U.S. Senator Roger Marshall says Kansans are safer following the recent arrest of Venezuela’s president, calling the action a major law-enforcement victory against international drug trafficking, while also outlining Republican priorities on health care reform, agriculture and federal spending as Congress returns to session in Washington.

Speaking during a recent interview, Marshall described the arrest as a coordinated operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice, targeting what he characterized as an “illegitimate dictator” with long-standing ties to major drug cartels.

Marshall emphasized the impact of the arrest on domestic safety, noting that fentanyl overdoses are now the leading cause of death among young adults. He said disrupting drug supply chains directly benefits American families and credited recent enforcement actions with sharply reducing maritime drug trafficking from South America.

Turning to domestic policy, Marshall addressed ongoing debates over health insurance and the Affordable Care Act. He said negotiations in the Senate remain difficult, citing Democratic opposition to addressing what he described as widespread fraud within Obamacare. Marshall estimated tens of billions of dollars in improper payments and argued that any extension of federal subsidies should be paired with accountability measures.

Marshall outlined a Republican proposal that would temporarily extend subsidies while redirecting future assistance into consumer-controlled health savings accounts. He also highlighted a long-running effort to require price transparency from health care providers, saying clear cost information would allow patients to comparison shop and reduce overall expenses.

With another potential government shutdown looming, Marshall acknowledged that bipartisan progress remains uncertain and said Republicans may ultimately pursue changes through budget reconciliation, which would require fewer Senate votes.

On agriculture, Marshall said farmers facing multiple years of weather challenges and weak markets are receiving federal support. He pointed to upcoming disaster and assistance payments and said trade expansion, particularly with Mexico, remains a priority as that country has become the top agricultural trading partner for the United States.

Marshall also addressed concerns about fraud in federal programs, referencing recent high-profile cases in Minnesota involving child care funding. He said similar scrutiny is warranted nationwide and framed fraud reduction as central to addressing the nation’s growing debt, which he said will cost taxpayers roughly $1 trillion in interest this year alone.

The senator said cutting waste, fraud and abuse is essential to restoring fiscal stability, though he acknowledged entrenched resistance in Washington. He also criticized regulatory burdens for driving up costs in housing, health care and other sectors, arguing that deregulation can coexist with public safety and environmental protection.

Marshall concluded by reaffirming his support for reducing the size and scope of federal government involvement, saying local communities are better positioned to address issues such as child care, while federal efforts should focus on core priorities and fiscal discipline.

Marshall discusses international arrest, health care reform, and government spending

Meet Frankie — The Happy-Go-Lucky Explorer with a Heart Full of Joy! 

Frankie is a 6-month-old male Pit Bull mix who is smart, energetic, and absolutely bursting with happiness! This young pup loves being on the move and discovering the world around him.

 Ideal Home: Frankie would thrive in an active home that enjoys playtime, continued training, and lots of love. He’s eager to learn, ready to grow, and would do great with a family committed to helping him become the best dog he can be.

 About Frankie: Frankie is truly a ball of joy — playful, curious, and full of love. With his smarts, enthusiasm, and affectionate nature, he has all the makings of an incredible lifelong companion.

The McPherson Animal Shelter is located at 1115 West Woodside in McPherson.&nbsp;

You can reach them by calling 620-245-2583 or on their website.

🐶 Adopt a Furry Friend: Frankie

Dear Dave, My wife and I are on Baby Step 2 of your plan. Right now, we’re almost finished paying off the last of our non-mortgage debt, which includes unpaid taxes from previous years and some old credit card bills.

We’re in a much better place financially than we used to be, and I’d like to start putting a little money aside for a vacation and a couple of other fun things down the road. 

My wife disagrees with this idea. She wants to stick to your plan 100% and finishing paying off the debt, then move on to fleshing out our fully-funded emergency fund. I think we make enough money to do both. What do you think?

Dear Jackson, In general, it’s okay to save up for things like vacations and other fun stuff. In fact, it’s what I recommend, rather than creating debt by piling things like that onto credit cards. But your idea isn’t what I teach when it comes to getting out of debt and gaining control of your finances. So, I can’t tell you I think it’s a good idea.

The reason people are successful following my plan is because I teach common sense and discipline, combined with an uncompromising, scorched-earth kind of intensity. You have unpaid taxes, not to mention credit card debt, still hanging over your heads. And you’re talking about planning vacations and buying toys? I’m sorry, man. That’s just plain irresponsible. Why would you want to take a chance on jeopardizing—or even slowing down—your journey to get out of debt, save money and achieve financial peace?

There’s a process here, Jackson. And millions of people all over the country can tell you, from experience, that it works. There’s an idea, a concept behind what I teach. And when you plug into it, and stay plugged in, you’re going to start moving in a positive direction faster than you ever thought possible.

Behaviors have to change. The more dramatically they change, the better the results and the faster you fix things. But if you don’t dive in head-first, if you try to cut corners here and there, you’re going to mess things up. Think about it. You two have already saved a beginner emergency fund, and you’re so close to being completely debt-free except for your home.

I’m begging you, man. Keep on keeping on just a little longer. I promise you it will be worth it!  

You can hear Dave Ramsey, Monday through Friday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. on KWBW, unless it is preempted by sports coverage.&nbsp;

Dave Says: Don’t jeopardize your journey to freedom

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. ——————————————&nbsp;&nbsp;

Racheal	Lee	Williams		1/9/2026 10:01&nbsp;AM	Drugs; Distribute of Depressant designated in 65-4105e, 4107b, 4107c, 4111b; &lt; 3.5g,					Possession of Parapernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Stephen	Webster	Dechenne		1/9/2026 11:21&nbsp;AM	Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); Unknown QTY,					Possession of Parapernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case,					Tax Stamp Violation; Failure to Pay Tax

Jennifer	Marie	Spencer		1/9/2026 12:51&nbsp;PM	Sexual Exploitation of a Child; Promote performance of child &lt;18

Adam	Casey	Leis		1/9/2026 2:51&nbsp;PM	DUI; 2nd conv; blood or breath .08 or higher

Meraly	Saramy	Menjivar		1/9/2026 3:25&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Javon	O'neal	Tate		1/9/2026 4:41&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Levi	Charles	Trammell		1/9/2026 6:35&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Michael	Paul	Mattox		1/9/2026 7:02&nbsp;AM	Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting,					DWS; 1st conviction

Shailyn	Renee	Rowlison		1/9/2026 7:35&nbsp;AM	Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Failure to Appear,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College will welcome Grammy Award–winning trumpeter Brian Lynch as the featured headliner for the 51st Annual Bryce Luty Jazz Festival, bringing a nationally recognized artist to campus for a two-day celebration of jazz education and performance.

The festival’s public concert is scheduled for Friday, February 6, at 7 p.m. at the Stringer Fine Arts Center. Lynch will perform alongside the HutchCC Concert Jazz Band and the Bryce Luty All-Star Band under the direction of Dr. Jack Cassidy.

Lynch is widely regarded as one of the leading trumpeters in contemporary jazz, with a career that includes touring and recording with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Horace Silver, and genre-spanning artist Prince. His appearance continues the festival’s tradition of pairing elite professional musicians with student ensembles for both performance and instruction.

Tickets for the public concert are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for students. HutchCC students and staff are admitted free with a valid ID. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 620-665-3503.

In addition to the concert, the Bryce Luty Jazz Festival begins Thursday, February 5, featuring two days of intensive clinics for middle school and high school students from across Kansas. Participating clinicians include Lynch, Dr. Emma Taylor of Millikin University, and Dr. Kurt Reeder, offering students hands-on instruction and mentorship from accomplished jazz educators and performers.

College officials say the festival continues to play a vital role in sustaining jazz education in Kansas by connecting students with professional artists and fostering the next generation of musicians.

Brian Lynch to headline 51st annual Bryce Luty Jazz Festival

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

Three-day Outlook

The City of Hutchinson is pleased to announce that&nbsp;Scott Cooley&nbsp;has joined the City as its new&nbsp;Downtown Revitalization Manager, effective&nbsp;January 5.

The Downtown Revitalization Manager position was created to provide focused leadership for the City’s downtown area and to move implementation of the Downtown Master Plan forward. In this role, Cooley will lead the day-to-day work of downtown revitalization efforts, including business support, redevelopment coordination, and oversight of the City’s&nbsp;Kansas Main Street Program.

Cooley will work directly with downtown business owners, property owners, developers, and community partners to increase activity, reduce vacancies, and support continued private investment in the downtown core. The position serves as a key connection point between the City and stakeholders working collaboratively to strengthen downtown Hutchinson.

“I’m excited for the future of Downtown Hutch,”&nbsp;Cooley said.&nbsp;“There’s been a lot of great progress and projects over the years, yet there’s still so much future potential. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us!”

The City of Hutchinson remains committed to&nbsp;long-term downtown revitalization through strong partnerships. This position reinforces the City’s ongoing collaboration with downtown stakeholders to build on existing momentum, support private investment, and advance a shared vision for a vibrant, thriving downtown.

For more information or to connect with the Downtown Revitalization Manager, please contact:

Cooley named Downtown Revitalization Manager

Crews with the Kansas Department of Transportation are prepared to respond as a winter weather system moves into parts of Kansas, even as impacts locally are expected to remain limited.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory beginning at 2 p.m. Friday and continuing through midnight. According to KDOT spokesperson Nick Gosnell, conditions have already begun to deteriorate in parts of southwest Kansas, though central areas had not yet seen significant impacts as of early Friday afternoon.

“So far in southwest Kansas, southwest of where we are, they are starting to see some of the snow stick,” Gosnell said. “But most crews have been sent home to rest because the bulk of this is expected later, and we want everyone rested and ready.”

While the system is expected to be relatively minor, Gosnell emphasized that even light snow can create hazardous conditions.

“It’s minor until your car goes in the ditch,” he said. “Drivers need to take extra time, slow down, and give plows room to work.”

Because of warm ground temperatures, widespread pretreatment of roadways has been limited. Gosnell said some bridges are being treated where possible, but applying chemicals too early could be ineffective.

“With as warm as it is, it would take some snow accumulation before treatments really work,” he said. “A lot of it would just wash off right now, so we’re in a wait-and-see mode.”

KDOT crews remain on standby and will respond as conditions change.

Although winter weather can be unpredictable—especially during the first event of the season—Gosnell said KDOT’s preparation is anything but.

“We start preparing for winter and testing equipment in October,” he said. “Some years you’ve got kids trick-or-treating in snowdrifts, some years you don’t see anything until after New Year’s. Either way, we’re ready.”

Gosnell urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly as this system arrives on a Friday evening when travel, including high school sporting events, is still taking place.

“This is the first time people have driven in winter weather in six to ten months,” he said. “You may also have younger or less experienced drivers on the road. Give yourself extra time, slow down, and if you don’t have to go, don’t go.”

KDOT officials say conditions are expected to improve as the weekend progresses, but drivers are reminded to stay alert, maintain extra stopping distance, and follow plows at a safe distance when encountered.

KDOT crews on standby as winter weather moves in

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT...

* WHAT...Snow. Accumulations up to around 3 inches, with isolated higher amounts over 4 inches possible. * WHERE...Portions of Central and South Central Kansas. * WHEN...Until midnight CST tonight. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.

Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

Winter Weather Advisory issued

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Newly elected Lindsay Hatfield will take her seat on the Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education for the first time Monday night, bringing with her a parent’s perspective, deep local ties, and a focus on rebuilding trust with the community following last year’s failed school bond.

Hatfield, a Hutchinson native and Buhler High School graduate, was elected to an at-large seat in November. After leaving Kansas for college and starting a family, she and her husband chose to return to Hutchinson — a move she describes as a “boomerang” homecoming.

“I’m raising Salthawks,” Hatfield said. “My kids go to school here, and I’m really invested in this community and this district.”

Hatfield is the parent of two children who attend Allen STEM Magnet School, where she also serves on the school’s PTO board. She said her experience as a parent and volunteer influenced her decision to run for the board, emphasizing the importance of having decision-makers who are directly invested in local schools.

Allen STEM Magnet School, she noted, offers specialized programming in science, technology, engineering and math and is open to students throughout the district and beyond. One highlight, Hatfield said, is the school’s KidWind program, in which students design and test wind turbines. Allen teams have earned national recognition through the competition.

As Hatfield prepares to begin her term, she acknowledged the strain between the district and some community members following the defeat of a proposed school bond that would have funded a new middle school and other facility improvements.

“The bond was overwhelmingly defeated, and that tells us something,” she said. “We have work to do moving forward.”

Hatfield said a major early focus will be reassessing district priorities and determining how to move ahead without immediately pursuing another bond issue. She cited ongoing needs related to school safety, aging elementary facilities, and operational challenges such as shared gym and cafeteria spaces.

Early childhood education is another area she hopes to emphasize, particularly kindergarten readiness. Hatfield said her husband works as a paraprofessional at Allen, giving her firsthand insight into classroom needs and the growing demand for para support across the district.

“When kids come into kindergarten at very different readiness levels, it’s challenging for everyone — teachers and students alike,” she said.

Hatfield described the board position as a significant time commitment with no financial compensation, but said she views the role as an investment in the community’s future.

“The payoff is making the district better for our kids,” she said. “I plan to live here the rest of my life.”

During her first year, Hatfield said she intends to focus on learning the district’s operations, completing the current strategic plan adopted in 2024, supporting curriculum improvements, and encouraging greater parent involvement.

She also highlighted mental health, social-emotional learning, and community service as priorities, saying students benefit when they feel supported, engaged, and connected beyond the classroom.

“It takes the whole community,” Hatfield said. “Public education works best when parents, schools and the community are all invested together.”

The USD 308 Board of Education meets at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the district administration building. Hatfield’s first official meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 12.

Hatfield to begin term on USD 308 Board of Education Monday

WASHINGTON, DC – The new year begins with the lowest national average in years at $2.81. The last time the national average for a gallon of regular gas was this low was back in March of 2021. 

Crude oil prices remain relatively unchanged from the end of 2025 and unaffected amid questions about Venezuela’s impact on the oil market.

Currently, the global oil supply is strong, as OPEC+, the coalition of oil-exporting countries, says it’s not planning any production hikes in the first quarter of 2026 due to lower demand.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/" target="_blank">new data from the Energy Information Administration</a>&nbsp;(EIA), gasoline&nbsp;demand&nbsp;decreased&nbsp;last week&nbsp;from 8.56 mill barrels/day to 8.17 million.

Total domestic gasoline increased from 234.3 million barrels to 242 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.0 million barrels per day.&nbsp;

Fuel Prices: Stable national average to start the year, lowest since '21

By RIO YAMAT and SHAWN CHEN AP Business Writers

LAS VEGAS (AP) — CES 2026 offered a glimpse of a future that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie: bendable screens, paper-thin TVs and cars and gadgets that can think for themselves as they get to know you and your family's wants and needs.

As Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang put it, “The ChatGPT moment for physical AI is here.”

And everywhere you looked, robots. They roamed the show floor, assisted workers and entertained crowds — from humanoid helpers and furry “cyber pets” to task-specific machines.

Here's a recap of some of the attention-grabbing gadgets at CES 2026, the annual technology trade show in Las Vegas:

Lego leaned heavily into fan nostalgia this week to unveil its latest innovation, enlisting Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer David Filoni and a lineup of familiar Star Wars characters, including Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO and X-wing pilots.

On Monday, the company introduced Lego Smart Play, a new platform built around connected bricks, tags and specially designed minifigures in partnership with Star Wars. These smart bricks are equipped with sensors that detect light and distance, triggering coordinated lights and sounds when used together to bring builds to life.

The platform allows fans to build interactive scenes, like space battles or lightsaber duels.

Another point for nostalgia: Clicks Technology is reviving the physical phone keyboard with its magnetic QWERTY model that clips onto phones.

Co-founder Jeff Gadway said the company's Power Keyboard “is one keyboard for all your smart devices."

It features a full QWERTY layout, with directional keys and a number row, in a callback to the Blackberry-era of smartphones for those who miss real buttons. The company said it also doubles as a wireless power bank.

If you're not familiar with CES, just know that new TV announcements are ubiquitous to the show — some big, some small, some even transparent. But LG brought something distinct to CES this year: an OLED TV that's only 9mm thick.

The South Korean tech company announced the OLED evo W6 model from its Wallpaper line just ahead of CES but reporters and industry representatives were able to see it for the first time at the show.

As advertised, the screen displays video nearly edge-to-edge and is ridiculously thin (though it doesn't roll up like its name implies). Like the previous models in its Wallpaper line, the TV's inputs are housed in a box that sits nearby. LG representatives claim you can seamlessly stream 4K video and audio to the screen. No pricing was available but the new TV will be available in 77- and 83-inch sizes.

Chinese robovac maker Roborock introduced a vacuum that literally sprouts chicken-like legs to navigate up and down stairs. There are vacuums out there capable of this feat (and there were even a few others at CES), but this one actually cleans the steps along the way.

The newly introduced Saros Rover took its time in its ascent and descent during the demo on the showroom floor, but Roborock said it will be able to traverse almost any style of stairwell, including spiraled and curved. Unfortunately, no release date was given for the Rover, which the company says is still in development.

Razer goes the smart glasses route with headphones

Gaming tech company Razer brought a very interesting concept to CES, a set of over-ear headphones that can largely replicate the capabilities of currently available smart glasses (think Meta's Ray Ban glasses).

During the demo, Razer's host asked the AI-powered headset — dubbed Project Motoko — to translate a Japanese restaurant menu into English and even asked it to search up information on The Associated Press.

The headphones see using built-in cameras and take audio inputs from microphones. What AI model serves as the base of the headphones is up to the user, and it sounded like the usual suspects were supported — ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude.

While it's being developed largely as a consumer product, Razer did mention that it could be sold to businesses to gather data to train AI models. Razer said consumer data retrieved from the headphones wouldn't be sold for training purposes and that enterprise sales would be siloed from consumer sales.

Extended-reality platform aims to help process grief

Do you wish you could speak one more time with a loved one who died unexpectedly? Or sit down for a conversation with your younger self? One company is exploring how immersive technology might make something like that possible, at least in part.

VHEX Lab showcased its SITh.XRaedo, an immersive extended-reality grief therapy platform that creates a virtual avatar from a single photo and, according the company, is guided in real time by a trained XR therapist. Wearing a virtual reality headset, users can speak with the avatar, which responds through speech, nods, smiles and other gestures.

The company, which won a digital health innovation award at CES, said the platform is designed to help people process grief and find closure, offering an alternative way to mourn.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride — that’s exactly what some conference attendees did at Strutt’s booth. Curious volunteers sat blindfolded in the robotics company’s new self-driving personal mobility chair called the EV1, which senses its surroundings and navigates on its own. With the push of a button and a forward lever, the chair guided riders through a small course, looping them around without requiring any active control.

Tony Hong, CEO and founder of the Singapore-based Strutt, told AP that the chair has a full suite of sensors that helps it avoid bumps, walls, people and other obstacles, adjusting in real time as it drives.

A “cyber pet” that turned heads at CES

Allergic to dogs or cats but still craving a furry sidekick? Chinese tech brand Ollobot pitched a futuristic alternative: a rolling, purple “cyber pet” named OlloNi. Part plush toy, part AI robot, OlloNi is designed to feel warm and expressive, unlike the stiff, humanoid home robots that often dominate robotics, the company said.

OlloNi uses a screen mounted at its neck, making eye contact and cycling through thousands of animated expressions meant to mirror human emotion and interaction.

Scratch behind its fuzzy “ears,” and OlloNi’s wide digital “eyes” pop open in apparent delight, which drew attention and laughs from passersby on the show floor.

Uber used CES to pull back the curtain on its upcoming robotaxi, offering the public a first look at a self-driving vehicle developed with luxury EV maker Lucid Motors and autonomous technology company Nuro.

Uber called it the most premium robotaxi yet, with cameras, sensors and radar for full 360-degree awareness, along with a sleek, low-profile roof “halo” fitted with LED screens that display a rider’s initials and ride status. Inside, passengers can tailor the temperature, seat heating and music, while on-screen visuals show what the vehicle sees and the route it plans to follow in real time.

The companies said on-road testing, led by Nuro, began in the San Francisco area last month, as they work toward launching the service before the end of the year.

Associated Press journalists Aya Diab, Jessica Hill and Ty ONeil contributed to this report from Las Vegas

From climbing vacuums to cyber pets: Some highlights of CES 2026

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-boak">JOSH BOAK</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/aamer-madhani">AAMER MADHANI</a>U

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Friday called on oil executives to rush back into Venezuela as the White House tries to quickly secure $100 billion in investments to fix the country’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-prices-trump-0c2c6ede79d550af53e6d3ddb51bfa04">neglected infrastructure</a>&nbsp;and fully tap into its expansive reserves of petroleum.

Since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-american-imperialism-1a42ccc7036ce7add7a0ba402ac6f48e">U.S. military raid</a>&nbsp;to capture former Venezuelan leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-trump-military-operation-85041a1ec03bafe839b785a95169d694">Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, Trump has quickly pivoted to portraying the move as an economic opportunity for the U.S. He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-venezuela-oil-tanker-77f2c1441dda8217b37f9e38c3ae9131">seized tankers</a>&nbsp;carrying Venezuelan oil, has said the U.S. is taking over the sales of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-trump-democrats-9d16138866bebdc2644eb009c6326066">30 million to 50 million barrels</a>&nbsp;of previously sanctioned Venezuelan crude, and plans to control sales worldwide indefinitely.

At the White House meeting, major oil companies said they were interested in the opportunity but expressed caution given their past experience in the country. “If we look at the commercial constructs and frameworks in place today in Venezuela, today it’s un-investable,” said Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, the largest U.S. oil company.

Trump used the meeting to publicly assure executives that they need not be skeptical, even though the South American country has a history of state asset seizures, ongoing U.S. sanctions and decades of political uncertainty.

“You have total safety,” Trump told the executives. “You’re dealing with us directly and not dealing with Venezuela at all. We don’t want you to deal with Venezuela.”

Trump added: “Our giant oil companies will be spending at least $100 billion of their money, not the government’s money. They don’t need government money. But they need government protection.”

The president said the security guarantee would come from working with Venezuelan leaders and their people, instead of deploying U.S. forces. He also said the companies would “bring over some security.”

The meeting came on a day when U.S. forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sanctioned-oil-tanker-intercepted-c3b6e0cee49af87f78a22425f505249d">seized their fifth tanker</a>&nbsp;over the past month that has been linked to Venezuelan oil, an action reflecting the determination of the U.S. to fully control the exporting, refining and production of Venezuelan petroleum.

It’s part of a broader push by Trump to keep gasoline prices low. The incursion in Venezuela melds Trump’s assertive use of presidential powers with an optical spectacle meant to convince Americans that he can bring down energy prices at a time when many voters are concerned about the cost of living.

Trump played up the potential for major oil companies to strike big, while acknowledging that the executives were sharp people who were in the business of taking risk, a nod to the reality that he’s asking for investments in Venezuela at a moment when the country is teetering and economic collapse is not out of the question.

ExxonMobil CEO Woods said his company would send a team to assess the situation, and noted its assets had been seized there — twice — in the past. “Significant changes have to be made to those commercial frameworks, the legal system, there has to be durable investment protections and there has to be change to the hydrocarbon laws in the country,” Woods said.

Other companies represented at the meeting included Chevron, which still operates in Venezuela, as well as ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Valero, Marathon, Shell, Singapore-based Trafigura, Italy-based Eni and Spain-based Repsol.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-reserves-trump-exxon-8a6462e76315c7d1a6e6a5a879f98c16">Venezuela’s oil production</a>&nbsp;has slumped below 1 million barrels a day. Trump, however, expressed confidence that Big Oil is ready to take the plunge.

“You know, these are not babies,” Trump said of the oil industry executives. “These are people that drill oil in some pretty rough places. I can say a couple of those places make Venezuela look like a picnic.”

After the meeting, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told reporters that the companies showed “tremendous interest,” adding that Chevron made a specific pledge. Wright said it could take eight to 12 years for daily production in Venezuela to triple to 3 million barrels a day.

Trump suggests China and Russia also want Venezuelan oil

The president also offered a new rationale for ousting Maduro and demanding the U.S. maintain oversight of the Venezuelan oil industry, saying, “One thing I think everyone has to know is that if we didn’t do this, China or Russia would have done it.”

Tyson Slocum, director of the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen’s energy program, criticized the gathering and called the U.S. military’s removal of Maduro “violent imperialism.” Slocum added that Trump’s goal appears to be to “hand billionaires control over Venezuela’s oil.”

The White House has been seeking to show it has a stable relationship with Venezuela’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-interim-president-rodriguez-maduro-chavez-b352b5af17deb0ab78684b8398045179">interim President Delcy Rodríguez</a>. While Rodríguez has publicly denounced Trump and the ouster of Maduro, the U.S. president has said that to date Venezuela’s interim leader has been cooperating behind the scenes

Meanwhile, the United States and Venezuelan governments said Friday they were exploring the possibility of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-diplomatic-relations-maduro-12eca94ea60dbdbc8d8ac37535a5d23b">restoring diplomatic relations</a>&nbsp;between the two countries. A small team of U.S. diplomats and diplomatic security officials traveled to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;on Friday to make a preliminary assessment about the potential reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, the State Department said in a statement.

Trump to meet Machado next week — and Colombia’s Petro next month

Trump also announced Friday he’d meet next week, either Tuesday or Wednesday, with Maria Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuela’s opposition party. Trump has declined to back Machado, even as the U.S. and most observers determined her opposition movement defeated Maduro in Venezuela’s last election. Trump said following Maduro’s ouster that Machado “doesn’t have the support within, or the respect within, the country” to lead.

Trump earlier said he would meet Colombian President Gustavo Petro in early February. Trump had made vague threats to take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colombia-petro-trump-venezuela-maduro-eaf98a41ae427a2d218910606a6fa3e0">similar action against Petro</a>&nbsp;after the capture of Maduro, describing the Colombian leader as a “sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States”

Trump abruptly changed his tone Wednesday about his Colombian counterpart after a friendly phone call in which he invited Petro to visit the White House.

The seeming détente between Petro, a leftist, and Trump, a conservative, appears to reflect that their shared interests override their deep differences.

For Colombia, the U.S. remains key to the military’s fight against leftist guerrillas and drug traffickers. Washington has provided Bogotá with roughly $14 billion in the last two decades.

For the U.S., Colombia, the world’s biggest cocaine producer, remains the cornerstone of its counternarcotics strategy abroad, providing crucial intelligence used&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/only-on-ap-smuggling-30c3e97599eb4b859ca575c58baab4ef">to interdict drugs in the Caribbean</a>. —-

Associated Press writers Matthew Daly, Michelle Price and Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.

🎥What President Trump promised oil execs if they invest in Venezuela

KANSAS CITY —The new year is off to a deadly start in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; Police are investigating three homicides that occurred over 24-hours on Thursday.

Just before 1a.m., police were dispatched to&nbsp; a shooting reported in the area of 16th Street and Fremont Avenue, according to Officer Alyana Gonzalez.

First responders found 61-year-old Gary L. Norris. inside of a vehicle unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. Officers attempted to render medical aid until EMS personnel responded and transported him to an area hospital for treatment. Norris ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

Preliminary information indicates Norris was outside working on a vehicle when an interaction between the victim and another adult male escalated into gunfire. The suspect left the scene prior to police arrival. Police have not reported any suspect details.

Just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting on southbound 71 Highway and Blue River Road, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

First responders located a vehicle stopped on the side of the highway and a woman asking for help. At that time, officers observed 32-year-old Keithlin Royster unresponsive inside of the vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene and pronounce him deceased at that scene.

Preliminary information indicates this may be a road rage incident. It is believed two unidentified men were occupying an unknown vehicle when shots were fired, striking the Royster. It is not currently known where the start of the altercation began, and where exactly the shooting occurred. 

A subject of interest turned himself in to police late Wednesday regarding this incident and he was questioned by detectives for further investigation. Detectives are not currently seeking any additional suspects, and the case has been presented to prosecutors for consideration of applicable charges, according to Gonzalez.

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6600 block of Monroe Avenue, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. While officers were responding to the scene, several additional calls for a sound of shots were reported.

Upon arrival, officers observed a group of people summoning responding officers to the rear of an apartment complex building. An unidentified male victim, believed to be&nbsp;an&nbsp;adult, was located lying in a parking lot, unresponsive and suffering from believed gunshot trauma. EMS responded shortly behind officers and declared the victim deceased on scene.

Preliminary information indicates there was an interaction that took place between the victim and several unknown males. That interaction escalated into gunfire and resulted in the victim being struck. The unidentified suspects left the scene in an unknown direction occupying an unidentified vehicle. Police do not have any subjects of interest identified and no one is in police custody at this time.

3 homicides in 24 hours in Kansas City

TOPEKA (AP)— Hundreds of ICE protests are scheduled across the country this weekend, including several in states including Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, and Florida, according to Indivisible, a social movement organization that formed to resist the Trump administration.

The group and its local chapters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-trump-actblue-indivisible-legal-threat-fbi-42f502bcb5888b12628629710c6eb21b">organized protests last year</a>&nbsp;in all 50 states.

Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible said he expects the number of protests this week to surpass 1,000.

“This is hitting people who previously were not engaged,” Levin said, pointing out that over the last few days he has seen a rise in veterans, people in rural America, and even some Republican voters speaking out.

“I do not think this is an ideological fight. This is a fight between people who are trying to trash the Constitution through aggressive violent behavior and normal everyday Americans who do not want to be messed with in this way,” he said.

ICE protests planned in Kansas, nationwide this weekend

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 4:30p.m. Friday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Equinox driven by Stephanie Ruth&nbsp;Stevens, 54, Rio Vista, California, was southbound on Kansas 14 just north of Avenue Q.&nbsp; The SUV began to spin&nbsp;counterclockwise. The vehicle entered the northbound lane and struck 2022 Ford F350 driven by Mark Elmer&nbsp;Huseman, 47, Ellsworth head-on.

Stevens was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Parsons Funeral Home.&nbsp;Huseman was not wearing a seat belt and had only had a minor injury, according to the KHP.

Woman dies after head-on crash on Kansas highway

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.

On Christmas Eve, deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office located a stolen 2012 Hyundai passenger vehicle, originally reported stolen from Wichita at a residence located at 401 W. 1st Street in Cherryvale, Kansas.

Deputies obtained and executed a search warrant for the residence and property. During the execution of the warrant, deputies observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the residence. An amended search warrant for narcotics was subsequently obtained. During the search, deputies located more than three (3) grams of methamphetamine along with additional drug paraphernalia and items used for distribution.

Rachel McKenzie, of Cherryvale, Kansas, was taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where she was booked on the requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; She bonded out of jail days later, according to online jail records.

Sheriff: Suspected Kansas drug dealer jailed on Christmas Eve

KANSAS CITY —There is a new 6-foot-tall bundle of joy at the KCZoo.

On Friday, the zoo introduced Aspen, a female Masai giraffe born to 4-year-old Alika on December 29. 

A neonatal exam has been performed and showed that the calf is in good health. Aspen is already spending quality time with 2-month-old half-brother, Beni, and getting a masterclass in zoomies courtesy of her half-sister, 1 ½-year-old Willow.

Aspen is Alika’s first calf and father Aidan’s third. Other members of the Zoo’s herd include adult females Makali and Chandy, who are the respective mothers to Willow and Beni. 

Due to construction currently underway on a new giraffe complex, the entire giraffe herd will remain behind the scenes until the new habitat opens by Summer 2026 but may be seen on a live video feed available only at the Zoo. 

<a href="https://kansascityzoo.org/giraffe-habitat?fbclid=IwY2xjawPOa15leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwQW81UnhSVEVYSndJQW8xc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuOC9ZCL-3tzlxa3hyX6Wy5bTaqK6u0yt4O3Hq_RFHMLxZ4v8Lkcdjcbx3Sr_aem_0LEqDqkIQu3SXnWpvw0QsQ">Click here to learn more</a> about this exciting new complex.

Masai giraffes are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The KCZoo is partnering with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savegiraffesnow?__cft__[0]=AZZ9kK_jyA6olM47QfzZyfGivewk29wfjPxionuQlL3RawHl-biKXkaS72apNvb08B9wfamM_2AUA0OgznYjXmpTOdkPJdNragKvAOkqkQn2ulriczQxIAs33sxU8spA2uVkmp0z11dZ99uLsWIS-jH_w5TYv5w5EyhBwLXc9q_LzQ9m4yeTBHWP0NadFwX1Wek&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Save Giraffes Now</a> on co-existence projects in the Athi-Kapiti region of Kenya, a heavily populated region where human and wildlife conflict is a constant struggle.

In addition, the Zoo participates in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ZoosAquariums?__cft__[0]=AZZ9kK_jyA6olM47QfzZyfGivewk29wfjPxionuQlL3RawHl-biKXkaS72apNvb08B9wfamM_2AUA0OgznYjXmpTOdkPJdNragKvAOkqkQn2ulriczQxIAs33sxU8spA2uVkmp0z11dZ99uLsWIS-jH_w5TYv5w5EyhBwLXc9q_LzQ9m4yeTBHWP0NadFwX1Wek&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">The Association of Zoos and Aquariums</a> Species Survival Plan to ensure a genetically diverse and stable giraffe population in accredited facilities. This exciting new arrival is part of our Wild Beginnings program presented by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saintlukeskc?__cft__[0]=AZZ9kK_jyA6olM47QfzZyfGivewk29wfjPxionuQlL3RawHl-biKXkaS72apNvb08B9wfamM_2AUA0OgznYjXmpTOdkPJdNragKvAOkqkQn2ulriczQxIAs33sxU8spA2uVkmp0z11dZ99uLsWIS-jH_w5TYv5w5EyhBwLXc9q_LzQ9m4yeTBHWP0NadFwX1Wek&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Saint Luke's Health System</a> that celebrates “zooborns” at the KCZoo. Saint Luke’s commitment to innovative, patient-centered maternity care has helped local families flourish for more than 140 years and is a perfect sponsor for the Zoo’s growing animal families. Photos by senior animal care specialist Julia

6-foot tall bundle of joy at the Kansas City Zoo

KANSAS CITY —Police investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 61-year-old Gary L. Norris.

Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to&nbsp; a shooting reported in the area of 16th Street and Fremont Avenue, according to Officer Alyana Gonzalez.

First responders found Norris inside of a vehicle unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. Officers attempted to render medical aid until EMS personnel responded and transported him to an area hospital for treatment. Norris ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

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