The Reno County Commission will meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, with a pair of agenda items tied to a proposed golf course development east of Hutchinson included on the consent agenda. 

Commissioners are scheduled to consider Resolution 2026-03 and Planning Case #2025-11, a request submitted by 2641 Wanamaker, LLC, represented by Andrew Goering, P.E., of Engineering Consultants, P.A. The request seeks to rezone approximately 180 acres of land from R-2 Suburban Residential District to AG Agricultural District. According to agenda materials, the rezoning is intended to eliminate the possibility of developing a high-density residential subdivision on the property. 

The land is located at the northeast corner of North Buhler Road and East 4th Avenue. 

A second item on the consent agenda related to the development project is Resolution 2026-04 and Planning Case #2025-12, which involves a conditional use permit request from the same applicant to develop a golf course resort. The proposal covers two parcels currently zoned AG Agricultural District, also located at the northeast corner of North Buhler Road and East 4th Avenue.

The Reno County Planning Commission approved the items during their meeting on Jan. 15.&nbsp;

Also on the consent agenda is a request from public works director don brittan to declare two freightliners as suplus, and an item removed and tabled from the Jan 28. Meeting for a tax abatement for a property at 4003 east 23rd street.   

All of items on the consent agenda are typically approved in a single vote unless a commissioner requests discussion or removal of an item for separate consideration. 

The board of county commissioners will also receive the annual report from the Reno County department of Emergency Management. County Administrator Randy Partington will also go over monthly department reports.&nbsp;

The Board of County Commissioners meetings are held the second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of each month.&nbsp;

Commission looks to approve items for Salt Lick Golf Resort

Hutchinson residents planning to vote in the upcoming City of Hutchinson Sales Tax special election must register by Tuesday, Feb. 10, according to the Reno County Election Office.

Voters can register online through the Reno County Election Office website or in person at the Reno County Annex, located at 125 West 1st Avenue in Hutchinson.

The 2026 Special Election is scheduled for March 3, 2026. Mail-in ballots will begin being sent to voters on Feb. 11.

Advance voting in person will start on Feb. 23 in the Reno County Annex Conference Room. In-person advance voting will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will close at noon on Monday, March 2.

Election officials encourage eligible voters to complete their registration or make sure their registration is correct before the deadline to ensure they are able to participate in the special election.

Deadline for voter registration, changes is Tuesday 

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a road reconstruction project on U.S. 50 in Reno County on Monday, Feb. 16, conditions permitting.

The reconstructed section will be from 5.5 miles east of the east US-50/K-61 interchange near Brandy Lake Road east 1.5 miles to South Buhler/Haven Road in Reno County.

Work will occur Monday through Friday during daylight hours.&nbsp;One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction between now and summer 2026, with traffic guided by traffic signals after that point until completion.

Pearson Construction, of Wichita, is the prime contractor on the $3.4 million project, which is expected to be complete in spring 2027.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.

For current road conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fwww.kandrive.gov%253Futm_medium%3Demail%2526utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%2F1%2F01010199e36a64fc-93fce69b-44f1-44a1-8752-bdd6df0019b0-000000%2FWttZkfWnkeXjcNMQ7BhANqZPjcWOShUW76xWu5IjAbs%3D426&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnick.gosnell%40ks.gov%7C2307b72cd6354edebb9908de0b396462%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638960538275676177%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=R%2FzM61p3LWpRX4mqgVb8vFp2RGA7gdD9N%2FZ5xyhBO9Y%3D&amp;reserved=0">kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 511.&nbsp;

KDot to begin road reconstruction project on US 50

UPDATE:&nbsp;The SHARE Haiti Benefit Dinner and Auction held this past weekend raised $209,000 in support of the organization’s mission in Haiti.

 The featured auction item — a 30-by-40-foot building — generated $51,000 on its own. 

Abner Schmucker and the team of volunteers expressed their sincere thanks to everyone who attended and supported the SHARE Haiti mission.

ORIGINAL STORY:&nbsp;A long-running local fundraiser supporting education and humanitarian work in Haiti returns this weekend, with two days of meals, music and a large benefit auction planned at the Pleasant View Activity Center.

The Share Haiti Benefit Auction and Dinner begins Friday evening and continues through Saturday, raising funds for a mission school and community outreach in southern Haiti, several hours away from Port-au-Prince. Organizers Abner Schmucker and Dale Lehman say the mission has seen growing need in recent years as families flee violence and unrest in the capital region.

Share Haiti operates a school in the community of Cote Fer, providing education for children from age three through seventh grade, with plans to add an eighth-grade class next year. The school currently serves about 470 students and employs roughly 70 staff members, including teachers and classroom helpers.

Organizers say education is central to the mission’s work.

“Education gives these children a much better opportunity in life,” Schmucker said. “This school has become one of the premier schools in the area because of its values, quality instruction, and care for students.”

In addition to academics, the mission provides daily hot meals for students—often the only hot meal they receive each day—and offers assistance to families in the surrounding community who come to the mission with urgent needs.

The fundraiser begins Friday at 4:30 p.m. with an authentic Haitian dinner featuring chicken, rice and beans. A singing group from the Moundridge area will perform later in the evening. The meal is donation-based, with dine-in and carry-out options available.

Events continue Saturday morning starting at 7 a.m. with a waffle and sausage breakfast, served until 10 a.m. The benefit auction begins at 9 a.m., overlapping with breakfast service, and continues through the morning. Lunch will also be available, allowing attendees to spend the day at the event.

The auction features a wide range of donated items, including fishing trips, gift certificates, farm and lawn-care services, tools, handmade pottery, hay, baked goods and agricultural equipment.

One of the top items is a site-built building, constructed with donated materials and labor from local businesses and churches. The structure will be a high-quality, stick-built building, with concrete included. The winning bidder is responsible for site preparation, utilities and excavation.

Cedar Crest Amish Mennonite Church and Prairie Chapel Mennonite Church coordinate much of the fundraising and logistics, with additional support from other area churches.

Organizers emphasize that all proceeds directly support the mission’s educational and humanitarian efforts in Haiti.

“The need continues to grow, but so does the impact,” Lehman said. “This is a chance for the community to come together and make a real difference.”

The Share Haiti Benefit Auction and Dinner is open to the public and will be held at the Pleasant View Activity Center, located south of Stutzman’s on Dean Road.

UPDATE: SHARE Haiti Benefit Dinner and Auction raises $209K

Family Community Theatre is bringing the high-energy musical Newsies to the Flag Theatre for two weekends of performances beginning Thursday.

Directed by Craig Williams, the production tells the story of the real-life 1899 New York City newsboys’ strike, when young newspaper sellers organized against publishing giants Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst over rising paper prices that cut into their already slim earnings.

“This is the first time Newsies has been produced by our organization, and we believe it’s the first time it’s been staged in this part of the state,” Williams said during an interview on the BW Morning Show. “It’s a powerful story about young people finding their voice.”

Williams, who also serves as president of Family Community Theatre, said the show’s demanding choreography and music drew strong interest from local performers. More than 60 people auditioned, with a final cast of 40 selected from eight different communities.

At the center of the story is Jack Kelly, the charismatic newsboy who becomes the leader of the strike. The role is played by Leland Britton, a senior at Sterling High School. Catherine, the show’s female lead, is portrayed by a Wichita college student, while Pulitzer is played by Lee Keil, who shares the stage with his daughter Savannah, a member of the Newsies ensemble.

Producing a large-scale musical like Newsies presents unique challenges in the Flag Theatre’s more intimate space. Williams said creative staging solutions, including the use of scaffolding and multiple levels, helped maximize the 28-foot-wide stage and limited backstage areas.

“Adding music and choreography changes everything,” Williams said. “You need more rehearsal time, more staff, and the right choreographer and music director to make it all work.”

Rehearsals began in early December, with cast members logging nearly 40 rehearsals leading up to opening night. Williams said the process teaches young performers commitment, discipline, and collaboration.

Performances run February 12–15 and February 19–22. Evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with 3 p.m. matinees on Sundays.

Tickets are available in advance at Absolute Home, Busy Bee Laundry, or online through the Family Community Theatre website.

Williams said audiences can expect an energetic, uplifting production that blends athletic dance numbers with a message about standing up for fairness and community.

“It’s a show that’s fun to watch,” he said, “but it also reminds us what can happen when people work together for something they believe in.”

Family Community Theatre to present "Newsies"

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. ——————————————

Mathew	Ray	Castor		2/8/2026 4:07&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Thaddeus	Xavier Nathanie	Krill		2/8/2026 5:30&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant

Clara	Elizabeth Ann	Crumble		2/8/2026 10:09&nbsp;PM	DUI; Misdemeanor

Daily Bookings

Residents are invited to tour a new fire station in Nickerson later this month as Reno County Fire District 1 hosts an open house at Station 31.

The open house is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the new station located at 206 South Burr Street in Nickerson.

Fire district officials say the event is an opportunity for community members to see the new facility, meet local firefighters, and learn more about fire and emergency services in the area. Visitors will be given guided tours of the station and its equipment.

Food will also be available during the event, with potato soup, garlic bread, and dessert served to those who attend.

Parking for the open house will be available behind the station, with access from the north off Avenue G. Attendees may also park in front of the former fire station.

The event is open to the public, and residents of Nickerson and surrounding communities are encouraged to attend.

Correction: We have corrected this article; the original article had an incorrect day of the week.&nbsp;

Reno County Fire District 1 to host open house at new Nickerson Station

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

Three-day Outlook

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday morning on K-14 Highway north of U.S. 50.

Deputies were dispatched at approximately 10:03 a.m. to a location about a half mile north of U.S. 50 on K-14 Highway, near the bridge over Blanchard Avenue. Investigators say a southbound Chevy Malibu crossed the center line for an unknown reason and was struck head-on by a northbound Jeep Liberty.

The driver of the Jeep Liberty, identified as 59-year-old Adam Arevalo of Hutchinson, was transported by Eagle Med to a Wichita hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, the flight was redirected to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, where Arevalo later died.

The driver of the Chevy Malibu, 27-year-old Cecil Chandler IV of Hutchinson, was pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS. A passenger in the Malibu, 19-year-old Shyann Cullison of Hutchinson, was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and later transferred to a Wichita hospital, where she remains in serious condition.

The cause of the crash remains under active investigation. Officials said factors such as speed, impairment, weather, or other contributing conditions have not yet been determined and will be evaluated as the investigation continues.&nbsp;

The Reno County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to assisting agencies, including the South Hutchinson Police Department, Buhler Police Department, Hutchinson Police Department, Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County EMS, Eagle Med, and Reno County 911 Emergency Communications, which handled a high volume of calls and radio traffic during the incident.

No additional information is being released at this time to preserve the integrity of the investigation and out of respect for the families involved.

Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to contact the Reno County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 620-694-2666 or 1-800-222-TIPS.

Sheriff's office releases IDs of victims in Saturday's fatal accident

Kansas Democrats last won a U.S. Senate seat in 1932. That’s the longest active losing streak in the nation.

There’s only been one close race. In 1974, Bob Dole edged Bill Roy by 1.7 points. Democrats haven’t come close since.

Which raises the question: What would it take for Democrats to finally break the streak?

First, the broader political environment must break decisively in their favor. Second, they must field a top-tier candidate.

Since 1934, the president’s party has lost an average of four Senate seats in midterm elections. High presidential approval can blunt those losses and in rare cases, like 2002 in the aftermath of 9/11, even produce gains. Low approval can increase them, like in 2006, when George W. Bush’s approval fell to the low 30s and Republicans lost six Senate seats.

Trump’s approval rating has slipped steadily since taking office and is especially low among Independents whose support will be crucial in November.

Midterm elections also have much lower voter turnout than presidential years. The smaller electorate tilts heavily toward the out-party, which is more motivated to regain power.

In addition, shifting party coalitions benefit Democrats. Democrat voters today are more affluent and educated than in the past, characteristics strongly associated with political participation, especially in off-year election cycles.

Thus, intense Democrat motivation to stop Trump, stronger turnout propensity, and Trump’s low approval ratings together create a rare opening for Kansas Democrats.

Yet, so far, the Senate contest has failed to attract topnotch candidates.

Laura Kelley ruled it out. Barbara Bollier, who turned in the most competitive performance by a Democrat in a quarter-century, losing by 11 points against Roger Marshall in 2020, appears content working behind the scenes.

That brings us to U.S. Representative Sharice Davids.

Citing Republican plans to gerrymander her congressional district, Davids signaled a potential Senate bid, though nothing official. While gerrymandering efforts seem to have lost momentum, they’ve worked to Davids’s advantage, amplifying her visibility and providing an unambiguous vehicle for attacking Republican overreach and extremism, themes that historically play well for Kansas Democrats. For 2025, Davids raised 2.3 million, nearly forty percent coming from small donations under $200. During the same time period, incumbent Senator Marshall raised 2.5 million, with high dollar contributions over $2,000 making up the largest share.

Davids has also established herself as a formidable campaigner. She not only unseated four-term incumbent Kevin Yoder by a commanding nine-point margin in 2018 but has since turned the third congressional district into a reliably blue seat. In advanced forecasting models, Davids stands out, repeatedly outperforming expectations derived from political fundamentals. By contrast, Marshall underperforms, falling well short of what an average Republican candidate would achieve given the environmental conditions.

Davids, in other words, could be the Democrat who ends the streak.

She would undoubtedly attract national attention, having already broken down barriers, becoming a historic first in several categories.

Now, the chance to dismantle another long-standing barrier lies ahead. If you value political competition, you’re hoping Davids takes that chance.

Dr. Mark Russell Joslyn is a professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Political Science at the University of Kansas.

Insight Kansas: No better time than now

Circles Reno County is proud to recognize&nbsp;Erica LaForce&nbsp;as a recent program graduate whose journey reflects perseverance, growth, and community impact.

During her time in Circles, LaForce achieved several meaningful milestones, including purchasing a home with her significant other and increasing her wages to more than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. She also strengthened her social connections and community involvement, building a foundation for long-term stability.

LaForce is an active member of the local Master Gardeners program and is known for her selfless spirit, compassion, and ability to lead with kindness and without judgment. She is also a devoted mother to her two daughters, Lila and Violet, who are a beloved part of the Circles community.

Circles Reno County celebrates graduate

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have&nbsp;arrested two suspects including a teen in connection with an aggravated assault with a firearm that occurred at a home in Garden Plain.

Just before 10 p.m., deputies and the Garden Plain Police Department responded to reports of shots fired into an occupied home in the 300 block of West Lavern Lane, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's office spokesman Branden Stitt.

 The Garden Plain Police Department requested the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office take over the investigation.

Four people were inside the home at the time of the shooting. No one was struck by gunfire, and no injuries were reported.

Detectives believe one of the victims, who was also the intended target, was involved in a drug transaction with the suspects that involved the use of counterfeit currency. Detectives believe the suspects then followed the victim back to his home and fired shots into the occupied house.&nbsp;

The investigation continued into the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 7, when deputies, detectives and forensic investigators identified and arrested the suspects. Detectives booked 20-year-old Cristian Yair Garcia and a 16-year-old male juvenile, both of Cheney, on charges of criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Counterfeit cash drug deal led to gunfire at Kansas home

JASPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Sunday in Jasper County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom driven by a 24-year-old Joplin man was westbound on MO 66 one mile west of Joplin. The motorcycle struck a northbound 2017 Lexus RX 350 driven by a 25-year-old Overland Park, Kansas woman was northbound&nbsp; on MO. 66 one mile west of Joplin. After impact, the motorcycle traveled off the right side of the road, overturned and&nbsp; the driver was ejected. 

He was transported to Cox South in Springfield where he was pronounced deceased on Monday.&nbsp; The SUV driver was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, according to the patrol. The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.

Motorcyclist killed after crash with an SUV driven by Kan. woman

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, Horton police notified police in Atchison that a suspect wanted on an outstanding Brown County warrant was at a residence in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Police officers located 29-year-old Thomas Pahmahmie at a residence in the 500 block Park Street and he was taken into custody on a Brown County warrant for aggravated kidnapping, attempted murder in the second degree, aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and criminal threat.&nbsp; Pahmahmie has previous convictions for aggravated battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon jailed for alleged kidnapping, attempted murder

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The world's biggest social media companies face several landmark trials this year that seek to hold them responsible for harms to children who use their platforms. Opening statements for the first, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, began on Monday.

Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube face claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children. TikTok and Snap, which were originally named in the lawsuit,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-media-trial-kids-addiction-meta-tiktok-youtube-d3a6bf617f2d11521675412ffb275031">settled for undisclosed sums</a>.

Jurors got their first glimpse into what will be a lengthy trial characterized by dueling narratives from the plaintiffs and the two remaining social media companies named as defendants. Opening arguments in the landmark case began Monday at the Spring Street Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.

Mark Lanier delivered the opening statement for the plaintiffs first, in a lively display where he said the case is as “easy as ABC,” which he said stands for “addicting the brains of children.” He called Meta and Google “two of the richest corporations in history” who have “engineered addiction in children’s brains.”

At the core of the Los Angeles case is a 19-year-old identified only by the initials “KGM,” whose case could determine how thousands of other, similar lawsuits against social media companies will play out. She and two other plaintiffs have been selected for bellwether trials — essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury and what damages, if any, may be awarded, said Clay Calvert, a nonresident senior fellow of technology policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute.

It’s the first time the companies are arguing their case before a jury, and the outcome could have profound effects on their businesses and how they will handle children using their platforms.

Lanier said the companies’ lawyers will “try to blame the little girl and her parents for the trap they built,” referencing the plaintiff. She was a minor when she said she became addicted to social media platforms, which she claims had a detrimental impact on her mental health.

Lanier said that despite the public position of Meta and YouTube being that they work to protect children and implement safeguards for their use of the platforms, their internal documents show an entirely different position, with explicit references to young children being listed as their target audiences.

Lanier also drew comparisons between the social media companies and tobacco firms, citing internal communication between Meta employees who were concerned about the company’s lack of proactive action about the potential harm their platforms can have on children and teens.

“For a teenager, social validation is survival,” Lanier said. The defendants “engineered a feature that caters to a minor’s craving for social validation,” he added, speaking about “like” buttons and similar features.

The court broke for lunch before Lanier concluded his opening statement and before attorneys for Meta and Google delivered their opening statements.

“This was only the first case — there are hundreds of parents and school districts in the social media addiction trials that start today, and sadly, new families every day who are speaking out and bringing Big Tech to court for its deliberately harmful products,” said Sacha Haworth, executive director of the nonprofit Tech Oversight Project.

Jurors are not being asked to stop using Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or any other forms of social media throughout the course of the trial — which is expected to last about eight weeks — but Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl emphasized that they should not make any changes to the way they interact with the platforms, including changing their settings or creating new accounts.

Kuhl said that jurors should decide the liability of Meta and YouTube independently when they deliberate.

A separate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-new-mexico-child-exploitation-trial-19195fc680dba782fb971d68082e11a4">trial in New Mexico</a>, meanwhile, was also set to kick off with opening arguments on Monday.

KGM claims that her use of social media from an early age addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Importantly, the lawsuit claims that this was done through deliberate design choices made by companies that sought to make their platforms more addictive to children to boost profits. This argument, if successful, could sidestep the companies' First Amendment shield and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-technology-social-media-business-internet-eb89baf1fa30e245c030992b48a8a0ff">Section 230</a>, which protects tech companies from liability for material posted on their platforms.

“Borrowing heavily from the behavioral and neurobiological techniques used by slot machines and exploited by the cigarette industry, Defendants deliberately embedded in their products an array of design features aimed at maximizing youth engagement to drive advertising revenue,” the lawsuit says.

Executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify at the trial, which will last six to eight weeks. Experts have drawn similarities to the Big Tobacco trials that led to a 1998 settlement requiring cigarette companies to pay billions in health care costs and restrict marketing targeting minors.

The tech companies dispute the claims that their products deliberately harm children, citing a bevy of safeguards they have added over the years and arguing that they are not liable for content posted on their sites by third parties.

A Meta spokesperson said in a recent statement that the company strongly disagrees with the allegations outlined in the lawsuit and that it's “confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”

José Castañeda, a Google Spokesperson, said that the allegations against YouTube are “simply not true.” In a statement, he said, “Providing young people with a safer, healthier experience has always been core to our work.”

The case will be the first in a slew of cases beginning this year that seek to hold social media companies responsible for harming children's mental well-being.

In New Mexico,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-new-mexico-child-exploitation-trial-19195fc680dba782fb971d68082e11a4">opening statements begin Monday</a>&nbsp;for trial on allegations that Meta and its social media platforms have failed to protect young users from sexual exploitation, following an undercover online investigation. Attorney General Raúl Torrez in late 2023 sued Meta and Zuckerberg, who was later dropped from the suit.

A federal bellwether trial beginning in June in Oakland, California, will be the first to represent school districts that have sued social media platforms over harms to children.

In addition, more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/instagram-facebook-children-teens-harms-lawsuit-attorney-general-1805492a38f7cee111cbb865cc786c28">40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits</a>&nbsp;against Meta, claiming it is harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. The majority of cases filed their lawsuits in federal court, but some sued in their respective states.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-lawsuit-youth-mental-health-2993f8e70d2e3d4eab9988df168fb948">TikTok</a>&nbsp;also faces similar lawsuits in more than a dozen states.

Other countries, meanwhile, are enacting new laws to limit social media for children. In January,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-social-media-ban-children-d3c4010741dd1a39f61c1f6d5bb3c85b">French lawmakers approved a bill</a>&nbsp;banning social media for children under 15, paving the way for the measure to enter into force at the start of the next school year in September, as the idea of setting a minimum age for use of the platforms&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/britain-social-media-ban-australia-teen-harm-c59c76db73a8c1cfac28c8264738e395">gains momentum across Europe.</a>

In Australia, social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children 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. 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.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/britain-social-media-ban-australia-teen-harm-c59c76db73a8c1cfac28c8264738e395">British government</a>&nbsp;also said last month it will consider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-social-media-ban-children-2ae8c00402098db69797eb64c52e3d56">banning young teenagers from social media</a>&nbsp;as it tightens laws designed to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time.

Ortutay reported from Oakland, California. Associated Press Writer Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contributed to this story.

Landmark trial on social media addicting children to their platforms begins

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/andrew-dalton">ANDREW DALTON</a>

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catherine-ohara-dies-9fdc89411b4961c1d599f836503a6203">Catherine O’Hara died</a>&nbsp;from a pulmonary embolism, with cancer as the underlying cause.

A Los Angeles County death certificate issued Monday lists the pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, as the immediate cause of the actor’s Jan. 30 death at age 71. Rectal cancer was the long-term cause.

The oncologist who signed off on the certificate indicated that he had been treating O’Hara since March of last year, and last saw her on Jan. 27. She died at a hospital in Santa Monica, California.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catherine-ohara-appreciation-5b1d5a80bbc1882616f0e60335861746">beloved Canadian-born comic actor</a>&nbsp;and “SCTV” alum starred as Macaulay Culkin’s mother in two “Home Alone” movies and won an Emmy as the dramatically oblivious wealthy matriarch Moira Rose in “Schitt’s Creek.”

Her death was a surprise to most, and an initial statement from her representatives said only that she died “following a brief illness.”

Collaborators including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/catherine-ohara-dies-reaction-tributes-e097fcda898098f22055ad55ecec656b">Culkin, Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy</a>&nbsp;and Pedro Pascal paid her loving tribute after her death.

The document said she was cremated. It lists her profession as “actress” and her business as movies. It said she practiced her trade for 50 years.

Cause of death of award-winning 'Home Alone,' 'Schitt's Creek' star revealed

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSK I</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans preliminarily approved a symbolic resolution honoring the late conservative figure Charlie Kirk following an hourlong debate with Democrats on the House floor in a war of words over free speech and Kirk’s legacy.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1615/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1615</a>&nbsp;seeks to establish Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day on Oct. 14, 2026, Kirk’s birthday, and every Oct. 14 thereafter in Kansas. It was sponsored by Senate Republicans,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/28/kansas-senate-president-denounces-democrats-for-out-of-context-bs-comments-on-charlie-kirk/">passing that chamber</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 28 in a 30-9 vote along party lines.

Republican Rep. Megan Steele of Manhattan championed the resolution Monday in the House, praising Kirk’s unflinching commitment to free speech, open debate and family values. Democrats saw Kirk’s legacy differently, and they took Monday’s debate as an opportunity to question Republicans’ support for a controversial figure who was known for publicly making racist, sexist and bigoted remarks.

Since Kirk was&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-shot-during-event-at-utah-valley-university/" target="_blank">shot and killed on Sep. 10</a>&nbsp;while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, his reputation has become more complicated with Americans disagreeing over how he should be remembered. The debate in the Kansas House was only the latest example. Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit that hosts debates, which are often fodder for viral videos.

“His movement and his passion for truth and faith, family and liberty does not stop here,” Steele said.

Rep. Emil Bergquist, a Park City Republican, said Kirk represented the values of respectful discourse and debate. He said he was proud to vote in favor of the resolution, not because it idolized any one person but because it reminded him of his close-held belief of speaking up for what is right.

Democrats spent the hourlong debate illustrating their opposition to the resolution. They took particular issue with Kirk’s history of comments denigrating racial and religious groups, specifically Black people and Catholics.

Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin, a Leawood Democrat, twice attempted to amend the resolution, modifying language to specify that Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day will only be commemorated in 2026 and adding language to bolster the definition of free speech. Both amendments failed.

Rep. Brooklynne Mosley, a Lawrence Democrat, rattled off income, hunger and health care statistics. She criticized Republicans for spending time on such a resolution instead of passing legislation to help their constituents.

Rep. Ford Carr, a Wichita Democrat, attempted to add Malcolm X as an honoree on Oct. 14.

Carr noted the irony in Republicans honoring free speech when&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/31/kansas-republicans-admonish-black-lawmaker-his-response-not-my-job-to-protect-your-feelings/">leadership formally reprimanded him</a>&nbsp;three years earlier for remarks on the House floor.

Carr, who is Black, used the term “house Negro” during a debate, indirectly referring to a fellow Black Democrat.

“Where was the freedom of speech on that day?” he asked.

The Legislature hasn’t historically embraced open discussions of racism within the body. Carr also was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/25/at-tense-hearing-kansas-house-panel-reviews-evidence-in-complaint-against-outspoken-lawmaker/">formally investigated last year</a>&nbsp;after Republican Rep. Leah Howell of Derby filed a complaint against him for indecorous behavior. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/09/kansas-house-committee-punts-punishment-for-democratic-rep-ford-carr-opting-for-admonishment/">results of the investigation</a>&nbsp;were inconclusive. In 2015, Republicans filed a complaint against Kansas City, Kansas, Democratic Rep. Valdenia Winn, who is also Black, after she called a bill racist and sexist.

While Carr presented his amendment Monday, Steele refused his request to stand for a question from him. She had previously answered questions about the resolution’s format and contents from a white Democrat.

“That should tell you all you need to know,” Carr said. “Freedom of speech, yet she doesn’t want to speak.”

After that comment, Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, accused Carr of impugning Steele’s motives, an approach used by Republicans to halt perceived discordant comments, largely from Democrats.

Steele then challenged the germaneness of Carr’s amendment, questioning its relevance.

A rules committee made up of a handful of legislators from both parties decided it was, indeed, germane.

But that didn’t guarantee Carr’s amendment would make headway.

“I think this fits perfectly,” Carr said.

Both Malcom X and Kirk challenged the world with their speech, he said.

“They stretched and pushed the barrier with the things that they said, and, in the end, their lives were both ended with a gunshot,” he said.

The amendment failed in an 82-33 vote along party lines.

“I think that vote clearly represents the driving force behind this, and it has absolutely nothing to do with freedom of speech. I would exercise my freedom of speech and use terms like ‘racists’ and ‘bigots,’ ” Carr said, taking a pause, “but I digress.”

A majority of the House gave first-round approval to the Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day resolution, but final action is pending.

Kan. lawmakers debate right-wing activist’s legacy as Charlie Kirk day resolution advances

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged drive by shooting in Riley County.

Just before 9p.m. Saturday, officers filed a report of aggravated assault that occurred near mile marker 187 of Fort Riley Blvd., according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect shot at their vehicle while driving on Fort Riley Blvd.

Police investigating Manhattan area drive by shooting

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie</a>&nbsp;said in a video released Monday that her family is “at an hour of desperation” is the search for the “Today” show host's missing mother, ahead of Monday evening's looming ransom deadline set by the purported abductors.

She didn’t mention the deadline in the video, saying her family still believes 84-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;is out there as the search is now in its second week. There's still no word on whether the 84-year-old is still alive, authorities have said.

The mysterious disappearance and search has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-guthrie-famous-kidnappings-4c4ac60734ea43d6e4edb3261a0d1732">riveted the U.S.</a>&nbsp;— from President Donald Trump who spoke with Savannah Guthrie last week to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/search-nancy-guthrie-social-media-posts-e176abcc670af3844416946fb3bb5619">online sleuths</a>&nbsp;who’ve flooded social media with tips, theories and rumors.

Multiple press outlets have received alleged ransom letters during the past week. At least one letter made monetary demands and set deadlines for receiving the money. The first deadline passed last Thursday but a second one was set for Monday.

Law enforcement officials declined to affirm that the letters were credible but said all tips were being investigated seriously.

Investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie's Arizona neighborhood several times over the weekend, ahead of a Monday evening deadline set by her purported abductors who sent ransom notes demanding money for her return.

Savannah Guthrie said over the weekend that the family was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mom-missing-92dff046a91f2c5c0093f17cd3b7ad42">prepared to pay</a>&nbsp;for her mother’s return.

“We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” she said in a video posted Saturday. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-6c7b78d17d7b647c64f71f64ecaecf8b">taken against her will</a>&nbsp;from her home just outside Tucson. She was last seen there on Jan. 31 and reported missing the next day after not attending church services. DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her and her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mom-missing-nancy-adaa8af43efe04c252a52616d9037a05">doorbell camera was disconnected</a>&nbsp;in the early hours of Sunday morning, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said.

Outside the home on Monday, neighbors strolled by on their morning jogs and walks, while a county sheriff's deputy remained stationed out front.

Detectives and agents carried out follow-up work at multiple locations over the weekend as part of the investigation, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Sunday. “Investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to this case,” the department said.

Investigators on Saturday were inside daughter Annie Guthrie’s home, about 4 miles (6 kilometers) from Nancy Guthrie's house. On Sunday, an investigator was seen using a pole to search an underground tank behind Nancy Guthrie’s home.

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