By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hannah Stoecklein, a second-grade teacher at Allen STEM Magnet School, has been named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for January.

Stoecklein was surprised in her classroom earlier this month by Cris Schul and Sandy Baker of Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, along with Ashley Weve of Eagle Media, who presented her with a certificate and a gift basket recognizing her work in the classroom.

“I am very honored that I got this award, because I think teaching can kind of have a bad rap or doesn’t get a lot of positive attention,” Stoecklein said. “And to get an award, you just kind of feel honored and you feel seen.”

Stoecklein is in her fourth year teaching and previously worked as a paraeducator. She said her decision to become a teacher was inspired by her own second-grade teacher, who took extra time to help her succeed when school was challenging.

“School has always been hard for me, and she was kind of the first teacher to truly take time out of her day,” Stoecklein said. “She would stay after school with me or use her plan time just to help me. Now that I’m a teacher, I think that’s even more amazing that she took her free time to help me.”

Originally from the small rural town of Montezuma in southwest Kansas, Stoecklein attended South Gray High School before earning her elementary education degree from Newman University in Wichita. She completed her student teaching at St. Dominic Catholic School in Garden City, then taught and coached in Nickerson for two years before joining USD 308. This is her second year in the district.

Stoecklein transferred to Allen STEM in late October of last year and said the move has been a positive experience.

“Allen has been phenomenal. Their staff has been so supportive,” she said. “It has been really cool to see the STEM side of things. Even in second grade, I can say we’re doing a STEM challenge, and the kids know what’s expected of them.”

She also praised the support system within USD 308.

“The resources in this district are outstanding,” Stoecklein said. “If you don’t know where to find something, someone will help you find it. That goes for teachers and administration.”

Stoecklein’s class also took part in the celebration, receiving pizza from Pizza Hut and ice cream sundaes from Braum’s.

Stoecklein encouraged prospective teachers to get involved firsthand.

“I would encourage them to volunteer in schools or become a substitute teacher and see for themselves,” she said. “Teaching can look intimidating, especially with what we see on social media, but there are a lot of good teachers, and we always need more.”

For Stoecklein, the most rewarding part of teaching comes from the small, daily victories.

“Small steps matter,” she said. “Their scores may not go up largely, but you see little improvements. It could be as simple as a kid following a direction the first time. Those small steps matter, and seeing that effort every day is one of my favorite things about teaching.”

Allen STEM's Hannah Stoecklein named Teacher of the Month

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Beyond Barriers released its 2025 service impact data, reporting thousands of services delivered to Kansans with disabilities across much of the state.

According to the organization’s annual figures, Beyond Barriers served 770 individuals in 60 Kansas counties in 2025, responding to 3,744 requests for assistance. Services were provided at no cost and focused on helping individuals pursue goals related to independent living, employment, housing, and accessibility.

Beyond Barriers is a nonprofit organization that provides person-centered support to people with disabilities, including advocacy, legal assistance, and independent living services. 

In 2025, service requests included advocacy and systems navigation, legal services, assistive technology support, housing assistance, independent living skills training, peer counseling, and vocational and employment services.

“These figures reflect the scope of need across Kansas and the importance of accessible, community-based supports,” said Erica Rivera, Executive Director of Beyond Barriers. “Each request represents someone working toward greater independence and self-determination.”

Beyond Barriers operates under an Independent Living philosophy, emphasizing consumer choice and self-direction. The organization reports that more than half of its board members are individuals with disabilities, and services are available without eligibility screening or proof of disability.

Looking ahead to 2026, Beyond Barriers expects service demand to continue. While grant funding supports part of its operations, the organization notes that community donations play a key role in maintaining free and responsive services for Kansans with disabilities.

More information about services and support opportunities is available at <a href="http://www.BeyondBarriersKS.com">www.BeyondBarriersKS.com</a>.

Beyond Barriers reports 2025 Service Impact for Kansas with disabilities

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) staff in Mexico City discussed the importance of the Mexican market to U.S. wheat farmers in mid-January with a visiting delegation of Kansas commodity groups led by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas).

“The symbiotic relationship between U.S. wheat farmers and Mexican millers relies on the U.S. as a reliable supplier of high-quality wheat to the Mexican private milling sector,” said Mitch Skalicky, USW regional vice president. “We appreciate the Senator traveling to Mexico to learn more about our work in this top market and offer his support for expanding this successful partnership.”

Senator Marshall traveled with leaders from Kansas Wheat, Kansas Soybean, Kansas Sorghum, Kansas Corn, Kansas Dairy and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. While in Mexico, Senator Marshall met with high-level Mexican government officials — including the Mexican Secretary of Agriculture — to discuss the importance of trade between the two countries and the shared role Kansas agriculture plays in feeding families across North America.

The delegation also met with private-sector businesses and associations operating in both Mexico and the U.S. to learn more about the economic and logistical partnerships powering trade between the two nations.

“Mexico is Kansas’ largest export market, and I traveled to Mexico City with Kansas commodity leaders to protect and expand opportunities for Kansas agriculture,” said Senator Marshall. “Under President Trump’s America First trade agenda, we’re going to fight for Kansas producers, demand fair treatment, and deliver real wins for our state. With USMCA renegotiations beginning this year, we’re focused on opening new doors for Kansas dairy and defending strong markets for Kansas wheat, sorghum, and corn — while enforcing fair trade rules and reducing the trade deficit.

Kansas Delegation Talks Successful Wheat Trade with Mexico

The delegation also met with Skalicky and Stephanie Bryant-Erdmann, USW assistant regional director, on Friday, January 16. The meeting covered a wide array of topics, ranging from the different wheat classes purchased by Mexico from the United States, the volume of Mexican wheat imports, the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) and transportation economics related to the shipping of wheat by rail from the U.S. to Mexico.

The USW team also presented an overview of the Mexican market situation, specific trade data on wheat shipments from Kansas to Mexico and future opportunities to expand U.S.-Mexico wheat trade.

As of January 8, 2026, Mexico has purchased 3.39 MMT (nearly 124.6 million bushels) of U.S. wheat, an 6% increase from last marketing year. Mexico currently ranks as the top buyer of U.S. hard red winter (HRW) and soft red winter (SRW) wheat and the second-largest buyer of hard red spring (HRS) and durum.

Clay Schemm, a Kansas wheat farmer from Sharon Springs, participated in the trade mission as a representative of Kansas Wheat. He noted that the pride and professionalism in the Mexican milling industry, their appreciation for the quality of wheat produced in the United States and their desire to move more trains and trucks across the border even more efficiently to keep up with the country’s growing demand for wheat. He remarked that it was refreshing to see the same “salt of the earth” work ethic valued by U.S. farming communities mirrored in customers south of the border.

“My personal takeaway is that the Mexican people are a group I am proud to have as partners on the world stage,” Schemm said. “There is a kinship there—a friendliness and a desire to connect that makes it feel like a true North American culture. They are all-in on this partnership, and we should be too.”

Wheat Scoop: USW cconveys importance of strong trade relationship with Mexico to visiting Kansas delegation

PrairieStar Health Center has been awarded a $600,000 challenge
grant from the Mabee Foundation to support the construction of a new,
state-of-the-art dental clinic. The facility will span 14,900 square feet and
will significantly increase access to dental care for rural residents in the
region.

Bridging the Gap in Access to Dental Care

To be constructed on PrairieStar’s existing property, just
to the west of its current facility, the new dental clinic will house 14 new
dental suites, one of which will be fully accessible for patients in wheelchairs.


“This project will not only increase access to care, it
will strengthen our most cherished commitments: our dental outreach program for
children, seniors in nursing homes and individuals with developmental
disabilities,” said PrairieStar CEO, Bryant Anderson.

The new dental space will allow PrairieStar to grow its
dental in-reach and outreach services, opening the door for over 2,000 more patients
to have access to dental care each year. 

“Our dental teams care for children in our schools who
struggle to learn because of constant mouth pain. They see seniors in our
nursing homes, who long for something as basic and dignifying as clean teeth
and provide outreach to individuals with disabilities who depend on a steady,
caring hand. These are the people who inspire us, who remind us why our work
matters so deeply,” PrairieStar Dental Director, Yen Nguyen, DMD said.

Engaging the Community in the Challenge

The Mabee Foundation challenge grant requires PrairieStar
to raise $676,300 (the challenge) from donors by January 13, 2027, in order to
receive $600,000 (the challenge grant). If PrairieStar is unable to raise all
the matching funds by the fundraising deadline, it will not receive any of the challenge
grant funds.

“PrairieStar appreciates the Mabee Foundation’s
opportunity to engage the community in this challenge and we are incredibly
thankful to those who will step forward and help us meet the challenge,”
Anderson said. “Together, we can bridge the gap in rural dental care and change
lives, one smile at a time.”

PrairieStar is currently looking for donors interested in
making a difference in their community by helping bridge the gap in access to
rural dental care. To donate or learn more about the project, visit
<a href="http://pshcks.org/bridgingthegap">pshcks.org/bridgingthegap</a> or contact Bryant Anderson at (620) 663-8484.

John and Lottie Mabee were hard workers, innovative
entrepreneurs and shrewd investors. They formed the Mabee Foundation in 1948 to
share their financial blessings with others and later created the foundation
‘challenge’ grants. The Mabee’s crafted the challenge grants in such a way as
to both require and inspire widespread public support. To learn more about the
Mabee foundation, visit their website at: mabeefoundation.com

PrairieStar awarded $600,000 challenge grant from Mabee Foundation

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

Three-day Outlook

TOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is warning consumers about a sophisticated email scam that falsely claims to come from the U.S. District Court and threatens recipients with legal action.

Kobach said the scam is designed to steal personal information or infect computers with malware by tricking people into opening attachments or clicking links that appear to be official court documents.

“Kansans should never respond to unsolicited emails claiming to be official court summons—these are sophisticated scams designed to steal personal information or infect devices with malware,” Kobach said. “State and federal courts do not serve legal documents via email, and clicking links or opening attachments in these fraudulent messages can have serious consequences.”

According to the Kansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, reports have come in from residents who received emails with subject lines such as “Legal Compliance Required: Court Case #USDC-2026-[Number].” The messages falsely claim the recipient has been “formally served with a summons in a civil action” and warn that a default judgment will be entered if the recipient does not respond immediately.

The Attorney General’s Office offered several tips for handling these emails:

Do not reply: Do not click on any links, open attachments, or respond to the sender. The content is likely malicious.

Know the process: The U.S. District Court does not serve initial summonses by email. Official service is carried out through certified mail or by a process server.

Verify independently: If you believe a legal case may exist, contact the Clerk of the Court using contact information found on the court’s official website, not details provided in the email.

Check the sender carefully: Scammers often spoof legitimate addresses or use non-government domains. Legitimate federal court emails always end in .gov, not .org or .com.

Consumers who receive one of these scam emails are encouraged to report it. The message can be forwarded to the Federal Trade Commission at <a href="MAILTO:spam@uce.gov">spam@uce.gov</a>

Kansans can also file a complaint with the Kansas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division through the Attorney General’s website.

Kobach said reporting the emails helps investigators track emerging scams and take action against those responsible.

Kansas A.G. warns of email scam 

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Recent obituaries and service times

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt testified in support of SB 360, the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act. The bill establishes a new regulatory framework for pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) that ensures PBM practices are focused on returning savings to Kansans.

“PBMs play a powerful role in determining what patients pay for prescription drugs, yet in Kansas their practices are near unregulated and cost taxpayers and health plans more,” said Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “This bill would go a long way in addressing many of the factors that drive up prescription costs for Kansans.”

SB 360 requires drug rebates to be passed through to patients and their health plans and bans a practice called “spread pricing” where a PBM bills a health plan more for a prescription than they reimburse a pharmacy and keep the difference as profit. The bill also aims to protect patient choices by requiring pharmacies to be reimbursed the same and gives the Department of Insurance the tools to ensure transparency and accountability.

Schmidt joined 63 proponents to testify in favor of SB 360. The full text of the bill can be found here at this <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/sb360_00_0000.pdf">link.</a>&nbsp;

Before becoming Insurance Commissioner in 2019, Vicki Schmidt served over 40 years as a local pharmacist.&nbsp;

Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt calls for PBM reform

A rupture in a main water line at The Wesley on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 24, prompted a swift and coordinated response from city crews, local businesses, and staff, ensuring resident safety and a rapid restoration of services.

The break occurred approximately six feet underground and left more than 80 residents without water for nearly 24 hours. Officials with the City of Hutchinson, including Mark Maness, responded quickly to shut off the water and secure the site.

Cleanup efforts began immediately with assistance from ServiceMaster, while Hilton Garden Inn stepped in on short notice to accommodate residents who needed temporary lodging. Barkley Plumbing worked throughout Sunday to repair the damaged line and restore water service, and Concrete Plus adjusted its schedule to replace flooring that had to be removed to access the leak.

The Wesley also highlighted the extraordinary efforts of its own employees during the incident. Maintenance crews coordinated on-site response efforts, housekeeping staff assisted with water removal and supply distribution, and front desk team members personally contacted affected residents and family members. Life Enrichment staff assisted with transportation, while Chief Operating Officer Nabeel Khokhar remained on site throughout the incident to oversee and manage the response.

Facility leaders also expressed gratitude to residents, noting that those affected handled the disruption with patience and understanding.

In a statement, The Wesley said the incident demonstrated the strength of its partnerships and staff commitment, adding that moments like this exemplify its guiding message: “Our people make the difference.”

Water line break at The Wesley sparks community-wide response

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The Hutchinson Fire Department has been recognized as a Gold Helmet Department for its strong participation in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, a nationwide effort aimed at better understanding and reducing cancer risk among firefighters.

Departments are eligible for Gold Helmet status if at least 50 percent of their active firefighters are enrolled in the registry, or if the department has more than 300 active firefighters signed up. Hutchinson Fire Department officials say the designation reflects a department-wide commitment to firefighter health and long-term safety.

The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer is the largest initiative ever undertaken to study cancer among U.S. firefighters. The registry is managed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which is recruiting current and former firefighters to help researchers better understand how cancer risk may vary across the nation’s diverse fire service.

Firefighters are routinely exposed to hazardous chemicals and carcinogens on the fireground, which can increase their risk of developing cancer over time. Despite growing awareness, many questions remain about how factors such as job role, length of service, types of incidents, and protective equipment affect cancer risk.

By enrolling a significant portion of its workforce, the Hutchinson Fire Department is contributing critical data that will help shape future prevention strategies, safety standards, and health protections for firefighters nationwide.

Department leaders say the Gold Helmet recognition underscores Hutchinson’s role as a leader in firefighter health advocacy and a willingness to take part in research that could benefit generations of firefighters to come.

HFD earns gold helmet recognition for cancer registry participation

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that he will nominate former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/federal-reserve-system">Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;official Kevin Warsh to be the next chair of the Fed, a decision likely to result in sharp changes to the powerful agency that could bring it closer to the White House.

Warsh would replace current chair Jerome Powell when his term expires in May. Trump chose Powell to lead the Fed in 2017 but this year has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">relentlessly assailed him</a>&nbsp;for not cutting interest rates quickly enough.

"I have known Kevin for a long period of time, and have no doubt that he will go down as one of the GREAT Fed Chairmen, maybe the best,” Trump posted on his Truth Social site. “On top of everything else, he is ‘central casting,’ and he will never let you down.”

The appointment, which requires Senate confirmation, amounts to a return trip for Warsh, 55, who was a member of the Fed's board from 2006 to 2011. He was the youngest governor in history when he was appointed at age 35. He is currently a fellow at the right-leaning Hoover Institution and a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

In some ways, Warsh is an unlikely choice for the Republican president because he has long been a hawk in Fed parlance, or someone who typically supports higher interest rates to control inflation. Trump has said the Fed’s key rate should be as low as 1%, far below its current level of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">about 3.6%</a>, a stance few economists endorse.

During his time as governor, Warsh objected to some of the low-interest rate policies that the Fed pursued during and after the 2008-09 Great Recession. He also often expressed concern at that time that inflation would soon accelerate, even though it remained at rock-bottom levels for many years after that recession ended.

More recently, however, in speeches and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-high-cost-of-the-feds-mission-creep-role-responsibility-monetary-policy-economy-20a352f8?mod=article_inline">opinion columns</a>, Warsh has said he supports lower rates.

Warsh beat out several other candidates, including Trump's top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, investment manager Rick Rieder, and current Fed governor Christopher Waller.

Warsh’s appointment would be a major step toward Trump asserting more control over the Fed, one of the few remaining independent federal agencies. While all presidents influence Fed policy through appointments, Trump’s rhetorical attacks on the central bank have raised concerns about its status&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-federal-reserve-powell-trump-63c3e35e8606b7b73455b08aa21456dd">as an independent institution</a>.

The announcement comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-independence-inflation-5c8cfa5816845d4f005db51c91cdab0d">an extended and unusually public search</a>&nbsp;that underscored the importance of the decision to Trump and the potential impact it could have on the economy. The chair of the Federal Reserve is one of the most powerful economic officials in the world, tasked with combating inflation in the United States while also supporting maximum employment. The Fed is also the nation’s top banking regulator.

The Fed’s rate decisions, over time, influence borrowing costs throughout the economy, including for mortgages, car loans and credit cards.

For now, Warsh would likely fill a seat on the Fed’s governing board that was temporarily occupied by Stephen Miran, a White House adviser who Trump appointed in September. Once on the board, Trump could then elevate Warsh to the chair position when Powell’s term ends in May.

Since Trump's reelection, Warsh has expressed support for the president's economic policies, despite a history as a more conventional, pro-free trade Republican.

In a January 2025 column in The Wall Street Journal, Warsh wrote that "the Trump administration’s strong deregulatory policies, if implemented, would be disinflationary. Cutbacks in government spending — inspired by the Department of Government Efficiency — would also materially reduce inflationary pressures.” Lower inflation would allow the Fed to deliver the rate cuts the president wants.

Trump has sought to exert more control over the Fed. In August he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-trump-fed-independence-firing-d06dfb46fbd300195c3cedc8cb5adadb">tried to fire Lisa Cook</a>, one of seven governors on the Fed’s board, in an effort to secure a majority of the board. Cook, however,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cook-trump-56e36badb0d1e9752e306fd6609747bd">sued to keep her job</a>, and the Supreme Court, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-cook-federal-reserve-powell-a8572f8a1f62cf653e822a64c714d05a">a hearing last week</a>, appeared inclined to let her stay in her position while her suit is resolved.

Economic research has found that independent central banks have better track records of controlling inflation. Elected officials, like Trump, often demand lower interest rates to juice growth and hiring, which can fuel higher prices.

Trump had said he would appoint a Fed chair who will cut interest rates to lower the government's borrowing costs and bring down mortgage rates, though the Fed doesn't decide those costs directly.

In December, he wrote on social media of the need for lower borrowing costs and said, “Anyone who disagrees with me will never be the Fed chairman!”

If confirmed by the Senate, Warsh would face challenges in pushing interest rates much lower. The chair is just one member of the Fed’s 19-person rate-setting committee, with 12 of those officials voting on each rate decision. The committee is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">already split</a>&nbsp;between those worried about persistent inflation, who’d like to keep rates unchanged, and those who think that recent upticks in unemployment point to a stumbling economy that needs lower interest rates to bolster hiring.

Financial markets could also push back. If the Fed cuts its short-term rate too aggressively and is seen as doing so for political reasons, then Wall Street investors could sell Treasury bonds out of fear that inflation would rise. Such sales would push up longer-term interest rates, including mortgage rates, and backfire on Warsh.

Trump considered appointing Warsh as Fed chair during his first term, though ultimately he went with Powell. Warsh’s father-in-law is Ronald Lauder, heir to the Estee Lauder cosmetics fortune and a longtime donor and confidant of Trump’s.

Prior to serving on the Fed's board in 2006, Warsh was an economic aide in George W. Bush's Republican administration and was an investment banker at Morgan Stanley.

Warsh worked closely with then-Chair Ben Bernanke in 2008-09 during the central bank’s efforts to combat the financial crisis and the Great Recession. Bernanke later wrote in his memoirs that Warsh was “one of my closest advisers and confidants” and added that his “political and markets savvy and many contacts on Wall Street would prove invaluable.”

Warsh, however,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/files/FOMC20080430meeting.pdf">raised concerns</a>&nbsp;in 2008, as the economy tumbled into a deep recession, that further interest rate cuts by the Fed could spur inflation. Yet even after the Fed cut its rate to nearly zero, inflation stayed low.

More recently, Warsh has become harshly critical of the Fed, calling for “regime change" and assailing Powell for engaging on issues like climate change and diversity, equity and inclusion, which Warsh said are outside the Fed's mandate.

His more critical approach suggests that if he does ascend to the position of chair, it would amount to a sharp transition at the Fed.

In a July interview on CNBC, Warsh said Fed policy “has been broken for quite a long time.”

“The central bank that sits there today is radically different than the central bank I joined in 2006,” he added. By allowing inflation to surge in 2021-22, the Fed “brought about the greatest mistake in macroeconomic policy in 45 years, that divided the country.”

Details on President Trump's pick to chair the Federal Reserve

WASHINGTON (AP) — Journalist Don Lemon was arrested in connection with an anti-immigration protest that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-protest-church-minneapolis-fcc97a29b9c4434c665d76d4811c5a3e">disrupted a service</a>&nbsp;at a Minnesota church and increased tensions between residents and the Trump administration, his lawyer said Friday.

Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he had been covering the Grammy Awards, his attorney Abbe Lowell said.

It is unclear what charge or charges Lemon is facing in the Jan. 18 protest. The arrest came after a magistrate judge last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-minnesota-church-disruption-bondi-ed084f5005187f58eabe0cc627d1862b">rejected prosecutors’ initial bid</a>&nbsp;to charge the journalist.

Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023, has said he has no affiliation to the organization that went into the church and that he was there as a journalist chronicling protesters.

“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” Lowell said in a statement. “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”

Lowell added that “Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on social media Friday morning confirming the arrest of Lemon and three others who were present during the protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, where a local official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement serves as a pastor.

“At my direction, early this morning federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota,” Bondi said.

Since he left CNN, Lemon has joined the legion of journalists who have gone into business for himself, posting regularly on YouTube. He hasn’t hidden his disdain for Trump. Yet during his online show from the church, he said repeatedly, “I’m not here as an activist. I’m here as a journalist.” He described the scene in front of him, and interviewed churchgoers and demonstrators.

Shortly after the first attempt to charge him fell through, he predicted on his show that the administration would try again.

“And guess what,” he said, “here I am. Keep trying. That’s not going to stop me from being a journalist. That’s not going to diminish my voice. Go ahead, make me into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-suspension-supporters-94b79634a19b2c4ce70a2b4195ef1175">the new Jimmy Kimmel,</a>&nbsp;if you want. Just do it. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

A prominent civil rights attorney and two other people involved in the protest were arrested last week. Prosecutors have accused them of civil rights violations for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-church-protest-history-58817d7033c6b83867131f4cee87256a">disrupting the Cities Church service</a>.

The Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation after the group interrupted services by chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">37-year-old mother of three</a>&nbsp;who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.

“Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP,” Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote in social media post last week.

Cities Church belongs to the Southern Baptist Convention and lists one of its pastors as David Easterwood, who leads an ICE field office. Many Baptist churches have pastors who also work other jobs.

The Justice Department’s swift investigation into the church disruption stands in contrast to its decision not to open a civil rights investigation into Good’s killing by an ICE officer. The department has not said whether it will open a civil rights probe into the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shooting-minneapolis-protests-ice-immigration-41437baa4b349279cf8abfaf1076162c">37-year-old Alex Pretti</a>&nbsp;by federal officers.

“Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention and resources to this arrest, and that is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case,” Lowell said.

Former CNN anchor arrested after protest that disrupted church service

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with&nbsp;threatening violence against a federal official.

According to court documents, Adam Lee Osborn, 60, of Wichita was indicted on one count of interstate communications with a threat to injure and one count of influencing, impeding, and retaliating against a federal official by threatening.&nbsp;

On January 23, 2026, Osborn allegedly indicated via social media that he intended to murder Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.&nbsp;

“Threats of political violence will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. &nbsp;“In a democracy, we settle our differences at the ballot box after robust public debate. For our system of government to work, it’s vital that certain lines are not crossed when it comes to self-expression. &nbsp;Threats of political violence destabilize the very core of our system of governance.”

Police arrested Osborn and he was booked into the Butler County jail, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of threat to kill Congresswoman

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. —The pilot and three passengers were injured after a helicopter crash into the Meramec River Thursday.

According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the helicopter carrying Missouri State Parks employees, may have struck a power line while the team was conducting an aerial survey.

Sullivan Fire Protection District crews rescued the four people on board&nbsp; and transported them to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Pilot, passengers rescued after helicopter crash into river in Missouri

What started as sharp criticism of the Homeland Security Secretary has morphed into a move by Democratic lawmakers signing onto&nbsp;impeachment legislation&nbsp;in the Republican-controlled House.

Democrat U.S. Representative Emmanuel Cleaver, II, who represents Missouri's 5th Congressional District, that covers a large part of Kansas City, is calling for the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

“Following the second killing of an American citizen and numerous violations of court orders under her leadership, I signed onto H.Res. 996 and am calling for the impeachment of Secretary Kristi Noem. This moment demands moral clarity, not political convenience. When those entrusted with immense power abuse it, showing contempt for the rule of law, human dignity, and constitutional liberties, Congress has not just the authority, but the obligation to act.”

“In my theology of government, impeachment is not a step I take lightly. It is a grave constitutional mechanism meant for moments exactly like this – when misconduct is not incidental, but systemic; when harm is not abstract, but real; and when officials are not only failing to uphold the Constitution, but actively undermining it. Our democracy cannot endure if those at the highest levels of government are allowed to operate above the law or beyond consequence.”

““My decision is consistent with the stand I took just last week. I voted against funding the Department of Homeland Security because I refuse to endorse an agency that has lost their moral compass, leaving them only guided by a desire to inflict suffering without due process. Oversight without accountability is meaningless, and funding without reform is surrendering to injustice.”

“At its core, this is about right and wrong. It is about whether we are willing to meet the moment with integrity, or whether we will avert our eyes while power is misused and lives are diminished. I choose to stand on the side of accountability, justice, and the enduring promise of our Republic – if we can keep it.”

President Donald Trump continues to support Noem.

🎥:KC area Congressman calls for impeachment of DHS Secretary

ATCHISON COUNTY —One&nbsp; person died in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by Dustin B.&nbsp;Saunders, 32, Troy, was northbound on Kansas 7 Highway just north of 318th. The pickup traveled off&nbsp; the roadway to the right and struck a tree. After impact, the pickup spun around and came to a rest in the East ditch of the highway.

Saunders was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after pickup strikes a tree

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump is capping her first year back as first lady with the global release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-documentary-amazon-ratner-bezos-fc36fc99e3eff0a18ef8b72335af88f6">a documentary</a>&nbsp;she produced about the 20 days leading up to husband Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

A private person, Melania Trump remains a bit of a mystery to the public in her husband’s second term. “Melania” premiered Thursday at the Kennedy Center before it is released on Friday in more than 1,500 theaters in the U.S. and around the world.

“I want to show the audience my life, what it takes to be a first lady again and (the) transition from private citizen back to the White House,” Melania Trump told reporters as she and the president moved along a charcoal-colored walkway at the event attended by Cabinet members, members of Congress and conservative commentators.

She said viewers will see how she conducts her businesses and philanthropy, cares for her family and builds her White House team.

“It’s beautiful, it’s emotional, it’s fashionable, it’s cinematic and I’m very proud of it,” she said.

The documentary was produced by AmazonMGM Studios and is said to have cost $40 million. It will stream exclusively on the Amazon Prime Video streaming service after its theatrical run.

Director Brett Ratner said his measure of success would not be box-office performance.

“It’s a documentary and documentaries historically have not been huge box office smashes,” he told reporters on his way into the premiere. “You can’t expect a documentary to play in theaters.”

The Republican president saw the nearly two-hour film for the first time at a private White House screening over the weekend. He said Thursday that he thought it was “really great.”

“It really brings back a glamour that you just don’t see anymore,” Trump said. “Our country can use a little bit of that, right?”

‘Melania’ more than a year in the making

It was unclear how much money Melania Trump stands to earn or what her plans are for any film proceeds. Experts said it was unusual for a first lady to pursue a project of this kind from the White House — but not unusual for the Trumps.

“As far as I know, she’s the first first lady to be paid a lot of money to have a documentary made about her and it is unprecedented in terms of the Trumps because they are always breaking precedent,” said Katherine Jellison, professor emerita of history at Ohio University.

Asked about the sum, Trump mentioned the book deal for Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, that the publisher announced in 2017, shortly after he left office.

Presidents and first ladies generally refrain from pursuing outside business ventures while in office to avoid potential conflicts of interest or raising ethical concerns.

Both Trumps participate in numerous business ventures, selling everything from watches, fragrances and Bibles for him to jewelry, Christmas ornaments and digital collectibles for her.

Marc Beckman, the first lady’s longtime senior adviser, defended the financial arrangement, which Amazon has declined to comment on. He noted that she was a private citizen when Amazon announced the film in January 2025 and that she is unelected and receives no salary as first lady. “So why should we limit her?” he said Thursday.

The movie also marks another link between the Trumps and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who has worked to improve a once-tense relationship with the president.

Melania Trump said Thursday that a bidding process was conducted and that Amazon “was the best because they agreed to do theatrical releases.”

The movie is the first project by Ratner since he was accused of sexual misconduct in the early days of the #MeToo reckoning. Ratner’s lawyer has denied the allegations.

In a scene from a teaser for the movie, it is Inauguration Day and Melania Trump is inside the Capitol, waiting to be escorted into the Rotunda for the ceremony. She turns her head, looks directly into the camera and says, “Here we go again.”

She wrote in her self-titled memoir published in 2024 about how much she values her privacy. She is not seen or heard from as often as some of her recent predecessors, which may be influencing the public’s perceptions of her. But she also likes to do things her way.

She said she did the film to show people what goes into becoming first lady.

The U.S. public is divided on their views of her, but a significant number — about 4 in 10 adults — had no opinion or had not heard of her, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25493738/cnn-poll-on-trump.pdf" target="_blank">CNN poll from January 2025</a>. About 3 in 10 adults saw her favorably while roughly the same share had an unfavorable opinion.

Her standing among Republicans was higher, with about 7 in 10 saying in the poll that they viewed her favorably, but around one-quarter had no opinion.

“I think it’s an attempt, in a way, to really augment or tailor or really refine her image for the American public,” said Katherine Sibley, who teaches history at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. “She’s a mystery to the American people.”

First lady cites impactful first year of second Trump term

Melania Trump, 55, said she’s honored to execute the traditional duties of first lady, such as planning state dinners, hosting the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-melania-easter-egg-roll-lawn-04b318bdb89097e2c9f9f3fda45ac1be">Easter Egg Roll</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-holiday-decorations-white-house-378c18c3adbd2484149135b96f4e276b">decorating for Christmas</a>. But she also has said she wants to leave her mark in other ways, too.

She spent chunks of time away from Washington last year working on the documentary and was deeply involved in every aspect of its development, according to Beckman.

Her first-year record centers on the well-being and safety of children.

She used her influence to lobby Congress to pass the “Take It Down Act,” making it a federal crime to publish intimate images online without consent. The president signed the bill into law and had her sign it, too.

Her advocacy for foster children was enshrined in an executive order&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-white-house-foster-care-5301987e676786c793b2b9fba0eb4c2f">creating a “Fostering the Future” program</a>. It’s part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/parenting-united-states-government-2aefddc6f11044d4ac340809f9e75bb3">the “Be Best” child-focused initiative</a>&nbsp;she launched in the first term.

She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-russia-ukraine-children-fe324a08a9a957f05995dac0d95a66c3">wrote to Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;for help reuniting children who had been separated from their families because of his war against Ukraine. She had her husband hand-deliver the letter when the leaders met in Alaska, and she later announced that eight children had been reunited with their families.

The first lady has a prominent role in the administration’s efforts on artificial intelligence and education and recently launched a global version of the foster child program.

She told guests at a White House Christmas reception that she is working on a new legislative effort for 2026, but has not yet shared details.

🎥Melania Trump's documentary premieres at the Kennedy Center ahead of global release

SEDGWICK COUNTY – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with&nbsp;threatening violence against federal law enforcement..

Joaquin Hernandez, 23, of Wichita was indicted on one count of interstate communications with threat to injure and one count of retaliating against a federal official by threatening, according to the United State's Attorney.

On January 22, 2026, Hernandez is accused of posting a video on TikTok threatening to assault and murder federal law enforcement agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carrying out their duties in Wichita.&nbsp; On the he threatened to shoot ICE agents “point blank” in Wichita, according to criminal complaint filed in connection with the case.

“If I see ICE activity in Wichita, Kansas, there’s gonna be hell to pay,” he said in the video, according to the complaint.

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