, who was diagnosed in March 2024 with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), credits a rare biomarker (EGFR Exon 19 deletion) and targeted therapy (Tagrisso by AstraZeneca) for keeping him among the small fraction of NSCLC patients currently with No Evidence of Disease (NED). While his own battle continues, he is determined to use his journey to inspire others and to bring awareness to the need for wider biomarker testing and cancer research.

The fundraising goal for Ride 4 Resilience is $75,000, shared equally between GO2 for Lung Cancer and Kansas Trails Inc. Two anonymous donors have pledged to match every dollar up to $20,000, doubling the impact of contributions.

Daily highlights will be shared on social media throughout the ride, with opportunities for local communities to participate as the tour passes through their towns.

“This is more than a ride,” Scanlon added. “It’s about leaving our communities not less, but better and more beautiful than we found them. If I can help one person with lung cancer or brighten one Kansas town, it will be the greatest gift I can offer.”

Donate: <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/ride-for-resilience-r4r-help-us-make-a-difference">https://www.gofundme.com/f/ride-for-resilience-r4r-help-us-make-a-difference</a>

Follow the journey: Facebook: @kstrails | Instagram: @kstrails | LinkedIn: kansas-trails-inc/

Kansas man to ride 60 trails around the state to raise funds for lung cancer

MCPHERSON - The Evaline Hess Healthcare Careers Education Scholarship Committee is proud to announce that 19 scholarships have been awarded to students pursuing careers in healthcare.

Each year, the committee reviews applications from both new candidates and returning awardees, with eligibility for up to four years of support. The program is made possible through the collaboration of the Scholarship Committee and McPherson Hospital, honoring the legacy of George and Evaline Hess, whose generosity has had a lasting impact on healthcare education in McPherson.

Established in 1980, the Evaline Hess Healthcare Careers Education Scholarship has helped generations of students by providing financial assistance for health-related education. Scholarships are awarded in three categories: initial entry into healthcare, career advancement, and updates in technical training. Through these awards, the committee aims to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The charitable Evaline Hess Healthcare Careers Education Fund is administered by the McPherson County Community Foundation and continues to welcome additional gifts in support of its mission.

Students interested in applying for the 2026 scholarships should contact Tara Williams at McPherson Hospital in late January 2026 at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:taras@mcphersonhospital.org">taras@mcphersonhospital.org</a>.

Evaline Hess Healthcare Careers Education Scholarship awards 19 scholarships to local students

Schools across Kansas have an exciting opportunity to unite around the shared goal of student health through the Healthy Habits for Life grant program available now at <a href="http://bcbsks.com/hhfl">bcbsks.com/hhfl</a>.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation is offering up to $200,000 in grants to assist schools in implementing programs that promote healthy lifestyle choices to their K-12 students. These school-based programs must address at least one of four criteria: reduce cardiovascular risk, increase physical activity, learn healthy eating habits, and reinforce positive mental health among students.

Since its creation in 2005, the Healthy Habits for Life grant program has awarded more than $2 million through more than 2,000 grants. School personnel have used past grant dollars to educate students on healthy portion sizes, begin a daily walking program for students before or after school, invest in equipment for physical education classes and much more.

“Healthy Habits for Life grants give schools the tools they need to help kids be active, eat well and take care of their minds. These grants are more than money – they’re an investment in our future,” said Marlou Wegener, Chief Operating Officer of the BCBSKS Foundation. “By helping students build healthy habits now, we’re preparing strong, confident leaders who can make Kansas a healthier place for everyone.”

Healthy Habits for Life grants are available in the service area of the BCBSKS Foundation, which includes all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. The maximum grant amount is $2,000 and grants are limited to one per school but&nbsp;multiple schools within a district can apply.

Applications must be received no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, October 10, with the funds distributed in mid-December. Grant recipients may use the funds for programs offered during the 2026 calendar year.

School nurses, physical education, health and family and consumer science teachers, athletic directors, principals and other school administrators are encouraged to visit <a href="http://bcbsks.com/hhfl">bcbsks.com/hhfl</a> for a program overview, application and tip sheet.

Kansas schools invited to apply for grants to champion student health and wellness

<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, September 12 - September 14

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 10 - September 12

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).

UPDATE: Flood warning issued through Wednesday in Saline County

Storms from this morning throughout Central KS are expected to now continue past noon.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) the scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout Central KS are expected to now continue past noon on Monday.

The National Weather Service also expects a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms to occur tonight in Salina.

Please be aware of the roads as localized flooding is possible.

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

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City area elementary school teacher has been indicted by a federal grand jury for additional child pornography offenses, acording to the United State's Attorney.

Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 28, was charged in a seven-count federal indictment in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Hernandez was previously charged in a three-count criminal complaint with transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Today’s indictment includes those charges and four additional counts of production and attempted production of child pornography. The offenses charged in the indictment are alleged to have occurred between August 2022 and August 2025.

The FBI is seeking to identify potential victims of Hernandez. If you or your child believes they were a victim of Hernandez, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI. If you are under the age of 18, please have your parent/guardian call on your behalf. Your responses are voluntary. Based on your responses, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law.

KC area elementary teacher faces additional child porn charges

WASHINGTON (AP) — Family and friends of the 22-year-old accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-suspect-things-to-know-dcde3f792f4d6636d44fb9f4fa53569c">fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;described his politics as veering left in recent years as he spent large amounts of time scrolling the “dark corners of the internet,” Utah Gov. Spencer Spencer Cox said Sunday.

Investigators were still piecing together information about the suspect, Tyler Robinson, and not yet ready to discuss a potential motive. But Cox noted that Robinson, who is not cooperating with law enforcement, disliked Kirk and may have been “radicalized” online.

“There clearly was a leftist ideology,” Cox said on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” citing interviews with Robinson’s relatives and acquaintances. “Friends have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, the Reddit culture, and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep.”

He pointed to references found engraved on the ammunition used to kill Kirk, which included anti-fascist and meme-culture language. Court records show that one bullet casing had the message, “Hey, fascist! Catch!”

A Republican who has called on all partisans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kirk-trump-cancel-culture-assassination-4d69649e382ea46d8dcf794150a1d3c9">to tone down their rhetoric</a>&nbsp;following the attack, the governor added: “I really don’t have a dog in this fight. If this was a radicalized MAGA person, I’d be saying that as well.”

Cox stressed on several Sunday morning news shows that investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for the attack on Kirk, a father of two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">and Trump confidant</a>&nbsp;who was killed Wednesday while on one of his signature college speaking tours at Utah Valley University. The governor said more information may come out once Robinson appears in court Tuesday.

Cox said the suspect's partner was transgender, which some politicians have pointed to as a sign Robinson was targeting Kirk, the founder of Turning Points USA, for his anti-trans views. But authorities have not said whether it is relevant as they investigate Robinson’s motive.

“The roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female,” Cox said. “I can say that he has been incredibly cooperative, this partner has been very cooperative, had no idea that this was happening.”

Investigators have spoken to Robinson’s relatives and carried out a search warrant at his family’s home in Washington, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.

State records show Robinson is registered to vote but not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections. His parents are registered Republicans.

Robinson grew up around St. George, in the southwestern corner of Utah between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

He became a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mormonism">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesperson Doug Andersen said.

Online activity by Robinson’s mother reflects an active family that traveled widely. In one photo, a young Robinson can be seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun outside a military facility.

A high school honor roll student who scored in the 99th percentile nationally on standardized tests, he was admitted to Utah State University in 2021 on a prestigious academic scholarship, according to a video of him reading his acceptance letter that was posted to a family member’s social media account.

But he attended for only one semester, according to the university. He is currently enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George.

Meanwhile, Kirk was memorialized with candle-lit vigils and other events Sunday.

At Dream City Church in Phoenix, where Kirk hosted one of his “Freedom Night in America” gatherings, attendees viewed clips of the conservative activist discussing his desire to be “remembered for courage for my faith.”

During a question-and-answer session, a church pastor, Angel Barnett, called on the crowd to honor Kirk by carrying on his message.

“The left is nervous,” Barnett said. “And they’re concerned because they’ve lost control. Charlie started that, and we will continue it.”

Added church panelist Brandon Tatum: “These cowards thought that they could end or eliminate the movement.”

“They just made it bigger. They just made it stronger.”

Utah governor: Motive in Kirk killing not yet certain; suspect was on the left

The book report is now a thing of the past. Take-home tests and essays are becoming obsolete.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-companion-generative-teens-mental-health-9ce59a2b250f3bd0187a717ffa2ad21f">Student use of artificial intelligence</a>&nbsp;has become so prevalent, high school and college educators say, that to assign writing outside of the classroom is like asking students to cheat.

“The cheating is off the charts. It’s the worst I’ve seen in my entire career,” says Casey Cuny, who has taught English for 23 years. Educators are no longer wondering if students will outsource schoolwork to AI chatbots. “Anything you send home, you have to assume is being AI’ed.”

The question now is how schools can adapt, because many of the teaching and assessment tools that have been used for generations are no longer effective. As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ai-chatgpt-teacher-chatbot-b1630bc549e9044d1e3bbcc060fb422c">AI technology</a>&nbsp;rapidly improves and becomes more entwined with daily life, it is transforming how students learn and study and how teachers teach, and it’s creating new confusion over what constitutes academic dishonesty.

“We have to ask ourselves, what is cheating?” says Cuny, a 2024 recipient of California’s Teacher of the Year award. “Because I think the lines are getting blurred.”

Cuny’s students at Valencia High School in southern California now do most writing in class. He monitors student laptop screens from his desktop, using software that lets him “lock down” their screens or block access to certain sites. He’s also integrating AI into his lessons and teaching students how to use AI as a study aid “to get kids learning with AI instead of cheating with AI.”

In rural Oregon, high school teacher Kelly Gibson has made a similar shift to in-class writing. She is also incorporating more verbal assessments to have students talk through their understanding of assigned reading.

“I used to give a writing prompt and say, ‘In two weeks, I want a five-paragraph essay,’” says Gibson. “These days, I can’t do that. That’s almost begging teenagers to cheat.”

Take, for example, a once typical high school English assignment: Write an essay that explains the relevance of social class in “The Great Gatsby.” Many students say their first instinct is now to ask ChatGPT for help “brainstorming.” Within seconds, ChatGPT yields a list of essay ideas, plus examples and quotes to back them up. The chatbot ends by asking if it can do more: “Would you like help writing any part of the essay? I can help you draft an introduction or outline a paragraph!”

Students are uncertain when AI usage is out of bounds

Students say they often turn to AI with good intentions for things like research, editing or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/artificial-intelligence-students-disabilities-ff1f51379b3861978efb0c1334a2a953">help reading difficult texts</a>. But AI offers unprecedented temptation, and it’s sometimes hard to know where to draw the line.

College sophomore Lily Brown, a psychology major at an East Coast liberal arts school, relies on ChatGPT to help outline essays because she struggles putting the pieces together herself. ChatGPT also helped her through a freshman philosophy class, where assigned reading “felt like a different language” until she read AI summaries of the texts.

“Sometimes I feel bad using ChatGPT to summarize reading, because I wonder, is this cheating? Is helping me form outlines cheating? If I write an essay in my own words and ask how to improve it, or when it starts to edit my essay, is that cheating?”

Her class syllabi say things like: “Don’t use AI to write essays and to form thoughts,” she says, but that leaves a lot of grey area. Students say they often shy away from asking teachers for clarity because admitting to any AI use could flag them as a cheater.

Schools tend to leave AI policies to teachers, which often means that rules vary widely within the same school. Some educators, for example, welcome the use of Grammarly.com, an AI-powered writing assistant, to check grammar. Others forbid it, noting the tool also offers to rewrite sentences.

“Whether you can use AI or not depends on each classroom. That can get confusing,” says Valencia 11th grader Jolie Lahey. She credits Cuny with teaching her sophomore English class a variety of AI skills like how to upload study guides to ChatGPT and have the chatbot quiz them, and then explain problems they got wrong.

But this year, her teachers have strict “No AI” policies. “It’s such a helpful tool. And if we’re not allowed to use it that just doesn’t make sense,” Lahey says. “It feels outdated.”

Schools are introducing guidelines, gradually

Many schools initially banned use of AI after ChatGPT launched in late 2022. But views on the role of artificial intelligence in education have shifted dramatically. The term “AI literacy” has become a buzzword of the back-to-school season, with a focus on how to balance the strengths of AI with its risks and challenges.

Over the summer, several colleges and universities convened their AI task forces to draft&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/artificial-intelligence-colleges-and-universities-alice-mary-baldwin-general-news-e0037fe9d6731010894bb6d4b52f9665">more detailed guidelines</a>&nbsp;or provide faculty with new instructions.

The University of California, Berkeley emailed all faculty new AI guidance that instructs them to “include a clear statement on their syllabus about course expectations” around AI use. The guidance offered language for three sample syllabus statements — for courses that require AI, ban AI in and out of class, or allow some AI use.

“In the absence of such a statement, students may be more likely to use these technologies inappropriately,” the email said, stressing that AI is “creating new confusion about what might constitute legitimate methods for completing student work.”

Carnegie Mellon University has seen a huge uptick in academic responsibility violations due to AI, but often students aren’t aware they’ve done anything wrong, says Rebekah Fitzsimmons, chair of the AI faculty advising committee at the university’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.

For example, one student who is learning English wrote an assignment in his native language and used DeepL, an AI-powered translation tool, to translate his work to English. But he didn’t realize the platform also altered his language, which was flagged by an AI detector.

Enforcing academic integrity policies has become more complicated, since use of AI is hard to spot and even harder to prove, Fitzsimmons said. Faculty are allowed flexibility when they believe a student has unintentionally crossed a line, but are now more hesitant to point out violations because they don't want to accuse students unfairly. Students worry that if they are falsely accused, there is no way to prove their innocence.

Over the summer, Fitzsimmons helped draft detailed new guidelines for students and faculty that strive to create more clarity. Faculty have been told a blanket ban on AI “is not a viable policy” unless instructors make changes to the way they teach and assess students. A lot of faculty are doing away with take-home exams. Some have returned to pen and paper tests in class, she said, and others have moved to “flipped classrooms,” where homework is done in class.

Emily DeJeu, who teaches communication courses at Carnegie Mellon’s business school, has eliminated writing assignments as homework and replaced them with in-class quizzes done on laptops in “a lockdown browser” that blocks students from leaving the quiz screen.

“To expect an 18-year-old to exercise great discipline is unreasonable," DeJeu said. "That’s why it’s up to instructors to put up guardrails.”

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

The rise of AI tools forces schools to reconsider what counts as cheating

TOPEKA — Kansas’ request to ban candy and soft drinks from being purchased with food assistance dollars has yet to be approved, while other states’ similar restrictions are expected to go into effect Jan. 1.

Lawmakers say the goal of the ban is to reduce obesity rates and risks by eliminating the option to buy soft drinks and candy for a specific demographic — low-income families receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Republican lawmakers at a Tuesday meeting of the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency were anxious to see Kansas’ request for restrictions approved.

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