Eagle Media’s Long-Running “Adopt-A-Child” Program Nears Deadline as Community Steps Up to Help Local Families

With Christmas just around the corner, Eagle Media’s long-standing Adopt-A-Child program is once again rallying the community to ensure local children in need wake up to gifts under the tree. General Manager Matt Althouse and afternoon host Randy McKay joined the KWBW Morning Show this week to talk about this year’s effort, now in its 35th year, and the renewed push to match remaining children with local adopters.

What began in the early 1990s with just 16 children has grown into one of the area’s most impactful holiday traditions. At its peak, the program has supported as many as 260 kids across Reno, Harvey, and McPherson counties, working in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and its predecessor agency.

“We were nervous that first year,” McKay recalled. “Sixteen kids felt like a lot. But within three hours, every single one had been adopted. And it just grew from there.”

A Year of Need — and Community Response This year brought new challenges. Eagle Media lost one of its longtime major supporters, creating early concern over whether all children could be matched. But as the week progressed, phones began ringing, and community members stepped forward—many adopting multiple children or entire sibling groups.

“We’ve had some really big help these last few days,” McKay said. “People may think, ‘Oh, they’ll get it covered.’ But we genuinely rely on folks stepping up each year.”

Some families come back to adopt because they were helped by the program themselves in years past—a full-circle moment that organizers say perfectly captures the spirit of the season.

“One year, a family who had been helped the previous Christmas came in and adopted a family of their own,” McKay shared. “That stays with you. That’s what makes all of this worth it.”

The emotional impact For Althouse, now in his third year in Hutchinson, the experience is both joyful and humbling.

“You wish programs like this weren’t necessary,” he said. “But when you see parents come to pick up gifts and they’re in tears—just overwhelmed with gratitude—you realize how important this is.”

Eagle Media’s basement will soon be stacked floor-to-ceiling with wrapped presents. On Friday, Dec. 12, adopters will bring gifts to the annual Turn-In Party, complete with pizza, cookies, and holiday cheer. Volunteers will sort and tag each child’s gifts before distribution.

Reno County families pick up gifts the following Monday. Gifts for McPherson and Harvey county children are delivered to the DCF office in Newton the next day.

“When I drop off that very last bag, it’s such a relief,” McKay said. “Every year I wonder if we’re going to pull it off—and every year, this community comes through.”

How to Adopt a Child The process is simple:
Call Eagle Media at (620) 662-4486.

Listeners can adopt one child or an entire sibling group. Wish lists are provided, though participants aren’t expected to purchase every item listed.

“It doesn’t have to be everything,” McKay said. “The difference between having something versus nothing on Christmas morning—that’s huge.”

Althouse added that the experience became a teaching moment for his own kids.&nbsp;&nbsp;“My kids had a budget and shopped for another family. It helped them understand that Christmas doesn’t ‘just happen.’ It was eye-opening for them.”

After nearly four decades, Adopt-A-Child remains one of Hutchinson’s most beloved holiday traditions—uniting families, volunteers, radio listeners, and donors in a shared mission.

“Our goal has always been simple,” McKay said. “Make sure every child on that list has a Christmas. And thanks to this community, year after year, we get it done.”

For those wanting to help, organizers emphasize there is still time.

“Just call 662-4486,” McKay said. “We’re here all day. If you want to adopt a child, we’ll make it happen.”

For 35-plus years, Adopt-A-Child has filled Christmas wishes

SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Friday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Nissan Rogue driven by&nbsp; Barbara Jo&nbsp;Lundquist, 76, LIndsborg, was&nbsp;westbound at 1063 West State Street and left the roadway.&nbsp; The SUV&nbsp; entered the south ditch, struck a culvert, became airborne and came to rest in the ditch.

EMS transported Lundquist to Salina Regional Health Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman hospitalized after violent SUV crash

Credit Union of America (CUA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alexis Rhodenbaugh as the new branch manager of its Hutchinson location.

In her new role, Rhodenbaugh will oversee all branch operations, underwrite consumer loans, and ensure the Hutchinson branch meets its organizational, financial, operational, service, and growth goals. She will also lead and develop her team to deliver exceptional member experiences and support CUA’s lending and financial education initiatives throughout the community.

Rhodenbaugh brings over eight years of experience in financial services, along with more than a decade of business ownership and insurance expertise. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Friends University.

“My background has taught me how to lead with clarity and serve members with excellence and help build and grow teams that genuinely enjoy working together,” Rhodenbaugh said. “I love a good challenge and hope to focus on strong growth with a people-first approach.”

Outside of work, Rhodenbaugh enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, and staying actively involved in her community. She participates in local organizations including the Cancer Council of Reno County and Buhler USD 313.

Rhodenbaugh’s leadership style and community-minded approach perfectly align with CUA’s mission to provide reliable, relationship-based financial solutions to our members.

Alexis Rhodenbaugh named Hutchinson Branch Manager at Credit Union of America

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. ——————————————

Martin	Ramon	Duran	12/4/2025 8:09&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Jeremia	Dean	Palmer	12/4/2025 10:09&nbsp;AM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant,				Violation of Offender Registration Act; 1st Conv; Person,				Failure to Appear,				Direct Contempt

Adam	Scott	McConnell	12/4/2025 10:45&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Jason	Leon	Gorgas	12/4/2025 12:57&nbsp;PM	Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or post release supervision

Misty	Dawn	Milbrandt	12/4/2025 2:35&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Stephanie	Anne	Counce	12/4/2025 2:55&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Dustin	Adam	Nading	12/4/2025 6:36&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conv

Lucas	Sloan	Brown	12/4/2025 6:58&nbsp;PM	Tampering with a pipeline

Chanel	Marie	Oller	12/4/2025 7:07&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 or less; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours

Micah	William J	Maxwell	12/4/2025 8:02&nbsp;PM	Indecent Liberties with a Child &lt; 14YOA; AGGRAVATED; Lewd Fondling or Touching, Offender is &gt;17YOA,				Indecent Solicitation of a Child; AGGRAVATED; To commit an unlawful sexual act

Anthony	Russell	Zink	12/5/2025 12:12&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher

Daily Bookings

The City of Hutchinson Public Works Department will begin repairs on Monday, Dec. 8, to address a failure in the stormwater line crossing N. Plum Street between East 3rd Avenue and East 4th Avenue.

Due to the severity of the failure, crews will need to open-cut the street to remove the damaged pipe and install new stormwater infrastructure. This work requires a full closure of N. Plum Street in both directions within the project limits.

The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks, weather permitting.

A two-week detour will be in place for both northbound and southbound traffic. See the attached detour map for details.

The City of Hutchinson appreciates the public’s patience as crews work to safely and efficiently complete these critical stormwater repairs.

*While this detour route is primarily designed for large truck traffic, we understand that residents may choose alternative routes to navigate the area.

Plum Street to be closed for sewer repair

The Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson is proud to announce Gabriel Marcum as the 2025 Youth of the Year, the Club’s highest honor recognizing extraordinary leadership, character, and commitment to service.

Gabriel has distinguished himself as a role model among his peers through his dedication to academic success, community involvement, and his passion for uplifting others. He credits much of his growth to opportunities he’s received through his involvement in community groups and youth coalitions such as Rise Up Reno, where he actively works to promote positive change and support the well-being of local youth.

“Being part of the Boys &amp; Girls Club has shown me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice — it’s about lifting others up with you. I’m honored to represent Hutchinson and grateful for everyone who has believed in me.” — Gabriel, 2025 Youth of the Year

“We are so proud of Gabriel and the leadership he demonstrates every day at the Club,” said Lance Patterson. “He represents everything we believe in — courage, compassion, and a commitment to creating a brighter future for himself and others.”

Gabriel was selected among three impressive finalists who each delivered powerful speeches about their experiences, challenges, and the impact the Club has had on their lives. All candidates will continue to serve as youth ambassadors throughout the year.

As Hutchinson’s Youth of the Year, Gabriel will advance to the Kansas State Youth of the Year Competition in Topeka this March, where he will share his story and vision for the future on a statewide platform.

This year’s Youth of the Year celebration was made possible through the generous support of Heartland Credit Union, ONEOK, and Plaza Astle, whose partnership ensures life-changing opportunities for young people in Reno County. The event décor, donated by AS Designed Co., helped create a special and celebratory atmosphere for participants and guests.

The Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson extends deep gratitude to every community member who attended and continues to champion the mission of helping youth reach their full potential.

Gabriel Marcum named Boys and Girls Clubs of Hutchinson Youth of the Year

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info forecast.</a>

Three-Day Weather Outlook

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University president

In a world where the hustle and bustle often overshadow gentle acts of kindness, Isaiah Kevin Maxi stood out. Born on August 16, 1994, in Kansas City, Missouri, Isaiah’s earthly journey ended at the age of 30 on July 10, 2025, but his legacy continues to resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.

During the holiday season, when families gather around the warmth of love and laughter, we reflect on the indelible mark Isaiah left on his loved ones and his community. From a young age, Isaiah faced challenges, particularly with the loss of his mother, Kim Alexander-Maxi, when he was just six years old. Yet, amidst personal tragedy, he transformed his grief into a powerful drive for service and leadership, becoming a beacon of hope and positivity for others.

A proud graduate of Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in 2017, Isaiah earned degrees in Sociology and Organizational Leadership while actively participating in student activities, athletics, and working at the Tiger Tots Preschool Center, where he was affectionately known as “Mr. Maxi.” His infectious energy lit up the room, encouraging children to embrace learning and teamwork.

Friends and family describe Isaiah as warm-hearted and approachable, someone who made everyone feel valued. He was not just a talented athlete on the football field, earning accolades as a leader of the Fort Hays State Tigers, but also a compassionate volunteer dedicated to uplifting others. Seth Kastle, professor of leadership, once said, “He was the epitome of what we educate our students to be – dedicated to serving others and helping those in need.”

After graduation, Isaiah continued his mission of service through AmeriCorps, striving to create positive change in the lives of those around him. He embraced every challenge as an opportunity, believing that “everything happens for a reason,” and ensuring his legacy was one of compassion, leadership, and community building.

His sudden passing left a profound void in the hearts of those who loved him. To honor his memory and the values he embodied, the FHSU Leadership Program has renamed its student service award to the “Isaiah Maxi Outstanding Leadership and Service Award.” This accolade will celebrate and recognize students who exemplify the same spirit of dedication and service that Isaiah so passionately embraced.

“Life isn’t just about football,” he would often say. “When I leave here, I want people to say, ‘Maxi was a good dude.’” Indeed, Isaiah was much more than a good dude; he was a phenomenal human being whose legacy will inspire generations to come.

This December, as we gather with those who matter most, we remember Isaiah’s unwavering commitment to lifting others up and the lasting impact of his generous spirit. His legacy lives on through the stories, kindness, and encouragement he shared, inspiring us to embody the&nbsp;gratitude, courage, and compassion he represented so well. As we reflect on his life and the holiday season, may we honor Isaiah by nurturing meaningful connections, extending kindness, and carrying forward his call to “make a difference” in our own lives and communities.

Wamsley highlights holiday events, Makerspace expansion at library

Reno County Approves 2026 Insurance Package&nbsp;With&nbsp;More Than $100,000 Increase&nbsp;

Reno County will see a significant rise in its insurance costs next year after commissioners on Wednesday approved a 2026 coverage proposal presented by Fee Insurance Group. The package, which includes property, auto, equipment, liability, cybersecurity, and umbrella insurance,&nbsp;represents&nbsp;a&nbsp;12.4 percent increase&nbsp;over the county’s 2025 premiums.&nbsp;

The total cost for 2025 was&nbsp;$828,042. Under the new plan with Travelers, premiums will rise by more than&nbsp;$100,000, driven&nbsp;largely by&nbsp;increased property valuations, inflation, and rising litigation trends nationwide. Fee Insurance Group President&nbsp;Bob Fee&nbsp;told commissioners that the county’s insured property values grew from&nbsp;$83.1 million to $87.1 million, pushing up the cost of blanket property coverage.&nbsp;

Liability costs also increased, reflecting what Fee described as a national surge in lawsuit demands. While most categories saw increases, cybersecurity and crime insurance dropped slightly from&nbsp;$24,546 to $24,143.&nbsp;

Fee also reported the county’s loss ratios over the past three years. From 2023 to 2025, Reno County received&nbsp;51 cents in claims for every dollar&nbsp;spent on insurance—comfortably within the industry’s ideal 65 percent break-even range. However, auto and general liability policies ran much higher, with 89 cents and $1.38 in claims, respectively, for every dollar paid in premiums.&nbsp;

The approved premiums for 2026 include:&nbsp;

Commissioners also rejected an optional auto policy that would have saved $35,377 by increasing deductibles to $10,000 per vehicle. Commissioner&nbsp;Ron Hirst&nbsp;cautioned that “one hailstorm would just wreck that,” given the county’s fleet of about 200 vehicles.&nbsp;

Commissioner&nbsp;Ron Vincent&nbsp;asked whether the county considered other insurers or agencies. Fee said few carriers cover public entities the size of Reno County, and Commissioner&nbsp;Randy Parks&nbsp;noted that a review last year found Fee Insurance Group’s commission competitive.&nbsp;

In other commission actions, commissioners also approved&nbsp;$55,000&nbsp;from the county’s share of the national opioid settlement to support the United Way of Reno County’s&nbsp;Reno Connections&nbsp;program. Commissioner Ron Hirst asked about the program’s reach outside Hutchinson and Reno County/City of Hutchinson Opioid Settlements Funds Advisory Oversight Committee member Candace Davidson&nbsp;noted the program does serve Buhler. County Counselor&nbsp;Patrick Hoffman&nbsp;said broader community reach can be evaluated in future applications.&nbsp;

The request from the Reno County/City of Hutchinson Opioid Settlements Funds Advisory Oversight Committee were submitted&nbsp;after&nbsp;receiving&nbsp;seven&nbsp;applications to their RFP, of which just two were accepted.

Those two applications, the one from United Way of Reno County’s Reno Connections and the second, from the Rise Up Reno Prevention&nbsp;Network for their "Calling All Parents, Talk They Need You" program were accepted.

The total request for funding is $69,300. &nbsp;However&nbsp;because Reno County has more funding than the City of&nbsp;Hutchinson&nbsp;they asked the City of Hutchinson to fund Rise Up Reno Prevention’s networks request for $14,300,&nbsp;which&nbsp;city commissioners approved on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The board also approved annual Department of Aging funding to several local agencies that support seniors, including:&nbsp;

The Reno County Board of County Commissioners will meet again on Dec. 17 at 9 a.m.&nbsp;

BOCC approves 2026 insurance package, funding request

Westphal Jewelers and The Salvation Army are teaming up to challenge you to get your “Bling On”!

Each year the cost of raising money continues to go up with needing to pay bell ringers to cover the hours when volunteers aren’t available. “Many of our bell ringers who we pay come to us for extra money during the holidays, but it’s harder and harder to get enough bell ringers each year”, says Major James. Having rang bells in the cold wind blowing off of Lake Michigan for a season, or several weeks of below zero temps in Omaha, Major James knows that it’s not always easy to find people who will brave the elements. However, The Salvation Army depends on bell ringers to come along side them to help those in need and to keep their own lights on throughout the year.

It's for this reason that Westphal Jewelers is also encouraging people to volunteer to help The Salvation Army with the good work The Salvation Army does each day throughout the year. This year Westphal Jewelers is giving out a diamond ring to a lucky volunteer who will ring the bell for The Salvation army. There will be a drawing the week of Christmas on Monday Dec. 22 on KWBW at 7:15am.

This is how you get a chance to win! Your name will be entered into the drawing to win for every 2 hours you register and ring bells. You can sign up for a one time 2 hour slot and ring bells or you can sign up and ring for as many time slots as you have time for. Many have time available in the evenings and/or Saturdays, but the daily schedule is from 10am to 8pm. Just go to: <a href="http://Registertoring.com">Registertoring.com</a> or call 620-663-3353 to get signed up.

Salvation Army invites you to Ring for Bling

WASHINGTON (AP) — The man accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pipe-bombs-dc-jan6-40d748385b7b18ece2208c6c6690708b">planting a pair of pipe bombs</a>&nbsp;outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national parties in Washington on the eve of the U.S. Capitol attack confessed to the act in interviews with investigators, two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

Brian Cole Jr. also indicated that he believed the 2020 election was stolen and expressed views supportive of President Donald Trump, said the people, who were not authorized to discuss by name an ongoing investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The details add to a still-emerging portrait of the 30-year-old suspect from Woodbridge, Virginia, and it was not immediately clear what other information or perspectives he may have shared while cooperating with law enforcement following his arrest on Thursday.

Federal authorities have not publicly disclosed any information about a possible motive or whether there is any connection to the attack on the Capitol the following day by Trump supporters.

A spokesperson for the federal public defender’s office, which will be representing Cole at a Friday court appearance in Washington, declined to comment. Calls to relatives of Cole listed in public records were not immediately returned Thursday.

Cole faces explosives charges in connection with the Jan. 5, 2021 placement of the pipe bombs near the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees. Nobody was hurt before the bombs were rendered safe, but the FBI has said both devices could have been lethal.

An FBI affidavit made public Thursday indicated that investigators zeroed in on Cole through analysis of credit card charges related to the purchase of pipe bomb components, cellphone towers and a license plate reader.

The arrest marks the first time investigators have publicly identified a suspect in an act that has been an enduring mystery for nearly five years in the shadow of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeumZ2aHDug" target="_blank">the violent Capitol attack</a>.

Suspect in DC pipe bomb case said to have confessed to investigators

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three teen suspects after a high-speed chase and crash in Doulas County.

The owner of a GMC Yukon reported it stolen from outside a home near 24th and Louisiana in Lawrence on Tuesday.

Justdecided not to stop for officers and ultimately crashed into a pole. 

Just after 11a.m. Wedneday, an officer spotted multiple people in the vehicle in the 4700 block of Overland Drive in Lawrence, according to a statement from police. The driver led police north on Folks, east on Peterson,&nbsp; south on Monterey and refused to stop.

 Another officer was able to set up spikes and pop a tire along the route, but the driver continued on until a failed left turn at Overland Drive. The driver ran from the crash but was chased down and safely arrested without injury. The others surrendered. 

A 17-year-old boy was taken to the hospital to get checked out and released to a parent. A 14-year-old, who was reported as a runaway, went to the Juvenile Detention Center.

🎥Teens in stolen SUV crash into pole during Kan. police chase

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market rose to the edge of its all-time high on Friday.

The S&amp;P 500 added 0.2% and finished just 0.3% shy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/investors-401k-what-to-do-bb0663da4643e8c3dbe08a4092482aa5">its record closing level</a>, which was set in October. It had briefly topped the mark during the day, before paring its gain.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 104 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.3%.

The modest moves capped a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-fed-softbank-e16747e46ef55bbc7836ea2539b6f09c">quiet</a>&nbsp;week for Wall Street, offering a respite following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/asia-us-ai-japan-trump-6eda7d4af2b4b5be2f96af1f37a57661">weeks</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-stocks-ai-china-japan-6edce247294508cd84c941b8ad55d8da">sharp and scary swings</a>.

Ulta Beauty helped lead the market and jumped 12.7% after the retailer reported stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than expected. CEO Kecia Steelman said its customers are broadly feeling pressure, but Ulta saw growth across its categories, particularly in e-commerce. It raised its forecast for revenue over the full year.

Another encouraging signal for the holiday shopping season came from Victoria’s Secret &amp; Co. It delivered a milder loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected, and it likewise raised its forecast for sales over the full year. Its stock rallied 18%.

Warner Bros. Discovery rose 6.3% after Netflix said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/netflix-warner-acquisition-studio-hbo-streaming-f4884402cadfd07a99af0c8e4353bd83">it would buy Warner Bros</a>. for $72 billion in cash and stock following its pending split from Discovery Global.

The deal for the company behind HBO Max, “Casablanca” and “Harry Potter” is not a sure thing, though. It could raise fears at the U.S. government about too much industry power residing at Netflix.

Shares of Netflix fell 2.9%. Paramount Skydance, which earlier had been seen as a front-runner to buy Warner Bros., sank 9.8%.

Also on the losing end of Wall Street was SoFi Technologies. The financial technology company fell 6.1% to $27.78 after saying it would add $1.5 billion worth of its stock into the market in order to raise cash. It’s selling the stock at a price of $27.50 per share.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 13.28 points to 6,870.40. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 104.05 to 47,954.99, and the Nasdaq composite gained 72.99 to 23,578.13.

If the S&amp;P 500 does return to a record, it would mark the latest time the U.S. stock market has powered past what seemed to be a debilitating set of worries. Most recently, those concerns centered on what&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-trump-government-shutdown-c388d97a4e4acf5cca538fd901e46b2d">the Federal Reserve will do with interest rates</a>, whether too many dollars are flowing into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">artificial-intelligence</a>&nbsp;technology and if sharp&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-cryptocurrency-markets-stock-c361fe86e2f42d933e7e57928dae5be3">drops for cryptocurrencies</a>&nbsp;would bleed over into other markets.

After some back and forth, the widespread expectation among traders is now that the Fed will cut its main interest rate next week in hopes of shoring up the slowing U.S. job market. If it does, that would be the third cut of the year.

Investors love lower interest rates because they boost prices for investments and can juice the economy. The downside is that they can worsen inflation, which is stubbornly remaining above the Fed’s 2% target.

Economic reports released on Friday did little to change expectations for a coming cut. One said that an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-spending-eaa913f6df77db354019d0d22a4b01fe">underlying measure of inflation</a>&nbsp;that the Fed prefers to use was at 2.8% in September, exactly as economists expected.

A separate report said U.S. consumers appear to be downgrading their expectations for inflation coming in the near future. They’re now forecasting 4.1% inflation for the year ahead, down from their forecast of 4.5% last month, according to the University of Michigan.

That’s the lowest such forecast since January, which is important because heightened expectations for inflation can create a vicious cycle that only worsens inflation.

In the bond market, Treasury yields climbed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.13% from 4.11% late Thursday.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in Europe and Asia.

Germany’s DAX returned 0.6%, and South Korea’s Kospi jumped 1.8% for two of the world’s bigger gains.

Wall Street rises to the edge of its all-time high

WASHINGTON (AP) — With eyes across the globe focused on 48 balls being plucked from four bowls, next year's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/world-cup-draw-2026-updates">World Cup</a>&nbsp;came into focus Friday when a draw determined Argentina and Lionel Messi will start their title defense against Algeria and the U.S. will open against Paraguay.

Teams from five-time champion Brazil to newcomers Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan learned their group stage opponents in the expanded 48-nation, 104-game tournament that starts June 11 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

“Exciting for the island, for the people there. They’re so proud,” said Dick Advoccat, the 78-year-old Dutchman leading Curaçao, a Caribbean island nation with a population of 150,000, into an opener against four-time champion Germany.

The ceremony included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-world-cup-fifa-peace-prize-e14f95b8adaa197c869cad407b6ef604">U.S. President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;receiving a peace prize awarded by FIFA. Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney selected the balls of their own countries from bowls during a ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and Sheinbaum drew more applause than Trump.

The lead-in show was almost as long as a soccer match, with the actual draw for the expanded 48-nation tournament starting in the 87th minute. Balls with team names were plucked by famous North American athletes Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Aaron Judge and Wayne Gretzky.

Three-time champion Argentina opens on June 16 at either Kansas City, Missouri, or Santa Clara, California. Specific sites for all group stage games and kickoff times were to be announced Saturday. The Albiceleste then face Austria and Jordan in Group J. Argentina surprisingly lost its 2022 opener to Saudi Arabia before going on to win the final over France on penalty kicks.

The U.S., which reached the semifinals at the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and the quarterfinals in 2002, starts Group D against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California. The Americans play Australia six days later at Seattle, then face Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo on June 25 back at SoFi Stadium.

The Americans had friendlies against Turkey in June and Paraguay last month.

“We know them but they know us,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said. “The most important is the evolution and keep improving.”

Mexico hosts the tournament opener at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11 against South Africa in Group A, a rematch of the 2010 opener in Johannesburg, a 1-1 draw. El Tri then meets South Korea and closes the first round against the Czech Republic, Ireland, Denmark or North Macedonia.

Forty-two of the teams have been determined and 22 are competing in playoffs for six berths that will be decided March 31.

Winners and second-place nations from the 12 groups advance to the new round of 32 along with the top eight third-place teams. All games from the quarterfinals on will be in the U.S., culminating in the July 19 final at East Rutherford, New Jersey.

England, which won its only title in 1966, plays Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L, and five-time champion Brazil meets Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

Top-ranked Spain, the 2010 champion, faces Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H, while four-time champion Germany plays Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E.

Two-time champion France starts June 16 against Senegal at East Rutherford, New Jersey, or Foxborough, Massachusetts. With Les Bleus coming off their first world title, they lost to Senegal 1-0 in the 2002 opener. France then faces Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname in Group I.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, like Messi expected to play in a record sixth World Cup, has Group K matches against Uzbekistan, Colombia and Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia. If Portugal and Argentina win their groups, Ronaldo and Messi could meet in a quarterfinal at Arrowhead Stadium.

B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar and Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Wales or Northern Ireland

F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia and Sweden, Ukraine, Albania and Poland

No team has repeated as champion since Brazil in 1958 and ’62 and only eight nations have won soccer’s biggest prize. Italy has four titles and Uruguay two.

On a wintry day with snow falling, soccer officials and celebrities filled the hall, 189 days before the expanded 48-nation, 104-game tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino gave Trump a large gold-colored peace prize trophy and a gold-colored medal hanging from a blue ribbon, which Trump hung around his neck. Standing next to Trump, Infantino lavished praise.

“This is truly one of the great honors of my life,” Trump said.

US to open World Cup against Paraguay; Argentina, Messi against Algeria

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</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 — Two-term Rep. Silas Miller was selected by the Sedgwick County Democratic Party to fill a vacancy in the Kansas Senate created by the resignation of Sen. Mary Ware.

Miller, elected to the House in 2022 and reelected without opposition in 2024, prevailed in a vote Thursday among Senate precinct committee members. He&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/02/longtime-lgbtq-advocate-returns-to-public-stage-as-candidate-for-kansas-senate-seat/">defeated Tom Witt</a>, a former executive director of Equality Kansas who retired from Statehouse lobbying in 2022, on a vote of 16-5.

Miller said he appreciated Ware as a political colleague and that he would have “big shoes to fill” while completing her unexpired term in the 25th District.

“Silas Miller is a forward-thinking leader who brings a wealth of life and legislative experience to the table,” said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Johnson County Democrat. “We’re grateful that he has decided to step into the Senate chamber in this new capacity.”

Miller serves on the House education, election and insurance committees. He’s been the ranking Democrat on the House Federal and State Affairs Committee. In 2024, Miller proposed an unsuccessful amendment to a bill that would have removed cannabis from a list of illegal drugs in Kansas.

Ware, a retail store owner,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-senator-from-wichita-retires-opening-democratic-seat-ahead-of-legislative-session/">announced her decision to resign</a>&nbsp;Nov. 13. In 2018, she replaced Sen. Lynn Rogers in a precinct committee election. Rogers had stepped down after elected lieutenant governor on a ticket with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Ware was elected to a full term in the Senate during 2020 and reelected 2024. Last November, she carried the district with 57% of the vote against Republican Keenen Smith. She served on tax, commerce and agriculture committees in the Senate.

“While my time in the Senate is at an end, I will remain an involved private citizen and an advocate for the people of Wichita in this next era of my life,” Ware said.

Kristi Kirk, chair of the Sedgwick County Democratic Party, said Ware was known for her involvement with the community and as a unifying force in the Democratic Party.

“Mary could always be counted on to support not only her constituents, but was a champion for creating a full and safe future for Kansas children since joining the Senate,” Kirk said.

Kansas House Democrat chosen to complete term of former state senator

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a violent robbery in Manhattan have identified the teen suspects.

Just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of aggravated robbery in the 700 block of Allen Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 23-year-old man reported three unknown men battered him and stole a handgun.&nbsp;After additional investigation into the incident, officers identified the three male suspects.

Terrion Toliver, 18, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 11:56 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held on a bond of $150,000.

Isaiah Ellis, 16, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 10:18 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He remains confined in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.

Noah McFadden, 17, of Manhattan was arrested on December 5, 2025, at approximately 12:48 a.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.

Police: 3 Kansas teens arrested for violent robbery, gun theft

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mike-stobbe">MIKE STOBBE</a> AP Medical Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal vaccine advisory committee voted on Friday to end the longstanding recommendation that all U.S. babies get the hepatitis B vaccine on the day they’re born.

A loud chorus of medical and public health leaders decried the actions of the panel, whose current members were all appointed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — a leading anti-vaccine activist before this year becoming the nation’s top health official.

“This is the group that can’t shoot straight,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University vaccine expert who for decades has been involved with ACIP and its workgroups.

For decades, the government has advised that all babies be vaccinated against the liver infection right after birth. The shots are widely considered to be a public health success for preventing thousands of illnesses.

But Kennedy’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices decided to recommend the birth dose only for babies whose mothers test positive, and in cases where the mom wasn’t tested.

For other babies, it will be up to the parents and their doctors&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/acip/meetings/upcoming.html">to decide</a>&nbsp;if a birth dose is appropriate. The committee voted to suggest that when a family decides not to get a birth dose, then the vaccination series should begin when the child is 2 months old.

“We are doing harm by changing this wording, and I vote no," said committee member Dr. Cody Meissner.

The acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jim O’Neill, is expected to decide later whether to accept the committee’s recommendation.

The decision marks a return to a public health strategy that was abandoned more than three decades ago.

Asked why the newly-appointed committee moved quickly to reexamine the recommendation, committee member Vicky Pebsworth on Thursday cited “pressure from stakeholder groups wanting the policy to be revisited.” She did not say who was pressuring the committee, and a spokesman for Kennedy did not respond to a question about it.

Committee members said the risk of infection for most babies is very low and that earlier research that found the shots were safe for infants was inadequate.

They also worried that in many cases, doctors and nurses don’t have full conversations with parents about the pros and cons of the birth-dose vaccination.

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