Many stories in this world are untold, unrecognized, unheard and unseen. 

However, Salina Post is giving people a chance to tell stories about their personal lives as a way to inspire each reader.

"Salina Sees You" will be an edition of articles, that tell the stories of individuals who have conquered obstacles, battled and overcome stigmas/barriers, people currently facing unique circumstances and recognizing others for their tireless hours of local service work. This&nbsp;will not be confined to telling stories only in the Salina or Saline County area, but will be reached across the Central Kansas region!

Up first to kick off this special edition of stories will be: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ff26b439-5896-4f53-b3e1-1be7bc15d058">A 'man of the people' is beloved by the community through his service at the YMCA</a>

Every Thursday, an article will be published and click on the "Salina Sees You" option under the "Local" tab on <a href="https://salinapost.com/">salinapost.com</a>

If you would like to share your personal story or know anyone who may have a story that will inspire each reader, please email Salina Post News Director, Nicolas Fierro: nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com or&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com (during regular business hours)

You can also contact: (785) 656-9856 (during regular business hours)

The community of Salina "sees you."

Introducing: Salina Sees You

The Kansas Department of Commerce (KDOC) announced that the agency has awarded $75,000 in Rural Mural funding to support 12 public art projects in rural communities across the state.

“Our rural communities are the backbone of what makes our state so great — they’re rich in culture, resilience and unique identity,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in these large-scale public art pieces allows communities to signal not only hometown pride but a commitment to harnessing creativity to drive economic growth across Kansas.”

Recipients of the Rural Mural grant include:&nbsp;

City of Belle Plaine ($7,424):&nbsp;A vibrant mural celebrating the city’s history, small-town charm and community spirit through colorful, whimsical art

City of Halstead ($7,424):&nbsp;A mural designed with community input to warmly welcome visitors and reflect local identity

City of Herington/Visit Herington! CVB ($3,124): An automotive-themed mural and painted locomotive sculptures by local artists

City of Jewell ($5,979):&nbsp;Expansion of buffalo public art installations celebrating the region’s natural and cultural history

Decatur County Area Economic Development Corporation ($3,924):&nbsp;A festive mural capturing the joy and nostalgia of community carnivals

Genesis Inc. of Coffeyville ($6,808):&nbsp;A public art project symbolizing growth, renewal, and community transformation

Linger Gig Lab ($7,424):&nbsp;A creative logo mural representing the organization’s identity and mission in Cimarron

Mo-Kan Regional Council ($4,697):&nbsp;A mural project showcasing the spirit and resilience of small-town life in Wathena.

Phillips County Community Foundation&nbsp;($7,424):&nbsp;A mural project highlighting&nbsp;the interdependence of the local agriculture community

Sabetha Chamber of Commerce ($7,424):&nbsp;A downtown mural designed to promote civic pride and enhance community aesthetics

South Central Community Foundation ($5,924):&nbsp;IMPACT Pratt’s community-driven mural project enriching a local park with vibrant imagery

Wabaunsee County Historical Society ($7,424):&nbsp;A mural on Main Street in Maple Hill honoring the region’s ranching roots and rural traditions

“We’re thrilled to be able to support 12 more murals and public art projects across the state,”&nbsp;Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon said. “These works of art will not only beautify and revitalize underutilized spaces but also foster a sense of pride and belonging through these new vibrant gathering spaces.”

The Rural Mural funds are one of the many resources provided by the Department of Commerce that work to support rural communities in Kansas. See all of the grant programs&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fgrantscalendar%2F/1/0101019958c6d4b1-6c7ee3ca-4cae-4ca9-9f99-541f9c061ecc-000000/CGs5LN_04CZEo_3O8MZZyQgq_2sZEZNCrx_FYTXXiyM=423">here</a>.

To learn more about the Rural Murals program, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Forp%2Fkansas-rural-mural%2F/1/0101019958c6d4b1-6c7ee3ca-4cae-4ca9-9f99-541f9c061ecc-000000/0b4WAp_Qs7jZIsfhd-IKgo1PHwTs15Kcw0NWbEgQbh4=423">here</a>.

$75,000 of funding awarded to 12 rural communities for support in public art and economic growth

TESCOTT - The Tescott Fire Department (TFD) is set to host their 4th annual ranch rodeo this late September.

On Saturday, September 27 at the Perry Ranch (437 N. 60th Rd.) a&nbsp;calcutta (auction-style betting on participants) will kickoff the ranch rodeo at 5:30 pm, with the ranch rodeo starting at 6:00 pm.&nbsp;This&nbsp;rodeo is expected to host 20 teams of 4 contestants. Entry fee is $400 per team.

According to Assistant Fire Chief for TFD Cory Connelly, there are about 14 teams who have already signed up for the rodeo. In the past, there have been contestants come from out of state to compete in the ranch rodeo.

For those attending the event, a gate fee of $5 and children 5 and under get in for free. Concessions will be available along with raffles and a calf and boot scramble.

More information is on the flyer attached above.

Tescott Fire Department to host annual ranch rodeo late September

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue today and into Thursday throughout the Central Kansas region.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms have impacted central and north-central Kansas this morning. Locally heavy rainfall will be the primary hazard. However, activity should tend to gradually dissipate as the morning progresses.

A few strong to marginally severe thunderstorms are possible after 4:00 pm today, mainly along the west of Flint Hills.&nbsp;

These showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Thursday.

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.

Showers and thunderstorms expected to continue into Thursday, heavy rainfall anticipated

<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>

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 17 - September 19

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;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

NAME:&nbsp;Carmichael, Adrian Fred

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for misdemeanor case

NAME:&nbsp;Cottrell, Dakota Anthony Keith

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Evilsizer, Barbara Lynn

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of marijuana; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, September 17

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged school threat in Dickinson County.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of an altercation that occurred between students at Solomon School in the 400 Block of Pine Street in Solomon, according to a social media report from the Dickinson County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; Since then, the Sheriff’s Office was made aware of possible threats of violence to occur at the school on Wednesday. 

 An investigation was conducted Tuesday evening.  There will be a law enforcement presence in the area Wednesday as the investigation into the altercation continues.

  The Sheriff’s Office does not believe there is a threat to the safety of the students, staff, or community in Solomon as the information and evidence obtained does not support that a school threat was made

Sheriff investigating alleged threat after fight at school

Governor Laura Kelly recently appointed Allie Burris of Salina to a judgeship position in the 28th&nbsp;Judicial District. Burris will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Rene Young.

“Allie Burris has significant experience in the field of criminal law and a robust involvement in her community that will serve the 28th&nbsp;Judicial District well,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I look forward to her continued contributions to her community as a district court judge.”&nbsp;

Burris is currently an attorney at Blackwell &amp; Struble and serves as an appointed defense counsel in drug court. She is active in the Salina community and is a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina and the Salina Child Care Association.

“I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve my community in this capacity. The 28th&nbsp;Judicial District has cultivated not only my personal development, but my professional one as well,”&nbsp;said Allie Burris. “Service to my community is what lead me to the legal profession, and I intend to carry that sentiment with me in this new role.”

District court judges in the 28th&nbsp;Judicial District are appointed by the governor and selected from among nominees chosen by a district nominating commission. Judges in nominating commission districts are subject to retention elections every four years. The two other nominees selected by the district nominating commission were Michelle Martin and Brad Sutton.

Allie Burris fills vacant position in the 28th judicial district 

WHAT TAX CHANGES ARE IN THE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL?

The One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law on July 4, 2025, brings with it a sweeping package of tax changes and budget measures that will have a broad impact on individuals, families and businesses. The legislation makes permanent several provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), while introducing new incentives for workers and business owners. 

As taxpayers try to make sense of what’s changed, many are asking practical questions:&nbsp;Will I pay less in taxes? What do the changes mean for my retirement or business planning? And how long will these provisions last?&nbsp;

One of the most notable elements of the bill is the extension and, in some cases, expansion of tax cuts for individuals and small businesses. The lower individual tax rates enacted under the TCJA, which were originally set to expire in 2025, have now been made permanent. This offers continued relief for middle-income earners and provides more predictability for long-term financial planning. The standard deduction remains high, reducing the number of people who itemize and simplifying tax filings for millions of Americans.&nbsp;

For business owners, this bill offers more than tax simplification. It creates actionable planning opportunities across multiple areas: entity structuring, equipment investment,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.adamsbrownwc.com/services/retirement-plans/">retirement planning</a>&nbsp;and even employee compensation strategies.

FOR BUSINESSES: KEY TAX BREAKS &amp; COMPLIANCE CHANGES

Bigger Tax Incentives for Investment and Expansion

The bill introduces or expands several provisions aimed at encouraging capital investment, manufacturing and innovation:&nbsp;

100% Bonus Depreciation Made Permanent. Now retroactive to qualifying property purchased or placed in service on or after Jan. 19, 2025. Section 179 Expensing Limit Increased. Businesses can now deduct up to $2.5 million in qualifying property (up from $1.16 million limit 2023 level). The deduction begins to phase out at $4 million in asset cost. New Deduction for Qualifying Production Property. Allows 100% expensing of structures used in manufacturing. Applies to construction that begins between Jan. 19, 2025, and Jan. 19, 2029, if placed in service before Jan. 1, 2031. R&amp;D Expensing Restored for Small Businesses.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/expanding-rd-tax-credits-kansas/">Domestic R&amp;D </a>costs&nbsp;can now be expensed immediately for businesses with gross receipts under $31 million. These businesses may also retroactively deduct expenses from tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2021. Businesses with average gross receipts under $31 million can begin expensing these costs in 2025. Also, large business taxpayers with R&amp;D expenses after 2021 and before 2025 may deduct remaining expenses over a one- or two- year period, beginning in 2025. Advanced Manufacturing Credit. Increases from 25% to 35%, incentivizing U.S.-based production facilities. Paid Family and Medical Leave Credit. Made permanent, providing continued support for employers offering leave benefits. Qualified Small Business Stock (Sec. 1202) Exclusion Expanded.&nbsp; For stock acquired after enactment, gain exclusions increase: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;50% if held for three years &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;75% if held for four years &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;100% if held for five years or more Opportunity Zones and New Markets Tax Credit. Both made permanent to support community investment.&nbsp; Farmland Sale Deferral (Sec. 1062). Tax from farmland sales to a qualified farmer can now be paid in four annual installments. Interest Exclusion for Ag Loans. Allows a 25% exclusion of interest received on loans secured by agricultural land. The borrower’s deduction is reduced proportionally.&nbsp; Percentage of Completion Exception. Certain residential construction contracts are now exempt from this revenue recognition method, helping small builders manage taxable income timing. EBITDA-Based Limitation on Business Interest Deduction Reinstated (IRC Sec. 163(j)). The bill permanently reinstates the EBITDA-based (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) formula for calculating the business interest expense limitation. This replaces the more restrictive EBIT-based standard that had been phased in. This change provides broader deductibility for leveraged businesses. Modifications to the Excess Business Loss Limitation. The legislation also includes technical and structural changes to the excess business loss calculation, offering additional clarity and predictability in tax planning for pass-through owners and investors. QBI Deduction Expanded. The 20% deduction is now permanent and adds a $400 minimum deduction for taxpayers with at least $1,000 in qualified business income from active participation.

WORKFORCE &amp; CHILDCARE INCENTIVES

Employer Childcare Credit Increased Rises from 25% to 40%, up to $600,000 annually—encouraging more employers to offer on-site or subsidized childcare solutions.&nbsp;

REPORTING &amp; COMPLIANCE CHANGES&nbsp;

1099-K Threshold Restored Returns to the previous $20,000 and 200 transaction threshold, reducing the burden on casual sellers and small e-commerce businesses.&nbsp; 1099-NEC/MISC Threshold Increased Starting in 2026, reporting is only required for non-employee payments of $2,000 or more (indexed for inflation). This change may reduce the number of 1099s businesses must issue. ERC Compliance Tightened The Employee Retention Credit program now includes stricter claim deadlines and new penalties for non-compliance.&nbsp; New 1% Remittance Transfer Tax Applies to certain outbound cash transfers, such as money orders or cashier’s checks. Withdrawals from bank accounts or credit cards are excluded.&nbsp; SSN Requirements for Education Credits Taxpayers must provide a valid SSN to claim the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning Credits.

CLEAN ENERGY TAX CREDIT PHASE-OUT&nbsp;

Most Clean Energy Credits Sunset by 2026–2028 This includes credits for electric vehicles, solar panel installations and home energy upgrades.&nbsp; Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) Extended through 2029, maintaining incentives for low-carbon fuel producers.&nbsp;

FOR INDIVIDUALS: LOWER RATES AND NEW DEDUCTIONS

TAX RATES AND DEDUCTIONS Permanent Lower Tax Brackets The TCJA's individual tax brackets are now permanent. Annual adjustments for inflation will continue.&nbsp; Higher Standard Deductions for 2025 &nbsp; &nbsp; $15,750 – Single &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;$23,625 – Head of Household&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;$31,500 – Married Filing Jointly SALT Deduction Cap Temporarily Increased The state and local tax deduction cap is raised to $40,000 for 2025, increasing by 1% annually through 2029. A phaseout begins for incomes over $500,000. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption Increased Now permanently set at $500,000 for single filers and $1 million for joint returns, indexed for inflation.&nbsp;

Child Tax Credit Increased to $2,200 per child in 2025. The refundable portion of $1,400 is now permanent.&nbsp; Child &amp; Dependent Care Credit Rises to 50% of eligible expenses. Adoption Credit Now up to $5,000 and fully refundable. Dependent Care Assistance Exclusion from income raised from $5,000 to $7,500.

SENIOR BENEFITS AND RETIREMENT PLANNING

Temporary Senior Deduction (2025–2028) A $6,000 deduction is available for individuals age 65+ with modified adjusted gross income under $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). This helps shield Social Security income from federal tax. Estate &amp; Gift Tax Exemption Increased Starting in 2026, the exemption rises to $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple, indexed for inflation.&nbsp;

OTHER NOTABLE INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS

Mortgage Interest Deduction Cap Made Permanent Limited to interest on up to $750,000 of mortgage debt. Casualty Losses Expanded Now includes losses from certain state-declared disasters. Charitable Giving for Non-Itemizers A new above-the-line deduction is available for up to $1,000 (or $2,000 for joint filers) in charitable contributions. Trump Accounts New savings accounts for children, capped at $5,000 per year. Includes a $1,000 tax credit for children born between 2025 and 2028. Employers may contribute on a tax-free basis. 529 Plan Expansion Distributions now permitted for K–12 tuition, qualified postsecondary credentialing programs and traditional higher education expenses, offering greater&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.adamsbrownwc.com/529-savings-plans/">flexibility for education-related savings</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tip Income Deduction Up to $25,000 in tip income may be excluded for individuals earning under $150,000 ($300,000 joint filers). Overtime Income Deduction Up to $12,500 per person ($25,000 joint returns) of overtime wages may be excluded. Car Loan Interest Deduction Up to $10,000 may be deducted for new U.S.-assembled vehicles, even for non-itemizers.&nbsp;

What This Means for Business Owners: Permanent deductions and accelerated expensing create new opportunities for reinvestment.

Workforce credits and&nbsp;childcare incentives could offset benefit costs.

Compliance relief for 1099s and&nbsp;tax certainty on business income helps with long-term planning. What This Means for you Personally: Lower tax rates and new deductions&nbsp;provide expanded savings potential.&nbsp;

Estate planning thresholds and retirement-related deductions&nbsp;support multigenerational planning.

Temporary exclusions for tips, overtime and car loan interest&nbsp;offer near-term cash flow opportunities.&nbsp;

What to Do Now: Adjust your&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/withholding-tax-from-your-paycheck/">tax withholdings</a>&nbsp;and estimated payments.&nbsp;

Evaluate the timing of equipment purchases and charitable giving. Review employee benefit offerings and payroll systems.

Work with your&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/">tax advisor</a>&nbsp;to identify new credits,&nbsp;deductions and compliance responsibilities.&nbsp; Need help interpreting how these provisions apply to your situation?

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">Contact an Adams Brown tax advisor</a>&nbsp;for a personalized analysis of how the One Big Beautiful Bill could impact your business, your family and your future.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ag -<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/after-two-year-delay-farm-bill-enacted-with-passage-of-beautiful-tax-law/">&nbsp;https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/after-two-year-delay-farm-bill-enacted-with-passage-of-beautiful-tax-law/</a> Construction -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/how-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-reshapes-construction-tax-planning/">https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/how-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-reshapes-construction-tax-planning/</a> Manufacturing -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/obbba-tax-update-manufacturers/">https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/obbba-tax-update-manufacturers/</a> Individuals -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrownwc.com/blog/a-new-chapter-in-tax-planning/">https://www.adamsbrownwc.com/blog/a-new-chapter-in-tax-planning/</a>

Memorial Health System in Abilene opens outreach clinic for Salina Regional Health Center visiting specialists 

The Saline County Sheriff's Office have made an arrest from the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c9c2eaf5-ac85-4bd0-b09e-b1d074d89fb7">Most Wanted list for September 2025</a>.

According to the Sheriff's Office,&nbsp;Trenton Ponting was arrested and is currently being held in Sedgwick County.&nbsp;Ponting was taken into custody for the following requested charges:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Felony Failure to appear / Agg. Assault / Crim. Restraint / Att. Flee &amp; Elude / DUI / Interference w/ LEO / Poss. Marijuana x3 / Intimidate Witness.

View <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c9c2eaf5-ac85-4bd0-b09e-b1d074d89fb7">Saline County's Most Wanted list for September 2025</a>.

Arrest made from Saline County Sheriff's September Most Wanted list

Three day weather forecast Salina, September 15 - September 17

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

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mike-stobbe">MIKE STOBBE</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s new vaccine advisory committee meets this week, with votes expected on whether to change recommendations on shots against COVID-19, hepatitis B and chickenpox.

The exact questions to be voted on Thursday and Friday in Atlanta are unclear. Officials at the Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to questions seeking details to a newly posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/acip/downloads/agendas/draft-posted-2025-09-12-508.pdf" target="_blank">agenda</a>, although the department announced five additional appointments to the committee Monday.

Some public health experts are worried that the votes will — at a minimum — raise unwarranted new questions about vaccines in the minds of parents.

Perhaps even more consequential would be a vote that restricts a government program from paying for vaccines for low-income families.

“I’m tightening my seat belt,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University vaccines expert.

The panel, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, makes recommendations to the director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-director-susan-monarez-50dfbec849b53b4593755d2e6e616687">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;on how already-approved vaccines should be used. CDC directors have almost always accepted those recommendations, which are widely heeded by doctors and guide vaccination programs.

Kennedy, a leading antivaccine activist before becoming the nation’s top health official,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kennedy-cdc-acip-vaccines-3790c89f45b6314c5c7b686db0e3a8f9">fired</a>&nbsp;the entire 17-member panel earlier this year and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-acip-vaccine-committee-9f58e1f004075b081718ff078de88d76">replaced it</a>&nbsp;with a group that includes several anti-vaccine voices.

Here’s a look at the three vaccines being discussed:

Before Kennedy was health secretary, ACIP would typically vote in June to reaffirm recommendations for shots against respiratory viruses that sicken millions of Americans each fall and winter.

This past June, Kennedy’s ACIP voted to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-acip-flu-vaccine-thimerosal-c5696bbc19f345323153d5336cb5e798">recommend flu shots</a>&nbsp;for Americans but was silent on COVID-19 shots.

Before that meeting, Kennedy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-pregnant-women-children-70c358cad726e57d680234c3ecdec926">announced</a>&nbsp;he was removing COVID-19 shots from the CDC’s recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women. The move was heavily criticized by doctors’ groups and public health organizations, and prompted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lawsuit-vaccines-kennedy-95a1aa23c3f015f7a35a570f5ef8da36">lawsuit</a>&nbsp;by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other groups.

Days after Kennedy’s announcement,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-cdc-kennedy-fd6ab0c7303a4a1698b319885a02ef54">CDC officials said</a>&nbsp;families could still get the 2024-2025 version of COVID-19 shots for their kids in consultation with their doctors. That clarification meant shots would still be covered by the federal government’s Vaccines For Children program, which pays for shots for families who lack money or adequate health insurance coverage. It’s now responsible for roughly half of childhood vaccinations in the U.S. each year.

As with flu shots, however, there are new COVID-19 formulations each fall, to account for changes in which strains are circulating. The committee has not yet voted on whether to recommend this season’s COVID-19 shots or whether those shots should be covered by the VFC program.

Further complicating the picture: When the FDA last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vaccines-covid-shots-fda-kennedy-pfizer-children-9ce19908ae7afb354732aa162fd28532">licensed</a>&nbsp;this fall’s COVID-19 shots, the agency took the unusual step of narrowing their use for healthy younger adults and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-kids-what-to-know-5ddb5e3e92b12a6f5044dc229e19590d">children</a>.

If the ACIP simply follows that, and if there is no additional clarifying language from the CDC, then “that would take away access for roughly half of America’s kids,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The pediatricians group urges that vaccinations continue for all children ages 6 months to 2 years.

Hepatitis B can cause serious liver infections. In adults, the virus is spread through sex or through sharing needles during use injection-drug use.

But the virus also can be passed to a baby from an infected mother, and as many as 90% of infected infants go on to have chronic infections.

A hepatitis B vaccine was first licensed in the U.S. in 1981. In 2005, the ACIP recommended a dose within 24 hours of birth for all medically stable infants who weigh at least 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms).

Infant vaccinations are stressed for women who have hepatitis B or, crucially, who have not been tested for it. The infant shots are 85% to 95% effective in preventing chronic hepatitis B infections, studies have shown.

Newborn hepatitis B vaccinations are considered a success, and no recent peer-reviewed research shows any safety problem with giving kids the shots on their first day of life, Schaffner said.

But Kennedy’s ACIP members suggested in June they wanted to revisit the guidance.

Schaffner noted that health officials used to rely on screening mothers before birth but that many cases were missed.

“There were lots of failures,” he said. “And so there were continuing transmissions from mother to child.”

Chickenpox was once a common childhood annoyance, causing an itchy skin rash and fever.

But the highly contagious virus can also lead to complications such as skin infections, swelling of the brain and pneumonia. Severe cases are more common among teens and adults who get it for the first time. The virus — called varicella — also can reactivate later in life and cause the painful illness called shingles.

The government first recommended that all children get a chickenpox vaccine in 1995, leading to a dramatic drop in cases and deaths.

In 2005, a combination MMRV shot — measles, mumps, rubella and varicella — was licensed. The CDC initially recommended that doctors and parents use the combo shot over separate MMR and varicella injections.

But within a few years, studies showed children who got the combo shot more often developed a rash, fever and — in rare instances — seizures after vaccination compared with children who got separate shots.

In 2009, the ACIP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5903a1.htm" target="_blank">changed its recommendation</a>, removing the preferential language and saying either the combination shot or separate shots were acceptable for the first dose.

Today, most pediatricians suggest separate doses for the first shot, but give the combined shot for the second dose, pediatrics experts say.

Again, there’s no new evidence about harms from MMRV shots, said O’Leary, of AAP.

“This version of the ACIP is an orchestrated effort to sow distrust in vaccines,” O’Leary said.

Meanwhile, HHS officials on Monday announced five new committee members — bringing the roster to 12.

— Hillary Blackburn, a pharmacist and podcaster who HHS officials said is director of medication access and affordability for AscensionRx.

— Dr. Evelyn Griffin, an obstetrician and gynecologist based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

— Dr. Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist who with his wife operates a medical missionary organization called For Hearts and Souls. He appeared at a 2024 congressional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-p0kFdcVkA" target="_blank">hearing</a>&nbsp;at which he said an increase in cardiovascular disease in older teens and young adults should be attributed to vaccines.

— Dr. Raymond Pollak, a transplant specialist based in Skokie, Illinois.

— Catherine Stein, a Case Western Reserve University disease researcher. During the COVID-19 pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://embed.documentcloud.org/documents/20484834-stein-hb-624-testimony" target="_blank">she worked with</a>&nbsp;an Ohio anti-vaccine group and argued that case counts were inaccurate and that the coronavirus was not as dangerous as health officials portrayed.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Kennedy's vaccine committee to vote on COVID-19, hepatitis B and chickenpox shots

PROVO, Utah (AP) —Authorities released new information Tuesday indicating that the 22-year-old Utah man accused in the fatal shooting of conservative activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;did a fair amount of planning before the attack on a college campus.

Tyler Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and other crimes. He appeared briefly Tuesday before a judge by video from jail. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray earlier said he would file a notice to seek the death penalty and that Robinson would remain jailed without bond.

<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26098852-tyler-robinson-indictment/">Click here to read the full indictment&nbsp;</a>

The judge said he would appoint a lawyer for Robinson.

Charging documents show that a note was left under Robinson’s keyboard saying he planned to kill Kirk and that those plans had been developed over a week’s time.

Kirk, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">confidant of President Donald Trump</a>, was fatally shot Sept. 10 during a speaking engagement on the Utah Valley University campus.

Robinson is “believed to have targeted Charlie Kirk based on Charlie Kirk’s political expression and did so knowing children were present and would witness the homicide,” Gray said. After Kirk was shot, “Robinson hid the gun, discarded the clothing he wore when he fired the rifle and told his roommate to delete incriminating text messages and not talk to police.”

Robinson, of Washington, Utah,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-cox-robinson-assassination-aef9fe8dc82d218a36d078536717d95d">was arrested</a>&nbsp;last week.

Here’s what we’ve learned about the case and evidence:

Robinson confessed to his romantic partner

Gray said Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the gun used to kill Kirk. The weapon was his grandfather’s rifle, which Robinson’s father told investigators was a gift.

Robinson texted his partner that he wanted to go back to the campus to retrieve the rifle, but never did.

Following the shooting and in text messages, Robinson also told his partner — whom he lived with — that Kirk was targeted because he “had enough of his hatred.”

“Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” Robinson texted.

Gray told reporters Tuesday that a note Robinson left for his partner stated: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”

Robinson split from family on political views

Moments before Kirk was shot, he was taking a question that touched on mass shootings, gun violence and transgender people.

A Christian father of two, he demonstrated a combative new approach to conservatism that openly criticized racial justice movements, the news media and LGBTQ+ rights. Critics said his views perpetuated racist, anti-immigrant and anti-feminist ideas.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has described Robinson’s roommate as a transgender person. Gray said the partner has been cooperating with investigators.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">Robinson’s mother told investigators</a>&nbsp;that their son had turned left politically in the last year and became more supportive of gay and transgender rights after dating someone who is transgender, Gray said.

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