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The Little Apple Brief

Local, state, and US news for busy people - Jan 26, 2026 edition

Greg Loving, Max Vidavsky

26 Jan 2026 • 4 min read

Downtown Manhattan KS/Facebook

This newsletter will be published daily in the morning, in this format, soon. The website will be updated more regularly.

-Greg and Max, greg@citizenjournal.us

Manhattan

Manhattan Regional Airport achieved a historic milestone in 2025 with 166,623 total passengers, while also completing infrastructure projects like eight new general aviation hangars. →
The USD 383 Board of Education declined to reopen discussion on new school start times, meaning elementary schools will move to a 7:30 a.m. start next year despite significant public opposition. →
A bathroom trash can fire at Marlatt Elementary caused smoke and forced an evacuation last Friday, though structural damage was minimal and no injuries were reported. →
A $1.88 million bid was awarded to Icon Structures for Phase II renovations at Amanda Arnold Elementary, funded through capital outlay to address maintenance in the 40-year-old building. →
Fort Riley Commander Col. Jerry Nunziato will showcase the installation’s $2 billion economic impact and $400 million infrastructure plan at the Flint Hills Regional Growth Summit. His address will highlight how military-community partnerships drive both local economic prosperity and national defense readiness. →
Riley County Police seized nearly two pounds of fentanyl, hundreds of grams of other narcotics, and five handguns during a month-long crackdown on local drug distribution. The proactive investigations resulted in multiple arrests as part of a prioritized effort to remove deadly illegal drugs from the community. →
The district is eliminating its Fashion, Apparel and Interior Design pathway due to state funding cuts while doubling capacity for certified nursing assistant offerings to meet high student demand. →
The high school's four-speaker debate team secured a second-place finish at the 6A state championship and received board approval for travel to upcoming national qualifying competitions. →
A vote to purchase four autonomous mowers for $67,500 was tabled as commissioners requested more data on the Parks and Recreation Department's total fleet and usage. →
Bundle up for a frigid but bright day with mostly clear skies, a high of 26, and sub-zero wind chills tonight.

🌾Kansas

GOP gubernatorial candidate Philip Sarnecki criticized the Kansas Legislature for abandoning a congressional redistricting effort that would have targeted Rep. Sharice Davids' seat by splitting Johnson County among GOP-majority districts.
Lawrence wastewater detected high levels of six respiratory viruses simultaneously—COVID-19, flu A and B, RSV, metapneumovirus, and norovirus—with an unusually early influenza B spike.
Wichita Public Schools and at least 10 other Kansas districts canceled classes Monday due to winter weather and dangerously low wind chills.
Missing Emporia teacher Rebecca Rauber, 28, was found dead from apparent hypothermia after disappearing Friday night without her belongings and being discovered Sunday in a wooded area 300 yards from where she was last seen.
The Kansas Legislature introduced nursing board reform bills limiting the board's authority over nonpractice violations, requiring Senate confirmation for board members, and establishing an impaired provider program.

🇺🇸 US

Minneapolis Shooting: Border Patrol officer fatally shot Alex Pretti; bystander footage contradicts official report of events, prompting Trump to say he's "reviewing everything."
Government Shutdown Threat: Senate Democrats blocking Homeland Security funding over Minneapolis shooting, threatening partial shutdown Friday when funding for 75% of federal discretionary spending expires.
Taipei 101 Climb: Free solo climber Alex Honnold scaled Taiwan's 1,667-foot Taipei 101 skyscraper without safety equipment.
Canada-China Tariff Threat: Trump threatens 100% tariffs if Canada pursues China free trade deal; Canada signed limited EV agreement with Beijing last week.
Chinese General Investigation: Gen. Zhang Youxia, China's most senior general and Xi Jinping's trusted military ally, under investigation for allegedly leaking nuclear weapons secrets to U.S. and accepting massive bribes.
Gold Surge: Gold prices break $5,000 for first time amid government shutdown fears and geopolitical tensions.

🌤️Weather

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