By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Some kids who have been riding the bus to the school will no longer be eligible when students move into the new Hays Middle School building on 13th Street.

The former high school building is being remodeled to house the middle school. Students and staff are set to move to the new location in January.

To be eligible for transportation, students must live at least 2.5 miles from their school. If students live closer, the school district can't receive state funding for those transportation costs.

Russ&nbsp;Henningsen, transportation director, said 23 students will no longer qualify for bus transportation when the school moves.

However, some students who did not qualify for transportation when the school was at 201 W. 29th will qualify for transportation when the school relocates to 13th Street.

Henningsen said about 300 middle school students will qualify to ride the bus when the school moves.

However, Henningsen said not all students who qualify ride the bus. He said about 200 students now qualify to ride the bus, but only about half of them take advantage of the service.

Henningsen was asked if the district had enough buses to accommodate that many students. He said the district does not have enough buses to add any routes at this time. The district also lacks sufficient bus drivers to add new routes.

He said the district adjusts routes every year.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said anyone interested in applying to be a bus driver can contact the district. Drivers must have a commercial driver's license and undergo additional safety training.

Henningsen said all middle school families have been notified of the transportation changes.

🎙 Busing eligibility to change when Hays Middle School moves to 13th Street

The items are arriving fast and furious for the Eagle On-Line Auction at Hays Post.

Because of this, the auction has started early, and is going on right NOW!&nbsp; If you would like to get in on the action of this year’s online auction, click on the link below.&nbsp;

Dive into a digital treasure trove of savings with the Eagle Radio Online Auction!

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/eagle-radio-auction-descriptions-of-items">Click here&nbsp;to get registered, view items and bid.</a>

Bid now on an expansive collection ranging from home essentials to tantalizing restaurant gift cards, and valuable services from esteemed local companies and save.

 Whether you're seeking something specific or just browsing for unexpected finds, our vast selection promises both variety and value. 

The Eagle Radio online auction — where saving money is just a click away!

Eagle Radio Auction live now!

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Nearly two inches of rain fell in Hays overnight Tuesday. 

The official amount measured at the K-State Agricultural Research Center south of town was 1.90 inches.&nbsp;

The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, received 1.43 inches, for a total of 3.10 inches of rain since Friday.

As of Wednesday morning at 9 a.m., 5.79 inches of rain has fallen, more than double the average of 2.24 inches by month's end.&nbsp;

The accumulative average of moisture for the year by the end of September is 19.84 inches. Hays has already reached 22.50 inches so far in 2025.&nbsp;

The rain is expected to end today with sunshine and warmer temperatures in the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/93ab47d5-5a48-4b5e-a583-60dae78d3545">three-day weather forecast</a>.

Rain keeps on coming to Hays

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/45c326ac-a856-480a-b491-0312e5d43c5c">Find our obituary posting policy by clicking here.</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

On this episode of the Hays Post Podcast, news reporter Becky Kiser talks with Dr. Jessica Phelan, asst. professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance about behavior changes to improve your health.

🎙 Post Podcast: Making behavior changes to improve your health

Fort Hays State University's W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship awarded 296 student scholarships, exceeding $377,000, to business and entrepreneurship students for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The awards, announced at the W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship ceremony on Sept. 11 in the FHSU Memorial Union Ballroom, were presented to on-campus and online students.

Robbins Ambassadors Harper Lubbers and Kintzli Wagner, each receiving a $5,000 Robbins Ambassador Scholarship, spoke about their support as undergraduate students at FHSU and the impact that support has had on their educational experience.

“The Robbins College has a reputation for the success of its students and alumni, and this year is no different,” said Lubbers, a junior management major from Wichita. “Every year, hundreds of thousands of dollars are given from our generous donors to help support RCOBE students, granting them access to countless opportunities to grow and learn at Fort Hays.”

Wagner, a senior from Kansas City majoring in accounting, said Robbins College provides opportunities for students far beyond the classroom.

“With smaller class sizes, students can build meaningful relationships with professors,” she said. “The college strongly supports involvement through student organizations, professional workshops, and community involvement.”

“These experiences prepare us not only for successful careers, but also for leadership roles in our communities.”

Learn how to support students within FHSU’s Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0b8qTGUC-2BWTp-2FgE8trnmiRCmIgKN0RnozggvdgnZC6uLK4qH_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOc7S1lfJIPVniQQo1A-2FcyAohASyujlhjj07IWqKOxChBKf2dqwsD8YWgOOjSC5C3WiPxY6sJJ2ir5b1nNbrFCpdN0VqB09q3FknzJA066xwjqdj3-2FpZuUS-2Bn5L7xeInOsVjuF9ii-2FsPH-2BmYUiOh4X-2FE3BlyfswT05hfsuXoMIfhNdk3wJmAu7Cu0UyBfUdVQQkTmV01p23zOi8JBSvhpU1Dt5kHnrtFOHAQV2zK-2B8NGfQQRqnxzfJ5Q-2FFWVGqoYyE">https://foundation.fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or contacting the FHSU Foundation at 785-628-5620 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foundation@fhsu.edu">foundation@fhsu.edu</a>.

FHSU awards $377,000 in business, entrepreneurship scholarships 

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland 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,” 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;

“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/1/0101019958c6d370-151550de-1db5-48da-93b1-c647038505ab-000000/ZxiVIzOysavUT3SLwNnTSGv9j8CES3MLfWcN2CsneJQ=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/1/0101019958c6d370-151550de-1db5-48da-93b1-c647038505ab-000000/PBOVQr-NH4l_H-igscMzGEGz5vtlEWROmqrNDAf5nL4=423">here</a>.

Phillips, Decatur counties awarded state rural mural funding

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Hays Bobcat is looking for a mechanic. Must have a clean MVR and tools will be required. We are willing to train the right person. Come in for an application. 

Give us a call at 785-621-4841 or stop by our location at 600 East 8th Street in Hays!

Hays Police Department activity log: Sept. 14-20, 2025

Hays Police Department arrest log: Sept. 14-20, 2025

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

LOGAN — The Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program is delighted to welcome certified Bob Ross instructor Hope Blakely of Arvada, Colorado, for two Magic of Painting classes on October 18 and 19. 

On Saturday, October 18, participants will paint Tropical Paradise, and on Sunday, October 19, English Village. 

Both classes will take place in the Hansen Museum Community Room, located at 110 W. Main Street in Logan, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day, with a one-hour lunch break.

These classes offer a fun, beginner-friendly introduction to painting. Students will be guided step-by-step through the process of completing a finished painting each day. No prior experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided. Participants need only bring a roll of paper towels. 

Open to individuals aged 13 and older, these sessions provide a relaxed, supportive atmosphere that fosters creativity and camaraderie.

Registration is available online at <a href="https://hansenmuseum.org/schedule-of-classes/">www.hansenmuseum.org</a> under the “Classes &amp; Camps” section. Discounts are offered to Patron and Sustaining Members of the Hansen Museum.

These classes are part of the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program and are made possible through generous support from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. 

Upcoming beginner-friendly painting classes in Logan

Family Literacy Night celebrates FHSU Homecoming 

Join our new Hays Post Newsletter and receive the top news stories from your community every morning in your email inbox plus one-click access to the latest obituaries.&nbsp;

Sign up for free Hays Post Newsletter

There will be a VFW Stars and Stripes Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Oct. 12 at VFW Post 9076, 2106 Vine, Hays. Advance ticket sale proceeds go to the Cancer Council of Ellis County.

Advance Ticket Prices: $11.50 for Adults, $6.50 for 5 to 11 year old, Kids under 5 are FREE. 

Contact the Cancer Council of Ellis County for tickets at 785-625-6653. Also, enjoy a raffle and bake sale the day of the breakfast. 

VFW breakfast to benefit Cancer Council of Ellis County

Disabled American Veterans fundraiser at Applebee's Wednesday

Volga German Centennial Association&nbsp;

The Volga German Centennial Association has released the full schedule of events for the 2025 Oktoberfest Hays, a two-day festival celebrating the region's deep-rooted history, heritage, and homecoming traditions.

The free-to-attend event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26, and Saturday, Sept. 27, in Municipal Park, located in downtown Hays.

The celebration begins Sept. 26, with grounds opening at 9:00 a.m.

Official festivities commence with the Opening Ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by the traditional Tapping of the Keg at 11 a.m.

The afternoon is dedicated to a series of spirited, adults-only competitions, with registration for all games starting at 1 p.m. at the Oktoberfest HQ tent.

At 2 p.m., contestants will test their strength in the Masskrugstemmen, a traditional stein-holding contest.

This is followed by the Deutch Hops Contest at 4 p.m., a timed relay race.

At 5 p.m., teams of two will compete in the OktoberFEAST Contest.

The first day of the festival will conclude at 7 p.m.

The festivities continue Saturday, Sept. 27, starting at 10 a.m.

The morning will be highlighted by the Fort Hays State University Homecoming Parade at 11 a.m., followed by the official Oktoberfest Day 2 Welcome at 11:45 a.m.

The afternoon will feature a Cornhole Tournament at noon. Registration at 11 a.m. at Oktoberfest HQ.

Family-friendly activities are a focus for Saturday, with kids' games and entertainment running from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., including a German Freeze Game, Pumpkin Pass and a Pumpkin Rolling Contest.

Bounce houses will also be available for children on Saturday only, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A major new addition to this year's festival is the inaugural “Battle of the Bierock,” sponsored by Lewis Automotive of Hays.

The competition, which invites Oktoberfest vendors to vie for the title of "Best Bierock," is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

"We are incredibly excited to introduce the 'Battle of the Bierock' to this year's festivities," said Emily Knowles, event coordinator. "It's a great way to celebrate a beloved local food and add a new layer of friendly competition and bragging rights to the event. We can't wait to see which vendor is crowned as the winner."

Live entertainment will be featured throughout the two-day event. Friday's musical guests include the Ron Werth Band, German Tuba, Rice County Line and Steel Skarecrow.

On Saturday, the Ron Werth Band and Rice County Line will return to the stage.

In addition to the scheduled events, attendees can enjoy activities throughout the park, including the Beer Puppeteers, a High Striker game and Mug Toss.

"Oktoberfest is a time-honored tradition in Hays, and we are proud to continue to host this event for the community," said Amanda Rupp, president of the Volga German Centennial Association. "We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the food, music, and festivities as we celebrate our shared heritage. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy."

The 2025 Oktoberfest will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

For a complete schedule of events and further details, please visit <a href="https://www.oktoberfesthays.com/">oktoberfesthays.com</a>.

Oktoberfest Hays announces 2025 schedule featuring new 'Battle of the Bierock' competition

The City of Hays has announced its 2025 Annual Fall Cleanup will begin Monday, Oct. 20. This popular city-wide service provides residential customers with an opportunity to dispose of bulky items, excess refuse, and other large materials not collected during the regular weekly trash service.

To participate, residents must place all items for collection at their regular trash pickup location, either at the curb or in the alley, no later than 7 a.m. on Oct. 20. Residents are asked to put items out for collection no earlier than Oct. 17.

The cleanup consists of a single, comprehensive sweep through the entire city.

City crews will not follow a set neighborhood schedule and are unable to predict when they will arrive at a specific residence.

"The Annual Fall Cleanup is a partnership between the city and its residents to maintain the beauty and safety of our community," said Joe Billinger, solid waste superintendent. "It’s a great chance to address property cleanup projects before winter. We handle the disposal, and we rely on our residents to properly prepare their items so our crews can move through the city safely and efficiently."

To ensure a smooth process, residents are required to sort waste into four distinct piles:

· Construction and Demolition Debris: Includes items like lumber, drywall, bricks, wire, and sinks. A maximum limit of five pallets will be collected.

· Tree Limbs and Brush: Includes branches and brush no larger than 6 inches in diameter and no longer than 12 feet. This year general yard waste will not be collected, residents must instead use the compost site or the yard waste tag program.

· White Goods/Metals: Includes appliances like refrigerators and dryers, as well as metal siding, guttering, and swing sets.

· Municipal Waste: This category includes all other allowable items, such as furniture, carpet and mattresses.

Certain items that require special handling will not be collected, including tires, hazardous waste materials (paint, chemicals, oil), batteries of any kind and medical waste.

For a complete list of guidelines, sorting instructions, and details on disposing of prohibited items, residents are encouraged to visit <a href="http://www.haysusa.com/303/Annual-Fall-Cleanup">www.haysusa.com/303/Annual-Fall-Cleanup</a>.

City of Hays announces dates for 2025 Annual Fall Cleanup

Hays High DECA is excited to host the food drive that benefits the Community Assistance Center. 

This year's food drive, Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, with the collections beginning at 6 p.m. and ending by 9 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Youth and adult volunteers from Hays give of their time to make this food drive a success.

 To assure residents that the items collected are for the Community Assistance Center, all volunteers will be wearing an identification badge with their group name clearly printed. Please leave items on the porch if donors will not be home or do not want someone to ring the doorbell.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Possible items to donate include canned fruits and vegetables, boxed food items such Hamburger Helper or mac and cheese, jars of baby food, and any non-perishable food items. 

Any house missed or those living in a rural area may take food items to the Community Assistance Center in Hays located at 12th and Oak until noon Nov. 28.

If civic organizations or groups are interested in helping with food collection, please contact Shaina Prough at Hays High School, 785-623-2600.&nbsp;

If you prefer to make a cash donation, volunteers can accept cash or check donations the day of the food drive. Checks are always welcome and can be made payable to the Community Assistance Center and may be mailed to their address at 208 E. 12th St. Hays, KS 67601.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Community Assistance Center is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization that helps Ellis County families &amp; individuals of low or no income, transients, homeless, &amp; disaster victims with food, clothing, and household items. The Community Assistance Center does not receive any federal, state, county or local funds and is funded by donations only.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat set for Oct. 14 in Hays 

&nbsp;FHSU Science and Mathematics Education Institute

Fort Hays State University’s first Science Café for this semester is set for Monday, Sept. 29.

This month’s presentation, “Eating Well, Living Well,”&nbsp;is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

Dr. Brooke Mann, FHSU assistant professor of psychology and the director of clinical psychology graduate program, along with Dr. Jessica Phelan, assistant professor of health and human performance, will discuss the issues of food, body, and health.

Many individuals grapple with conflicting messages about food, body image, and health.&nbsp; This presentation will review relevant research and discuss the concept of eating competence—a holistic approach that fosters a harmonious relationship with food and eating habits, with a focus on practical applications.

Please note, while drinks will be available for purchase,&nbsp;NO FOOD WILL BE SERVED&nbsp;during Science Café’s 2025-2026.

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqhxD-2BcQjFgIRBovAML9-2BM4eClLu2fQOOHuiGSFsY2VCCCRja_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOdULSTjyrQA8Ma7cQfMS04Rpc4lzNZCY9gfUtQAkfQEfYoCrSuax-2BS3hXAEOA7mg9eeawAABBLlRuFUwMkTeKEKU1SBTj4YMTXr9-2B4LepwXRSLjQRQVi7cCJGclFgODoqodHdsfmnqWL7rpzwG2jPsFjMueJQ8ViZa1PhWY9qBEPZmwfj15RbRPDB-2FFjxQSGea-2B4GD7oQem8Fz2w9XJr5zU92tjFQM9V5RUbz3tW5tEFwOdGIz3W-2BpHef9ZcnpXH8">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqr-2FPdmUUcPHBpOR8JTzWlI2AUSE-2B0-2BRQ5oKpx2jcvODLi45-_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOdULSTjyrQA8Ma7cQfMS04Rpc4lzNZCY9gfUtQAkfQEfYoCrSuax-2BS3hXAEOA7mg9eeawAABBLlRuFUwMkTeKEBvzr-2B-2BoeAiUbD7GeQBlzj4VFVvcp8lospHJyrInxrwkNCnBLkjQLOqhfeWkH0gDBY6xDg0S5Wzu8sS5In-2F-2FBa0TUuoO27orJiHYd1TZJv-2B-2FURY1FZcV0ewOTOnrGiWe0GYZTiDp8PSn3VFBpiOMHqOLFNY5Xv4kk0ORuAs6kKCJ">www.x.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3DOZUY_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOdULSTjyrQA8Ma7cQfMS04Rpc4lzNZCY9gfUtQAkfQEfYoCrSuax-2BS3hXAEOA7mg9eeawAABBLlRuFUwMkTeKEL6G74FYv69tQKVRPUE8cc4ApJiv-2FlmhAe7nFmA2pnLoVan4o00wd4zikdSmSsSKZ7NkkUlk1fK9hPQ3VqY08MEVdw4QWB6yGWQvvtb7yTqiVemhxR46u2pXqmmHBH3RQ4grrttbhmr5C-2BERJtvoKqfHwFbxFM8B-2FQVqTfODVn93">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

Eating well, living well topic for August FHSU Science Cafe

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are searching for suspects who committed bank crimes in Salina.

On Monday, employees from Solomon State Bank, 605 E. Magnolia in Salina, reported that unknown suspect(s) gained access to their ATM and removed the hard drive from it, according to a statement from Salina Police.

The suspect(s) allegedly stole the hard drive valued at $1,500 for the purpose of attempting to download malware onto it for "jackpotting" attacks, which would force&nbsp;the machine to dispense large amounts of cash.

Before the crime, there was a report on Sunday, September 21st about a&nbsp;black Honda Fit&nbsp;that was in the area of the 600 block of E. Magnolia. A witness stated there were&nbsp;two men, wearing masks&nbsp;and taking pictures of the area.

Later that same day, another report stated there were 'several people messing with an ATM' at the Bank of the Plains on the 1900 block of S. Ohio. Afterwards, these suspects drove to Exchange Bank, 1720 S. Ohio Street.

Police have not reported exactly what the suspects committed at Exchange Bank.

Police: Suspects took hard drive from bank ATM in central Kansas

UNITED NATIONS (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday that he believed Ukraine could win back all territory lost to Russia, a dramatic shift from the U.S. leader’s repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-trump-summit-zelenskyy-a01a6dbae85b10cc710c48f1558c1401">calls for Kyiv to make concessions</a>&nbsp;to end the war.

Trump posted on social media soon after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-general-assembly-opens-fb91931e273432bc8725e9e9860f9844">United Nations General Assembly</a>&nbsp;gathering of world leaders.

“I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form,” Trump wrote. “With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option.”

The strengthened support from Trump, if it sticks, is a huge win for Zelenskyy, who has urged the American president to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-putin-33015fe967ab7cd09fee165fed59953e">keep up the pressure</a>&nbsp;on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end his war. It was a departure from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-land-swap-trump-summit-e8e869d5d5ec672fee3e86022b20d11a">Trump’s previous suggestions</a>&nbsp;that Ukraine would never be able to reclaim all the territory that Russia has occupied since seizing the Crimean Peninsula in 2014.

That had disheartened Zelenskyy, Europeans and Ukrainians and called into question the U.S. commitment to U.N. principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. But now, Trump’s view of the battlefield coincides more with Ukraine’s, Zelenskyy said.

“Trump is a game changer by himself,” Zelenskyy told reporters after their meeting.

Trump needles Russia about war in Ukraine

Trump, going back to his 2024 campaign,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-war-633a216d0506c82353fc7745b69c0fe0">insisted he would quickly end the war</a>, but his peace efforts appear to have stalled following a diplomatic blitz last month, when he held a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-alaska-meeting-ukraine-war-942638dc7d3b7b8e61698f8574bdc890">summit with Putin</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-zelensky-what-to-know-f70e7c231251f263a66772d954eefff5">White House meeting with Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;and European allies.

Trump has acknowledged, including in his U.N. speech to world leaders, that he thought a resolution to this conflict would be “the easiest” because he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-relationship-over-years-d7a6c5400d9ec88127d16278be07a145">had a good relationship with Putin</a>. Trump said he is open to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-trump-putin-russia-sanctions-ukraine-7457f341013e2e552c7f5f76ac7fd962">imposing more sanctions on Russia</a>&nbsp;and urged Europe to join in.

“Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win,” Trump wrote on social media. “This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like ‘a paper tiger.’”

In his speech to the General Assembly, Trump said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;was making Russia “look bad” because it was “supposed to be a quick little skirmish.”

“It shows you what leadership is, what bad leadership can do to a country,” he said. “The only question now is how many lives will be needlessly lost on both sides.”

Before meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump said the “biggest progress” toward ending the conflict “is that the Russian economy is terrible right now.” Zelenskyy said he agreed with Trump’s call for European nations to further halt imports of Russian oil and natural gas.

“We have great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up,” Trump told Zelenskyy, who replied that he had “good news” from the battlefield.

How Trump’s stance has shifted on Ukraine

Before his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-summit-alaska-russia-ukraine-a7b167f17a3e06fbce2f583c93f8bae1">Alaska summit</a>&nbsp;with Putin last month, Trump repeated that any resolution to the war would require “some land swapping.”

In talks with Zelenskyy and Europeans just afterward, Trump said Putin reiterated that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-trump-putin-summit-ukraine-territory-ba56ddbd24d1b7e8e0aca7754d0f180a">he wants the Donetsk and Luhansk regions</a>&nbsp;that make up the Donbas, according to European officials. Days later,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-war-d0ad768453210db23fe4b108f7b87135">Zelenskyy and prominent European leaders</a>&nbsp;came to the White House.

Following those meetings, Trump announced he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-war-d0ad768453210db23fe4b108f7b87135">arranging for direct talks</a>&nbsp;between Putin and Zelenskyy. But Putin hasn’t shown any interest in meeting with Zelenskyy and Moscow has only intensified its bombardment of Ukraine.

European leaders as well as American lawmakers, including some Republican allies of Trump, have urged the president to dial up stronger sanctions on Russia.

“In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs, which would stop the bloodshed, I believe, very quickly,” Trump told the General Assembly.

However, he repeated his calls for Europe to “step it up” and stop buying Russian oil, the engine feeding Putin’s war machine.

Push for sanctions and cutting off Russian oil

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said before meeting with Trump that Europe would be imposing more sanctions and tariffs on Russia and that the bloc would be further reducing its imports of Russian energy.

Zelenskyy, speaking at a special U.N. Security Council session on Ukraine, also appealed for stronger U.S. pressure on Russia.

“Moscow fears America and always pays attention to it,” said Zelenskyy, who has had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-security-guarantees-trump-meeting-washington-eebdf97b663c2cdc9e51fa346b09591d">strained ties with Trump</a>&nbsp;in previous sitdowns and has previously faced White House accusations that he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-trump-war-zelenskyy-putin-7fe8c0c80b4e93e3bc079c621a44e8bb">partly to blame for Russia’s invasion</a>&nbsp;in 2022.

Russia denigrated the Security Council meeting as just the New York stop in the world tour of a “former actor,” a reference to Zelenskyy.

“There is no added value for the establishment of peace in Ukraine generated from today’s meeting,” said Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s deputy ambassador to the U.N. “This will merely become yet another shameful episode in the market of hypocrisy.”

European leaders have supported Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts, with some alarmed by the possibility that the war&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-nato-members-borders-airspace-violations-4a7d6c3eabf76c82ebaff434401b3331">could spread beyond Ukraine</a>&nbsp;as they are facing what they have called Russian provocations.

“I welcome the fact that the president of the United States believes in Ukraine’s ability not only to hold the course” but to prevail, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

NATO allies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-article-4-explainer-russia-poland-estonia-26415920dfb8458725bda517337adb12">will hold formal consultations</a>&nbsp;at Estonia’s request on Tuesday, after the Baltic country said three&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nato-russia-drones-estonia-ed72156951e6ef62f802d9f1f786c8b5">Russian fighter jets entered its airspace</a>&nbsp;last week without authorization.

Trump said he would back NATO countries that choose to shoot down intruding Russian planes, but said direct U.S. involvement would depend on the circumstances.

New strikes in Ukraine as toll of war grows

The full-scale war, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, is taking a heavy toll on Ukrainian civilians. Russia said it shot down three dozen Ukrainian drones heading toward Moscow, while Ukraine said Russian missiles, drones and bombs killed at least two civilians.

The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights also said this month that Ukrainian civilian casualties increased by 40% in the first eight months of this year compared with 2024, as Russia escalated its long-range missile and localized drone strikes.

A U.N. Human Rights Office report released Tuesday described the dire situation of thousands of civilians detained by Russia in areas of Ukraine it has captured.

“Russian authorities have subjected Ukrainian civilian detainees in occupied territory to torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence, in a widespread and systematic manner,” the report said.

Novikov reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. AP reporters Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Farnoush Amiri at the United Nations contributed to this report.

Presidential pivot: Trump now needles Russia on War in Ukraine

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 8:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the intersection of Gardiner and N. Chouteau Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri on a reported shooting, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

When officers arrived to the scene, they located a vehicle that had been stopped near the intersection with an unresponsive driver inside. Upon further evaluation, officers determined the individual was suffering from apparent, gunshot trauma, and immediately began rendering medical aid until EMS personnel responded.

The man&nbsp; was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries where he was subsequently pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was inside of the vehicle when he was struck by gunfire. It is undetermined at this time if the suspect was an individual inside of another vehicle, or traveling on foot. 

Police do not currently have a person of interest identified and there is not anyone in police custody.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene to begin gathering evidence and collecting witness statements. This incident is being investigated as a homicide, according to&nbsp;Officer Gonzalez.

Homicide: Shooting victim found in vehicle on Kansas City street

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused of killing his neighbor has made his first court appearance.

&nbsp;Allan Taylor Gunneson, 38, is charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 6p.m. September 12, police responded to the 900 block of South Vassar Avenue in Wichita, according to a statement from police. First responders found  48-year-old Brian Baker in a front yard with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso. Baker was transported to a local hospital and was pronounced deceased at 6:41 p.m.

Investigators learned through multiple witnesses that the incident began as an argument and physical altercation between neighbors that led to the gunfire.

When officers arrived, the suspect identified as Gunneson came out of his home and surrendered.

He was taken to City Hall, questioned, and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail&nbsp; Gunneson remains on Unsupervised Custody; Home Incarceration, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of killing his neighbor faced a judge

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-returns-suspension-charlie-kirk-a29db3adb762b9b148d56ce88c24485c">Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional return</a>&nbsp;to his late-night show Tuesday night after a nearly weeklong suspension for remarks he made after conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing.

For 16 minutes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-show-suspended-charlie-kirk-ae43c600bd0f2a4c7d3c12077e91b211">Kimmel mixed humor, pointed messages and emotion</a>&nbsp;to talk about his suspension, the support he’s received and praised Kirk’s widow.

Here are seven key moments from his opening monologue, edited for clarity and brevity.

Kimmel talks about the support he’s received

“I’m not sure who had a weirder 48 hours. Me or the CEO of Tylenol. So it’s been overwhelming. I’ve heard from a lot of people over the last six days. I’ve heard from all the people in the world over the last six days, everyone I have ever met has reached out 10 or 11 times.

Weird characters from my past are emai— the guy who fired me from my first radio job in Seattle — where we are not airing tonight by the way — Sorry, Seattle. His name is Larry. In 1989, Larry tried to force me to do a bit called jokes for donuts, where people would call in with a joke and I would give them donuts. I refused to do it. And then I made a lot of fun of Larry for suggesting it. And eventually Larry fired me and I had to move back in with my parents. But even he wrote in to cheer me up. Thank you Larry, and I want to thank everyone who checked in on the show.

Some that I do especially want to mention are my fellow late night talk show hosts, my friend Stephen Colbert. He’s found himself in this predicament. My friends Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, Conan O’Brien, James Corden, Arsenio, Kathy, Wanda, Chelsea, even Jay (Leno) reached out. I heard from late-night hosts in other countries, from Ireland and from Germany. The guy in Germany offered me a job.

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