Editor's note: The Kansas Department of Labor did not publish separate reports for the October and November due to the government shutdown.

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in November. This is unchanged from 3.8% in September and unchanged from 3.8% in November 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas increased to 67.4% in November.

The unemployment rate in Saline County is down from 3.2 percent in September to&nbsp;2.8 percent in November. 

The rate in in Dickinson County dropped from 3.7 percent in September to 3.3 percent. The rate is also down significantly in counties across the region.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 3,800 from October. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 3,800 over the month, while government remained unchanged. The largest job gains in the private sector were in&nbsp;trade, transportation, and utilities&nbsp;(+1,500 jobs). The largest decrease was in leisure and hospitality&nbsp;(-300 jobs).

Since November 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 3,500. This change is due to an increase of 5,400 private sector jobs and a decrease of 1,900 government jobs.

Technical Note:This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for November 2025, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. Data collected for this report references the week including November 12.

Jobless rate continues downward trend in Saline County

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Theft of prop/services;Value $1,500 to $25,000

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

*No image available for&nbsp;McArthur,Ashley Nicole*

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs Unknown severity

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Theft of prop/services:Value less than $1,500

Saline County Jail Bookings, January 10

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

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

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

According to KHP, Stevens lost control of the vehicle due to slick roads from Friday's wintry mix weather. It was reported there were heavy amounts of snow in the area.

Woman dies after head-on crash on Kansas highway

The Salina Fire Department has announced a reorganization within its command staff and chief officers as well as multiple promotions within its ranks. 

The promotions reinforce the department’s commitment to leadership development, operational readiness, and service to the community. As part of the reorganization, the following promotions become effective Monday, January 12, 2026.

Chris Stansberry — promoted from Battalion Chief to Division Chief of Operations

Nathan Komarek — promoted from Assistant Chief of Training to Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services

Wade Baringer — promoted from Captain to Battalion Chief

Michael Robinson — promoted from Captain to Battalion Chief

Sam Hoskins — promoted from Lieutenant to Captain

Shane Richards — promoted from Lieutenant to Captain&nbsp;

Josh Rogers — promoted from Engineer to Lieutenant

Limber Ibarra — promoted from Engineer to Lieutenant

Ryan Zrubek — promoted from Firefighter to Engineer

Robert Uhl — promoted from Firefighter to Engineer

Seth Myers recently completed the paramedic program at Hutchinson Community College and was promoted from firefighter/EMT to Firefighter/Paramedic.

“These promotions reflect the dedication, professionalism and leadership capabilities demonstrated by our personnel” said Fire Chief Shane Pearson. “Our department’s strength is anchored in the commitment of our personnel to uphold the values of the Salina Fire Department and the City of Salina while serving our community with mission focused professionalism.”

The Salina Fire Department wishes to congratulate each of the members who have been promoted and looks forward to their continued service in their new roles.

Salina FD announces multiple promotions reflecting dedication, professionalism and leadership capabilities

All of our LIVE sports streams are FREE to watch for everybody!!!

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Here is the lineup for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor &amp; Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA for January 10, 2026:

&nbsp;Stan Unruh - State/Regional news updates

Karen Wood - Saline County Relay for Life

Lt. Luke Hursh - Salvation Army of Salina

Katie Zey &amp; Karen Vidricksen - Noon Network AMBUCS "Bid Appetit" Charity auction and fundraiser

All episodes are recorded and uploaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=05fb1ecb-7d68-4542-adb3-9b7c11d9b5e5&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p92136680=true&amp;relocateURL=true">910 AM and 107.5 FM KINA website</a>, under the 'KINA Saturday Mornings'&nbsp;tab.

Saturday Morning Show lineup with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro, January 10, 2026

Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad&nbsp;

ABILENE - The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad will soon have a full time employed staff member in charge of maintaining the railroad’s fleet of antique engines and passenger cars.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

&nbsp;A labor services agreement between the A&amp;SV and its consulting partner, Heritage Rail Management of Durango, Colorado, was signed Monday, which creates a staff position in charge of balancing the maintenance needs of the A&amp;SV and Heritage Rail, the management arm of American Heritage Railways (AHR) and the owner of vehicles currently stored on A&amp;SV sidetracks in Abilene and Enterprise.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

According to A&amp;SV General Manager Ross Boelling, AHR owns passenger cars that once belonged to the Utah Transit Authority that were moved to the railyards in Abilene and Enterprise two years ago. Additionally, AHR owns six cars of the&nbsp;Kansas Belle&nbsp;dinner train that were moved from Baldwin City to Abilene in 2024.&nbsp;

AHR currently pays the Abilene and Smoky Valley for car storage and intends to make cars from both sets of vehicles operational. Once restored, the vehicles would be dispatched to the company’s other owned and operated tourist railroads.

            Boelling said that the shared employee would live in the Abilene area and be able to devote time to ongoing projects of both firms.

            “Our goals for the upcoming months include such projects as upgrading our passenger coaches with restroom facilities and repainting our train. And steam engine restoration is an ongoing project. We need someone on the premises to lead volunteer workers in these tasks,” he said.

            Boelling added that the task of maintaining the railroad’s diesel engines is almost a fulltime job in itself. 

“The A&amp;SV has grown to the point where engine failure that could cause cancellation of dinner, excursion or charter trains can cost the railroad thousands of dollars. Trains need to be able to run as scheduled. Simply put, failure is not an option for us,” he said.

            Boelling was quick to point out that adding a paid maintenance supervisor does not mean that the railroad is decreasing its reliance on volunteers, a labor source that has always played a role in the railroad’s operations.

            “We’ve essentially grown into a fulltime business that is still supported by volunteer interest and that will not change,” he explained. 

“But while the backbone of the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad is our volunteer staff, such variables as health issues, and family and job demands, greatly affect staff availability at a time when our maintenance demands exceed what volunteer labor by itself can perform. We need a full time presence to supervise the workflow and keep it going.”

Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad&nbsp;will provide the application of the position on their website sometime next week.

Here is the link the their website:&nbsp;<a href="https://asvrr.org/">asvrr.org</a>&nbsp;

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad seeking full time position of maintaining engines and passenger cars

Unknown suspect(s) reportedly steals over $9,000 worth of items from a container in northwest Saline County.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office sometime between December 18 and January 8 at around 11:49 am, an individual illegally entered a container at northwest Saline County.

Reportedly, the suspect broke the lock on it and entered the container. The container held maintenance equipment for the water supply system in the area.

It was determined that a Puma 8008 HGE portable air compressor ($2,349), PitBull 14 Fusion machine ($5,954) along with three fusion machine dyes ($600) and miscellaneous hand tools ($400) were stolen. 

Moreover, there was damage made to the padlock and the trailer the container was on.

Ongoing investigation: Unknown suspect(s) steals over $9,000 worth of items from container 

The Saline County Sheriff's Office are informing the public and seeking tips for suspect(s) who attempted to burglarize a home.

On Sunday, December 28 at approximately 1:32 am, deputies responded to a residential automatic burglar alarm at a north Saline County home. Unknown suspect(s) attempted to enter the residence by cutting a screen and breaking a window on the south side of the residence. 

Although no items were taken during the burglary, the residence itself sustained $350 in damage. 

If you have any information concerning who attempted to commit this crime, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637).

You may receive a cash reward of up to $1000 and you are not required to give your name

Saline Co. Sheriff seeking tips regarding attempted residential burglary

LINDSBORG - Bethany College has announced the discontinuation of its Men's Wrestling program, due to low roster counts.

The institution made the announcement on Thursday, January 8 effective immediately. 

Dean of Athletics, Laura Moreno stated this decision was made due to consistent low rosters over the past 6-8 years.

"The sport got to the point where it was not sustainable for Bethany," said Moreno. "We recognize that this news may be disappointing to our athletes, alumni, coaches and supporters of the wrestling program. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship of every wrestler who has been part of the program. Your contributions have shaped the athletic legacy of Bethany College, and you have our deepest respect and gratitude. I especially want recognize Coach Mitchell Houghton for his work, dedication and time to support student athletes."

The athletic department are discussing and evaluating options about what possibilities may arise, after the discontinuation of the program.

Bethany College discontinuing Men's Wrestling program due to low roster counts

A chance of light rain Friday afternoon is expected to gradually transition into light snow towards the evening.

According to the US National Weather Service, a chance of rain is expected after 1:00 pm with a 50% chance to mix with snow after 4:00 pm.

Portions of central and south-central Kansas could see light snow accumulations up to 1 inch, and slick spots on bridges and overpasses are possible tonight.&nbsp;

A little after 7:00 pm, the mix will likely become all snow.

Higher accumulations are expected across southwest Kansas.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Light snow up to 1 inch expected late Friday afternoon and into the evening in central Kansas

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 9 - January 11

After an activity of showers and thunderstorms to occur late Wednesday night through Thursday, a storm system is expected follow that with light to modest snow accumulations across the region Friday afternoon through night.

The greatest potential for at least a half inch of rain is primarily along and east of I-135.

This is according to the US National Weather Service, but there remains some uncertainty as the weather agency will refine forecast details the next few days.

Chance of snow to occur Friday after upcoming showers and thunderstorms 

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 7 - January 9

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 5 - January 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 2 - January 4

Three day weather forecast Salina: New Years Eve & Day, Jan 2.

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 29 - New Years Eve

As Sunday's heavy snow activity has ended in Salina, light snow is expected to continue throughout central Kansas

Original:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b3728be6-8a12-4850-9531-978104a03ede">Be vigilant: Activity of snow has arrived throughout central Kansas</a>

According to the US National Weather Service, moderate to heavy snow has quickly come to an end, and only pockets of light snow are expected over the next couple of hours throughout the region. 

Even with road conditions improving quickly, continue to exercise caution as roads could be slick through tonight.

Areas of snow will remain through the late afternoon for locations generally along and just southeast of the Kansas Turnpike with little if any accumulation anticipated.

  Some locations may see visibility reduced to less than 3 miles at times.  There maybe a few slick spots on bridges and overpasses.

Salina is under a wind advisory until 6:00 pm Sunday.

The Emergency&nbsp;Accident Reporting Plan the Salina Police Department issued earlier on Sunday has been cancelled as well.

Monday's weather in Salina is expected to have a morning wind chill in the single digits to around zero. Afternoon highs are forecasted to be in the low 30s.

&nbsp;For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

UPDATE: Heavy snow ends in Salina, pockets of light snow expected throughout central Kansas

Be aware, take precaution on the roads and prepare, as a fast band of snow has worked its way quickly through Salina and central Kansas.&nbsp;

According to the US National Weather Service, snow will combine with strong winds to reduced visibility to less than a mile at times. Those traveling along I-70 should expect rapid reductions in visibility as they head west.

Those traveling between Wichita and Salina need to be prepared for rapidly deteriorating conditions along I-135 and surrounding roadways. Slick spots on elevated surfaces and visibility under 1/2 mile are anticipated.

The National Weather Service expects the snow to continue until 3:00 pm on Sunday.&nbsp;

Moreover, a cold front will move across the area bringing strong northwest winds. Wind gusts in the 45 to 55 mph range will be common across the region.

Be sure to secure any loose outdoor items.

Salina has been issued to be under a wind advisory until 6:00 pm on Sunday.

SPD implements Emergency Accident Reporting Plan

The Salina Police Department has announced that the Emergency Accident Reporting Plan has been implemented due to severe weather and/or hazardous driving conditions, as the number of motor vehicle accidents exceeds the Department’s ability to respond in a timely manner.

Any non-hit and run, non-personal injury motor vehicle accident that does not require towing, and does not involve alcohol or drugs.

 Exchange personal information with the other driver(s) involved or property owner. 

Complete an Emergency Accident Reporting Plan accident report form as completely as possible and mail or deliver the completed report to the Salina Police Department within 48 hours.

Emergency Accident Reporting Plan forms are available at the Salina Police Department. They are also available online <a href="https://www.salina-ks.gov/media/Police%20Department%20doc/Downloadable%20Forms/Emergency_Accident_Report.pdf">here</a>.

On Monday, it is expected Salina to have a morning wind chill in the single digits to around zero. Afternoon highs on Monday are forecasted to be in the low 30s.

Visit this article periodically to view updates if the snow will continue past 3:00 pm today.

Be vigilant: Activity of snow has arrived throughout central Kansas

More than dozen 2026 candidates for governor must file reports by Monday

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Schwab reported $1.3 million in campaign contributions as of Dec. 31, while Republican Vicki Schmidt and Democrat Ethan Corson attracted more than $900,000 in donations to fuel their campaigns for governor.

Schwab, Schmidt and Corson released information on their 2025 fundraising ahead of the Monday deadline for submitting financial documents to the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission and Kansas Secretary of State’s office. At this point, the statistics have been based on candidate news releases, but the official documents filed with the state would disclose details about donations, loans, expenditures and cash on hand.

So far, more than a dozen candidates have announced campaigns for the Republican or Democratic party nominations for governor in Kansas. Their capacity to generate significant donations would be viewed as a measure of political viability in terms of the August primaries. In 2022, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly raised more than $7.7 million for her successful reelection campaign.

Schwab, who has served as Kansas’ secretary of state since 2019, said his campaign for governor attracted more than $1.3 million.

“These results show support for the only conservative in the race with a comprehensive plan for addressing the Kansas property tax crisis,” he said. “Kansans want a leader who will do more than share hollow rhetoric about issues, but put forth solutions that put the taxpayer first.”

Schwab’s most prominent GOP rivals include former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Senate President Ty Masterson and Schmidt, the state insurance commissioner.

Schmidt’s campaign said she raised $980,000 from more than 800 donors. The contributions ranged from $1 to $4,000, and 57% of the donations were from Kansans.

“We’re building a campaign the right way — with broad grassroots support, careful stewardship of resources and a clear path forward,” Schmidt said.

Corson, a Democratic state senator from Johnson County, said he accepted more than 3,000 contributions and that 70% of these donations were for less than $100. He reported securing more than $900,000 since July. His rival in the primary is Sen. Cindy Holscher, also of Johnson County. She has not yet released campaign donation information.

“Our campaign is about creating a Kansas where the next generation can build a life right here, and this milestone is proof that people all across the state believe in that vision,” Corson said.

During the 2025 portion of the campaign cycle, Corson said his campaign traveled 11,000 miles to dozens of cities. He’s been endorsed by more than 10 labor unions as well as Kelly, who referred to him as “most suited” to be the next governor.

In the campaign for attorney general, Democrat Chris Mann officially filed as a candidate and said his campaign raised $536,000 in 2025. Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach said he would run for reelection but hasn’t released a summary of his campaign treasurer’s report. In 2022, Kobach received 50.8% of the vote to narrowly defeat Mann, who claimed 49.2% of ballots cast.

Mann said 89% of his 2,500 contributions came from Kansans, which he said was an indication of momentum of his second campaign for attorney general.

“Kansans want an attorney general who is focused on protecting communities, upholding the law fairly, and delivering real results, not&nbsp;playing politics,” Mann said. “The record level of support we’re seeing makes it clear that people are ready for a new direction in the attorney general’s office.”

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, said he generated $427,300 during 2025 for his campaign for state insurance commissioner.

He asserted the total “breaks all previous records for down-ballot races at this point in the election cycle,” comparing it to campaigns for secretary of state, state treasurer and insurance commissioner in 2014, 2018 and 2022. He didn’t acknowledge Mann’s higher total in the campaign for attorney general.

“I’m truly overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from across the state,” said Hawkins, who promised to lower insurance costs and address insurance companies operating unethically or illegally.

The primary election in Kansas has been scheduled for Aug. 4. The state’s voter registration deadline is June 1.

Latest Kansas campaign finance reports: Candidates for governor strive to hit $1M mark

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A teen murder suspect, captured on June 17, after hiding from police for weeks was back in court this week.

During an arraignment hearing in the courtroom of Judge Tyler Roush, 19-year-old Jaden Watts pleaded guilty in the shooting death of 24-year-old Demarc Burgess, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. 

In August, Judge Roush rejected a motion from Watt's attorney to dismiss the case because the fatal shooting was in self defense, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In March, police issued a felony pick-up for Watts in connection with the shooting of Burgess&nbsp;at a residence in the 14000 block of E. Twinlake Drive in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Reboledo.&nbsp; EMS transported Burgess to a local hospital where he died.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the incident occurred during a gathering at the residence, where a disturbance broke out between Watts and Burgess, which ultimately led to the shooting.&nbsp; &nbsp;On June 17, Wichita police and U.S. Marshals took Watts into custody in the area of 700 S Hunter in Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police. He was charged with second-degree murder.

Watts is scheduled to be sentenced in March.

Kan. teen murder suspect who hid from police for weeks enters plea

By RIO YAMAT and SHAWN CHEN AP Business Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Razer goes the smart glasses route with headphones

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

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

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

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

Extended-reality platform aims to help process grief

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

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

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

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

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

A “cyber pet” that turned heads at CES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local

Region

Sports

Weather