The Hutchinson City Council will hold its regular Jan. 6 meeting as scheduled at Hutchinson City Hall, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The meeting will mark the first appearance of newly elected at-large commissioner Darrin Truan, who will be sworn in during the administration of the oath of office. Council members will also elect a mayor and vice mayor for the coming year.

Following a brief reception recess, the council will take up several agenda items, including a public hearing and resolution to determine the advisability of issuing taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds on behalf of the PrairieLand Partners project.

Council members will also consider an ordinance amending the city’s official zoning map, including repealing and revising portions of the map as designated in the city code. Additional business includes an update to the city’s flood plain maps, proposed revisions to the city’s special assessment policy, and a strategic plan update.

The meeting is open to the public and will be held in the council chambers at City Hall.

City Council to meet, select mayor, and vice-mayor 

WICHITA, Kan. — Terminal renovations are set to begin today at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport as officials work to improve efficiency and prepare the facility for future growth.

The project will focus on reconfiguring the airport’s ticketing counters, with airport officials emphasizing that every effort will be made to minimize impacts to passengers during construction.

“This renovation allows us to better utilize our existing ticketing space while also preparing for future growth,” said Rachel Mayberry, Air Service and Marketing Manager. “Although we are working to limit any disruption, we continue to encourage passengers to arrive at the airport with enough time to feel comfortable before their flight.”

Funding for the renovation comes from a combination of recently announced state program funds, along with federal and local matching dollars. Airport officials say the primary objective is to maximize the use of existing space while creating additional capacity to support long-term passenger demand.

Most construction activity will take place during evening hours and behind the scenes, focusing largely on infrastructure and technology upgrades. Some passenger-facing improvements are also planned, including modifications and extensions to the ticketing counters, along with security enhancements to the exit lane.

Construction is expected to continue throughout the year and be completed by the end of 2026.

Renovations underway at Wichita's Eisenhower National Airport

Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain and County Administrator Randy Partington joined the BW Morning Show to discuss the wide-ranging responsibilities of the Public Works Department and major projects currently underway across the county.

Brittain&nbsp;noted that Public Works is one of the county’s largest and most diverse departments, overseeing far more than roads alone. The department’s Road and Bridge Division includes multiple crews responsible for maintaining 551 miles of county asphalt roads, more than 1,100 miles of ditches, bridge construction and repair, signage, culvert installation, and roadside mowing performed several times each year.

In addition to road and bridge operations, Public Works also oversees planning and zoning, noxious weed control, environmental health, and county utilities. The utilities division manages five public sewer districts and two public water districts within Reno County.

One of the department’s most significant current projects involves the Yoder Water District, which has been dealing with elevated nitrate levels. Brittain said the county secured a $1.4 million grant that will fully fund a new water line being installed from Hutchinson to Yoder.

Under the plan, Reno County will purchase water from the City of Hutchinson and blend it with existing county water to lower nitrate levels to safe standards while keeping rates affordable for residents. Construction is underway along Yoder Road, and Brittain expects the project to be completed by May, resolving the nitrate issue by summer.

Another major project is a new joint wastewater treatment system serving the Yoder and HABIT wastewater districts near the former Naval Air Base area, where growth—particularly at the Law Enforcement Training Center—has increased demand. The $6.13 million project, also fully grant-funded, will consolidate the two systems, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and expand wastewater capacity. Design work is ongoing, with construction expected to begin this summer.

Brittain also addressed the county’s road maintenance strategy, noting a significant shift over the past 15 years. All county asphalt roads have now received hot-mix overlays, replacing older patch-and-seal methods that were prone to potholes. Going forward, the county plans to overlay approximately 40 miles of road per year to maintain a 14-year resurfacing cycle.

While townships maintain their own dirt roads, Reno County Public Works is responsible for maintaining all bridges on both county and township roads—more than 1,100 structures in total. Brittain also serves as a resource for township officials on statutory responsibilities and conflict resolution.

Environmental Health, another division within Public Works, oversees private wastewater systems and private water wells outside city limits. Property owners experiencing issues must work through the department, which handles permitting and regulatory oversight.

Brittain said Public Works frequently assists other county departments during emergencies, such as tornadoes or wildfires, working in coordination with Reno County Emergency Management.

Despite taking on additional responsibilities over the years, Brittain said the department has become more efficient through staffing reductions, restructuring, and improved scheduling. He credited the department’s employees for adapting and maintaining high productivity.

Residents with concerns related to roads, water, or other Public Works issues are encouraged to contact the department directly at 620-694-2976. Requests are logged into a tracking system to ensure follow-up.

Looking ahead, Brittain said the county continues to pursue grants to fund bridge replacement projects, noting that Reno County replaces bridges every year—both through contracted projects and in-house construction.

“With more than 460 bridges, hundreds of additional structures, and hundreds of miles of roads, there’s always something happening,” Brittain said. “Public Works never really stops.”

Brittain highlights major projects, ongoing responsibilities

Meet Bicycle — a gentle, cuddle-forward sweetheart who came in with a charming mini cowbell on his collar that jingles when he trots over for pets. He’s an FIV-positive cat, which just means his immune system needs a little extra mindfulness. With a stable home, good nutrition, and routine vet care, FIV-positive cats like Bicycle can live long, happy lives.

Personality: Affectionate, mellow, and people oriented. Loves head scratches, cozy naps, and lap time. Excellent purr motor.

Ideal Home: Indoor-only, calm environment. He can live with respectful cats after a slow introduction; FIV is not spread through casual contact like sharing bowls or grooming—primarily deep bite wounds.

Health Notes: Neutered status and vaccines will be confirmed/updated before adoption. Regular wellness checks are recommended, like any cat.

Fun Detail: His tiny cowbell is part of his charm—he’ll happily follow you from room to room like your soft little shadow.

If you’re looking for a low-drama companion who’s all about love and snuggles, Bicycle is ready to ride home with you. Adopt today and let the gentle jingle of his cowbell brighten your day.

To adopt Bicycle, contact The Hutchinson Animal Shelter at&nbsp;<a href="tel:620-694-1924">620-694-1924</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Hutchinson Animal shelter is located at 1501 South Severance Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

🐱 Adopt a Furry Friend: Bicycle

Faculty have returned which means the start of the spring semester at Hutchinson Community College is just around the corner. With classes starting Jan. 12, campus is busy with last-minute preparations. 

With its affordable tuition, small class sizes and a wide range of both transfer and technical programs, HutchCC is well positioned to meet the needs of today’s students, whether they be recent high school graduates, transfer students, working adults or those looking to change or advance careers. 

“There’s no better time to start than now,” said Dr. Tricia Paramore, HutchCC President. “Whether a student is just beginning their college journey or returning to finish what they started, HutchCC provides the support and flexibility to help them succeed. 

Students can choose from academic transfer programs, technical and career-focused degrees, and short-term certificates aligned with in-demand fields. Support services such as academic advising, tutoring, and financial aid assistance are available to help students get started and stay on track. 

Prospective students are encouraged to visit <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/starthere">www.hutchcc.edu/starthere</a> or call 620-665-3500 to learn more.

HutchCC to welcome students back to campus 

After more than six months away, McPherson High School athletics are returning home.

The Bullpups will officially be back in the Roundhouse on Tuesday, hosting Augusta in a doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m. The return comes after a 203-day absence caused by extensive repairs to the gym floor, which forced teams to spend the fall and first half of the winter seasons without access to their home facility.

School officials expressed appreciation for the flexibility and cooperation shown by students, staff, athletes, and coaches throughout the extended disruption. During the renovation period, McPherson High School teams competed and hosted events at a variety of alternate locations.

<a href="https://eaglepost.netlify.app/dashboard/hutch/posts/691e3dfc-b931-4454-be2e-a357c0325b3b">LINK:&nbsp;USD 418 weighs flood mitigation and Roundhouse gym floor replacement</a>

The school also extended thanks to several area schools and institutions that provided facilities or hosted McPherson events, including McPherson College, Canton-Galva, Salina South, Smoky Valley, Newton, Andale, Wellington, and Derby. In addition, more than 40 opposing teams across volleyball, wrestling, and basketball adjusted schedules to accommodate McPherson’s temporary relocation.

Tuesday’s games mark a long-awaited homecoming for Bullpup athletics, with the reopening of the Roundhouse signaling a return to normalcy for McPherson High School sports programs and fans alike.

Bullpups to return to roundhouse following floor damage

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. ——————————————

Irene		Kilmer		1/5/2026 8:25&nbsp;AM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conv

Devin	Michael	Horton		1/5/2026 12:37&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Mary	Elizabeth	Fisher		1/5/2026 12:59&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Poss of marijuana; 1 prior conviction,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Hailey	Dawn	Koehn		1/5/2026 1:14&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Kyle	Ray	Campbell		1/5/2026 1:56&nbsp;PM	DL Violation; No Drivers License in Possession

Frank		Butler	Jr	1/5/2026 2:51&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant

Jonas	Joshua	Schmidt		1/5/2026 3:42&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Gregory	Bryon	Norris		1/5/2026 3:46&nbsp;PM	Direct Contempt

Ashley	Dayanara	Ortiz-Portela		1/5/2026 4:11&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Travis	Wade	Christian		1/5/2026 4:47&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Madelyn	Paige	Poepperling		1/5/2026 9:01&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Marcus	William Ray	Bishop		1/6/2026 3:04&nbsp;AM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant,&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000

Daily Bookings

On September 30th, 2025, the Hutchinson Police Department received a call from an unknown individual regarding a threat directed at Hutchinson High School. Given the seriousness of the situation, immediate action was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff. Hutchinson High School, Graber Elementary, located at 1600 North Cleveland Street, and Transitional Learning Center, 700 East 13th Ave, were placed under lockdown.

During the investigation, a suspect was identified and interviewed. Kayleb Lozoya, 17-year-old male of Hutchinson, was taken into custody and transported to Reno County Juvenile Detention Center for three counts of aggravated criminal threat, interference with law enforcement (making a false report), interference with law enforcement (concealing / destroying evidence), unlawful request for emergency services, and criminal false communication.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/750f7afb-c48b-4286-96bb-b35cb9b81c3f">LINK:&nbsp;Police say Hutchinson High School threat was a swatting incident</a>

This was an extensive investigation that took time due to the complexity of gathering and analyzing evidence from multiple sources. This included applying for and executing search warrants on digital media. 

If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816, your local law enforcement agency, or Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS. You can also use the P3Tips App on your smartphone, or text RENOKS to 738477 to receive a link to an anonymous tip form. (Msg frequency varies. Msg &amp; data rates may apply. Text HELP for help and STOP to cancel. P3 Terms and Privacy Policy.)

All defendants are innocent unless they are found guilty in court. Please direct any questions regarding these cases to the Office of the District Attorney at 620-694-2715.

Teen arrested following Sept. swatting threat at Hutch High

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

Three-day Outlook

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Police found body of man reported missing in Pratt 

DOUGLAS COUNTY–&nbsp; A man who broke into City Hall in Lawrence early Monday and was fatally shot by a city employee has been identified as&nbsp;28-year-old Omar Dominguez Gavilan from Buffalo, Minnesota, according to Lawrence Police spokesperson Laura McCabe.

Investigators learned that Gavilan was traveling through Kansas on a Greyhound bus. Early Sunday evening he was at Lawrence’s Kansas Turnpike Authority service station on I-70, just east of town. The Kansas Highway Patrol was called to remove him from the service station area due to erratic behavior. KHP transported Gavilan to the Amtrak station in Lawrence.&nbsp; Police did not have contact with Gavilan Sunday evening nor into the morning hours on Monday.

Just before 8a.m. Monday, Gavilan entered the City Hall building through a locked back door, proceeded up a stairwell to the 4th&nbsp;floor where he broke out a window within another secure door to enter the office area.&nbsp; Employees encountered Gavilan along his route and notified authorities that an intruder was in the building and attempted to find a safe area for themselves.&nbsp; An on-duty court security officer ultimately approached the man, announced his authority, and asked him to put his hands behind his back.&nbsp; 

Gavilan did not comply and began fighting the security officer.&nbsp;Details of the physical fight that followed will not be released until the investigation is complete because detectives are still interviewing those involved and police don’t want to influence any witness accounts.&nbsp;Within seconds of the shots being fired, Lawrence police officers were on-scene and began rendering aid to Gavilan along with the initial security officer and a second security officer who had arrived at the scene. Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical quickly arrived, took over his care, then pronounced him deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Detectives in the Lawrence Police Investigations Unit expect to have a full report of the events sent to&nbsp;the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for review within 2-3 weeks.&nbsp; During this time, the City employee is on administrative leave, which is standard.

Police ID intruder shot by city employee at Lawrence City Hall

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

Just after 5:30p.m. January 4, a sheriff's&nbsp;deputy on routine patrol stopped a vehicle for speeding 101 mph in a 65 mph zone in the vicinity of U.S. 75 and&nbsp; 160th, according to Brown County Sheriff&nbsp; John Merchant.

While making contact with the driver&nbsp; of the vehicle identified as 71-year-old Clarence Riley of Minot, North&nbsp; Dakota, an odor of burnt marijuana was detected&nbsp; coming from the vehicle.&nbsp; 

The deputy arrested Riley on requested charges ofPossession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp.

Sheriff: Driver was transporting cocaine at 101mph on Kan. highway

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/bill-barrow">BILL BARROW</a> Associated Press

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday he wants Republicans to reach a deal on health care insurance assistance by being willing to bend on a 50-year-old budget policy that bars federal money from being spent on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortion services</a>.

“You have to be a little flexible” on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-presidential-election-90e629ff016a4e3d98e7be9c149f5c73">the Hyde Amendment</a>, Trump told House Republicans as they gathered in Washington for a caucus retreat to open the midterm election year. “You gotta be a little flexible. You gotta work something. You gotta use ingenuity.”

With his suggestion, Trump, who supported abortion rights before he entered politics in 2015, is asking conservatives to abandon or at least ease up on decades of Republican orthodoxy on abortion and spending policy — something lawmakers and conservatives pushed back on immediately.

At the same time, he is demonstrating his long-standing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-abortion-election-2024-ivf-contraception-d91f0959087e803db390be11eb60975b">malleability on abortion</a>&nbsp;and acknowledging that Democrats have the political upper hand on health care after Republicans, who control the White House, the Senate and the House, allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/affordable-care-act-health-subsidies-expire-35060610e82ca3257821c53f2a34ecf6">the expiration of premium subsidies</a>&nbsp;for people buying Affordable Care Act insurance policies. As negotiations on Capitol Hill continue on the matter, some Democrats are pushing to end the Hyde restrictions as part of any new agreements on health care subsidies.

Trump’s road map on the Hyde Amendment came more than an hour into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-house-republicans-meeting-kennedy-center-ad8705ea228a8a4591567fb51f87edb3">a stem-winding speech</a>&nbsp;intended as a part strategy session and part pep rally as Republicans attempt to maintain their threadbare House majority in the November midterms.

The president touted the GOP proposal to replace ACA subsidies — which taxpayers typically steer directly to insurance companies after selecting their policies — with direct payments that taxpayers could use for a range of health care expenses, including insurance. The expanded ACA subsidies expired on Dec. 31, 2025, hitting millions of policy holders with steep premium increases.

“Let the money go directly to the people,” Trump said, before casually slipping in a reference to the Hyde Amendment.

“We’re all big fans of everything,” he said. “But you have to have flexibility.”

Turning directly to GOP leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump added, “If you can do that, you’re going to have — this is going to be your issue.”

House Republicans did not visibly react to Trump’s argument. But Senate Republicans appeared unlikely to back off their demands that any new health care legislation maintain existing restrictions on government funding for abortion services.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune reiterated his stance Tuesday afternoon that any legislation must ensure “that those dollars aren’t being used to go against the practice that has been in place for the last 50 years.”

Beyond Capitol Hill, Trump drew swift condemnation from parts of the GOP coalition that want absolute opposition to any policy that might ease abortion restrictions.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said it would sour core conservative voters and make Republicans “sure to lose this November.”

“To suggest Republicans should be ‘flexible’ is an abandonment of this decades-long commitment,” she said in a statement. “The voters sent a GOP trifecta to Washington and they expect it to govern like one. Giving in to Democrat demands that our tax dollars are used to fund plans that cover abortion on demand until birth would be a massive betrayal.”

Even before Trump’s speech, activists were ramping up pressure on Republicans in their talks with Democrats.

At Americans United for Life, a leading advocacy group that opposes abortion rights, Gavin Oxley penned an op-ed this week for “The Hill” titled, “Republicans must hold the line: No Hyde Amendment, no deal on health care.”

“If they play their cards right,” Oxley wrote, “Republicans just might earn back enough of their base’s trust to sustain them through the 2026 midterms.”

The Hyde Amendment, named for the late Rep. Henry Hyde, originally applied to Medicaid, the joint federal-state insurance program for poor and disabled Americans, and barred it from paying for abortions unless the woman’s life is in danger or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Hyde first introduced it in 1976, shortly after the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which legalized abortion nationwide.

Over the years, Congress reauthorized Hyde policy as part of spending bills that fund the government. Democrats who support abortion access often joined Republicans who opposed abortion rights as a bipartisan compromise to pass larger spending deals. But as the two parties hardened their respective positions on abortion, Democrats became more uniform opponents of the ban, most famously when presidential candidate Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-united-states-presidential-election-national-national-c142b9f08fa741c89bc26330d43e3abc">reversed his long-standing support for Hyde</a>&nbsp;on his way to winning the 2020 Democratic nomination and general election.

Republicans have maintained their near-absolute support for the amendment.

The anti-abortion movement was initially skeptical of Trump as a presidential candidate in 2015 and 2016. But he has mostly aligned with the key faction of the Republican coalition, especially on Supreme Court appointments that led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the 2022 decision overturning Roe</a>.

—- Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press reporter Stephen Groves contributed from Washington.

🎥What Presidet Trump told Republicans on abortion restrictions

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ronald-reagan">Ronald Reagan</a>&nbsp;and a conservative commentator, has died. He was 80.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announced his death in a post on the social platform X on Tuesday, calling him “a steadfast guardian of his father’s legacy.”

“Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals,” the foundation said.

His cause of death was not immediately announced.

Reagan was a contributor to the conservative Newsmax television network and was known for his talk radio program, “The Michael Reagan Show.”

Reagan was born to Irene Flaugher in 1945 and adopted just hours after his birth by Ronald Reagan and his then-wife, actor Jane Wyman.

The young Reagan followed in his parents’ footsteps.

After attending Arizona State University and Los Angeles Valley College, Reagan took up acting, built his syndicated radio show and authored several books, including two about his personal journey titled “On the Outside Looking in” and “Twice Adopted.”

Throughout his life, Reagan also focused his time on several charities, raising money in powerboat racing and serving as chair of the John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation board for three years.

Ronald Reagan, who was known for trying to scale back government and devoting his presidency to winning the Cold War, died in 2004 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Michael Reagan pushed his father’s ideas forward as chair of the Reagan Legacy Foundation.

Michael Reagan’s second marriage was to Colleen Stearns, with whom he had two children.

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, dies at 80

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, which is leading the investigation into the death of 13-year-old Airen Andula of Pleasonton, Kansas, has now confirmed the cause of the teen's death. 

According to the autopsy conducted by the Wyandotte County Kansas Coroner's Office, the cause of death has been identified as multiple dog bite injuries, the Kansas City Kansas Police Department reported.

Damon Leonard of Pleasonton, Kansas remains in custody on a $100,000, cash-only bond, in Bates County, Missouri on charges of abandonment of a corpse in relation to the teen’s death. 

Charges against Leonard have also been filed in Linn County, Kansas for interference of law enforcement, criminal desecration and having a vicious dog at large.

The investigation in to Airen’s death remains ongoing by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp;

Autopsy: Kansas boy died from multiple dog bites

NEW YORK (AP) — Broad gains led by technology stocks pushed Wall Street to more records on Tuesday.

The gains mirror much of the action from the previous year, when big technology stocks often drove the market to a series of records.

Technology stocks led the gains, but several other sectors assisted in the broader market's advance. Health care companies, retailers and industrial firms broadly gained ground. Roughly three out of every four stocks in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index rose.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 42.77 points, or 0.6%, to 6,944.82, setting a record on just the third trading day of the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 484.90 points, or 1%, to 49,462.08, hitting a record for a second-straight day. The Nasdaq composite rose 151.35 points, or 0.6%, to 23,547.17.

Small company stocks outpaced their larger counterparts. The Russell 2000 jumped 1.4% and is now just below its record set in December.

The most notable action remained in the tech sector. Amazon, which has reach into both retail and technology, surged 3.4%. It is one of the most valuable companies in the world and its outsized stock valuation helped counter losses elsewhere in the market, including a 1.8% loss from Apple.

Micron Technology surged 10%, also helping to lift the market. Microsoft rose 1.2%

Nvidia, which is often the biggest force behind the market's direction, wavered throughout the day and finished 0.5% lower.

Sandisk surged 27.6% for the market's biggest gain. The stock's value has jumped more than 800% since spinning off from Western Digital last February. The gains have been driven by artificial intelligence and the resulting demand for data-storage hardware. Western Digital rose 16.8%.

Technology companies, especially those focused on artificial intelligence, are being closely watched this week during the industry's annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ces-nvidia-amd-lego-uber-a3e6e4e582ff83a4aa331d1791140369">CES trade show</a>&nbsp;in Las Vegas.

AI advances helped propel the broader market to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wall-street-stocks-bonds-crypto-tariffs-ai-539ae5ec338d19f52116e97d38300c28">series of records in 2025</a>. Investors will be watching companies for any updates that could shed more light on the big corporate investments in AI technology.

The price of benchmark U.S. crude oil fell 2% to $57.13 per barrel, pulling back from sharp gains a day prior when the market reacted to U.S. forces capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a weekend raid. The price of Brent crude, the international standard, fell 1.7% to $60.70 per barrel.

Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.16% from 4.15% late Monday. The yield on the two-year Treasury, which moves more closely with expectations for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-jobs-economy-3c48a2e88f04b70e993020712c8684b2">what the Federal Reserve will do</a>, rose to 3.46% from 3.45% late Monday.

Gold prices rose 1% and silver prices rose 5.7%. Such assets are often considered safe havens in times of geopolitical turmoil. The metals have notched record prices over the last year amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-trump-jobs-71f3d52f0fd63b34f4a8c59c60ffbe20">lingering economic concerns</a>&nbsp;brought on by conflicts and trade wars.

Outside of company announcements, Wall Street is preparing for several updates on the U.S. labor market this week, along with reports on the services sector and consumer sentiment. They will help paint a clearer picture of how vital parts of the economy closed out 2025 and the direction they could take in 2026.

On Wednesday, the U.S. government will release its report on job openings for November. The October report showed that U.S. job openings had barely budged. Weekly unemployment data will be released on Thursday and the broader monthly employment report, for December, will be released on Friday.

The Institute for Supply Management will also release its latest services sector update on Wednesday, while the University of Michigan will release its latest consumer sentiment survey Friday. They are both widely monitored because the services sector makes up the bulk of the U.S. economy, and consumer sentiment has been shaky under the weight of higher prices and economic uncertainty.

The Fed will be analyzing all of that data and more ahead of its next meeting in late January. The central bank cut its benchmark interest rate three times late in 2025 to try and counter the economic impact of a softer jobs market. Lower interest rates on loans can help bolster economic activity.

Cutting rates also risks fueling inflation at a time when it remains stubbornly above the Fed's 2% target and could potentially reheat. Rising inflation could counter any benefit from lower interest rates and weigh more heavily on the economy.

Wall Street expects the Fed to hold interest rates steady at its January meeting.

Wall Street reaches more records on more gains by Big Tech

Saline County Emergency Management is encouraging all local Houses of Worship leaders to attend a training to prepare and recover from an&nbsp;active shooter situation.

These training sessions will be hosted by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansastag.gov/">Kansas Division of Emergency Management</a>, as two webinars will be held in January.

Active&nbsp;Shooter, Houses of Worship Webinar&nbsp;will be held on&nbsp;January 15, 2026&nbsp;from&nbsp;2:00 pm—3:00 pm.

Houses of Worship are often considered a soft target for active shooter incidents.

While congregations want to be open and practice hospitality to all, there is also a need to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

In this training, areas of focus are on why Houses of Worship need to prepare, warning signs of known individuals, and how radical hospitality may play a role in deterring an active shooter incident. The Run-Hide-Fight method is discussed in terms of individual responses.

To register go to:<a href="https://www.train.org/main/welcome">&nbsp;KS-TRAIN</a>

Those that do not have a user account on KS-TRAIN and do not wish to have one can use the&nbsp;<a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/b8e90e19f7b545399bae41096430cfbe">alternate registration link</a>.

Active&nbsp;Shooter Recovery, Houses of Worship Webinar&nbsp;will be held on&nbsp;January 22, 2026&nbsp;from&nbsp;2:00 pm—3:00 pm.

Recovery is a continuous process that occurs over short and long-term incremental phases.

Following an incident, the message that your congregations portray will be a powerful indication of who you are. Recovery is a process – don’t rush it!

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Saline Co. offering active shooter training for church worship leaders

WASHINGTON —The U.S. took the unprecedented step Monday of reducing the number of&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;it recommends for every child. While some leading medical groups say this move would undermine protections against a half-dozen diseases, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, a physician, released a statement he gave to Newsmax on his agreement with the changes to the childhood vaccine schedule.

Marshall said,&nbsp;“Yeah, I think this is a great step in the right direction, most importantly, to restore the trust of the American people in the CDC. To your point, we did have 17 different viruses that we were vaccinating against as we decreased that to 11, and ultimately restored the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship."

Marshall continued, "Look, these vaccines are a medicine of sorts, and just like you wouldn’t start a new medicine without talking to your doctor about the pros and cons, the risks and benefits, I think that vaccines serve that same level of discussion with your own doctor. So let’s put this back in the hands of your good doctor and patients. I have faith in Americans that they’ll make the right decision, what’s best for their child.”

Kansas U.S. Senator comments on changes to child vaccine schedule

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement arrested a suspect after a reported armed robbery at a Circle K in southwest Wichita last week. Officers used a drone to quickly locate the suspect and direct officers to his location.

Just before 5:30 a.m. Jan. 2, police responded to a robbery call at the Circle K at 1254 S. Tyler in Wichita, according to a media release.

An employee told officers a man entered the store armed with a handgun and demanded cash from the register. The employee handed over cash, and the suspect, identified from Sedgwick County booking records as 46-year-old Charles G. Scott, fled westbound on a bicycle.

Officers found a bicycle just west of Tyler that appeared to have crashed. A responding officer deployed a drone and quickly spotted Scott hopping fences in the neighborhood west of the gas station. Officers moved in, took the Scott into custody, and recovered cash from his pocket. Officers also found clothing and a gun matching the description nearby along his path of travel.&nbsp;

"This is exactly how technology helps us in real time," Wichita Police Chief Joseph Sullivan said. "Drones let us quickly deploy, cover a perimeter, and direct officers to the suspect right away. In this case, that quick response was huge, and it helped us get someone who committed a violent crime off the street."

Scott is being held in the Sedgwick County Jail on requested of aggravated robbery, theft, drug possession and a numerous other allegations, according to online jail records.

Drone helps police capture Kansas armed robbery suspect

<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-bauder">DAVID BAUDER</a> Associated Press

In the wake of last weekend’s U.S. military action in Venezuela, the news media got something it has seldom heard from the Trump administration: a “thank you.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio credited news organizations that had learned in advance about Saturday’s strike that led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328">capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;with not putting the mission in jeopardy by publicly reporting on it before it happened.

Rubio’s acknowledgment was particularly noteworthy because Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has cited a mistrust of journalists’ ability to responsibly handle sensitive information as one of the chief reasons for imposing restrictive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-press-access-hegseth-trump-restrictions-5d9c2a63e4e03b91fc1546bb09ffbf12">new press rules</a>&nbsp;on Pentagon reporters. Most mainstream news organizations have left posts in the Pentagon rather than agree to Hegseth’s policy.

Speaking on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, Rubio said the Republican administration withheld information about the mission from Congress ahead of time because “it will leak. It’s as simple as that.” But the primary reason was operational security, he said.

“Frankly, a number of media outlets had gotten leaks that this was coming and held it for that very reason,” Rubio said. “And we thank them for doing that or lives could have been lost. American lives.”

Semafor, citing “people familiar with communications between the administration and news organizations,” reported that The New York Times and The Washington Post had both learned of the raid in advance but held off reporting on it to avoid endangering U.S. military personnel. Representatives for both outlets declined to comment to The Associated Press on Monday.

Withholding information on a planned mission for that reason is routine for news organizations, said Dana Priest, a longtime national security reporter at the Post who now teaches at the University of Maryland. Even after the fact, the Post has asked government authorities about whether revealing certain details could endanger people, she said.

When The Atlantic magazine editor Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-signal-classified-information-308e7a81d70d6233c06a1f7330ae3004">included in a text chain</a>&nbsp;last spring where Hegseth revealed information about a military attack in Yemen, the journalist did not report on the events until well after U.S. personnel was out of danger and the information had been thoroughly checked out.

Most Americans learned of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e">the Venezuela attack</a>&nbsp;in the predawn hours of Saturday when President Donald Trump announced it on his Truth Social platform upon completion.

While The Associated Press did not have advance word that the operation would happen, its journalists in Venezuela heard and observed explosions taking place there, and that was reported on the news wire more than two hours before Trump’s announcement. The U.S. involvement was not made clear until Trump’s post, however.

Decisions on publication have many dimensions

Hegseth, in defending rules that restrict reporters’ movements and reporting in the Pentagon, told Fox News last year that “we have expectations that you’re not soliciting classified or sensitive information.” The Times last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-press-access-new-york-times-lawsuit-4902b47079139202a906921e6c685a80">filed a lawsuit</a>&nbsp;seeking to overturn the rules.

“What the so-called legacy Pentagon press corps has demonstrated is it can act responsibly, as it always has, to protect troops’ lives,” said Barbara Starr, a former CNN defense correspondent. “But even more important perhaps is it demonstrates the media makes every effort to continue to cover the news outside of Pete Hegseth’s control and endless message points.”

Decisions on whether to report information that could put lives or a mission in danger often involve high-level discussions between editors and government officials. But Priest stressed that in a country with freedom of the press, the ultimate decision on whether to report the information lies with the news organization.

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