The Greater Geary Community&nbsp; Match Day will be Tuesday, Oct. 21. The event supports 60 nonprofit organizations in Geary County.

--In-Person: 7am - 5:30 pm at the Junction City Municipal Building Auditorium (700 N. Jefferson Street) 

--By Mail: Donors may mail checks postmarked and received by October 21, 2025 to:P.O. Box 411, Junction City, KS 6644. You must include a giving form that indicates which organizations you are giving to and the amounts Please include only ONE check made out to GGCF for the total donation amount.

--Online:Made between 12:00 a.m. - 11:59 p.m. on October 21st here:<a href="http://www.gearymatchday.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZGdWVnJwMWlRM1hHNTgyRAEeMuxX7T3VRCx56lgYEnBLsTpZBq9bviT0PD8RnfnUcUFMNPhYtrXkz5nAPZg_aem_p9l7_yYsdcyWpOBkw-SLsQ" target="_blank">www.gearymatchday.com</a>

Donations will be accompanied by 50-cents on the dollar up to a maximum of $7,500 per organization. This year $165,000 is availabe in matching funds, up $3,000 from one year ago. Matching funds are being provided by the R2B4 Bramlage Foundation, Hoover-Koken Foundation, Crosby Family Foundation and Central Charities.

According to Greater Geary Community Foundation Chairman Calvin Pottberg in 2024 the public donated $443, 467 dollars with the match money totaling $162,000, bringing the overal total to just over $605,000 to 56 nonprofit organizations.

Match Day is next Tuesday

&nbsp;Geary County Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee members were uodated on multiple topics Wednesday.

--The CVB is interested in attracting World Soccer Cup fans to visit Geary County for a few days in July 2026..&nbsp;

--The CVB was asked to support the Junction City Wrestling Club annual tournament in January with a sponsorship. There was support during the meeting for a $1,000 sponsorship but that request goes to the Geary County Commission on Nov. 5.

The tournament will bring visitors to the county and will have the biggest benefit for restaurants and gas stations.

--The CVB has received sponsorship requests for fishing tournaments at Milford Lake including the Kansas Bass Nation state tournament, Catfish Chasers and Kansas Bass Network.&nbsp;

CVB News Notes

Downtown JC Happenings | Oct 13 - Oct 19, 2025

● Only 50 Tickets Left for Boos &amp; Brews! Don’t miss your chance to join Junction City Main Street for our Second Annual Boos and Brews on Friday, October 17 and Friday, October 24. This haunted history walking tour is like no other—filled with chilling tales, delightful ales, and frightful fun in the heart of Downtown Junction City. Each ticket includes a welcome drink, three complimentary themed beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available), and a spine-tingling guided tour through some of the city’s most storied locations. This is an 18+ event, and tickets are going fast—secure yours before they disappear into the night! <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/signature-events/2025boosandbrews/">https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/signature-events/2025boosandbrews/</a>.

● <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1ChAfN9AZF/">All Treats Day</a> is slotted for October 30th at 5:15PM! The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community for a fun evening of trick-or-treating downtown.

Squid Syndicate will also be hosting a trunk-or-treat that evening, in the grassy property at 901 N Washington St.

Mark Your Calendars for Match Day!

Tuesday, October 21, 2025, is Geary Community Match Day, a special opportunity to support local organizations that make a difference—including Junction City Main Street. All donations made through the Greater Geary Community Foundation that day will receive a 50% match, helping your gift go even further to strengthen our community.

We’ve been sharing some of our recent <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gzts4xcsX/">highlights on Facebook</a> to show the work and progress happening in our downtown—check them out here. To learn more about Match Day or make a donation, visit the <a href="https://www.gearymatchday.com/">general Match Day page here.</a>

Donations can be made in person from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Junction City Municipal Building Auditorium, by mail (postmarked by October 21), or online throughout the day. Please consider supporting Junction City Main Street and joining us in building a vibrant downtown that benefits us all.

<a href="https://godfreystactical.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNHs4pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3azdKYjl2RWk5ZmtmZXd1AR7vhwSejcARqGfdIgGQkNIKI-9W1f8wAp9LA6zYmUh9BA_zvjKanVPtC7NwRw_aem_f0i9mu0uejSZDFi2oo4DVA">Did you know?</a>: Every Wednesday is Ladies Night at Godfrey’s Indoor Ranges and Tactical Supply! And Fridays are Free Rental Friday!

This Week’s GEM Studios Art Classes - All classes are ticketed, reserve your spot here: <a href="https://www.gemstudiosjc.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM1GoFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWQmZ3dXd5SFRZN0w5V3liAR6yL9DKCuye9j8rwYNE1-V9DvrlAFfYO7Kl5TOdQl03NGdjfkoLOL51j88qgQ_aem_ek-3Q1Cmqw4GBYC2nKW6Eg">https://www.gemstudiosjc.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM1GoFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWQmZ3dXd5SFRZN0w5V3liAR6yL9DKCuye9j8rwYNE1-V9DvrlAFfYO7Kl5TOdQl03NGdjfkoL OL51j88qgQ_aem_ek-3Q1Cmqw4GBYC2nKW6Eg</a>

- Kids Wednesday Addams: Saturday, October 18th at 10AM

- Witchy Hat: Saturday, October 18th at 6PM

- Brushes and Booze: Mixed Media Paint Hocus Pocus: Sunday, October 14th at 12PM

<a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/flag-fundraiser/">Flags of Geary County</a>: “Proudly United, Community Ignited” 2026 is America’s 250th birthday! To celebrate, Junction City Main Street invites you to take part in the Flag Project supporting multiple local organizations. For a small donation, Main Street will place and remove a leased 3x5 ft U.S. flag on a 10 ft pole in front of your home or business on seven major holidays throughout the year. Flags will not be displayed in the event of rain.

<a href="https://junctioncityartscouncil.org/art-classes-for-adults-and-kids-sept-oct-2025/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMq8eNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6R0RpUnMyYmtEZEtpeEhjAR6wLe3Ym7QmV2br47ww1BrEGTClZBwj82SITnHCGJalXDv-9zmg2sXkAULYdQ_aem_pmbLu49swjlam765416_xA">Junction City Arts Council Classes</a>: Reserve your spot today!

Saturday, October 18th - Smiling Jack-O’-Lantern Art Class (Kinder-2nd Graders) at 12pm

Saturday, October 25th - Shadows of the Night - Acrylic Painting Class (Middle School) at 2PM

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555597640369&amp;sk=events">Blu Restaurant and Bar Weekly Events:</a> Margarita Monday, Taco ‘Bout a Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086549072848&amp;sk=events">Highwind events:</a> Steak Night, Tuesday | Music Bingo, Wednesday @ 6:30PM | New Fall Specials on Thursday | Karaoke Night, Saturday @ 7PM

The karaoke bug is going around and The Spot Karaoke is the place to be! Pick from 4 private karaoke suites, all with different themes, and enjoy a private jam session with you + 11 other people per room. Check them out and reserve a karaoke suite here: <a href="https://thespot785.com/">https://thespot785.com/</a>

Follow <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/">Junction City Main Street</a> for event updates and more.

Support local. Stay connected. Love where you live.

Main Street - Downtown JC Happenings

When night falls, Abilene’s Old West history takes a spooky turn during Haunted Old Town, held at Old Abilene Town, 200 SE 6th St., from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. ct. 17-18, 24-25 and on Oct. 31. Creepy characters, eerie effects, and unexpected scares are features. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Filo Foods Food Truck will be onsite, and on October 25, visitors are invited to stay for a Halloween Costume Party.

Haunted Old Town

MANHATTAN and SALINA, Kan. — Every student’s journey to a bachelor’s degree looks different — and sometimes, students need help finding their unique paths.That’s why&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/">Kansas State University</a>&nbsp;is partnering with technical colleges in two of its campus communities — Manhattan and Salina — to launch new programs that meet students where they are and ensure they have a pathway to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Under these new programs, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/undergrad/manhattan/apply/other-applicant/mhk-pathway/">MHK Pathway program</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/admissions/apply/sln-pathway.html">SLN Pathway program</a>, eligible students who do not meet the academic requirements for admission to K-State as degree-seeking freshmen will be able to live in a K-State residence hall, participate in university programming and experience K-State student life their first year, all while completing courses concurrently at either&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://manhattantech.edu/">Manhattan Area Technical College</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://salinatech.edu/">Salina Area Technical College</a>. Students will work toward K-State’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/undergrad/manhattan/apply/transfer/">transfer requirements</a>, ultimately continuing on at K-State with the completion of their bachelor’s degree within reach.

“The MHK and SLN Pathway programs are collectively just one way we demonstrate our commitment of educational access, as the programs have the potential to support hundreds of students each year who may not have believed a bachelor’s degree was within reach” said Jesse Perez Mendez, K-State provost and executive vice president. “This is all about creating opportunity, breaking down barriers and ensuring these students know their success matters to us.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State partnerships with Manhattan Tech, Salina Tech expand access for Kansas students

Latrez Pringle was selected by the Junction City High School's Junior Optimist Club and presented to the JC Breakfast Optimist Club as the October Student of the Month.&nbsp; Latrez is a senior at the high school and in the Fine Arts and Human Services Academy.&nbsp; Upon graduation, Latrez plans to study film making at Kansas University.&nbsp; He received a framed certificate and a gift certificate for $25.00 at JC BBQ &amp; Gril

Optimist Club's JCHS Student of the Month

There were a number of Geary County employees honored recently for years of service.

Toppng the list were Justin W. Floberg and Jennifer C. Gatlin with 20 years of service. Dale D. Dennison was recognized for 15 years.

County employees are honored

The annual Freedom Fest celebration in Junction City attracted an estimated attendance of 50,000 over the five-day event. The summary for the celebration was presented to the Geary County Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee on Wednesday.

--There were 19 food vendors and 30 craft vendors.&nbsp;

--466 registered runners in the Freedom Run.

--80 room nights were contracted to accommodate entertainers.

--255 people used the contracted ATA Bus to travel to and from Fort Riley

Families from Nebraska, Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri and Oregon attended.

Freedom Fest generated local revenue, with WEEE Carnival alone reporting over $200,000 in revenue for the week. There were economic benefits for local vendors, hotels, restaurants and service providers.

In pre-event fundraiser attendance exceeded 1,500 people for Balloons, Bands and BBQ and the Mudd Bogg event on Grant Ave, recorded the highest attendance in recent memory.

The dates for Freedom Fest JC in 2026 are July 1-5. It coincides with the 250th birthday of the United States.

Freedom Fest JC 2025 Summary

&nbsp; There will not be any school on Friday, Oct. 17 in USD 475.&nbsp; It is a Parent Teacher Conference Day in the district.

No school Friday in USD 475

&nbsp;Seven students from the Junction City High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) practiced their debate skills For JC Breakfast Optimist Club members in preparation for national competition&nbsp;in Indianapolis, Indiana at the end of the month.&nbsp; The topic was "Will banning seed oils help or hurt the American people?"&nbsp; Pros and cons were respectfully debated without judgement,&nbsp; &nbsp;The presentation was informative and left the answer to the question to the audience members .&nbsp;&nbsp;

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club donated $200.00 to the FFA Chapter.

Optimist's Guests Were JCHS FFA Members

Junction City police responded to an incident in the 800 block of South Washington Street at 7:23 pm Tuesday.

Initial reports suggested the incident was a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple individuals with various injuries. Three people were transported to the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Health Campus and treated for injuries that ranged from blunt force trauma to stab wounds. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

Through the course of the investigation, officers determined that no firearm was involved in the incident. Based on evidence and witness statements gathered at the scene, Jesse Bailey III, a 27-year-old man from Junction City, was arrested on a requested charge of Aggravated Battery in connection with the altercation.

All individuals involved in the disturbance have been identified and contacted. The identities of the other two people involved are not being released at this time. There is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation remains active as officers continue to review evidence and follow up on leads.

Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Junction City Police Department at (785) 762-5912 or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (785) 762-8477.

Junction City police say they responded to the 800 block of South Washington at 7:23 p.m. Tuesday for what they call an ongoing physical disturbance.

Upon arrival they found multiple people who had sustained injuries. Several people were transported to the Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills campus for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

At this time police say there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public. The investigation continues as officers gather information and interview those involved.

UPDATE: Junction City police respond to a physical disturbance on Tuesday night 

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer

Ford is recalling more than 290,000 vehicles in the U.S. because the rearview camera system may not display images properly in certain lighting conditions, which could increase the risk of a crash.

The recall includes certain 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's safety recall report said that Ford reviewed customer complaint data and warranty information to understand customer occurrences. The automaker said that as of Sept. 20, it was aware of 10 reports, with the first report occurring on Jan. 20, 2022.

Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition.

The automaker's dealers will update the image processing module software of the impacted vehicles for free.

Interim letters are expected to be sent to vehicle owners on Oct. 20. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, which is anticipated for March 2026. Vehicle owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Individuals may also contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Ford recalls 290,000 trucks due to issue with rearview camera system

It is not a year with presidential candidates, but the Alfred E. Smith&nbsp; Memorial Foundation dinner at the&nbsp;at Waldorf Astoria in New York City still raised a lot of fun and funds Thursday night.

Former Secretaries of State Mike Pompeo and&nbsp;Antony Blinken delivered lighthearted remarks.&nbsp;They shared their experiences working under different administrations and discussed many topics, including diplomacy, foreign policy, and the 2025 New York City Mayoral race. Pomopeo also discussed his weight loss.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/former-secretaries-of-state-blinken-pompeo-at-alfred-e-smith-dinner/667251">Click here to watch a replay</a> of the fun at the dinner.

The white-tie dinner raises millions of dollars for Catholic charities and has traditionally offered candidates from both parties the chance to trade lighthearted barbs, poke fun at themselves and pretend to get along.

Pompeo was the nation’s top diplomat from 2018 to 2021 in the administration of President Donald Trump. He was the GOP congressman from Wichita from 2011 to 2017.

🎥Former Kan. Congressman a keynote roaster at Alfred E. Smith dinner

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas woman who called 911 to report shooting her son in October of 2024 is expected to learn her fate on Friday.

Tesha Florence, 46, Wichita will attend a sentencing hearing&nbsp;in Judge Eric Williams courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In August, Florence pleaded no contest to charges of second degree murder,&nbsp; aggravated assault and aggravated burglary, according to the District Attorney's office.

On October 9, 2024, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from Florence reporting that she shot her son, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

First responders located a 16-year-old identified as Robert Florence inside an apartment in the 9100 Block of East Harry. He had a single gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was in extremely critical condition. He died two days later, according to Moses.

At the scene, officers detained&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=168822">&nbsp;Florence,</a>&nbsp;the boy's mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the investigation into this case, detectives learned of a previously unreported incident from March 2024 where Florence threatened an ex-husband and his current girlfriend with a gun.

Sentencing day for Kan. mother who admitted killing 16-year-old son

COWLEY COUNTY—Police and fire officials are investigating the cause of house fire in Arkansas City.

Just after 10:30 a.m. Thursday, the Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department responded to a fire in a home in the 300 block of North 8th Street, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, crews found a working fire in the northwest corner of the home, with flames extending into the attic. Firefighters made a quick entry and had water on the fire within about one minute.

According to Fire Marshal Gary Bowker, the fire was contained within five minutes. Crews remained on scene through much of the afternoon to check for and extinguish hot spots in the attic area. 

A primary search confirmed that no one was inside the home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. 

Neighbors indicated the house had been vacant for approximately two to three weeks. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The structure sustained heavy damage, estimated at more than 50 percent loss.

The Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department is working closely with the Arkansas City Police Department as the investigation continues.

🎥Police investigating fire at Kansas home

KANSAS CITY—Police investigating a fatality accident that occurred just before 7:30a.m. Tuesday in Kansas City, Missouri have released the name of the girl who died as 9-year-old Hazen Workman-Duffy, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-hazen-workmanduffy">Click here to visit </a>the online fundraiser for the family.

KCPD investigators determined a white Ford Transit van was northbound on Food Lane Drive and was turning westbound onto Longview Road at the intersection, according KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina. At the same time, the girl was riding her bicycle within the marked crosswalk and had a green signal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 The van struck the bicycle causing her to fall to the roadway.. EMS transported the girl to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.&nbsp;

Police ID girl killed after van struck her bicycle in KC crosswalk

By JOEY CAPPELLETTI and LINLEY SANDERS&nbsp;

WASHINGTON (AP) — As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">the government shutdown</a>&nbsp;drags on with no end in sight, a new AP-NORC poll finds that most Americans see it as a significant problem — and all of the major players are being blamed.

Roughly 6 in 10 Americans say President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of responsibility for the shutdown, while 54% say the same about Democrats in Congress, according to the poll from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/" target="_blank">The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research</a>. At least three-quarters of Americans believe each deserves at least a “moderate” share of blame, underscoring that no one is successfully evading responsibility.

The survey, conducted as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-democrats-congress-02382f77ea1ba72896148555a75dc075">the shutdown</a>&nbsp;stretched into its third week, comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-obamacare-republicans-democrats-b6b59cae2ec28b39e57fbb703704f46a">leaders warn</a>&nbsp;it could soon become the longest in history. Democrats are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-congress-shutdown-democrats-republicans-bb3464820a347fd2c0399e78e335881e">demanding an extension</a>&nbsp;of tax credits that have helped millions of people afford health insurance since the coronavirus pandemic, while Republicans have refused to negotiate until Congress passes a funding bill to reopen the government.

The standoff has become a messaging battle, with each party betting the public will blame the other. The stakes are especially high for Democrats, now out of power and searching for a unifying fight to rally around ahead of pivotal 2026 midterm elections.

Slightly more of the public’s frustration appears to be aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republicans-house-elections-e3754a684a7b96b129841d4b207c15e9">the party in power</a>. The poll finds that about half of Americans say Trump has “a great deal” of responsibility for the shutdown, the very highest amount of responsibility offered in the poll. That’s roughly the same share who fault Republicans in Congress, but higher than the 40% who say the same of Democrats.

Government shutdownThe AP has journalists around the country covering the shutdown of the federal government.&nbsp;<a href="https://modules.wearehearken.com/associated-press/embed/12545/share" target="_blank">What questions do you have for them?</a>

Sophia Cole, a 38-year-old Republican mother from St. Louis, placed equal blame for the shutdown on Trump and Congress. Cole, who described herself as a Trump supporter, said both sides “should be able to come together” on a compromise but believes it is ultimately the Republican president’s responsibility to broker a deal.

“We’re dependent on him to get the House and everyone to vote the way that he needs them to vote,” Cole said.

Democrats and independents more likely to call the shutdown a ‘major issue’

The effects of the shutdown are beginning to be felt across the country. Flights have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-government-shutdown-travel-aviation-flight-delays-211022120bf96ab95dc6861ca5a7e32d">been delayed</a>, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees who are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-federal-workers-shutdown-layoffs-5bef57b6c431830a9af84fbfcc59b324">furloughed or working without pay</a>&nbsp;are starting to miss paychecks.

The poll finds that 54% of U.S. adults call the shutdown a “major issue,” with just 11% saying it is “not a problem at all.” Democrats are most likely, at 69%, to see it as a major problem, but 59% of independents and 37% of Republicans feel the same way.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said this week the country is “barreling toward&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-obamacare-republicans-democrats-b6b59cae2ec28b39e57fbb703704f46a">one of the longest shutdowns</a>&nbsp;in American history.” The last shutdown, during Trump’s first term, went to for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdowns-history-schumer-trump-f442ba1392fab3e7cab37756302e829c">a record 35 days</a>&nbsp;and drew similar public sentiment, with Democrats more likely than Republicans to see it as a major problem.

The White House has warned the impact of the shutdown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-government-shutdown-russ-vought-project-2025-bf3ecd1f7cd765c9e125d7d7179c8b39">could be worse</a>&nbsp;this time. While roughly 2 million service members were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-military-pay-troops-government-shutdown-8601ea092fe746cc35b88076e70c4598">paid on time</a>&nbsp;this week, the administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-government-shutdown-firings-layoffs-vought-1fd57313272ec4db5984f653b095be33">used the federal workforce as leverage</a>, and last weekend it began following through on threats to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-federal-worker-firings-0439e8d0979d9a32e021c5c851fea1cf">lay off federal workers</a>. But on Wednesday, a federal judge in California&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-layoffs-trump-unions-b312b3ca77cbdbc72e778ece3b2cbffc">temporarily blocked the firings</a>, saying they appeared to be politically motivated and were being carried out without much thought.

“Things are just going to keep getting worse for federal workers,” said Angie Santiago, a 60-year-old Democrat from Miami. “If people like me are struggling, I can’t imagine what federal workers are going through.”

Santiago, who is on disability while her husband works, said she fears the shutdown will worsen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-federal-workers-shutdown-layoffs-5bef57b6c431830a9af84fbfcc59b324">economic hardship</a>&nbsp;across the country. Santiago said during a phone interview that she began regularly going to food banks about a year ago.

“I’m calling you from a food line,” she said. “You’re going to see more of these lines popping up. It’s going to get bad.”

More favor than oppose extending health care subsidies

At the center of the shutdown is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493">a stalemate over federal tax credits</a>&nbsp;for people who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Democrats want the credits extended, while Republicans say they will discuss the issue only once the government reopens.

The poll shows that roughly 4 in 10 U.S. adults support extending the tax credits, while about 1 in 10 oppose it outright. A large share, 42%, have no opinion, suggesting many Americans are not closely following the core dispute driving the shutdown.

Jason Beck, a Republican who is a self-employed insurance agent in Utah, uses the Affordable Care Act marketplace for his own insurance and supports extending the tax credits.

“I know a lot of the shutdown is over health insurance, and I’d rather just keep it the same way it is now,” Beck said of the subsidies.

Democrats say that keeping health insurance prices the same is central to their fight and that prices will skyrocket if Congress doesn’t do anything. But even Beck, who is on the Democrats’ side with the subsidies, still places equal blame for the shutdown on Democrats, Republicans and Trump.

“Trump’s blaming the Democrats, and the Democrats are blaming the Republicans,” Beck said. “We’re stuck because there’s no middle ground anymore.”

Neither party sees a substantial bump in favorability

Both parties have framed the shutdown as a prelude to the 2026 midterms, with Democrats aiming to flip the House. So far, however, it doesn’t appear to have meaningfully shifted opinions about either party.

About 3 in 10 U.S. adults have a “somewhat” or “very” favorable view of the Democratic Party, in line with an AP-NORC poll from September. Four in 10 have a “somewhat” or “very” favorable view of the Republican Party, similar to last month.

Confidence in Congress, meanwhile, remains extremely low. Only about 4% of Americans say they have “a great deal” of confidence in the way Congress is being run, while 43% have “only some” confidence and about half have “hardly any” confidence.

But the poll suggests that health care could be a helpful issue for Democrats down the road. The poll found that 38% of Americans trust Democrats to do a better job handling health care, while only 25% trust Republicans more. About 1 in 10 trust both equally, and 25% trust neither.

Rob Redding, a 49-year-old independent voter from New York, supports extending ACA subsidies and credits Democrats for defending them.

Redding said Democrats holding the line on the ACA subsidies is probably one of the most valiant and gutsy things he’s ever seen them do.

“And,” Redding said, “I think that it’s the right call.”

What a new poll shows about Americans’ views on the shutdown

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A suspect is in custody following a fatal shooting on a City of Wichita bus Thursday afternoon.

Just after 3:30 p.m., police responded to a report of a shooting at South Meridian and West Burton. When officers arrived, they found a 54-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Sedgwick County EMS pronounced him deceased on scene.

Investigators determined that both the suspect, identified from booking records as 34-year-old Travis L. Finney and the victim were passengers on the bus and knew each other.

There is no ongoing threat to the public.&nbsp; Police did not release the victim's name late Thursday. Finney is being held on requested charges that include murder in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, robbery, probation violation, domestic battery and aggravated domestic battery.

This case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 316-268-4407. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Kan. man shot and killed riding city bus, suspect in custody

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman who admitted her role in the death of a 7-year-old boy learned her fate Thursday afternoon.

Judge Sean Hatfield sentenced&nbsp;Tasha Diane Dillard, 25, Wichita to 37-months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. The judge granted a defense motion for a downward sentence departure. She was sentenced below the minimum recommended sentence guideline, according to the district attorney's office.

In early September she pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated child endangerment, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She had been scheduled to face a trial starting on September 15.

Dillard had originally been charged with 1st degree murder and 7 counts of aggravated endangering a child, according to the District Attorney's office.

On March 16, police responded to a call of a shooting at an apartment in the 3700 block of E Ross Parkway, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The caller reported that someone had been shot and that a child was bleeding.

When officers arrived, they found 7-year-old Davion Gunter suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Davion was transported to a local hospital, where he was&nbsp; pronounced deceased.

At the scene, officers found seven other children and multiple adults. Wichita Police homicide investigators and the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit responded immediately, conducting interviews and gathered evidence.

As a result, police took Dillard into custody, and the children were placed in protective care.&nbsp;

Astonishing sentence for Kansas woman in death of 7-year-old boy

WASHINGTON (AP) — Drugmaker EMD Serono will reduce the cost of a common fertility medication through a deal struck with the Trump administration,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Thursday while also unveiling new federal guidance he said will encourage employers to offer fertility coverage.

The new guidance will allow companies to offer fertility benefits separate from major medical insurance plans, like they do with dental and vision plans, Trump said.

“We want to make it easier for all couples to have babies, raise children and start the families they have always dreamed about,” Trump said.

The Oval Office announcement offers a first glimpse at how Trump plans to follow up on his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-vitro-fertilization-trump-executive-order-65972cc1b10151bf1a0d9390fe5754d9">executive order</a>&nbsp;earlier this year aiming to reduce the cost of in vitro fertilization, a medical procedure that helps people facing infertility build their families. But it falls far short of his promise as a candidate to make IVF treatment free. It marks the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-astrazeneca-drug-prices-medicaid-tariffs-2da852b2edf18c72977fb922aa054e42">third deal</a>&nbsp;the administration has made with pharmaceutical companies to cut drug prices in recent weeks.

EMD Serono’s Gonal-f is among several drugs frequently used by patients going through IVF treatments — which involve using hormones to trigger ovulation, producing multiple eggs that are retrieved from the ovaries to be fertilized or frozen. The drugs can be expensive, often costing patients thousands of dollars for a single IVF cycle. Many patients trying to get pregnant through IVF go through more than one cycle.

The White House and EMD Serono said the drug, along with all its other IVF medications, will be available at a discount on TrumpRx, a government website where patients will be able to buy drugs directly from manufacturers. The Trump administration contends that the new website, which is expected to be running in 2026, will cut pharmaceutical costs by allowing people to buy them without a middleman.

Trump said the Food and Drug Administration will also be working with EMD Serono to expedite approval of another one of its fertility drugs available in Europe, called Pergoveris.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, who heads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said that as a result of the changes: “There are going to be a lot of Trump babies. I think that’s probably a good thing.”

Thursday’s announcement comes after Trump issued a February executive order pledging to make IVF more affordable. During his campaign last year, Trump pledged that if he was elected, he would make IVF treatment free.

“Under the Trump administration, your government will pay for — or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for — all costs associated with IVF treatment,” he said at an event in Michigan. “Because we want more babies, to put it nicely.”

That pledge came in the wake of growing pressure after his Supreme Court nominees helped overturn the right to abortion in Roe v. Wade that kicked off an effort in GOP-led states to impose new restrictions, including some that have threatened access to IVF by trying to define life as beginning at conception.

Asked on Thursday about conservatives who have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ivf-embryos-christian-evangelicals-alabama-dce11430993cf7e1047987fa3fb06ace">religious objections to IVF</a>&nbsp;and are critical of his support for it, Trump said he wasn’t aware of those views.

“I don’t know about the views of that,” Trump said. “I’m just looking to do something because, you know, pro-life, I think this is very pro-life.”

“You can’t get more pro-life than this,” he added.

Roger Shedlin, CEO of the fertility and family building benefits company WIN, on Wednesday expressed excitement about what he called “steps in the right direction.”

“Any initiative that addresses the cost of drugs will have a material positive impact on the overall cost of the fertility cycle,” he said.

Corinn O’Brien, 39, of Birmingham, Alabama, said anything to lower the costs of IVF would be “huge for families.”

O’Brien said she underwent three rounds of IVF and gave birth to a daughter in June. Each time, the drugs would cost anywhere from around $1,000 to $5,000.

She said covering the whole IVF cycle “ultimately would be a game changer for families,” but helping with the cost of drugs “is progress and is much appreciated.”

O’Brien added it would be great if more employers would cover fertility services because, for many, “this is their only chance to expand their family.”

Swenson reported from New York. Ungar reported from Louisville, Kentucky.

🎥Trump deal will  lower the cost of a common IVF drug

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a fire Thursday in Kansas City.

Just after 1p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to a reported apartment fire in the 9300 block of Bales Drive, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

 Crews reported smoke and fire showing from the exterior of a three-story occupied apartment building. Companies initiated an offensive fire attack on arrival using one handline. Searches of the structure were conducted and came back "all clear".&nbsp; The fire was brought under control just after 1:28 p.m. EMS transported&nbsp; one resident for evaluation and treatment of smoke&nbsp;inhalation.&nbsp;The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

One hospitalized after fire in 3-story KC apartment building

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and TNT Sports announced on Monday that the Dillons Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas in Lawrence on October 25 will kick at 11 a.m. and be shown on TNT with a simulcast on truTV and HBO MAX.

Kansas leads the all-time series, 64-53-5 – including a 37-23-2 mark in Lawrence – but the Wildcats have won each of the last 16 meetings, including each of the last eight inside Memorial Stadium.

 Dillons Sunflower Showdown Set for Morning Kick

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Following his two-interception performance in Kansas State’s 41-28 Homecoming victory over TCU, senior linebacker&nbsp;Des Purnell&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday.

It is the first-ever conference weekly award for Purnell and the first for a Wildcat defender since Kobe Savage earned the nod after the Texas Tech contest in 2023.

A native of Topeka, Kansas, Purnell came away with eight tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a sack and two pass breakups in addition to his two picks. On back-to-back plays in the third quarter, Purnell recorded an eight-yard sack before picking off a pass and returning it 25 yards for a touchdown. It was K-State’s first pick-6 since current San Francisco 49er Marques Sigle returned an interception 43 yards for a score last year at West Virginia.

Purnell had another interception in the fourth quarter, one he returned 21 yards that led to a K-State field goal to make it a three-score game.

Following an off week, Kansas State travels to Lawrence to take on Kansas on October 25. The Dillons Sunflower Showdown is slated for an 11 a.m., kick and will be shown on TNT with a simulcast on truTV and HBO MAX. The Wildcats are back at home on November 1 when they take on Texas Tech. Tickets for that contest can be purchased at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

 K-State’s Purnell Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

The Lady Jay tennis team competed in the 6A Regional Tennis tournament this past Friday.&nbsp; The tournament was hosted by Wichita Southeast at the Riverside Tennis Complex in Wichita.

Leading the way for the Lady Jays was Hannah Micheel.&nbsp; She finished as the singles regional runner up going 3-1 on the day.&nbsp; Zoey Micheel won her first match over Manhattan 6-4, 6-1 before losing her next two rounds. In doubles, Emma Young and Maddi Sederlin won their first match 6-0, 6-0 over Wichita Heights before dropping their next two matches.&nbsp; The other doubles team of Hannah Huddleston and Addi Sederlin dropped their lone match of the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Overall, Junction City finished in 3rd&nbsp;place.&nbsp; Washburn Rural won the regional title.&nbsp; Hannah Micheel will represent the Lady Jay tennis team at the 6A State Tennis Tournament Friday and Saturday, October 17-18 in Olathe.&nbsp; Matches will begin at 10 am and will be held at the College Boulevard Activity Center.&nbsp;

Lady Jay Regional Tennis update

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs knew they were going to have a fight on their hands when the Detroit Lions, riding a four-game winning streak and a whole bunch of momentum, rolled into Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night.

They probably didn't expect their dominant performance to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-chiefs-fight-brian-branch-e1f8f03a80052ad16856673846b2791c">end with an actual fistfight</a>.

Mahomes threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, scrambled for another score, and led Kansas City to a 30-17 victory that was so comprehensive that Lions safety Brian Branch boiled over at its conclusion. Branch delivered a right hook to Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster as the teams were coming together at midfield, touching off a brief melee among players.

“It is what it is,” Mahomes said. “You just kind of move on. We won the football game.”

Marquise Brown had two touchdown receptions and Xavier Worthy had another for the Chiefs (3-3), who played a near-flawless game — no penalties, no turnovers — one week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-analysis-1bf025fe0f083690f71bc75f47417202">a mistake-strewn, last-second loss</a>&nbsp;at Jacksonville.

Kansas City also managed to hold in check the NFL's highest-scoring offense to snap Detroit's winning streak.

“We just didn't make the plays we needed to make,” said Lions coach Dan Campbell, who began his postgame briefing by saying that Branch's cheap shot was “inexcusable and not going to be accepted here," and that he had apologized to the Chiefs for it.

“We were able to do some good things in phases at times but not enough for a team like that with the pedigrees they have,” Campbell continued. “We were not able to compliment each other and we were not able to make it a game, really. We weren't.”

Jared Goff finished with 203 yards passing for the Lions (4-2), though he did connect with Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta for scores. Amon-Ra St. Brown was held to 45 yards receiving and Jahmyr Gibbs needed 17 carries to gain just 65 yards.

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