In a joint meeting on Wednesday, members&nbsp;of&nbsp;the Reno County Commission and Hutchinson City Council reviewed survey results on&nbsp;community&nbsp;willingness to pay&nbsp;additional&nbsp;sales tax.&nbsp;At the&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;members from the city and county expressed frustration and support over&nbsp;the situation&nbsp;regarding&nbsp;potential sales tax increases.&nbsp;

Reno County Commission Chair Ron Hirst said earlier discussions among the county, the City of Hutchinson, the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, and the Hutchinson Community Foundation led to a consensus to explore&nbsp;a countywide&nbsp;sales tax. Based on that, the commission partnered with Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center in June 2025 to survey registered voters.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;December, the Hutchinson City Council&nbsp;placed&nbsp;a three-quarter cent sales tax for voters to approve&nbsp;in a March 3 election.&nbsp;The reasoning behind placing the issue on the ballot is that the city faces a list of projects, and with budget projections, and they face the&nbsp;possibility&nbsp;of layoffs without&nbsp;new revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hirst in the meeting expressed disappointment that the city acted to place the issue on the ballot before the county had&nbsp;received&nbsp;the study that they had hired Wichita State to perform. The county&nbsp;faces a&nbsp;Jan. 25 deadline to present a request to the legislature to place a sales tax issue on August primary ballot.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Council Member Greg Fast said Hutchinson would&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;from a countywide tax but more so&nbsp;from&nbsp;its own. Villegas characterized the proposals as complementary, saying, “We can all coexist here.”&nbsp;

Survey results presented by Wichita State showed 70% of respondents willing to support a 0.5% county sales tax, 51% willing to support 0.75%, and 40% willing to support 1%. The strongest support for use of funds was for property tax relief, followed by economic development incentives and county road improvements. Lower support was shown for sewer and water extensions in smaller cities, jail expansion, and housing incentives.&nbsp;

Reno County, Hutchinson leaders air support and tensions over sales tax plans

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to Leslie Grant with Wichita State University's Community Education program to discuss their free lifelong learning program.

For more details go to the web site Wichita.edu/lifelonglearning&nbsp; &nbsp;Or call the office 316-978-3731

🎙 Forward Ever: Leslie Grant with WSU's Community Education Program

TOPEKA, Kan. – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this year’s first Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22.

“The new year is all about new doors opening and new opportunities on the horizon,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “And what better way to kickstart your new year than exploring the wide array of fulfilling career opportunities available in Kansas.”

The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2F4fa13887-56f5-4f70-8a8e-15ad40a883d7%2Fkansasworks-virtual-statewide-job-fair-january-22,-2026/1/0101019b9e563bde-3582bec5-c4b5-4a92-b26a-425ebfb89d80-000000/AcS4yBb1tab0tbPVNUe0q3N2geF3QYIdyaodDh0okxU=439">here</a>.

State to hold first virtual job fair of the year

The Kansas Supreme Court has unanimously affirmed the convictions of a man found guilty of killing two people in Reno County, rejecting arguments that errors during the trial warranted a new proceeding.

A jury previously convicted Kyle Hardwick of two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. On direct appeal, Hardwick argued that the Reno County District Court erred by failing to instruct jurors on imperfect self-defense and by allowing evidence related to his post-arrest silence, which he said violated his Fifth Amendment rights.

In a unanimous opinion authored by Melissa Standridge, the court upheld the convictions, concluding that any error related to jury instructions was harmless in light of the overwhelming evidence presented at trial.

The court determined that even if an imperfect self-defense instruction should have been given, the absence of that instruction did not affect the outcome of the case because the evidence supporting the jury’s verdict was substantial.

The justices also rejected Hardwick’s claim regarding his post-arrest silence. The court ruled that the admission of this evidence did not violate constitutional protections because Hardwick “opened the door” through his own testimony by suggesting a willingness to cooperate with law enforcement that was inconsistent with his actual silence after arrest.

Additionally, the court found that prosecutors used the evidence narrowly and appropriately for impeachment purposes, rather than to suggest guilt, which the court said is constitutionally permissible.

As a result of the ruling, Hardwick’s convictions and sentences remain in place.

Hardwick was sentenced in April of 2023 to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates, 56, and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine, 58, both of Hutchinson. Concurrent with his life convictions, Hardwick was sentenced to eight months for his third alternative count of theft and seven months for solicitation of perjury.  

Kansas Supreme Court affirms Hardwick's 2023 conviction

The national average for a gallon of regular gas went up a couple of cents since last week to $2.84. Drivers are still paying less than they were last year when the national average was $3.08. 

Pump prices are typically low in January thanks to a dip in gas demand and cheaper winter blend gasoline. Crude oil prices remain low as markets keep an eye on tensions in Iran, which is a member of OPEC and one of the world’s top oil producers. Any disruption to Iran’s oil infrastructure could have a ripple effect on gas prices here at home.&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;increased&nbsp;last week&nbsp;from 8.17&nbsp;million&nbsp;b/d&nbsp;to&nbsp;8.30&nbsp;million.&nbsp;Total domestic gasoline&nbsp;supply&nbsp;increased&nbsp;from&nbsp;242&nbsp;million&nbsp;barrels&nbsp;to&nbsp;251&nbsp;million.&nbsp;Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.0 million barrels per day.&nbsp;

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI&nbsp;rose 87 cents&nbsp;to&nbsp;settle at&nbsp;$62.02&nbsp;a barrel.&nbsp;The EIA&nbsp;reports&nbsp;crude oil inventories&nbsp;increased by 3.4 million barrels from the previous week. At 422.4 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year.&nbsp;

Gas prices nudge higher, but remain lower than last year

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. ——————————————

Westley	Hardin	Brown		1/15/2026 8:39&nbsp;AM	Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction)

Ambresia	Chloe	Leaks		1/15/2026 4:11&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conv,					DL Violation; Drive While Habitual Violator

1/15/2026 10:16&nbsp;PM	Aston		Jimmy	Eugene	Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Daily Bookings

The Salvation Army’s Christmas fundraising is getting closer to the end with less than 3 weeks to go. This is their most important fundraising season which ends on January 31.

This year, The Salvation Army is encouraging the community to “Give With Joy”! “Giving With Joy is a foreign concept for many because they’ve either not been taught the act of giving to others, or they’ve not experienced “it” to see the Joy that giving can bring, said Major James”. Therefore, The Salvation Army asks, Have you experienced “IT”?

Many in our community may or may not know what it means to struggle with utilities, to pay their rent on time, and many other ways The Salvation Army meets the needs in our community. Most have not received a shutoff notice in the mail and not known what they will do or how to break the news to their family. This is a real problem that many in Reno County face each year. Tabitha Nearing, the case worker at The Salvation Army shared, “Most who come to us have held out hope only to receive a shut-off notice or an eviction notice with no idea what they’re going to do. Whether it’s the help they received from us, or the combined effort of connecting resources with The Village, most leave with tears of gratitude because there was help available to them. They no longer have the hopelessness or burden of not knowing what will happen.” This is how you can Give With Joy to The Salvation Army knowing that you can bring Hope to those in our community.

The Salvation Army’s overall seasonal goal is $300,000 with just over 2 weeks to go. “We have about $68,000 left in order to reach our overall goal of $300,000”, said Major James. With 3 weeks left in January you can still help The Salvation Army give hope to roughly 12% of the community regardless of the size of your donation. There’s nothing like giving help to someone who isn’t in the position to do so for themselves, and it’s joyful knowing that your gift helped to make it possible.

Your Joyful Gifts can be dropped off at The Salvation Army’s office located at 700 N Walnut, or send your donations in their return envelopes from their mailers. You can also donate online at www.GiveWithJoyHutch.com. Please call Major James at 620-663-3353 with any questions on how you might be able to give financially.

Salvation Army fundraising in final weeks

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

Three-day Outlook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Hutch welcomes Emma Zoglmann as new Group Services Coordinator

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cosmosphere to host historic Artemis II Launch Watch Party

RILEY COUNTY— An elementary school was briefly evacuated on Friday due a fire.

Just before noon Friday, crews responded to a small fire at Marlatt Elementary School,&nbsp;2715 Hobbs Drive in Manhattan, according to a social media report from the Manhattan Fire Department.. Before 1p.m. the fire was extinguished and students&nbsp; allowed back into the building. No injuries were reported.&nbsp; The fire department has not released details on what cause the fire ore additional information.

Kan. elementary school evacuated due to fire

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Legislators got their first look at Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 on Wednesday, finding a plan that prioritizes funding for schools and special education, expanded mental health services and creating a 10-year water plan.

Budget director and administration secretary Adam Proffitt presented the spending blueprint virtually at the joint meeting of the Senate and House budget committees.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.kansas.gov/budget-report/" target="_blank">governor’s budget</a>&nbsp;was set after Kelly completed a statewide tour to hear from Kansans, Proffitt said.

“Last fall, I spoke directly with Kansans, who were clear about the priorities they wanted reflected in my budget: fully funded public schools, investments in health care, and action to address our water challenges,” Kelly said in a news release. “My budget delivers on Kansans’ wishes while remaining balanced and ensuring that we protect Kansas’ fiscal foundation.”

The governor’s budget used a projected 1.7% revenue growth for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, as a basis, Proffitt said. The recommended budget total of $10.8 billion comes in 1.6% higher than last fiscal year’s approved budget, he said.

Proffitt said $35 million of the increase comes from one-time expenditures, and if those expenditures are removed, the budget increase would be 1.3%, the amount total tax collections are expected to grow during the upcoming fiscal year.&nbsp;

Diving into budget details, Proffitt said a few spending increases are tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which shifted some costs to the states. For instance, the state will pay a higher portion of administrative costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which the governor accounted for by including $21 million in the budget, he said.

Legislators at the hearing questioned whether the budget included paying a penalty for&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/13/committee-questions-delay-on-implementing-kansas-food-assistance-ban-on-soda-candy/">the state’s high SNAP error rate</a>, which could be between $20-40 million, depending on the rate, but Proffitt said the penalty won’t be assessed until fiscal year 2028.&nbsp;

That gives the state time to get the error rate below 6%, which would carry no penalty, he said.

The error rate measures mistakes that have been made in allocating dollars for recipients, and can include data entry mistakes and incorrect calculations. The federal goal is a rate below 6%.&nbsp; Kansas had a 9% rate for 2025.

The federal law also had more stringent work requirements for SNAP recipients, which increased administrative costs at the state level an estimated $4 million, Proffitt said.

Kelly recommended full funding for K-12 general education for two full years, Proffitt said, which provides predictability to school districts.

The school funding formula sunsets at the end of fiscal year 2027, and Proffitt said the governor’s budget extends the current school finance formula into 2028.

The governor recommended spending $2.5 million to eliminate the co-pay for 34,000 students who receive reduced lunches.

“The governor is recommending an incremental $50.6 million of (State General Fund) to fund special education for fiscal year 2027,” Proffitt said, adding that is 70% of excess costs, which is still well below the 92% required in statute.

The state has not funded special education to the 92% level in 15 years, he said.

“Funding for special education is really a shared responsibility between the federal government and the state government,” Proffitt said. “The governor is calling on the feds again to meet their obligation and increase their level of funding here in Kansas for special education. We simply cannot get to 92% without more federal support.”

“Water remains among the top priorities in the state, not just for the administration but obviously for many in the Legislature,” Proffitt said. “It’s one of the most critical resources we have in the state, and we know we have a tall order ahead of us to make sure it’s available for the next several generations.”

The governor’s budget recommends full funding at $8 million for the state water plan fund, and Kelly wants to work with the Legislature to develop a long-term water roadmap, Proffitt said.&nbsp;

Kelly asked for $12.6 million to fully fund a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/04/kansas-advocacy-organizations-offer-strategy-for-curtailing-waitlist-for-disability-services/">new Community Support waiver</a>, which is expected to eliminate some of the stress from the current intellectual and developmental disability waiver, Proffitt said.

In addition, Kelly’s budget outlines an additional $10 million to address increased demand on the technology assistance waiver, which helps individuals younger than 21 who need life-sustaining medical equipment and technology.

Kelly’s budget includes $15 million to support increased Children’s Health Insurance Program caseloads. Her budget includes dollars for contract nursing at Larned State Hospital and Osawatomie State Hospital, about $37 million for both.

The state hospital system has been scrutinized closely over the past couple of years, Proffitt said, and the governor recommends a budget allocation of $38.9 million to strengthen the system.

“We recognize that there is both a capacity issue across the state hospital system but also staffing issues,” Proffitt said.

The House proposed a budget bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2434_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 2434</a>, this week, breaking tradition with past years when the governor’s budget is taken into consideration before they put together their budget,

Kansas governor’s budget highlights education, mental health care, water and state employee raises

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that that critically injured a woman.

Just after 3a.m. Thursday, police responded to an aggravated assault in the 1800 Block of East 76th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a statement from police.

First responders found a woman on the front porch of a home suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. EMS transported the woman was to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; Police reported no additional detais.

KCPD: Woman shot on the porch of her home

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children in Australia since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-social-media-ban-under-16-children-8b992efa5138704bc02ee9fc974f6987">the country banned use of the platforms</a>&nbsp;by those under 16, officials said.

“We stared down everybody who said it couldn’t be done, some of the most powerful and rich companies in the world and their supporters,” communications minister Anika Wells told reporters on Friday. “Now Australian parents can be confident that their kids can have their childhoods back.”

The figures, reported to Australia’s government by 10 social media platforms, were the first to show the scale of the landmark ban since it was enacted in December over fears about the effects of harmful online environments on young people. The law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-social-media-ban-children-1abadf5445418c8c14f5f68cf76b38d0">provoked fraught debates</a>&nbsp;in Australia about technology use, privacy, child safety and mental health and has prompted other countries to consider similar measures.

Officials said the figure was encouraging

Under Australian law, Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Twitch face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33.2 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove the accounts of Australian children younger than 16. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are exempt.

To verify age, platforms can either request copies of identification documents, use a third party to apply age estimation technology to an account holder’s face, or make inferences from data already available such has how long an account has been held.

About 2.5 million Australians are aged between 8 and 15, said the country’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, and past estimates suggested 84% of 8- to 12-year-olds held social media accounts. It was not known how many accounts were held across the 10 platforms but Inman Grant said the figure of 4.7 million “deactivated or restricted” was encouraging.

“We’re preventing predatory social media companies from accessing our children,” Inman Grant said.

The 10 biggest companies covered by the ban were compliant with it and had reported removal figures to Australia's regulator on time, the commissioner said. She added that social media companies were expected to shift their efforts from enforcing the ban to preventing children from creating new accounts or otherwise circumventing the prohibition.

Australian officials didn’t break the figures down by platform. But Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, said this week that by the day after the ban came into effect it had removed nearly 550,000 accounts belonging to users understood to be under 16.

In the blog post divulging the figures, Meta criticized the ban and said smaller platforms where the ban doesn't apply might not prioritize safety. The company also noted browsing platforms would still present content to children based on algorithms — a concern that led to the ban's enactment.

The law was widely popular among parents and child safety campaigners. Online privacy advocates and some groups representing teenagers opposed it, with the latter citing the support found in online spaces by vulnerable young people or those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-social-media-ban-children-f92aae52b59a6ded4d931856051f4e06">geographically isolated</a>&nbsp;in Australia’s sprawling rural areas.

Some said they had managed to fool age assessing technologies or were helped by parents or older siblings to circumvent the ban.

Since Australia began debating the measures in 2024, other countries have considered following suit. Denmark’s government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/after-australia-denmark-plans-social-media-ban-for-children-151a8afeda7146ef8f9e95e175cb937b">is among them</a>, saying in November that it had planned to implement a social media ban for children under 15.

“The fact that in spite of some skepticism out there, it’s working and being replicated now around the world, is something that is a source of Australian pride,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday.

Opposition lawmakers have suggested that young people have circumvented the ban easily or are migrating to other apps that are less scrutinized than the largest platforms. Inman Grant said Friday that data seen by her office showed a spike in downloads of alternative apps when the ban was enacted but not a spike in usage.

“There is no real long-term trends yet that we can say but we’re engaging,” she said.

Meanwhile, she said, the regulator she heads planned to introduce “world-leading AI companion and chatbot restrictions in March.” She didn’t disclose further details.

4.7M kids removed from social media in first month of historic ban

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man charged in the death of his pregnant girlfriend returned to court Thursday.

Judge Jeffrey determined there was enough evidence in the case for 20-year-old Matthew Wayne Criscenzo to face a jury trial,&nbsp;according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In September, Criscenzo pleaded not guilty to charges of 1st degree murder and aggravated battery, in the shooting death of 20-year-old Naomi Oglesby.

On May 25, police arrested&nbsp; Criscenzo in the 700 Block of Laura Street in Wichita in connection with the shooting death. At the time of the incident,&nbsp;Oglesby was pregnant, according to Wichita Police Officer Rick Pena. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, she was pronounced deceased.

Doctors were able to deliver her infant who was transported to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a Wichita hospital.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Criscenzo remains jailed on bond totaling over $700,000, according to online jail records.

Kan. man accused of killing pregnant girlfriend will face jury trial

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A Jackson County official says he met ICE officials looking at a large, potential detention space in Kansas City.

Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca posted a video on social media of two federal agents telling him he was trespassing after he showed up at a nearly 1-million-square-foot (93,000-square-meter) warehouse on the outskirts of Kansas City.

He says he was ultimately allowed to enter the building and that officials told him they were looking for locations for a large facility. He told The Associated Press that one of the officials inside was Shawn Byers, the deputy field office director for ICE in Chicago.

In a statement, an ICE spokesperson did not address the Kansas City location or Abarca’s comments but said it should not come as news that the agency is working to expand detention space.

ICE was given $45 billion for detention centers in the tax and spending bill that Trump signed last year.

ICE officials looking at large detention space in Kansas City

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

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

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

Trump confirmed later on social media that Machado had left the medal for him to keep, and he said it was an honor to meet her.

“She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much. María presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done,” Trump said in his post. “Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you María!”

The White House later posted a photo of Machado standing next to Trump in the Oval Office as he holds the medal in a large frame. A text in the frame reads, “Presented as a personal symbol of gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan people in recognition of President Trump’s principled and decisive action to secure a free Venezuela.”

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

She did not provide more information on what was said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A ‘frank and positive discussion’ about Venezuela

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What President Trump said about gift of Machado's Nobel Peace Prize

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A woman charged in the stabbing death of her mother on Halloween attended a competency hearing on Thursday.

Judge Jeffrey Goering ruled 48-year-old Angelynn Elizabeth Mock is not competent to stand trial, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. She will be transferred to the Larned State Hospital. She remained in custody in the Sedgwick County Jail on Friday morning.

In November Mock was charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 80-year-old mother, Anita Avers.

Just before 8a.m. October 31, police responded to a reported stabbing at a residence in the 1500 block of East Crowley in Wichita, according to a media release from Wichita Police. First responders located Mock outside the home.

&nbsp;Inside the residence, officers found 80-year-old Anita Avers unresponsive in her bed with multiple stab wounds.&nbsp;Sedgwick County EMS transported the victim to St. Francis Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased at 8:26 a.m.

Mock was transported to the hospital for treatment before being taken into custody and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. She is being held on a one-million dollar bond.

Halloween homicide: Kan. woman attends competency hearing

SHERMAN COUNTY —First responders in northwest Kansas are preparing for the possibility of fires on Friday.&nbsp;

On their social media page, Sherman County 911 Communication asked the community to be prepared to respond.

"A significant wind event is expected across northwest Kansas and the surrounding region today through Friday. Strong northwest winds will develop, with sustained speeds of 30–40 mph and potentially stronger gusts."

 The strongest winds are expected between NOON and 2:00 PM (Mountain Time). If you have travel plans, please plan around this window if possible.

 EXTREME FIRE SAFETY REMINDER:• NO OPEN FLAMES — no burning trash, brush, or fire pits. We are under a burn ban anyway, in case you didn't know. • Extinguish cigarettes completely — do NOT toss them on the ground or out vehicle windows.• Even a small spark could cause a fast-moving grass fire under these conditions.

 BLOWING DUST &amp; HEALTH CONCERNS:• Blowing dust is likely, which may reduce visibility and impact air quality.• Those with asthma, COPD, or other breathing difficulties should plan ahead, limit outdoor exposure during peak winds, and have medications readily available.

 Travel Impacts:• Strong crosswinds may make driving hazardous, especially for high-profile vehicles.• Be alert for sudden drops in visibility due to dust.

 COMMUNITY SUPPORT REQUEST:• If you have water tankers, fill those suckers up!• We may be calling on you to assist the fire department if you’re willing and able during this wind event. Your help could make a critical difference.

 Preparation Tips:• Secure loose outdoor items (trash cans, patio furniture, decorations).• Stay weather-aware and monitor local alerts.Please take this event seriously and help keep our community safe. Share this post so others can prepare.

First responders in NW Kan. preparing for threat of possible fires

Washington&nbsp;–&nbsp;On Thursday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall issued a statement in support of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-calls-on-congress-to-enact-the-great-healthcare-plan/">Great Healthcare Plan</a>&nbsp;– a comprehensive package released by President Trump.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-calls-on-congress-to-enact-the-great-healthcare-plan/">Click here to read details on President Trump's plan</a>

“President Trump’s Great Healthcare Plan includes many of the key reforms we’ve been fighting for in a comprehensive healthcare package,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“Price transparency is exactly what my Price Tags legislation delivers — lowering costs for every American by empowering patients to shop for care and forcing the system to compete. We must also put patients back in control through Health Savings Accounts and cut out the PBM middleman that drives up prescription drug prices. I’m ready to work with President Trump and my colleagues to get this done.”

The Great Healthcare Plan is a comprehensive package aimed at lowering costs for American families and improving access to patient-centered care. Many of its core components align with Senator Marshall’s ‘<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-drops-the-marshall-plan/">Marshall Plan’</a>, including stronger price transparency requirements, expanded HSAs, reforms to reduce prescription drug middlemen, and targeted efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.&nbsp;

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator supports President Trump's new healthcare plan

🏀 High school midseason basketball tournament schedules for Jan. 19-24

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today their minor league coaching staffs.

⚾ Royals announce 2026 minor league coaching staffs

🎧🏀 WSU loses at FAU; 🏀 Hutch High travels to Great Bend; 🏈 NFL Divisional Round

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — Kanaan Carlyle scored 18 points as Florida Atlantic beat Wichita State 85-67 on Thursday.

Carlyle went 7 of 14 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) for the Owls (12-6, 4-1 American Athletic Conference). Isaiah Elohim scored 18 points, going 7 of 8 and 3 of 5 from the free-throw line. Devin Williams finished 6 of 8 from the field to finish with 14 points, while adding 10 rebounds and three blocks.

Will Berg led the way for the Shockers (10-8, 2-3) with 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Wichita State also got 12 points, four assists and three steals from Dre Kindell. Karon Boyd had 10 points.

Florida Atlantic took the lead for good with 18:54 left in the first half. The score was 37-25 at halftime, with Elohim racking up 15 points. Florida Atlantic pulled away with a 10-0 run in the second half to extend an 18-point lead to 28 points. They outscored Wichita State by six points in the final half, as Xander Pintelon led the way with a team-high 11 second-half points.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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