The Food Pantry of Geary County moved to a new and larger facility at 700A West 7th Street in 2025. Director Debbie Johns observed, "I think the most amazing thing is seeing how the community supported the Food Pantry." That support came in the form of money and donations from churches and schools.

The new building doubled the size of the Food Pantry. In 2025 there was also a large increase in the number of people served. Some of that increase occurred during the federal government shutdown.

To obtain food clients need a photo ID, proof of Geary County residency and they need to fill out an intake form. If one of those items is missing there is an alternate way to get food. "They're always welcome to come to our food hub and get some items out of there,"said Johns, who added that no one is turned away without food.

In November the Food Pantry served 2,900 people and there were 382 new clients. A total of 652 children were served.

Due to the holidays the facility was closed Dec. 24 and will be Dec. 25 -26, along with Dec. 30-Jan..1. 

Normal hours during the week are Monday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until noon, Tuesday from 5:30 -&nbsp; 6:30 p.m. and there is Fresh Food Friday at 9:45 a.m. until the food is gone. School Night at the Pantry is scheduled the first Thursday of the month when families can also get food.

Big year for the Food Pantry of Geary County

The Geary County Sheriff's Office reported that at 0508 a.m. Friday Deputies responded to a single vehicle injury accident. Samantha Ott of Junction City, KS was traveling north on K-177 HWY in her 2013 Honda Civic when a coyote entered the highway. Samantha was able to evade the coyote, however, she swerved off the road and into a ditch causing disabling damage to her vehicle. 

Ott sustained minor injuries and was transported to Stormont Vail Flint Hills for further treatment

Authorities respond to an accident

GEARY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Wednesday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Equinox driven by Joshua Mercer, 26, Newton, was southbound on U.S. 77 just north of Lyon Creek Road.&nbsp; The SUV left the roadway to the west, continued southbound in the ditch where it came to rest.

EMS transported Mercer&nbsp;Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills in Junction City. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized in Junction City after SUV accident

RILEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Riley County

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage driven by John Franklin&nbsp;Harris, 68, St. George, was northbound on Tuttle Creek Boulevard crossing the intersection of Bluemont Street. The car struck a pedestrian identified as Thalonda Marie&nbsp;Lashley, 45, Junction City,&nbsp;who was wearing dark clothing and walking north in the driving lane of Tuttle Creek Boulevard.

Lashley was transported to&nbsp;Via Christi-Manhattan where she was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Harris was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RILEY COUNTY —The Kansas HIghway Patrol is investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Riley County.

The Patrol reported a vehicle was northbound on Tuttle Creek Boulevard crossing the intersection of Bluemont Street. The vehicle struck a pedestrian who was wearing dark clothing and walking north in the driving lane of Tuttle Creek Boulevard.

The Patrol released no additional details early Wednesday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

KHP: Junction City woman killed after struck by a car 

The Army has announced Winter Holiday hours at Fort Riley Access Control Points and Visitor Control Center:

--VCC: Holiday hours 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec 24-26&nbsp;&nbsp;

Winter holiday hours for Fort Riley Access Control Points

DICKINSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Equinox driven by Benjamin John&nbsp;Shafer, 26, Abilene, was&nbsp;&nbsp;westbound on Kansas 18 one half mile east of Mink Road.

The SUV rear-ended a 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp;Hock, Matthew Warren Hock, 43, Abilene, who was&nbsp;slowing to turn north into a driveway.

EMS transported Shafer to Memorial Health System. Hock was not injured. Shafer was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after rear-end crash

Geary County officials have dealt with numerous topics in 2025, including the planning for a potential new jail. County Commission Chairman Keith Ascher noted that two options are under consideration but there has not been any final decision. "What do we need for an adequate jail that is safe for inmates, as well as safe for the employees, the staff?" The sites being considered are in the Ninth, Tenth and Franklin Street area in Junction City near the current jail site and County Office Building parking lot.

Ascher feels that a working group or task force from the public will probably be put together to help with the project. A bond issue could be necessary and the proposal would probably have to go to an election. He estimated that a&nbsp; jail could be finished in the 2029 - 2030&nbsp; time frame.

Other county highlights cited by Ascher for 2025 included the seating of&nbsp; Commissioner Kathy Tremont and Sheriff Nate Boeckman, completion of an updated comprehensive plan, the Sheriff's and Public Works Departments were nearly fully staffed, the annual county budget preparation and the beginning of the I-70 - K-18 interchange project.

There is also an effort to put cameras in public works equipment for safety and production. You will be able to see how the County is doing on snow removal, snow routes that have been bladed and where they're headed next.

Recapping 2025 for Geary County

DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TUESDAY NIGHT TO 11 AM CST WEDNESDAY...* 

Geary County Emergency Management passed along information from the National Weather Service. WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and  northeast Kansas.* WHEN...From midnight Tuesday night to 11 AM CST Wednesday.* 

IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...If driving, slow down, use your low beam headlights, and leaveplenty of distance ahead of you.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dense Fog Advisory

Due to cost increases with waste disposal, customers of the Geary County Transfer Station will see a price increase effective January 1, 2026. 

The County reported that the new tipping fee rate will be $76.00 per ton. The minimum fee of 500 pounds or less will increase to $19.00.The cost for commercial tree trimming companies for the disposal of trees and brush will remain the same at $15.00 per ton. One ton minimum.

Please contact their office if you have any questions at 785-238-3612 or visit our website at <a href="https://www.gearycounty.org/183/Transfer-Station?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUVF0eWtJU2F2S0gyY3l6YXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5tsw26OzDNDc8JC14zhpyFpUYZ2IsEdRqupA7XBns34q2rpqr0POe-8xqEMA_aem__gpRSID8tXeP-J_53Pb5AQ" target="_blank">https://www.gearycounty.org/183/Transfer-Station</a> for more information&nbsp;&nbsp;

Price increase will go into effect at the Couny Transfer Station in 2026

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (Dec. 23, 2025) – To ensure patients receive timely care during the holiday season, Stormont Vail Health is adjusting hours for its Walk-in Services in Junction City, located inside the Flint Hills Rural Health Clinic, 1102 St. Marys Rd.. 

Modified 2025 Holiday Hours: • Christmas Eve (12/24): 8 a.m.–12 p.m. • Christmas Day (12/25): CLOSED • New Year’s Day (1/1): CLOSED Flint Hills Campus Lab Services • Christmas Eve (12/24): Regular business hours • Christmas Day (12/25): CLOSED • New Year’s Day (1/1): CLOSED Stormont Vail.

&nbsp;Stormont Vail encourages patients to plan ahead for their care needs. In case of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.&nbsp;

Stormont Vail Health Announces Holiday Hours for Flint Hills Campus Walk-in, Lab Services 

<i>&nbsp;Donna Porter, Library Director</i>

The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library will be closed December 24-26 as well as December 31st and January 1st for the winter holidays.

During the winter closing, the book drop attached to the wall on the north (parking lot) side of the building will remain open. As always, our digital library is open and patrons can checkout material with Libby and/or Hoopla, even when the library is closed.

Questions? Contact the Donna Porter, Library Director at 785-238-4311.

Dorothy Bramlage Public Library - Holiday Closure

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-islamic-state-nigeria-43478823f0562cafc527fad1448a0542">The United States airstrikes</a>&nbsp;that targeted Islamic State militants in northwestern Nigeria’s on Thursday marked a major escalation in an offensive that Nigeria’s overstretched military has struggled with for years.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that the “powerful and deadly” strikes in Sokoto state were carried out against Islamic State militants “targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-christian-muslim-killings-kidnapping-trump-af57834a1ce47488397bf07931b5cf51">Residents and security analysts have said</a>&nbsp;Nigeria’s security crisis affects both Christians, predominant in the south, and Muslims, who are the majority in the north.

Nigeria, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-killings-bandits-insecurity-tinubu-13ca838d972feb44e2c2006524a3e259">battling multiple armed groups</a>, said the U.S. strikes were part of an exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination between the two countries.

The Associated Press could not confirm the extent of the strikes’ impact. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a post on X about the airstrikes, said: “More to come...”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-abduction-gunmen-kaduna-2b5537957ce605ca06576d99a0756901">The armed groups</a>&nbsp;in Africa’s most populous country include at least two affiliated with the Islamic State — an offshoot of the Boko Haram extremist group known as the Islamic State West Africa Province in the northeast, and the lesser-known Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) known locally as Lakurawa and prominent in the northwest.

Although officials did not say exactly which group was targeted, security analysts said the target, if indeed against Islamic State militants, was likely members of Lakurawa, which became more lethal in border states like Sokoto and Kebbi in the last year, often targeting remote communities and security forces.

The Nigerian military has said in the past that the group has roots in neighboring Niger and that it became more active in Nigeria’s border communities following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/niger-coups-bazoum-sahel-military-democracy-d1614b14baff6571b7d3766c2cbd8ba1">2023 military coup</a>. That coup resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mali-niger-burkina-faso-ecowas-west-africa-5a5dc2180e39223c91b1820067db4011">fractured relations</a>&nbsp;between Nigeria and Niger, and affected their multinational military operations along the porous border.

Militants invited to provide security now torment villages

Multiple analysts have said Lakurawa has been active in northwest Nigeria since around 2017 when it was invited by traditional authorities in Sokoto to protect their communities from bandit groups.

The militants, however, “overstayed their welcome, clashing with some of the community leaders ... and enforcing a harsh interpretation of sharia law that alienated much of the rural population,” according to James Barnett, an Africa researcher with the Washington-based Hudson Institute.

“Communities now openly say that Lakurawa are more oppressive and dangerous than the bandits they claim to protect them from,” according to Malik Samuel, a Nigerian security researcher with Good Governance Africa.

Lakurawa controls territories in Sokoto and Kebbi states, and has become known for killings, kidnapping, rape and armed robbery, Samuel said.

But some of the attacks blamed on Lakurawa are by the Islamic State Sahel Province, which has expanded from Niger’s Dosso region to northwestern Nigeria, according to the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location &amp; Event Data Project.

“ISSP has maintained a low profile, operating covertly to infiltrate and entrench itself along the Niger-Nigeria border, and is now also expanding its operations toward the Beninese border,” the project said in a recent report.

Nigeria’s insecurity is deep-rooted in social issues

The security woes are more of a governance problem than a military one.

Motives for attacks differ but the gangs are often driven by the near absence of a state and security presence in conflict hot spots, making recruitment easy. Those hot spots, data show, have some of the country’s highest levels of poverty, hunger and lack of jobs.

Nigeria’s Minister of Defense Christopher Musa once said in his past capacity as the defense chief that military action is only 30% of what is needed to fix the country’s security crisis, while the remaining 70% depends on good governance.

“The absence of the state in remote communities is making it easy for non-state actors to come in and present themselves to the people as the best alternative government,” said Samuel.

US strikes seen as crucial support for Nigeria’s military

Thursday’s U.S. strikes were seen as crucial help for Nigeria’s security forces, which are often overstretched and outgunned as they fight multiple security crises across different regions.

In states like Sokoto, the military often carries out airstrikes targeting militant hideouts and Nigeria has embarked on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-abductions-emergency-tinubu-2c03f38192703fa7c78bcf2168db9eaf">mass recruitment of security forces</a>.

But analysts say military operations targeting the gangs are not usually sustained and the militants easily move on motorcycles to new locations through vast forests that connect several states in the north.

Who are the militants targeted by US airstrikes in Nigeria

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff at a home in Wichita.

Just before 6:30p.m. Monday, police responded to a reported burglary at a residence in the 1700 Block of North Waco in Wichita, according to a media relase.

 Officers arrived and spoke with the female resident who told officers she returned home with her infant and found her ex-boyfriend inside who did not live there and he refused to leave.

The suspect reportedly armed himself with a large kitchen knife, advanced toward the resident, and threatened to kill officers when they arrived. The woman fled with her child and called 911.

When officers arrived, the suspect yelled at them and barricaded himself inside the home. Due to the threats and barricade, SWAT and the Crisis Negotiations Team were called to the scene. Negotiators worked for several hours to safely resolve the situation.

The suspect, identified from booking records as 45-year-old Hassan Melelek eventually exited through the back door and attempted to flee. SWAT officers and a police K-9 apprehended him. EMS evaluated the suspect on scene before he was transported to a local hospital for further assessment. No officers were injured.

Melelek was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, and felony criminal damage to property.

Ex-boyfriend jailed after alleged burglary, knife assault at Kan. home

Philip Uwaoma&nbsp;<br>Guessing Headlights via Associated Press

Ford Motor Company has announced a significant U.S. recall affecting 272,645 vehicles after regulators found a defect in the park function that could allow cars to roll away even when drivers think they are securely parked. The defect, tied to a component responsible for ensuring a vehicle stays in “Park”, has raised safety concerns and drawn attention from drivers, auto safety advocates, and investors alike.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the&nbsp;integrated park module&nbsp;in certain Ford vehicles may not fully engage when drivers shift into Park. If this module fails to lock properly, a vehicle that is supposedly parked could roll away on its own, significantly increasing the risk of crashes, property damage, or injuries.

This type of safety defect is serious because most drivers rely on the “Park” setting (not the parking brake) as the main safeguard against unintended movement. A loss of park function can undermine that fundamental expectation of safety.

The recall targets a mix of electric, hybrid, and mainstream models from recent production years:

Together, these models make up the bulk of the 272,645 vehicles included in the recall. Both the&nbsp;<a href="https://guessingheadlights.com/ford-didnt-kill-the-f-150-lightning-because-americans-hate-evs/">discontinued electric F‑150 Lightning</a>and the Mustang Mach‑E have been central to Ford’s push into electrification — making this news particularly notable for EV owners.What’s the Fix?

Ford says it will remedy the issue at no cost. Owners of affected vehicles will receive a software update for the integrated park module. This update can be delivered in two ways:

Automakers increasingly rely on OTA fixes to address software‑linked issues because it’s faster and more convenient for customers. However, dealers remain an option to ensure all vehicles are brought up to the updated standard.Safety Context and History

The NHTSA requires all new vehicles to comply with federal safety standards, including&nbsp;Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114&nbsp;— the rule that governs theft protection and prevention of rollaway vehicles. A failure of the park function can violate this standard, prompting a recall.

U.S. regulators typically order recalls when a defect poses an&nbsp;unreasonable risk of injury or crash. In this case, the defect is not limited to a single model year or vehicle type, spanning multiple years and both electrified and conventional vehicles. That breadth reflects the complexity of modern vehicle systems, where software and electronic modules play a larger role in basic safety functions.

Ford’s recall comes amid a period of intensified scrutiny of automotive safety issues. Earlier this month, the company also issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-recalls-nearly-32000-vehicles-nhtsa-says-2025-12-16/">separate recall for more than 32,000 vehicles</a>&nbsp;over a defect that could lead to a loss of drive power — another potential rollaway risk when the parking brake isn’t engaged.

Ford has not reported any crashes or injuries tied to this specific park function defect but is acting out of precaution to avert future harm. Affected owners will be notified by mail with instructions on scheduling the update, and Ford has set up a customer support line for questions.

For drivers, the immediate takeaway is that if you own one of the affected vehicles, check your mail and Ford’s official recall portal, and get the software update done as soon as convenient. Until the update is applied, it may be advisable to use the parking brake as an added safeguard. It’s a simple habit that can reduce the risk of unintended vehicle movement.

Ford recalls thousands of trucks and SUVs over ‘park’ safety issue

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 4a.m. Thursday in Kansas City.

&nbsp;According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino, a 2015 Harley Davidson was southbound on West Pennway at 26th Street. The driver failed the negotiate the curve of the roadway. The motorcycle struck a light pole. The driver was pronounced deceased on scene. Police released no additional details on Christmas Day.

KCPD: Driver died after motorcycle strikes a light pole

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating after a victim was rescued from small lake in Kansas City on Christmas Eve.

Just after 11:45p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported water rescue near the 8400 block of North Overland Court, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

First responders found a man who was in waist deep water and stuck in the mud, approximately 30-40 yards off the bank.&nbsp;Rescue crews deployed a rope bag, by throwing it out to the victim, who was able to grab it and was then assisted to shore at 12:16 a.m. 

The victim was evaluated by on-scene personnel and transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. It is unknown how he ended up in the water. The KCFD released no additional details.

KC emergency crews made water rescue Christmas Eve

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect arrested&nbsp; in connection with an ongoing child abuse investigation made his first appearance in court last week.

A judge charged 30-year-old Kevin D. Mitchell with abuse of child. He is also charged with two counts of failure to appear, according to online jail records.

Just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to an EMS assist call at a residence in the 5500 block of South Handley in Wichita, according to a media release.

 Upon arrival, officers found a 1-year-old child unresponsive. The child was transported to a medical facility in critical condition and is currently listed as critical but stable.

Five children were in the home at the time of the incident, ranging from 6 months old to 9 years old. In addition to the 1-year-old, the 6-month-old was also taken to the hospital for medical treatment. All five children have been placed in police protective custody.

Wichita police began investigating at the scene, which led to Mitchell's arrest.&nbsp; He is being held on a bond of $75,000.

Kan. man arrested after 2 kids hospitalized faced a judge

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday night that he’d launched a “powerful and deadly strike” against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, after he spent weeks decrying the group for targeting Christians.

The president’s post did not include information about how the strike was carried out and what effects it had and the White House did not immediately provide further details.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!” the president posted on his social media site.

Last month, Trump said he’d ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following the claims of Christian persecution. The State Department then announced in recent weeks that it would restrict visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-christian-muslim-killings-kidnapping-trump-af57834a1ce47488397bf07931b5cf51">mass killings and violence against Christians</a>&nbsp;in the West African country.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-nigeria-sanctions-trump-religious-freedom-83c1df230dbcdc30178baab083fffd94">U.S. recently designated Nigera</a>&nbsp;a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.

“I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” Trump wrote in his Christmas night post. He said that U.S. defense officials had “executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”

The president added: “our Country will not allow Radical Islamic Terrorism to prosper.”

US launches strike against Islamic State militants in Nigeria

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the woman who died as 52-year-old Sherrie Baier.

&nbsp;Just after 10a.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to 27th&nbsp;and Quincy on a reported cutting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

 When officers arrived, they located an adult female victim suffering from laceration wounds.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; While officers were on scene investigating, they received information about the location of a possible suspect.&nbsp;

Just before 10:30a.m., officers responded to the 6600 block of E 16th&nbsp;street to investigate the information they received.&nbsp; When they arrived, possible crime scene evidence was located, and they were directed to a residence on 16th Street.&nbsp; Inside, they discovered Baier suffering from unknown bodily trauma.&nbsp; KCFD EMS responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.&nbsp;

This is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; A subject of interest was taken into custody on 16th Street, pending further investigation.&nbsp; Detectives are working to determine what led up to the incidents and if the scenes are related.&nbsp;

Police: 52-year-old woman died of 'bodily trauma' in KC home

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jonathan-j-cooper">JONATHAN J. COOPER</a>

The Mint abandoned designs developed during Joe Biden’s presidency that highlighted women’s suffrage and civil rights advancements, favoring classical depictions of America over progress toward a more inclusive society.

A series of celebrations are planned next year under the banner America 250, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. All U.S. coins show the year they were minted, but those made next year will also display 1776.

Trump, at least for now, isn’t getting a coin

No design was released for a $1 coin, though U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, whose duties include oversight of the U.S. Mint, serving as a liaison with the Federal Reserve and overseeing Treasury’s Office of Consumer Policy, confirmed in October that&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TreasurerBeach/status/1974156375891804229" target="_blank">one showcasing Trump was in the works</a>. A draft design showed Trump’s profile on the “heads” side, known as the obverse, and on the reverse, a depiction of Trump raising his fist after his attempted assassination, The words “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT” appear along the top.

By law, presidents typically can’t appear on coins until two years after their death, but some advocates for a Trump coin think there may be a loophole in the law authorizing the treasury to mint special coins for the nation’s 250th birthday.

Neither the Mint nor the Treasury Department responded when asked whether a Trump coin is still planned.

The new designs depict classical Americana

New designs will appear only on coins minted in 2026, with the current images returning the following year.

The nickel, dime and five versions of the quarter will circulate, while a penny and half dollar will be sold as collectibles.

Five versions of the quarter are planned depicting the Mayflower Compact, Revolutionary War, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Gettysburg Address.

The dime will show a depiction of Liberty, a symbolic woman facing down the tyranny of the British monarchy, and an eagle carrying arrows in its talons representing America’s fight for independence.

The commemorative nickel is essentially the same as the most recent nickel redesign, in 2006, but it includes two dates on the head’s side instead of one, 1776 and 2026.

A half dollar coin shows the face of the Statue of Liberty on one side. The other shows her passing her torch to what appears to be the hand of a child, symbolizing a handoff to the next generation.

The penny is essentially the same as the one in circulation, which was discontinued earlier this year and will be produced only as a collectible with two dates.

Prices for collectible coins were not released. The Mint sells a variety of noncirculating coins on its website, with a vast range of prices reflecting their rarity.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps founding, for example, a commemorative half dollar coin is available for $61, while a commemorative $5 gold coin goes for $1,262. Up to 750,000 copies of the former will be minted, but no more than 50,000 of the latter.

Congress authorized commemorative coins in 2021. During the Biden administration, the Mint worked with a citizens advisory committee to propose designs depicting the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, abolitionism, suffrage and civil rights.

Those designs included depictions of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Ruby Bridges, who was escorted to school by the National Guard at age 6 years amid opposition to racial integration at public schools.

Those designs represented “continued progress toward ‘a more perfect union,’” said Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, quoting a phrase from the preamble to the Constitution.

“The American story didn’t stop at the pilgrims and founding fathers, and ignoring anything that has happened in this country in the last 162 years is just another attempt by President Trump to rewrite our history,” Cortez Masto said in a statement.

See the coins that will commemorate 250th anniversary of American independence

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department said Wednesday that it may need a “few more weeks” to release all of its records on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after suddenly discovering more than a million potentially relevant documents, further delaying compliance with last Friday’s congressionally mandated deadline.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the files and do a search

The Christmas Eve announcement came hours after a dozen U.S. senators called on the Justice Department’s watchdog to examine its failure to meet the deadline. The group, 11 Democrats and a Republican, told Acting Inspector General Don Berthiaume in a letter that victims “deserve full disclosure” and the “peace of mind” of an independent audit.

The Justice Department said in a social media post that federal prosecutors in Manhattan and the FBI “have uncovered over a million more documents” that could be related to the Epstein case — a stunning 11th hour development after department officials suggested months ago that they had undertaken a comprehensive review that accounted for the vast universe of Epstein-related materials.

In March, Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News that a “truckload of evidence” had been delivered to her after she ordered the Justice Department to “deliver the full and complete Epstein files to my office” — a directive she said she made after learning from an unidentified source that the FBI in New York was “in possession of thousands of pages of documents.”

In July, the FBI and Justice Department indicated in an unsigned memo that they had undertaken an “exhaustive review” and had determined that no additional evidence should be released — an extraordinary about face from the Trump administration, which for months had pledged maximum transparency. The memo did not raise the possibility that additional evidence existed that officials were unaware of or had not reviewed.

Wednesday’s post did not say when the Justice Department was informed of the newly uncovered files.

In a letter last week, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said Manhattan federal prosecutors already had more than 3.6 million records from sex trafficking investigations into Epstein and his longtime confidant Ghislaine Maxwell, though many were copies of material already turned over by the FBI.

The Justice Department said its lawyers are “working around the clock” to review the documents and remove victims names and other identifying information as required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the law enacted last month that requires the government to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-release-justice-department-32cbc21a6ae8189dccd00455dc83d2be">open its files</a>&nbsp;on Epstein and Maxwell.

“We will release the documents as soon as possible,” the department said. “Due to the mass volume of material, this process may take a few more weeks.”

The announcement came amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-epstein-files-trump-nassar-justice-department-101ba03107c32ba88869bc37e1d01849">increasing scrutiny on the Justice Department’s staggered release</a>&nbsp;of Epstein-related records, including from Epstein victims and members of Congress.

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, of Kentucky, one of the chief authors of the law mandating the document release, posted Wednesday on X: “DOJ did break the law by making illegal redactions and by missing the deadline.” Another architect of the law, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said he and Massie will “continue to keep the pressure on” and noted that the Justice Department was releasing more documents after lawmakers threatened contempt.

“A Christmas Eve news dump of ‘a million more files’ only proves what we already know: Trump is engaged in a massive coverup,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said after DOJ’s announcement. “The question Americans deserve answered is simple: WHAT are they hiding -- and WHY?”

The White House on Wednesday defended the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein records.

“President Trump has assembled the greatest cabinet in American history, which includes Attorney General Bondi and her team — like Deputy Attorney General Blanche — who are doing a great job implementing the President’s agenda,” spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement.

After releasing an initial wave of records on Friday, the Justice Department posted more batches to its website over the weekend and on Tuesday. The Justice Department has not given any notice when more records might arrive.

Records that have been released, including photographs, interview transcripts, call logs, court records and other documents, were either already public or heavily blacked out, and many lacked necessary context. Records that hadn’t been seen before include transcripts of grand jury testimony from FBI agents who described interviews they had with several girls and young women who described being paid to perform sex acts for Epstein.

Other records made public in recent days include a note from a federal prosecutor from January 2020 that said Trump had flown on the financier’s private plane more often than had been previously known and emails between Maxwell and someone who signs off with the initial “A.” They contain other references that suggest the writer was Britain’s former Prince Andrew. In one, “A” writes: “How’s LA? Have you found me some new inappropriate friends?”

The senators’ call Wednesday for an inspector general audit comes days after Schumer introduced a resolution that, if passed, would direct the Senate to file or join lawsuits aimed at forcing the Justice Department to comply with the disclosure and deadline requirements. In a statement, he called the staggered, heavily redacted release “a blatant cover-up.”

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., in leading the call for an inspector general audit. Others signing the letter were Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota., Adam Schiff of California, Dick Durbin of Illinois, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, both of New Jersey, Gary Peters of Michigan, Chris Van Hollen, of Maryland, Mazie Hirono, of Hawaii, and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island.

“Given the (Trump) Administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a neutral assessment of its compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential,” the senators wrote. Full transparency, they said, “is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes.”

Sisak reported from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Why the DOJ says it needs a 'few more weeks' to finish release of Epstein files 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Broncos coach Sean Payton sent his offense back onto the field on fourth down Thursday night, the ball inside the Kansas City Chiefs' 10-yard line and less than 2 minutes left on the clock — and no intention of ever snapping it.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones didn't know that. And when he jumped, and the offsides penalty gave Denver a fresh set of down, Bo Nix needed a mere three more plays to hit R.J. Harvey with the go-ahead touchdown pass in a 20-13 victory Thursday night.

One secured when the Broncos made one last stop in the closing second at their end of the field.

“We were going to take the delay-of-game,” Payton said afterward. “Obviously that changed the complexion of the clock, and that was a big play. We were going to take the penalty and kick the field goal. That was the plan.”

Now, the Broncos (13-3) are one step closer to locking up the AFC West, which they can do while watching at home if Houston beats the Chargers on Saturday. They also have a chance to still land the No. 1 seed and first-round playoff bye.

“It would be relaxing,” Payton said of clinching this weekend. “It would be nice.”

Nix also ran for a touchdown while throwing for 182 yards as the Broncos beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium for the first time since September 17, 2015. They also have won four of the last five in the series following a string of 16 consecutive losses.

“It's great to get that win," Payton said. “You always have to remember this: You're playing the heart of a champion, Andy Reid and this team. I don't care who comes out of that locker room. This is a team that basically has been at the top of our league for the better part of this century, and there's a ton of respect we have for what they've been able to accomplish.”

Third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-fc73aef71f5c8d0a026cdf486d885cf8">tight end Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;tried to give Kansas City a chance in the final seconds, driving quickly down field after the Broncos had taken the lead. But a third-down pass at the Denver 26 was just out of Kelce's reach, and Oladokun overthrew Marquise Brown in the end zone on fourth down to seal the outcome.

The Chiefs (6-10) were missing Patrick Mahomes and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, both of whom tore ligaments in their knees in back-to-back weeks, and were left to watch the game together from a suite. They also were missing Rashee Rice and several players on both sides of the ball that had been so crucial to their three straight Super Bowl trips.

Oladokun wound up with 66 yards passing. Kelce had five catches for 36 of those yards in what might have been the last game played by the Pro Bowl tight end at Arrowhead Stadium — he plans to announce soon after the season whether he is retiring.

“I’ll let that be a decision I’ll make with my family, friends, the Chiefs organization when the time comes," Kelce said.

The Broncos were nearly two-touchdown favorites, according to BetMGM, yet the Chiefs may have been inspired by hearing about the Vikings, who earlier in the day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lions-vikings-score-3d9f572ff2afb9031d1a1b5b63140887">knocked off the favored Lions</a>&nbsp;behind their defense and their own third-string quarterback.

After giving up a grinding, 14-play drive that soaked up more than half the first quarter and net the Broncos a field goal, Kansas City allowed little else through the first 30 minutes. And along the way, a defense put its top two cornerbacks on injured reserve this week managed to pick off Nix, setting up a short field that Oladokun converted into his first career touchdown throw.

It also happened to be Brashard Smith's first career touchdown catch.

The Broncos tried to answer with another 8-plus minute drive late in the half, but Courtland Sutton dropped a would-be touchdown toss in the closing seconds, and Wil Lutz had to kick his second chip-shot field goal to make it 7-6 at the break.

Denver finally got one of its long, time-consuming drives into the end zone in the third quarter, though. The Chiefs had pushed the lead to 10-6 when the Broncos churned through 72 yards in nearly 10 minutes, and Nix finished by scrambling nine yards for the score.

And the inability of the Kansas City offense to do much of anything was its undoing.

The Chiefs managed just 16 yards on their first three possessions of the second half, and that gave the Broncos a chance. They drove 65 yards late in the fourth quarter, twice converting on third down and then getting a fourth-down gift when Jones went early inside the 10-yard line, allowing Nix to find Harvey in the back of the end zone for the eventual winning score.

“We just did what we had to do,” Nix said.

Broncos: C Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve earlier in the day.

Chiefs: WR Nikko Remigio (knee) was placed on IR. OL Jaylon Moore (knee) and DT Derrick Nnadi (illness) were inactive.

Denver wraps up the regular season next week against the Chargers.

Kansas City finishes its season next week in Las Vegas.

🏈 Defense lifts Broncos to win over the Chiefs on Christmas

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Tre White and Flory Bidunga each had 18 points and eight rebounds as No. 17 Kansas used balanced scoring to beat Davidson 90-61 on Monday night.

Six players finished in double figures for the Jayhawks (10-3), including all five starters. Bryson Tiller added 11 points and Jamari McDowell scored 10. Melvin Council Jr. had 10 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

Kohl Rosario provided 13 points off the bench as Kansas shot 58% from the field, including 11 for 21 (52%) on 3-pointers. The Jayhawks had 27 assists on 37 baskets and outrebounded Davidson 42-31. White nabbed four of the team's 13 steals.

Roberts Blums was the only player in double figures for the Wildcats (8-4) with 13 points off the bench. Davidson was limited to 36% shooting from the floor and went 2 for 6 at the free-throw line.

Kansas played its second consecutive game without Darryn Peterson. The freshman star, who missed seven straight games earlier this season due to injury, is averaging 25 points in four games.

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