Geary County Emergency Management has provided information from the National Weather Service.

Rain will start around 2pm Friday (50-60% chance) There could be some slick areas especially on overpasses and bridges with the moisture.A band of snow (possibly briefly mixed with rain) will move west to east across the area this evening. Many places will only see a light coating, mainly just on grassy surfaces. However some locally heavier totals of around 1" are possible within the core of the snow band, enough to lead to a few slick/slushy spots on roads. 

So if traveling Friday night, maintain awareness of weather and road conditions across your route.   Please stay winter weather aware.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Light snow is possible Friday evening

The Flinthills Breadbasket has four pallets of bulk eggs and need over 1500 empty cartons to distribute in the community! Please drop off your empty egg cartons at the Breadbasket at (2326 Skyvue Lane).

There will be group and drop in volunteer opportunities on the afternoons of Wednesday, January 14 and Monday, January 19 to help repackage these eggs, so mark your calendars!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eggs need to be distributed

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

Riley County Arrest Report January 9

A Kansas-developed wheat variety has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind trophy honoring Bill Snyder, blending Kansas State University research, farmer stewardship and K-State football tradition into a single handcrafted work of art.

American master straw artist Marian Vavra created the trophy using the KS Bill Snyder hard red winter wheat variety, released in 2023 through K-State and licensed by the Kansas Wheat Alliance. The trophy was hand-built entirely from the wheat straw itself and designed as a ceremonial tribute to Coach Snyder’s legacy and Kansas agriculture.

“This piece gave me a way to honor Coach Snyder while also honoring the researchers who breed wheat and the farmers who decide what seed to plant,” said Vavra. “It brings all of those stories together in one form.”

The project began during the 2025 Wheat Plot Tour at the K-State Research and Extension John C. Pair Horticultural Center, where Vavra first saw the KS Bill Snyder variety growing in the field. While most visitors discussed agronomic performance and yield potential, Vavra evaluated the wheat for artistic qualities such as straw strength, stem length, head shape and color.

Because research plots cannot be harvested, the wheat used for the trophy was sourced from licensed test fields near Yoder, Kansas. With permission from Kauffman Seed Company, Vavra hand-harvested six bundles of KS Bill Snyder wheat in June, using three bundles entirely to create the finished piece.

The trophy’s design is inspired by a traditional Ukrainian harvest form known as a didukh, a symbolic sheaf that represents legacy, renewal and gratitude. Vavra adapted the three-tiered structure to reflect Kansas wheat production, K-State research and the lasting culture of agriculture in the state.

“Wheat carries history with it,” Vavra said. “From the people who brought seed to Kansas, to the breeders who improve it, to the farmers who grow it, this trophy reflects that entire journey.”

The upper tier of the trophy features fanned wheat heads and a straw star symbolizing the Kansas motto, Ad astra per aspera. The middle tier represents Kansas soil and the abundance held within each wheat head. The lower tier serves as the foundation and features a football medallion that transforms the piece into a recognizable trophy.

Every element of the football was made from the KS Bill Snyder wheat itself. Straw was flattened to create the football surface, while fine straw threads were spun and sewn to form seams and edging. Purple ribbon and trim were added as finishing touches to clearly mark the piece as a K-State tribute.

The back of the football documents the trophy’s creation, including the wheat’s harvest location, licensing and release through K-State research. While inspired by traditional straw techniques, the football design and K-State symbolism make the piece an original artistic work.

This project highlights how Kansas wheat extends beyond the field, reflecting the connection between research programs, seed companies, farmers and Kansas culture.

The Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation supports wheat research above and beyond the dollars contributed by Kansas farmers through the checkoff by providing a mechanism for donors to give meaningfully to the future of wheat production. The foundation attracts a wide range of donors, from individuals with deep family ties to wheat production to global supporters. Established in 2012, the foundation has grown to more than $6 million in assets, highlighting the critical need for public-private partnerships in wheat research. Gifts to the KWCRF are used exclusively for wheat research and are tax-deductible.

Support the KS Bill Snyder variety and wheat research as part of the Legendary Greats giving campaign through the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation (KWCRF) at <a href="http://ksbillsnyder.com">ksbillsnyder.com</a>

From Field to Trophy: Kansas Wheat Honors Coach Bill Snyder

Junction City, Manhattan, and Chapman, KS —&nbsp;Konza Prairie Community Health Center is making it easier for families and individuals to get the care they need by expanding hours across Junction City, Manhattan, and Chapman. The new schedule offers earlier openings and longer days to accommodate work, school, and transportation challenges.

Konza can offer expanded hours thanks to funding from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). "Expanding our hours means more opportunities for patients to receive care when it works for them," said Danielle Hallgren, CEO, Konza Prairie Community Health Center. "We know that work schedules, childcare, and transportation challenges often prevent people from getting the care they need. Thanks to HRSA’s support, we can better meet those needs and keep our community healthier."

The HRSA Expanded Hours project began in 2023 and was implemented in two phases. Over the course of this two-year initiative, Konza has added a total of 24 clinical hours per week across its Junction City, Manhattan, and Chapman locations. Phase 1 extended evening hours at the Manhattan clinic. Phase 2 introduces early morning hours at both Junction City and Manhattan clinics and – in Chapman – adds a full clinic day plus an additional hour of nutrition services. These operational changes equate to 1,248 additional clinical hours, across all three communities, annually.

“This approach ensures patients receive the services they need most, exactly where they need them,” said Hallgren. “It embodies Konza’s patient-centered philosophy and reinforces our team’s mission to improve access to care for everyone.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kpchc.org/">www.kpchc.org</a>&nbsp;or call&nbsp;your local Konza clinic.

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration supports health centers nationwide in improving access to essential services. This funding enables clinics to offer extended hours, ensuring patients can receive timely care outside of traditional business hours.

About Konza Prairie Community Health Center

Konza Prairie Community Health Center is a trusted provider of comprehensive healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Konza serves uninsured, underinsured, fully insured, and Medicaid beneficiaries, offering medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to improve the overall health and well-being of our communities.

Konza Prairie Community Health Center Extends Hours to Better Serve Local Communities

A&nbsp; pharmacy construction project will begin on Jan. 12 at Irwin Army Community Hospital. It will last through mid-March, to replace fire shutter doors and enhance patient and staff safety during emergency evacuations. According to Fort Riley while pharmacy operations will continue, patient interactions and prescription pickup will temporarily move to the lobby area in front of the pharmacy, and patients should expect longer wait times during construction.

&nbsp;The IACH pharmacy will offer extended hours on Saturday, Jan. 10, and Sunday, Jan. 11, to support patients ahead of construction.&nbsp;

Construction project slated at IACH

GEARY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Thursday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1991 Chevy S10 driven by Terry J. Riley, 21, Melbourne, Florida, was eastbound on Interstate 70 took the Marshall&nbsp; Field exit to Fort Riley. The driver attempted to turn left onto Marshall Drive and the pickup began to spin due to road conditions. The pickup struck a 2021 Jeep Compass driven by Blake L. Frederick, 19, Melbourne, Florida, who was stopped on Marshall Drive waiting to enter Interstate 70 eastbound.

EMS transported a passenger in the Jeep identified as Sarah L.&nbsp;Johnson, 19, Kingston, North Carolina, to&nbsp;Stormont Vail Hospital-Flint HIlls. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after pickup, SUV crash

Abilene, Kan.&nbsp;- The Eisenhower Presidential Library will host a special Lunch &amp; Learn program,&nbsp;"Ike's Essential Leadership Qualities,"&nbsp;on&nbsp;January 22, 2026, at 12 p.m. CST.&nbsp;The hybrid program will be held in the Library building indoor courtyard and online via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hcmbltcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001f3mB5AyULJN2eKAEVPdXS4WNqqUdC3tCiei2wxXa7j4_afucHMgnwFjlr8thReSOXBE1xAX1a8xG2fDULzeFXPKb0qBnJDDpFheKLALLrb4x8D5dZOpk3e-11Bn4X6DNG2CbTl7v0TGqsREKGj7u-AKQP_tQoPyevyyfPsOxAwJZIlUqGQmSzg==&amp;c=vaNxCXl5oLPtPz900O7BOPt5mq1g7EZIgQwHuEEhHpw3w-McFTjJ2w==&amp;ch=RENq96YuhEdR5McKt-fAOwb0H1uGfIayVlzgb4hQ_M9xKWECGH7Hkg==">YouTube Livestream</a>. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. A light box-lunch will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

The program will feature&nbsp;Daniel J. Vermilya, a Park Ranger at the Eisenhower National Historic Site, who will delve into the leadership philosophy of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The discussion is based on an article Eisenhower penned for&nbsp;Reader's Digest&nbsp;in June 1965, where he outlined "a handful of known qualities which I am convinced are the essence of leadership."

Attendees will explore the specific characteristics Eisenhower deemed vital for effective leaders and hear illustrative stories from his long and distinguished military and political career. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the principles that guided one of the 20th century's most influential figures.

Vermilya coordinates educational programming and special events at Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, PA. With over 15 years of service with the National Park Service, he has also worked at Antietam National Battlefield, Monocacy National Battlefield, and Gettysburg National Military Park.

Ike's Essential Leadership Qualities Celebrating America 250! 

Riley County Arrest Report January 8

MANHATTAN, KS (January 7, 2026)&nbsp;The Junction City, Manhattan and Wamego Chambers of Commerce have released the 4th Annual 20 under 40 class of young professionals making a difference in their communities.

Winners of 2026’s 20 under 40 will be recognized at a special reception in their honor at 5 p.m., Jan. 22, at the Museum of Art + Light.&nbsp;If you would like to attend the reception honoring the 2026 top young professionals, go&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://business.manhattan.org/ap/Events/Register/vP31qQbr">here</a>.&nbsp;

“We are incredibly honored to recognize such a distinguished group,” said Jason Smith, president and CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our membership has been committed to engaging young professionals for the past several years and we feel very strongly that one way to engage is to recognize achievement.”

Winners were nominated from the three counties that make up the Manhattan MSA (Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary). Nominees were then asked to complete an application that outlined their achievements in their profession as well as work in the community. From the nearly 75 nominees and over 60 applicants, an appointed committee selected the final 20.

Fourth annual 20 under 40 class is announced

Mrs. Tristyn Tow, TR Resource Teacher and&nbsp; Alyssa Higbie, MHS CTE Agriculture/Greenhouse Teacher have been named recipients of the state’s Horizon Award, according to USD 383.

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has announced the recipients of the 2026 Kansas Horizon Award, a program recognizing the outstanding teaching skills of new educators. The 32 educators, 16 secondary and 16 elementary, chosen for this award will be honored at a special ceremony during the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) State Education Conference. Tristyn is one of the 16 elementary educators. 

The Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by KSDE, allows all school districts in the state to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher for the award. To be eligible, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.

 Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each of the state’s four regions that correspond to the state’s U.S. congressional districts.Recipients of award were notified of their selection by Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson.

USD 383 Horizon Award winners

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.

On Christmas Eve, deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office located a stolen 2012 Hyundai passenger vehicle, originally reported stolen from Wichita at a residence located at 401 W. 1st Street in Cherryvale, Kansas.

Deputies obtained and executed a search warrant for the residence and property. During the execution of the warrant, deputies observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the residence. An amended search warrant for narcotics was subsequently obtained. During the search, deputies located more than three (3) grams of methamphetamine along with additional drug paraphernalia and items used for distribution.

Rachel McKenzie, of Cherryvale, Kansas, was taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where she was booked on the requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; She bonded out of jail days later, according to online jail records.

Sheriff: Suspected Kansas drug dealer jailed on Christmas Eve

KANSAS CITY —There is a new 6-foot-tall bundle of joy at the KCZoo.

On Friday, the zoo introduced Aspen, a female Masai giraffe born to 4-year-old Alika on December 29. 

A neonatal exam has been performed and showed that the calf is in good health. Aspen is already spending quality time with 2-month-old half-brother, Beni, and getting a masterclass in zoomies courtesy of her half-sister, 1 ½-year-old Willow.

Aspen is Alika’s first calf and father Aidan’s third. Other members of the Zoo’s herd include adult females Makali and Chandy, who are the respective mothers to Willow and Beni. 

Due to construction currently underway on a new giraffe complex, the entire giraffe herd will remain behind the scenes until the new habitat opens by Summer 2026 but may be seen on a live video feed available only at the Zoo. 

<a href="https://kansascityzoo.org/giraffe-habitat?fbclid=IwY2xjawPOa15leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwQW81UnhSVEVYSndJQW8xc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuOC9ZCL-3tzlxa3hyX6Wy5bTaqK6u0yt4O3Hq_RFHMLxZ4v8Lkcdjcbx3Sr_aem_0LEqDqkIQu3SXnWpvw0QsQ">Click here to learn more</a> about this exciting new complex.

Masai giraffes are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The KCZoo is partnering with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savegiraffesnow?__cft__[0]=AZZ9kK_jyA6olM47QfzZyfGivewk29wfjPxionuQlL3RawHl-biKXkaS72apNvb08B9wfamM_2AUA0OgznYjXmpTOdkPJdNragKvAOkqkQn2ulriczQxIAs33sxU8spA2uVkmp0z11dZ99uLsWIS-jH_w5TYv5w5EyhBwLXc9q_LzQ9m4yeTBHWP0NadFwX1Wek&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Save Giraffes Now</a> on co-existence projects in the Athi-Kapiti region of Kenya, a heavily populated region where human and wildlife conflict is a constant struggle.

In addition, the Zoo participates in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ZoosAquariums?__cft__[0]=AZZ9kK_jyA6olM47QfzZyfGivewk29wfjPxionuQlL3RawHl-biKXkaS72apNvb08B9wfamM_2AUA0OgznYjXmpTOdkPJdNragKvAOkqkQn2ulriczQxIAs33sxU8spA2uVkmp0z11dZ99uLsWIS-jH_w5TYv5w5EyhBwLXc9q_LzQ9m4yeTBHWP0NadFwX1Wek&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">The Association of Zoos and Aquariums</a> Species Survival Plan to ensure a genetically diverse and stable giraffe population in accredited facilities. This exciting new arrival is part of our Wild Beginnings program presented by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saintlukeskc?__cft__[0]=AZZ9kK_jyA6olM47QfzZyfGivewk29wfjPxionuQlL3RawHl-biKXkaS72apNvb08B9wfamM_2AUA0OgznYjXmpTOdkPJdNragKvAOkqkQn2ulriczQxIAs33sxU8spA2uVkmp0z11dZ99uLsWIS-jH_w5TYv5w5EyhBwLXc9q_LzQ9m4yeTBHWP0NadFwX1Wek&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Saint Luke's Health System</a> that celebrates “zooborns” at the KCZoo. Saint Luke’s commitment to innovative, patient-centered maternity care has helped local families flourish for more than 140 years and is a perfect sponsor for the Zoo’s growing animal families. Photos by senior animal care specialist Julia

6-foot tall bundle of joy at the Kansas City Zoo

KANSAS CITY —Police investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 61-year-old Gary L. Norris.

Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to&nbsp; a shooting reported in the area of 16th Street and Fremont Avenue, according to Officer Alyana Gonzalez.

First responders found Norris inside of a vehicle unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. Officers attempted to render medical aid until EMS personnel responded and transported him to an area hospital for treatment. Norris ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

Preliminary information indicates Norris was outside working on a vehicle when an interaction between the victim and another adult male escalated into gunfire. The suspect left the scene prior to police arrival. Police have not reported any suspect details.

Homicide: Police ID KC man shot while working on his vehicle

PAWNEE COUNTY —A&nbsp; Kansas couple made their first court appearance on Thursday following a more than two-year investigation of&nbsp;financial mistreatment and elder abuse.

Jeffrey S. Bates, 64 and Sandi K. Bates, 62, both of Larned, appeared before Pawnee Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

They were each charged with one Count of Conspiracy to Commit Financial Mistreatment of a Dependent Adult/Elder Person, with an aggregate value of at least $100,000, but less than $250,000, alleged to have occurred between July 15, 2015, and December 31, 2022. This charge is a severity level 6 person felony.

Jeffrey Bates faces an additional count of Physical Mistreatment of a Dependent Adult/Elder Person, by allegedly knowingly inflicting physical injury, unreasonable confinement or unreasonable punishment upon a dependent adult or an elder person, alleged to have occurred on or about November 26, 2022. This charge is a severity level 5 person felony. In the alternative Bates is charged with Criminal Restraint, a Class A Person Misdemeanor.

The charges stem from a two-and-a-half-year investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department initiated by a report of alleged elder abuse. The sheriff department was assisted in the investigation by the Kansas Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Unit.

The Bates were arrested by the sheriff’s department without incident at their Larned residence on December 1, 2025, and released later that day after posting surety bonds.

&nbsp;A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for January 21, 2026.

Under Kansas law, “elder person” means a person 60 years of age or older. As charged, the crime of Financial Mistreatment of a Dependent Adult/Elder Person means the intent to knowingly take the personal property or financial resources of a dependent adult or an elder person for the benefit of the defendant by taking control of the personal property or financial resources of said dependent adult or elder person through undue influence, coercion, harassment, duress, deception, false representation, false pretense or without adequate consideration to such dependent adult or elder person.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for January 21.

Kan. couple charged following an elder abuse investigation

A Minnesota prosecutor on Friday called on members of the public to send any video or other evidence in the fatal shooting of Renee Good directly to local investigators, challenging the Trump administration’s decision to leave the investigation solely to the FBI.&nbsp; Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance and the White House have released a new&nbsp;cellphone video showing perspective of federal agent at center of ICE-involved shooting.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-minnesota-jonathan-ross-b9ce88da676d74ec6a1ab36aa55fbda1">The federal agent who fatally shot Good</a>&nbsp;is an Iraq War veteran who has served for nearly two decades in the Border Patrol and ICE, according to records obtained by Associated Press.

White House releases phone video from ICE agent before fatal shooting

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks hit records Friday following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-growth-3520ef449c36be8ca60eb046177200a2">a mixed report on the U.S. job market</a>, one that may delay&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">another cut to interest rates</a>&nbsp;by the Federal Reserve but does not slam the door on it.

The S&amp;P 500 climbed 0.6% and topped its prior all-time high set earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 237 points, or 0.5%, and likewise set a record, while the Nasdaq composite led the market with a 0.8% gain.

The moves came after the U.S. Labor Department said employers hired fewer workers during December than economists expected, though the unemployment rate improved and was better than expected. It reinforced how the U.S. job market may be in a “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-hiring-economy-c48fd84dfaa71eee962feb3a88fd8575">low-hire</a>, low-fire” state and may hopefully avoid a recession.

On Wall Street, power company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/facebook-meta-zuckerberg-ai-vistra-oklo-terrapower-0eb051a9a11d96f7ce200e186ad13476">Vistra soared</a>&nbsp;10.5% to help lead the market after signing a 20-year deal to provide electricity from three of its nuclear plants to Meta Platforms. Big Tech companies have been signing a string of such deals to electrify the data centers powering their moves into artificial-intelligence technology.

Oklo jumped 7.9% after saying it also signed a deal with Meta Platforms that will help it secure nuclear fuel and advance its project to build a facility in Pike County, Ohio.

Homebuilders and other companies involved in the housing market were strong in their first trading after President Donald Trump announced a plan to lower mortgage rates. Trump on late Thursday called for the purchase of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-housing-mortgage-rates-79294cf8eac1579b17430b4cd0708fcd">$200 billion in mortgage bonds</a>, similar to how the Fed in the past has bought bonds backed by mortgages to bring down mortgage rates.

Builders FirstSource, a supplier of building products, jumped 12% for one of the biggest gains in the S&amp;P 500 along with Vistra. Among homebuilders, Lennar rallied 8.9%, D.R. Horton climbed 7.8% and PulteGroup rose 7.3%.

They helped offset a 2.7% drop for General Motors. The auto giant said it will take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-motors-ev-byd-tesla-c9db4cd7030c9b58803e7375e25b9484">a $6 billion hit</a>&nbsp;to its results for the last three months of 2025 related to its pullback from electric vehicles. That’s on top of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-motors-gm-ev-emission-tax-2d2e43fd9dc0e12864e590a018be280f">$1.6 billion in charges</a>&nbsp;GM took in the prior quarter. Fewer tax incentives and easier fuel-emission regulations have been eating into demand for EVs.

WD-40 tumbled 6.6% after reporting a weaker profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Chief Financial Officer Sara Hyzer said the soft numbers were primarily because of timing issues, not weaker demand from end customers, and the company stood by its financial forecasts for the upcoming year.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 44.82 points to 6,966.28. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 237.96 to 49,504.07, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 191.33 to 23,671.35.

In the bond market, Treasury yields were mixed.

Friday’s improvement in the unemployment rate was enough to get traders to ratchet back expectations for a cut to interest rates at the Fed’s next meeting, which is scheduled for later this month. Traders are now forecasting just a 5% chance of that, down from 11% a day before, according to data from CME Group.

But traders nevertheless still largely expect the Fed to cut rates at least twice this upcoming year.

Whether they’re correct carries high stakes for financial markets. Lower interest rates can goose the economy and push up prices for investments, though they can also worsen inflation at the same time. And inflation has stubbornly remained above the Fed’s 2% target.

“Until the data provide a clearer direction, a divided Fed is likely to stay that way,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. “Lower rates are likely coming this year, but the markets may have to be patient.”

The yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.16% from 4.19% late Thursday. It tends to track expectations for longer-term economic growth and inflation.

The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks forecasts for what the Fed will do with short-term interest rates in the near term, rose to 3.53% from 3.49%.

A separate report released Friday morning suggested sentiment among U.S. consumers is strengthening, particularly among lower-income households. Perhaps more importantly for the Fed, the preliminary report from the University of Michigan also said expectations for inflation in the coming 12 months may be at their lowest level in a year. That could give it more freedom to cut interest rates.

Hopes for both lower interest rates and a solid economy have helped other areas of the stock market climb recently, wresting leadership away from the Big Tech and AI stocks that dominated the market for years. The smaller stocks in the Russell 2000, for example, climbed 4.6% this week, much more than the 1.6% rise of the S&amp;P 500.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia.

Another record setting day on Wall Street 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said on social media Thursday that he is directing the federal government to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds, a move he said would help reduce mortgage rates at a time when Americans are worried about home prices.

Trump and the White House have been trying to show they are responding to voter concerns about affordability ahead of midterm elections in November. Home prices have generally risen faster than incomes because of a persistent construction shortfall, making it harder for renters to buy their first home and for existing owners to upgrade to a new property — a challenge that dates back to Trump’s first term and the recovery from the housing market collapse that triggered the global financial crisis in 2008.

Trump said the two mortgage companies under government conservatorship, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have $200 billion in cash that will be used to make the purchase.

“This will drive Mortgage Rates DOWN, monthly payments DOWN, and make the cost of owning a home more affordable,” Trump posted on social media.

White House officials did not immediately respond to questions about the timelines for how purchases would occur.

The Federal Reserve has in the past bought mortgage bonds during times of economic turmoil in order to help reduce interest rates, leading many homeowners to refinance into rates of 3% or less. The low rates of the recent past make these homeowners reluctant to sell their properties, depriving the market of inventory.

“At a high level I feel this is putting a Band-Aid on a deeper issue and it probably wouldn’t lower rates enough to really undo the mortgage rate lock-in effect,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at the real estate brokerage Redfin.

Fairweather estimated the government purchases of mortgage debt could shave 0.25 to 0.5 percentage points off the rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. But the purchases wouldn’t address other factors such as a chronic shortage of homes on the market, which has helped make homeownership unaffordable for many Americans, she cautioned.

Mortgage rates have been averaging around 6.2%, according to Freddie Mac, which went into conservatorship along with Fannie Mae in 2008 when the U.S. economy crashed during the Great Recession. Thirty-year mortgage rates haven’t been below 6% since September 2022.

“Lowering mortgage rates by maybe a quarter point or half a point maybe will encourage more demand on the margins, but I don’t think it’s going to solve the restrictions that exist in the housing market,” Fairweather said.

There is also a risk because Trump would be spending the cash reserves that are supposed to help be a buffer against an economic downturn akin to what happened during the Great Recession. In a sense, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could be more vulnerable if anything negative happens to the housing market, meaning Trump is betting that possibility is highly unlikely.

Separately, the Fed holds roughly $2 trillion worth of mortgage-backed securities on its balance sheet. That’s down from $2.7 trillion in June 2022. The Fed began to unwind its mortgage-debt holdings as the U.S. economy recovered from the global pandemic.

Mortgage rates began to climb as inflation spiked coming out of the global pandemic, with the consumer price index hitting a four-decade high in 2022. The average mortgage rate is down from nearly 7% at the start of Trump’s second term last year, yet the decrease has done little to reassure a public that feels pressure from the costs of housing, food and energy.

When interest rates fall it can become cheaper to service housing debt on a monthly basis. The reduced monthly payments can improve affordability for a period until home prices adjust in response to changes in the rates. There was roughly $21.1 trillion in outstanding mortgage debt as of the middle of last year, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve.

Many homeowners took advantage of low interest rates during the pandemic to refinance their mortgages at rates of 3% or lower.

Trump last month said he planned to unveil housing reforms -- and on Wednesday he said he wants to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-housing-plan-investors-davos-6ec9f96c03d16c0714a6804c5f703db2">block institutional investors</a>&nbsp;from buying houses.

Trump taking action to make buying a home more affordable

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman will learn her fate for a deadly DUI crash that killed a teen.

Trisha Greer, 43, will appear in Judge Quinton Pittman's courtroom for sentencing on Friday afternoon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In October, Greer pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence before Judge Pittman. She originally pleading not guilty in June and was to face a jury trial.

Just after 11p.m. May 14, 2024, Greer was driving without headlights at 55th Street South and Hoover, according to Sheriff's Lt Nathan Gibbs. The vehicle struck and killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio who was standing with a group of people at the location.

Greer was booked into jail just after 1a.m. the following morning, according to online jail records. She met the requirements of bond and is no longer in custody.&nbsp;Sentencing is scheduled for January 29, according to the district attorney's office.

Sentencing day for Kan. woman in DUI crash that killed teen 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6600 block of Monroe Avenue, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. While officers were responding to the scene, several additional calls for a sound of shots were reported.

Upon arrival, officers observed a group of people summoning responding officers to the rear of an apartment complex building. An unidentified male victim, believed to be&nbsp;an&nbsp;adult, was located lying in a parking lot, unresponsive and suffering from believed gunshot trauma. EMS responded shortly behind officers and declared the victim deceased on scene.

Preliminary information indicates there was an interaction that took place between the victim and several unknown males. That interaction escalated into gunfire and resulted in the victim being struck. The unidentified suspects left the scene in an unknown direction occupying an unidentified vehicle. Police do not have any subjects of interest identified and no one is in police custody at this time.

Homicide: Man found dead in parking lot of KC apartment complex

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. forces boarded another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea on Friday, the U.S. military said, as the Trump administration continues to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-venezuela-oil-tanker-77f2c1441dda8217b37f9e38c3ae9131">target sanctioned tankers</a>&nbsp;traveling to and from Venezuela.

The pre-dawn action was carried out by Marines and Navy sailors launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, part of the extensive force the U.S. has built up in the Caribbean in recent months, according to U.S. Southern Command, which declared “there is no safe haven for criminals” as it announced the seizure of the tanker called the Olina. The Coast Guard then took control of the vessel, officials said.

Southern Command and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem both posted unclassified footage on social media of a U.S. helicopter landing on the vessel and U.S. personnel conducting a search of the deck and tossing what appeared to be an explosive device in front of a door leading to inside the ship.

In her social media post, Noem said the ship was “another ‘ghost fleet’ tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil” and it had departed Venezuela “attempting to evade U.S. forces."

The Olina is the fifth tanker that has been seized by U.S. forces as part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to control&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-reserves-trump-exxon-8a6462e76315c7d1a6e6a5a879f98c16">the distribution of Venezuela’s oil products</a>&nbsp;globally following the U.S. ouster of President Nicolás Maduro in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-maduro-what-to-know-a57528ff315a7f70ed51a1721f5e0bc2">a surprise nighttime raid</a>.

U.S. government records show that the Olina was sanctioned for moving Russian oil under its prior name, Minerva M, and flagged in Panama.

While records show the Olina is now flying the flag of Timor-Leste, it is listed in the international shipping registry as having a false flag, meaning the registration it is claiming is not valid. In July, the owner and manager of the ship on its registration was changed to a company in Hong Kong.

According to ship tracking databases, the Olina last transmitted its location in November in the Caribbean, north of the Venezuelan coast. Since then, however, the ship has been running dark with its location beacon turned off.

While Noem and the military framed the seizure as part of an effort to enforce the law, other officials in the Trump administration have made clear they see it as a way to generate cash to fund U.S. goals in Venezuela.

In an early morning post on his social media network, Trump said the U.S. and Venezuela “are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure.”

The administration said it expects to sell 30 million to 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan oil, with the proceeds to go to both the U.S. and Venezuelan people. But the president expects the arrangement to continue indefinitely as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-oil-chevron-exxonmobil-conocophillips-0e0619a991e92fd546504f1a613161e7">meets on Friday</a>&nbsp;with executives from 17 oil companies to discuss his goal of investing $100 billion in Venezuela to repair and upgrade its oil production and distribution.

Vice President JD Vance told Fox News this week that the U.S. can “control” Venezuela’s “purse strings” by dictating where its oil can be sold.

The Olina has a listed cargo capacity of up to 890,000 barrels of oil. While it is unclear if the tanker was full or empty, at the current market price of about $60 a barrel, a full cargo of oil from the tanker would be worth about $53 million.

Associated Press writers Dánica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Josh Boak in Washington contributed reporting.

🎥 US intercepts another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Brayden Burries scored 28 points, Motiejus Krivas added a career-high 25 and No. 1 Arizona remained unbeaten with a 101-76 win over Kansas State on Wednesday night.

Arizona (15-0, 2-0 Big 12) is off to its best start since winning the first 21 games of the 2013-14 season. Arizona won by at least 18 points for the 10th consecutive game, matching a mark Michigan had earlier this season that tied for the longest such run since 2003-04.

Burries had his fifth 20-point game and matched his career high by going 12 for 16 from the field while adding nine rebounds. Krivas was 7 of 10, making 11 of 13 free throws, and had 12 rebounds.

Koa Peat had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Tobe Awaka added nine and 11 as Arizona outrebounded Kansas State 55-32. Arizona shot 49.3% from the field but was just 3 of 16 from 3-point range.

Kansas State (9-6, 0-2) went 8 for 36 from deep and shot 33.8% overall. PJ Haggerty led the way with 19 points on 8-of-20 shooting, while Nate Johnson added 15 and Dorin Buca 12.

Down 15 at the half, Kansas State pulled within 58-49 with 16:09 left on a 3-pointer by Johnson. Arizona responded with a 6-0 run and kept the margin at least 12 the rest of the way. Back-to-back dunks by Burries and Peat and a corner 3-pointer by Jaden Bradley keyed a 13-0 run to put Arizona ahead 92-65 with 3:31 remaining.

Arizona built a 10-point lead less than six minutes into the game and upped it to 20 with 2:52 left in the first half. Burries had 16 before halftime.

Kansas State plays at Arizona State on Saturday.

🏀 Arizona remains unbeaten with win over Kansas State

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Darryn Peterson scored 32 points, including three crucial free throws in regulation to the tie the game, and No. 22 Kansas erased a double-digit deficit to outlast TCU 104-100 in overtime on Tuesday night.

Kansas (11-4, 1-1 Big 12) trailed by 16 points midway through the second half, but cut the TCU lead to three with 34 seconds left in regulation.

The Jayhawks' next trip down the court was fruitless, leading to a foul and two free throws by TCU’s Liutauras Lelevicius. Kansas' Flory Bidunga cut the lead back to three on a tip in with just over six seconds remaining.

After a turnover on the ensuing TCU inbounds play, the Jayhawks got the ball to Peterson, who drew a foul beyond the arc and knocked down all three free throws to tie the game at the end of regulation.

Kansas held the lead throughout overtime and ultimately secured the game at the free-throw line, converting 9 of 11. TCU (11-4, 1-1) went 2 for 4 in the same frame. Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. scored nine of his 18 points during overtime.

Lelevicius led the Horned Frogs with a career-high 23 points. He shot 7 for 9 and hit five 3-pointers, another career high. He entered the game averaging just 8.5 points per game and shooting 35.8% from 3-point range.

Lelevicius outscored sophomore David Punch, who recorded his 10th consecutive double-digit performance with 20 points. He also pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.

Tre White and Bidunga also finished in double figures for the Jayhawks, recording 22 and 16, respectively.

Kansas: Plays at West Virginia on Saturday.

🏀 Kansas erases 16-point deficit, beats TCU in overtime

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Brian Lepak, who has had a hand in K-State’s offensive success since his arrival in 2021, will remain at Kansas State and move back to coaching the Wildcat tight ends, head coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;announced Monday.

Lepak (pronounced luh-PACK) arrived in Manhattan in 2021 as a Senior Offensive Quality Control Coach and also tutored the Wildcat offensive line in 2025, while he spent the 2022 through 2024 seasons coaching the K-State tight ends.

“I am excited to continue to represent Kansas State University under Coach Klein’s leadership,” said Lepak. “I look forward to implementing Coach Klein’s vision and build on the tradition of this program.”

Lepak and Klein worked together on staff for three seasons, which included K-State’s 2022 Big 12 Championship campaign in 2022.

Lepak has found quick success during his first four years as a full-time coach for the Wildcats, tutoring tight end Ben Sinnott to All-Big 12 First Team accolades in both 2022 and 2023, while the Wildcats had two tight ends pick up All-Big 12 honors in 2024 in Garrett Oakley (second team) and Will Swanson (honorable mention). It was the first time since 1997 that the Wildcats had a pair of All-Big 12 tight ends in the same season, while Oakley’s second-team designation marked the first time in the Big 12 era that K-State had a first- or second-team all-conference tight end in three straight seasons.

Brian Lepak to Remain at K-State, Coach Tight Ends

Junction City native and former Kansas State Wildcat running back DJ Giddens wrapped up his rookie season on Sunday with the Indianapolis Colts. Giddens carried the ball eight times for 30 yards in a 38–30 loss to the Houston Texans.

For the season, Giddens ran the ball 26 times for 96 yards, averaging 3.69 yards per carry.

Giddens graduated from Junction City High School in the spring of 2021. He played three seasons at Kansas State before foregoing his senior year and was selected with the 151st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Colts finished the season with a record of 8-9 and missed the playoffs.&nbsp;

Junction City native and former K-State Wildcat DJ Giddens finishes off rookie season with the Colts

By MARK ANDERSON&nbsp; AP Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Daniel Carlson made a career-long 60-yard field goal with eight seconds left to give Las Vegas a 14-12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday and end the Raiders' 10-game losing streak.

Carlson and Kansas City's Harrison Butker each made four field goals, with Butker hitting a 41-yarder with 1:01 left to give the Chiefs a short-lived 12-11 lead.

This was the first victory for the Raiders (3-14) over the Chiefs (6-11) at Allegiant Stadium. The Chiefs, who had won all five previous meetings in Las Vegas, lost their sixth straight game and eighth in 10.

Las Vegas' Ashton Jeanty rushed for 87 yards, giving him 975 for the season that is second among Raiders rookies to the 1,150 yards Josh Jacobs gained in 2019. Jeanty's 1,321 yards from scrimmage broke the club rookie record set by Jacobs (1,316).

Much of the intrigue about the outcome was eliminated before kickoff when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-giants-score-jaxson-dart-d25b1d9cbb8f9ac00bd6e953924bfa93?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-17</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/las-vegas-raiders-nfl-draft-2026-708f08b50bcd7b519c5ba132d03cedaf?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">guaranteeing the Raiders the top pick</a>&nbsp;in this year's NFL draft. A Giants loss would have meant that Las Vegas would get that selection only with a loss to the Chiefs.

Less certain is the future of Raiders coach Pete Carroll, who was hired about a year ago with the hopes that his championship pedigree of a Super Bowl title in Seattle and two college championships at Southern California would translate to Las Vegas. There was no immediate indication whether he would return, but the typical coach's day-after news conference was not on the club's media schedule.

This also could be have the final game for Kansas City's Travis Kelce. The 36-year-old, who became the third tight end to reach 13,000 yards in his career, has not said if he will retire after playing all 13 seasons in Kansas City.

Both teams in large ways treated the finale like a preseason game.

Whether for injuries or other reasons, the Chiefs sat wide receiver Xavier Worthy, running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive ends George Karlaftis and Tyreke Smith among others, and the Raiders had a number of players hurt that included running back Raheem Mostert, guard Dylan Parham and defensive tackle Adam Butler.

Kansas City entered the game without quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, each out with knee injuries. The Chiefs hope to get Mahomes back by early next season in what they hope is the return to becoming more like the team that appeared in five of the previous six Super Bowls, three ending in championships.

Chris Oladokun started for the Chiefs and completed 11 of 17 passes for 58 yards before giving way to Shane Buechele in the second half. Buechele was 7 of 14 for 88 yards.

The Raiders were without quarterback Geno Smith, out with an ankle injury that also might have ended his playing days in Las Vegas after just a season. Kenny Pickett started and was replaced by Aidan O'Connell in the second quarter as expected. Pickett was just 1 of 4 for 3 yards with an interception, and O'Connell completed 10 of 22 passes for 102 yards.

Tyree Wilson had two sacks for the Raiders, including a fourth-quarter safety for an 11-6 lead. He also forced two fumbles.

Chris Jones recorded two sacks to give him 86 1/2 for third most in Chiefs history.

Chiefs: RG Trey Smith (ankle) did not play.

Raiders: QB Geno Smith (ankle), DT Adam Butler (bicep), LT Kolton Miller (ankle), RB Raheem Mostert (ankle/knee) and G Dylan Parham (illness) did not play. ... S Isaiah Pola-Mao (shoulder) went out late in the second quarter.

🏈 Daniel Carlson's 60-yard field goal lifts Raiders over the Chiefs

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Riley Kugel had 19 points and a crucial three-point play with less than 10 seconds remaining to lead UCF over No. 17 Kansas 81-75 on Saturday.

Themus Fulks had 16 points and Jordan Burks scored 14 for UCF (12-1, 1-0 Big 12), which is off to its best start since 14-0 in 2010-11.

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