SEDGWICK COUNTY —A registered Kansas sex offender is going back to prison for sex crimes committed in 2020 and two other crimes.

Judge Kathleen Watson sentenced 39-year-old Darrius Johnson to&nbsp;serve 308 months in the custody to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He pleaded guilty to charge of&nbsp;rape and kidnapping in connection with a September attack on a woman in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;He received a 55‑month sentence for the case involving an abduction and rape in September. He pleaded guilty in that case.

On September 22, 2020, police were dispatched to a sexual assault case in the 800 block of South Sylvan in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

Upon arrival, a 48-year-old female victim, told police she was walking in the area of Lincoln and Oliver when a suspect later identified Johnson approached and grabbed her, forcing her into his Toyota Camry.

Johnson drove the victim to a separate location and sexually assaulted her. Johnson then drove the victim back to Lincoln and Oliver where she was released. Through the investigation and examination of evidence, Johnson was determined to have been involved in the attack.

Police arrested Johnson October 1, 2020 in the 2100 block of South White Oak in Wichita without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Johnson has a previous felony conviction in 2010 for attempted aggravated sexual battery where victim is overcome by force or fear, according to the KBI offender registry.

At the time of his arrest, Johnson was out on bond for a separate alleged sex crime, according to Cruz.

In addition to the 55 months for the crime in 2020, Johnson was sentenced to 253 months for two counts of rape, attempted rape, and attempted aggravated criminal sodomy for crimes that occurred in December 2018.

Johnson was also sentenced to 18 months for violating the Offender Registration Act for the crime that occurred in 2018, according to the district attorney's office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A registered Kansas sex offender is scheduled to learn his fate in connection with sex crimes committed in 2020.

Darrius Johnson, 39, is scheduled to make an appearance in Judge Kathleen Watson's courtroom for sentencing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He pleaded guilty to charge of&nbsp;rape and kidnapping in connection with a September attack on a woman in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In December, Johnson asked to withdraw his guilty plea and face a jury trial. The judge rejected the request.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601904705441.png" alt="Johnson photo&nbsp; Kansas Sex offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo&nbsp; Kansas Sex offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A registered Kansas sex offender is going back to prison for sex crimes committed in 2020 and two other crimes.Judge Kathleen Watson sentenced 39-year-old Darrius Johnson to&nbsp;serve 308 months in the custody to the Kansas Department of Corrections.according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He pleaded guilty to charge of&nbsp;rape and kidnapping in connection with a September attack on a woman in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;He received a 55‑month sentence for the case involving an abduction and rape in September. He pleaded guilty in that case.On September 22, 2020, police were dispatched to a sexual assault case in the 800 block of South Sylvan in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.Upon arrival, a 48-year-old female victim, told police she was walking in the area of Lincoln and Oliver when a suspect later identified Johnson approached and grabbed her, forcing her into his Toyota Camry.Johnson drove the victim to a separate location and sexually assaulted her. Johnson then drove the victim back to Lincoln and Oliver where she was released. Through the investigation and examination of evidence, Johnson was determined to have been involved in the attack.Police arrested Johnson October 1, 2020 in the 2100 block of South White Oak in Wichita without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;Johnson has a previous felony conviction in 2010 for attempted aggravated sexual battery where victim is overcome by force or fear, according to the KBI offender registry.At the time of his arrest, Johnson was out on bond for a separate alleged sex crime, according to Cruz.In addition to the 55 months for the crime in 2020, Johnson was sentenced to 253 months for two counts of rape, attempted rape, and attempted aggravated criminal sodomy for crimes that occurred in December 2018.Johnson was also sentenced to 18 months for violating the Offender Registration Act for the crime that occurred in 2018, according to the district attorney's office.---------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A registered Kansas sex offender is scheduled to learn his fate in connection with sex crimes committed in 2020.Darrius Johnson, 39, is scheduled to make an appearance in Judge Kathleen Watson's courtroom for sentencing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He pleaded guilty to charge of&nbsp;rape and kidnapping in connection with a September attack on a woman in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In December, Johnson asked to withdraw his guilty plea and face a jury trial. The judge rejected the request.On September 22, 2020, police were dispatched to a sexual assault case in the 800 block of South Sylvan in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.Upon arrival, a 48-year-old female victim, told police she was walking in the area of Lincoln and Oliver when a suspect later identified Johnson approached and grabbed her, forcing her into his Toyota Camry.Johnson drove the victim to a separate location and sexually assaulted her. Johnson then drove the victim back to Lincoln and Oliver where she was released. Through the investigation and examination of evidence, Johnson was determined to have been involved in the attack.Police arrested Johnson October 1, 2020 in the 2100 block of South White Oak in Wichita without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;Johnson has a previous felony conviction in 2010 for attempted aggravated sexual battery where victim is overcome by force or fear, according to the KBI offender registry.At the time of his arrest, Johnson was out on bond for a separate alleged sex crime, according to Cruz.

Kansas sex offender going back to prison for rape, kidnapping

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769544906187.jpeg" alt="Photo submitted by Meriah Escarcega, Hays" />
 <figcaption>Photo submitted by Meriah Escarcega, Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769544930236.jpeg" alt="Photo submitted by Meriah Escarcega, Hays" />
 <figcaption>Photo submitted by Meriah Escarcega, Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769544964234.jpeg" alt="Photo submitted by Meriah Escarcega, Hays" />
 <figcaption>Photo submitted by Meriah Escarcega, Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769544983717.jpeg" alt="Photo submitted by Meriah Escarcega, Hays" />
 <figcaption>Photo submitted by Meriah Escarcega, Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769545001617.jpeg" alt="Photo submitted by&nbsp;Meriah Escarcega, Hays" />
 <figcaption>Photo submitted by&nbsp;Meriah Escarcega, Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769542895522.jpeg" alt="Photo submitted by&nbsp;Margie Hammerschmidt" />
 <figcaption>Photo submitted by&nbsp;Margie Hammerschmidt</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769542979652.jpeg" alt="St. Nicolas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays. Photo submitted by Dan Pfannenstiel" />
 <figcaption>St. Nicolas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays. Photo submitted by Dan Pfannenstiel</figcaption>
 </figure>Do you have photos or videos of a news or weather event? Did you shoot a clip of a fun event in our community?Submit your videos or photos to&nbsp;hayspost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;for possible publication on the Hays Post.Eagle Media ... Your Community Connected!

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&nbsp;The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 87-year-old John Joseph Martin was located and is now safe.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing St. Marys man, according to a media release from the KBI.

The whereabouts of 87-year-old John Joseph Martin are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Martin is likely driving a black 2008 Chevrolet Colorado bearing Kansas tag 1434AJY. He was last believed to be in St. Marys on Jan. 26, at approximately 3 p.m.

Martin is a white male who is around six foot tall, weighs approximately 207 pounds, has gray hair and hazel eyes.

If you see John Joseph Martin, or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office at (785) 457-3353.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769482070161.png" alt="John J. Martin-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>John J. Martin-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 87-year-old John Joseph Martin was located and is now safe.----------POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing St. Marys man, according to a media release from the KBI.The whereabouts of 87-year-old John Joseph Martin are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.Martin is likely driving a black 2008 Chevrolet Colorado bearing Kansas tag 1434AJY. He was last believed to be in St. Marys on Jan. 26, at approximately 3 p.m.Martin is a white male who is around six foot tall, weighs approximately 207 pounds, has gray hair and hazel eyes.If you see John Joseph Martin, or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office at (785) 457-3353.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas man is safe

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and partners nationwide today launched the annual&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftax-professionals%2Feitc-central%2Feitc-awareness-day/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/XFfNyaG6lFCoHdtNpjjj90kmV28_APVi4wPWTzNLujE=441">Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day</a>&nbsp;outreach campaign to help millions of eligible low-to- moderate-income, working Americans claim the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fcredits-deductions%2Findividuals%2Fearned-income-tax-credit-eitc/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/Yl2jTYS1uXWkuYX5yar-zSiLwQf5OxfxAa5JQJRu7kc=441">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit is vital to supporting working American families and rewarding them for their hard work,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “The IRS encourages every taxpayer who qualifies for the credit to claim the full amount they are due under the Internal Revenue Code.”&nbsp;

For the past 20 years, the IRS has invited community organizations, elected officials, state and local governments, schools, employers, and other interested parties to join this national grassroots effort. This year, IRS leaders and partners across the nation are participating in local events highlighting the importance of the EITC, which helps millions of taxpayers each year.

In total, 23.5 million workers and families benefited from approximately $68.5 billion in EITC payments nationwide. The average EITC amount received nationwide for tax year 2024 was $2,916.

The IRS estimates that about one in five EITC-eligible taxpayers don’t claim this valuable credit, underscoring the importance of the annual EITC Awareness Day outreach campaign.

The IRS encourages workers to use the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fcredits-deductions%2Findividuals%2Fearned-income-tax-credit%2Fuse-the-eitc-assistant/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/Mr9nAiZpVl3U10QAC8w-VGVt-kwUUWkKtqFnGgyOB08=441">EITC Assistant</a>&nbsp;to check eligibility or to visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.eitc.irs.gov%2Feitc-central%2Fchild-related-tax-benefits-comparison%2Fchild-related-tax-benefits-comparison/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/wv0cRtV8oLLNSgCPV1lCy9_ld-zqEoMllwyx43dPU_I=441">child-related tax benefits comparison</a>&nbsp;for basic eligibility rules.

To get the EITC, workers must file a tax return and claim the credit. The IRS also reminds taxpayers that the quickest way to get a tax refund is to file an accurate tax return&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Findividuals%2Fhow-to-file/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/KGziLjvzsjTmR4LAt2J4pndqqQwc_Guq5iBrtwyPXz0=441">electronically</a>&nbsp;and choose&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Frefunds%2Fget-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/6jvNGUZpSsDIARYyUMjvy20qhV-e5iplTumuIT1O38Y=441">direct deposit</a>.

The IRS expects most early Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or debit card by March 2, 2026, if they choose direct deposit and there are no other issues with the return. Some taxpayers may have access to their refunds sooner depending on their financial institution’s process.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fwheres-my-refund/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/TBg8vb9l-4kDxUn3RFtmGd64ihivm5iqu4w4xvBRQr0=441">Where’s My Refund?</a>&nbsp;will be updated with projected deposit dates for most early EITC/ACTC refund filers by Feb. 21, 2026.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740609345748.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and partners nationwide today launched the annual&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftax-professionals%2Feitc-central%2Feitc-awareness-day/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/XFfNyaG6lFCoHdtNpjjj90kmV28_APVi4wPWTzNLujE=441">Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day</a>&nbsp;outreach campaign to help millions of eligible low-to- moderate-income, working Americans claim the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fcredits-deductions%2Findividuals%2Fearned-income-tax-credit-eitc/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/Yl2jTYS1uXWkuYX5yar-zSiLwQf5OxfxAa5JQJRu7kc=441">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>.“The Earned Income Tax Credit is vital to supporting working American families and rewarding them for their hard work,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “The IRS encourages every taxpayer who qualifies for the credit to claim the full amount they are due under the Internal Revenue Code.”&nbsp;For the past 20 years, the IRS has invited community organizations, elected officials, state and local governments, schools, employers, and other interested parties to join this national grassroots effort. This year, IRS leaders and partners across the nation are participating in local events highlighting the importance of the EITC, which helps millions of taxpayers each year.In total, 23.5 million workers and families benefited from approximately $68.5 billion in EITC payments nationwide. The average EITC amount received nationwide for tax year 2024 was $2,916.The IRS estimates that about one in five EITC-eligible taxpayers don’t claim this valuable credit, underscoring the importance of the annual EITC Awareness Day outreach campaign.The IRS encourages workers to use the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fcredits-deductions%2Findividuals%2Fearned-income-tax-credit%2Fuse-the-eitc-assistant/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/Mr9nAiZpVl3U10QAC8w-VGVt-kwUUWkKtqFnGgyOB08=441">EITC Assistant</a>&nbsp;to check eligibility or to visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.eitc.irs.gov%2Feitc-central%2Fchild-related-tax-benefits-comparison%2Fchild-related-tax-benefits-comparison/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/wv0cRtV8oLLNSgCPV1lCy9_ld-zqEoMllwyx43dPU_I=441">child-related tax benefits comparison</a>&nbsp;for basic eligibility rules.To get the EITC, workers must file a tax return and claim the credit. The IRS also reminds taxpayers that the quickest way to get a tax refund is to file an accurate tax return&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Findividuals%2Fhow-to-file/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/KGziLjvzsjTmR4LAt2J4pndqqQwc_Guq5iBrtwyPXz0=441">electronically</a>&nbsp;and choose&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Frefunds%2Fget-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/6jvNGUZpSsDIARYyUMjvy20qhV-e5iplTumuIT1O38Y=441">direct deposit</a>.When to expect EITC refundsThe IRS expects most early Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or debit card by March 2, 2026, if they choose direct deposit and there are no other issues with the return. Some taxpayers may have access to their refunds sooner depending on their financial institution’s process.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fwheres-my-refund/1/0100019bec44732f-2f675a15-77ca-4001-8d35-cdc57d70d501-000000/TBg8vb9l-4kDxUn3RFtmGd64ihivm5iqu4w4xvBRQr0=441">Where’s My Refund?</a>&nbsp;will be updated with projected deposit dates for most early EITC/ACTC refund filers by Feb. 21, 2026.&nbsp;

IRS joins national partners to launch EITC Awareness Day

BUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Smoky Hills PBS has received a&nbsp;stabilization grant&nbsp;from the&nbsp;Public Media Bridge Fund, providing critical financial support following the loss of federal funding last year, which&nbsp;resulted in a nearly 52% reduction in its operating budget.&nbsp; This grant will help ensure continued service to rural communities in central and western Kansas.

Smoky Hills PBS is one of 115 public media stations nationwide to receive funding through this initiative. The grants were awarded to stations facing the greatest financial challenges, particularly those serving&nbsp;rural and underserved areas. For many of these communities, local public media stations are the&nbsp;only source of local news, educational programming, and community storytelling.

“For many of the communities we serve, Smoky Hills PBS is more than a television station - we’re a connection point,” said Betsy Schwien, general manager of Smoky Hills PBS. “This funding helps us continue showing up for our viewers with reliable service, local stories, and educational programming that reflects and supports rural Kansas.”

·&nbsp; Expenses related to Transmitter repairs and maintenance to ensure reliable access to Smoky Hills PBS across a large rural coverage area.

·&nbsp; Programming costs that allow the station to continue offering trusted PBS content and locally relevant programs.

·&nbsp; Equipment upgrades of productions, helping maintain a high-quality coverage of local events, public affairs, and community-focused programming.

These investments will help stabilize operations and strengthen the station’s ability to serve viewers today while preparing for the future.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of the Public Media Bridge Fund,” said Helen Hands, Smoky Hills PBS board member. “This grant is a significant step forward for Smoky Hills PBS, but our work isn’t finished here. The continued support of our viewers is what will help keep Smoky Hills PBS strong for generations to come.”

The Public Media Bridge Fund is a strategic philanthropic initiative of Public Media Company (PMC), a nonpartisan nonprofit organization. For more than 20 years, PMC has helped local public and independent media organizations expand their service and impact, strengthen their communities, and secure their long-term sustainability.

Funds from the Public Media Bridge Fund are intended to stabilize operations and preserve essential services for stations navigating unprecedented financial disruption, allowing them to remain a trusted, local presence for the communities they serve.

For more information about Smoky Hills PBS and how you can support its mission, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://smokyhillspbs.org/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>, call 1-800-337-4788, or follow the station on social media (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SmokyHillsPBS">@SmokyHillsPBS</a>).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578663876107.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL –&nbsp;Smoky Hills PBS has received a&nbsp;stabilization grant&nbsp;from the&nbsp;Public Media Bridge Fund, providing critical financial support following the loss of federal funding last year, which&nbsp;resulted in a nearly 52% reduction in its operating budget.&nbsp; This grant will help ensure continued service to rural communities in central and western Kansas.Smoky Hills PBS is one of 115 public media stations nationwide to receive funding through this initiative. The grants were awarded to stations facing the greatest financial challenges, particularly those serving&nbsp;rural and underserved areas. For many of these communities, local public media stations are the&nbsp;only source of local news, educational programming, and community storytelling.“For many of the communities we serve, Smoky Hills PBS is more than a television station - we’re a connection point,” said Betsy Schwien, general manager of Smoky Hills PBS. “This funding helps us continue showing up for our viewers with reliable service, local stories, and educational programming that reflects and supports rural Kansas.” How the Funds Will Be Used ·&nbsp; Expenses related to Transmitter repairs and maintenance to ensure reliable access to Smoky Hills PBS across a large rural coverage area.·&nbsp; Programming costs that allow the station to continue offering trusted PBS content and locally relevant programs.·&nbsp; Equipment upgrades of productions, helping maintain a high-quality coverage of local events, public affairs, and community-focused programming.These investments will help stabilize operations and strengthen the station’s ability to serve viewers today while preparing for the future.“We are deeply grateful for the support of the Public Media Bridge Fund,” said Helen Hands, Smoky Hills PBS board member. “This grant is a significant step forward for Smoky Hills PBS, but our work isn’t finished here. The continued support of our viewers is what will help keep Smoky Hills PBS strong for generations to come.”The Public Media Bridge Fund is a strategic philanthropic initiative of Public Media Company (PMC), a nonpartisan nonprofit organization. For more than 20 years, PMC has helped local public and independent media organizations expand their service and impact, strengthen their communities, and secure their long-term sustainability.Funds from the Public Media Bridge Fund are intended to stabilize operations and preserve essential services for stations navigating unprecedented financial disruption, allowing them to remain a trusted, local presence for the communities they serve.For more information about Smoky Hills PBS and how you can support its mission, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://smokyhillspbs.org/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>, call 1-800-337-4788, or follow the station on social media (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SmokyHillsPBS">@SmokyHillsPBS</a>).

Smoky Hills PBS receives essential grant from Public Media Bridge Fund

BUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to announce the award of a generous grant from the Beach Family Foundation, providing vital support for educational initiatives, local storytelling, and expanded digital access across central and western Kansas.

The grant will directly support several key Smoky Hills PBS programs and services, including the PBS KIDS Writers Contest, the Share A Story early literacy summer program, locally produced content, and the Smoky Hills PBS mobile app.

“These funds will have a meaningful and immediate impact on the families and communities we serve,” said Betsy Schwien, Smoky Hills PBS general manager. “Support from the Beach Family Foundation helps ensure that children have access to educational opportunities, local stories continue to be told, and viewers across our large coverage area can connect with Smoky Hills PBS wherever they are.”

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas, providing free, accessible programming that educates, informs, and inspires viewers of all ages. Educational outreach programs like the PBS KIDS Writers Contest and Share A Story encourage creativity, literacy, and a lifelong love of learning, while local productions highlight the people, history, and culture of the region.

The Beach Family Foundation’s investment also supports Smoky Hills PBS’s digital platforms, including its mobile app, helping ensure audiences can access trusted public media content on their preferred devices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578663876107.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBSBUNKER HILL – Smoky Hills PBS is proud to announce the award of a generous grant from the Beach Family Foundation, providing vital support for educational initiatives, local storytelling, and expanded digital access across central and western Kansas.The grant will directly support several key Smoky Hills PBS programs and services, including the PBS KIDS Writers Contest, the Share A Story early literacy summer program, locally produced content, and the Smoky Hills PBS mobile app.“These funds will have a meaningful and immediate impact on the families and communities we serve,” said Betsy Schwien, Smoky Hills PBS general manager. “Support from the Beach Family Foundation helps ensure that children have access to educational opportunities, local stories continue to be told, and viewers across our large coverage area can connect with Smoky Hills PBS wherever they are.”Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in central and western Kansas, providing free, accessible programming that educates, informs, and inspires viewers of all ages. Educational outreach programs like the PBS KIDS Writers Contest and Share A Story encourage creativity, literacy, and a lifelong love of learning, while local productions highlight the people, history, and culture of the region.The Beach Family Foundation’s investment also supports Smoky Hills PBS’s digital platforms, including its mobile app, helping ensure audiences can access trusted public media content on their preferred devices.

Beach Family Foundation awards grant to support Smoky Hills PBS

DAMASCUS — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched a new mission to transfer ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq on Wednesday to help ensure the terrorists remain in secure detention facilities, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

The transfer mission began while U.S. forces successfully transported 150 ISIS fighters held at a detention facility in Hasakah, Syria, to a secure location in Iraq. Ultimately, up to 7,000 ISIS detainees could be transferred from Syria to Iraqi-controlled facilities.

"We are closely coordinating with regional partners, including the Iraqi government, and we sincerely appreciate their role in ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "Facilitating the orderly and secure transfer of ISIS detainees is critical to preventing a breakout that would pose a direct threat to the United States and regional security."

DAMASCUS — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) launched a new mission to transfer ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq on Wednesday to help ensure the terrorists remain in secure detention facilities, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.The transfer mission began while U.S. forces successfully transported 150 ISIS fighters held at a detention facility in Hasakah, Syria, to a secure location in Iraq. Ultimately, up to 7,000 ISIS detainees could be transferred from Syria to Iraqi-controlled facilities."We are closely coordinating with regional partners, including the Iraqi government, and we sincerely appreciate their role in ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "Facilitating the orderly and secure transfer of ISIS detainees is critical to preventing a breakout that would pose a direct threat to the United States and regional security."

U.S. forces launch mission in Syria to transfer ISIS detainees

By KARISSA FRASIER Cottonwood Extension District

Asking this question can reduce the risk of cancer for the whole family:

Radon is a radioactive, colorless, and odorless gas that occurs naturally in soil. Outdoors, radon levels are low because they are diluted. However, in our homes, radon levels can build up and increase our risk of developing lung cancer. Radon enters our homes from the soil through cracks in concrete floors and walls, floor drains, sump pits, etc. If the concentration of radon is increased, your family may be at risk.

The Surgeon General warns that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and it is the #1 cause of lung cancer in Kansas for nonsmokers. When you breathe in radon, it gets trapped in your lung tissue and gives off radiation that damages cells. Over time, this compound effect can cause lung cancer.

Homes with high radon levels have been found in every state, and radon levels can vary greatly in each home. In fact, your neighbor’s level can be very different from your own home’s level. 

According to the KDHE Kansas radon map, the average radon level is at least 5.1 pCi/ L which leads to 1 in 4 Kansas homes having high radon levels. Barton and Ellis Counties are both in the red with averages of 4.0 pCi/L or more.

The good news is that testing your home for radon is simple and affordable. Short-term radon kits are available in both the Hays and Great Bend extension offices for $9.50 or you can order online at: <a href="https://www.kansasradonprogram.org/RadonKS">https://www.kansasradonprogram.org/RadonKS</a>

The cost of a kit is a small price to ensure your home has safe radon levels. If you’d like to purchase in person, kits are available in Hays at 601 Main St. or in Great Bend at 3007 10th St.

Karissa Frasier is the Community Health Worker with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or krfrasier@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768928346472.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA FRASIER Cottonwood Extension DistrictAsking this question can reduce the risk of cancer for the whole family:“Have I tested our home for radon?”Radon is a radioactive, colorless, and odorless gas that occurs naturally in soil. Outdoors, radon levels are low because they are diluted. However, in our homes, radon levels can build up and increase our risk of developing lung cancer. Radon enters our homes from the soil through cracks in concrete floors and walls, floor drains, sump pits, etc. If the concentration of radon is increased, your family may be at risk.The Surgeon General warns that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, and it is the #1 cause of lung cancer in Kansas for nonsmokers. When you breathe in radon, it gets trapped in your lung tissue and gives off radiation that damages cells. Over time, this compound effect can cause lung cancer.Homes with high radon levels have been found in every state, and radon levels can vary greatly in each home. In fact, your neighbor’s level can be very different from your own home’s level. According to the KDHE Kansas radon map, the average radon level is at least 5.1 pCi/ L which leads to 1 in 4 Kansas homes having high radon levels. Barton and Ellis Counties are both in the red with averages of 4.0 pCi/L or more.The good news is that testing your home for radon is simple and affordable. Short-term radon kits are available in both the Hays and Great Bend extension offices for $9.50 or you can order online at: <a href="https://www.kansasradonprogram.org/RadonKS">https://www.kansasradonprogram.org/RadonKS</a>The cost of a kit is a small price to ensure your home has safe radon levels. If you’d like to purchase in person, kits are available in Hays at 601 Main St. or in Great Bend at 3007 10th St.Karissa Frasier is the Community Health Worker with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or krfrasier@ksu.edu.

FRASIER: January is Kansas Radon Action Month

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, announced the Kansas Department of Insurance recovered $91,173.27 for Ellis County residents in 2025. Last year, more than $29.2 million was recovered for policyholders statewide.

“The work we do consistently puts more money back in the pockets of Kansans,” said Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “Kansans know when they call the Department of Insurance, we’re not just going to answer the phone; we’re going to help.” 

Funds considered “recovered” are calculated when Department staff assists individuals in need of support during their insurance claims process. If a dispute arises between a policyholder and an insurance company, regardless of the type of insurance, the Kansas Department of Insurance investigates the complaint. Department staff work with the consumer and the company to ensure the insurance policy is followed and benefits are paid accordingly. Since Commissioner Schmidt first took office in 2019, the Department has recovered over $202.7 million for Kansans through the Consumer Assistance Division and use of the Life Insurance Policy Locator, a tool provided to states through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

A county-by-county breakdown of the recoveries can be found at <a href="https://www.insurance.kansas.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/4535/639039196916970325">https://bit.ly/49Wtmte</a>. A link to the press release highlighting total statewide recoveries in 2025 can be found at <a href="https://www.insurance.kansas.gov/Home/Components/News/News/226/16">https://bit.ly/49VbEq6</a>. 2025 recoveries are not final as cases are still being closed.

If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance Consumer Assistance Division at 785-296-3071, email kdoi.complaints@ks.gov, or visit the Department online at <a href="https://www.insurance.kansas.gov/">insurance.kansas.gov</a> for any claims-related questions or concerns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687207191856.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, announced the Kansas Department of Insurance recovered $91,173.27 for Ellis County residents in 2025. Last year, more than $29.2 million was recovered for policyholders statewide.“The work we do consistently puts more money back in the pockets of Kansans,” said Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “Kansans know when they call the Department of Insurance, we’re not just going to answer the phone; we’re going to help.” Funds considered “recovered” are calculated when Department staff assists individuals in need of support during their insurance claims process. If a dispute arises between a policyholder and an insurance company, regardless of the type of insurance, the Kansas Department of Insurance investigates the complaint. Department staff work with the consumer and the company to ensure the insurance policy is followed and benefits are paid accordingly. Since Commissioner Schmidt first took office in 2019, the Department has recovered over $202.7 million for Kansans through the Consumer Assistance Division and use of the Life Insurance Policy Locator, a tool provided to states through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.A county-by-county breakdown of the recoveries can be found at <a href="https://www.insurance.kansas.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/4535/639039196916970325">https://bit.ly/49Wtmte</a>. A link to the press release highlighting total statewide recoveries in 2025 can be found at <a href="https://www.insurance.kansas.gov/Home/Components/News/News/226/16">https://bit.ly/49VbEq6</a>. 2025 recoveries are not final as cases are still being closed.If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance Consumer Assistance Division at 785-296-3071, email kdoi.complaints@ks.gov, or visit the Department online at <a href="https://www.insurance.kansas.gov/">insurance.kansas.gov</a> for any claims-related questions or concerns.

Insurance commissioner announces over $91,000 in recoveries for Ellis County residents

WASHINGTON — IRS Free File has begin accepting individual tax returns, giving eligible taxpayers an early opportunity to prepare and file their federal income tax returns ahead of the official start of the 2026 filing season later this month.

While the filing season begins later this month,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/1/0100019bbd9fe256-b119ace1-c6b0-4413-b5ff-de1b4cc5d0c4-000000/a-bZis3wrsotiaTtixxL0NzfDsGGVepWMUEKNQemNak=440">IRS Free File Guided Tax Software</a>&nbsp;allows taxpayers to prepare and submit returns now and hold them for electronic filing once the season officially begins.

For 2026, eight private-sector partners are offering guided tax software products through IRS Free File to taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income of $89,000 or less in 2025.

Taxpayers with an AGI above $89,000 can use the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fe-file-providers%2Ffree-file-fillable-forms/1/0100019bbd9fe256-b119ace1-c6b0-4413-b5ff-de1b4cc5d0c4-000000/U86yRbtCyJBtKCgqlQxzWxPrpRrILLUM961tWtyyGFc=440">Free File Fillable Forms</a>, available beginning Jan. 26. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.

Each IRS Free File trusted partner sets its own eligibility requirements, which may include age, income, state residency and military status. Taxpayers and active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $89,000 or less in 2025 can find a free federal filing option; some partners also offer free state tax return preparation and filing.

IRS Free File allows eligible taxpayers to claim valuable tax benefits, including the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftax-professionals%2Feitc-central/1/0100019bbd9fe256-b119ace1-c6b0-4413-b5ff-de1b4cc5d0c4-000000/Os0-SA2bop9tGL9cgimtaC75wNuk7Y5ryH4xHA9YL38=440">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>, the Child Tax Credit and other refundable credits. Refundable tax credits can reduce the amount of tax owed or result in a refund, even if no tax is due.

How to find the right IRS Free File product

Taxpayers can find the right product by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/2/0100019bbd9fe256-b119ace1-c6b0-4413-b5ff-de1b4cc5d0c4-000000/H6ajMdx3Faval1l2VS5pjpfKN7IJCke6JaidRsAeLw8=440">IRS.gov/freefile</a>&nbsp;and:

IRS Free File works on computers, smart phones or tablets.

The following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File for 2026:

IRS Free File helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and securely. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/3/0100019bbd9fe256-b119ace1-c6b0-4413-b5ff-de1b4cc5d0c4-000000/j3OtIPPEWgdtECIPn7MeBxSdVWtbKXvKuYVCMBoWlWk=440">IRS Free File: Do Your Taxes For Free</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767891386251.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Internal Revenue ServiceWASHINGTON — IRS Free File has begin accepting individual tax returns, giving eligible taxpayers an early opportunity to prepare and file their federal income tax returns ahead of the official start of the 2026 filing season later this month.While the filing season begins later this month,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/1/0100019bbd9fe256-b119ace1-c6b0-4413-b5ff-de1b4cc5d0c4-000000/a-bZis3wrsotiaTtixxL0NzfDsGGVepWMUEKNQemNak=440">IRS Free File Guided Tax Software</a>&nbsp;allows taxpayers to prepare and submit returns now and hold them for electronic filing once the season officially begins.For 2026, eight private-sector partners are offering guided tax software products through IRS Free File to taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income of $89,000 or less in 2025.Taxpayers with an AGI above $89,000 can use the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fe-file-providers%2Ffree-file-fillable-forms/1/0100019bbd9fe256-b119ace1-c6b0-4413-b5ff-de1b4cc5d0c4-000000/U86yRbtCyJBtKCgqlQxzWxPrpRrILLUM961tWtyyGFc=440">Free File Fillable Forms</a>, available beginning Jan. 26. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.Understanding IRS Free FileEach IRS Free File trusted partner sets its own eligibility requirements, which may include age, income, state residency and military status. Taxpayers and active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $89,000 or less in 2025 can find a free federal filing option; some partners also offer free state tax return preparation and filing.Claim tax credits at no costIRS Free File allows eligible taxpayers to claim valuable tax benefits, including the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ftax-professionals%2Feitc-central/1/0100019bbd9fe256-b119ace1-c6b0-4413-b5ff-de1b4cc5d0c4-000000/Os0-SA2bop9tGL9cgimtaC75wNuk7Y5ryH4xHA9YL38=440">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>, the Child Tax Credit and other refundable credits. Refundable tax credits can reduce the amount of tax owed or result in a refund, even if no tax is due.How to find the right IRS Free File productTaxpayers can find the right product by visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/2/0100019bbd9fe256-b119ace1-c6b0-4413-b5ff-de1b4cc5d0c4-000000/H6ajMdx3Faval1l2VS5pjpfKN7IJCke6JaidRsAeLw8=440">IRS.gov/freefile</a>&nbsp;and:<ol>
 <li>Select “Explore Free Guided Tax Software”, then select the “Find a Trusted Partner” tool for help in finding the right product, or</li><li>Use “Browse All Trusted Partners” to review each offer,</li><li>Choose the product that best fits their situation, and</li><li>Follow the links to the trusted partner's website to begin their tax return.</li>
 </ol>IRS Free File works on computers, smart phones or tablets.2026 IRS Free File participantsThe following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File for 2026:<ol>
 <li>1040Now</li><li>Drake (1040.com)</li><li>ezTaxReturn.com (offers English and Spanish)</li><li>FileYourTaxes.com</li><li>On-Line Taxes</li><li>TaxAct</li><li>TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)</li><li>TaxSlayer</li>
 </ol>IRS Free File helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and securely. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/3/0100019bbd9fe256-b119ace1-c6b0-4413-b5ff-de1b4cc5d0c4-000000/j3OtIPPEWgdtECIPn7MeBxSdVWtbKXvKuYVCMBoWlWk=440">IRS Free File: Do Your Taxes For Free</a>.&nbsp;

CORRECTION: Use IRS Free File to conveniently file your return at no cost

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) (collectively, “Kansas”) is issuing fish consumption advisories for 2026. 

The following advisories identify types of fish, or other aquatic species, that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination. 

General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.&nbsp;

Bottom-feeding fish:&nbsp;buffalo, carp, catfish, sturgeon and suckers

Shellfish:&nbsp;mussels, clams and crayfish

Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):•&nbsp;

•&nbsp;Adults and children age 13 and older = 8 ounces •&nbsp;Children age 6 to 12 = 4 ounces •&nbsp;Children younger than 6 = 2 ounces

Statewide Mercury Advisories for Fish:

There are many health benefits associated with going outside and catching and consuming fish; however, all fish contain some amount of mercury. Consumption of mercury-rich fish can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies, and growing children. As a result, anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to children, including store-bought fish, should carefully consider the type and amount of fish eaten. Therefore, mercury-sensitive individuals (women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children 17 or younger) should follow the guidelines presented below for eating Kansas-caught fish.

Fishing and Eating Guidelines:

Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep fish larger than 20 inches to:

• Preferred Choice Fish&nbsp;– not more than 1 serving per week • Second Choice Fish&nbsp;– not more than 1 serving per month

For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas-caught fish, contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, store-bought fish, and other types of seafood, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.epa.gov%2Ffish-tech%2Fepa-fda-advice-about-eating-fish-and-shellfish%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%23:~:text=EPA-FDA%2520Advice%2520about%2520Eating%2520Fish%2520and%2520Shellfish%25201,fish%2520can%2520provide%2520other%2520health%2520benefits%2520too./1/0100019bb81a2e92-7568cfdc-6582-47cf-b69d-33ced065e46a-000000/RLZhfHhyZyYgvBJTqe2dmu_KvFXiVjKtuAViEn0iEA8=440">EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish | US EPA</a>&nbsp;website.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Waterbody-Specific Advisories for All Consumers:

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 2 servings per month from the following location because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):

•&nbsp;Little Arkansas River&nbsp;from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County)&nbsp;

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month from the following locations because of PCBs:

• Cow Creek&nbsp;in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County) • K-96 Lake&nbsp;in Wichita (Sedgwick County) • Little Arkansas River&nbsp;from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County)&nbsp;

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month from the following location because of arsenic:

• Mill Creek from Madison Road east of Morrowville to confluence with Little Blue River (Washington County) Kansas recommends not eating specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:

• Antioch Park Lake South&nbsp;in Antioch Park, Overland Park (Johnson County);&nbsp;all fish&nbsp;due to pesticides: dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane and dichlorophenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) • Arkalon Park Lakes&nbsp;in Liberal (Seward County); Kansas recommends not eating&nbsp;any aquatic life&nbsp;because the lakes are sustained solely by treated municipal wastewater • Arkansas River&nbsp;from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties);&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;due to PCBs • Kansas River&nbsp;from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the Wakarusa River (Douglas and Leavenworth counties);&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;due to PCBs • Mill Creek&nbsp;from Washington (below 18th&nbsp;Road) downstream to confluence of Little Blue River (Washington County);&nbsp;shellfish&nbsp;due to arsenic • Shoal Creek&nbsp;from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County);&nbsp;shellfish&nbsp;due to lead and cadmium • Spring River&nbsp;from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee County);&nbsp;shellfish&nbsp;due to lead and cadmium

Waterbodies Affected by Harmful Algae Blooms:

To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms suggest the fish are safe to eat.&nbsp; However, please take the following precautions:

• Avoid skin contact with water. • Wear gloves when handling wet fish and equipment. • Rinse fish with clean water. • Remove skin from fillets and rinse with clean water prior to cooking or freezing. • Eat only skinless fillets. • Do not eat shellfish.

General Advice for Reducing Exposure to Chemicals in Fish

• Keep smaller fish to eat (regulations permitting) and let the big ones go. • Avoid eating fish parts other than fillets. • Trim fat from fillets and/or use cooking methods that allows fat to drip away. • Avoid subsistence fishing (relying on wild-caught fish for daily nutritional needs) in rivers within or immediately downstream of large urban/industrial areas. • Do not eat fish or aquatic life from wastewater outfalls, waste treatment lagoons or stormwater retention ponds.

Other information from KDHE, KDWP, EPA and the American Heart Association

To view the advisories online – and for information about KDHE’s Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program – &nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1268%2FFish-Tissue-Contaminant-Monitoring-Progr%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a2e92-7568cfdc-6582-47cf-b69d-33ced065e46a-000000/cJLMZ4Y6ObImquYvXr-LlYexkEeoKfSqxn644CgAZzA=440">Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program | KDHE, KS</a>.

For information about fishing in Kansas – including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and forecasts – &nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FFishing%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a2e92-7568cfdc-6582-47cf-b69d-33ced065e46a-000000/fmBxKK5zKKDk4hnck9jcSW8ApMDk5YvPS_HSoW2ZEmw=440">Fishing in Kansas | KDWP</a>.

For information about the health benefits and risks of including fish in your diet, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.heart.org%2Fen%2Fnews%2F2018%2F05%2F25%2Feating-fish-twice-a-week-reduces-heart-stroke-risk%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a2e92-7568cfdc-6582-47cf-b69d-33ced065e46a-000000/Er9wHtw51s5JUrzKF9Rpfjr7Na4v-LWiGNfZRCRFwA4=440">Eating fish twice a week reduces heart, stroke risk | American Heart Association</a>.

For technical information regarding the U.S. EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption limits, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.epa.gov%2Ffish-tech%2Fepa-guidance-developing-fish-advisories%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a2e92-7568cfdc-6582-47cf-b69d-33ced065e46a-000000/ZMk6Mz-4JqEpjN0H_EDsTomr77eItrMp25zVhqgQxpk=440">EPA Guidance for Developing Fish Advisories | US EPA</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768325607826.png" alt="Photo by Pixavay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixavay</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of Health and EnvironmentTOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) (collectively, “Kansas”) is issuing fish consumption advisories for 2026. The following advisories identify types of fish, or other aquatic species, that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination. General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.&nbsp;Definitions/Servings:Bottom-feeding fish:&nbsp;buffalo, carp, catfish, sturgeon and suckersShellfish:&nbsp;mussels, clams and crayfishServing size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):•&nbsp;•&nbsp;Adults and children age 13 and older = 8 ounces •&nbsp;Children age 6 to 12 = 4 ounces •&nbsp;Children younger than 6 = 2 ouncesStatewide Mercury Advisories for Fish:There are many health benefits associated with going outside and catching and consuming fish; however, all fish contain some amount of mercury. Consumption of mercury-rich fish can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies, and growing children. As a result, anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to children, including store-bought fish, should carefully consider the type and amount of fish eaten. Therefore, mercury-sensitive individuals (women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children 17 or younger) should follow the guidelines presented below for eating Kansas-caught fish.Fishing and Eating Guidelines: <ul>
 <li>Eat smaller portions – a fillet about the size of your palm.</li><li>Eat fish species with less mercury (see “Preferred Choice Fish” chart below).</li><li>If you don’t know what type or size of fish you’ve eaten, wait at least one week before eating fish again.</li><li>When fishing, keep fish shorter than your forearm (fingertips to elbow) or less than 20 inches, as regulations allow. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.gov/Fishing/Fishing-Regulations?utm_m">Fishing Regulations / Fishing / KDWP - KDWP (ksoutdoors.gov)</a>&nbsp;for more information.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768324401168.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768324462456.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep fish larger than 20 inches to:• Preferred Choice Fish&nbsp;– not more than 1 serving per week • Second Choice Fish&nbsp;– not more than 1 serving per monthFor specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas-caught fish, contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, store-bought fish, and other types of seafood, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.epa.gov%2Ffish-tech%2Fepa-fda-advice-about-eating-fish-and-shellfish%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%23:~:text=EPA-FDA%2520Advice%2520about%2520Eating%2520Fish%2520and%2520Shellfish%25201,fish%2520can%2520provide%2520other%2520health%2520benefits%2520too./1/0100019bb81a2e92-7568cfdc-6582-47cf-b69d-33ced065e46a-000000/RLZhfHhyZyYgvBJTqe2dmu_KvFXiVjKtuAViEn0iEA8=440">EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish | US EPA</a>&nbsp;website.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Waterbody-Specific Advisories for All Consumers:Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 2 servings per month from the following location because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):•&nbsp;Little Arkansas River&nbsp;from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County)&nbsp;Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month from the following locations because of PCBs:• Cow Creek&nbsp;in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County) • K-96 Lake&nbsp;in Wichita (Sedgwick County) • Little Arkansas River&nbsp;from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County)&nbsp;Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month from the following location because of arsenic: • Mill Creek from Madison Road east of Morrowville to confluence with Little Blue River (Washington County) Kansas recommends not eating specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations: • Antioch Park Lake South&nbsp;in Antioch Park, Overland Park (Johnson County);&nbsp;all fish&nbsp;due to pesticides: dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane and dichlorophenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) • Arkalon Park Lakes&nbsp;in Liberal (Seward County); Kansas recommends not eating&nbsp;any aquatic life&nbsp;because the lakes are sustained solely by treated municipal wastewater • Arkansas River&nbsp;from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties);&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;due to PCBs • Kansas River&nbsp;from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the Wakarusa River (Douglas and Leavenworth counties);&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;due to PCBs • Mill Creek&nbsp;from Washington (below 18th&nbsp;Road) downstream to confluence of Little Blue River (Washington County);&nbsp;shellfish&nbsp;due to arsenic • Shoal Creek&nbsp;from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County);&nbsp;shellfish&nbsp;due to lead and cadmium • Spring River&nbsp;from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee County);&nbsp;shellfish&nbsp;due to lead and cadmiumWaterbodies Affected by Harmful Algae Blooms:To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms suggest the fish are safe to eat.&nbsp; However, please take the following precautions: • Avoid skin contact with water. • Wear gloves when handling wet fish and equipment. • Rinse fish with clean water. • Remove skin from fillets and rinse with clean water prior to cooking or freezing. • Eat only skinless fillets. • Do not eat shellfish.General Advice for Reducing Exposure to Chemicals in Fish • Keep smaller fish to eat (regulations permitting) and let the big ones go. • Avoid eating fish parts other than fillets. • Trim fat from fillets and/or use cooking methods that allows fat to drip away. • Avoid subsistence fishing (relying on wild-caught fish for daily nutritional needs) in rivers within or immediately downstream of large urban/industrial areas. • Do not eat fish or aquatic life from wastewater outfalls, waste treatment lagoons or stormwater retention ponds.Other information from KDHE, KDWP, EPA and the American Heart AssociationTo view the advisories online – and for information about KDHE’s Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program – &nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1268%2FFish-Tissue-Contaminant-Monitoring-Progr%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a2e92-7568cfdc-6582-47cf-b69d-33ced065e46a-000000/cJLMZ4Y6ObImquYvXr-LlYexkEeoKfSqxn644CgAZzA=440">Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program | KDHE, KS</a>.For information about fishing in Kansas – including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and forecasts – &nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.com%2FFishing%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a2e92-7568cfdc-6582-47cf-b69d-33ced065e46a-000000/fmBxKK5zKKDk4hnck9jcSW8ApMDk5YvPS_HSoW2ZEmw=440">Fishing in Kansas | KDWP</a>.For information about the health benefits and risks of including fish in your diet, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.heart.org%2Fen%2Fnews%2F2018%2F05%2F25%2Feating-fish-twice-a-week-reduces-heart-stroke-risk%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a2e92-7568cfdc-6582-47cf-b69d-33ced065e46a-000000/Er9wHtw51s5JUrzKF9Rpfjr7Na4v-LWiGNfZRCRFwA4=440">Eating fish twice a week reduces heart, stroke risk | American Heart Association</a>.For technical information regarding the U.S. EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption limits, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.epa.gov%2Ffish-tech%2Fepa-guidance-developing-fish-advisories%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a2e92-7568cfdc-6582-47cf-b69d-33ced065e46a-000000/ZMk6Mz-4JqEpjN0H_EDsTomr77eItrMp25zVhqgQxpk=440">EPA Guidance for Developing Fish Advisories | US EPA</a>.

KDHE: Kansas fish consumption advisories for 2026

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A 49-year-old Wichita man was sentenced Thursday for the shooting of a teenager in a Goddard parking lot in May 2024.

Judge Seth Rundle sentenced Ruben Contreras to 43 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections. This sentence represents the maximum term of imprisonment allowed under Kansas law for the conviction.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Rundle ordered Contreras to serve 36 months of post-release supervision and required him to register as a violent offender for 15 years.

In November 2025, a Sedgwick County jury found Contreras guilty of one count of aggravated battery. The jury acquitted him of a separate charge of attempted first-degree murder.

The charges stemmed from an incident on May 11, 2024, at Walmart in Goddard, Kansas.&nbsp; Contreras shot 18-year-old Anakin Zehring following an altercation in the parking lot. Zehring was struck by gunfire and left paralyzed.

The case was prosecuted by the Office of the District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District of Kansas.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man is scheduled for sentencing Thursday for shooting a teen in a Walmart parking lot.

&nbsp;In November a jury found 47-year-old Ruben Contreras of Wichita guilty of aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He had originally been charged with attempted first-degree murder.

&nbsp; He is scheduled to appear in Judge Seth Rundle's courtroom for the sentencing. In July Contreras plead not guilty to the charges.

Just before 5p.m. May 11, 2024 officers were dispatched to a call involving a weapon at Walmart, 18631 W. Kellogg in Goddard, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office. First responders located an 18-year-old, later identified as Anakin Zehring, in a vehicle&nbsp;suffering from a gunshot wound, in the Walmart parking lot.

Zehring and some friends were firing a&nbsp;toy gel blaster in the parking lot&nbsp;when they hit a girl, according to a court document. Investigators say she called her father, Contreras, who came to the scene and shot Zehring. EMS transported Zehring to the hospital in serious condition.&nbsp; He continues to recover at a hospital in Nebraska, according to an<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-support-my-sons-recovery-journey?lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=copy_link&amp;mibextid=xfxF2i">&nbsp;online fundraiser.</a>

A suspect identified as&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=748186">Contreras,</a>&nbsp;remained on the scene when law enforcement arrived and was taken into custody.

Contreras was transported to Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigation to be interviewed. He was later booked into Sedgwick County Detention Facility and later met the condition of a $300-thousand bond and is out of jail, according to online records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715641692899.png" alt="Contreras photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Contreras photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– A 49-year-old Wichita man was sentenced Thursday for the shooting of a teenager in a Goddard parking lot in May 2024.Judge Seth Rundle sentenced Ruben Contreras to 43 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections. This sentence represents the maximum term of imprisonment allowed under Kansas law for the conviction.In addition to the prison term, Judge Rundle ordered Contreras to serve 36 months of post-release supervision and required him to register as a violent offender for 15 years.In November 2025, a Sedgwick County jury found Contreras guilty of one count of aggravated battery. The jury acquitted him of a separate charge of attempted first-degree murder.The charges stemmed from an incident on May 11, 2024, at Walmart in Goddard, Kansas.&nbsp; Contreras shot 18-year-old Anakin Zehring following an altercation in the parking lot. Zehring was struck by gunfire and left paralyzed.The case was prosecuted by the Office of the District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District of Kansas.-------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man is scheduled for sentencing Thursday for shooting a teen in a Walmart parking lot.&nbsp;In November a jury found 47-year-old Ruben Contreras of Wichita guilty of aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He had originally been charged with attempted first-degree murder.&nbsp; He is scheduled to appear in Judge Seth Rundle's courtroom for the sentencing. In July Contreras plead not guilty to the charges.Just before 5p.m. May 11, 2024 officers were dispatched to a call involving a weapon at Walmart, 18631 W. Kellogg in Goddard, according to a statement from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office. First responders located an 18-year-old, later identified as Anakin Zehring, in a vehicle&nbsp;suffering from a gunshot wound, in the Walmart parking lot.Zehring and some friends were firing a&nbsp;toy gel blaster in the parking lot&nbsp;when they hit a girl, according to a court document. Investigators say she called her father, Contreras, who came to the scene and shot Zehring. EMS transported Zehring to the hospital in serious condition.&nbsp; He continues to recover at a hospital in Nebraska, according to an<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-support-my-sons-recovery-journey?lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=copy_link&amp;mibextid=xfxF2i">&nbsp;online fundraiser.</a>A suspect identified as&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=748186">Contreras,</a>&nbsp;remained on the scene when law enforcement arrived and was taken into custody.Contreras was transported to Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigation to be interviewed. He was later booked into Sedgwick County Detention Facility and later met the condition of a $300-thousand bond and is out of jail, according to online records.

Years in prison: Kan. man shot teen in Walmart parking lot

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a violent attack in the fall of 2020, on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, is going to prison,

Judgw William Wooley sentencd 24-year-old Dominic Thomas to 180 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a violent attack in the fall of 2020, on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, is scheduled to learn his fate Wednesday.

Sentencing for&nbsp;24-year-old Dominic Thomas is scheduled in Judge William Wolley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

 In November of 2024, a jury convicted Thomas, who was 19 at the time of the crime, of attempted first-degree murder.

Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson

Upon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.

During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled. Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.&nbsp; He has been held in the Sedgwick County Jail since July of 2024, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765505981091.png" alt="Thomas-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Thomas-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a violent attack in the fall of 2020, on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, is going to prison,Judgw William Wooley sentencd 24-year-old Dominic Thomas to 180 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a violent attack in the fall of 2020, on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, is scheduled to learn his fate Wednesday.Sentencing for&nbsp;24-year-old Dominic Thomas is scheduled in Judge William Wolley's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In November of 2024, a jury convicted Thomas, who was 19 at the time of the crime, of attempted first-degree murder.Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley DavidsonUpon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled. Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.&nbsp; He has been held in the Sedgwick County Jail since July of 2024, according to online jail records.

 Kan. man who tried to drown pregnant girlfriend is going to prison

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<a href="https://apnews.com/video/powerball-lottery-players-dream-big-as-jackpot-reaches-1-6-billion-6ff5647e15794b4c890f1fd5d3e111a5">Powerball</a>&nbsp;will be drawing its winning lottery numbers Monday night for a record 46th time since its last jackpot was claimed, as a string of failed sweepstakes ballooned the top prize to $1.6 billion.

So far, it's the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec46e188305c9425cb555eef00a89d37">5th-largest jackpot</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history after more than three months without a Powerball winner. The game's long odds created a massive windfall that has enticed people to splurge on $2 tickets ahead of the live drawing at 10:59 p.m. ET Monday night.

Lottery officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-f3d841745b774492a03983e8f4bdc719">made the odds tougher</a>&nbsp;in 2015 to create these humongous jackpots and draw more attention, while also making it easier to win smaller prizes.

Experts say it’s a sign the lottery is operating exactly as designed, and that no one should really expect to match all six numbers and make a killing. Still, somebody will likely win at some point, and many players are hoping to be that lucky winner.

“Everybody wants to be a millionaire,” said Saqi Anwer, an Atlanta gas station manager who sold $800 worth of tickets on Saturday.

Monday's estimated $1.6 billion jackpot has a cash value of $735.3 million.

That means a winner can choose to be paid the whole amount&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity,</a>&nbsp;with an immediate payment and then annual payments over 29 years that increase by 5% each time. Winners almost always opt for the up-front cash value, however both eye-popping figures are before taxes.

The last time someone won the Powerball top prize was on Sept. 6, when players in Missouri and Texas won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-drawing-winner-4261a3909c9e01dacc0869c50030e198">$1.787 billion</a>&nbsp;— the second-highest jackpot in U.S. history.

Matt Strawn, who chairs the Powerball Product Group, said in an interview that nothing special predated back-to-back billion-dollar jackpots this year other than the odds of the game. Still, he said it would be magical for a winning ticket to be cashed in during the holidays.

“Imagine if someone is giving the gift of a winning Powerball ticket away, whether it’s in a stocking or a thank-you note to your mail carrier,” Strawn said.

How does the prize rank among the largest jackpots ever?

Monday’s potential bounty now tops the existing 5th-biggest jackpot of a $1.586 billion drawn on Jan. 13, 2016.

Four other jackpots, all from the past three years, have bested the current prize. The biggest U.S. jackpot ever was $2.04 billion back in 2022.

That lotto winner bought the ticket at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sacramento-california-los-angeles-business-0a72f926487b51b7a6d60451679f8c76">Los Angeles-area gas station</a>&nbsp;and opted for a lump-sum payment of $997.6 million.

In Atlanta on Sunday, players were lining up to get their tickets ahead of Monday's drawing.

“My wife encourages me to buy a ticket because she wants to go on a big trip and she wants to do something good in society,” Bob Wehner said outside a car wash. “And she thought, ‘Well, we can do both if we win, for crying out loud!’”

Ronan Farrell, a middle schooler, speculated about buying an Xbox and a Lamborghini if his family won.

“With an Xbox controller as well,” he added.

The odds of winning Monday’s jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, according to Powerball. Before the switch a decade ago, the odds were 1 in 175 million. Players now have a 1 in 24.9 chance overall of winning some kind of prize.

Tim Chartier, a Davidson College math professor, said he's never bought a lottery ticket despite knowing those odds inside and out.

“Picking a winning lottery ticket is equivalent to selecting one marked dollar bill from a stack 19 miles high — roughly the height of more than 115 Statues of Liberty,” or 30 kilometers, Chartier said.

“If you have the funds and you enjoy dreaming about a billionaire life, enjoy the ride. Of course, you could win,” Chartier said. “But when the numbers don’t fall your way, recognize that the odds were never in your favor — and that the twinkle of possibility is what made the journey worth the almost-certain letdown.”

Associated Press videojournalist Emilie Megnien in Atlanta contributed to this report.

Olivia Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reportforamerica.org/">Report for America</a>&nbsp;is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

By OLIVIA DIAZ Associated Press<a href="https://apnews.com/video/powerball-lottery-players-dream-big-as-jackpot-reaches-1-6-billion-6ff5647e15794b4c890f1fd5d3e111a5">Powerball</a>&nbsp;will be drawing its winning lottery numbers Monday night for a record 46th time since its last jackpot was claimed, as a string of failed sweepstakes ballooned the top prize to $1.6 billion.So far, it's the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec46e188305c9425cb555eef00a89d37">5th-largest jackpot</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history after more than three months without a Powerball winner. The game's long odds created a massive windfall that has enticed people to splurge on $2 tickets ahead of the live drawing at 10:59 p.m. ET Monday night.Lottery officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-f3d841745b774492a03983e8f4bdc719">made the odds tougher</a>&nbsp;in 2015 to create these humongous jackpots and draw more attention, while also making it easier to win smaller prizes.Experts say it’s a sign the lottery is operating exactly as designed, and that no one should really expect to match all six numbers and make a killing. Still, somebody will likely win at some point, and many players are hoping to be that lucky winner.“Everybody wants to be a millionaire,” said Saqi Anwer, an Atlanta gas station manager who sold $800 worth of tickets on Saturday.<h2>How much would the winner take home?</h2>Monday's estimated $1.6 billion jackpot has a cash value of $735.3 million.That means a winner can choose to be paid the whole amount&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity,</a>&nbsp;with an immediate payment and then annual payments over 29 years that increase by 5% each time. Winners almost always opt for the up-front cash value, however both eye-popping figures are before taxes.The last time someone won the Powerball top prize was on Sept. 6, when players in Missouri and Texas won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-drawing-winner-4261a3909c9e01dacc0869c50030e198">$1.787 billion</a>&nbsp;— the second-highest jackpot in U.S. history.Matt Strawn, who chairs the Powerball Product Group, said in an interview that nothing special predated back-to-back billion-dollar jackpots this year other than the odds of the game. Still, he said it would be magical for a winning ticket to be cashed in during the holidays.“Imagine if someone is giving the gift of a winning Powerball ticket away, whether it’s in a stocking or a thank-you note to your mail carrier,” Strawn said.<h2>How does the prize rank among the largest jackpots ever?</h2>Monday’s potential bounty now tops the existing 5th-biggest jackpot of a $1.586 billion drawn on Jan. 13, 2016.Four other jackpots, all from the past three years, have bested the current prize. The biggest U.S. jackpot ever was $2.04 billion back in 2022.That lotto winner bought the ticket at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sacramento-california-los-angeles-business-0a72f926487b51b7a6d60451679f8c76">Los Angeles-area gas station</a>&nbsp;and opted for a lump-sum payment of $997.6 million.In Atlanta on Sunday, players were lining up to get their tickets ahead of Monday's drawing.“My wife encourages me to buy a ticket because she wants to go on a big trip and she wants to do something good in society,” Bob Wehner said outside a car wash. “And she thought, ‘Well, we can do both if we win, for crying out loud!’”Ronan Farrell, a middle schooler, speculated about buying an Xbox and a Lamborghini if his family won.“With an Xbox controller as well,” he added.<h2>What are the odds of winning? Not good</h2>The odds of winning Monday’s jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, according to Powerball. Before the switch a decade ago, the odds were 1 in 175 million. Players now have a 1 in 24.9 chance overall of winning some kind of prize.Tim Chartier, a Davidson College math professor, said he's never bought a lottery ticket despite knowing those odds inside and out.“Picking a winning lottery ticket is equivalent to selecting one marked dollar bill from a stack 19 miles high — roughly the height of more than 115 Statues of Liberty,” or 30 kilometers, Chartier said.“If you have the funds and you enjoy dreaming about a billionaire life, enjoy the ride. Of course, you could win,” Chartier said. “But when the numbers don’t fall your way, recognize that the odds were never in your favor — and that the twinkle of possibility is what made the journey worth the almost-certain letdown.”___Associated Press videojournalist Emilie Megnien in Atlanta contributed to this report.___Olivia Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reportforamerica.org/">Report for America</a>&nbsp;is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

You could be a billionaire before Christmas: Powerball Monday night

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Business Writer

Elon Musk, already the world's richest man, scored another huge windfall Friday when the Delaware Supreme Court reversed a decision that deprived him of a $55 billion pay package that Tesla doled out in 2018 as an incentive for its CEO to steer the automaker to new heights.

Besides padding Musk's current fortune of $679 billion, the restoration of the 2018 pay package vindicates his long-held belief that the Delaware legal system had overstepped its bounds in January 2024 when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-tesla-compensation-pay-shareholders-e75687178d1175fba36ca55bd9c4c805">Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick rescinded</a>&nbsp;the compensation in a case brought by a disgruntled Tesla shareholder.

Tesla didn't immediately respond to a request for comment late Friday.

McCormick's ruling so incensed Musk that it spurred him to spurn Delaware and reincorporate Tesla in Texas. That decision also caused Tesla's board to scramble for ways to keep its CEO happy, including a successful effort to persuade the company's shareholders to reaffirm the pay package, which was valued at $44.9 billion at the time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tesla-elon-musk-pay-package-shareholder-vote-8b6cce1a1aa460dbbaac69eb73e0e5e7">of the second vote 18 months ago</a>.

With Musk still signaling discontent, Tesla upped the ante again this year by crafting another pay package that could pay him $1 trillion if he can lead the automaker down a road during the next decade that lifts the company's market value from its current $1.6 trillion to $8.5 trillion. Shareholders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-tesla-electric-trillion-pay-stock-f2140db92e8032121f4c114234059165">approved that pay package last month,</a>&nbsp;to Musk's delight.

That may sound like a difficult task, but it also appeared like a long shot for Musk to hit all the targets to qualify for the payout that was dangled in the 2018 package. At that time, Tesla was still struggling to expand its production of electric vehicles and burning through cash.

At the time the 2018 pay package was drawn up, Tesla's market value was hovering in the $50 billion to $75 billion range. But then the company's manufacturing problems eased, enabling it to start meeting hot demand for its vehicles, which in turn pumped up its sales and stock price to a level that qualified Musk for the big payout that had been promised him.

But based on evidence that included Musk's testimony during a 2022 trial, McCormick ruled the pay package had been crafted by a board that was too cozy and beholden to the hard-charging Musk.

In its 49-page ruling, the Delaware Supreme Court cited a variety of errors in McCormick's 2024 decision and declared the 2018 pay package should be restored. It also awarded Tesla $1 in nominal damages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741300124075.png" alt="File photo Elon Musk-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Elon Musk-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Business WriterElon Musk, already the world's richest man, scored another huge windfall Friday when the Delaware Supreme Court reversed a decision that deprived him of a $55 billion pay package that Tesla doled out in 2018 as an incentive for its CEO to steer the automaker to new heights.Besides padding Musk's current fortune of $679 billion, the restoration of the 2018 pay package vindicates his long-held belief that the Delaware legal system had overstepped its bounds in January 2024 when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-tesla-compensation-pay-shareholders-e75687178d1175fba36ca55bd9c4c805">Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick rescinded</a>&nbsp;the compensation in a case brought by a disgruntled Tesla shareholder.Tesla didn't immediately respond to a request for comment late Friday.McCormick's ruling so incensed Musk that it spurred him to spurn Delaware and reincorporate Tesla in Texas. That decision also caused Tesla's board to scramble for ways to keep its CEO happy, including a successful effort to persuade the company's shareholders to reaffirm the pay package, which was valued at $44.9 billion at the time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tesla-elon-musk-pay-package-shareholder-vote-8b6cce1a1aa460dbbaac69eb73e0e5e7">of the second vote 18 months ago</a>.With Musk still signaling discontent, Tesla upped the ante again this year by crafting another pay package that could pay him $1 trillion if he can lead the automaker down a road during the next decade that lifts the company's market value from its current $1.6 trillion to $8.5 trillion. Shareholders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/musk-tesla-electric-trillion-pay-stock-f2140db92e8032121f4c114234059165">approved that pay package last month,</a>&nbsp;to Musk's delight.That may sound like a difficult task, but it also appeared like a long shot for Musk to hit all the targets to qualify for the payout that was dangled in the 2018 package. At that time, Tesla was still struggling to expand its production of electric vehicles and burning through cash.At the time the 2018 pay package was drawn up, Tesla's market value was hovering in the $50 billion to $75 billion range. But then the company's manufacturing problems eased, enabling it to start meeting hot demand for its vehicles, which in turn pumped up its sales and stock price to a level that qualified Musk for the big payout that had been promised him.But based on evidence that included Musk's testimony during a 2022 trial, McCormick ruled the pay package had been crafted by a board that was too cozy and beholden to the hard-charging Musk.In its 49-page ruling, the Delaware Supreme Court cited a variety of errors in McCormick's 2024 decision and declared the 2018 pay package should be restored. It also awarded Tesla $1 in nominal damages.

World's richest man recovers $55 billion pay package in court ruling

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department faces a Friday deadline to release its files on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, a convicted sex offender and wealthy financier known for his connections to some of the world’s most influential people, including Donald Trump, who as president had tried to keep the files sealed.

The Justice Department hasn’t said when during the day it intends to make the records public. The total volume is also unclear, though Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a Fox News Channel interview that he expected the department to release “several hundred thousand” records Friday and then several hundred thousand more in the coming weeks.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-release-justice-department-32cbc21a6ae8189dccd00455dc83d2be">The records</a>&nbsp;could contain the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades worth of government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">investigations into Epstein’s sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;of young women and underage girls.

Their release has long been demanded by a public hungry to learn whether any of Epstein’s rich and powerful associates knew about — or participated in — the abuse.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-survivors-react-a7cceac935feda8d94b8fa59e13b01fa">Epstein’s accusers</a>&nbsp;have also long sought answers about why federal authorities shut down their initial investigation into the allegations in 2008.

Bowing to political pressure from fellow Republicans, Trump on Nov. 19 signed a bill giving the Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-4872c23a3ed03bf3d4c526581d3aed59">30 days to release most of its files</a>&nbsp;and communications related to Epstein, including information about the investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">Epstein's death in a federal jail</a>.

The law’s passage was a remarkable display of bipartisanship that overcame months of opposition from Trump and Republican leadership.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754485085876.png" alt="File photo U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi- Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi- Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department faces a Friday deadline to release its files on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, a convicted sex offender and wealthy financier known for his connections to some of the world’s most influential people, including Donald Trump, who as president had tried to keep the files sealed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pam Bondi must release the files by midnight tomorrow. If not, I lay out the consequences. <a href="https://t.co/MRIB437bHP">pic.twitter.com/MRIB437bHP</a>&mdash; Rep. Ro Khanna (@RepRoKhanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRoKhanna/status/2001757853908885997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Justice Department hasn’t said when during the day it intends to make the records public. The total volume is also unclear, though Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a Fox News Channel interview that he expected the department to release “several hundred thousand” records Friday and then several hundred thousand more in the coming weeks.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-release-justice-department-32cbc21a6ae8189dccd00455dc83d2be">The records</a>&nbsp;could contain the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades worth of government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">investigations into Epstein’s sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;of young women and underage girls.Their release has long been demanded by a public hungry to learn whether any of Epstein’s rich and powerful associates knew about — or participated in — the abuse.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-survivors-react-a7cceac935feda8d94b8fa59e13b01fa">Epstein’s accusers</a>&nbsp;have also long sought answers about why federal authorities shut down their initial investigation into the allegations in 2008.Bowing to political pressure from fellow Republicans, Trump on Nov. 19 signed a bill giving the Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-4872c23a3ed03bf3d4c526581d3aed59">30 days to release most of its files</a>&nbsp;and communications related to Epstein, including information about the investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">Epstein's death in a federal jail</a>.The law’s passage was a remarkable display of bipartisanship that overcame months of opposition from Trump and Republican leadership.<h2>What the law allows</h2>That law allows for redactions about the victims or ongoing investigations but makes clear no records shall be withheld or redacted due to “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.”Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Nov. 14 that she had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-clinton-investigation-justice-department-d0ce8385cb7f42705ac068310e3231be">ordered a top federal prosecutor</a>&nbsp;to investigate Epstein’s ties to Trump’s political foes, including former President Bill Clinton. Bondi acted after Trump pressed for such an inquiry, though he did not explain what supposed crimes he wanted the Justice Department to investigate. None of the men Trump mentioned in a social media post demanding the investigation has been accused of sexual misconduct by any of Epstein’s victims.In July, Trump dismissed some of his own supporters as “weaklings” for falling for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-supporters-epstein-sex-trafficking-investigation-bondi-47370e63060d79af64b0b8ac70b970a4">“the Jeffrey Epstein hoax.”</a>&nbsp;But both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., failed to prevent the legislation from coming to a vote.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-trump-congress-c858fcd7d587bb61d1b73753487b0ee1">Trump did a U-turn</a>&nbsp;on the files once it became clear that congressional action was inevitable. He insisted that the Epstein matter had become a distraction to the Republican agenda and that releasing the records was the best way to move on.<h2>The Epstein investigations</h2>Police in Palm Beach, Florida, began investigating Epstein in 2005 after the family of a 14-year-old girl reported she had been molested at his mansion. The FBI joined the investigation, and authorities gathered testimony from multiple underage girls who said they had been hired to give Epstein sexual massages.Ultimately, though, prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-florida-e2a4431f7319afd037023d9a586aa291">gave Epstein a deal</a>&nbsp;that allowed him to avoid federal prosecution. He pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges involving someone under age 18 and was sentenced to 18 months in jail.Epstein’s accusers then spent years in civil litigation trying to get that plea deal set aside. One of those women, Virginia Giuffre, accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters, starting at age 17, with numerous other men, including billionaires, famous academics, U.S. politicians and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then known as Britain’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-entertainment-lifestyle-virginia-prince-andrew-60348f70fd605c26c26615ffc5ed5f14">Prince Andrew</a>.All of those men denied the allegations. Prosecutors never brought charges in connection with Giuffre’s claims, but her account fueled conspiracy theories about supposed government plots to protect the powerful.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-roberts-giuffre-obit-778c4fdd6fac2522133ca3d79244bccd">Giuffre died</a>&nbsp;by suicide at her farm in Western Australia in April at age 41.Federal prosecutors in New York brought new sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">he killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;a month after his arrest. Prosecutors then charged Epstein’s longtime confidant, British socialite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ghislaine-maxwell">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>, with recruiting underage girls for Epstein to abuse.Maxwell was convicted in late 2021 and is serving a 20-year prison sentence, though she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">moved from a low-security federal prison in Florida</a>&nbsp;to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas after she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-transcripts-1d38a010e72b5b58cca944cb3bbb0e6a">was interviewed</a>&nbsp;over the summer by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Her lawyers argued that she never should have been tried or convicted.The Justice Department in July said it had not found any information that could support prosecuting anyone else.<h2>Lots of Epstein records were already public</h2>After nearly two decades of court action and prying by reporters, a voluminous number of records related to Epstein is already public, including flight logs, address books, email correspondence, police reports, grand jury records, courtroom testimony and transcripts of depositions of his accusers, his staffers and others.Yet the public’s appetite for more records has been insatiable, particularly for anything related to Epstein’s associations with famous people including Trump, Mountbatten-Windsor and Clinton.Trump was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out. Neither he nor Clinton has ever been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and the mere inclusion of someone’s name in files from the investigation does not imply otherwise.Mountbatten-Windsor denied ever having sex with Giuffre, but King Charles III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-royals-andrew-prince-title-removed-c1538b68893cb1395073e1ca6b9468f4">stripped him of his royal titles</a>&nbsp;this year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-guiffre-jeffrey-epstein-memoir-983e88151ce72ac5428fd7940ad19d1e">Giuffre’s memoir</a>&nbsp;was published after she died.___Sisak reported from New York.

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