USD 383 has announced that Shadwin Spilski has been named Manhattan High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal.

Spilski currently serves as the district Athletic Director and Director of Innovation for Lapeer Community Schools in Lapeer, Michigan. He has served in that position since 2014. Prior to that, he was the Athletic/Activities Director for four years at Buffalo High School in Buffalo, Wyoming. He started his teaching career as a social studies teacher at Whiting High School in Laramie, Wyoming in 2004. He has a Bachelor of Arts &amp; Sciences in Secondary Education from the University of Wyoming and a Masters in Education Administration from Chadron State University (NE).

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be leading the traditions and excellency of Manhattan High School as the next Athletic Director and Assistant Principal,” states Spilski. “I am looking forward to working with our coaches, staff, boosters, community, and most importantly our student-athletes. Manhattan High School is a special place and I cannot wait to get started!”

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Spilski to the Manhattan High School family,” states Michael Dorst, Manhattan High School Principal. “In speaking with coaches and administrators from his current school and district, it is clear that he has made a tremendous impact and he will be greatly missed and not easily replaced. We are fortunate to have him joining our team, and I look forward to working with Mr. Spilski as we continue the proud tradition of excellence that defines our great school.”

The USD 383 Board of Education acted on the appointment during the February 18 meeting. He will begin his role in July, 2026. He replaces Mike Marsh who is retiring in June, 2026.

Spilski Named Manhattan High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Riley County Arrest Report February 19

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT<br>

Topeka, KS&nbsp;— The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to monitor air quality across the state due to the recent wildland fires in western Kansas that began on Feb. 17, due to high winds and dry conditions. Updates will be provided as Air Quality Index (AQI) results are made available.

Wildfires can&nbsp;release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases, as well as children and elderly, are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

For current air monitoring data in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F300%2FAir-Monitoring-Data%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c733bce4b-e7e7f18d-7d99-4039-a962-e0762925b7bd-000000/8YXVV8AYrQaVz97bcc3PdBSU9L8y5gKh0XzjJ_2wbDM=445">Air Monitoring Data | KDHE, KS</a>.

Monitoring data and fire and smoke information can be accessed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ffire.airnow.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%236%2F41%2F-98/1/0100019c733bce4b-e7e7f18d-7d99-4039-a962-e0762925b7bd-000000/8-aaGhhlVkBzBc1Z_lVCVaFX7Zm_qR5oTfWei9Ublqg=445">AirNow Fire and Smoke Map</a>.

KDHE monitoring air quality due to wildfires

History students at Manhattan High School need your help to tell the stories of local connections to World War II. USD 383 announced that they have identified 57 soldiers who were students at Manhattan High School who lost their lives fighting for their country.

Using archival materials such as old MHS yearbooks, original military records, and archived newspapers, MHS students will be writing biographies of these individuals to honor these veterans for their service and sacrifice.The completed biographies from Spring 2025 are currently available online at <a href="https://mhs.usd383.org/191839_2?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyaTJjUmZoY0pFdHlvSWtBTHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4OLqzbGXhtLWGT8wsQY17k2UQxos3Ypl9AixhSm-_Ob7X6bYviE132rKJjPA_aem_JYrS1iFSWbOUT6ozxHK61Q" target="_blank">https://mhs.usd383.org/191839_2</a>

<a href="https://mhs.usd383.org/191839_2?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyaTJjUmZoY0pFdHlvSWtBTHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4OLqzbGXhtLWGT8wsQY17k2UQxos3Ypl9AixhSm-_Ob7X6bYviE132rKJjPA_aem_JYrS1iFSWbOUT6ozxHK61Q" target="_blank"></a>How can you help? If you have any information, connections, or know anything about the following veterans and would be interested in participating, please contact Jackson Allen, MHS Social Studies Teacher, at jacksona@usd383.org or 785-587-2100. They would like to have information by March 2, if possible.

The soldiers that they are concentrating on for the spring of 2026 are:

--Robert Brunson, MHS Class of 1937, US Army Air Corps

--Leslie Callahan, MHS Class of 1936, US Army Air Corps

--Harry Gehrt, MHS Class of 1942, US Army Air Corps

--Richard "Dick" Jaccard, MHS Class of 1936, 

--US Navy Lyle Murphy, MHS Class of 1933, 

--US Army Ernest "Ralph" Newell, MHS Class of 1939,

--US Army Air Corps Glenn Powell, Unknown MHS Graduation Year, 

--US Marine Corps Marion Shadwell, MHS Class of 1933, 

--US Army Air Corps Dixon Wands, MHS Class of 1935, US Army Air Corps

MHS students will help honor WWII veterans

&nbsp; t was cold and rainy, but the RCPD still had a great time at the recent&nbsp; Manhattan Polar Plunge. In all, the RCPD team raised nearly $2,500 for Special Olympics of Kansas, which brought in almost $25,000 overall for the weekend that saw more than 100 plungers. 

They also extended a big thank you to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tacojohnsmanhattan?__cft__[0]=AZY0jZlEhKikARWVCBv1iJEiWepsh4xauzA1YXrTJu1hmu-AZ90DHJbTKokAcvwBv-lZCeDUr_xEM6X5_1gs3nSpKXoGV7SLg98RoDV7LI1aK-rRHwMgCKQwwCr9f6Kw1WPWfDPQjewfj6tPGRsNO41jFDivNcMM9hUrl8STWNNx9g1G7TBb8Sg5V5xdGdxwHLs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Taco John's</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wendys?__cft__[0]=AZY0jZlEhKikARWVCBv1iJEiWepsh4xauzA1YXrTJu1hmu-AZ90DHJbTKokAcvwBv-lZCeDUr_xEM6X5_1gs3nSpKXoGV7SLg98RoDV7LI1aK-rRHwMgCKQwwCr9f6Kw1WPWfDPQjewfj6tPGRsNO41jFDivNcMM9hUrl8STWNNx9g1G7TBb8Sg5V5xdGdxwHLs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Wendy's</a>  and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Walmart35?__cft__[0]=AZY0jZlEhKikARWVCBv1iJEiWepsh4xauzA1YXrTJu1hmu-AZ90DHJbTKokAcvwBv-lZCeDUr_xEM6X5_1gs3nSpKXoGV7SLg98RoDV7LI1aK-rRHwMgCKQwwCr9f6Kw1WPWfDPQjewfj6tPGRsNO41jFDivNcMM9hUrl8STWNNx9g1G7TBb8Sg5V5xdGdxwHLs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Walmart Manhattan</a>  for donating food to help feed all of the plungers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manhattan Polar Plunge raises funds

 Beginning Wednesday, February 18, Allen Road at Tuttle Creek Boulevard was scheduled to be fully closed to allow construction crews to replace approximately 200 feet of concrete pavement.

These updates may impact your regular routes, so the City encourages you to plan ahead and allow a little extra travel time

Construction notice for Allen Road

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Manhattan man on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just after 2p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 48-year-old Scott Marchand, 48, of Manhattan, in the 100 block of Courthouse Plaza, according to the Riley Police Department activity report.&nbsp;

He was booked into jail on requested charges that include use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, possession of substance in KSA 65-4105(h), distribution or possess with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl within 1000 feet of a school (&gt;100 grams); distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl within 1000 feet of a school (3.5-&lt;100 grams), distribute certain stimulant (3.5-&lt;100 grams) within 1000 feet of a school, distribute or possess with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use, and possession of marijuana. Marchand met the requirement of a $125,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

RCPD: Alleged fentanyl dealer arrested in Manhattan

Riley County Arrest Report February 18

&nbsp;As of 5p.m. the eastbound lanes remained closed between Colby and Oakley. Westbound lanes were opened from WaKeeney to Colorado state line and eastbound lanes are open at Oakley

Interstate 70 is closed in both directions between Colby and Oakley, extending to WaKeeney due to high winds and blowing dust causing reduced visibility.

Vehicle crashes blocking the roadway are also part of the closure.

High Wind and Red Flag Warnings are in effect through the afternoon across much of northwest Kansas. Motorists are advised to consider delaying non-essential travel if possible.

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/1/0101019c6d2c8df6-0638a7d6-ac7f-4643-bdf5-2cbdbc567602-000000/94Kw5yb63L8KkrnqJ9WiJz13sFtIyfg6qrGkYpNqD08=444">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

KDOT: I-70 now open in both directions after dust storm

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has staffed the State Emergency Operations Center with Emergency Support Function partners from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, and the National Weather Service in response to wildland fire threats across the state.

Blowing winds and possible wildfires are expected to continue this evening and into Wednesday. Motorists are advised to delay traveling as much as possible and to not drive into dust where visibility is restricted. Do not go into areas where active fires are being fought. Give emergency crews time and space to work.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is working alongside partner agencies in Southwest and Northwest Kansas to support wildfire response efforts through emergency response, evacuation assistance, traffic control, enforcement of safety closures, and securing affected areas. For emergencies, continue to dial *47(HP) while traveling on Kansas roadways, or *KTA (582) if traveling on the Kansas Turnpike."

The Kansas Department of Transportation closed portions of I-70 in northwest Kansas and U.S. 50 in southwest Kansas at times today that could continue tonight due to reduced visibility from blowing dust which has caused several crashes. &nbsp;Similar conditions and multiple crashes have also occurred in Colorado and Oklahoma and have closed highways. KDOT has sent water tenders to support fire suppression efforts in the Englewood and Ashland communities.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal has sent an agent and the State Fire Marshal to Southwest Kansas to assist local responders. An agent will be sent to Northwest Kansas later today. Task Forces have been sent to different locations across the state. The Task Forces are from Johnson County, Sedgwick County, Dickinson County, Shawnee County and the Kansas National Guard.

Kansas Forest Service personnel are assisting with the wildfire outbreak in Kansas by providing subject-matter-expertise to local fire departments actively engaged in wildfire suppression operations which assist in determining priorities for limited resources statewide.

The Kansas National Guard has deployed a wildfire task force to western Kansas to help with fire suppression.

The American Red Cross is assisting counties impacted with mass care and human service’s needs.

Kansas Division of Emergency Management provides wildfire update

RILEY COUNTY —Four people were injured in an alleged domestic violence incident on Valentine's Day in Manhattan.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 43-year-old woman, a 24-year-old woman a 7-year-old boy and a 2-month-old girl were listed as victims of the incident.&nbsp; a 29-year-old male was listed as the suspect. 

Police arrested 29-year-old Tyrell Harper of Manhattan on requested charges of aggravated domestic battery, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim, theft, battery, criminal damage to property, and endangering a child. 

Harper is being held on a $75,000 bond, according to the RCPD.

Manhattan man accused of Valentine's Day violence

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a panel made up of President Donald Trump's appointees, on Thursday approved his proposal to build a ballroom larger than the White House itself where the East Wing once stood.

The seven-member panel is one of two federal agencies that must approve Trump's plans for the ballroom. The National Capital Planning Commission, which has jurisdiction over construction and major renovation to government buildings in the region, is also reviewing the project.

Members of the fine arts commission originally had been scheduled to discuss and vote on the design after a follow-up presentation by the architect, and had planned to vote on final approval at next month's meeting. But after the 6-0 vote on the design, the panel's chairman, Rodney Mims Cook Jr., unexpectedly made another motion to vote on final approval.

Six of the seven commissioners — all appointed by the Republican president in January — voted once more in favor. Commissioner James McCrery did not participate in the discussion or the votes because he was the initial architect on the project before Trump replaced him.

The ballroom will be built on the site of the former East Wing, which Trump had demolished in October with little public notice. That drew an outcry from lawmakers, historians and preservationists who argued that the president should not have taken that step until the two federal agencies and Congress had reviewed and approved the project, and the public had a chance to provide comment.

The 90,000-square-foot ballroom would be nearly twice the size of the White House, which is 55,000-square-feet, and would accommodate about 1,000 people, Trump has said. The East Room, currently the largest room in the White House, can fit just over 200 people at most.

Commissioners offered mostly complimentary comments before the votes.

Cook echoed one of Trump's main arguments for adding a larger entertaining space to the White House: It would end the long-standing practice of erecting temporary structures on the South Lawn that Trump describes as tents to host visiting dignitaries for state dinners and other functions.

“Our sitting president has actually designed a very beautiful structure,” Cook said. “The United States just should not be entertaining the world in tents.”

The panel received mainly negative comments from the public

Members of the public were asked to submit written comment by a Wednesday afternoon deadline. Thomas Leubke, the panel’s secretary, said “over 99%” of the more than 2,000 messages it received in the past week from around the country were in opposition to the project.

Leubke tried to summarize the comments for the commissioners.

Some comments cited concerns about Trump’s decision to unilaterally tear down the East Wing, as well as the lack of transparency about who is paying for the ballroom or how contracts were awarded, Leubke said. Comments in support referenced concerns for the image of the United States on the world stage and the need for a larger entertaining space at the White House.

Trump has defended the ballroom in a recent series of social media posts that included drawings of the building. He said in one January post that most of the material needed to build it had been ordered “and there is no practical or reasonable way to go back. IT IS TOO LATE!”

The commission met Thursday over Zoom and heard from Shalom Baranes, the lead architect, and Rick Parisi, the landscape architect. Both described a series of images and sketches of the ballroom and the grounds as they would appear after the project is completed.

Trump has said the ballroom would cost about $400 million and be paid for with private donations. To date, the White House has only released an incomplete list of donors.

A lawsuit against the project is still pending

The National Trust for Historic Preservation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-sued-preservationists-76dc3bbea28257e79f8becd487d2c4d7">has sued</a>&nbsp;in federal court to halt construction. A ruling in the case is pending.

In comments it submitted to the commission, the privately funded group recommended that the size of the ballroom be reduced to “accommodate and respect the primary historic importance of the original Executive Residence.”

At&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-48c6630d2e81adad1793e25f8e447117">the commission's January meeting</a>, some commissioners had questioned Baranes, Trump's architect, about the “immense” design and scale of the project even as they broadly endorsed Trump's vision. On Thursday, Baranes described changes he has since made to the design, and the commissioners said they welcomed the adjustments.

The ballroom project is scheduled for additional discussion at a March 5 meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission, which is led by a top White House aide. This panel heard an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-commission-review-3dd5e3c1b2475d1f39843b9193572576">initial presentation about the project</a>&nbsp;in January.

This story has been corrected to reflect that the ballroom was approved by six of the seven commissioners and that one commission did not vote because he was the initial architect on the project.

 Commission OK Trump's White House ballroom plan

President Trump nominates KBI Director for vacancy on U.S. District Court

The City of Hutchinson’s Downtown Revitalization Director was arrested twice this week, according to Reno County booking and court records.&nbsp;

Reno County Detention Center records show that Scott Andrew Cooley was first booked Sunday, Feb. 15, on requested charges of driving under the influence, second conviction; incapable of safely driving; and&nbsp;operating&nbsp;a motor vehicle without a required ignition interlock device during a restriction.&nbsp;

Cooley was booked again Wednesday after a probation arrest and detain warrant was issued. Court documents&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;the warrant was filed by his court services officer following the Feb. 15 arrest. The order alleges Cooley violated the terms of his probation by being arrested for DUI and by&nbsp;possessing&nbsp;a bottle of Seagram’s gin.&nbsp;

Cooley’s probation stemmed from a municipal appeal of a Dec. 12, 2023, conviction in Hutchinson Municipal Court, where he was found guilty of driving under the influence.&nbsp;

According to Reno County District Court records, Cooley entered into a plea agreement on Sept. 17, 2025. He was sentenced on Sept. 19,&nbsp;2025&nbsp;to&nbsp;90 days&nbsp;in the custody of the Reno County Detention Center, with five days to be served before probation due to a medical condition. The court also imposed a $1,250 fine&nbsp;for the charge&nbsp;and an&nbsp;additional&nbsp;$100 fine for interference with law enforcement. He was serving six months of probation at the time of the recent arrest.&nbsp;

The City of Hutchinson announced in January that Cooley had joined the city as its Downtown Revitalization Manager, effective Jan. 5. The position was created to provide focused leadership for the downtown area and to advance implementation of the city’s Downtown Master Plan.&nbsp;

In that role, Cooley&nbsp;was responsible for&nbsp;leading day-to-day downtown revitalization efforts, including business support, redevelopment, coordination and oversight of the city’s Kansas Main Street Program.&nbsp;

Hutch Post has requested the status of Cooly’s employment.&nbsp;City officials tell us that Cooley is no longer employed by the City of Hutchinson.&nbsp;

Hutchinson Downtown Revitalization Director arrested twice this week

The weather allowed both ground and aerial firefighting efforts to make good progress containing the fires in southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma panhandle on Wednesday, according to&nbsp;Mark Engholm,&nbsp;State Fire Marshal of Kansas.

On Thursday, the state has also pre-positioned a task force in southeast Kansas due to forecast Red Flag conditions.

State Fire Marshal: Good progress on containing wildfires in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas sheriff's office detective will be in court Thursday. Shawn McMahon, 57, will attend a preliminary hearing in the courtroom of Judge Tyler Rousch, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The judge will determine if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.

In December 2024, the Wichita Police Department was requested to investigate the conduct of a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit who allegedly failed to thoroughly investigate criminal complaints while serving on a task force investigating internet crimes involving children.

Investigators from the WPD’s Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) carried out the investigation, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

As a result, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office charged Detective Shawn McMahon with two counts of Making a False Writing and one count of Interference with Law Enforcement. All of these charges are felonies.&nbsp;McMahon is currently suspended without pay.

Preliminary hearing: Kan. sheriff's detective charged with felony crimes

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Last week, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 244 that requires those who use bathrooms in government buildings use the bathroom that match their biological sex at birth.   

 On February 18, the Legislature overrode the Governor’s veto.

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding the overriding of her veto of House Substitute for Senate Bill 244:

“As I said in my&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F920%2F55/1/0101019c71ebbca5-d080fc2d-91aa-4ca4-b5ce-faac5e5be697-000000/bAgEqd529f51Of2UCTGhmeXJPzQ2oP3HwC59m2beqIs=445">veto statement</a>, this is a poorly drafted bill with significant, far-reaching consequences.

“Not only will this bill keep brothers from visiting sisters’ dorms and husbands from wives’ shared hospital rooms, it will cost Kansas taxpayers millions of dollars to comply with this very vague legislation.

“It is nothing short of ridiculous that the Legislature is forcing the entire state, every city and town, every school district, every public university to spend taxpayer money on a manufactured problem. Kansans elected them to focus on education, job creation, housing, and grocery costs.”

What Kan. governor said after her veto of bathroom bill  was overridden

LONDON (AP) — U.K. police arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/britain-epstein-andrew-former-prince-arrested-1eabcfff09626fbed29a5920ffe506f9">Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor</a>&nbsp;on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Thames Valley Police, an agency that covers areas west of London, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, said it was “assessing” reports that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">former Prince Andrew</a>&nbsp;sent trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.

The assessment followed the release of millions of pages of documents connected to a U.S. investigation of Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">features a number of times</a>&nbsp;in the documents.

The police force did not name Mountbatten-Windsor, as is normal under U.K. law. But when asked if he had been arrested, the force pointed to a statement saying that they had arrested a man in his 60s. Mountbatten-Windsor is 66.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,’’ the statement said. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein. Last fall, King Charles III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-scandal-king-charles-monarchy-epstein-33ec8ff4508ef1b36aad7532181245e8">stripped Andrew of his royal titles</a>, including the right to be called a prince, as he tried to insulate the monarchy from the continuing revelations about his younger brother’s relationship with Epstein. Those revelations have tarnished the royal family for more than a decade.

Images circulated online appeared to show unmarked police cars at Mountbatten-Windsor's home, Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers appearing to gather outside.

Ex-Prince Andrew arrested over Epstein-linked allegations

KANSAS CITY —When the call came in Sunday afternoon for someone drowning in a lake near Pittman Road and E 43rd, Officers Manley and Hawley raced to the scene, according to a social media report from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

The officers found two people in the water, with one deep in the lake, struggling for survival.

Manley and Hawley shed their gear and entered the water, rescuing a young woman.

Manley has been with the department 26 years, while Hawley started her KCPD career four years ago.

🎥KCPD officers rescue woman from drowning 

WASHINGTON – Carter Camacho, 18,&nbsp; of Smyrna, Georgia,&nbsp;was charged in a complaint Wednesday with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm within the United States Capitol Buildings or Grounds in connection to carrying a loaded shotgun onto federal property, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Camacho made his first appearance in U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey who scheduled a detention hearing for March 2, 2026.

According to the charging documents, on Feb. 17, 2026, Camacho parked a white Mercedes SUV on Maryland Ave. SE, between First and Third Streets. About 12:07 p.m., Camacho exited the vehicle and ran toward the United States Capitol carrying a firearm while wearing a tactical-style vest and camouflage-style clothing.

Camacho reached the steps on the western side of the Capitol. A uniformed officer with the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) asked Camacho what he was carrying. Camacho produced the firearm. The officer ordered Camacho to halt and lie down on the ground.

Once Camacho was on the ground, USCP officers recovered a Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun loaded with seven rounds in the tube and one in the chamber, with the safety off. An additional 17 rounds of ammunition were held in a carrier attached to the shotgun’s stock.

Officers placed Camacho in handcuffs. Camacho told USCP officers that he was just there to talk to a Member of Congress.

USCP officers traced Camacho’s path to the white Mercedes SUV and located a fixed blade knife on the ground about forty feet from the vehicle.

WASHINGTON —United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers surrounded and arrested a man who ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday. The arrest happened shortly after noon on the Lower West Terrace, according to a media release from U.S. Capitol Police.

The suspect also had multiple rounds of ammunition and a tactical style vest. USCP officers found the suspect’s SUV in front of the U.S. Botanic Garden on Maryland Avenue, SW. A gas mask and helmet were spotted inside the vehicle.&nbsp;

Thanks to the quick actions of the officers, no one was hurt.

“Just last summer, we held an active threat exercise on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol – in the very location where today’s officers stopped the suspect,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan. “These now routine exercises are planned monthly and in different areas of the Capitol Complex to keep our officers ready for potential threats just like this.”

The suspect, 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, GA, was arrested on requested charges of Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition.&nbsp;

The USCP’s Threat Assessment Section is investigating to determine the suspect’s motive. He was not on file with the USCP.

Man who charged U.S. Capitol with loaded shotgun faces a judge

WICHITA, Kan. — Pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2435, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office announces the conclusion of the investigation into potential criminal culpability arising from the issuance of a mailer the week of January 26, 2026 which contained inaccurate details regarding the March 3 Wichita Sales Tax special election, according to a media release from the DA's office.

As has been previously reported, on Monday, February 2, 2026, the Office of the District Attorney, 18th Judicial District, was contacted by Laura Rainwater, Sedgwick County Election Commissioner, regarding a mailer sent to Wichita voters the previous week by the group, “Wichita Forward.”

The mailer contained the following inaccurate statements:

1. Under “Step 3” the mailer informed readers that advance ballots had to be received by the election office by February 24th. That was incorrect. Advance ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on the date of the election, March 3.

2. At the bottom of the mailer, under the section entitled “Vote In Person,” the mailer states

that polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 7 p.m. That was incorrect. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wichita Forward issued an apology and clarification on Saturday, January 31, 2026, acknowledging the misstatements and clarifying with accurate information.

The political consulting group, Cato Consulting, was retained by Wichita Forward to handle marketing associated with the March 3 special election. Cato Consulting then contracted with Hexcode Marketing, a private vendor, to design the mailer in question. 

Both Cato Consulting and Hexcode Marketing provided written communications detailing the process by which the mailer came to be finalized. Both parties assert that the errors contained in the mailer were identified by Cato Consulting in writing before the mailer was sent to the printer.

Hexcode Marketing sent the incorrect mailer on to be printed without taking corrective action to fix the mailer, which the company attributes to human error while attending to other tasks.

Various laws were considered, including K.S.A. 25-2433, Advance Voting Suppression, which prohibits “knowingly, which intent to impede, obstruct or exert undue influence on the election process,” “(d) exercising undue influence upon an advance voter in applying for, delivering ormarking an advance voting ballot”; and K.S.A. 25-2415, Intimidation of Voters, which prohibits “(a)(2) mailing, publishing, broadcasting, telephoning or transmitting by any means false information intended to keep one or more voters from casting a ballot or applying for or returning an advance voting ballot.”

There is no evidence that the goal of the marketing vendor or the consultant was to impede voters or prevent the casting of votes. Rather than uncovering evidence of the requisite criminal intent necessary to charge a crime, the investigation revealed that the inaccuracies in the mailer appear to have been the result of human error.

There is no evidence of the criminal intent necessary to support criminal charges in this matter. 

DA rules on criminal intent in Wichita sales tax mailer 

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 20 of his 23 points in the first half, sparking No. 8 Kansas to an 81-69 win over Oklahoma State on Wednesday night.

Peterson, a guard who is expected to be among the first picks in the NBA draft later this year, had shot 13 for 36 from the field combined in his previous three games. He made 7 of 12 field goals against the Cowboys, including 6 of 10 3-pointers.

Tre White scored 16 points and Elmarko Jackson added 14 for Kansas. Bryson Tiller had 10 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and Flory Bidunga added eight points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for the Jayhawks (20-6, 10-3 Big 12), who made 11 of 24 3-pointers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-iowa-basketball-score-2244f41882aa408058620e8506a644a1">bounced back from a blowout loss at Iowa State</a>&nbsp;last Saturday.

Parsa Fallah scored 21 points and Anthony Roy added 16 for Oklahoma State (16-10, 4-9), which lost its fourth straight since a win over BYU. The Cowboys&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tcu-oklahoma-state-score-big-12-d411d5067b05bd3fcf13948a24b82065">were coming off a tough overtime home loss to TCU</a>&nbsp;and could have used a quality win to strengthen their NCAA Tournament resume.

It was a blackout game for the Oklahoma State crowd, but about a third of the fans were wearing Kansas blue.

Oklahoma State fell behind 10-1 and went more than three minutes without a field goal to start the game. The Jayhawks ran out to a 39-16 lead before the Cowboys went on an 11-0 run. Kansas led 43-29 at the break.

The Jayhawks remained in control in the second half, despite Peterson scoring just three points. Kansas shot 48% from the field after the break to stay safely ahead.

Oklahoma State: Visits Colorado on Saturday.

🏀 Freshman star Darryn Peterson leads KU past Oklahoma State 

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty scored 34 points, Nate Johnson added a career-high 33, and Kansas State cruised past Baylor 90-74 on Tuesday night in the debut of Wildcats' interim head coach Matthew Driscoll.

K-State (11-15, 2-11 Big 12) never trailed and held a double-digit lead for most of the second half to end a six-game skid. Driscoll replaced previous head coach Jerome Tang, who was fired Sunday night after four season at the helm.

Johnson’s layup gave the Wildcats a 21-point lead with 10:39 remaining. He surpassed his previous career-best 31 points with a dunk with 1:37 remaining.

Haggerty shot 15 of 23 overall. Johnson was 11-of-16 shooting and made five of the Wildcats' eight 3-pointers. Johnson also had nine assists and matched a career-high with six steals.

Isaac Williams IV scored 16 points to lead Baylor (13-13, 3-10), which has lost four straight. Tounde Yessoufou added 14 point for the Bears. Cameron Carr chipped in with 12 points and Dan Skillings Jr. scored 11. The Bears made just three of their 24 3-point attempts.

Johnson made four 3s and scored 16 points, and Haggerty added 13 points to help K-State build a 41-34 halftime advantage. The Wildcats shot 5 of 11 from long range while Baylor missed 11 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc.

Williams' layup pulled the Bears to 66-57 with 8:20 left but they didn't get closer.

K-State is on the road Saturday to face No. 13 Texas Tech.

🏀 Haggerty, Johnson lead K-State over Baylor in coach Matthew Driscoll's debut

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State fired basketball coach Jerome Tang on Sunday night, four days after many Wildcats fans showed up with bags over their heads for a home blowout.

Athletic director Gene Taylor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2026/2/15/mens-basketball-k-state-announces-leadership-change-in-mens-basketball-program">announced the move</a>&nbsp;in a statement.

“This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program,” Taylor said. “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward.”

The school said an interim head coach will be announced soon, and that a national search for a replacement has started.

“I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” Tang told ESPN in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach.”

On Wednesday night at home in a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, many&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jerome-tang-kansas-state-cincinnati-ed5e3f07a443a74ca13076acdb3e8a9d?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">fans wore bags over their heads</a>&nbsp;in disgust.

“This was embarrassing,” Tang said after that game. “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I’m embarrassed for the university, I’m embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is just ridiculous. We’ve got practice at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, and we will get this thing right. I have no answer and no words.”

Kansas State (10-15, 1-11 Big 12)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-houston-score-1863f51225b3df1800adbd2e0fb76cee?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">fell 78-64 on Saturday at No. 3 Houston</a>, the Wildcats' sixth straight loss. In four seasons at the school, the 59-year-old Tang was 71-57 overall and 29-39 in the conference. He led the Wildcats to a 26-10 mark in his first season.

The Wildcats' next game is Tuesday night at home against Baylor, where Tang was an assistant coach for 19 seasons with Scott Drew, including the Bears’ national title in 2021.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics Director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;announced Sunday night the school is parting ways with men's basketball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/2683">Jerome Tang</a>, according to a media release.

This decision is effective immediately.An interim head coach will be announced in the near future."This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men's basketball program,"&nbsp;Taylor said. 

"Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program's overall direction, have not&nbsp;aligned with K-State's&nbsp;standards for&nbsp;supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward."A national search for K-State's next basketball coach will begin immediately.

K-State and men's head basketball coach Jerome Tang have parted ways. According to multiple media reports Tang was fired Sunday, with the Wildcats 1-11 in Big 12 play.&nbsp;

Tang was in his fourth season at Kansas State where his overall record was 71-57 and 29-39 in Big 12 play. A highlight was his first season when the Wildcats reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.

🏀 K-State parting ways with men's basketball coach Jerome Tang

HOUSTON (AP) — Emanuel Sharp had 23 points and six rebounds as No. 3 Houston rallied from an early deficit to beat Kansas State 78-64 on Saturday for the Cougars’ sixth straight win.

Sharp scored 14 points on 4 of 10 shooting in the first half as Houston (23-2, 11-1 Big 12) built a 33-19 halftime lead.

Milos Uzan added 12 points and eight assists, and Kingston Flemings finished with 12 points and seven rebounds for the Cougars, which won their 18th straight at home.

P.J. Haggerty scored 23 points to lead Kansas State (10-15, 1-11). Haggerty surpassed 2,000 points in his collegiate career in the first half, becoming the fifth current Division I player to achieve the milestone.

Nate Johnson had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Taj Manning added 10 points for Kansas State. The Wildcats shot 35% from the field, 8 of 26 (31%) from 3-point range, and made 16 of 25 (64%) from the free-throw line.

The Wildcats raced to a 15-6 lead about 8 ½ minutes into the game on a 3-pointer by Haggerty, but Houston responded to finish the half on a 27-4 run. Sharp had nine points and Uzan added seven points in the spurt. Kansas State shot 1 for 15 from the floor to end the half.

Kansas State got no closer than 10 points in the second half.

The Wildcats have lost six consecutive games overall and have lost six straight on the road. Kansas State dropped to 0-6 against ranked teams this season.

Houston: Plays Monday at No. 5 Iowa State, the first of three straight games against Top-10 opponents.

🏀 Sharp scores 23 as Houston downs Kansas State 

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Milan Momcilovic scored 18 points and No. 5 Iowa State shook off a slow start to defeat No. 9 Kansas 74-56 on Saturday, snapping the Jayhawks’ eight-game winning streak.

The Cyclones (22-3, 9-3 Big 12), coming off Tuesday’s 62-55 loss at TCU, began a five-game stretch in which they play four ranked teams by taking control of this game in the first half despite struggling to make shots in the opening minutes.

Iowa State led 37-27 at halftime, then went on a 20-7 run in the opening 5 1/2 minutes of the second half, a stretch in which the Cyclones made six consecutive 3-pointers.

Their defense held Kansas (19-6, 9-3) to 31.6% shooting from the field in the second half, including 1 of 8 in 3-pointers. The Jayhawks shot 37.3% for the game while committing 13 turnovers, 10 in the first half.

Tamin Lipsey, Joshua Jefferson, Blake Buchanan and Jamarion Bateman each had 11 points for Iowa State.

Melvin Council Jr. led the Jayhawks with 15 points. Flory Bidunga had 11.

Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson started after missing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-kansas-t25-score-f9889466ae45491d08e069cb241100f3">Monday’s 82-78 win over top-ranked Arizona</a>. He had 10 points in 24 minutes.

Kansas’ winning streak started with an 84-63 victory over Iowa State on Jan. 13 and included wins over BYU, Texas Tech and Arizona.

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