The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education will tackle accreditation updates, curriculum changes, and several major spending items when it meets for its regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 9.&nbsp;

One of the key presentations on the agenda is a presentation on Kansas Education Systems&nbsp;Accreditation (KESA). Dr. Krystal Young and Director of Curriculum Lisa Yantes are scheduled to present information related to the district’s Kansas Education Systems Accreditation, which evaluates school improvement efforts, student outcomes, and continuous improvement goals across the district. The KESA process operates on a five-year cycle, during which districts are evaluated based on specific criteria that include the develop implementation of school improvement plans.&nbsp;

The Board of Education will vote on the purchase of 1100 Google Chromebooks. &nbsp;These new devices will replace 5-year-old or older Chromebooks currently used by students.&nbsp;Each Chromebook will come with a Google Chrome academic license. &nbsp;The total for the winning bid&nbsp;submitted&nbsp;by Network Management Group totals&nbsp;$417,175.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also,&nbsp;up for board approval is the replacement purchase of 145 replacement Clear Touch panels to update classroom display technology. &nbsp;The winning bid was&nbsp;submitted&nbsp;by Kansas City Audio Visual for a total of $321,311. Each Clear Touch panel comes with a five-year warranty.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;agenda also includes approval of a beverage contract&nbsp;with Pepsi-Cola Beverages&nbsp;

One of the largest action items on the agenda is the proposed adoption of a new math curriculum. Lisa Yantes will present the recommendation, which carries a total cost of $1,208,016.39. The adoption includes instructional materials from McGraw Hill and associated math programs designed to support student learning at all grade levels. If approved, the new curriculum would&nbsp;represent&nbsp;a significant instructional investment by the district.&nbsp;

The board will also consider routine financial matters, including approval of the December 2025 treasurer’s report and January 2026 accounts payable.&nbsp;

Additional&nbsp;consent items include approval of furniture and equipment&nbsp;purchases&nbsp;for the Lil’ Hawks Childcare Center, totaling $138,383.62, as well as acceptance of gifts donated to district schools.&nbsp;

The board of education will conclude the meeting by entering executive session to discuss personnel matters under the non-elected personnel exception of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. 

Following the closed session, the board will reconvene in open session to consider approval of the personnel report before adjourning.&nbsp;

Board of Education to consider Chromebook purchase, math curriculum

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday morning on K-14 Highway north of U.S. 50.

Deputies were dispatched at approximately 10:03 a.m. to a location about a half mile north of U.S. 50 on K-14 Highway, near the bridge over Blanchard Avenue. Investigators say a southbound Chevy Malibu crossed the center line for an unknown reason and was struck head-on by a northbound Jeep Liberty.

The driver of the Jeep Liberty, identified as 59-year-old Adam Arevalo of Hutchinson, was transported by Eagle Med to a Wichita hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, the flight was redirected to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, where Arevalo later died.

The driver of the Chevy Malibu, 27-year-old Cecil Chandler IV of Hutchinson, was pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS. A passenger in the Malibu, 19-year-old Shyann Cullison of Hutchinson, was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and later transferred to a Wichita hospital, where she remains in serious condition.

The cause of the crash remains under active investigation. Officials said factors such as speed, impairment, weather, or other contributing conditions have not yet been determined and will be evaluated as the investigation continues.&nbsp;

The Reno County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to assisting agencies, including the South Hutchinson Police Department, Buhler Police Department, Hutchinson Police Department, Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County EMS, Eagle Med, and Reno County 911 Emergency Communications, which handled a high volume of calls and radio traffic during the incident.

No additional information is being released at this time to preserve the integrity of the investigation and out of respect for the families involved.

Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to contact the Reno County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 620-694-2666 or 1-800-222-TIPS.

Sheriff's office releases IDs of victims in Saturday's fatal accident

Kansas Democrats last won a U.S. Senate seat in 1932. That’s the longest active losing streak in the nation.

There’s only been one close race. In 1974, Bob Dole edged Bill Roy by 1.7 points. Democrats haven’t come close since.

Which raises the question: What would it take for Democrats to finally break the streak?

First, the broader political environment must break decisively in their favor. Second, they must field a top-tier candidate.

Since 1934, the president’s party has lost an average of four Senate seats in midterm elections. High presidential approval can blunt those losses and in rare cases, like 2002 in the aftermath of 9/11, even produce gains. Low approval can increase them, like in 2006, when George W. Bush’s approval fell to the low 30s and Republicans lost six Senate seats.

Trump’s approval rating has slipped steadily since taking office and is especially low among Independents whose support will be crucial in November.

Midterm elections also have much lower voter turnout than presidential years. The smaller electorate tilts heavily toward the out-party, which is more motivated to regain power.

In addition, shifting party coalitions benefit Democrats. Democrat voters today are more affluent and educated than in the past, characteristics strongly associated with political participation, especially in off-year election cycles.

Thus, intense Democrat motivation to stop Trump, stronger turnout propensity, and Trump’s low approval ratings together create a rare opening for Kansas Democrats.

Yet, so far, the Senate contest has failed to attract topnotch candidates.

Laura Kelley ruled it out. Barbara Bollier, who turned in the most competitive performance by a Democrat in a quarter-century, losing by 11 points against Roger Marshall in 2020, appears content working behind the scenes.

That brings us to U.S. Representative Sharice Davids.

Citing Republican plans to gerrymander her congressional district, Davids signaled a potential Senate bid, though nothing official. While gerrymandering efforts seem to have lost momentum, they’ve worked to Davids’s advantage, amplifying her visibility and providing an unambiguous vehicle for attacking Republican overreach and extremism, themes that historically play well for Kansas Democrats. For 2025, Davids raised 2.3 million, nearly forty percent coming from small donations under $200. During the same time period, incumbent Senator Marshall raised 2.5 million, with high dollar contributions over $2,000 making up the largest share.

Davids has also established herself as a formidable campaigner. She not only unseated four-term incumbent Kevin Yoder by a commanding nine-point margin in 2018 but has since turned the third congressional district into a reliably blue seat. In advanced forecasting models, Davids stands out, repeatedly outperforming expectations derived from political fundamentals. By contrast, Marshall underperforms, falling well short of what an average Republican candidate would achieve given the environmental conditions.

Davids, in other words, could be the Democrat who ends the streak.

She would undoubtedly attract national attention, having already broken down barriers, becoming a historic first in several categories.

Now, the chance to dismantle another long-standing barrier lies ahead. If you value political competition, you’re hoping Davids takes that chance.

Dr. Mark Russell Joslyn is a professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Political Science at the University of Kansas.

Insight Kansas: No better time than now

Circles Reno County is proud to recognize&nbsp;Erica LaForce&nbsp;as a recent program graduate whose journey reflects perseverance, growth, and community impact.

During her time in Circles, LaForce achieved several meaningful milestones, including purchasing a home with her significant other and increasing her wages to more than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. She also strengthened her social connections and community involvement, building a foundation for long-term stability.

LaForce is an active member of the local Master Gardeners program and is known for her selfless spirit, compassion, and ability to lead with kindness and without judgment. She is also a devoted mother to her two daughters, Lila and Violet, who are a beloved part of the Circles community.

Circles Reno County celebrates graduate

The Hutchinson Art Center has released details on its upcoming art classes and workshops scheduled for February and March, offering creative opportunities for children, teenagers, and adults of all skill levels.

Creative Jump Start Workshop (Teenagers &amp; Adults)

One of the featured offerings is the Creative Jump Start Workshop, set for Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The one-day mixed media workshop will be led by Haven, Kansas artist Kayann Ausherman.

Participants will learn easy, intuitive techniques to create a series of 12 mixed media artworks, each measuring 6 by 6 inches. By layering materials and experimenting with texture and composition, students will produce visually rich and engaging pieces in a supportive learning environment.

Tuition is $70 for non–Art Center members and $60 for Art Center members.

The registration deadline is Friday, February 27, at 5 p.m.

Monthly Children’s Art Projects: Lester Raymer’s Sun Faces (Ages 6–12)

For younger artists, the Art Center will host its Monthly Children’s Art Projects on Saturday, February 21, 2026, led by artist and educator Beckie Vega. These make-and-take classes are designed for children ages 6 through 12.

Students will be divided into two sessions: Group A from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Group B from 3 to 4:30 p.m., with each group focusing on different skills. The cost is $8 per child per session.

February’s theme is Lester Raymer’s Sun Faces, introducing students to the life and work of the Lindsborg, Kansas artist. Children will explore basic facial features, collage techniques, and the use of color, line, texture, pattern, and variety.

The registration deadline is Friday, February 20, at 4:30 p.m.

These classes are made possible by the Ginger Mayfield Memorial Fund.

Saturday Morning Artists (Teenagers &amp; Adults)

The Art Center also continues its popular Saturday Morning Artists sessions for teenagers and adults on February 14, 21, and 28, and March 7, 21, and 28. There will be no session on March 14 due to the Creative Jump Start Workshop.

These informal figure-drawing sessions operate on a “come and go” basis between 9 and 11 a.m., typically wrapping up by 11:30 a.m. The cost is $8 per person, and participants must bring their own supplies. While the Art Center provides a model, there is no formal instruction—artists work alongside peers in a relaxed, judgment-free environment.

Sessions may be canceled due to holidays or special events. Participants are encouraged to call 620-663-1081 to confirm the schedule if needed.

More information and registration details for all classes and workshops are available through the Hutchinson Art Center.

Hutchinson Art Center announces Feb.-March classes and workshops

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

Three-day Outlook

RENO COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 10a.m. Saturday in Reno County.

According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, preliminary information indicates that a silver Jeep Liberty was North bound on Kansas 14 Highway one half mile north of US 50.&nbsp; The Jeep and southbound&nbsp; Chevy Malibu&nbsp; were involved in a collision. Both drivers were pronounced deceased by emergency medical personnel.

 A passenger from one of the vehicles was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. The sheriff's office did not have details on the condition of the passenger early Saturday afternoon.

The cause of the crash remains under active investigation.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release the names of the victims.

2 dead, 1 injured in 2-vehicle Reno County crash

Dear Dave,&nbsp; My wife and I have paid off all of our credit card debt, but she doesn’t want to follow your suggestion to cut up the cards and close the accounts. She wants us to keep the cards in a safe deposit box at the bank, and use them for nothing but emergencies.

I think this has something to do with the fact she grew up in a poor family. We’re doing okay, but it makes me wonder if some part of her is afraid of being poor again. We both know this isn’t what you recommend, but what can I do to convince her we should get rid of the credit cards once and for all?&nbsp;

Dear Geoff,&nbsp; Honestly, I’m not sure I’d approach this with the idea of&nbsp;convincing&nbsp;her of something. Under the circumstances, maybe it’d be a better idea to start off by having a gentle, understanding conversation, and talking things through.

I say this because one of the things you mentioned is that she grew up poor. In my mind, this could mean that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/how-credit-cards-work">the credit cards</a>&nbsp;represent security for her. But, if you had $10,000 or so set aside for emergencies, you’d have the security of knowing that a transmission repair, or a new water heater wouldn’t really be an emergency—it’d be reduced to a minor inconvenience. On top of that, having an actual cash emergency fund sitting there would mean you wouldn’t have to go right back into debt again when something goes wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are lots of deep emotions involved in this situation, Geoff. Let her know you understand her concerns, and that you respect and sympathize with everything she has experienced. But also explain how financial security wouldn’t be disappearing by doing this. The credit cards would be replaced by your very own money. In addition, you’d also be substituting what the credit cards do with a debit card.

After this, ask her if there’s a reasonable amount you two could have in the bank that would make her feel comfortable, and take away the worry and stress. Talk it out, see if you can settle on an amount, and then agree that when you’ve saved and hit that number, the cards get cut up and you close the account.&nbsp;You’ll have to be patient and understanding. Above all, you’ll have to communicate and work together as a&nbsp;team&nbsp;on this. But trust me, it’ll be worth it!

Dave says: They represent security to her

HUTCHINSON/RENO COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber is pleased to present the January Small Business Award to Leading Edge Technology Partners owned and founded by Gavin Lusk. Founded in 2004, the business began as a part-time, one-person operation while Gavin was between IT roles at Tyson Foods. Working in information technology had always been his calling, but at the time, he never imagined he was building something long-term. That quickly changed after securing his first client, Fee Insurance, followed by the City of South Hutchinson. What started as a temporary solution soon became a growing business with a clear purpose.

As demand increased, so did the scope of services. Leading Edge evolved into a full-service managed IT provider with a strong focus on municipalities and law enforcement agencies—organizations that rely heavily on dependable, secure, and responsive technology. By the late 2010s, Gavin recognized that for the business to grow, the vision needed to grow too.

In 2017, the company began shifting from an owner-operated model to an employee-driven organization. In 2019, Leading Edge hired its first full-time employee, and in 2021, Gavin partnered with fellow IT professional Brian Moore. That partnership helped accelerate growth, led to a company rebrand, and resulted in a move to their current location here in Hutchinson—one that has already expanded multiple times and is expanding again to support future positions.

What truly sets Leading Edge Technology Partners apart is their commitment to relationships. Clients are never treated as numbers. Instead, the team works to build trust and personal connections, delivering a managed IT experience that makes clients feel as though they have their own in-house IT department. This approach is especially important today as cybersecurity threats, online scams, and AI-driven risks continue to evolve. By investing heavily in ongoing education for both employees and clients, Leading Edge stays proactive rather than reactive.

That same people-first philosophy extends to their employees. Today, the company has six full-time team members, including two who have been with the business for more than five years. Employees enjoy paid major holidays, floating holidays, and rotating hybrid Fridays off. The culture is built on respect, trust, and shared goals, where dedication and hard work are recognized and appreciated.

Community involvement is also central to the company’s mission. Gavin serves as a board member and major sponsor of the Cancer Council of Reno County and is an active member of Rotary. The company supports the Boys &amp; Girls Club of Reno County, Child Care Links, Beyond Barriers, and other local organizations. Partner Brian Moore is also engaged in community efforts, including participation in events like the annual Toy Run.

For Gavin, success is best measured by trust—especially when new clients come through referrals. From its humble beginnings as a one-person startup to a respected managed IT provider serving organizations across Kansas, Leading Edge Technology Partners exemplifies innovation, leadership, and commitment to both clients and community.

Please join us in congratulating Leading Edge Technology Partners, our January Small Business of the Month!

Leading Edge Technology Partners receives Small Business Award

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Raymond	Lee	Bell		2/6/2026 1:38&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Forgery; Making, altering, endorsing,					Making False Information,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case,					Theft; By Deception; $1,500 to $24,999,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Travis	James	Wasinger		2/6/2026 1:43&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Meraly	Saramy	Menjivar		2/6/2026 10:55&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Elisha	LeAnn	Kinast		2/6/2026 10:57&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Gregory	Bryon	Norris		2/6/2026 12:28&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Nathan	Kent	Myers		2/6/2026 3:56&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Taylor	Nichole	Ryan		2/6/2026 4:34&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Matthew	Lee	Cole		2/6/2026 4:53&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear,					Theft; Possess Stolen Property; $1,500 to $24,999,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Marcus	Juanell	Hill		2/6/2026 5:11&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Shyann	Taylor	Cullison		2/6/2026 6:44&nbsp;PM	Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct,					Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Jessica	Dawn	Wornkey		2/6/2026 7:16&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Abram	Jon	Roth		2/6/2026 9:10&nbsp;PM	Direct Contempt

Gwendolynn	Deann	Conde		2/6/2026 9:35&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Nicholas	Dwight	Wilmurth		2/7/2026 12:45&nbsp;AM	Fleeing or attempting to elude a LEO; Unknown felony,					DUI; 2nd conv; incapable of safely driving,					Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction, Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant,					Possession of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance

Daily Bookings

The American Heart Association is renewing its push at the Kansas Statehouse this session, focusing on policies aimed at increasing survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest through improved CPR access, training, and emergency response systems.

Kari Rinker, the organization’s region senior state government relations lead, said advocacy has become a critical part of the association’s mission as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur nationwide each year, with only about one in 10 victims surviving without immediate intervention.

“One of our goals is turning bystanders into lifesavers,” Rinker said. “We want people to be prepared and confident to step in and act when a cardiac arrest happens.”

A major priority this year is expanding telecommunicator CPR across Kansas. Telecommunicator CPR allows 911 dispatchers to provide real-time, verbal CPR instructions to callers witnessing a cardiac arrest until first responders arrive.

Rinker said a recent work group involving the American Heart Association, the Kansas 911 Board, and the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association found that about half of Kansas counties do not currently have telecommunicator CPR protocols in place. That means whether a caller receives CPR guidance can depend entirely on where the emergency occurs.

“To us, 911 dispatchers are truly the first first-responders,” Rinker said. “They can make the difference between life and death.”

Legislation introduced last year, Senate Bill 11, would require all Kansas 911 medical dispatchers to receive standardized telecommunicator CPR training. Similar laws have already been adopted in Oklahoma and Nebraska. However, the bill has faced resistance, largely due to concerns over state mandates.

While statewide legislation has stalled, Rinker noted that free online training—four hours initially, with a two-hour annual refresher—has already been developed and could be accessed by dispatch centers. Even so, without a requirement, some agencies may choose not to participate.

Progress being made in Kansas schools

Another advocacy success cited by Rinker is the requirement that all Kansas public schools have a cardiac emergency response plan. The law, passed several years ago with bipartisan legislative support, requires schools to prepare for cardiac emergencies involving students, staff, and visitors.

As of July of 2025, about 87 percent of Kansas schools have submitted their plans to the state health department. However, surveys show that many districts—particularly in rural areas—still lack adequate automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training equipment.

“We’ve learned that having a plan and being able to fully implement it are two different things,” Rinker said.

The American Heart Association is now working with lawmakers to establish a grant program that would help schools purchase AEDs and training equipment, with hopes of securing funding during the current legislative cycle.

Kansas Advocacy Day set for March 4

These priorities will be front and center during Kansas Advocacy Day on March 4 in Topeka. Advocates from across the state will meet with legislators to share information and personal stories about cardiac arrest survival and bystander CPR.

“Personal stories are the most powerful thing elected officials can hear,” Rinker said. “We’ll be joined by survivors and by people whose lives were saved because someone stepped in and performed CPR.”

Rinker emphasized that learning CPR does not have to be intimidating or time-consuming. Short instructional videos are widely available, and even basic knowledge—pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest—can save a life.

“We train kids as young as 12,” she said. “Anyone can do CPR, and people shouldn’t hesitate because they think they need a full certification first.”

Those interested in heart-health advocacy or Advocacy Day can get more information by texting KS to 46839.

“Every person who learns CPR or speaks up for these policies helps make Kansas a safer place,” Rinker said.

American Heart Association advocating lifesaving policies

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ken-sweet">KEN SWEET</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cora-lewis">CORA LEWIS</a>

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Rent can eat up an entire paycheck at the start of the month, so a growing number of renters are turning to a financial product that promises relief by letting them split the bill — for a price.

So-called “rent now, pay later” services have emerged over the past few years as&nbsp;<a href="https://f5411012e10fa78d0257c137e60c1be3/" target="_blank">housing costs climb</a>&nbsp;and paychecks grow less predictable, particularly for lower-income and gig-economy workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, rents have jumped nearly 28% in past five years.

Companies such as Flex, Livble and, more recently, Affirm, say breaking rent into multiple payments can help renters manage cash flow. But consumer advocates warn the products typically function like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buy-now-pay-later-missed-payments-regulation-f7fd30f2a0e900460919fad76a1e0dbf">short-term loans</a>, layering fees onto already strained budgets and, in some cases, carrying triple-digit effective interest rates — raising questions about whether they ease financial pressure or deepen it.

Kellen Johnson, 44, started using Flex to split up his rent payments about two years ago. Instead of paying the whole $1,850 of his rent on the first of the month, Johnson would pay $1,350 on that date, and $500 on the 15th. For the service, Flex collected a $14.99 monthly subscription fee, as well as 1% of the total rent, which for Johnson was $18.50, bringing his monthly charges for the app to more than $33.

Johnson said he was willing to pay the extra costs in part because he worked as an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/work-side-jobs-security-salaries-layoffs-df229576002b9b99cf4149b3978e937c">independently contracted delivery person</a>&nbsp;for Amazon at the time, and his paychecks could vary.

“It was an expense that I was incurring, but I went ahead as it was more convenient,” said Johnson, who now works as a driver for senior citizens in Sacramento, California.

Roughly 109 million Americans, or about 42.5 million households, are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/realpage-doj-lawsuit-settlement-rent-data-4d8985a50c28b6322b8f82a2fbb5c79e">renters in the United States</a>. The Census Bureau estimated in 2024 that a large share of those households pay 30% or more of their monthly income on rent. The bureau considers such households to be “cost burdened,” meaning rent consumes so much of their income that they have less ability to plan for future expenses or build wealth.

Rent now, pay later services generally operate the same way: The company pays the landlord the full rent when due, and the renter repays the company in two or more installments over the course of the month. Because rent can be such a large expense, the companies argue that spreading payments out can give renters more cash on hand.

Many of these services&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buy-now-pay-later-debt-holidays-0bb6006ddf14077ee5ae83fd43486923">come with fees</a>. The fees can be structured differently but should be generally thought of as cost of credit, consumer advocates warn. In Johnson’s case, he was paying $33.49 for a two-week loan of $500, for an effective annual percentage rate of 172%, when expressed using standard consumer-lending calculations.

“Renters should be skeptical of any financing providers that have partnered with a landlord and be skeptical of anything that sells itself as no fees or no interest,” said Mike Pierce, executive director of Protect Borrowers. Pierce previously worked at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Launched in 2019, Flex is one of the largest companies focused on splitting rent payments. The company says its 1.5 million customers now send about $2 billion a month in rent through its system, and several of the country’s largest landlords accept Flex as a payment option.

Flex says most of its customers are lower-income renters with weaker credit profiles. The company reports a median credit score of 604 among its users and says about one in three customers works more than one job to make ends meet. A Flex spokesman says the average customer uses the service three to four times a year. Johnson used it every month.

Livble does not charge a subscription, but charges renters a fee ranging from $30 to $40, according to the company’s help page. Depending on how long the renter defers part of the payment, Livble’s fees can translate into effective annual percentage rates of roughly 104% to 139%.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buy-now-pay-later-loans-installments-02852578a991fb0d31879acd0b687e0d">buy now, pay later</a>&nbsp;company Affirm said this month that it is piloting a program allowing some customers to split rent into two payments. The program is being tested in partnership with Esusu, a company that reports rent payments to credit bureaus to help consumers build credit. An Affirm spokesman said the company is not charging renters interest or fees to use the product, but may charge landlords fees. However, to access the Affirm service, renters must subscribe to Esusu Plus or Premium, which cost $35 and $50 a month, respectively.

As another financing option, landlords are increasingly accepting credit cards for rent payments. Bilt, a credit card startup, built its brand around targeting renters when it launched, and some tenants also use credit cards to accumulate rewards or points.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/credit-card-default-51f76dea3666e9b2d95156b47c8092cd">paying rent by credit card</a>&nbsp;can also be costly. Landlords typically pass the processing fees on to tenants. Depending on the card issuer and payment network, these fees can range from about 2.5% to 3.5% of the rent. For a renter paying $1,500 a month, that translates to roughly $37.50 to $52.50 in fees — a monthly cost comparable to what services like Livble and Flex charge.

Economists and renters’ advocates argue that none of these financing options address the fundamental issue of affordability in the rental market. If credit cards, or flexible rent payment options become more widely used, they worry rents could rise further as landlords start factoring in a potential renters’ weekly cash flow as opposed to the rental market in the area the building is located in.

Merchants already pass along credit card processing costs to customers in the form of higher prices, and advocates worry that the rental market could adopt similar patterns. For example, Livble is owned by RealPage, which last year settled allegations that its algorithm allowed landlords to collude and push rents higher.

Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber contributed from Washington.

Renters use 'rent now, pay later' services to manage monthly payments, but fees raise concerns

NEW YORK (AP) — The Trump administration on Thursday launched TrumpRx, a website it says will help patients buy prescription drugs directly at a discounted rate at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-government-priorities-health-care-costs-trump-9426742bd09273ec9b67c7321dae8a02">health care</a>&nbsp;and the cost of living are growing concerns for Americans.

<a href="https://trumprx.gov/">Click here to visit the TrumpRx website</a>

“You’re going to save a fortune,” President Donald Trump said at the site’s unveiling. “And this is also so good for overall health care.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://trumprx.gov/">government-hosted website</a>&nbsp;is not a platform for buying medications. Instead, it's set up as a facilitator, pointing Americans to drugmakers’ direct-to-consumer websites, where they can make purchases. It also provides coupons to use at pharmacies. The site launches with over 40 medications, including weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

The site is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to show it's tacking the challenges of high costs. Affordability has emerged as a political vulnerability for Trump and his Republican allies going into November's midterm elections, as Americans remain concerned about the cost of housing, groceries, utilities and other staples of middle-class identity.

Trump stressed that the lower prices were made possible by his pressuring of pharmaceutical companies on prices, saying he demanded that they charge the same costs in the U.S. as in other nations. He said prescription drug costs will increase in foreign countries as a result.

“We're tired of subsidizing the world,” Trump said at the event on the White House campus that lasted roughly 20 minutes.

The president first teased TrumpRx in September while announcing the first of his more than 15&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prescription-drug-costs-medicaid-pfizer-trump-8a8412352bbba708b3c0ee7dbe4ccefb">deals with pharmaceutical companies</a>&nbsp;to lower drug prices to match the lowest price offered in other developed nations. He said in December the website would provide “massive discounts to all consumers" — though it's unclear whether the prices available on drugmakers' websites will routinely be any lower than what many consumers could get through their insurance coverage.

The website's Thursday release came after it faced multiple delays, for reasons the administration hasn't publicly shared. Last fall, Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, told Trump the site would share prices for consumers before the end of the year. An expected launch in late January was also pushed back.

The president has spent the past several months seeking to spotlight his efforts to lower drug prices for Americans. He’s done that through deals with major pharmaceutical companies, including some of the biggest drugmakers like Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Merck, which have agreed to lower prices of their Medicaid drugs to so-called “most favored nations” pricing. As part of the deals, many of the companies' new drugs are also to be launched at discounted rates for consumer markets through TrumpRx.

Many of the details of Trump's deals with manufacturers remain unclear, and drug prices for patients in the U.S. can depend on many factors, including the competition a treatment faces and insurance coverage. Most people have coverage through work, the individual insurance market or government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, which shield them from much of the cost.

Trump’s administration also has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicare-drug-prices-negotiation-trump-ozempic-wegovy-53602fe0b5b7800030c475c3a5f34c3c">negotiated lower prices</a>&nbsp;for several prescription drugs for Medicare enrollees, through a direct negotiation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicare-drug-pricing-program-trump-negotiations-d4753de72caf3acd3d7a5f4e7c2fe7c6">program</a>&nbsp;created by a 2022 law.

Government's new TrumpRx website for prescription drugs at a discount

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;— A suspect accused in the deadly shooting of a Dodge City man was back in court on Friday.

&nbsp;Ricardo Talavera, 41,  pleaded no contest&nbsp; involuntary manslaughter and interference with a law enforcement office in the death of 49-year-old Ruben Parga-Quintanar during a hearing in Judge Kathleen Watson's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 9a.m. August 1, officers and Wichita Fire Department crews responded to a report of a man down near the entrance to an alley in the 2400 block of North Jeanette in Wichita, according to a media release. When fire personnel arrived, they found Parga-Quintanar with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:53 a.m.

Early findings in the investigation suggested Parga-Quintanar was shot elsewhere and collapsed after fleeing on a bicycle. As the case progressed, detectives determined he was shot in the alley and then collapsed nearby.

Investigators identified Talavera as a suspect and served a search warrant at his home.&nbsp; On August 6, police arrested him and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; He remains jailed on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00 bond and will be sentenced in March, according to the district attorney's office.

Suspect enters plea in death of SW Kansas man

Bill voids decades of regulatory decisions amid concern about investigatory process

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 — Lacey Grogan, Joshua Conner and Melissa Vaughn recounted traumatic nursing regulatory experiences in Kansas House testimony supporting an extraordinary bill written to force administrative changes at the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

The bill, if signed into law, would void state Board of Nursing disciplinary actions executed between Jan. 1, 2005, and July 1, 2026, including cases of licensure renewal and unprofessional conduct. Documents in the deleted cases would be sealed from the Kansas Open Records Act. Steps would be taken to remove from national databases information on nurses sanctioned by the Board of Nursing during the period.

A revised definition of unprofessional conduct for nurses — intended to rein in the Board of Nursing — would be retroactively applied to 2025. The definition would focus on alleged misconduct performed intentionally or carelessly but no longer include issues related to failure to timely renewal of a license.

In addition, the Board of Nursing would be required to adhere to a higher standard of proof in nurse disciplinary cases. It would shift from a preponderance of evidence to the more rigorous clear and convincing evidence.

Appointees of the Kansas governor to the Board of Nursing would undergo Senate confirmation. No member of the Legislature or the attorney general or a governor could serve on the board.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2528_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 2528 would make a series of other changes</a>&nbsp;at the Board of Nursing applicable to the 74,000 nursing professionals licensed in Kansas.

The House Health and Human Services Committee gathered testimony Thursday from critics and champions of the Board of Nursing. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/07/kansas-legislators-alarmed-nurses-suffer-draconian-penalty-for-license-renewal-errors/">Board of Nursing came under intense scrutiny by the Legislature in&nbsp;</a>mid-2025 as allegations of regulatory abuse became public.

Grogan, a registered nurse for 20 years who lives in St. Francis, told legislators she welcomed change at the Board of Nursing. While working at an understaffed rural Kansas hospital, Grogan said, she complied with professional standards by reporting a patient fall. The hospital’s administration retaliated by filing complaints against her with the Board of Nursing. Two were promptly dismissed, she said, but a third “lacking substantiated evidence was nevertheless pursued” by the Board of Nursing.

“I was denied a meaningful opportunity to speak on my own behalf without legal representation, pressured into signing a consent agreement for conduct I did not commit and ultimately fined and stripped of my nursing license,” Grogan said. “My name was included in a disciplinary mailer distributed to nurses statewide. Once reported to the national database, my licensure was called into question in nearly every other state where I held licensure.”

During emotional testimony, Grogan told legislators the “future of nursing depends on the decisions made in this room” to deal with the state regulatory board.

More than 25 people submitted testimony in support of the 23-page House bill. Seven individuals declared opposition.

Carol Moreland, executive administrator of the Board of Nursing since 2017, said provisions of HB 2528 could violate federal mandates and increased the risk of nurses harming the public. She questioned the Legislature’s heavy-handed approach to modifying authority of the Board of Nursing.

“No other regulatory board in Kansas is under this scrutiny and is being asked to make these unprecedented changes,” she said.

She objected to wiping out disciplinary decisions of the Board of Nursing for a period of two decades. She said that part of the bill would reverse sanctions against a school nurse who engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct with a student, a nurse who solicited prostitution at work and a nurse who stole credit cards from a patient and made purchases after the patient died.

“It’s not clear to us at the Board of Nursing what really happens next. If it’s voided, do they automatically have their license back?” Moreland said.

Another flaw in the bill required the Board of Nursing to send a flurry of notices to nurses approaching their two-year license renewal date, said Carol Moore, a retired advance practice nurse and former associate dean of Baker University’s nursing program. The bill would mandate renewal notices go out 90 days, 60 days, 30 days and seven days prior to the deadline, on the renewal date and seven days after that date.

“How much handholding does an educated professional require?” Moore said. “I do not see anything as written in this bill to enhance the care of patients nor to advance the stature of nursing.”

Topeka registered nurse Kelly Sommers said the Legislature should “put a stop to this embarrassment” of a bill. She said reforms in the bill appeared to be crafted in a way “to satisfy a handful of nurses who refuse to accept personal responsibility.”

Joshua Connor, an opponent of the bill, said he worked for a decade with elderly adults as a licensed practical nurse. He lived in Manhattan before taking a job in Florida. He said he didn’t renew his Kansas nursing license because his job didn’t require the credential.

Connor was subsequently diagnosed with cancer requiring surgery, but his employer didn’t want to accommodate his absence from work. He was fired and won a wrongful termination lawsuit. He considered returning to Kansas to resume his nursing career. After contacting the Board of Nursing to renew his license, the agency put him under investigation for allegedly working in Florida without a nursing license.

“My real nightmare began,” said Connor, who eventually secured a new Kansas nursing license. “I was coerced to sign a consent agreement that labeled me with unprofessional conduct.”

The Board of Nursing placed his name in a database for nurses guilty of unprofessional conduct. His request to have Florida recognize his nursing license was rejected because he was disciplined in Kansas.

“I am working over 60 hours a week now at 7-11 to support my family,” he said. “KSBN’s draconian actions have cost me thousands of dollars in lost wages and attorney fees. The emotional toll is indescribable.”

Melissa Vaughn, a Kansas registered nurse from Kansas City, Missouri, has worked the past five years as a Hy-Vee floral designer. She shared with legislators her “unimaginable experience” with staff at the Board of Nursing. Her career in nursing began in 1996. She graduated from nursing school at University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2012.

She presented House members a detailed outline of her licensing renewal battle with the Board of Nursing that came to a head in 2013.

“I pursued my case honestly with the mindset that if KSBN is doing this to me I have no doubt they are doing it to other nurses,” she said.

In 2013, Vaughn accidently checked a box on her renewal application indicating she hadn’t completed 30 hours of mandatory continuing education. She corrected her application. At one point, the Board of Nursing accepted documentation showing she met the requirement. She later received a letter from the Board of Nursing indicating her application was being audited. Another letter said her case was referred to a disciplinary attorney “for further disposition.”

Vaughn’s alleged offense: She applied for renewal of her license on March 18, 2013, before the 30-hour continuing education credit was affirmed by the Board of Nursing on April 16, 2013. It was a confusing development, she said, because her Kansas nursing license was, at that moment, still valid and wouldn’t lapse until May 31, 2013.

The Board of Nursing offered her a diversion agreement declaring she broke state licensing regulations with a flawed application. She said she rejected the plea deal because the agreement’s “statement of facts” included false information. An assistant attorney general at the Board of Nursing threatened her with license revocation for alleged “unprofessional conduct by fraud or deceit in practicing nursing.”

The Board of Nursing issued a 15-day license suspension but later reversed the order. She paid a $250 fine for failure to exhibit a “cooperative attitude toward the disciplinary proceedings.”

More than a decade later, Vaughn said, she was grateful introduction of the House bill offered her an opportunity to advocate for reform that addressed “a sickening mix of KSBN’s schemes, incompetence, ignorance and greed.”

Kansas House responds to complaints, unveils bill revamping Board of Nursing’s authority

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a homicide after two men were shot early Saturday in north Wichita.

Just after 3 a.m. Saturday, police responded to the 3900 block of E. 13th Street in Wichita after receiving a gunshot detection alert, according to a media release from Wichita Police.

While officers were responding, police received a report of a walk-in shooting victim at a local hospital. Shortly afterward, two adult men arrived at the hospital with gunshot wounds. A 36-year-old man was pronounced dead at 3:42 a.m. A second victim, a 43-year-old man, suffered serious injuries and is expected to survive.

Preliminary information indicates the victims were at a business in the 3900 block of E. Vesta when a disturbance occurred and shots were fired. Police reported property damage in the area, but no other injuries.

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