The Hutchinson City Council will consider a proposed STAR Bond project during its regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 20, with a public hearing and potential adoption of the project plan scheduled as part of the agenda.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Council members will open a public hearing on the proposed Hutchinson STAR Bond Project, which would allow the city to utilize Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds to support development.

The STAR District encompasses multiple areas within the city. The primary redevelopment area is generally bounded by 17th Avenue on the south, 20th Avenue on the north, Waldron Street on the east, and Severance Street on the west. Additional areas include property northeast and southeast of the intersection of North Plum Street and East 11th Avenue, as well as land along both the east and west sides of Main Street between 7th Avenue to the north and 6th Avenue to the south. Public rights-of-way adjacent to these properties are also included within the district.

Following the hearing, the council will consider an ordinance formally adopting the STAR Bond Project Plan and authorizing the mayor to sign the ordinance.

In addition to the STAR Bond discussion, the council will act on several items included in the consent agenda. Those items include approval of the minutes from the Jan. 6 City Council meeting, approval of an appropriation ordinance totaling $2,564,505.14, acceptance of the city’s 2025 Land Bank Annual Report, and multiple board and commission appointments.

The agenda includes the appointment of Marla Parsons to the Visit Hutch Advisory Committee to fill an unlimited-term vacancy beginning Jan. 20, as well as the reappointment of Elaine Carter to the Planning Commission for a second three-year term running through Dec. 31, 2028.

Following the city council meeting, the city council will hold a budger work session.&nbsp;

The next regularly scheduled Hutchinson City Council meeting is set for Feb. 3.

City council to hold public hearing on STAR Bond project

DENNIS DUTTON Executive Director for the Arts, Sterling College

Sterling College Theatre will celebrate three of its most familiar and celebrated performers with Senior Spotlight: An Evening of Musical Theatre, Saturday, January 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Culbertson Auditorium on the Sterling College campus. The concert is free and open to the public and will run approximately two hours, including one intermission.

The evening features graduating seniors Mary Little of Hutchinson, Noah Svaty of Sterling, and Morgan Pellegrino of Las Vegas, Nevada, whose performances have helped define recent Sterling College musical theatre seasons. Together, the three have appeared in many of the program’s major productions and are well known to local audiences. The trio will be joined by 18 of their friends in the production which will include songs and scenes from several familiar and new musicals.

Svaty has performed in all eight musicals produced at Sterling College during his tenure, including leading roles as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, Gomez Addams in The Addams Family, and Phil Davis in White Christmas. Little has portrayed several principal roles, including Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods, and Pennywise in Urinetown. Pellegrino joined the musical theatre program during her junior year and quickly made her mark with leading performances as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Hope Cladwell in Urinetown, and Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie.

Accompanied by Marisa Callan, Sterling College Director of Musical Theatre, the seniors will present a program that highlights their artistic range and growth. The production also features a supporting cast of 19 performers, including Sterling College students and community members.

Senior Spotlight offers audiences a final opportunity to experience three standout performers whose work has been central to the success of Sterling College Theatre.

Sterling College Theatre to celebrate three leading performers in “Senior Spotlight”

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A section of Hendricks Street will be closed to through traffic beginning Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, due to utility repair work.

The closure affects Hendricks Street between 56th Avenue and 69th Avenue. City officials say the road will remain closed until further notice while crews complete the necessary repairs.

A signed detour will be in place to direct drivers around the work zone. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use alternate routes when traveling in the area.

No timeline has been announced for when the street will reopen. 

Hendricks closed between 56 and 69 Avenues

The Sterling High School Thespian Troupe has been recognized with a Silver Honor Troupe Award at the Kansas Thespian Conference, held earlier this month at Century II Performing Arts &amp; Convention Center in Wichita.

More than 1,500 high school theatre students from across the state attended the annual conference, which featured three days of stage performances, technical and acting workshops, and auditions.

This marks the first year Sterling has fielded an official Thespian troupe. The program is led by theatre teacher Greg McGlynn, who guided students through the troupe’s inaugural season.

The Silver Honor Troupe Award is based on multiple criteria, including the quality and scope of student productions, participation in service projects, and comprehensive documentation of a troupe’s activities throughout the year.&nbsp;

The recognition highlights both the students’ commitment to theatre arts and the rapid growth of Sterling’s drama program in its first year of participation at the state level.

Sterling High School Thespian Troupe receives Silver Honor

Mittens is perfect for someone seeking a loving yet independent cat who appreciates quality time and personal space. She'll be a steadfast companion in a tranquil home. Are you ready to meet this elegant lady?

Personality:&nbsp; Solo Artist: Prefers to be the only pet at home, basking in undivided attention.

Selective Affection: Enjoys love on her own terms—delights in cuddles but will signal when she's had enough.

Communicator: Gently swats to express overstimulation; it's harmless and just her way of saying she's done for now.

Ideal Environment:&nbsp; Suited for a quiet, peaceful home without young children.

Thrives in a well-mannered setting where her boundaries are respected.

To adopt Mittens, contact The Hutchinson Animal Shelter at&nbsp;<a href="tel:620-694-1924">620-694-1924</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hutchinson Animal shelter is located at 1501 South Severance Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

😺Adopt a Furry Friend: Mittens

Here's a list of events happening around the area.&nbsp; If your club or organization has an event, you can e-mail the information to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">HutchPost@eaglemedia.com.</a>

Hutch High Girls Basketball at Derby - 6:00 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Derby High School

<a href="https://www.hutchpl.org/event/talk-together-tuesday/2026-01-20/">Talk Together Tuesday</a>&nbsp;- 6 to 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Public Library - 901 North Main Street

<a href="https://www.hutchpl.org/event/3d-printing-certification-66/">3D Printing Certification</a> - 6 to 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Public Library - 901 North Main Street&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

HutchCC Men's and Women's Basketball at Garden City - 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Conestoga Arena, Garden City

AVCTL Boy's and Girl's Varsity Wrestling meet - 10 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Salt Hawk Activity Center

Hutch High Boys' Basketball at McPherson Invitational vs Topeka Seaman 4:35 p.m.

<a href="https://www.hutchpl.org/event/salt-city-readers-13/">Salt City Readers </a>- 6 to 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Public Library - 901 North Main Street&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutch High Boys' Basketball at McPherson Invitational - Time and opponent TBD

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f887c4cc-d41f-4828-b2db-c99f54b318a7">Fox Live Series - The Brothers Doobie </a>- 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Fox Theatre, 18 East First

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/34fcaa53-f853-4274-aea1-4cda4aabf002">Flapjacks at the Fire Station</a>&nbsp;- 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Cheney Fire Station - 525 North Main Street, Cheney

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; New Covenant Presbyterian Church - 700 East 25th Avenue, Hutchinson

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/7f5c3f39-804b-4c18-9027-3c7cbee3e328">Hutchinson Polar Plunge</a> - 10 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Midwest Superstore, 1100 East 30th Ave.

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonartcenter.net/classes">Saturday Morning Artists</a>&nbsp;- 9 to 11:30 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Art Center - 405 North Washington

HutchCC Men's and Women's Basketball vs Butler CC - 2 and 4 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Sports Arena&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Senior Spotlight" - 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Culbertson Auditorium, Sterling College

Here's what's happening: Jan. 19-25

As communities across the country marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a local conversation highlighted the depth and continued relevance of Dr. King’s life and work.

The Rev. JK Vann shared reflections on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing that King’s impact extends far beyond his widely known role as a civil rights leader.

“Dr. King was a civil rights leader, but that was only one part of who he was,” Vann said. “He was an advocate for education, unity, and equal rights. He was a minister, a husband, a father, and a statesman. All of those elements together make Dr. King who he was—and why he is still remembered and celebrated today.”

Vann noted that one of the most defining aspects of Dr. King’s leadership was his commitment to nonviolence and peaceful resolution. While King’s assassination stands in stark contrast to his message, Vann said it underscores the sincerity and courage behind his work.

“Peace is not simply the absence of conflict,” Vann said. “It’s the willingness to learn from another perspective, to find common ground, and to set aside prejudice and preconceived notions. Dr. King consistently challenged people to rethink how they relate to one another.”

Working closely with young people, Vann said he often explains Dr. King’s legacy through the lens of education. He recalled a recent conversation with his daughter, who described Dr. King as a “superhero.”

“When she asked what his superpower was, I told her it was his ability to educate,” Vann said. “He taught people things they might never have learned otherwise. His work still speaks decades after his death, and we are standing on the shoulders of that history.”

According to Vann, an essential lesson for future generations is the importance of learning from the past.

“History has a way of repeating itself,” he said. “One of the responsibilities we have is to learn from the mistakes of our forefathers and choose to do differently.”

Vann agreed that Dr. King’s work remains unfinished, pointing to ongoing systemic and societal barriers that continue to divide people.

“As long as those barriers exist, the work continues,” Vann said. “At its core, this is an issue of humanity. Dr. King advocated strongly for African Americans and minorities, but his ultimate vision was for the greater good of humanity as a whole.”

He cautioned against limiting Dr. King’s legacy to a narrow racial framework, arguing that doing so diminishes its broader relevance.

“We can’t confine this conversation to just a black-and-white issue,” Vann said. “We have to ask what is robbing society of being truly connected and what is preventing humanity from being humane. Sometimes the solution starts with simple acts—acknowledging one another, showing kindness, and being willing to engage.”

When discussing how barriers can be broken down today, Vann pointed to the necessity of confronting difficult issues directly.

“If we’re unwilling to confront a problem, we give it permission to continue,” he said. “Confrontation doesn’t mean violence. It means having honest, responsible conversations and working through issues peacefully—the same approach Dr. King modeled.”

Vann also reflected on visits to historic civil rights sites such as Selma and Montgomery, describing them as powerful reminders of the sacrifices made during the movement. He said those experiences help him explain history to his daughter, who is growing up navigating questions of difference, inclusion, and belonging.

“She’s being raised to see people, not color,” Vann said. “But she still notices when others treat her differently. Those moments open the door to conversations about Dr. King and others who faced similar challenges in their time. The context may be different today, but the underlying issues remain familiar.”

J.K. Vann reflects on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy

HUTCHINSON — As Hutchinson continues its annual Mission Possible celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., local leaders are encouraging residents to reflect not only on his historic achievements, but on the responsibility of carrying his message forward today.

During a recent appearance on the BW Morning Show, Dr. Hence Parson and Darrell Pope of the Parson and Pope Podcast discussed King’s lasting impact, his philosophy of nonviolence, and the importance of community engagement in advancing civil rights and social justice.

Parson said King was “a leader before his time,” noting that his approach to addressing racial injustice emphasized unity, understanding, and peaceful action—principles that remain relevant amid ongoing social challenges.

“Nonviolence does more to promote unity and understanding than any other avenue people might take,” Parson said. “That philosophy is still being carried forward today.”

Pope added that King’s influence extended far beyond legislation or protest marches, emphasizing his ability to unite people who might not otherwise interact.

“He brought folks together with a message that we’re all citizens, we’re all human, and we all deserve the rights and liberties this country promises,” Pope said.

Both men reflected on the irony of King’s assassination, noting that a man who preached nonviolence died violently, sparking unrest across the nation in 1968. They said that moment underscored both the difficulty of King’s mission and the depth of his influence.

The conversation also highlighted King’s enduring writings, including Letter from Birmingham Jail, which Parson described as a powerful response to critics who challenged his nonviolent methods—even as he was jailed for peaceful protest.

“There’s a role for ministers and community leaders in this work,” Pope said. “They have influence and a responsibility to guide people toward justice and action that benefits the whole community.”

Hutchinson’s Mission Possible observance spans two days, a format organizers say is intentional. Sunday honored King as a minister, while Monday recognizes him as a citizen and activist working for systemic change.

Monday’s event features keynote speaker Dr. Mildred Edwards at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the campus of Hutchinson Community College. Organizers described Edwards as an accomplished educator, trainer, and inspirational speaker with experience working nationally and with organizations including law enforcement training programs.

Parson and Pope emphasized that while today’s leaders may not replicate the scale of the March on Washington, many are advancing King’s vision through voter registration, civic engagement, and community organizing.

“The work is hard,” Parson said. “Nonviolence is difficult, especially when people experience violence themselves. But Dr. King showed us the best goal—and it’s up to us to keep promoting that philosophy.”

Parson and Pope remembers Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of nonviolence and unity

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

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/35522b08-cd30-49e1-93e0-85962282628b">PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW OBITUARY POLICY.</a> Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">hutchpost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

Recent obituaries and service times

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Cregger		Rachel	Lee	1/18/2026 1:52&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Molina		Keyra	Crystal	1/18/2026 3:35&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear, In Transit From-To Other Agency

Richardson		Curtis	Eugene	1/18/2026 4:09&nbsp;PM	Drugs; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof; &lt; 25g, Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); 100g to &lt; 1Kg,					Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use, Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Ricky	Ricardo	Gomez		1/18/2026 11:54&nbsp;PM	Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); Unknown QTY,					Flee or attempt to elude; Comm of felony,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					DWS; 1st conviction,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Poss of marijuana

Blake	Aaron	Zwickl		1/19/2026 2:08&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher

Daily Bookings

By CARA ANNA and JOSH BOAK Associated Press

At least eight more countries say the United States has invited them to join&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-board-of-peace-gaza-un-b27d17190177041865c6827acd042e56">President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace,</a>&nbsp;a new body of world leaders meant to oversee next steps in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-ceasefire-yellow-line-062f3a55d737cc83607c0ddacf312df0">Gaza</a>&nbsp;that shows ambitions for a broader mandate in global affairs. Two of the countries, Hungary and Vietnam, said they have accepted.

A $1 billion contribution secures permanent membership on the Trump-led board instead of a three-year appointment, which has no contribution requirement, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity about the charter, which hasn’t been made public. The official said the money raised would go to rebuilding Gaza.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has accepted an invitation to join the board, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó told state radio Sunday. Orbán is one of Trump’s most ardent supporters in Europe.

Vietnam’s Communist Party chief, To Lam, also has accepted, a foreign ministry statement said.

India has received an invitation, a senior government official with knowledge of the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the information hadn’t been made public by authorities.

Australia has been invited and will talk it through with the U.S. “to properly understand what this means and what’s involved,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Monday.

Jordan, Greece, Cyprus and Pakistan said Sunday they had received invitations. Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina and Albania have already said they were invited. It was not clear how many have been invited in all.

The U.S. is expected to announce its official list of members in the coming days, likely during the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

Those on the board will oversee next steps in Gaza as the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10 moves into its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-israel-hamas-gaza-trump-witkoff-bb39015d25aeb627a5b9ce73dd4e1155">challenging second phase</a>. It includes a new Palestinian committee in Gaza, the deployment of an international security force, disarmament of Hamas and reconstruction of the war-battered territory.

In letters sent Friday to world leaders inviting them to be “founding members,” Trump said the Board of Peace would “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.”

That could become a potential rival to the U.N. Security Council, the most powerful body of the global entity&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-80-anniversary-funding-divided-war-reform-985385cba3547a2e4286091ff36a1207">created in the wake of World War II</a>. The 15-seat council has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-resolution-israel-hamas-hostages-ceasefire-f11ff1d39387062455c0b0bf4bdea1e4">blocked by U.S. vetoes</a>&nbsp;from taking action to end the war in Gaza, while the U.N.'s clout has been diminished by major funding cuts by the Trump administration and other donors.

Trump’s invitation letters for the Board of Peace noted that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-gaza-ceasefire-us-resolution-russia-107e44e276fe04a5365ff6d914545718">Security Council had endorsed</a>&nbsp;the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-israel-hamas-war-gaza-708a08671b8842d7a7a5e250ec51351c">20-point Gaza ceasefire plan</a>, which includes the board’s creation. The letters were posted on social media by some invitees.

The White House last week also announced an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-gaza-appointments-efe95e29fb1cfe099f44e3ac48d06fa2">executive committee of leaders</a>&nbsp;who will carry out the Board of Peace’s vision, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-white-housoe-gaza-next-steps-17579d16219d79982e48556d85a47e81">Israel on Saturday objected</a>&nbsp;that the committee “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy,” without details. The statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office was rare criticism of its close ally in Washington.

The executive committee’s members include U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga and Trump’s deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel, along with an Israeli business owner, billionaire Yakir Gabay.

Members also include representatives of ceasefire monitors Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. Turkey has a strained relationship with Israel but good relations with Hamas and could play an important role in persuading the group to yield power in Gaza and disarm.

Boak reported from West Palm Beach, Florida. Associated Press writers Justin Spike in Budapest, Hungary, Rajesh Roy in New Delhi and Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia, contributed to this report.

Trump sets large price tag for a permanent seat on Board of Peace for Gaza

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man with a history of crime died in a deputy involved shooting in Sedgwick County January 12.

Wichita Police, as part of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team, is charge of the investigation. On Friday, Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan provided an update on the investigation.

Just after 5:30a.m. January 12, Sedgwick County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a shirtless man holding a handgun in the roadway near 55th Street South and Hoover Road, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.

Deputies responded to the scene and found 32-year-old Trey Houlden of Wichita near the intersection, still armed. Deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation for several minutes.

During the encounter, Houlden fired at deputies, striking at least one patrol vehicle. Deputies returned fire, striking Houlden multiple times.

Deputies immediately provided aid and requested assistance from Sedgwick County EMS and the Wichita Fire Department. EMS transported Houlden to a local hospital in critical condition, where he later died. Hospital staff pronounced him dead at 6:51 a.m.

No deputies were injured during the incident.

Sheriff Jeff Easter activated the Wichita-Sedgwick County Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team. Under the ALERT agreement, the Wichita Police Department will lead the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Houlden had a history of crime with previous convictions that included aggravated domestic battery, aggravated intimidation of a witness, aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

Kan. man who died in deputy shooting had a history of crime

KANSAS CITY—One firefighter was injured working a fire Sunday inKansas City, Missouri.

Just after 5:30a.m. Sunday, the Kansas City Fire Department responded to a reported fire in the Cargill plant, 2334 Rochester Avenue, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. 

At the scene, fire department companies were met by Cargill staff stating there was a fire located in a material hopper housing soybean product. The hopper is located approximately 4 stories above the ground level. 

Working with on-site personnel, KCFD secured the power and electronics to the hopper and were able to access and extinguish the fire. The fire was placed under control a little before 7:00 a.m., according to Hopkins.

One KCFD firefighter sustained an injury and was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated. The firefighter was in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.&nbsp; The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

KC firefighter injured working fire in fourth-floor soybean hopper

By AAMER MADHANI, GEIR MOULSON and JILL LAWLESS Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump linked his aggressive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denmark-greenland-us-trump-899d73348f2ee6c0cd2a8a6e6e136a90">stance on Greenland</a>&nbsp;to last year’s decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize, telling Norway’s prime minister that he no longer felt “an obligation to think purely of Peace,” in a text message released on Monday.

Trump's message to Jonas Gahr Støre appears to ratchet up a standoff between Washington and its closest allies over his threats to take over Greenland, a self-governing territory of NATO member Denmark. On Saturday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denmark-greenland-us-trump-4ad99ea3975a8b62d37bd04961feda55">announced a 10% import tax</a>&nbsp;starting in February on goods from eight nations that have rallied around Denmark and Greenland, including Norway.

Those countries issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-us-trump-eu-tariffs-4e63efa690604004c69fc89a7c14e7c2">forceful rebuke</a>. But British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sought to de-escalate tensions on Monday. While the White House has not ruled taking control of the strategic Arctic island by force, Starmer said he did not believe military action would occur.

"I think this can be resolved and should be resolved through calm discussion,” he said.

Still, the American leader's message to Gahr Støre could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-greenland-us-europe-history-disputes-bbd9b17ae1d653bd1544d8706277b0c3">further fracture a U.S.-European relationship</a>&nbsp;already strained by differences over how to end the nearly four-year war in Ukraine, previous rounds of tariffs, military spending and migration policy.

In a sign of how tensions have increased in recent days,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/photos-protest-greenland-trump-takeover-threats-nuuk-de1eedfae1d5b36a30adaaebb74e3966">thousands of Greenlanders</a>&nbsp;marched over the weekend in protest of any effort to take over their island. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a Facebook post Monday that the tariff threats would not change the their stance.

“We will not be pressured,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland’s minister for business, minerals, energy, justice and equality, told The Associated Press that she was moved by the quick response of allies to the tariff threat and said it showed that countries realize “this is about more than Greenland.”

“I think a lot of countries are afraid that if they let Greenland go, what would be next?”

Trump sends a message to the Norwegian leader

Trump's message to Gahr Støre, released by the Norwegian government, read in part: “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.”

It concluded: “The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”

The Norwegian leader said Trump’s message was a reply to an earlier missive sent on behalf of himself and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, in which they conveyed their opposition to the tariff announcement, pointed to a need to de-escalate, and proposed a telephone conversation among the three leaders.

“Norway’s position on Greenland is clear. Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark on this matter,” the Norwegian leader said in a statement. “As regards the Nobel Peace Prize, I have clearly explained, including to president Trump what is well known, the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee and not the Norwegian Government.”

He told TV2 Norway that he hadn't responded to the message, but "I still believe it’s wise to talk," and he hopes to talk with Trump in Davos this week.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is an independent body whose five members are appointed by the Norwegian Parliament.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the president’s approach in Greenland during a brief Q&amp;A with reporters in Davos, Switzerland, which is hosting the World Economic Forum meeting this week.

“I think it’s a complete canard that the president would be doing this because of the Nobel,” Bessent said, immediately after saying he did not “know anything about the president’s letter to Norway.”

Bessent insisted Trump “is looking at Greenland as a strategic asset for the United States,” adding that “we are not going to outsource our hemispheric security to anyone else.”

Trump has openly coveted the peace prize, which the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-peace-prize-oslo-41b6bff88e2d57af0917bcf778e132ad">committee awarded</a>&nbsp;to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado last year. Last week, Machado&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-machado-venezuela-maduro-nobel-peace-prize-ed23992bccabf128b7e849259d3c29a8">presented her Nobel medal</a>&nbsp;to Trump, who said he planned to keep it though the committee said the prize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-machado-nobel-peace-prize-c7f47c161edc9b719dea3d0165f32a1f">can’t be revoked, transferred or shared</a>&nbsp;with others.

Starmer says a trade war is in no one's interest

In his latest threat of tariffs, Trump indicated they would be retaliation for last week’s deployment of symbolic numbers of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-united-states-denmark-trump-vance-rubio-meeting-b10f5151008f1f18a788dc0751473c0e">troops from the European countries</a>&nbsp;to Greenland — though he also suggested that he was using the tariffs as leverage to negotiate with Denmark.

European governments said that the troops traveled to the island to assess Arctic security, part of a response to Trump’s own concerns&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-greenland-denmark-trump-arctic-security-russia-china-6346aa8e86be594e467e8cc18f98357b">about interference from Russia and China</a>.

Starmer on Monday called Trump’s threat of tariffs “completely wrong” and said that a trade war is in no one’s interest.

He added that “being pragmatic does not mean being passive and partnership does not mean abandoning principles.”

Six of the eight countries targeted are part of the 27-member European Union, which operates as a single economic zone in terms of trade. European Council President Antonio Costa said Sunday that the bloc’s leaders expressed “readiness to defend ourselves against any form of coercion.” He announced a summit for Thursday evening.

Starmer indicated that Britain, which is not part of the EU, is not planning to consider retaliatory tariffs.

“My focus is on making sure we don’t get to that stage,” he said.

Denmark’s defense minister and Greenland’s foreign minister are expected to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels on Monday, a meeting that was planned before the latest escalation.

Associated Press writers Josh Boak in West Palm Beach, Florida; Emma Burrows in Nuuk, Greenland; and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.

Read the letter: President Trump links Greenland threat to Nobel Prize snub

As communities across the country on Monday host parades, panels and service projects for the 40th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/martin-luther-king-jr-mlk-day-7ed384feeeef9b88fb9b34614ea52428">federal observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day</a>, the political climate for some is more fraught with tensions than festive with reflection on the slain Black American civil rights icon's legacy.

In the year since Donald Trump's second inauguration fell on King Day, the Republican president has gone scorched earth against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/black-mayors-national-guard-police-takeover-dc-aa9a9cd07f0704b13f3d2deb2e351e44">targeted mostly Black-led cities</a>&nbsp;for federal law enforcement operations, among other policies that many King admirers have criticized.

One year ago, Trump's executive orders, “Ending Illegal Discrimination And Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” and “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” accelerated a rollback of civil rights and racial justice initiatives in federal agencies, corporations and universities. Last month, the National Park Service announced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-parks-free-trump-birthday-juneteenth-mlk-225b10728a9df22d54407ecaec1e5e5f">it will no longer offer free admission</a>&nbsp;to parks on King Day and Juneteenth, but instead on Flag Day and Trump's birthday.

The fatal shooting this month of an unarmed Minneapolis woman in her car by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents sent there to target the city's Somali immigrant population, as well as Trump recently decrying civil rights as discrimination against white people, have only intensified fears of a regression from the social progress King and many others advocated for.

Still, the concerns have not chilled many King holiday events planned this year. Some conservative admirers of King say the holiday should be a reminder of the civil rights icon's plea that all people be judged by their character and not their skin color. Some Black advocacy groups, however, are vowing a day of resistance and rallies nationwide.

‘We’ve always strived to be a more perfect union'

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Trump said he felt the Civil Rights Movement and the reforms it helped usher in were harmful to white people, who “were very badly treated.” Politicians and advocates say Trump's comments are what are harmful, because they dismiss the hard work of King and others that helped not just Black Americans but other groups, including women and the LGBTQ+ community.

“I think the Civil Rights Movement was one of the things that made our country so unique, that we haven’t always been perfect, but we’ve always strived to be this more perfect union, and that’s what I think the Civil Rights Movement represents,” Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor and only the nation’s third elected Black governor, said this week in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maryland-congressional-redistricting-wes-moore-democrats-aeec01f37b914b792375842daafdd45e">an interview with The Associated Press</a>.

Maya Wiley, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, one of the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights coalitions, said the Trump administration's priorities make clear it is actively trying to erase the movement.

“From health care access and affordable housing to good paying jobs and union representation," Wiley said, “things Dr. King made part of his clarion call for a beloved community are still at stake and is even more so because (the administration) has dismantled the very terms of government and the norms of our culture.”

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

The conservative Heritage Foundation think tank is encouraging the holiday’s focus to stay solely on King himself. Brenda Hafera, a foundation research fellow, urged people to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta or reread his “I have a dream” speech delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington nearly 63 years ago.

But using the holiday as a platform to rally and speak about “anti-racism” and “critical race theory” actually rejects King’s ambition for the country, Hafera argued.

“I think efforts should be conducted in the spirit of what Martin Luther King actually believed and what he preached. And his vision was a colorblind society, right,” Hafera said. “He says very famously in his speech, don’t judge by the color of your skin, but the content of your character.”

Groups call for holiday of reclamation, education and rallying

The NAACP, the nation's oldest civil right organization which had a myriad MLK Day events planned for Monday, asserted that the heightened fears among communities of color and in immigrant communities mean King Day observances must take a different tone. People will have to put their safety first, even if their government isn't, said Wisdom Cole, NAACP senior national director of advocacy.

“As folks are using their constitutional right to protest and to speak out and stand up for what they believe in, we are being faced with violence. We are faced with increased police and state violence inflicted by the government,” Cole said.

The Movement for Black Lives, a coalition of organizations affiliated with the Black Lives Matter movement, has planned its events under the banner “Reclaim MLK Day of Action.” Organizers planned demonstrations in Atlanta, Chicago and Oakland, California, among other cities, over the weekend and Monday.

“This year it is more important than ever to reclaim MLK’s radical legacy, letting his wisdom and fierce commitment to freedom move us into the action necessary to take care of one another, fight back, and free ourselves from this fascist regime,” Devonte Jackson, a national organizing director for the coalition, said in a statement.

Indiana school cancels historic MLK Day event

For the first time in its 60-year history, Indiana University in Indianapolis canceled its annual Martin Luther King dinner. Over the years, the event drew notable guest speakers including Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, and activist Angela Davis.

The reasoning was “budget constraints,” according to a social media post by the school's Black Student Union. However, the group said it was worried this was “connected to broader political pressures.” A few students have since organized smaller community dinners or “eat-ins” to fill the void, WTHR-TV in Indianapolis reported.

Meanwhile, the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Westbrook, Maine, canceled a MLK Day service due to “unforeseen circumstances,” according to the parish website. But a member of the church's “social justice and peace committee” told NewsCenterMaine.com that the pastor was concerned about people's safety amid rumors of ICE agents being in the area.

Overall, there have been few reports of King Day events being majorly scaled down or canceled altogether.

In Memphis, Tennessee, the National Civil Rights Museum is going about its annual King Day celebration as normal. The museum is located on the site of the former Lorraine Motel, where King was shot on April 4, 1968. The museum is offering free admission on the holiday, an annual tradition.

“This milestone year is not only about looking back at what Dr. King stood for, but also recognizing the people who continue to make his ideals real today,” museum President Russell Wigginton said.

Tang reported from Phoenix. Associated Press writers Matt Brown in Washington, Adrian Sanz in Memphis, Tennessee, and Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland, contributed to this report.

Current US political climate is spurring a 'reclaim' and rallying on the MLK holiday

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

Just before 2p.m Sunday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 8700 block of Chestnut Circle on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil Dimartino.

As officers arrived they were directed to a parking lot within the apartment complex. There they located a victim later identified as 36-year-old Charles Brown, Jr., suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers began performing life saving measures while KCFD EMS arrived simultaneously. Medics pronounced Brown deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

This is being investigated as a homicide. The officers on scene took a subject of interest into custody pending further investigation. Preliminary information revealed there was a disturbance in the parking lot between several individuals that led to shots being fired and Brown being struck.&nbsp;

If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

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