The Fire Department has deemed the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a6f14a2d-04f4-4355-a1f2-df849488f55a">significant fire that occurred at Ridge of Salina apartments on Wednesday afternoon</a> "accidental" and "likely careless discarding of smoking materials."

Original:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a6f14a2d-04f4-4355-a1f2-df849488f55a">Significant fire at Chapel Ridge apartments, cause of fire unknown</a>

This information comes after the Fire Department released a city-wide statement regarding the incident.

Below you will find the statement by the Salina Fire Department:

The Salina Fire Department was dispatched to The Ridge Apartment complex located at 2363 Chapel Ridge at approximately 3:00 p.m., the afternoon of January 14th, 2026, after receiving reports of fire and smoke coming from the front of a two-story apartment building at the complex.

Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire and smoke conditions extending from the front of the building into the soffit with fire already extending into the attic and through the roof. 

Crews immediately began fire suppression operations while also conducting a search for occupants in the affected apartment units.

Due to the amount of active fire and potential for life safety issues, a second alarm was struck upon the arrival of the on-duty Battalion Chief. 

The fire was brought under control within approximately 30 minutes, with crews remaining on scene for an extended period to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to check for any extension into neighboring units.

While several residents were displaced as a result of the fire, all occupants were able to safely exit the building and there are no injuries to report. 

The cause of the fire has been ruled as accidental and likely due to the careless discarding of smoking materials near the front of the building. 

The Salina Fire Department was assisted by the Salina Police Department, Evergy and the Salvation Army. 

We thank our partner agencies for their assistance and the public for their cooperation during the incident.

UPDATE: Cause of fire at Ridge apartments deemed "accidental" and likely "careless discarding of smoking materials" 

The Salina Police Department (SPD) are seeking tips in the search for a possible suspect who allegedly stole a wallet with credits cards and used them to purchase a few times.&nbsp;

Reportedly on Monday, January 12 an individual stated their wallet was missing, which contained several credits cards.

 It was determined the cards had been used fraudulently at several businesses in Salina.

One credit card was used on Sunday, January 11, at about 8:20 pm, at Dillon’s (2350 Planet Ave) to purchase lottery tickets. The card was then used again on Tuesday, January 13 at about 9:40 am at the same Dillon’s to again purchase lottery tickets.

Finally, it was reported that same day at Cave Diver’s (2745 Belmont) the card was used to purchase alcohol and cigarettes.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS.

You can also make an online tip <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">here</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2026-866/868/938/942.

Possible suspect of stealing wallet with several credit cards on Crimestoppers

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Gamache, Brandon Michael

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Failure to appear; Outside warrant/NCIC hit

NAME:&nbsp;Garcia,Melissa Christine

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Failure to appear (2)

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Harass by telecom device; Phone call with intent to abuse/threaten/harass; Harass by telecom device; Transmit obscene comment/image/text; Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family

Saline County Jail Bookings, January 16

<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>

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>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 16 - January 18

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge (subject to change)&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened eastbound I-70 between Goodland and Colby. <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/98cd0989-a842-43ef-a4ff-1236306db4a3">The road was previously closed due to an overturned semi blocking the travel lanes.</a>

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019bc57af8f1-e2819cf1-33bf-4900-af16-22ee0fc8c9f1-000000/8CsoyUlmlUmEKRTGYOHKpwRBSpnlYJ1pWCumtfNuEds=440">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

UPDATE: I-70 between Goodland and Colby reopened after overturned semi on travel lanes

High wind gusts are expected to make its way through Salina and central Kansas on Friday.

According to the US National Weather Service, gusty&nbsp;northwest winds are forecasted during the day on Friday. Wind gusts are expected to range from 40-50 mph.

This is also paired with dry conditions, which there will be a very high grassland fire danger in the afternoon.

Russell is expected to have the highest speed of wind gusts with the range being 45-50 mph.

High temperatures for Salina is 41 degrees.

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.

High wind gusts and grassland fire danger expected throughout central Kansas, Salina on Friday

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, announced the Department of Insurance recovered $317,477.17 for Saline County residents in 2025. 

Last year, more than $29.2 million was recovered for policyholders statewide.

“The work we do consistently puts more money back in the pockets of Kansans,” said Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “Kansans know when they call the Department of Insurance, we’re not just going to answer the phone; we’re going to help.”

Funds considered “recovered” are calculated when Department staff assists individuals in need of support during their insurance claims process. If a dispute arises between a policyholder and an insurance company, regardless of the type of insurance, the Kansas Department of Insurance investigates the complaint. Department staff work with the consumer and the company to ensure the insurance policy is followed and benefits are paid accordingly. 

Since Commissioner Schmidt first took office in 2019, the Department has recovered over $202.7 million for Kansans through the Consumer Assistance Division and use of the Life Insurance Policy Locator, a tool provided to states through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

A county-by-county breakdown of the recoveries can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/49Wtmte">https://bit.ly/49Wtmte</a>. A link to the press release highlighting total statewide recoveries in 2025 can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/49VbEq6">https://bit.ly/49VbEq6</a>. 2025 recoveries are not final as cases are still being closed.

If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance Consumer Assistance Division at 785-296-3071, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdoi.complaints@ks.gov">kdoi.complaints@ks.gov</a>, or visit the Department online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/">insurance.kansas.gov</a>&nbsp;for any claims-related questions or concerns.

Department of Insurance recovers more than $300,000 for local residents 

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; Poss of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp;Hammon,Elijah Christopher

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Duty of driver to report; Unattended veh/prop;unkn; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Poss of stolen property;Value $1,500 to $25,000

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human bodyNo Proof Of Insurance; Poss of marijuana; 1 prior conviction; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Fail to yield at stop or yield sign

REQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Saline County Jail Bookings, January 15

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Salina General Services offices, Salina Drive-thru Recycling Center (SDRC) and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) will be closed on Monday, January 19.

Regular office hours, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, will resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Despite the closure, trash service will not be affected, and all normal routes will run as scheduled from Monday through Friday.

Additionally, the Salina Municipal Solid Waste Landfill will remain open during its regular hours, 7:00 am to 4:30 pm, on Monday January 19.

For further information, please contact Salina General Services at (785) 309-5750.

Salina General Services announces MLK Day holiday hours

A one of a kind tanning &amp; spa business that is Christian based is making its glow within the community.

Natural Beauty Tanning &amp; Spa is located on&nbsp;1823 S. 9th St. in Salina and to book an appointment, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/naturalbeautysalina">Facebook</a>.

Watch the video above to learn all about Natural Beauty Tanning &amp; Spa and the owner Kenzie Johnson.

🎥 One of a kind tanning & spa Christian based business growing in Salina

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 14 - January 16

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 12 - January 14

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ICE officials looking at large detention space in Kansas City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She did not provide more information on what was said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A ‘frank and positive discussion’ about Venezuela

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Halloween homicide: Kan. woman attends competency hearing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the recovery of stolen government property and/or the arrest of individuals responsible for the destruction and theft of government property in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

On January 14, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m., FBI personnel responded to an assault on a federal officer investigation in North Minneapolis, Minnesota.&nbsp; Several government vehicles were subsequently vandalized and broken into, and government property was stolen from inside the vehicles.&nbsp; The FBI seeks information that will lead to the recovery of the stolen government property and/or the arrest of the individuals responsible for the destruction and theft of government property.

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You may also contact your<a href="http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field/" target="_blank">local FBI office</a>, the nearest&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/legat/" target="_blank">American Embassy or Consulate</a>, or you can submit a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/" target="_blank">tips.fbi.gov</a>.

Field Office:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/minneapolis">Minneapolis</a>

<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/?fugitive_type=fbi&amp;fugitive_name=VANDALISM%2C+DESTRUCTION%2C+AND+THEFT+OF+GOVERNMENT+PROPERTY" target="_blank">Submit an anonymous Tip online</a>

FBI offering reward to find items taken from federal  vehicles

WASHINGTON — An indictment unsealed Wednesday in the District of Kansas charged a Honduran man and Kansas woman for conspiring to submit, and submitting, a sponsorship application with false statements to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to gain custody of an Unaccompanied Alien Child (UAC) after the child entered the U.S. illegally, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.

“This indictment represents the Justice Department’s ongoing commitment to prosecuting individuals who fraudulently pose as suitable&nbsp;Unaccompanied Alien Child sponsors to obtain custody of vulnerable children,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This conduct represents a violation of the societal responsibility to safeguard children. Our efforts are a continuation of the Department’s commitment to hold accountable those who commit crimes related to the exploitation of UACs, and will serve to strengthen ORR’s UAC program and ensure it is not manipulated.”

“We are determined to protect the most vulnerable members of our society,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser for the District of Kansas. “This task often takes a multi-faceted approach involving multiple agencies and superior coordination. Given Task Force Alpha’s efforts, we are seeing real results, and my office is happy to be on the front line.”

According to the indictment, Romulo Hernandez Murillo, 45, a Honduran national without legal authorization to be in the U.S., agreed to pay defendant Lisa Marie Lopez Perdomo, 48, of Syracuse, Kansas, to assist him with applying to sponsor and obtain custody of a Honduran Unaccompanied Alien Child.

 The agreement included being permitted to misrepresent himself by using Lopez’s address on the application to sponsor the minor. The defendants intended for the child to reside with Hernandez and work in the United States. In furtherance of his fraudulent sponsorship application, Hernandez submitted and signed, under the penalty of perjury, documents falsely claiming he resided at Lopez’s address. An employee of the HHS-funded care provider where the child was staying ultimately recommended that Hernandez’s application be denied after an investigation uncovered Hernandez’s false representations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The defendants are both charged with one count of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement and one count of conspiracy to commit the same offense. If convicted of either offense, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.&nbsp;

This investigation was coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and ForfeitureSection, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 435 domestic and international arrests, which includes those of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 385 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood.

HHS’s Office of Inspector General and DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case with assistance from the Kansas Department of Labor, Special Investigations Unit; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; and the Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. Additionally, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking in Washington, D.C., and ORR have provided invaluable assistance along with the United States Marshals Service.

Acting Deputy Chief Christian Levesque and Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Indictment: Kan. woman fraudulently obtained custody of unaccompanied alien child

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an encounter with police.

Shortly after 6:00PM on Wednesday an officer was conducting a traffic stop in the 1600 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. During the traffic stop, 51-year-old Bobby Glaspie, a family member of the stopped driver arrived at the scene and a short time later drove away, recklessly. 

Just before 7p.m. officers went to Glaspie’s residence in the 400 block R Street in Atchison regarding the reckless driving. Glaspie came out of the residence in an aggressive manner towards the officers and was subsequently taken into custody on requested charges of assault and battery on the officers as well as the reckless driving.

Glaspie has multiple previous convictions that include forgery, burglary, robbery,&nbsp; theft, criminal damage to property and for a variety of drug arrests.

Kan. felon jailed after agressive encounter with police

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating the death of two people at a Kansas City home.

Just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 1200 block of NE 83rd Terrace, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino As officers arrived they were directed inside a residence where hey located a man and woman both suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Officers also located a juvenile boy with an unknown injury. 

The child was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Both the man and woman were pronounced deceased at the scene.This is currently a death investigation and investigators are not looking for anyone else involved. Detectives are working to determine what led up to the incident.&nbsp;

Police did not release the names of the two who died or additional details.

Police: Couple found dead, infant injured at KC home

Q:&nbsp;How has rehab been going and is there a date or range that you are aiming for to be back?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“First off, rehab is going great so far. I’ve been hitting all the checkpoints that the doctor wants you to do and getting the strength and the range of mobility back. So, that’s been going great. I’ve been doing all of it here in Kansas City so far. (Assistant Athletic Trainer) Julie (Frymyer) has been crushing it, pushing me. The doctor kind of gives you goals to get to, and I just try to maximize those, and they hold me back because I always want to go a little bit further. It’s been going great. I think the long-term I want to be ready for Week 1. The doctor says that I could be, but I can’t predict what’s going to happen throughout the process but that’s my goal, so I’ll try to prepare myself to be ready to play in that Week 1 and have no restrictions. You want to be out there healthy and giving us the best chance to win. Obviously, I hope to be able to do some stuff in OTAs and get to training camp and hopefully be able to do a lot there. I’m excited for the process. It’s a long process, but I’m excited for it.”

Q:&nbsp;You mentioned OTAs and training camp. You layer onto the playbook every year, how will you keep up to speed? Do you take things from your experience your rookie year?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think more than anything it’s just being in there, being in the room, being on the field as much as they’ll let me. And then when I’m not able to take the reps, kind of getting those mental reps behind the play and seeing everything develop. The coaches will put me in the right position in order to do that. I’ll take it slow, but at the same time, I’ll push to be out there as much as I can be. We have a great plan in place as far as where we want to get to, but we have to let it all play out and kind of take it a day at a time, which has been hard for me but at the same time it makes me get the best out of every single day.”

Q:&nbsp;What was that moment like for you on the field after the injury?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Obviously, I knew something had happened but once I was able to walk a little bit, I thought I might have a chance to get back into the game. You kind of go into the tent, they did the test, and they wanted to take me back into the locker room. You don’t know for sure or anything like that, but when I was able to move, I asked one of the doctors if I could get a brace and just finish the game, but they wouldn’t let me. Obviously, it kind of sunk in once the game ended and then I was able to get the results from the MRI and stuff like that which it’s hard but at the same time you have to flip the script fast knowing that it’s going to be a quick turnaround to get to this season. Now it’s just been motivating trying to push myself, like I said, as much as they’ll let me push myself to be ready for next year.”

Q:&nbsp;How will this impact what you usually do with the receivers during the offseason?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I can’t speak exactly for what (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid exactly is going to do.&nbsp; I would expect us to kind of be here a little bit earlier just with me already being here. I’ve talked with some of the receivers already, I think that’s kind of the mindset that we have is we want to be in the building and getting back to it. The thing about when you lose and you don’t make the playoffs is you have a longer offseason than you usually have. I think guys are getting away right now, kind of getting their minds right, getting their bodies right. Guys are hungry to get back out there. It’s hard to watch these playoff games. We’ll be in the building, and we’ll try to build that camaraderie that way is just doing stuff around Kansas City, maybe take them to some Royals games, whatever that is and try to build those relationships with those guys and being in the building you’ll be able to get the same work that you would’ve gotten down in Texas.”

Q:&nbsp;What went wrong in 2025 in your opinion?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think just compounding mistakes. You make mistakes throughout a game. For myself, I look at some of the red zone interceptions I threw in kind of bigger moments in the third and fourth quarter of games. That’s stuff that I haven’t done in the past, and so speaking for myself, just trying to be better in those moments. I think offensively we weren’t consistent enough throughout games. We had stretches in games where we played good, we had stretches in the season where we played really good. We’ve got to be better and that starts with me and then it kind of has to feed throughout the entire offense. So, I think like I said, guys are motivated, coaches, players, we’re all motivated to be better this next year. Like I said, it sucks watching these games. I want to be out there playing football, especially this time of year, it’s the best time of year to play football. It’ll give us the motivation, hopefully, for us to come back stronger next year.”

Q:&nbsp;What does the offense need to do with extra time to evaluate?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“You just have to dive deep into that scheme evaluation and seeing what teams are seeing against us. I think the one part of having so much success is teams watch a lot of film on you, so we try to have good game plans of how to combat what you do and what you’ve done well. You saw that this year, teams were very conscious of the plays that we’ve hit for a long time. So, we have to find ways to counteract that and kind of go at teams and be able to utilize that and make more explosive plays. If we can get back to some of that stuff as well as being consistent on a down-to-down basis that will be stuff that we have to continue to get better at. I think there’s minor tweaks, but at the same time you have to look at the entire picture and see if you can be better at every single area. We’ll see what we get to after watching the film, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes in order to go out there and have success.”

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