Junction City High School senior Jackson Hollie and head football coach Randall Zimmerman were recognized at halftime of Tuesday's varsity basketball games, as Hollie and Zimmerman were presented with their official invitations to play and coach in this year's Kansas Shrine Bowl. The 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played on Saturday, June 27, at Emporia State University.

"I am very honored to have been chosen for the Kansas Shrine Bowl," Junction City High School senior Jackson Hollie said. "Playing in this game and also knowing what I'm playing for means a lot to me."

Hollie, a 6'6'' senior, played defensive end for the Blue Jays in football this season and recently signed to go play for Kansas State University in the fall. Hollie signed as a Preferred Walk-on (PWO).

For coach Randall Zimmerman, this year's game will be his Kansas Shrine Bowl record ninth appearance on the sidelines. Coach Z has previously been an assistant coach five times and has also been named the West Head Coach on three occasions.

"This is more than just a football game," Coach Zimmerman said. "This is a fundraiser for the Shrine hospitals and for those kids."

Speaking on his previous experiences, Zimmerman had this to say: "It was just so touching for me the first time that I did it. It's a very neat and humbling thing to be a part of, and I'm very excited to have another Junction City kid invited this year."

"This is a tremendous honor for Jackson," Zimmerman stated. "To be selected in this game is just a tremendous thing, and he will have so much fun. I am looking forward to being a part of it and watching Jackson in that setting."

Zimmerman noted that Junction City has had at least one player selected each year but one since 2007.

Junction City's Jackson Hollie and Randall Zimmerman presented with Kansas Shrine Bowl Invitations

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has arrested a Manhattan man connected to his role in an officer-involved shooting that occurred Jan. 3, in Manhattan, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, at around 4 p.m., KBI agents and officers from the KU Medical Center Department of Public Safety arrested Brian J. Lovgren, 38, on a warrant for two counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Lovgren was booked into the Wyandotte County Detention Center after being released from KU Medical Center, where he was being treated for his injuries.&nbsp;

On Jan. 3, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate.

Preliminary information indicates that shortly after 3 p.m., two deputies from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a homeowner who indicated their shed and garage had been damaged by gunfire. While taking the report, deputies heard gunshots in the area. As they approached 8655 Josie Lane, they heard additional gunshots which they believed were coming from the residence. They identified themselves as law enforcement and began giving various commands to the shooter.

A man, later identified as Brian J. Lovgren, 38, of Manhattan, came out of a door of the house armed with a handgun. One of the responding deputies fired multiple times, striking Lovgren. Life-saving measures were provided at the scene. EMS then transported Lovgren to a Kansas City hospital.&nbsp;

The Pottawatomie County Attorney is expected to prosecute the case.&nbsp;

Manhattan man arrested in officer-involved shooting 

Not all of Geary County Historical Society projects are visible to the public. Over the winter, Museum custodian John Sterling and Board Members Bob Petri and Bill Powers took on the museum storage space that is called "the dungeon." This space holds a combination of exhibition props, event paper products, education costumes, and had become the dumping ground for everything and anything. 

According to the Historical Society with John's leadership, everything was pulled out, windows were cleaned and lined with a film, shelves were built, fresh concrete was poured, clothing racks were installed and the entire space transformed into a usable and organized space for the first time in decades. 

"Dungeon" is redone at the Museum

As of 4:30pm Wednesday, February 25, 2026 no more burning will be allowed in Geary County for the day. Please continue to check and recheck your recent burns. Winds are expected to increase up to and around 30mph. Please report any fires by calling 911.

Burning banned for remainder of Wednesday

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report a 2020 Jeep Cherokee driven by Jesse McDonald, 25, of Mound City struck a 2018 Harley Motorcycle driven by Donald George, 59, of Manhattan&nbsp;at the intersection of Bluemont Avenue and Tuttle Creek Boulevard. The motorcycle then struck a 2020 Ford Explorer, driven by Layrnn Reed, 31, of Manhattan.

EMS transported George to Via Christi Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. McDonald was issued a citation for following too closely.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The RCPD released no additional details.

Manhattan man hospitalized after 3-vehicle motorcycle crash

After being on the road for nearly a month, the Blue Jays and Lady Jays returned home to the Blue Jay Event Center on Tuesday night, hosting Topeka Hayden.

Girls Recap – Topeka Hayden 76, Junction City 16

The Topeka Hayden Lady Wildcats rolled over the Lady Jays on Tuesday night and set a new record in the process. Hayden made a record-best 19 three-point shots in the game, the most in a single game in Kansas high school basketball history. Hayden led 59-9 at the half, and the entire second half was played with a running clock, as they secured the 76-16 win.

Boys Recap – Junction City 63, Topeka Hayden 49

Junction City routed Topeka Hayden in the first meeting back on February 6, and the Blue Jays once again pulled away to complete the season sweep over the Hayden Wildcats.

In the first quarter, it was back and forth, with the two teams trading buckets early on. JC led 11-9 after one.

The second quarter is where the Blue Jays found their groove. Junction City started the quarter on a 9-1 run and led 20-10, forcing a timeout by the Wildcats. The Blue Jays continued scoring with junior Brody Boeckman and senior Jett Thompson, as they combined for 15 of the team’s 25 first-half points. Junction City led 25-15 at the break.

In the third quarter, senior Lovell Autry came to life for Junction City, knocking down a three-pointer and also getting to the rim. JC led 43-29 after three quarters.

In fourth-quarter action, JCHS stretched the lead to 25 points after junior Khaliel Walker hit a three-point shot from the top of the arc. Junction City led 56-31 and then emptied the bench for the second consecutive game. Hayden hit some shots down the stretch, but the Blue Jays won by 14, with a final score of 63-49.

Four players scored in double digits for Junction City. Lovell Autry led the way with 16 points, Khaliel Walker and Brody Boeckman added 12 each, and Jett Thompson scored 11.

*Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, brought to you by Blu Restaurant in Junction City, was Khaliel Walker. He now receives a $20 free meal voucher from Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.

The Blue Jays advance to 12-9 on the season and will host Emporia High School on Friday for Senior Night.

Blue Jay boys, Hayden girls both roll to Victory on Tuesday night

&nbsp;U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann on Wednesday praised President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, calling it “one of the better speeches” he has heard from the president and pointing to tax cuts and border security as key priorities affecting Kansans.

Appearing on BW radio the morning after the address, Mann, who represents Kansas’ 1st Congressional District, said Trump effectively outlined what he described as major accomplishments during the first year of his second term and charted a vision for the year ahead.

“I thought it was an incredible speech,” Mann said. “He did a great job outlining the successes of the first year of his term and really charted a vision for our country this next year.”

Mann said a line that stood out to him was Trump’s assertion that he inherited “a nation in crisis” but had delivered what the president called a “turnaround for the ages.”

He also highlighted moments in which Trump recognized U.S. men’s hockey gold medal winners and awarded two Congressional Medals of Honor, calling those tributes “well deserved” and reflective of national pride.

Mann said he was surprised by what he viewed as limited bipartisan participation during portions of the speech. He pointed to a moment when Trump asked members of Congress to stand if they believed protecting American citizens is the government’s top priority.

“When you have half the chamber not willing to stand for that, that really surprised me,” Mann said, adding that the partisan divide could become one of the defining memories of the evening.

While acknowledging growing political divisions in Washington, Mann said there remain areas of bipartisan agreement. He cited support for preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and backing for the STOCK Act, legislation that would prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks. Mann said he is a co-sponsor of the measure.

“The most divisive issues are typically what the national media covers,” Mann said. “But there are bipartisan agreements on a whole host of issues.”

Turning to economic policy, Mann said recent federal tax changes are having a direct impact on Kansas families, farmers and small business owners. He referenced the "Working Families Tax Cuts" legislation passed last summer, which took effect Jan. 1.

According to Mann, without congressional action, Kansans would have faced an average federal income tax increase of about $2,200.

“Instead of increasing taxes, we were able to reduce taxes,” Mann said.

He pointed to provisions that lowered basic tax rates, eliminated taxes on overtime and tips, reduced taxes on Social Security income and lowered estate and capital gains taxes. Mann said those measures are particularly important in rural communities across western Kansas.

Mann represents the “Big First” District, which includes Hutchinson and much of the state.

The president’s address comes amid continued national debate over economic policy, border security and the role of government — issues Mann said remain top concerns for constituents in his district.

Mann praises Trump’s State of the Union, highlights tax cuts

After a month long road trip, the Junction City High School basketball teams return to their home court tonight to host the Topeka Hayden Wildcats. As always, you can hear the games on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

Girls Game - Tip-off at 6:00 p.m. - Junction City (2-18) hosts Topeka Hayden (15-6). You can watch the livestream provided by BlueJayMedia <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/zcH1AmJRW2U?si=syjIkH4eCDgLSXK_">by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

Boys game - Tip-off at 7:30 p.m. - Junction City (11-9) hosts Topeka Hayden (12-9). You can watch the livestream provided by BlueJayMedia <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/tOtFv2JNL40?si=8nRu6w13rhld2E4q">by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

🏀WATCH/LISTEN LIVE: Junction City hosts Topeka Hayden Wildcats

K-State president makes stop on Capitol Hill

--The idea of a marketing campaign surfaced at a joint city-county-school district meeting this week. It could promote the community with a year long campaign.

Discussion indicated that it would need both city and county approval. JC 1st has pledged $10,000 toward the proposed effort.

There was some sentiment at the joint meeting that the Convention and Visitors Bureau should help spearhead the campaign.

--Also during the joint session at the C.L. Hoover Opera House there was discussion about a regional incinerator idea and finding a grant for it. The move could be cost saving.

--There will be a two-inch overlay on Grant Avenue that should be completed by July 4th.

--A total of $4,038,000 was recently received by the City to reconstruct the runway at the airport.

Marketing campaign idea surfaces

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST State Emergency Management and the National Weather Service&nbsp; will conduct a Statewide Severe Weather Tornado Drill. 

Every school, citizen, and business is encouraged to participate in the drill. 

Geary County Emergency Management said that residents should treat the drill as if it were an actual Tornado Warning. The purpose of the drill is to test everyone's readiness for life-threatening severe weather events such as tornadoes, flash floods, and damaging winds. Local officials are encouraged to sound warning sirens to initiate the drill.

The National Weather Service will issue a Routine Weekly Test (RWT) to NOAA Weather Radios to initiate the drill. 

Annual Statewide Tornado Drill

NEW YORK (AP) — Wellness influencer, author and entrepreneur Dr. Casey Means on Wednesday shared a vision for addressing the root causes of chronic disease instead of feeding into “reactive sick care” during her confirmation hearing to become the nation's next surgeon general.

&nbsp;On&nbsp;Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall introduced&nbsp;Dr. Casey Means at her confirmation hearing.

“Our nation is angry, exhausted and hurting,” the 38-year-old said in Washington before the Senate health committee Wednesday. “If we’re addressing shared root causes, we’re going to be able to stop the whack-a-mole medicine that’s not working for us.”

It's a message that dovetails with that of Means' ally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,</a>&nbsp;and his “Make America Healthy Again” movement. It also has some bipartisan support, with many Democrats and Republicans agreeing that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/children-health-maha-rfk-jr-jama-d920bb5421bfdc2c83d4356986e9ade7">rise in chronic disease</a>&nbsp;is a problem that needs solving.

But Means also faced tough questions from senators about topics that have become divisive in recent years, such as vaccines and hormonal birth control, as well as about her qualifications and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-trump-casey-means-affiliate-conflicts-8d8cb29defa07028dbd97fc24a72c474">potential conflicts</a>. The Stanford-educated physician’s disillusionment with traditional medicine drove her to a career in which she has promoted various products, at times&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-trump-casey-means-affiliate-conflicts-b0b774dbbb6ea0b5b4bdd0f9f78fbfd5">without disclosing how she could benefit financially</a>. She has no government experience, and her license to practice as a physician is&nbsp;<a href="https://omb.oregon.gov/Clients/ORMB/Public/VerificationDetails.aspx?EntityID=1530903">not currently active</a>.

“I have very serious questions about the ability of Dr. Means to be the kind of surgeon general this country needs,” Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, the ranking member of the Senate health committee, said Wednesday.

Next, the committee will consider whether to advance Means' nomination, in which case it would go to a vote in the full Senate.

As the nation’s doctor, the surgeon general is a leader for Americans on public health issues. If confirmed, Means could issue advisories that warn of public health threats. She also would be tasked with promoting Kennedy's sprawling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maha-report-children-health-food-rfk-f0c624d30da939fc9cca09687f8a4273">MAHA agenda</a>, which calls for removing food additives, rooting out conflicts of interest and promoting healthier eating.

Surgeons general also have sometimes used the office to advocate on issues related to vaccination — though the office has no role in creating vaccine policy. While Means has largely steered clear of Kennedy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-vaccines-2ccde2df146f57b5e8c26e8494f0a16a">debunked views on vaccines</a>, senators from both parties grilled her on how she would approach the issue if confirmed.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, the Louisiana Republican who chairs the Senate health committee, asked Means whether she would advise Americans to vaccinate against flu and measles amid outbreaks across the U.S. She didn't make that commitment, instead emphasizing the importance of informed consent between patients and doctors.

Cassidy, a doctor himself, then asked Means whether she believes vaccines may contribute to autism, a claim that Kennedy has embraced despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccine-trump-science-autism-9b99621b01f11b7f0bdc81e5a0b82d2b">overwhelming research to the contrary</a>.

“I do accept that evidence,” she said, referring to the research. "I also think that science is never settled.”

Means said she looked forward to seeing the results of a federal effort to study environmental contributors to autism. The National Institutes of Health is funding such research, and it’s not clear when those findings will be made public.

Means also was asked about concerns she has raised about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/casey-means-surgeon-general-podcasts-health-care-9eaa4341a62a0762fe827f459e9b1415">birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine</a>, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped recommending for all children in a move&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hepatitis-b-vaccine-acip-a6032868d6025e2c527c574222fcabf3">criticized by scientific and medical groups nationwide</a>. She said she supports the CDC's approach to the birth dose, but that promoting universal vaccination against the disease “at some point in childhood” was worthwhile.

Senators scrutinize Means' past comments on birth control, psychedelics

Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray asked Means to address her past comments that birth control pills were being prescribed “like candy” and showed a “disrespect of things that create life.”

Means said she thinks oral contraceptives should be available to all women, but raised concerns about what she called “horrifying side effects” that can occur in certain populations.

“Doctors do not have enough time for a thorough informed consent conversation,” she said.

According to the American College of Obstetricians &amp; Gynecologists, hormonal birth control methods such as the pill, patch or ring are safe for most people but are associated with a small increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, heart attack and stroke. The risk is higher in some people, such as smokers older than 35 or those who have multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, noted that Means had touted the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/means-trump-surgeon-general-mushrooms-psychedelic-drugs-72c22ed077409b4bb865214e7ef304a8">therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms</a>&nbsp;in her book and tried them herself.

“What I would say as a private citizen is in many cases different than what I’d say as a public health official,” Means replied, adding she wouldn’t recommend psychedelics for the public.

Means isn't a traditional candidate for the role

During the hearing, Means said her goal is to “get more whole, healthy foods on American plates.” It's a worldview she developed during her unconventional path in the medical field.

After graduating from Stanford University with a doctor of medicine degree, Means dropped out of her surgical residency program at Oregon Health and Science University in 2018. She later cited her belief that the health care system was broken and exploitative as the reason for her withdrawal.

Means then turned to alternative approaches to address what she has described as widespread metabolic dysfunction driven largely by poor nutrition and an overabundance of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ultraprocessed-foods-diet-cdc-9d025cd075a3b7bda2d3710da6d3f541">ultraprocessed foods</a>.

Because she had completed enough postgraduate training to obtain a medical license, she did so and started her own functional medicine practice in Oregon, which later closed. She co-founded Levels, a nutrition-, sleep- and exercise-tracking app that can give users insights from blood tests and continuous glucose monitoring.

Financial disclosures show she made hundreds of thousands of dollars promoting wellness products, including specialty basil seed supplements, teas and elixirs, probiotic products and a prepared meal delivery service. An Associated Press investigation found that while recommending these products, she at times&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-trump-casey-means-affiliate-conflicts-8d8cb29defa07028dbd97fc24a72c474">failed to disclose</a>&nbsp;that she could profit or benefit from the sales.

Senators on Wednesday questioned Means about some of those cases. She said the claims were incorrect, and that she takes conflicts of interest seriously.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27412217-casey-means-ethics-filing/">an ethics filing</a>, Means said that if she is confirmed, she will resign from her Levels position and forfeit or divest stock options and stock in the company. She also pledged to stop working for Rupa, a specialty lab work company for which she developed an online course. While she may continue receiving royalty payments from her book “Good Energy,” she will not promote it, the filing said.

The filing also noted she will “not acquire any direct financial interest in entities listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s prohibited holdings list.”

At least two previous surgeons general have publicly suggested Means is not fit for the job.

Last May, former Bush administration surgeon general Dr. Rich Carmona wrote that Means' professional qualifications “raise significant concerns.” Later that month, President Donald Trump's first-term surgeon general, Dr. Jerome Adams, wrote on social media that the surgeon general's traditional leadership of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps requires a medical license.

Means is seeking to join an administration for which her brother,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/calley-means-rfk-maha-wellness-ethics-f2702b2e26c2883f15dc281f02fe3008">Calley Means</a>, already works. As a senior adviser to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, he has helped promote the Republican administration's warnings about ultraprocessed foods.

Associated Press writers Laura Ungar in Louisville, Kentucky and Nicholas Riccardi in Denver contributed to this report.

🎥Surgeon general nominee faces questions about vaccines, birth control

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/marcia-dunn">MARCIA DUNN</a> Associated Press

NASA’s Mike Fincke identified himself Wednesday as the astronaut whose medical condition prompted the space agency’s first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-astronauts-space-crew-spacex-medical-california-13d6c5246a1afec200a811e6cfc049bf">medical evacuation</a>.

In a written statement, the 58-year-old spaceflight veteran revealed he was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-astronauts-medical-evacuation-crew-11-d501e91736371525e81d13794d5e9f01">ailing crew member</a>&nbsp;last month aboard the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-spacex-docking-astronauts-3bbcd406388a80468bb85d9c3e300ea2">International Space Station</a>. He did not say what was wrong with him but explained that his condition quickly stabilized thanks to his crewmates and flight surgeons on the ground.

“Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are,” he said in the statement.

Fincke launched with three others on a SpaceX flight last summer. Their mission came to an early end on Jan. 15, a week after he experienced what he called a “medical event that required immediate attention” by his fellow astronauts. The health concern also forced the cancellation of a planned spacewalk by Fincke and another NASA astronaut.

Following their splashdown in the Pacific, all four astronauts were taken to a San Diego hospital. They flew home to Houston the next day.

With the sick astronaut’s identity still a secret, Fincke said at a news conference a week after returning that the space station’s ultrasound machine came in handy during the medical crisis.

He elaborated Wednesday, stressing that his situation was not an emergency but that everyone wanted “to take advantage of advanced medical imaging not available on the space station.”

Fincke, a retired Air Force colonel who became an astronaut in 1996, has logged 549 days in space over four missions.

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.

Ailing astronaut shares he prompted space station evacuation

SALINE COUNTY—A small earthquake shook central Kansas on Wednesday afternoon.

Just after 2p.m., a 3.5 magnitude quake was centered approximately 3 miles east of Assaria in Saline County, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

There are no reports of damage, according to the Saline County Sheriff's office.

Small earthquake shakes central Kansas

BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas school resource officer continues to receive recognition for his courage.

On social media Wednesday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, " Congratulations to SRO Paul Millard of the Great Bend Police Department, named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Wichita Metro Crime Commission."

"While off duty, he heard gunshots and acted immediately to stop the threat until Wichita Police arrived."&nbsp; 

"Thank you, Officer Millard, for your bravery and dedication to protecting Kansans."

Around 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, Millard and his wife were leaving Towne East Mall after a day of shopping when they heard gunshots in the parking lot. Taking immediate action, Millard rushed over to the scene, restrained a suspect and stopped the threat until the Wichita Police arrived.

With 27 years of service at the Great Bend Police Department, Millard has spent the past decade as the SRO for the USD 428 School System. He also leads the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program and has been member of the bike patrol unit and SWAT team, as well as a supervisor throughout his extensive career.

&nbsp;Millard also received national recognition as SRO of the Month by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) in August.

Another honor for brave Kansas school resource officer 

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating after finding credit card skimmers on gas pumps at a station in Salina.

On Tuesday, police were dispatched to Flying J gas station, 2250 N. Ohio in Salina for the report of a card skimmer found on one of the diesel pumps, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On February 13, a business in Salina reported they used the diesel pump and noticed fraudulent charges on their credit card.&nbsp;

Officers confirmed of finding the skimmer on the diesel pump. Police warned the public if they have used any of the pumps within the last month to be aware of any fraudulent charges.

Skimmers are an illegal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=covert+device&amp;rlz=1C5GCEA_enUS1174US1174&amp;oq=what+are+skimmers&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyDwgAEEUYORiRAhiABBiKBTINCAEQABiRAhiABBiKBTIMCAIQABgUGIcCGIAEMg0IAxAAGJECGIAEGIoFMg0IBBAAGJECGIAEGIoFMgwIBRAAGBQYhwIYgAQyBwgGEAAYgAQyBwgHEAAYgAQyBwgIEAAYgAQyBwgJEAAYgATSAQk0MTgyajBqMTWoAgywAgHxBbxQeFLqQdoj&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiRs6zdjvWSAxWaL0QIHfgMD5IQgK4QegYIAQgAEAY">covert device</a>&nbsp;installed over, or inside, genuine card readers at ATMs, fuel pumps and point-of-sale terminals to steal credit/debit card data.

Police report card skimmer on gas pumps central Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger offered a sharp contrast to President Donald Trump’s depiction of the nation as being in a “golden age” during his State of the Union, arguing in her Democratic rebuttal that costs remain high for many Americans more than a year into his second term.

Her message, that families are still struggling under Trump’s policies, is one Democrats plan to carry nationwide ahead of the midterm elections. Party leaders point to Spanberger’s double-digit victory in Virginia last November as validation of a disciplined, cost-focused campaign they now hope to replicate across the country.

“Democrats across the country are laser-focused on affordability in our nation’s capital and in state capitals and communities across America,” said Spanberger. “In the most innovative and exceptional nation in the history of the world, Americans deserve to know that their leaders are focused on addressing the problems that keep them up at night.”

Spanberger asks Americans whether life is better under Trump

Spanberger was flanked by American flags as she delivered the speech from Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum with restored 18th-century buildings, invoking the site’s role at the heart of Virginia’s early opposition to British rule.

“As we celebrate 250 years since America declared our independence from tyranny, I can think of no better place to speak to you,” Spanberger said.

Spanberger said she wanted to “plainly and honestly” speak to people watching at home. She structured her speech around a series of direct questions: “Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family? Is the president working to keep Americans safe, both at home and abroad? Is the president working for you?”

She contrasted those questions with what she described as the reality under Trump, saying he “has sent poorly trained federal agents into our cities, where they have arrested and detained American citizens and people who aspire to be Americans.” She added that Trump seeks to “pit us against one another” while “enriching himself, his family, his friends.”

“This is not what our founders envisioned. Not by a long shot,” said Spanberger. “So I’ll ask again: Is the president working for you? We all know the answer is no.”

Spanberger had a fraction of Trump’s record-breaking time

Spanberger had far less time than the Republican president to make her case, speaking for around 13 minutes. Trump’s address to Congress stretched for just over an hour and 48 minutes, the longest in history, and ran late into the night.

In his speech, Trump described a nation with lower costs than when he took office, declaring, “This is the golden age of America.”

He also goaded the Democratic side of the House chambers throughout the speech for not standing, increasing his insults throughout the speech and calling his opponents “crazy.” But Democrats inside the chamber largely didn’t react, sitting silently. Texas Rep. Al Green was removed from the chamber barely two minutes into the president’s address after holding a protest sign reading “Black People Aren’t Apes!”

Outside the chamber, Democrats who had skipped the speech responded at counterprogramming events, including a “People’s State of the Union” featuring Democratic lawmakers alongside state and local leaders and celebrities.

“We know our state of the union. We know it is under attack,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said at the event.'

Democrats look toward November’s midterms

Democrats believe the political environment is shifting in their favor. Spanberger’s win in Virginia was followed by other high-profile Democratic victories, including a special election this month in Texas, where a Democrat flipped a reliably Republican state Senate district that Trump carried by 17 percentage points in 2024.

In California Sen. Alex Padilla’s Spanish-language response to Trump’s address, he described the nation as “living a nightmare that divides and destroys our communities” and urged viewers to “prepare, starting today, for your voice to reverberate this November.”

Padilla, who was forcefully removed from a Homeland Security news conference in Los Angeles last year while questioning immigration raids, referenced the moment in his remarks.

“They may have knocked me down for a moment, but I got right back up,” he said. “As our parents taught us: If you fall seven times, get up eight. I am still here. Standing. Still fighting.”

Spanberger, meanwhile, sought to tie Republicans in Congress closely to Trump as Democrats aim to flip the House and Senate in November. She warned that additional tariffs would raise costs “and Republicans in Congress, they remain unwilling to assert their constitutional authority to stop him.”

“They’re making your life harder. They’re making your life more expensive,” she said.

🎥Democrat lawmakers respond to Trump's State of the Union

MCPHERSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Tuesday in McPherson County.

The McPherson County Sheriff's office reported a UTV was northbound on 12th Avenue at Moccasin Road. The UTV struck a westbound Suzuki SUV in the intersection and overturned. After impact the UTV driver was ejected and he was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

The female driver of the SUV was transported to the hospital in McPherson for treatment.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release names of the drivers.

Kansas man dies after UTV, SUV crash

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Tuesday spoke on the Senate floor to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and emphasize the importance of continued support for Ukraine from the United States and its allies as Russia’s ongoing aggression reaches its fifth year.

“Vladimir Putin believed his so-called military operation would be over in two weeks, but as the fifth year of the war begins, Russian forces have fought Ukraine longer than they fought the Germans in World War II,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;

“Because of the bravery and innovation of the Ukrainians, aided by American and European support, Vladimir Putin’s objective to conquer and control the Ukrainian government remains unobtainable. His war is a strategic failure.”“Ukrainians are coming out of the most difficult winter yet, with temperatures at the most frigid of the war, and the Russian bombing campaigns aimed at energy infrastructure have taken a toll. Instead of being convinced to sue for peace on Putin’s terms, Ukrainians remain unwavering in their commitment to remain an independent and sovereign nation,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran.

&nbsp;“We must commit to share in their resolve. I say that again: we must commit to share in their resolve and support the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom.”Sen. Moran today joined Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) in introducing a bipartisan Senate resolution to mark the four-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Full text of the resolution can be found&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/DAV26310.pdf">here</a>.

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator marks 4th anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect accused in a deadly Labor Day weekend robbery, killing is due back in court Wednesday.

Lafayette J. Washington, 21, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in&nbsp;Judge Jeffrey Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to move forward.

In September, Washington was charged with First degree murder, theft of property and criminal possession of a firearm in the shooting death of 23-year-old D’Andre Rubio of Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police.

The shooting occurred&nbsp; just after 1:30 a.m. September 1, in the 100 block of Rock Island in Wichita. Officers arrived and found Rubio suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Detectives have learned that a disturbance took place before the shooting.&nbsp;

Washinton is being held on bond of over $1 million dollars.

Preliminary Hearing for Kansas Labor Day robbery, killing

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids said ahead of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday she was concerned about his promises of lower costs, stability and support for American families.

“Instead we are seeing the opposite of that,” the Kansas Democrat said during a virtual press conference. “We’re seeing rising grocery bills. We’re seeing tariffs that have forced small businesses to close. We’re seeing cuts to health care that are, frankly, going to devastate families.”

Davids said her State of the Union guest, Nick Levendofsky, will bring Kansas voices to the forefront. Levendofsky,&nbsp; the executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union and secretary of the Minneapolis-based research nonprofit Institute for Agriculture &amp; Trade Policy, has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s tariff policies and advocate for broader protections for Kansas farmers.

Davids said she is hoping for solutions from Trump rather than partisan rhetoric.

“I have to be honest here. I am not necessarily holding my breath for that,” she said.

The State of the Union address follows Friday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/20/repub/us-supreme-court-rules-against-trumps-tariffs-in-6-3-opinion-dealing-blow-to-trade-agenda/">U.S. Supreme Court decision</a>, which deemed certain tariffs illegal.

Trump’s tariffs have been detrimental to Kansas farmers, according to Levendofsky.

He said farmers across the country have lost tens of billions of dollars because of tariffs, and crop markets have become stressed or entirely lost. When farmers aren’t making money, they aren’t spending money, he said.

“I hate to say it, but we’ve become less reliable when it comes to trade and what we can offer to the world,” Levendofsky said.

He believes that Congress should address tariffs by exerting its checks and balances authority and intervening in the ongoing trade war.

Also top of mind for Davids and Levendofsky while in D.C. this week is a farm bill that will govern agriculture and food issues for the next several years.

Davids wants to see amendments to the bill that end current trade war policy, protect food assistance programs and address adequate staffing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan.

She said she will not support a final product that ignores what Kansans need to stay competitive.

Levendofsky favors updates to the legislation that address climate change issues, attracting new farmers to the profession, supporting underserved farmers, boosting research, promoting rural mental health services and establishing food assistance programs.

“If you eat, you are involved in agriculture,” Levendofsky said.

Kansas is the country’s eighth-largest agriculture producer, exporting more than $7 billion in beef, wheat, soybeans and other grains.

The state lost 700 farms in 2025, according to a USDA study, and 11 Kansas farms filed for Chapter 12 bankruptcy, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The White House has promoted Trump’s first year in his second term in office as a major success. In a statement released Tuesday gouging Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who is set to deliver Democrats’ rebuttal following Trump’s address, the White House said, “Americans deserve better than the Radical Left’s vision of higher taxes, weaker borders, and divisive ideology.”

“Tonight, while President Trump highlights the successes of his America First agenda in slashing costs, revitalizing manufacturing, securing our borders, and delivering real relief — Spanberger’s response will only underscore her party’s commitment to the failed lunacy Americans rejected,” the statement said.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, said while appearing Monday on Newsmax said Trump has made American families safer, borders more secure, the military more successful and the economy more prosperous. He said record-low murder rates, missions in Iran and Venezuela and lower utility costs are worth celebrating.

Marshall called the U.S. Supreme Court’s tariff decision disappointing. Trump’s tariffs have served as a leverage tool to be used for diplomacy, national security and forceful trade deals, he said. He also said manufacturing jobs have moved back to Kansas from overseas as a result of tariff policy.

“This big ship we call America is now moving in the right direction,” he said, “so there’s lots to celebrate.”

Kansas congresswoman, farm leader emphasize agriculture’s importance to State of the Union

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tre White scored a season-high 23 points and No. 14 Kansas bounced back from a surprising defeat with a 69-56 victory over No. 5 Houston on Monday night.

Freshman star Darryn Peterson added 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting in 30 minutes for the Jayhawks (21-7, 11-4 Big 12), who fell six spots in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-25-poll-duke-39fdb6bef07b4466f0e6140826fdcad5">this week's AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;following an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cincinnati-kansas-score-23ec2476f761e00a0f453d49b9fc7178">84-68 loss at home</a>&nbsp;Saturday to unranked Cincinnati.

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