By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays school board approved a contract to remove mastic containing asbestos from underneath tiles at the new Hays Middle School.

The motion for the contract with&nbsp;ACM Removal LLS for&nbsp;$69,480 passed on a vote of 6-1, but it was that one no vote that resulted in some heated discussion.

The district has worked for many years to remove asbestos from all of its buildings.&nbsp;

The asbestos at the former Hays High building is contained in the glue that holds the floor tiles in place. Because the tile covered the glue, it was not considered to be a danger.

However, because the tile is being removed for the renovation of the former high school into a middle school, it needed to be remediated.

Chris Hipp, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district was able to contract directly with&nbsp;ACM Removal for less than it could through Nabholz Construction, its construction manager at risk. The asbestos abatement and tile removal had been budgeted at $80,000.

Board member Allen Park questioned the existence of the asbestos in the building. He said the building was too new to contain asbestos, and the district's paperwork did not indicate any asbestos in that building.

Superintendent Ron Wilson informed Park that the material had been tested and does contain asbestos.

Park voted against the bid for the asbestos removal.

Board member Ruth Ruder called Park out for his lone no vote.

"What would have happened if we had all voted no? Would we be in trouble from the health and human services department for not removing asbestos that is known?" Ruder said.

"Are you just voting no to [satisfy] the public, because you're not spending money?" she said.

"I am not an expert in these fields. I rely on Nabholz. I rely on Bill [Jeter]," she said. "I rely on Chris (Hipp) to know his job. I can't know all of these jobs. Every week we come here and we get these no votes on things that should not be voted no on just to [satisfy] the taxpayer to say, 'I didn't vote on it.'"

"You have a right to vote the way you want, but I am sick and tired of coming here every week and there's a no vote on something. That isn't right for the public. It isn't right for our kids, and it isn't right for our employees who work for this school district," Ruder said.

Park said he has a problem with the process.&nbsp;

"I'm not voting that we shouldn't do it," he said. "I'm voting this process to do this. This process we don't know for sure. They say it is, but I have some doubts."

"I'm No. 1 on safety," Park said. ... "For you to say that is not appropriate."

Park aslo voted against a $88,347 change order for the new high school.

The items included: • Concession receptacles • Polished concrete revisions • The addition of gates for the football stadium • ˙Football field scoreboard power revision • A clarification to the architect's instructions • Directional striping for the parking lot to improve traffic flow&nbsp;

Most of the change order items have already been completed.&nbsp;

Wilson said most of the items needed to be completed within about a week of the school's opening, and there was not enough time to bring the items to the board for approval before they were finished.

Board Vice President Ken Brooks asked Park what he would have changed had he had the change orders in advance.

Ruder said the change orders needed to be completed for the safety of the students.

The board unanimously approved a marketing partnership with Pizza Management for Pizza Hut signage in the Hays High School Gold Gym. The company will pay $7,500 for a three-year contract.

Board member calls out fellow member after repeated no votes, including 1 on asbestos removal

Kansas is not only a great destination for those seeking a friendly and affordable place to live, but it's also one of the best states to start a new career as a nurse. 

Over the next decade, nursing positions in Kansas are projected to grow to a 7% vacancy, creating numerous opportunities in the healthcare field. If you're exploring nursing programs in Kansas, you'll find a wide range of options, both on-campus and online.

Fort Hays State University's nursing program was ranked #3 by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.registerednursing.org/">Registerednursing.org</a>&nbsp;for 2026.

<a href="https://www.registerednursing.org/">Registerednursing.org</a> presents the definitive rankings of Best Nursing Schools in Kansas, helping prospective nursing students make informed educational choices.

These rankings focus exclusively on NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) pass rates, providing a critical metric for program evaluation. By highlighting top-performing nursing programs, we empower students to select institutions with proven track records of student success. 

Our comprehensive analysis is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/">https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU Nursing School recognized among best nursing programs in Kansas for 2026

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!

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

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The rain keeps on falling in Hays this week.

The two-day total official amount measured at K-State Agricultural Research Center Tuesday at 9 a.m. was 0.83 inches.

The Eagle Media Center, 2300 Hall, had 0.47 inches Monday.&nbsp;

Hays is currently exceeding the 158-year cumulative average moisture for the month and year-to-date.

Ellis County is in a <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c2059a92-a027-492c-af83-566142288b3c">Flash Flood Watch</a> until 1 p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;

The<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/22be5363-ea33-4b33-9810-623feeff0709"> three-day weather forecast </a>calls for showers through Wednesday with a sunny sky on Thursday.

More rain falls in Hays Sunday and Monday; Flash Flood Watch until 1 p.m.

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 the new executive director of the Hays Arts Council, Chandler Reich, and board president Brittney Squire.

🎙 Post Podcast: New Hays Arts Council Executive Director Chandler Reich

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 

Follow this link to see more:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://coldwellbankersell.idxbroker.com/idx/details/listing/b596/204644/301-W-20th-St-Hays-KS-67601">https://coldwellbankersell.idxbroker.com/idx/details/listing/b596/204644/301-W-20th-St-Hays-KS-67601</a>

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Disabled American Veterans fundraiser at Applebee's Wednesday

&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

&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

WAKEENEY —&nbsp;We are hosting a double feature at the Trego SkyView Drive-in in WaKeeney on Sat., Sept. 27. Movies shown will be Hocus Pocus &amp; The Little Shop of Horrors.&nbsp; Gate opens at 6:30 p.m. at Interstate 70 Exit 128 &amp; 260th Ave.

This is an effort to raise funds to finish our project and get the drive-in fully functional come spring. We only have the audio/visual equipment and restrooms (that aren't porta-potties) to purchase. All proceeds will go towards those endeavors.



Spooky double feature at Trego SkyView Drive-In Theater set as fundraiser  

PAWNEE COUNTY– Shane Paul Wagoner, 37, appeared in the custody of Larned State Hospital September 18, in the Pawnee County District Court before District Judge Bruce Gatterman to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.

Wagoner is charged with a single count of Aggravated Escape from Custody, a severity level 8 non-person felony, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.&nbsp; He has been listed as a Kansas Sex Offender since 2014 and a Sexually Violent Predator since 2023, according to the KBI Offender Registry.

After hearing the testimony of the court-assigned forensic evaluator and arguments of counsel, Judge Gatterman found Wagoner not competent to stand trial. Based on this finding, the Court then entered an order directing Wagoner to be committed to the State Security Hospital for up to ninety days for an evaluation to determine if there is a substantial probability of the defendant attaining competency to stand trial in the foreseeable future.

Under Kansas law, a person is “incompetent to stand trial” when such person is charged with a crime and, because of mental illness or defect is unable: (1) To understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings against such person; or (2) to make or assist in making such person's defense.

The charge stems from an incident on the night of February 8, 2025, at the Jung North building on the campus of Larned State Hospital (LSH) where at the time the defendant was civilly committed to the Sexual Predator Treatment Program (SPTP). 

Review of security footage determined Wagoner exited the building through the security checkpoint without being properly identified but then voluntarily returned to the building less than two minutes later asking for assistance to call a taxi. Upon reentering the building, LSH staff identified him as a patient and redirected the defendant to his housing unit without incident. The matter was investigated by the LSH special investigator with assistance from LSH Safety and Security staff. No outside law enforcement assistance was required.

Pending the court ordered evaluation, the defendant will remain subject to his civil commitment to the Sexual Predator Treatment program located on the campus of Larned State Hospital.&nbsp; Wagoner has previous convictions for aggravated sexual battery, burglary, aggravated burglary and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. sex offender faced a judge after escape from custody

NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to late-night television Tuesday after a nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-show-suspended-charlie-kirk-a2bfa904429c318fe52e7d3493c6883d">weeklong suspension</a>&nbsp;that triggered a national discussion about freedom of speech and President Donald Trump's ability to police the words of journalists, commentators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-free-speech-comedy-censorship-0a1525424a5cf66d7236a39b853c4680">and even comics</a>.

But two groups of ABC affiliates that denounced Kimmel last week said they would not carry his return. Nexstar Media Group said it would continue to preempt the show, “pending assurances that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.” Sinclair Broadcast Group said it would also keep Kimmel off its stations. The two corporations collectively control about a quarter of ABC affiliates.

ABC, which suspended Kimmel's show last Wednesday following criticism of his comments about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-conservative-activist-shot-546165a8151104e0938a5e085be1e8bd">assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk,</a>&nbsp;announced Monday that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would return after the network had “thoughtful conversations” with the host.

“Our long national late nightmare is over,” Stephen Colbert joked on his CBS show in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspension-supporters-94b79634a19b2c4ce70a2b4195ef1175">Kimmel's reinstatement</a>.

ABC suspended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-show-suspended-charlie-kirk-2c79d56fa53779014f2bb2ed9e47da1f"></a>Kimmel indefinitely after comments he made in a monologue last week. Kimmel suggested that many Trump supporters were trying to capitalize on Kirk’s death and were "desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”

Trump-appointed Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr last week said it appeared that Kimmel was trying to “directly mislead the American public” with his remarks about Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Utah man charged with Kirk's killing, and his motives. Those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-tyler-robinson-court-death-penalty-f541df08a936e06497ee2342296bc398">motives remain unclear</a>. Authorities say Robinson grew up in a conservative family, but his mother told investigators his son had turned left politically in the last year.

“We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr said before ABC announced the suspension. “These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”

Those remarks set a backlash in motion, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-republicans-charlie-kirk-speech-kimmel-806cfa39cc19060541f3834a0597ff09">Republican Sen. Ted Cruz saying that Carr</a>&nbsp;acted like “a mafioso.” Hundreds of entertainment luminaries, including Tom Hanks, Barbra Streisand and Jennifer Aniston, signed a letter circulated by the American Civil Liberties Union that called ABC's move “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”

Some consumers punished&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspended-charlie-kirk-business-interests-fcc-f18546e00ba03980c03b4cda4c576aa8">ABC parent Disney</a>&nbsp;by canceling subscriptions to its streaming services.

Trump had hailed Kimmel's suspension, even inaccurately saying the show had been canceled. Kimmel has been a relentless Trump critic in his comedy.

Trump's administration has used threats, lawsuits and federal government pressure to try to exert more control over the media industry. Trump sued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abc-trump-lawsuit-defamation-stephanopoulos-04aea8663310af39ae2a85f4c1a56d68">ABC</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-media-harris-minutes-paramount-6415042fe910ae60b432dd8c73ef61b2">CBS</a>&nbsp;over news coverage, which the companies settled. Trump has also filed defamation lawsuits against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-wall-street-journal-b006f3ef25e6b4ab910cc3b41c865227">The Wall Street Journal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-lawsuit-new-york-times-b2a615192ebe2dcec859eb883368dfbb">The New York Times</a>, and successfully urged Congress to strip federal funding from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/npr-pbs-public-broadcasting-trump-cuts-73de8fadf32655aa74752690d22a3758">NPR and PBS</a>.

How — or even whether — Kimmel would address the controversy on his first show back remained a mystery. Millions of people are likely to watch.

Disney and ABC executives reportedly negotiated the return for several days before announcing the resolution. The ABC statement said the suspension happened because some of Kimmel's comments were “ill-timed and thus insensitive,” but it did not call them misleading.

Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Kirk and now headed by his widow, posted on X that “Disney and ABC caving and allowing Kimmel back on the air is not surprising, but it’s their mistake to make.”

The suspension happened at a time when the late-night landscape is shifting. Shows are losing viewers, in part because many watch highlights the next day online. CBS announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-late-show-cbs-end-8bad9f16f076df62c0ffc50e9c8adbab">the cancellation of Colbert’s show</a>&nbsp;over the summer. Kimmel's contract with ABC reportedly lasts through May.

Colbert, in his opening monologue Monday, grabbed his recently won Emmy Award for outstanding talk series, saying, “Once more, I am the only martyr on late night!”

Associated Press writers Mark Kennedy and James Pollard in New York and Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine, contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (AP) — ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show in the wake of criticism over his comments about the assassination of conservative&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooting-utah-university-republicans-8357c3d102de09e3320fde761258131a">activist Charlie Kirk</a>, officials with the network said Monday.

"We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday,” ABC said a statement.

ABC&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-show-suspended-charlie-kirk-2c79d56fa53779014f2bb2ed9e47da1f">suspended</a>&nbsp;Kimmel indefinitely on Wednesday after comments he made about Kirk, who was killed Sept. 10, in a monologue. Kimmel said “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk” and that “the MAGA gang” was “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”

Kimmel has hosted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC since 2003 and has been a fixture in television and comedy for even longer. He is also well known as a presenter, having hosted the Academy Awards four times.

Backlash to Kimmel’s comments was swift.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abc-kimmel-affiliate-charlie-kirk-8eb9dca5dff2c717fd00a7083982c5c4">Nexstar and Sinclair,</a>&nbsp;two of ABC’s largest affiliate owners, said they would be pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from their stations. Others, including several fellow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspended-reaction-03c1ae9d16a4a47481e855de1668def3">comedians</a>, came to his defense.

Sinclair said Monday that it would not air Kimmel's show Tuesday and would broadcast news programming instead. “Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show's potential return,” the company said. There was no immediate comment from Nexstar on its plans for Kimmel's return.

Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Kirk and now headed by his widow, posted on X about Kimmel's reinstatement: “Disney and ABC caving and allowing Kimmel back on the air is not surprising, but it's their mistake to make. Nexstar and Sinclair do not have to make the same choice.”

Stephen Colbert joyfully reacted to the news during the opening of his “Late Show,” telling his audience that “our long national, late nightmare is over.”

Colbert, whose late show is being canceled by CBS after this season, said he was happy for his friend and the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” staff. Grabbing his recently-won Emmy Award for outstanding talk series, the comedian could hardly contain his glee. He added, “Once more, I am the only martyr on late night!”

President Donald Trump, one of Kimmel’s frequent targets, posted on social media that Kimmel’s suspension was “great news for America.” He also called for other late night hosts to be fired. He has yet to comment on Kimmel's reinstatement.

Kimmel’s suspension arrived in a time when Trump and his administration have pursued threats, lawsuits and federal government pressure to try to exert more control over the media industry. Trump has reached settlements with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abc-trump-lawsuit-defamation-stephanopoulos-04aea8663310af39ae2a85f4c1a56d68">ABC</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-media-harris-minutes-paramount-6415042fe910ae60b432dd8c73ef61b2">CBS</a>&nbsp;over their coverage.

Trump has also filed defamation lawsuits against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-wall-street-journal-b006f3ef25e6b4ab910cc3b41c865227">The Wall Street Journal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-lawsuit-new-york-times-b2a615192ebe2dcec859eb883368dfbb">The New York Times</a>. Republicans in Congress stripped federal funding from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/npr-pbs-public-broadcasting-trump-cuts-73de8fadf32655aa74752690d22a3758">NPR and PBS</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brendan-carr-fcc-chairman-jimmy-kimmel-f1c635a8b2184ccf50ed53d1c8d76518">Brendan Carr</a>, the head of the Federal Communications Commission, issued a warning prior to Kimmel’s suspension that criticized Kimmel’s remarks about the Kirk assassination.

“We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr said. “These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”

Carr denied on Monday that he threatened to revoke ABC's local station licenses because of Kimmel's remarks.

“Jimmy Kimmel is in the situation he’s in because of his ratings. Not because of anything that’s happened at the federal government level,” Carr said at the Concordia Annual Summit.

Kimmel’s suspension has cast a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspended-charlie-kirk-business-interests-fcc-f18546e00ba03980c03b4cda4c576aa8">spotlight on the web of business interests</a>&nbsp;that require approval from the U.S. government. Disney, for instance, needs approval from the Trump administration for ESPN to complete its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-media-espn-a801cc6d355ddbcb98a8700125eed18b">acquisition of the NFL Network</a>, while Nexstar needs the administration’s approval to complete its $6.2 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nexstar-tegna-newsnation-cw-trump-c1743d55103a809ea31c5c7c7c4c0c87">purchase of broadcast rival Tegna</a>. Sinclair has petitioned the FCC to relax rules limiting broadcaster ownership of stations.

The suspension also happened at a time when the late night landscape is shifting. CBS announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-late-show-cbs-end-8bad9f16f076df62c0ffc50e9c8adbab">the cancellation of Colbert’s show</a>&nbsp;over the summer.

Kimmel’s contract with The Walt Disney Co.-owned network had been set to expire in May 2026. His representative did not return a message seeking comment Monday.

Word of the reinstatement came as hundreds of Hollywood and Broadway stars — including Robert De Niro, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Selena Gomez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep — urged Americans “fight to defend and preserve our constitutionally protected rights” in the wake of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspended-charlie-kirk-business-interests-fcc-f18546e00ba03980c03b4cda4c576aa8">Jimmy Kimmel's suspension.</a>

More than 430 movie, TV and stage stars as well as comedians, directors and writers added their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/defend-free-speech-letter-kimmel">names to an open letter</a>&nbsp;Monday from the American Civil Liberties Union that argues it is “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”

Also Monday, ABC's “The View” weighed in on the controversy after not raising it for two episodes after Kimmel was suspended. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg opened the show saying: “No one silences us” and she and her fellow hosts condemned Disney's decision.

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani said Monday evening he’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zohran-mamdani-kimmel-nyc-mayor-bdb4033e7d60d6c81a80d16c8499bfed">willing to appear at a town hall</a>&nbsp;hosted by a local ABC station after earlier canceling his appearance due to Kimmel's suspension.

This story has been updated to correct that last name of Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet.

More ABC affiliates refuse to show Jimmy Kimmel's return to TV

President Donald Trump returned to the United Nations to deliver a speech on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

As the President and the first lady arrived, they encountered challenges. First, the building's escalator stopped working just they stepped on it. They were forced to climb the steps.&nbsp; 

A few moments later, the teleprompter President Trump was going to use for his speech was not working. The President gave his speech without it, "that way you speak more from the heart," he said.&nbsp; &nbsp;And he also said, "whoever is running the teleprompter is in big trouble.” The teleprompter did finally begin to work.&nbsp;"I ended seven wars and never even received a phone all from the UN. These are the two things I got from the UN, a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter." Trump said.

President Trump handles technical problems with humor at UN

NEW YORK –&nbsp;The U.S. Secret Service dismantled a network of electronic devices located throughout the New York tristate area that were used to conduct multiple telecommunications-related threats directed towards senior U.S. government officials, which represented an imminent threat to the agency’s protective operations, according to a media release from the agency.

This protective intelligence investigation led to the discovery of more than 300 co-located SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards across multiple sites.

In addition to carrying out anonymous telephonic threats, these devices could be used to conduct a wide range of telecommunications attacks. This includes disabling cell phone towers, enabling denial of services attacks and facilitating anonymous, encrypted communication between potential threat actors and criminal enterprises.

While forensic examination of these devices is ongoing, early analysis indicates cellular communications between nation-state threat actors and individuals that are known to federal law enforcement.

“The potential for disruption to our country’s telecommunications posed by this network of devices cannot be overstated,” said U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran. “The U.S. Secret Service’s protective mission is all about prevention, and this investigation makes it clear to potential bad actors that imminent threats to our protectees will be immediately investigated, tracked down and dismantled.”

These devices were concentrated within 35 miles of the global meeting of the United Nations General Assembly now underway in New York City. Given the timing, location and potential for significant disruption to New York telecommunications posed by these devices, the agency moved quickly to disrupt this network. The U.S. Secret Service’s Advanced Threat Interdiction Unit, a new section of the agency dedicated to disrupting the most significant and imminent threats to our protectees, is conducting this investigation. This investigation is currently ongoing.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the NYPD, as well as other state and local law enforcement partners, provided valuable technical advice and assistance in support of this investigation.

Secret Service finds network of devices capable of crashing phone network

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The federal government’s plan to withhold $10 million from a Kansas food assistance program won’t affect recipients and will be delayed while the state files an appeal, the Kansas governor’s chief of staff said Monday.

The governor’s office provided clarity on the issue after Attorney General Kris Kobach declared the state had lost millions in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program because “Gov. Laura Kelly refused to provide basic information about SNAP recipients to the USDA.”

Kelly’s administration has refused federal demands for SNAP data because it isn’t clear how Kansans’ personal information will be used.

“The governor seems to be blinded by her political ideology. She is flagrantly violating Kansas law, and she is hurting needy Kansans in the process,” Kobach said in a news release.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/08/kansas-lawsuit-seeks-to-force-gov-laura-kelly-to-divulge-details-about-snap-recipients/">Kobach sued Kelly</a>&nbsp;and Department for Children and Families secretary Laura Howard on Sept. 8 for failing to turn over personal data of SNAP applicants and recipients, as they were repeatedly asked to do by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Patrick Penn, a former Kansas legislator who now is U.S. undersecretary for the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services program at USDA, in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=24632&amp;t=638929448810904955" target="_blank">Aug. 20 letter to Kelly</a>&nbsp;threatened to withhold $10.4 million every three months until his agency receives the data.

Penn said the data is needed to look for fraud within the program,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/26/kansas-official-defends-refusal-to-turn-over-private-food-program-data-in-face-of-political-attacks/">which Howard has previously said</a>&nbsp;is a function already completed through a fraud detection program in place as part of the state’s contract with FNS.

“In the absence of data, FNS lacks key information necessary to ensure effective stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” Penn’s letter said. “FNS has already discovered from states that are complying with this statutory data sharing requirement that fraud or duplication in state distribution of federal funds has gone unreported and needs remediation.”

Kelly’s chief of staff, Will Lawrence, said the state will file an appeal of the decision to withhold funding.

“The attorney general continues to have a complicated relationship with the facts and the truth in an effort to score political points by misleading thousands of Kansans,” Lawrence said of Kobach’s press release.&nbsp;

“We will, of course, appeal the decision and continue to protect the security of Kansans’ private data,” Lawrence said. “The filing of an appeal will automatically stay the disallowance of funds, meaning the SNAP program will continue to operate normally as the appeals process unfolds.”

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