WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) has released the following statement after voting to pass the&nbsp;FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act&nbsp;(NDAA), which now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Sen. Moran and his colleagues secured a commitment from Senate leadership to quickly bring the&nbsp;Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act&nbsp;to the Senate floor to advance aviation safety standards, particularly for military helicopters operating in mixed airspace.

&nbsp;“While this legislation is critical to bolstering our defense capabilities, I have major concerns with portions of the bill that could undo safety regulations for military helicopters put in place after the January 29th midair collision near DCA. After numerous conversations, my colleagues and I secured an agreement from Senate leadership that the&nbsp;ROTOR Act&nbsp;will quickly be brought to the Senate floor to reinstate and advance critical safety standards for commercial and military aviation.”

“With this agreement, I voted to pass the FY2026 NDAA which will strengthen Kansas’ defense capabilities, invest in our military readiness and improve the quality of life for the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran. “The NDAA also authorizes a well-deserved pay increase for our servicemembers and includes my provision that will help strengthen access to medical care for our nation’s heroes through greater utilization of military hospitals like Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley.”

Sen. Moran’s priorities included in the FY26 NDAA

 Sen. Moran Applauds Passage of Annual Defense Legislation, Secures Kansas Priorities

The seventh annual Match Day in Geary County brought in $488,391 in public donations plus $265,000 in matching funds for a combined total of $653, 391. That total was up $48,000 from 2024.

The money supports local nonprofit and charitable organizations.

Calvin Pottberg updated city commissioners on the topic this week.

City gets Match Day results update

CSM Craig Erickson nominated Angelica Metcalf to receive the JC Breakfast Optimist Club's December Student of the Month.&nbsp; Angelica is the daughter of Cecelia and Chad McFall.&nbsp; After graduation&nbsp;in May of this&nbsp;year, Angelica plans to attend college with&nbsp;a focus on General Studies and then join the U.S. Army to become an Artillery Officer.&nbsp;

 CSM Erickson stated that Angelica is the epitome of Army Values and has demonstrated her skills on the twice recognized National Champion Raiders Team from Junction City High School.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Optimists name the Student of the Month

The Junction City Animal Shelter staff staff has been observing upper-respiratory symptoms in the Shelter's dog room. This could be the results of Kennel Cough. Out of SEVERE precaution, they have halted dog showings and adoptions until further notice. 

"Why halt viewings and adoptions?" Kennel Cough can be simple to treat, however it is highly contagious by droplets.They want to minimize the spread the best that they can.

Dog viewing and adoptions temporarily closed

&nbsp; The Army said that the Devil’s Den Dining Facility is officially back open on Fort Riley with refreshed spaces, improved service, and quality meals ready to fuel Soldiers

Devil's Den Dining Facility serves Soldiers

SkillsUSA is an extracurricular activity at Junction City High School "that fits well with the Career Pathway", Aaron Yoder, CTE Tech Instructor and sponsor of Skills USA&nbsp;said.&nbsp; "Leadership, personal skills, tech skills, public speaking, first aid and cpr, welding, building a shed and many other areas may be represented in the SkillsUSA&nbsp;competitions," he also stated.&nbsp; 

Kennedy Moreland told the Optimist Club members that she, Abigail Pankow and others competed at the district level recently held in Eudora, Kansas. Kennedy competed in public speaking and Abigail helped build a shed in two days. Yoder said that " JCHS students had 11 out of 12 qualify for state. Qualifiers are currently preparing for those state competitions, which will be held later this school year.&nbsp; &nbsp;

SkillsUSA Instructor and Students were guest speakers at the Optimist Club Meeting

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Every morning at Washington Elementary, a second-grade classroom comes alive with curiosity, movement and connection. At the heart of that room is Ashley Forbus who believes deeply in the power of relationships, perseverance and creating a space where every child feels excited to learn.“I love teaching at Washington and in Geary County Schools USD 475. I learn something new every day and am so inspired by my students. They work hard every day, and I love to watch their progress throughout the year. I am constantly amazed by my students’ determination and perseverance,” said Forbus, who recently completed her master’s degree in educational administration from Emporia State University.

Forbus, who is in her sixth-year teaching second grade at Washington Elementary, grew up in Waldorf, Maryland. As a high school student at Henry E. Lackey High School, she was not only an honor roll student but was actively involved in the JROTC.Following graduation in 2005, she served three years in the Army before gaining valuable experience in both middle and elementary schools in Georgia and Indiana as a paraprofessional.At the age of 32, Forbus, who returned to college later in life to earn her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, became a teacher at Washington after moving to Kansas and hasn’t looked back since.“I love that we have the military connection and close-knit community of Junction City. My daughter, Mackenzie, is a senior at JCHS this year and I have absolutely loved watching her grow up in USD 475 since her seventh-grade year. My husband, Brad, retired from the Army in 2023, and we are proud to call Kansas our forever home,” said Forbus.

And oh, how lucky Washington Elementary and USD 475 are that the Forbus’ decided to call Kansas their forever home.“I knew I wanted to be an educator from a young age. I have always loved school, and my seventh-grade social studies teacher inspired me the most. I have always wanted to be a positive role model for students and to prove to them that no matter your circumstances, you can achieve your goals,” said Forbus.

As you can see, what truly sets Forbus apart is her commitment to relationships and engagement. She believes movement, collaboration and meaningful conversations are essential for young learners. Through her passion, dedication and heart for students, she continues to make a lasting impact, one second grader at a time.“I love to teach and create an environment that is warm and welcoming. I truly enjoy walking into my classroom each day and getting to spend it with 23 amazing students,” said Forbus.

Beyond her classroom, Forbus, who states that she loves building relationships and creating a student-centered classroom, is deeply involved at Washington Elementary and within USD 475 as she not only serves as a primary team lead but is also on the Bulldogs’ building leadership team. She is also a member of the PBIS/PAWS team, while overseeing the school’s social committee.A typical day for Forbus doesn’t end when the dismissal bell rings though because after school, she recharges through movement by running with her dog, cycling and working out. She believes staying active is key to being the best teacher, wife and mother she can be. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking for her family and hunting with her husband and daughter.&nbsp;

Forbus Finds Home at Washington

..RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM CST THURSDAY FOR

LOW RELATIVE, HUMIDITY, STRONG NOURTHWEST WINDS, AND DRY FUELS

FOR CENTRAL AND PORTIONS OF NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS...

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Red Flag

Warning for extreme fird danger, which is in effect from 10 AM to

6 PM CST Thursday. geary, Dickinson and Riley counties are among several counties included in the area.

TIMING...From 10 AM to 6 PM CST Thursday.

* WINDS...Northwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 25 percent.

NWS issues Red Flag warning

Something global, exciting, and selfie-worthy is headed down Kansas I-70. The official FIFA World Cup Kansas City Countdown Clock will be on display outside the Abilene Visitors Center, 201 NW 2nd, at the historic Union Pacific Depot from December 22 through December 27, 2025.

Standing nearly 10 feet tall and weighing more than 450 pounds, the illuminated clock is traveling across Kansas as part of a statewide tour celebrating Kansas City’s role as a host location for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The clock counts down in real time to opening day and has already made appearances in Dodge City, &nbsp;Wichita, Colby and Hays as excitement builds across the state.“

This is an incredible opportunity for our community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “The World Cup is one of the most-watched global events, and having the countdown clock in Abilene invites residents, visitors, and travelers along I-70 to join in the excitement.”

Kansas City will host six World Cup matches in June and July 2026, joining select cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico as part of the largest FIFA World Cup in history. With 48 teams and 104 matches, this tournament is expected to ignite record-setting tourism, international visibility, and celebration across North America.

The clock will be outside the Abilene Visitor Center and fully lit, making it ideal for daytime and nighttime photos. Visitors are invited to stop by anytime during the six-day display and share photos using the hashtags:#KCCountdown

“We’re excited to welcome this special attraction and encourage everyone to stop by, take a photo, and be part of World Cup history,” Roller Weeks added.

FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock on Display&nbsp;

Abilene to Host Official FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock December 22–27

Ronna Larson, Al Gordon and Ricardo Gutierrez participated in their final Juncion City Commission meeting Tuesday night. Three new&nbsp; commissioners will be seated in January.

Larson has served on the governing body for six years. "It's been a great six years. I learned so much."

Al Gordon said that he learned quite a bit.

Gutierrez thanked the staff for their knowledge and open door policy.

Terry Butler, Sam Yoskowitz and Kelly Niemczyk will join the commission in January.

Three city commissioners approach the end of their term

The formal announcement&nbsp; on development of a new Casey's at 18th and and Washington occurred Tuesday night at the Junction City Commission meeting. Economic Development Director Mickey Fornaro-Dean made the announcement.

They have worked with the company for 24 months. The company looked at a minimum of 13 potential sites in Junction City before choosing the 18th and Washington site.

--Michelin is very pleased with their facility in Junction City.

--Golden Shovel, the Chamber's website developer, has started doing a comprehensive website refresh.

--The Chamber was represented at the Association of the United States Army meeting in Washington D.C.

--Junction City was a finalist for an Amazon warehouse that is apparently going to Manhattan.

City Commission hears about Chamber of Commerce topics

KANSAS CITY—A suspect in a deadly Kansas City gas station killing is facing multiple charges.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2777/Stallings-RED-COMPLAINT-AS">Adrian Stallings</a>, 27, is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

On November 18, Kansas City police responded to a gas station and located a victim inside the store, shot multiple times. He was confirmed deceased on the scene.&nbsp;

Detectives reviewed surveillance footage and observed a man, later identified as the Stallings, enter the gas station store, speak with the victim and other individuals present briefly, and then approached the clerk at the register to purchase an item.&nbsp;

Stallings then looked back at the group of individuals and asked what they were laughing at and an argument and altercation ensued. Stallings pulled out a firearm and shot at the victim, who fell to the ground. Stallings then shot at the victim again as he was on the ground. He stepped back and then stepped forward and fired a third time toward the victim’s head and then fled.&nbsp;

Detectives used department resources to help identify Stallings including booking pictures and social media. Stallings&nbsp;is being held without bond.&nbsp;

Court records: KC man killed victim after group laughed at him

Trump: Military members will receive a special Warrior Dividend before Christmas

WASHINGTON — President&nbsp;Donald Trump delivered a speech from the White House Wednesday night.

🎥Highlights of President Trump's address to the nation

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for theft of lottery tickets from where he worked.

Just after 9a.m., the Casey's in the 500 Block of N. Ohio in Salina reported that an employee stole over 100 lottery tickets from the store between November 30 and December 14, according to&nbsp;Police Captain Jim Feldman. The lottery tickets were valued at $2,700.

Lottery tickets in Kansas are tracked using barcodes and a centralized computer system that logs each ticket sale and activation.

Officers arrested the suspect identified as 37-year old Robert Davis.

Davis was booked into the Saline County Jail on a requested charge of Felony Theft. He also had a warrant out of Russell County.

Kan. convenience store employee accused of stealing lottery tickets

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday paid his respects to two Iowa National Guard members and a U.S. civilian interpreter who were killed in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-us-military-attack-palmyra-is-22f67e54c1a15fcc643de2672b83aacb">an attack in the Syrian desert</a>, joining their grieving families as their remains were brought back to the country they served.

Trump met privately with the families at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware before the dignified transfer, a solemn ritual conducted in honor of U.S. service members killed in action. The civilian was also included in the transfer.

Trump, who traveled to Dover several times in his first term, once described it as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-ae37de2f1c6b450ab60ce236c8f04450">“the toughest thing I have to do”</a>&nbsp;as president.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-attack-iowa-national-guard-islamic-state-38dd71dca411213f3789ccdb94e37f4e">The two guardsmen</a>&nbsp;killed in Syria on Saturday were Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, according to the U.S. Army. Both were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, and have been hailed as heroes by the Iowa National Guard.

Torres-Tovar’s and Howard’s families were at Dover for the return of their remains, alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, members of Iowa’s congressional delegation and leaders of the Iowa National Guard. Their remains will be taken to Iowa after the transfer.

A U.S. civilian working as an interpreter, identified Tuesday as Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Macomb, Michigan, was also killed. Three other members of the Iowa National Guard were injured in the attack. The Pentagon has not identified them.

They were among hundreds of U.S. troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

The process of returning service member remains

There is no formal role for a president at a dignified transfer other than to watch in silence, with all thoughts about what happened in the past and what is happening at Dover kept to himself for the moment. There is no speaking by any of the dignitaries who attend, with the only words coming from the military officials who direct the highly choreographed transfers.

Trump arrived without first lady Melania Trump, who had been scheduled to accompany him, according to the president’s public schedule. Her office declined to elaborate, with spokesperson Nick Clemens saying the first lady “was not able to attend today.”

During the process at Dover, transfer cases draped with the American flag that hold the soldiers’ remains are carried from the belly of a hulking C-17 military aircraft to a waiting vehicle under the watchful eyes of grieving family members. The vehicle then transports the remains to the mortuary facility at the base, where the fallen are prepared for burial at their final resting places.

Iowa National Guard members hailed as heroes

Howard’s stepfather, Jeffrey Bunn, has said Howard “loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out.” He said Howard had wanted to be a soldier since he was a boy.

In a social media post, Bunn, who is chief of the Tama, Iowa, police department, said Howard was a loving husband and an “amazing man of faith.” He said Howard’s brother, a staff sergeant in the Iowa National Guard, would escort “Nate” back to Iowa.

Torres-Tovar was remembered as a “very positive” family-oriented person who always put others first, according to fellow Guard members who were deployed with him and issued a statement to the local TV broadcast station WOI.

Dina Qiryaqoz, the daughter of the civilian interpreter who was killed, said Wednesday in a statement that her father worked for the U.S. Army during the invasion of Iraq from 2003 to 2007. Sakat is survived by his wife and four adult children.

The interpreter was from Bakhdida, Iraq, a small Catholic village southeast of Mosul, and the family immigrated to the U.S. in 2007 on a special visa, Qiryaqoz said. At the time of his death, Sakat was employed as an independent contractor for Virginia-based Valiant Integrated Services.

Sakat’s family was still struggling to believe that he is gone. “He was a devoted father and husband, a courageous interpreter and a man who believed deeply in the mission he served,” Qiryaqoz said.

Trump’s reaction to the attack in Syria

Trump told reporters over the weekend that he was mourning the deaths. He vowed retaliation. The most recent instance of U.S. service members killed in action was in January 2024, when three American troops died in a drone attack in Jordan.

Saturday’s deadly attack followed a rapprochement between the U.S. and Syria, bringing the former pariah state into a U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

Trump has forged a relationship with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-sanctions-trump-treasury-state-2ed65c895905e2e7bc385098a6ab1301">interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa</a>, the onetime leader of an Islamic insurgent group who led the ouster of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-assad-sweida-daraa-homs-hts-qatar-816e538565d1ae47e016b5765b044d31">former President Bashar Assad</a>.

Trump, who met with al-Sharaa last month at the White House, said Monday that the attack had nothing to do with the Syrian leader, who Trump said was “devastated by what happened.”

During his first term, Trump visited Dover in 2017 to honor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-d4bccd7dc3a64e56aa51ad75379d1ef6">a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during a raid</a>&nbsp;in Yemen, in 2019 for two Army officers whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-ae37de2f1c6b450ab60ce236c8f04450">helicopter crashed in Afghanistan</a>, and in 2020 for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-pays-tribute-to-2-soldiers-killed-in-afghanistan-e85a952dbdc71d23f592064073518da3">two Army soldiers killed in Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;when a person dressed in an Afghan army uniform opened fire.

Trump pays respects to National Guardsmen, interpreter killed in Syria 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with an ongoing child abuse investigation.

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 the arrest of the 30-year-old Kevin D. Mitchell, identified according to county booking records.&nbsp;

Police will present their case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.

2 children hospitalized, Kansas man arrested for alleged abuse

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/daniel-bongino">FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday that he will resign from the bureau next month, ending a brief and tumultuous tenure in which he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-dan-bongino-bondi-trump-fbi-0f02f67b6c97fc50e4d93bc4dbf4c4d0">clashed with the Justice Department over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files</a>&nbsp;and was forced to reconcile the realities of his law enforcement job with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracy-theories-bondi-bongino-fbi-a143076353acbc1193cb9697e7fc4a90">provocative claims he made in his prior role</a>&nbsp;as a popular podcast host.

The departure would be among the highest-profile resignations of the Trump administration,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-george-floyd-kash-patel-72ac540b4d5afd90d6be3199ac808630">coming as the firing of career agents</a>&nbsp;has contributed to upheaval at the FBI and as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kash-patel">Director Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;faces continued criticism over his use of a government plane for personal purposes and social media posts about active investigations.

Bongino announced his departure, which had been expected, in a post on X in which he said he was grateful for the “opportunity to serve with purpose.” He did not say precisely when in January he would leave or reveal his future plans, but President Donald Trump, in response to a question earlier in the day about Bongino's fate, said: “Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show.”

Bongino was always an unconventional pick for the No. 2 job at the FBI, a position that historically has entailed oversight of the bureau’s day-to-day operations and has been typically held by a career agent. Though he had previously worked as a New York City police officer and Secret Service agent, neither he nor Patel had any experience at the FBI before being picked for their jobs. But both came in pledging overhauls to an FBI they insisted had been weaponized against Trump.

Bongino was installed in the role in March by Trump after years as a conservative podcast host, where he used his platform to repeatedly rail against FBI leadership and to encourage conspiracy theories related to the Epstein sex-trafficking case and pipe bombs discovered in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021.

Once in the job, he used social media to communicate directly to Trump supporters restless over a perceived lack of action by the new FBI leadership to address their concerns. He reassured them the FBI under his watch was giving renewed attention to issues like the pipe bomb case,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/roe-wade-supreme-court-leaked-draft-opinion-c6a923f6e370672f4a5ccfd3be325786">the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion in 2022</a>&nbsp;and the discovery of cocaine in the White House during the Biden administration.

Yet he struggled to placate elements of Trump’s base who expected him to quickly deliver the reform he had long said was needed at the FBI and to uncover the truths he claimed had been hidden by the federal government.

On the Epstein case, for instance, he had previously challenged the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">official ruling that the wealthy financier had taken his own life</a>&nbsp;in a New York jail soon after his 2019 arrest. But after his arrival in the bureau, he said in a Fox News interview: “I’ve seen the whole file. He killed himself.”

Bongino had separately speculated as recently as last year that the pipe bombs placed on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot were an “inside job,” the truth shielded by a “massive cover-up.” He was presented with those same comments when the FBI earlier this month arrested a 30-year-old Virginia man with no evident connection to the federal government, promoting skepticism from some that investigators had actually arrested the right person.

“I was paid in the past, Sean, for my opinions, that's clear,” Bongino said in a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity. “And one day, I'll be back in that space but that’s not what I’m paid for now. I’m paid to be your deputy director and we base investigations on facts.”

Questions about Bongino's future had lingered for months, particular after a tense exchange at the White House last July with Attorney General Pam Bondi&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">following the abrupt announcement by the FBI and Justice Department</a>&nbsp;that they would not be releasing any additional records from the Epstein investigation.

After that encounter, Bongino, normally active on social media, went silent from his FBI account for several days. Far-right activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-waltz-laura-loomer-national-security-council-959b718b04b240c5c8ba3736b4d8aa62">Laura Loomer</a>, who is close to Trump, posted on X at the time that she was told that Bongino was “seriously thinking about resigning” and had taken the day off to contemplate his future.

In August, the Trump administration took the unusual step of adding a co-deputy director, former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.

FBI Deputy Director Bongino says he plans to resign next month 

RENO COUNTY—The Reno County Sheriff has identified the UPS driver who died in the accident with a train on Tuesday as&nbsp;has 47-year-old Darick Navarro of Hutchinson

Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, deputies from the Reno County Sheriff's Office along with Burrton Fire and EMS, Reno County EMS, and Kansas Highway Patrol, were dispatched to a train, UPS truck collision at Blanchard and Woodberry in eastern Reno County. 

  Arriving units located a UPS delivery truck with heavy damage. The driver, later identified as Navarro, was removed from the vehicle and emergency services began life saving procedures. He was pronounced deceased by EMS on scene.  The train was occupied by two BNSF employees who were uninjured.

Sheriff IDs  Kansas UPS driver who died in collision with a train

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Powerball jackpot has grown to an estimated $1.25 billion for Wednesday night’s drawing after lottery officials said no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Monday night.

The U.S. has seen more than a dozen lottery jackpot prizes exceed $1 billion since 2016. Here is a look at the largest U.S. jackpots won and the places where the winning tickets were sold:

1. $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 7, 2022. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sacramento-california-los-angeles-business-0a72f926487b51b7a6d60451679f8c76">Los Angeles-area gas station</a>.

2. $1.787 billion, Powerball, Sept. 6, 2025. The winning tickets were sold&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-drawing-winner-4261a3909c9e01dacc0869c50030e198">in Missouri and Texas.</a>

3. $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a liquor store in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-california-6ad701f4a9ebb4df7a3afe8ecee2eb30">tiny California mountain town</a>.

4. $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-claimed-florida-8c86594edcd16cdcda7521059ef7c7ed">supermarket in Neptune Beach, Florida</a>.

5. $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016. The winning tickets were sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-e22dde0b7ace4c87b230b84be827a0fe">Los Angeles-area convenience store</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/article60951392.html" target="_blank">Florida supermarket</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-4c8a00811ae84fa49fe25a4035a51fc4">Tennessee grocery store</a>.

6. $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6ef692a129b049a8bbf9eb4e77a8b91e">South Carolina convenience store</a>.

7. $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023. The winning ticket was sold at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-lottery-identity-lawsuit-8cc884a8b0b3e3cbc14629b4d8e2b180">Maine gas station</a>.

What are the 10 largest US lottery jackpots ever won?

WASHINGTON (AP) — Four centrist Republicans broke with Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday and signed onto a Democratic-led petition that will force a House vote on extending for three years an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans.

The stunning move comes after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-house-health-care-plan-obamacare-subsidies-208b30670d0486c8d27ceb59c59003e0">health care bill</a>&nbsp;that does not address the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-tax-credits-affordable-care-act-2b5ae3651ff16783a00e00dc1ce264bf">soaring monthly premiums</a>&nbsp;that millions of people will soon endure when the tax credits for those who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act expire at year’s end.

Democrats led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York needed 218 signatures to force a floor vote on their bill, which would extend the subsides for three years.

Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie, all from Pennsylvania, and Mike Lawler of New York signed on Wednesday morning, pushing it to the magic number of 218. A vote on the subsidy bill could come as soon as January under House rules.

“Unfortunately, it is House leadership themselves that have forced this outcome.” Fitzpatrick said in a statement.

Johnson told reporters Wednesday that “I have not lost control of the House” and he noted that Republicans have a razor-thin majority that allows a small number of members to employ procedures that would not usually be successful in getting around leadership.

“These are not normal times,” said Johnson, R-La.

The revolt against GOP leadership came after days of talks centered on the health care subsidies.

Johnson had discussed allowing more politically vulnerable GOP lawmakers a chance to vote on bills that would temporarily extend the subsidies while also adding changes such as income caps for beneficiaries. But after days of discussions, the leadership sided with the more conservative wing of the party's conference, which has assailed the subsidies as propping up a failed marketplace through the ACA, which is widely known as “Obamacare.”

House Republicans pushed ahead Wednesday a 100-plus-page health care package without the subsidies, instead focusing on long-sought GOP proposals designed to expand insurance coverage options for small businesses and the self-employed.

Fitzpatrick and Lawler tried to add a temporary extension of the subsidies to the bill, but were denied.

“Our only request was a floor vote on this compromise, so that the American People’s voice could be heard on this issue. That request was rejected. Then, at the request of House leadership I, along with my colleagues, filed multiple amendments, and testified at length to those amendments,” Fitzpatrick said. “House leadership then decided to reject every single one of these amendments.

“As I’ve stated many times before, the only policy that is worse than a clean three-year extension without any reforms, is a policy of complete expiration without any bridge," Fitzpatrick said.

Lawler, in a social media post, similarly said that “the failure of leadership” to permit a vote had left him with “no choice” but to sign the petition. He urged Johnson to bring the plan up for an immediate floor vote.

Jeffries, for several weeks, had called on Republicans to sign his discharge petition. He particularly challenged Republicans in competitive congressional districts to join the effort if they really wanted to prevent premium increases for their constituents.

“Mike Johnson needs to bring the bill to the floor today,” Jeffries said. “Our position from the very beginning was that we are standing on the right side of the American people who want to see the Affordable Care Act tax credits extended, and we’re appreciative that we now have the bipartisan coalition to get that done.”

Even if the subsidy bill were to pass the House, which is far from assured, it would face an arduous climb in the Republican-led Senate.

Republicans last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-vote-affordable-care-act-obamacare-6ffc1ea9f878c6b3da995589ef8a012c">voted down</a>&nbsp;a three-year extension of the subsidies and proposed an alternative that also failed. But in an encouraging sign for Democrats, four Republican senators crossed party lines to support their proposal.

Republicans defy Speaker to force House vote on extending ACA subsidies

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had 18 points and 10 rebounds to spur No. 17 Kansas to a 73-49 victory over Towson on Tuesday night.

Tre White had 16 points and a career-high six assists for the Jayhawks (9-3). Melvin Council, coming off&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-melvin-council-3fa0e92a24fea40c9d072d54ec3bb826">a career-best 36-point performance</a>&nbsp;in Saturday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-nc-state-score-c3e0319a94dd9632ac2f4d0108979da0">overtime win</a>&nbsp;over N.C. State, added 15 points.

Kansas improved to 273-9 at home against unranked opponents under coach Bill Self.

Sophomore guard Jamari McDowell started for preseason All-American Darryn Peterson, who missed an eighth game due to injury. Self said Peterson had quadriceps cramps.

Bidunga, who entered the night as the Big 12’s leading shot blocker, had two blocks in the first seven minutes and finished with three. He also scored KU’s first six points en route to his seventh career double-double.

A 6-foot-10 sophomore forward from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bidunga was 7 of 8 from the field and 4 of 7 from the line.

Dylan Williamson scored 19 points for Towson (6-5), which never led. The Tigers drew within nine early in the second half before KU went on a 10-2 run. Kansas led by 25 in the second half and held an opponent below 50 points for the second time this year.

Bryson Tiller added 11 points for the Jayhawks.

The Tigers managed just four assists, although they did finish with a 22-12 advantage in offensive rebounds.

Still, Towson shot only 27.5% from the field and finished 3 of 12 from 3-point range against the stingy Jayhawks.

KU didn’t commit a foul until 9:11 remained in the first half. The Jayhawks hit 10 of their first 13 field-goal attempts.

🏀 Flory Bidunga has 18 points, 10 rebounds as KU beats Towson 

Junction City High School girls wrestling competed in two separate tournaments over the weekend, earning strong team finishes and multiple individual honors.

The JCHS girls varsity wrestling team participated in the Christmas Clash tournament in Great Bend. Junction City placed 4th in the tournament, out of 33 teams. (JCHS finished 2.5 points out of 3rd place).&nbsp;

Individual medalists are listed below.

Medal winners below - (Listed from highest to lowest finish)

Top 16 finishers (Listed from highest to lowest placement)

In the Topeka tournament - Melvin Douglas Invitational, the JCHS girls wrestling team placed 3rd overall. 

Individual medalists are listed below.&nbsp;

Both JCHS girls wrestling teams will be back in action next weekend.

Big Weekend for JCHS Girls Wrestling

Junction City Blue Jay head football coach Randall Zimmerman will serve as an assistant coach for the West team in the 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl on Saturday, June 27th in Emporia.

Zimmerman will be making his Kansas Shrine Bowl record 9th appearance on the sidelines. Zimmerman has been an assistant coach five times previously (1988, 1995, 2009, 2015, 2021) and the West Head Coach on three previous occasions (1996, 2010, 2016).&nbsp;2015, 2021-Junction City); West Head Coach (1996, 2010, 2016-Junction City) “I am very honored to be a part of this game this year.&nbsp; I have great respect for Shriners and their families for what they do for the children of the hospital.&nbsp; The Shrine Bowl experience is very humbling, bringing an incredible appreciation for the talents and gifts we have been given.”

Zimmerman currently ranks in the top 10 overall amongst active head coaches in the entire state in coaching wins with 238 career victories. Zimmerman, who wrapped-up his 32nd season as head coach of the Blue Jays this fall, led the JCHS to the Centennial League title in 2025 and a 7-3 overall record.

&nbsp; The Kansas Shrine Bowl announced the coaching staffs for the game. The West team is led by&nbsp;Daniel Myears&nbsp;(Mulvane) and his staff will include in addition to Zimmerman,&nbsp;Erin Beck&nbsp;(Great Bend – 5A),&nbsp;Dawson Elliott&nbsp;(Augusta – 4A),&nbsp;Brent Hoelting&nbsp;(Pratt – 3A),&nbsp;Todd Rice&nbsp;(Garden Plain – 2A), and&nbsp;Brent Schneider&nbsp;(Sterling – 1A).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The East team will be led by&nbsp;Mike Berg&nbsp;(Wellsville) who was announced earlier this summer as the 2026 East Head Coach. The East coaching staff assistants will be&nbsp;Kurt Webster&nbsp;(Shawnee Mission Northwest – 6A),&nbsp;Rod Stallbaumer&nbsp;(Basehor-Linwood – 5A),&nbsp;Bradley Argabright&nbsp;(Labette County – 4A),&nbsp;Greg Slade&nbsp;(Santa Fe Trail – 3A),&nbsp;Andrew Gantenbein&nbsp;(Osage City – 2A), and&nbsp;Derick Hammes&nbsp;(Rossville – 1A).&nbsp;

The 53rd Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia at 7 p.m. June 27th. Proceeds from the game benefit Shriner's Children's.

Shriner's Children's, previously Shriners Hospitals for Children, is a&nbsp; healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe. Shriners Children's is dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

Randall Zimmerman will coach in the Shrine Bowl

Associate Athletics Director for Communications

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;A seven-year coaching staff member who has tutored Wildcat defensive ends to 10 All-Big 12 honors,&nbsp;Buddy&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;will remain on staff to coach the Kansas State defensive line, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Monday.

Wyatt&nbsp;has coached at K-State since 2019 and guided players to All-Big 12 First Team honors on five occasions.

“I appreciate Collin placing his trust in me,”&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;said. “Kansas State has a strong tradition and culture, and I am excited to be a part of this staff. I look forward to helping our players and this program succeed.”

Wyatt&nbsp;worked alongside Klein in each of his first five seasons in Manhattan.

“Buddy&nbsp;has a tremendous track record of developing young men,” Klein said. “I have always admired how he built genuine relationships with players and staff. He is of the highest character, and I am very excited we he will be with us moving forward.”

Wyatt&nbsp;has guided K-State players to three Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors over his first seven seasons in Manhattan. In fact, when adding in his time coaching Adam Carriker at Nebraska to the honor in 2006,&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;has tutored the most Big 12 Defensive Linemen of the Year in league history.

The latest recipient of the award was Brendan Mott in 2024, who also earned All-Big 12 First Team honors. Mott ranked 26th nationally and was tops in the Big 12 in sacks (0.65 sacks per game), while he tied for fourth in the Big 12 in tackles for loss. He led a defensive unit that finished with a No. 25 national ranking in sacks at 2.69 per game, which was its best ranking since 2015. Of the 35 total sacks on the year, 23 came from&nbsp;Wyatt’s ends.

Wyatt&nbsp;tutored two players to All-Big 12 honors in 2023 with Khalid Duke earning second-team honors in addition to earning votes for the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year award, while Mott was an honorable mention pick.

Wyatt’s unit in 2022 was headlined by Big 12 Player of the Year and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who earned All-Big 12 First Team honors each of the final two seasons of his career.&nbsp;Wyatt&nbsp;helped Anudike-Uzomah tie for fourth in K-State history in career forced fumbles (8) and sixth in career sacks (20.5).

 Buddy Wyatt to Coach K-State Defensive Line

The Junction City Boys Wrestling Team traveled to Shawnee Mission Northwest for a 10 team dual Tournament. Junction city captured 2nd Place going 4-1 on the day by beating Sumner Academy 75-0 , #5 ranked Shawnee Mission Northwest 51-26  and Leavenworth 36-32. Junction city lost in the finals  to Shawnee Heights 30-42. 

Going Undefeated and 5-0 on the day were (106) Colden Blockolsky, (126) Jayden Melton , (190) Christian Simmers and (215) Chris Coy. Going 4-1  were (113) Riley Luckenbill and Braden Blockcolsky . Going 3-2 were (150) Hudson Bohanan , (157) Tyler Proeitti and (285) Avery Florence.

(&nbsp;Pictured are 106)Colden Blockcolsky, (126) Jayden Melton, (190)Christian Simmer and (215) Chris Coy. )

Blue Jays win four out of five in wrestling

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The final images of the Kansas City Chiefs' postseason pursuit were Patrick Mahomes getting helped to the locker room with what turned out to be a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-chiefs-injuries-worthy-d7a234e19734abaa95832724ea4c6062?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">torn ACL in his left knee,</a>&nbsp;a white towel draped over his head, and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew throwing an interception to Derwin James that gave the Los Angeles Chargers a win over one of their biggest rivals.

It all happened in the final two minutes of their 16-13 victory Sunday.

Justin Herbert, playing through a broken left hand, had helped the Chargers take the lead with a second-half rally, but Kansas City got the ball back with one more chance. Mahomes was sprinting toward the sideline and throwing the ball away when he was spun to the ground by defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand, leaving the two-time MVP grabbing at his left knee.

“It didn't look good,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid acknowledged afterward.

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