Hutchinson Public Schools is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Certified and Classified Employee of the Year awards, recognizing staff members who have made a meaningful impact on students across the district.

Director of Communication, Stacy Goss said nominations are open through the end of February and may be submitted online by parents, students or community members. Nominees for the certified category include teachers, social workers and special education staff, while classified nominees may include paraeducators, secretaries, custodians and other support personnel.

Award recipients will be selected following a review and interview process and formally recognized during the district’s annual convocation in August.

In addition to the district awards, nominations are also being accepted for teacher recognition through the James A. and Julia L. Davis Foundation, which provides cash awards for selected teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Those honorees will also be recognized at the August convocation event.

Lisa Yantes the district's Director of Curriculum encourages families to explore academic opportunities through the International Baccalaureate program at Hutchinson High School, which has been offered locally since 2004.

The IB program allows students to pursue advanced coursework through three pathways: individual course enrollment, the Career-related Programme or the Diploma Programme. Students in the Career-related Programme complete a career and technical education pathway alongside IB coursework, community service and a reflective project. Diploma Programme students complete six IB courses, an extended essay and additional service requirements.

Participation in IB coursework may allow students to earn college credit depending on assessment scores and institutional policies. Completion of full IB pathways can also open opportunities for scholarship consideration at postsecondary institutions.

District officials recommend students begin planning for IB participation as early as their freshman or sophomore year to ensure they meet prerequisite requirements, including foreign language coursework for Diploma Programme candidates.

Enrollment for the upcoming school year recently concluded, and parents are encouraged to review student course selections through the district’s online planning platform or contact high school counselors for additional information about IB pathways or scheduling adjustments.

Hutchinson High School is among a limited number of Kansas schools offering IB programming and is currently the only location west of Wichita providing the full range of IB pathway options, according to district staff.

USD 308 opens nominations for employee awards

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The Dillon Lecture Series is back for the 2026 school year at Hutchinson Community College, continuing a tradition that has brought nationally recognized speakers — along with notable Kansas voices — to Hutchinson for more than four decades.

Now entering its 45th year, the lecture series will kick off Tuesday afternoon with longtime Wichita broadcaster Larry Hatteberg. Many in south-central Kansas recognize Hatteberg from his decades of storytelling at KAKE-TV, where his “Hatteberg’s People” segments highlighted thousands of personal stories from across the region.

Denny Stoecklein the Director of Marketing and Public Relations said the Dillon Lecture Series began back in 1982 as a way to provide educational opportunities not only for Hutchinson Community College students, but for the broader community as well. Since then, the program has hosted nearly 200 speakers from across the country and around the world.

This year’s opening lecture will feature a couple of changes from past events. Tuesday’s presentation will take place at 2 p.m. — rather than the traditional morning time slot — inside the recital hall at the Stringer Fine Arts Center. Doors will open at 1:15 p.m.

Stoecklein said the lecture series is financially independent, relying on sponsorships, memberships and ticket sales to bring speakers to Hutchinson each year, while still offering an accessible opportunity for residents, students and area school groups to hear from influential voices.

Additional speakers scheduled for the 2026 season include Taryn Southern in April and Liz Murray in October.

Advance tickets are available online through the Hutchinson Community College website, or attendees may purchase admission at the door prior to Tuesday’s lecture.

Hatteberg to kick off 2026 Dillon Lecture Series

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— Giselle Rodriguez, a senior at Hutchinson High School, was surprised this week with a full-ride Rudd Scholarship during a special presentation that left her overwhelmed with joy.

Counselors invited Rodriguez to the office under the pretense of signing a scholarship application. Instead, she walked into a room filled with coaches, teachers, administrators, her best friend and members of the Rudd Foundation team — all gathered to celebrate her achievement. The moment culminated with the presentation of a ceremonial check and the life-changing scholarship announcement.

Rodriguez has distinguished herself at Hutchinson High School by balancing rigorous academics, athletics and employment. A member of the National Honor Society, she upholds the organization’s values of scholarship, service, leadership and character. A varsity soccer player, Rodriguez is enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme in health sciences. She also serves as president of HOSA–Future Health Professionals and participates in Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The IB Career-related Programme combines a rigorous academic framework with career-focused learning, allowing students to align coursework with their professional interests while gaining practical skills, industry certifications and real-world experience. Hutchinson High School offers 22 career pathways, including health sciences, engineering, business management and entrepreneurship, marketing, government and public administration, programming and software development, and family and consumer sciences.

The Rudd Scholarship is a comprehensive, full-ride, four-year award recognizing grit, determination and strong work ethic. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, books, supplies and other college expenses. Scholars also receive mentoring, professional development, networking opportunities and individualized support throughout their college careers.

“Receiving this scholarship opens many doors for me. This opportunity will allow me to pursue higher education alongside other students with similar goals, values and drive,” Rodriguez said. “Not only have I been awarded a scholarship, but I now have the privilege to navigate my academic journey with the help and support of an amazing cohort and mentors. I couldn’t be more excited to gain the knowledge and experience I need to serve others and contribute to my community.”

The program boasts a 100% four-year graduation rate among retained scholars, with 60% of recipients being first-generation college students. Since its inception, the Rudd Foundation has awarded more than 200 scholarships, investing over $10 million in Kansas students.

Rodriguez was initially hesitant to apply because of the scholarship’s competitive and prestigious nature. The application window runs from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1. Out of more than 700 applicants in 2025, only 50 scholarships were awarded. Eligibility requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, ACT or SAT submission, Kansas residency and demonstrated financial need. The application process includes letters of recommendation, essays and a final-round interview.

Rodriguez credits her IB teachers and counselors with encouraging her to apply, and her personal and professional skills teacher, Kelli Lusk, with helping her prepare for the interview process.

“I would tell other students that there’s nothing to lose by applying, so just do it,” Rodriguez said. “The process can help anyone grow and gain experience. It is important to learn how to advocate for yourself and take a moment to reflect on your goals.”

She plans to attend Fort Hays State University to pursue a degree in nursing. In December, Rodriguez was pinned as a certified nursing assistant after completing the CNA program at Hutchinson High School. She credits her instructor, Addie Ehling, RN, medical science teacher and HOSA advisor, with inspiring her to enter the nursing field.

“Giselle is an excellent student whose work ethic and positive attitude set a strong example for others,” Ehling said. “She is an active member of our medical science program and approaches challenges with confidence. It has truly been an honor to have her serve as our HOSA Future Health Professionals chapter president. She consistently demonstrates leadership, dedication and a passion for helping others. I am excited to see the positive impact she will have on the health care field in the years to come.”

Rodriguez said balancing a rigorous course load with athletics and extracurricular activities was challenging but rewarding. She credits her family for their unwavering support and recognizes that the scholarship is life-changing not only for her but for them as well. Rodriguez is the daughter of Salvador and Berenice Rodriguez.

“To my family, this news was the biggest blessing. Both of my parents are immensely proud and overjoyed on my behalf, as this moment is also a culmination of their hard work and sacrifices throughout the years,” Rodriguez said. “I owe my work ethic and determination to them. They have always instilled in me the importance of giving my full effort in anything I do. Throughout my senior year, my objective of making my family proud has persisted, and today I was able to fulfill that pursuit.”

After receiving the surprise news, Rodriguez called her parents, sharing tearful excitement as they celebrated together over the phone — a moment that reflected years of hard work, perseverance and determination.

Hutch High senior earns prestigious full-ride Rudd Scholarship

WASHINGTON, DC –&nbsp;The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped slightly&nbsp;from the previous week to $2.92. 

Pump prices are expected to&nbsp;start&nbsp;their seasonal climb soon, as spring&nbsp;approaches&nbsp;and summer-blend gasoline&nbsp;production begins. 

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are another factor that could drive up crude oil prices. Right now, gas prices are the lowest&nbsp;they’ve&nbsp;been for this time of year since 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;new data from the Energy Information Administration&nbsp;(EIA), gasoline&nbsp;demand&nbsp;increased&nbsp;last week&nbsp;from&nbsp;8.30&nbsp;million&nbsp;b/d&nbsp;to&nbsp;8.74&nbsp;million. Total&nbsp;domestic gasoline supply decreased from 259.1 million barrels to 255.8 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day.&nbsp;

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI&nbsp;rose&nbsp;$2.86&nbsp;to&nbsp;settle at&nbsp;$65.19&nbsp;a barrel.&nbsp;The EIA&nbsp;reports&nbsp;crude oil inventories&nbsp;decreased by 9 million barrels from the previous week. At 419.8 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 5% below the&nbsp;five-year&nbsp;average for this time of year.&nbsp;

The nation’s&nbsp;top&nbsp;10&nbsp;most expensive gasoline&nbsp;markets are California ($4.59), Hawaii ($4.40), Washington ($4.18), Oregon ($3.71), Nevada ($3.64), Alaska ($3.51), Arizona ($3.19), Pennsylvania ($3.10), Washington, DC ($3.09), and Vermont ($3.00).&nbsp;

The nation’s&nbsp;top 10&nbsp;least&nbsp;expensive&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;markets&nbsp;are&nbsp;Oklahoma ($2.28),&nbsp;Arkansas ($2.45),&nbsp;Kansas ($2.46), Mississippi ($2.49),&nbsp;Iowa ($2.50),&nbsp;Louisiana ($2.50),&nbsp;Missouri ($2.51),&nbsp;North Dakota ($2.53),&nbsp;Wisconsin&nbsp;($2.53), and Texas ($2.55).&nbsp;

Pump prices holding steady for now

<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. ——————————————

Aaron	Kyle	Fletchall		2/19/2026 10:50&nbsp;AM	Stalking; Conduct causing fear to a person or person's family,					Agg battery; Knowingly cause angry phys contact,					Stalking; Conduct causing fear to a person or person's family,					Agg battery; Knowingly cause angry phys contact

Russell	Alan	Keeler	Jr	2/19/2026 2:44&nbsp;PM	DWS; 2nd or subs conviction,					DL Violation; Drive While Habitual Violator,					Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction

Leroy	Cornelius	Paige	Jr	2/19/2026 2:53&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Loretta	Marie	Caudillo		2/19/2026 4:42&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Bruce	Sherard	Nichols		2/19/2026 4:46&nbsp;PM	Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); 3.5g to &lt; 100g,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Unlawful to aquire proceeds from drug transaction; Value &lt; $5,000

Jesse	Lee	Croslin Montague		2/19/2026 4:56&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

William	James	Galloway		2/19/2026 5:02&nbsp;PM	Viol protection order; Ext stalk/sex aslt/hmn traf

Nathan	Jay	FiFe		2/19/2026 5:16&nbsp;PM	In Transit From-To Other Agency

Daily Bookings

Reno County residents will have an opportunity on Saturday to learn more about how property values are determined and how those values affect property taxes.&nbsp;

The Reno County Appraiser’s Office is hosting an informational town hall on Saturday at 10 a.m. a Eastwood Church of Christ located at 2500 North Plum Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

At the town hall, the presentation will&nbsp;focus on how property values are&nbsp;established, how market conditions influence those values, and how property taxes are calculated under Kansas law.&nbsp;County Appraiser Michael Plank will explain the appraisal process&nbsp;address&nbsp;common&nbsp;misconceptions and&nbsp;answer&nbsp;general questions&nbsp;from the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The appraiser’s office emphasizes that&nbsp;the town hall is intended for education and understanding, not individual property appeals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All Reno County residents are welcome, and no registration is&nbsp;required. Representatives from the Reno County Commission and Hutchinson City Council have been invited to attend.&nbsp;

County officials say the goal of all the town hall is to provide clear,&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;information and help residents better understand how property valuation and taxation&nbsp;impact&nbsp;them.&nbsp;

Appraiser to hold town hall on Saturday

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info 7-day forecast.&nbsp;</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;

Three-day Outlook

Local organizations are mobilizing to&nbsp;assist&nbsp;agricultural producers in southwest Kansas and northwest Oklahoma following a series of destructive wildfires that swept through cattle country earlier this week.&nbsp;

Saltcity&nbsp;Cowboy Church is partnering with the&nbsp;Inman FFA Chapter&nbsp;and&nbsp;Haven FFA Chapter&nbsp;to collect supplies for farm and ranch families&nbsp;impacted&nbsp;by the fires. The effort is aimed at supporting producers who have sustained losses to pastureland, fencing, feed&nbsp;supplies&nbsp;and livestock infrastructure.&nbsp;

Donations are being accepted now through Friday, Feb. 27, at three locations:&nbsp;

If you are planning to donate&nbsp;at&nbsp;Inman High School or Haven High School, please contact the school office. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Collected items will be transported to Ashland on Feb. 28 for distribution to affected producers.&nbsp;

Saltcity&nbsp;Cowboy Church will accept donations during the following times:&nbsp;

Organizers say hay is the greatest current need. Those wishing to donate hay are asked to contact Makayla at 620-899-9688 or Daniel Knapp by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dknapp@usd448.com" target="_blank">dknapp@usd448.com</a>&nbsp;to coordinate transportation and staging.

Inman FFA also has brome hay available from its chapter farm for individuals interested in&nbsp;purchasing&nbsp;bales to donate.&nbsp;

Wildfire relief drive being held 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Officials with Hutchinson Public Schools say the district is continuing to focus on staff recruitment and early childhood education expansion as it prepares to open a new child care facility this spring.

District administrators provided updates this week on hiring needs, academic planning and construction progress on a new child care center located on the Morgan Elementary School campus.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Crystal Young said the district is actively recruiting educators ahead of the next academic year, with a particular emphasis on elementary teaching positions.

“We are looking for quality and elite educators to join our team,” Young said. “We have a focus on quality instruction as well as improving our academic achievement and culture of the district as a whole.”

District officials said current retirement projections among staff are lower than typical for this time of year, which they attribute in part to retention efforts that include staff feedback initiatives such as stay and exit interviews.

Young said those interviews have consistently pointed to building leadership and workplace culture as key factors influencing educators’ decisions to remain in the profession.

Meanwhile, the district is preparing to expand early childhood services through a new child care center expected to open in April. The facility will double classroom capacity from four rooms at the current site to eight classrooms at the new location.

Unlike previous district-operated programs, the new center will operate year-round and remain open until 5:30 p.m., serving both district staff and the broader Hutchinson community.

Applications are currently being accepted for preschool, child care and home-based services. Some programs are funded through Head Start and Early Head Start, which require income verification during the application process.

District officials said installation of a playground — required for state licensure — is scheduled for March, pending weather conditions. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility is planned for April 3.

Administrators also noted that preschool programming plays a key role in the district’s strategic plan for improving kindergarten readiness. Officials said updated early learning curriculum adopted last year has already produced measurable academic gains in pre-kindergarten classrooms.

In addition to early childhood initiatives, the district continues work under the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation, or KESA, framework. Officials said the district has met its strategic goals within approximately 18 months of implementation and is entering its third year of accreditation.

As part of the next phase, administrators plan to more closely align instructional practices with measurable student outcomes while continuing to emphasize professional learning for staff.

USD 308 expands hiring efforts, prepares for new childcare center opening

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street kept calm Friday after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-trump-0485fcda30a7310501123e4931dba3f9">Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs</a>, which had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-tariffs-52dbb020a4c41122e31669c2da236d67">triggered panic in financial markets</a>&nbsp;when announced last year, and stocks ticked higher.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.7%. It had been flipping between small gains and losses before the court’s ruling, following discouraging reports showing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gdp-economy-consumer-shutdown-immigration-0e5caca783b93eaf2231496e3e0f54f3">slowing growth for the U.S. economy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumers-inflation-economy-4cf2b9b627cc3ad1bbf6c31f77d27a02">faster inflation</a>.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 230 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.9%.

Many on Wall Street were likely expecting such a ruling from the Supreme Court, according to Brian Jacobsen, chief economic strategist at Annex Wealth Management. That likely led to the relatively muted reactions across financial markets, and trading remained tentative as investors tried to suss out the long-term effects.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-ieepa-a3e43fe91fa8335eac383921bed55f7e">Tariffs also aren’t going away</a>, even with the Supreme Court’s ruling. Trump in the afternoon said he would use other avenues to put taxes on imports from other countries after calling the court’s decision terrible.

“Just so you understand, we have tariffs, we just have them in a different way,” Trump told reporters in an afternoon briefing. He said he would sign an executive order to impose a 10% global tariff under a law that could limit it to 150 days. The president also said he’s exploring other tariffs through other avenues, ones that would require an investigation through the Commerce Department.

“During that period of about five months, we are doing the various investigations necessary to put fair tariffs – or tariffs, period – on other countries,” Trump said.

Earlier in his comments, Trump said that the Supreme Court’s ruling had other countries “dancing in the streets, but they won’t be dancing for long.”

Among the tentative moves across markets, Treasury yields edged a bit higher in the bond market.

If investors thought the tariff ruling would improve inflation significantly, it could have sent yields lower. On the other hand, if investors were worried about the U.S. government’s debt rising faster in the future because of the loss of revenue from tariffs, long-term yields could have jumped. For now, at least, yields broadly held relatively steady.

The stock price of Ralph Lauren, meanwhile, rushed from an early loss to a gain of 3.3% after investors learned of the Supreme Court’s ruling. But it quickly flipped back to a loss before finishing with a rise of 2.2%. During April last year, the stock had dropped nearly 23% in four days after Trump announced his tariffs because of worries about how they would hurt its profits.

In other markets, gold’s price slumped briefly after the ruling and then erased the loss. Stock indexes in Europe added some to their gains from earlier in the day, while the U.S. dollar’s value edged down against other currencies.

Heading into the day, the main event for markets had seemed to be discouraging reports showing slowing U.S. economic growth and accelerating inflation. They found a relatively muted response from investors.

While the reports underscore the tricky situation the Federal Reserve faces as it sets interest rates, they did not change traders’ expectations much for what the Fed will ultimately do. Traders are still betting that the Fed will lower rates at least twice this year, according to data from CME Group. Some shifted bets for the timing of when the cuts could begin to slightly later in the summer.

Lower interest rates would give the economy and investment prices a boost, but they also risk worsening inflation. Fed officials said at their last meeting that they want to see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jobs-fed-trump-d7aabc066d5a3a330022963289abc0c0">inflation fall further</a>&nbsp;before they would support cutting rates further.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 4.08%, where it was late Thursday. The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for Fed action, inched up to 3.48% from 3.47%.

On Wall Street, Akamai Technologies dropped 14.1% for one of the market’s sharpest losses. The cybersecurity and cloud computing company reported stronger results for the end of 2025 than analysts expected, but it gave a profit forecast for the upcoming year that fell short of estimates.

Akamai plans to spend a bigger percentage of its revenue this upcoming year on equipment and other investments. It’s the latest potential indicator of how shortages of computer memory created by the AI boom are affecting customers throughout the economy.

On the winning side of the market was Comfort Systems, which rose 6.5% after the provider of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical services reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Brian Lane said his company is seeing “unprecedented demand.”

Al told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 47.62 points to 6,909.51. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 230.81 to 49,625.97, and the Nasdaq composite rose 203.34 to 22,886.07.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in Europe following a more mixed finish in Asia.

Wall Street keeps calm after Supreme Court ruling on Trump's tariffs

KCATA gets funds to upgrade buses, facilities ahead of World Cup

The Supreme Court struck down&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s global tariffs&nbsp;on Friday. A significant loss for his economic agenda.

🎥President Trump reacts to Supreme Court decision on tariffs

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to identify the suspects who were involved in a shooting that occurred in the 300 Block of Westport Road on February 8 at 08:54p.m., according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Police released no additional details on the crime.

If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Assault Squad at 816-234-5227 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

KCPD asks for help to ID shooting suspects

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.

"The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity. Clear and consistent trade policy is essential for economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for American families. We urge the lower court to ensure a&nbsp;seamless&nbsp;process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their&nbsp;employees&nbsp;and their customers."

The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/">nrf.com</a>

National Retail Federation responds to Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;struck down President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-economy-liberation-day-d3458da225c1fdfade97ed494b23e868">far-reaching global tariffs</a>&nbsp;on Friday, handing him a significant loss on an issue crucial to his economic agenda.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the ruling</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287">Click here to listen to oral arguments</a> before court on Nov. 5, 2025

The decision centers on tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs he levied on nearly every other country.

It's the first major piece of Trump's broad agenda to come squarely before the nation's highest court, which he helped shape with the appointments of three conservative jurists in his first term.

The Republican president has been vocal about the case, calling it one of the most important in U.S. history and saying a ruling against him would be an economic body blow to the country. But legal opposition crossed the political spectrum, including libertarian and pro-business groups that are typically aligned with the GOP. Polling has found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-trump-economy-approval-immigration-border-crime-373766302cde6d45624d6bb738b16231">tariffs aren't broadly popular</a>&nbsp;with the public, amid wider voter concern about affordability.

The Supreme Court ruling comes despite a series of short-term wins on the court's emergency docket that have allowed Trump to push ahead with extraordinary flexes of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-democracy-autocrats-authoritarian-constitution-threat-542ac437a58880e81c052f8f2df1643f">executive power</a>&nbsp;on issues ranging from high-profile firings to major federal funding cuts.

The tariffs decision doesn't stop Trump from imposing duties under other laws. While those have more limitations on the speed and severity of Trump's actions, top administration officials have said they expect to keep the tariff framework in place under other authorities.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to levy tariffs. But the Trump administration argued that a 1977 law allowing the president to regulate importation during emergencies also allows him to set tariffs. Other presidents have used the law dozens of times, often to impose sanctions, but Trump was the first president to invoke it for import taxes.

Trump set what he called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-china-recession-deals-e8e54a68397e6829e1d27552a1d7bfb9">"reciprocal" tariffs</a>&nbsp;on most countries in April 2025 to address trade deficits that he declared a national emergency. Those came after he imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trump-plans-tariffs-on-mexico-and-canada-for-tuesday-while-doubling-existing-10-tariffs-on-china/">duties on Canada, China and Mexico</a>, ostensibly to address a drug trafficking emergency.

A series of lawsuits followed, including a case from a dozen largely Democratic-leaning states and others from small businesses selling everything from plumbing supplies to educational toys to women’s cycling apparel.

The challengers argued the emergency powers law doesn’t even mention tariffs and Trump's use of it fails several legal tests, including one that doomed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-7c44eedbf32bec35fc638e9953db2aeb">then-President Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;$500 billion student loan forgiveness program.

The economic impact of Trump's tariffs has been estimated at some $3 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Treasury has collected more than $133 billion from the import taxes the president has imposed under the emergency powers law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/trade">federal data</a>&nbsp;from December shows. Many companies, including the big-box warehouse chain Costco, have already lined up in court to demand refunds.

Read the ruling: Supreme Court strikes down Trump's global tariffs

On Thursday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls reporting a 38-year-old man making statements and live-streaming from a location where he did not have permission to be, according to a media release from the Phillips County Sheriff's office. The property owner requested that the individual be removed.

Deputies located the individual identified in booking records as Steven E. Walker and observed him discharging fireworks toward the street. No vehicle damage was reported at this time.

Walker was taken into custody. During the arrest and transport process, Walker physically resisted, made threats toward law enforcement, struck a deputy with his leg, spit, and head-butted another deputy. While being repositioned for transport, Walker bit a deputy, breaking the skin.

Walker was transported to the Phillips County Jail and placed in secure holding pending further evaluation.

The injured deputy was treated at the hospital for minor injuries and released, with follow-up care scheduled.

Formal charges against Walker are pending review by the Phillips County Attorney’s Office.&nbsp; He is currently being held with no bond, according to online jail records.

A statement on community support from the Phillips County Sheriff

During Thursday’s incident on Main Street, several members of the public stopped to check on our deputies and asked if assistance was needed.

We want the community to know that we genuinely appreciate that support. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and it means a great deal to our office when citizens show concern for the safety of our deputies, neighbors, and the community as a whole.

Thank you for continuing to stand behind the deputies and staff of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office.

 Kansas man attacked deputies during arrest

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith admitted in federal court Thursday that he used the organization’s credit card for personal expenses and authorized payments for a co-defendant’s fraudulent invoices.

Then he pleaded guilty to a single charge of wire fraud for a $6,909.73 credit card payment.

Smith led the foster care organization from 2014 to 2020, where the Episcopal priest was known as Father Bobby.&nbsp;Federal authorities gathered evidence that Smith and William&nbsp;Whymark, who provided IT services, engaged in a scheme to bilk the organization of more than $4.7 million through inflated invoices. Smith also used the organization’s credit card for family travels, fine clothes, meals at five-star restaurants and cash withdrawals.

Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">first reported on the financial irregularities</a>&nbsp;shortly after Smith resigned in 2020.

Whymark&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Whymark-plea.pdf">pleaded guilty on Nov. 18</a>&nbsp;to two charges of wire fraud totaling more than $2 million, admitting his role in the scheme. He has yet to be sentenced.

The 54-year-old Smith faced 20 charges for crimes including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. By pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will remain free until sentencing, which is set for July 15.

Danielle Thomas, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas, said&nbsp;“the discretion on whether to dismiss or proceed on the remaining charges remains.”

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse gripped and spun a baseball in his hands Thursday as Smith affirmed for the judge that he understood the charges against him, that he would lose the right to vote, hold office or own a gun, that he received adequate counsel from defense attorney Sarah Hess, and that the judge alone would determine the length of his prison term.

“Does it remain your desire to plead guilty today?” Crouse asked.

Prosecutor Sara Walton then presented evidence that would be brought against Smith if the case were to go to trial. The evidence included Smith’s approval of fraudulent invoices, as well as the personal credit card expenses that he failed to report or reimburse. The count to which Smith agreed to plead guilty was a credit card payment from March 3, 2018.

Smith admitted for the record that the evidence was accurate. He sat stoically with hands folded on the defendant’s table as Crouse accepted the plea.

Bishop Paula Clark of the Diocese of Chicago, where Smith was ordained, said in a statement that the church would respond to his guilty plea by initiating a disciplinary process.

“I ask you to please pray for the Rev. Smith, his family, and all who are affected by this situation,” Clark said.

Saint Francis, a faith-based nonprofit, was the state’s largest foster care contractor, serving 3,100 children and 600 homes, when Smith resigned in November 2020. The organization nearly became insolvent under Smith’s management, which included severely underbidding a foster care contract in Nebraska.

Among other questionable purchases, Smith claimed he purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/22/former-ceo-of-foster-care-provider-defends-travel-charges-cubs-tickets/">$65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs tickets</a>&nbsp;so he could flip them for a profit on the secondary market. Nebraska’s governor at the time, Pete Ricketts, who is now a U.S. senator, is part-owner of the Cubs.

Smith also invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in his wife’s plans to harvest a “miracle” food in El Salvador. An internal Saint Francis investigation later discovered a project manager in El Salvador had asked for a Visa card that could be used for cash bribes for government officials there.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families, after conducting its own investigation, required Saint Francis to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/kansas-foster-care-provider-to-repay-9-4m-in-unused-tax-dollars/">repay $9.4 million</a>. The state also replaced Saint Francis as the contractor for the Wichita area, but continues to contract with Saint Francis in other parts of the state.

“For more than 80 years Saint Francis Ministries has provided healing and hope to children and families and that remains our focus,” said Denny Marlin, spokesman for Saint Francis. “We trust the judicial process and remain committed to serving the children and families who rely on our care.”

Former Kansas foster care leader pleads guilty to wire fraud, admits personal charges

During the recent wildfires in southwest Kansas and Oklahoma, several firefighters sustained injuries, including two who were transported to the burn unit at St Francis for medical treatment.

On Thursday, Josh Griffin and the team at Wichita Fire Department 2B arranged for the son of one of the firefighters to visit his father through the window via the bucket, according to a social media report from the Kansas Firefighter's Museum.

This was undoubtedly an incredible moment. Well done, gentlemen. Furthermore, we are thrilled to report that both firefighters are recovering exceptionally well.

Fire truck lifts boy to see his father who was injured fighting wildfire

JACKSON COUNTY, MO.—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal dog attack in the Kansas City suburb of Independence.

Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a home&nbsp; near E. Bundschu Road and N. Jones Road, according to a media release.

A dog was attacking the victim when officers arrived at the home. Because the dog was so aggressive and the victim's injuries were so severe, one officer shot the dog.

The dog then became aggressive toward the officers, and the officers shot the dog a second time and killed it.

Officers provided emergency treatment to the victim, later identified as 41-year-old&nbsp;Tyler Brennan, until an ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital.&nbsp; Medical staff pronounced Brennan deceased. There were no other injuries.

KC area man dies from injuries in dog attack

🎧 ⚾ Shockers lose in Hawaii, 🏀 Salt Hawks travel to Newton

LAWRENCE, Kan. — After nearly two years of preparation and planning, Lawrence has officially been selected as a base camp for the Algerian men’s soccer team during this summer’s World Cup tournament.

“Kansas Athletics is thrilled with our partners in Lawrence to be a base camp selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Jason Booker, deputy athletic director for the University of Kansas. “Rock Chalk Park is a world-class facility that was validated by the countries that visited and in the level of interest we had in being a base camp. This summer offers a tremendous opportunity to showcase the broader university, Lawrence, Douglas County and our surrounding region. I am very appreciative of the tremendous collaboration across all parties to make this a reality.”

As a base camp site, Lawrence will serve as Team Algeria’s home away from home. While the team trains, rests and prepares during the tournament, players and staff will become short-term residents in the community.

“Lawrence has been preparing for visitors for this tournament for over a year and a half,” said Ruth DeWitt, external affairs and sales operations manager for Explore Lawrence, the city’s convention and visitors bureau. “We are thrilled to extend that welcome to the players, staff, family and fans of the Algerian men’s team. We are confident our efforts will result in visitors experiencing what it’s like to be a local in Lawrence in a safe, welcoming and fun environment. We all join in saying, ‘Welcome home, Algeria.’”

In January 2025, a Unified Command structure was formalized for Douglas County organizations to coordinate preparations for the tournament, which will include matches in Kansas City in June and July.

Lawrence 2026 brings together individuals and organizations from across Douglas County to address logistics related to an influx of thousands of visitors drawn by the base camp and the nearby matches.

Key considerations include transportation, accommodations, entertainment and community needs such as public safety and infrastructure. With the announcement of Team Algeria establishing a base camp in Lawrence, organizers will now focus on the specific linguistic, cultural and logistical needs of fans and players, as well as the opportunities the visitors create for the region.

More information about summer activities and community preparations is available online.

⚽ Lawrence to host Algerian national team during World Cup

🎧🏀 HutchCC Sweeps Colby, KU downs Cowboys, Shockers win on the road in 2OT

FINAL: No. 17 Hutchinson women 50, Colby 42 FINAL: Hutchinson men 75, Colby 71

🎧🏀 Blue Dragon Rewind: HutchCC vs. Colby

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) — TJ Williams scored 27 points, including the game-winning layup with 22 seconds remaining in double overtime, to lead Wichita State over East Carolina 92-89 on Wednesday.

Williams added eight rebounds for the Shockers (17-10, 9-5 American Athletic Conference). Kenyon Giles scored 24 points and added five rebounds. Karon Boyd shot 5 of 15 from the field to finish with 13 points, to go with eight rebounds.

Jordan Riley led the Pirates (9-17, 4-9) in scoring, finishing with 40 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. East Carolina also got 16 points and three blocks from Giovanni Emejuru. Demitri Gardner had 14 points.

Giles put up 11 points in the first half for Wichita State, who led 37-33 at halftime. Wichita State was outscored by four points in the second half as the teams ended regulation tied 69-69. Williams paced Wichita State with seven points in double overtime, including the game-winner.

🏀 Shockers grind out 2OT win at East Carolina

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 20 of his 23 points in the first half, sparking No. 8 Kansas to an 81-69 win over Oklahoma State on Wednesday night.

Peterson, a guard who is expected to be among the first picks in the NBA draft later this year, had shot 13 for 36 from the field combined in his previous three games. He made 7 of 12 field goals against the Cowboys, including 6 of 10 3-pointers.

Tre White scored 16 points and Elmarko Jackson added 14 for Kansas. Bryson Tiller had 10 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and Flory Bidunga added eight points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for the Jayhawks (20-6, 10-3 Big 12), who made 11 of 24 3-pointers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-iowa-basketball-score-2244f41882aa408058620e8506a644a1">bounced back from a blowout loss at Iowa State</a>&nbsp;last Saturday.

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