The Reno County Planning Commission will consider a request Thursday to rezone roughly 180 acres at the northeast corner of East Fourth Avenue and North Buhler Road, a move tied to plans for a large-scale golf course resort development.

The request, filed by 2641 Wanamaker LLC, seeks to change the property’s zoning from R-2 suburban residential to AG agricultural. According to the application, the rezoning is intended to eliminate the possibility of a high-density residential subdivision on the site and align the entire parcel under agricultural zoning. 2641 Wanamaker LLC is filed out of Topeka, per the Kansas Secretary of State's office.

The commission will also hear a related request for a conditional use permit that would allow development of a golf course resort on the property, which lies in unincorporated Reno County. Both items are scheduled for public hearing during the commission’s meeting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Reno County Public Works Facility, 600 Scott Blvd. in South Hutchinson. You can watch the meeting on the Reno County YouTube page by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@RenoCounty/featured">clicking here</a>.

Planning documents describe the proposal as a multi-phase golf destination that would expand an existing 18-hole course into a 45-hole golf resort. Plans include two 18-hole championship courses, a nine-hole short course and a driving range.

The development would also feature on-site lodging, with approximately 200 guest beds distributed among a mix of small, medium and large lodges. Planning materials indicate the lodging would include about 30 smaller lodges, four medium lodges and two larger lodges designed to accommodate families and groups.

A central clubhouse would serve as the primary public gathering space, featuring a restaurant and related amenities for guests. The clubhouse is expected to include two restaurants with seating for up to 300 people combined. Parking plans call for approximately 200 stalls to serve golfers, guests and staff, according to information submitted to county staff.

Other elements outlined in the application include maintenance facilities, private streets and trails, on-site utilities and support buildings such as restrooms, concessions and golf cart storage. Access to the site would primarily come from Buhler-Haven Road, with a secondary gravel access planned from Fourth Avenue for maintenance and employee use.

The application notes that no employee housing is currently planned, though the concept is shown as a potential future use. Developers indicated they are coordinating with engineering consultants and state agencies to address water, sewer and permitting requirements.

Public comments will be accepted separately for each agenda item during Thursday’s meeting. Speakers will be limited to five minutes per item and must address only the specific request under consideration.

Following the Planning Commission’s review, recommendations would advance to the Reno County Commission for final consideration at a later date.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Golf course resort proposal prompts rezoning request Thursday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Visit Hutch has added Emma Zoglmann as its new group services coordinator, effective Jan. 12.

In her role, Zoglmann will coordinate and support group events, meetings and tours in Hutchinson, working with local partners to ensure visitors have a positive and welcoming experience.

“We are so happy to have Emma join our team,” said LeAnn Cox, vice president of operations and tourism for Visit Hutch. “Her enthusiasm and commitment to creating memorable experiences will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow Hutchinson as a premier destination for group travel.”

Zoglmann brings experience in event planning and hospitality, with a background supporting conferences, trade shows and large-scale events. Her professional experience includes work at Boot Hill Casino and Resort and the Stride Bank Center, with a focus on logistics, coordination and guest experience.

She holds a bachelor of science degree in tourism and hospitality management with a certificate in marketing from Fort Hays State University.

Visit Hutch officials said Zoglmann’s passion for community engagement and visitor satisfaction aligns with the organization’s mission to promote Hutchinson as a vibrant and welcoming destination.

More information about Visit Hutch is available at <a href="http://visithutch.com">visithutch.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Visit Hutch welcomes Emma Zoglmann as new Group Services Coordinator

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Central Christian School has announced the upcoming retirement of elementary principal Judy Parsons, who will conclude her service at the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

Parsons has spent more than a decade in leadership at Central Christian School, where administrators say she leaves behind a legacy defined by academic excellence, innovation and Christ-centered service.

Parsons joined Central Christian School in 2015 after retiring from the Wichita public school system. Her return to education followed an alumni and reunion weekend visit with her husband, Richard, a Central Christian alumnus, that school leaders say became a calling to serve in Christian education.

During her tenure, Parsons played a key role in shaping the school’s elementary program. Her work included enhancing professional development, strengthening campus safety protocols, overseeing after-school care programming, guiding Measures of Academic Progress testing and supporting numerous initiatives across campus.

“Judy has been a builder of people, programs and purpose,” Superintendent John Walker said. “She has served as a faithful shepherd, a wise mentor and a devoted leader who always sought to honor Christ in her work. Her impact will be felt for years to come.”

In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Parsons was deeply involved in the spiritual life of the school, regularly leading chapel services and sharing the Christian faith with students, staff and families.

“She has shaped not only systems, but hearts,” Walker said. “Her love for students and her unwavering commitment to the mission of Central Christian School has left an indelible mark on our community.”

As the school prepares for the transition, Central Christian School has begun accepting applications for its next elementary principal. School leaders said they are seeking a candidate who feels called to Christian education, is passionate about discipling students and thrives in a collaborative, Christ-centered environment.

Those interested in the position can find more information and submit applications at cougarsccs.com/page/employment-opportunities, where an in-depth elementary principal search profile is also available.

“While Judy will be deeply missed, we trust that God is already preparing the next leader for this role,” Walker said. “We are not simply filling a position. We are seeking another servant leader who will continue this important work.”

Central Christian School invited the community to join in celebrating Parsons’ legacy of leadership, faithfulness and devotion to students and families.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Central Christian School elementary principal Judy Parsons to retire after 2025-26 school year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere will host an Artemis II Launch Watch Party as NASA prepares for the first crewed mission of its Artemis program, sending astronauts around the moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

The free public event will be held on the official Artemis II launch date, which NASA currently anticipates within a window from Feb. 6 to Feb. 11. Because launch schedules depend on mission readiness, weather and technical reviews, the exact date and time remain subject to change. Cosmosphere officials said event timing will be adjusted as needed once NASA confirms a targeted launch attempt.

The watch party will feature live coverage of the launch, immersive programming, expert presentations and space-themed activities. A live NASA broadcast of the Artemis II launch attempt will be shown in the Justice Planetarium, with additional hands-on and family-friendly activities available throughout the evening. Concessions and dining options will also be open during the event.

A limited VIP experience will be available for $35, offering reserved seating in the Cosmosphere’s Mission Control room, an enhanced viewing environment and complimentary Artemis-themed promotional items.

The event will also include a presentation by John Mulnix, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, titled “Countdown to Artemis II.”

Artemis II will be NASA’s first crewed mission of the Artemis program. Four astronauts will travel aboard the Orion spacecraft on a multi-day journey around the moon and back to Earth. The mission is designed to test critical systems with a human crew and help lay the groundwork for future lunar missions, including a return to the moon’s surface.

Cosmosphere officials emphasized that, due to the dynamic nature of spaceflight, the launch date could shift. The watch party is planned to align with NASA’s official launch attempt, and guests are encouraged to follow NASA and Cosmosphere communication channels for the latest updates.

Registration for the event will open soon. Tickets and additional information will be available at cosmo.org/upcoming-events.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cosmosphere to host historic Artemis II Launch Watch Party

Sign up for the daily Hutch Post morning news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Delivered to your virtual porch every morning — on time and free.

<a href="https://email.em.audience.io/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=1950312&amp;ac=grno">CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE!</a>

Sign up for the Hutch Post Morning News Update!

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Wesley has been recognized as a Best Nursing Home for 2026 by U.S. News &amp; World Report, earning the publication’s highest designation for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.

The High Performance designation places The Wesley among fewer than 19 percent of nearly 15,000 nursing homes nationwide evaluated for the 2026 ratings. The recognition is reserved for facilities that meet U.S. News’ rigorous, data-driven standards for quality and consistency in patient and resident care.

U.S. News launched its Best Nursing Homes analysis in 2009 to help families, in consultation with health care providers, identify top-performing options for rehabilitation and long-term senior care. Facilities are evaluated on patient and resident outcomes, including hospital readmission rates, staffing levels, health inspection results and other key quality indicators.

“The Wesley is again honored to be recognized by U.S. News for excellence in senior care and services,” said Mark Mains, president and CEO of The Wesley. “We strive to create a culture that is warm and friendly for our residents while incorporating exceptional clinical oversight and assistance. The metrics reviewed by U.S. News reflect our dedication and commitment to quality at every level. Our team of extraordinary individuals in all departments creates the excellence that drives these metrics. At The Wesley, our people truly make the difference.”

For the 2026 edition, U.S. News implemented a significant methodology update, expanding both the short-term rehabilitation and long-term care ratings to include 17 distinct quality measures each. The expanded criteria are designed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of nursing home performance.

“U.S. News’ annual Best Nursing Homes ratings are designed to place the needs of patients and residents at the center of the selection process, equipping families with reliable, fact-driven metrics when making crucial care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “We are proud to spotlight the nursing homes across the country that consistently demonstrate exceptional care quality and prioritize both the safety and long-term well-being of those they serve.”

The Wesley’s recognition highlights its continued commitment to quality care and services for seniors in Hutchinson and the surrounding region.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Wesley earns U.S. News Best Nursing Home honors for 2026

The Hutchinson Kids Wrestling Club is pressing forward with renewed determination after uncovering earlier this season that its former director had inappropriately misused funds from the club’s account for personal expenses, leaving the organization without the financial resources needed to operate.

The loss affected nearly every aspect of the youth wrestling program, including tournament entry fees, uniforms, and warm-up gear that families had already paid for. Many parents who believed their fundraising efforts would carry the club through the remainder of the season were instead forced to absorb unexpected additional costs to ensure their children could continue competing.

Despite the financial setback, club leadership, families, and community supporters have rallied to keep the program alive. A key moment in that effort will come Saturday, Jan. 25, when the club hosts a home wrestling tournament that has become critical to the program’s survival.

Proceeds from the tournament will be used to replace the lost funds, purchase new singlets, cover tournament fees, and help the club complete the remainder of the season.

“This situation has been incredibly difficult for our families and our athletes,” said Andrew Frieze, president of the Hutchinson Kids Wrestling Club. “But the resilience of our parents, volunteers, and supporters has been remarkable. Our kids deserve stability and the chance to compete, and we’re committed to giving them that.”

Club officials are encouraging the community to attend the Jan. 25 tournament at the Salthawk Activity Center, emphasizing that every ticket sold, donation made, and sponsorship secured will go directly toward supporting local youth athletes.

The club is also seeking volunteers and additional support for the tournament. Those interested in helping or donating are encouraged to contact Andrew Frieze or Lindsey Windell by email at&nbsp;<a href="MAILTO:hkwcsalthawks@gmail.com">hkwcsalthawks@gmail.com</a>.

In addition, the Hutchinson Kids Wrestling Club expressed gratitude to the businesses and individuals who stepped up during one of the most challenging seasons in the organization’s history. Their support has helped cover essential costs and eased the financial burden on families.

Club leaders say the generosity of those sponsors and the broader community has made it possible for young athletes to continue training and competing, even amid unexpected adversity.

The Hutchinson Kids Wrestling Club has set up a Cheddar fundraiser.&nbsp; You can make donations at this <a href="http://my.cheddarup.com/c/hutchinsonwrestlingclub/items">link</a>.&nbsp;

Wrestling club looks to rebound following theft from organization

Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson has announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors while also recognizing three leaders whose terms have concluded.

Joining the board are Kylee Stout, Oscar Garcia, and Andrew Soule. Organization officials said the new members bring a diverse mix of experience in business development, banking, and public service, all aligned with the Club’s mission to support youth development in the Hutchinson community.

“We are excited to welcome three outstanding leaders to the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson Board of Directors,” said Chief Executive Officer Lance Patterson. “Their passion for youth development and commitment to our mission will help us continue creating safe spaces, meaningful opportunities, and brighter futures for the young people we serve.”

Stout serves as Business Development Manager at the Kansas Farm Bureau, where she leads statewide initiatives including Shop Kansas Farms and the Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program. A Bethany College graduate, Stout has a background in psychology and servant leadership and previously built an insurance practice serving farmers and ranchers. She said her interest in the Club comes from seeing the positive impact its programs have had on children of friends and colleagues, and she hopes to help ensure the organization remains strong for future generations.

Garcia is a loan officer with RCB Bank and has more than 15 years of experience in banking. His connection to the Club dates back to his time at Hutchinson Community College, where he volunteered as a Youthfriend. Garcia said his involvement is personal, noting that several family members, including his nephews, have benefited from Club programs. As a board member, he hopes to help generate new ideas and strengthen community engagement.

Soule serves as a detective sergeant with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and has been with the department since 2010. His involvement with the Club began through a partnership with Reno County FOP Lodge #18, which allowed him to participate in Club activities and events. Soule said he looks forward to helping the organization continue to grow and provide meaningful experiences for local youth.

In addition to welcoming new members, the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson expressed appreciation to outgoing board members Brian Schmidtberger, Jordan Fee, and Matthew Vieyra for their service. Organization leaders credited them with supporting the Club’s mission and strengthening programs and community impact during their tenure.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson announces new board members

Above-normal precipitation brought short-term drought relief to parts of the central Plains, while dry conditions allowed drought to expand in portions of the northern High Plains, according to the latest regional climate summary.

Rainfall was heaviest across eastern Colorado, Kansas, and southeast Nebraska, where warm temperatures allowed most of the moisture to fall as rain and effectively infiltrate soils. As a result, abnormally dry conditions and areas of moderate drought improved in southeast Nebraska, eastern Kansas, and parts of south-central Colorado.

Outside of those areas, much of the region saw little to no precipitation. Dry weather contributed to expanding drought conditions across eastern Wyoming, west-central South Dakota, and northeast Colorado.

Temperatures across the region averaged well above normal for the period. Most locations experienced temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal, with parts of the Dakotas and eastern Montana running 15 to 20 degrees above average. Southeast Colorado was the lone area where temperatures were near to slightly below normal.

Climate officials note that while recent rainfall has provided temporary relief in some areas, continued moisture will be necessary to sustain improvements and prevent further drought expansion as winter progresses.

Drought Monitor: Some short-term relief for central Plains

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Court records show Rachel M. Perkins, the former director of the Hutchinson Kids Wrestling Club, has been charged with one count of theft by deception involving an alleged loss between $1,500 and $25,000.

According to Reno County booking records, Perkins was booked into the Reno County Detention Center on Jan. 2. She made her first appearance in Reno County District Court on Jan. 9. As of now, no additional court date has been announced.

Charging documents allege Perkins stole approximately $10,000 from the wrestling club. Further details surrounding the allegations were not immediately available in court filings.

As with all criminal cases, Perkins is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Perkins charged following $10K theft from wrestling club

Wednesday on Phone Forum, a caller asked about road markings in Hutchinson, mainly the fact that they were worn off the pavement.&nbsp;

She said that it was difficult to see where the lanes were. Her question was, what plan does the City of Hutchinson for remarking the streets?

We reached out the Cecil Weible the Director of Public Works about what plan do they have in place for keeping the markings visible.&nbsp; Here's what he had to say:&nbsp;

"We are updating this plan now; the old plan was somewhat dated. We are looking into new methods and budget restraints now and can let you know the final plan soon, shooting to have this all worked out by Mid-March that will still be a month or so out from our start of striping for this season."

Have a question? Call in on Phone Forum at 669-8888, and we'll get the answer for you.&nbsp;

You can catch Phone Forum every Wednesday from 7:45 to 8 a.m. and 8:30 to 10 a.m. with Rob, John and Max on BW radio.&nbsp;

☎️Phone Forum, you asked: City street markings

WASHINGTON — An indictment unsealed Wednesday in the District of Kansas charged a Honduran man and Kansas woman for conspiring to submit, and submitting, a sponsorship application with false statements to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to gain custody of an Unaccompanied Alien Child (UAC) after the child entered the U.S. illegally, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.

“This indictment represents the Justice Department’s ongoing commitment to prosecuting individuals who fraudulently pose as suitable&nbsp;Unaccompanied Alien Child sponsors to obtain custody of vulnerable children,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This conduct represents a violation of the societal responsibility to safeguard children. Our efforts are a continuation of the Department’s commitment to hold accountable those who commit crimes related to the exploitation of UACs, and will serve to strengthen ORR’s UAC program and ensure it is not manipulated.”

“We are determined to protect the most vulnerable members of our society,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser for the District of Kansas. “This task often takes a multi-faceted approach involving multiple agencies and superior coordination. Given Task Force Alpha’s efforts, we are seeing real results, and my office is happy to be on the front line.”

According to the indictment, Romulo Hernandez Murillo, 45, a Honduran national without legal authorization to be in the U.S., agreed to pay defendant Lisa Marie Lopez Perdomo, 48, of Syracuse, Kansas, to assist him with applying to sponsor and obtain custody of a Honduran Unaccompanied Alien Child.

 The agreement included being permitted to misrepresent himself by using Lopez’s address on the application to sponsor the minor. The defendants intended for the child to reside with Hernandez and work in the United States. In furtherance of his fraudulent sponsorship application, Hernandez submitted and signed, under the penalty of perjury, documents falsely claiming he resided at Lopez’s address. An employee of the HHS-funded care provider where the child was staying ultimately recommended that Hernandez’s application be denied after an investigation uncovered Hernandez’s false representations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The defendants are both charged with one count of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement and one count of conspiracy to commit the same offense. If convicted of either offense, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.&nbsp;

This investigation was coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and ForfeitureSection, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 435 domestic and international arrests, which includes those of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 385 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood.

HHS’s Office of Inspector General and DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case with assistance from the Kansas Department of Labor, Special Investigations Unit; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; and the Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. Additionally, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking in Washington, D.C., and ORR have provided invaluable assistance along with the United States Marshals Service.

Acting Deputy Chief Christian Levesque and Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Indictment: Kan. woman fraudulently obtained custody of unaccompanied alien child

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an encounter with police.

Shortly after 6:00PM on Wednesday an officer was conducting a traffic stop in the 1600 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. During the traffic stop, 51-year-old Bobby Glaspie, a family member of the stopped driver arrived at the scene and a short time later drove away, recklessly. 

Just before 7p.m. officers went to Glaspie’s residence in the 400 block R Street in Atchison regarding the reckless driving. Glaspie came out of the residence in an aggressive manner towards the officers and was subsequently taken into custody on requested charges of assault and battery on the officers as well as the reckless driving.

Glaspie has multiple previous convictions that include forgery, burglary, robbery,&nbsp; theft, criminal damage to property and for a variety of drug arrests.

Kan. felon jailed after agressive encounter with police

WASHINGTON (AP) — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday even as he has questioned her credibility to take over her country after the U.S. ousted then-President Nicolás Maduro.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-machado-nobel-peace-prize-c7f47c161edc9b719dea3d0165f32a1f">Nobel Institute</a>&nbsp;has said Machado could not give her prize to Trump, an honor that he has coveted. Even if it the gesture proves to be purely symbolic, it was extraordinary given that Trump has effectively sidelined Machado, who has long been the face of resistance in Venezuela. He has signaled his willingness to work with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/delcy-rodriguez-maduro-trump-venezuela-e71f2289bc801446e05550d8f900a8d1">acting President Delcy Rodríguez</a>, who had been Maduro’s second in command.

“I presented the president of the United States the medal, the Nobel Peace Prize," Machado told reporters after leaving the White House and heading to Capitol Hill. She said she had done so "as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.”

(Jan. 9, President Trump commented on Machado and theNobel Peace Prize)

Trump has raised doubts about his stated commitment to backing democratic rule in Venezuela, giving no timetable on when elections might be held. Machado indicated that he had provided few specifics on that front during their discussion.

She did not provide more information on what was said, and the White House did not say if Trump accepted the medal or offer other details of its own.

After a closed-door meeting with Trump, Machado greeted dozens of cheering supporters waiting for her near the White House gates, stopping to hug many.

“We can count on President Trump,” she told them without elaborating, prompting some to briefly chant, “Thank you, Trump.”

Before her visit to Washington, Machado had not been seen in public since she traveled last month to Norway, where her daughter received the peace prize on her behalf. She had spent 11 months in hiding in Venezuela before she appeared in Norway after the ceremony.

The jubilant scene after her meeting with Trump stood in contrast to political realities in Venezuela. Rodríguez remains in charge of day-to-day government operations, along with others in Maduro’s inner circle. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-delcy-rodriguez-state-of-union-trump-us-b5c53860386752930a56d1d8846d6440">her first state of the union speech</a>&nbsp;Thursday, the interim president promoted the resumption of diplomatic ties between the historic adversaries and advocated for opening the state-run oil industry to more foreign investment after Trump pledged to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-oil-revenue-companies-sales-bdd21181e08889d6cca93f5acc7c0ee0">seize control</a>&nbsp;of Venezuelan crude sales.

Trump has said it would be difficult for Machado to lead because she “doesn’t have the support within or the respect within the country.” Her party is widely believed to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-election-tally-sheets-actas-oas-carter-center-41d1000926d0ab99e522e53bf6c2b916">won 2024 elections</a>&nbsp;rejected by Maduro.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called Machado “a remarkable and brave voice” but also said the meeting didn’t mean Trump’s opinion of her changed, calling it “a realistic assessment.”

Leavitt told reporters that Trump supported new Venezuelan elections “when the time is right” but did not say when he thought that might be.

A ‘frank and positive discussion’ about Venezuela

Leavitt said Machado had sought the face-to-face meeting without setting expectations for what would occur. She spent about two and a half hours at the White House.

“I don’t think he needs to hear anything from Ms. Machado," the press secretary said while the meeting was still going on, other than to have a ”frank and positive discussion about what’s taking place in Venezuela.”

After leaving the White House, Machado went on to a closed-door meeting with a bipartisan group of senators.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said Machado told them that “if there’s not some progress, real progress towards a transition in power, and/or elections in the next several months, we should all be worried.”

“She reminded us that Delcy Rodríguez is, in many ways, worse than Maduro,” he added.

Asked if Machado had heard any commitment from the White House on holding elections in Venezuela, Murphy said, “No, I don’t think she got any commitment from them."

Sen. Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican, was exultant following the meeting, saying Machado "delivered a message that loud and clear: What President Trump did was the most important, significant event in Latin America. That getting rid of Maduro was absolutely essential.”

Machado's Washington stop coincided with U.S. forces in the Caribbean Sea&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-sanctioned-oil-tanker-seized-a415e247fca429b00b9fbcf6b6cd90a5">seizing another sanctioned oil tanker</a>&nbsp;that the Trump administration says had ties to Venezuela. It is part of a broader U.S. effort to take control of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e">the South American country’s oil</a>&nbsp;after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-presidential-palace-blowtorches-7969152ae48510003fe9cbde92f3c102">U.S. forces captured Maduro</a>&nbsp;and his wife less than two weeks ago at a heavily guarded compound in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas and brought them to New York to stand trial on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328">drug trafficking charges</a>.

Leavitt said Venezuela's interim authorities have been fully cooperating with the Trump administration and noted that Rodríguez's government said it planned to release more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-prisoners-released-us-maduro-rodriguez-7dc52c3ed6251f561b7754fd50182588">prisoners detained under Maduro</a>. Among those released were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezeula-american-detainees-released-43f779bfccc1c5df98780938a30a3417">five Americans</a>&nbsp;this week.

Trump said Wednesday that he had a “great conversation” with Rodríguez, their first since Maduro was ousted.

Just hours after Maduro's capture, Trump said of Machado that “it would be very tough for her to be the leader.” Machado had steered a careful course to avoid offending Trump, notably after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-peace-prize-oslo-41b6bff88e2d57af0917bcf778e132ad">winning the peace prize</a>, and had sought to cultivate relationships with him and key administration voices like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rubio-venezuela-greenland-trump-maduro-60481ca89c1fa4ec94f692d648141051">Secretary of State Marco Rubio</a>.

The industrial engineer and daughter of a steel magnate, Machado began challenging the ruling party in 2004, when the nongovernmental organization she co-founded, Súmate, promoted a referendum to recall then-President Hugo Chávez. The initiative failed, and Machado and other Súmate executives were charged with conspiracy.

A year later, she drew the anger of Chávez and his allies again for traveling to Washington to meet President George W. Bush, whom Chávez considered an adversary.

Almost two decades later, she marshaled millions of Venezuelans to reject Chávez’s successor, Maduro, for another term in the 2024 election. But ruling party-loyal electoral authorities declared him the winner despite ample credible evidence to the contrary. Ensuing anti-government protests ended in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-election-edmundo-gonzalez-rights-75393ebfa98a0ae7f30801547265c2ba">brutal crackdown</a>.

Garcia Cano reported from Caracas, Venezuela. Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Stephen Groves, Michelle L. Price and Matthew Lee in Washington, and Megan Janetsky in Mexico City contributed to this report.

Venezuela’s Machado says she presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize 

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating the death of two people at a Kansas City home.

Just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 1200 block of NE 83rd Terrace, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino As officers arrived they were directed inside a residence where hey located a man and woman both suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Officers also located a juvenile boy with an unknown injury. 

The child was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Both the man and woman were pronounced deceased at the scene.This is currently a death investigation and investigators are not looking for anyone else involved. Detectives are working to determine what led up to the incident.&nbsp;

Police did not release the names of the two who died or additional details.

Police: Couple found dead, infant injured at KC home

NEW YORK (AP) — Verizon said it resolved an outage that disrupted many U.S. customers’ calling and other cellular services for more than 10 hours on Wednesday.

The New York-based carrier didn’t specify what caused Wednesday’s disruptions, but&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/VerizonNews/status/2011639517728387452">confirmed</a>&nbsp;that the outage was resolved by 10:20 p.m. ET. Verizon previously said it had deployed its engineering teams to address “an issue impacting wireless voice and data services.”

“Today, we let many of our customers down and for that, we are truly sorry,” Verizon&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/VerizonNews/status/2011619325782999285">wrote</a>&nbsp;in updates shared on social media. A spokesperson later added that the company would give those impacted a $20 account credit through Verizon’s app, which on average “covers multiple days of service,” and directly contact its business customers with compensation.

Outage tracker Downdetector showed that Verizon customers began to report issues with their service around noon E.T. Wednesday. Reports appeared to peak in the early afternoon, but remained elevated later in the day. Downdetector&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/downdetector/posts/1357390536187206?ref=embed_page">said</a>&nbsp;it had received a total of over 1.5 million reports before 5 p.m. ET.

Impacted users said their phones were in “SOS” mode or had other no signal messages. In cities like New York, alerts warned that the outage may disrupt 911 calls — urging residents to try landlines and devices from other carriers, if available, or visit a local police or fire station in-person in case of an emergency.

Other major hubs impacted by Verizon’s outage included Houston, Philadelphia, Dallas and Miami, per Downdetector. But many consumers across the country said they experienced disruptions.

A handful of outage reports for other carriers also bubbled up on Wednesday — but companies like T-Mobile and AT&amp;T quickly confirmed online that their services were operating normally. Both suggested that their customers may have encountered issues contacting people with Verizon’s service, however.

When cellular outages happen, some phone companies also urge consumers to try to connect to Wi-Fi and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/att-outage-cell-service-phone-1cd6f595356b385cc9a4495d1f06b983">use internet calling</a>. If Wi-Fi is still unavailable, there can be a limited number of other options — including sending messages via satellite on newer iPhones.

Verizon to issue credits to customers affected by cell service outage

SALINE COUNTy —Investigators determined the fire at a Salina apartment complex on Wednesday afternoon was accidental and caused by&nbsp;careless discarding of smoking materials, according to a statement from the Salina Fire Department.

Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, crews were dispatched to The Ridge Apartment complex, 2363 Chapel Ridge after receiving reports of fire and smoke coming from the front of the two-story apartment building at the complex.

Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire and smoke conditions extending from the front of the building into the soffit with fire already extending into the attic and through the roof.

Crews immediately began fire suppression operations while also conducting a search for occupants in the affected apartment units. Due to the amount of active fire and potential for life safety issues, a second alarm was struck upon the arrival of the on-duty Battalion Chief.

The fire was brought under control within approximately 30 minutes, with crews remaining on scene for an extended period to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to check for any extension into neighboring units.

While several residents were displaced as a result of the fire, all occupants were able to safely exit the building and there were no injuries to report.

The cause of the fire has been ruled as accidental and likely due to the careless discarding of smoking materials near the front of the building.

Cause of fire at Salina apartment complex determined

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Federal prosecutors charged 20 people on Thursday, including 15 former college basketball players, in what they called a betting scheme to rig NCAA and Chinese Basketball Association games.

<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/981641066/Sports-Betting-Indictment-in-Philadelphia">Click here to read the </a>full indictment

Of the defendants, 15 played basketball for Division 1 NCAA schools as recently as the 2024-25 season. School included in the indictment are Nicholls State, Tulane, Northwestern State, St. Louis, La Salle, Fordham, DePaul, Robert Morris, Southern Miss, North Carolina A&amp;T, Kennesaw State, Coppin State, New Orleans, Abilene Christian, Eastern Michigan and Alabama State.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/media/1423601/dl?inline">Indictment - U.S. v. J. Smith et al</a>

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/media/1423721/dl?inline">Information - U.S. v. Blakeney</a>

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/media/1423746/dl?inline">Information - U.S. v. Adams</a>

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/media/1423751/dl?inline">Information - U.S. v. Etienne</a>

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/media/1423756/dl?inline">Information - U.S. v. Gray</a>

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/media/1423761/dl?inline">Information - U.S. v. Hines</a>

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/media/1423766/dl?inline">Information - U.S. v. D. Smith</a>

The other five defendants were described by authorities as fixers.

They include two men who prosecutors say worked in the training and development of basketball players. Another was a trainer and former coach, one was a former NCAA player and two were described as gamblers, influencers and sports handicappers.

The charges, filed in federal court in Philadelphia, include wire fraud.

In the 70-page indictment, authorities say the fixers recruited the college basketball players with “bribe payments” usually ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game.

The indictment follows a series of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-sports-betting-college-players-415d6d8987237fd1393819460986db47">NCAA investigations</a>&nbsp;that led to at least 10 players receiving lifetime bans this year for bets that sometimes involved their own teams and their own performances. And the NCAA has said that at least 30 players have been investigated over gambling allegations.

See the names, schools: Former NCAA players charged in betting scheme

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/max-nesterak/">Max Nesterak</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/alyssachen/">Alyssa Chen</a><br><a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday morning to send the military into Minnesota to stop protests, following another shooting by immigration agents that injured one person, seven days after an agent fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis.

Writing on his own social media platform, Trump said he would invoke the Insurrection Act, a 19th-century law empowering the government to deploy the military domestically to “repress insurrections and repel invasions.”

“If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don’t obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State. Thank you for you attention to this matter! President DJT,” Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115899252938886431" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on Truth Social.

The law grants an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the military from performing domestic law enforcement.

The Insurrection Act was last invoked in 1992 under President George H. W. Bush in response to civil unrest that included the deaths of 63 people, following the acquittal of four white police officers charged with beating to death Black driver Rodney King. The statute has been used about 30 times since the country’s founding, according to records kept by the Brennan Center for Justice.

Protests erupted across the Twin Cities after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/07/ice-officer-fatally-shoots-driver-through-car-window-in-minneapolis/">shot and killed</a>&nbsp;37-year-old Renee Good in south Minneapolis on Jan. 7.

The demonstrations escalated Wednesday night after a federal immigration agent shot and injured a man in north Minneapolis.&nbsp;

According to a statement issued by the Department of Homeland Security, a man crashed his vehicle and ran away as agents were “conducting a targeted traffic stop” at 6:50 p.m. Central time. An agent fired “a defensive shot to defend his life” after the man and two bystanders “attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle,” according to the statement.&nbsp;

The agent shot the man in the leg, according to the department. The statement described the man as “an illegal alien from Venezuela who was released into the country by Joe Biden in 2022.”

States Newsroom’s Minnesota Reformer was unable to confirm the account.&nbsp;

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said in a late-night press conference that the man was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Reformer&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/14/second-person-in-a-week-shot-by-federal-immigration-agent-in-minneapolis/">reported</a>&nbsp;that scores of demonstrators arrived at the scene, sparking a back-and-forth with agents, who deployed tear gas and flash bangs. Agents detained at least two people after someone threw fireworks at the agents. At least two vehicles believed to be used by federal officers were vandalized. The clashes largely stopped by 11:30 p.m., according to the Reformer.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey asked for calm and reiterated his call for the Trump administration to remove ICE from the city.

Trump surged more ICE agents to Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Good, bringing the total to roughly 3,000 — far outnumbering the city’s 600 local police officers.&nbsp;

President Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act, deploy military in Minnesota

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. forces in the Caribbean Sea have seized another sanctioned oil tanker the Trump administration says has ties to Venezuela, part of a broader U.S. effort to take control of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e">the South American country’s oil</a>.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote Thursday on social media, “Motor Tanker Veronica had previously passed through Venezuelan waters, and was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean.”

A social media post from U.S. Southern Command on the capture said that Marines and sailors launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to make the capture while Noem’s post noted that, like in previous raids, a U.S. Coast Guard tactical team conducted the boarding and seizure.

Noem posted a brief video that appeared to show part of the ship’s capture. The black-and-white footage showed helicopters hovering over the deck of a merchant vessel while armed troops dropped down on the deck by rope.

The Veronica is the sixth tanker that has been seized by U.S. forces as part of the effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to control the production, refining and global distribution of Venezuela’s oil products, and the fourth since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-maduro-what-to-know-a57528ff315a7f70ed51a1721f5e0bc2">the U.S. ouster of Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;in a surprise nighttime raid almost two weeks ago.

Noem, in her social media post, said that the raid was carried out with “close coordination with our colleagues” in the military as well as the State and Justice departments.

“Our heroic Coast Guard men and women once again ensured a flawlessly executed operation, in accordance with international law,” Noem added.

As with prior posts, Noem and the military framed the seizure as part of an effort to enforce the law. Noem argued that the multiple captures show that “there is no outrunning or escaping American justice.”

However, other officials in Trump's Republican administration have made clear they see it as a way to generate cash as they seek to rebuild Venezuela’s battered oil industry and restore its economy.

Last week, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-oil-chevron-exxonmobil-conocophillips-0e0619a991e92fd546504f1a613161e7">met with executives from oil companies</a>&nbsp;to discuss his goal of investing $100 billion in Venezuela to repair and upgrade its oil production and distribution. His administration has said it expects to sell at least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-trump-democrats-9d16138866bebdc2644eb009c6326066">30 million to 50 million barrels</a>&nbsp;of sanctioned Venezuelan oil.

Local

Region

Sports