Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southeast corner of Avenue C and South Main.

In 1885, a group of Hutchinson businessmen went to New York City to convince Jay Gould, president of the Union Pacific Railroad, to construct a connecting line from Hutchinson to Hoisington, where the Union Pacific main line ran.

This railroad was the second to arrive in Hutch and named the Wichita and Colorado Railroad. The first depot was on the southwest corner of Avenue G and Main. The first photo shows that first depot in 1888.

In 1900, the Avenue C and Main site was chosen for the new, now-named Missouri-Pacific Railway Depot. The second photo shows that impressive building in 1918.

The third photo shows the Cole Brothers Circus unloading at the depot in 1941.

The fourth photo shows one of the "Big Boy" steam locomotives at the depot in 1948.

About 1950, passenger service was discontinued and, in 1951, the top two floors were removed as usage declined.

About 1960, the Mo-Pac was absorbed into the Union Pacific system. The fifth photo shows what the building looked like afterward in 1960.

The sixth photo shows the building in 1976 being used just for freight.

In 1986, this building was razed. The seventh photo shows the land today at the crossing.

To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/anchorinnhutch">Anchor Inn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Anchorawayhutch/">Anchor Away</a>

📷 Throwback Thursday: Missouri-Pacific Depot - Vol. 154

NEWTON, Kan. — USD 373 Newton Public Schools will ask voters on March 3, 2026, to approve a $50 million facilities improvement bond aimed at addressing aging infrastructure, safety upgrades and storm shelter needs across the district.

District officials said the proposed bond targets end-of-life roofing and HVAC systems, along with security improvements such as code-compliant storm shelters. Plans call for hardening existing shelters at elementary schools and constructing multiuse spaces at Cooper Early Education Center, Chisholm Middle School and Newton High School that would also serve as storm shelters while meeting other campus needs.

The proposal follows a facilities assessment and nearly yearlong planning process conducted with outside firm RSP and a committee of school and community representatives.

Newton High School would receive the largest share of improvements, including remodeling about 40 percent of interior classroom space. Projects would address removable walls, upgrade science labs and renovate culinary arts kitchens, all original to the 1970s, and include upgrades to the school pool. District officials said adding new culinary and science lab space would allow construction to proceed without disrupting classes and would enable classroom rotation during the school year.

At Chisholm Middle School, plans include upgrades to pod bathrooms and former locker room spaces, which date to the 1950s, in addition to new storm shelter additions.

Cooper Early Education Center would see a new classroom and conference space that doubles as a storm shelter, along with work on the slate roof, which dates to the 1930s.

Nearly all schools would receive HVAC and roof work. All elementary schools would get playground upgrades and, if funding allows, shade structures. Districtwide security upgrades would add interior intruder locks to classroom doors at all district-owned schools.

The bond would require a 4.3 mill increase, which district officials estimate would cost about $4.12 per month for a $100,000 home and $8.24 per month for a $200,000 home.

Facilities assessment documents, architectural renderings and building-by-building cost lists are available at <a href="http://www.usd373.org/bond2026">www.usd373.org/bond2026</a>.

The district has scheduled public tours and informational sessions ahead of the vote:

USD 373 to put $50 million bond before voters March 3, 2026

HARVEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Harvey County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by Curtis Moss, 48, Lindsborg, was northbound in the left lane of Interstate 135 at E First Street in Newton.&nbsp; A southbound 2024 Ford Maverick driven by Brian Voth, 65, Newton, moved from the right lane to the left lane to pass another vehicle. The motorcycle rear-ended the pickup.

&nbsp;EMS transported Moss to Wesley Med Center. Voth was properly restrained and not injured. Moss was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kan. man hospitalized after motorcycle rear-ends a pickup

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

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

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

Kan. man hospitalized after SUV accident

 Fire crews responded to a commercial structure fire Wednesday afternoon in McPherson, with no injuries reported and all personnel safely evacuated.

At approximately 3:52 p.m. on Wednesday, the McPherson Fire Department was dispatched to the 1400 block of 17th Avenue for a reported structure fire. The department responded with three engine companies and a command vehicle. The Galva Fire Department also assisted, responding with an engine company and a command vehicle.

Upon arrival, crews observed smoke coming from the commercial structure. Facility personnel had already evacuated the building. Firefighters initiated an interior attack and determined that a fiberglass production oven had overheated. The fire was contained primarily within the oven but had extended into the oven’s exhaust stack.

Crews were able to cool the oven, extinguish the fire within the exhaust stack, and prevent further spread. The oven was subsequently shut down by facility personnel.

The fire was determined to be accidental. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Commercial structure fire contained in McPherson; no injuries reported

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two Hutchinson pastors say Christmas is ultimately about hope, reflection and the belief that God chose to enter a broken world rather than remain distant from it.

During a Christmas Eve conversation on the BW Morning Show, Andy Addis, pastor of CrossPoint Church, and Matt Stafford, pastor of First Congregational Church, reflected on the meaning of Christmas amid political division, global conflict and personal hardship.

Addis said Christmas serves as a reminder of the foundation of the Christian faith.

“For the church, it is a reminder of where we begin,” Addis said. “If Christ never came, so many things we hold central would not exist. It would be a completely different world.”

Stafford said the celebration of Christ’s birth cannot be separated from what Christians believe followed.

“We cannot separate his birth from his work on the cross and his resurrection,” Stafford said. “It represents God intervening in a fallen world.”

Both pastors acknowledged that many people view the current moment as uniquely difficult, but Stafford said history shows humanity has endured far worse.

“This is not the worst it has ever been,” Stafford said, pointing to periods such as the Civil War, World War II and the Great Depression. “We are living in remarkable times, even with our disagreements.”

The pastors said Christmas offers a counterpoint to fear and division by focusing on hope, which Addis said is often misunderstood.

“Biblically, hope is not a wish,” Addis said. “It is certainty. It is knowing the God in whom you believe.”

Stafford added that Christian hope is personal.

“Hope has a name,” he said. “His name is Jesus.”

The discussion also emphasized reflection during the Christmas season. Addis said familiarity with Scripture alone is not enough.

“They knew the prophecies, but they missed Jesus,” Addis said, referring to a passage from the Gospel of John. “It is not about how much you know, but how well you know him.”

Both pastors said the message of “God with us,” often expressed through the word Emmanuel, remains central to Christmas.

“God has never been absent from the world,” Stafford said. “But he has not always been welcomed. Christmas reminds us that we are not alone.”

Addis shared personal stories of marriage struggles and family health crises, saying those experiences shaped his understanding of hope during dark moments.

“Every dark moment feels like the end,” Addis said. “But when you look back, you see how many times God carried you through.”

The pastors invited the community to Christmas Eve services, noting that many churches also offer online options.

Stafford’s church will host a candlelight service at 6 p.m. at 3410 N. Plum St. CrossPoint Church will offer services at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. at 1410 E. 30th Ave.

“This season is about hope, peace, love and joy,” Stafford said. “That message matters now as much as ever.”

Hutchinson pastors say Christmas message centers on hope

The Eagle Media Center, home of HutchPost.com, Country 102.9, My 93-1 and KWBW, will close at noon on Wednesday, December 24, for the Christmas holiday. The office will remain closed through the holiday and will reopen on Monday, December 29. 

All employee owners at Eagle Media Center wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

Christmas holiday schedule for Eagle Media Center

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — More than 1,000 students from Hutchinson, Buhler and Haven school districts helped spread holiday cheer this season through Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System’s annual Holiday Card Project.

The initiative brought together students, community organizations and healthcare workers as children created handwritten holiday cards for local healthcare employees and senior care staff throughout the community.

Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System said the project is designed to strengthen community connections while giving students a chance to express gratitude and empathy toward those who serve others.

“This project allows children to show appreciation for those who care for others, reminding us all of the power of these simple acts,” said Benjamin Anderson, president and CEO of HRHS. “Each card reflects these core values, beautifully expressed by the children, offering a valuable lesson for us all.”

This year’s project included a continued partnership with The Clayworks at Disability Supports, whose clients designed custom artwork for the cards. HRHS said the collaboration added a personal touch while highlighting creativity and inclusion within the community.

For students, the project also served as a learning opportunity.

Krystal Young, deputy superintendent of Hutchinson Public Schools, said the partnership gives students a meaningful way to engage locally while reinforcing district values.

“Partnering with Hutchinson Regional for the Holiday Card Project provides our students with a meaningful opportunity to actively engage with our community,” Young said. “It also allows them to demonstrate compassion and express gratitude to our healthcare workers.”

Completed cards were delivered ahead of the holiday season to healthcare and senior living organizations, including Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, The Wesley, Sunshine Meadows, PrairieStar Health Center and Mennonite Friendship Communities.

Mark Mains, president and CEO of The Wesley, said the cards were well received by staff members during a busy and often stressful time of year.

“The employees of The Wesley were delighted to receive Christmas cards with handwritten messages from area school children,” Mains said. “Receiving extra support and uplifting sentiment from kids helps bring the spirit of the season front and center.”

HRHS officials said the Holiday Card Project continues to highlight the importance of small gestures and community involvement in supporting those who care for others throughout the year.

Hutchinson-area students create holiday cards for healthcare workers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson YMCA has launched a brick and paver campaign that allows community members to leave a permanent mark at the organization’s new facility, which remains on track to open in 2026.

The campaign offers personalized bricks for a $500 donation and engraved pavers for a $1,000 donation. The bricks and pavers will be incorporated into outdoor areas surrounding the new YMCA building at 20th and Lorraine streets.

“This is a great way to make your mark and leave a mark at our new facility,” said David Foster, executive director of the Hutchinson YMCA. “A paver is a $1,000 donation, and a brick is a $500 donation. If you’re interested, let us know. We have donor forms for bricks and pavers that you can fill out and be part of our new YMCA facility.”

Pledge cards are available at the current YMCA (716 E 13th Ave.) and can be completed at any time.

Construction on the new YMCA continues to progress, with the exterior of the building nearing completion and interior spaces beginning to take shape. Foster said crews are close to fully enclosing the structure, a milestone that will allow interior work to accelerate.

“Once the building is fully enclosed, you’ll really start to see things move quickly on the inside,” Foster said. “Interior walls, program areas and equipment layouts are becoming more defined.”

After exterior fencing is removed, Foster said the size and design of the building will be more apparent, particularly the extensive use of glass along the exterior. The design is expected to be especially striking at night because of exterior lighting and the glass frontage.

The new YMCA will feature an indoor family pool, lap pool and splash-pad-style water features, along with fitness areas, gymnasiums and flexible program space.

As construction continues, the YMCA is also offering new membership promotions tied to the new year. From Dec. 26 through Jan. 12, new members can join with no $75 joining fee and no prorated monthly dues. A second promotion, running Jan. 13 through Jan. 31, also waives the joining fee. Income-based financial assistance remains available.

Foster said YMCA membership has continued to trend upward, with November recording the second-highest membership total of the year, trailing only midsummer levels. He credited the growth to expanded programming and strong participation in youth sports, gymnastics, swim lessons and fitness classes.

The opening of the new facility will coincide with a milestone year for the organization. In 2026, the YMCA will celebrate 150 years of service in Hutchinson.

Hutchinson YMCA launches brick and paver campaign for new facility

YODER, Kan. — Nitrate levels remain above allowable limits in Rural Water District 101, which serves the Yoder area, according to Reno County officials.

The most recent water sample, collected Dec. 10, 2025, showed a nitrate concentration of 12 milligrams per liter. That exceeds the state and federal maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter for public water supply systems.

Officials say nitrate levels in water sources can fluctuate and may come from natural, industrial or agricultural sources, including septic systems and runoff.

Reno County continues to issue routine public notices for acute nitrate violations as required by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The notices provide residents with information about nitrates in drinking water and notify customers that bottled water is available upon request for households with individuals considered at higher risk. Those groups include infants younger than 6 months, nursing mothers, pregnant women and others identified by a health care provider.

Rural Water District 101 will continue quarterly water sampling and public notifications as required by KDHE until the issue is resolved. Officials thanked residents for their patience.

Nitrate levels remain above limits in Rural Water District 101 serving Yoder area

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

William	Christopher	Ivy Shepherd	12/23/2025 3:12 AM	Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct

Kayla	Ora Nicole	Titus	12/23/2025 10:23 AM	Failure to Appear

Kenneth	Don	Pettey	12/23/2025 1:20 PM	Failure to Appear

Ashley	Elizabeth	Werner	12/23/2025 3:38 PM	Failure to Appear

Gary	Edward	Beall Jr	12/23/2025 5:31 PM	Failure to Appear

Micheal	Emerson	Kightlinger	12/23/2025 6:15 PM	Stalking; Conduct after receiving notice of protection order causing fear

Micheal	Emerson	Kightlinger	12/23/2025 6:15 PM	Viol protection order; Abuse order

Bryan	Thomas	Roberts	12/23/2025 7:03 PM	Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. —A Jackson County sheriff's deputy struck by a car while investigating an accident was released from the hospital on Christmas Eve, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'. 

Just after 6p.m. December 17, a 2012 Mercedes driven by a 69-year-old Lee's Summit woman was southbound at South Buckner Tarsney at E. Ryan Road. The vehicle traveled into the crash scene and struck the the 53-year-old deputy, according to the MSHP.

Central Jackson County EMS transported the deputy to Centerpoint Medical Center where he underwnt several medical procedures.

"He’s in good spirits, has a positive mindset, and is expected to fully recover.&nbsp; He’s blessed to be surrounded by a caring family," according to Forte'

Merry Christmas: Deputy struck by a car released from hospital

The Powerball® jackpot has been won in Arkansas, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. A single ticket sold in Arkansas matched all six numbers drawn last night to win a $1.817 billion jackpot. The jackpot has a cash option of $834.9 million.

The winning numbers in the Wednesday, Dec. 24 Powerball drawing were white balls 4, 25, 31, 52, 59 and red Powerball 19. The Power Play® multiplier was 2.

With final ticket sales, the Powerball jackpot reached $1.817 billion, making it the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever won and the largest Powerball prize this year.

“Congratulations to the newest Powerball jackpot winner! This is truly an extraordinary, life-changing prize,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “We also want to thank all the players who joined in this jackpot streak – every ticket purchased helps support public programs and services across the country.”

This marks the second time the Powerball® jackpot has been won by a ticket sold in Arkansas; the first was in 2010.

The lucky ticket holder will have the choice between an annuitized prize of $1.817 billion or a lump sump payment of $834.9 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If a winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many tickets won cash prizes in last night’s drawing.

Nationwide, eight tickets matched all five white balls. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in California, Indiana, Michigan, New York (2), Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The Match 5 prize is a set cash prize of $1 million except in California, where prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.

The drawing also produced 114 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 31 tickets that won $100,000 prizes.

In the Double Play® drawing, two tickets sold in Colorado and South Carolina won $500,000 prizes after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. The Double Play drawing is live streamed on<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">&nbsp;Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.

Last night’s Powerball drawing was the 47th in the jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was previously won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.

For the next drawing on Saturday night, the Powerball jackpot resets to $20 million. The Power Play® 10X multiplier will be available for play since the advertised jackpot is below $150 million.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

Single ticket wins $1.8 billion Powerball jackpot on Christmas Eve

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging two Indian nationals with allegedly defrauding a victim while posing as federal law enforcement officials.&nbsp;

According to court documents, Venkateswara Reddy Chagamreddy, 27, of San Antonio, Texas, and Sai Praveen Kommana, 29, of Frisco, Texas, were indicted on one count of wire fraud conspiracy and one count of interference with commerce by threat.

From May 2025 through September 2025, Chagamreddy and Kommana are accused of conspiring with others to defraud a victim in Kansas. The members of this conspiracy posed as agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They allegedly convinced the individual to purchase $255,287 in gold and give it them, falsely thinking it was going to a government agency for safe keeping.

The members of this conspiracy, including the indicted men, allegedly primarily target elderly retired individuals, falsely asserting they are with a government agency and telling victims that their identity has been compromised in ways that could result in jail time and major financial loss for victims. Prosecutors accuse the members of this conspiracy of convincing victims to transfer their assets, primarily in gold, to the federal government to protect themselves against further crimes.

The FBI will never call, email or otherwise contact private citizens to demand payment, threaten arrest, or request personal or sensitive information. Fraud can be reported via<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home">&nbsp;tips.fbi.gov&nbsp;</a>or 1-800-CALL-FBI. The FBI encourages people who have been victims of internet crimes and/or financial fraud and schemes to report via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/">ic3.gov</a>.&nbsp;

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a&nbsp;

2 accused of posing as FBI agents to scam Kansans

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Just after&nbsp; 7:00 a.m. Dec. 18, a Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives served a search warrant at the residence of 16399 R. Road, just north of the City of Mayetta, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse. In October law enforcement responded to a shooting at the same address.

 The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received information late Tuesday evening reporting a domestic altercation and criminal damage to a vehicle at the location.&nbsp; On Wednesday, deputies served the search warrant taking two men into custody.

Deputies arrested 22-year-old Cody M. Smith and 21-year-old Cole Alexander Thompson both of Mayetta.

Deputies seized cocaine and weapons from the residence. Smith was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of distribution of cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thompson was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, domestic battery and criminal damage to property.

Sheriff: Suspects were selling cocaine from Kansas home

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 33-year-old Johntrel L Vickers, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the intersection of Admiral and Paseo on a reported shooting, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

First responders found Vickers lying in the street near the intersection, unresponsive, and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene&nbsp; and pronounced him deceased.

There is no preliminary information indicating what led up to the shooting and a subject of interest has not been identified.

Police ID homicide victim found on Kansas City street

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street closed higher and reached more records Wednesday on a holiday-shortened trading day.

The S&amp;P 500 index rose 22.26 points, or 0.3%, to 6,932.05. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 288.75, or 0.6%, to close at 48,731.16, and the Nasdaq composite added 51.46, or 0.2%, to 23,613.31

Trading was extremely light as markets closed early for Christmas Eve and will be closed for Christmas Thursday. Roughly 1.8 billion shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, which is roughly a third of the average trading day.

Markets will reopen for a full day of trading on Friday; however volumes are expected to remain light this week with most investors having closed out their positions for the year.

The S&amp;P 500 is up more than 17%&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wall-street-stocks-bonds-crypto-tariffs-ai-539ae5ec338d19f52116e97d38300c28">this year</a>, as investors have embraced the deregulatory policies of the Trump administration and been optimistic about the future of artificial intelligence in helping boost profits for not only technology companies but also for Corporate America. Some of the strongest performers this year include Nvidia and Micron Technologies, both companies that make chips or other components that power the proliferation of data centers across the country.

Much of the focus for investors for the next few weeks will be on where the U.S. economy is heading and where the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;will move interest rates. Investors are betting the Fed will hold steady on interest rates at its January meeting.

The U.S. economy grew at a surprisingly strong 4.3% annual rate in the third quarter, the most rapid expansion in two years, driven by consumers who continue to spend in the face of ongoing inflation. There have also been recent reports showing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-conference-board-economy-spending-55a603a497c5885745b87de8fc5f7821">shaky confidence among consumers</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-economy-inflation-groceries-costs-trump-affordability-d27635d279b27e5e2c19700c006ebb1d">worried about high prices</a>. The labor market&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-trump-unemployment-federal-reserve-cf1280a8466d92fbbc1b5ace7b80bffc">has been slowing</a>&nbsp;and retail sales&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/retail-industry-inflation-cd9c68bb96ea0f1bfc6a3c0be6be1a90">have weakened</a>.

The number of Americans applying for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-ba15107bd53911c23c1a694c3dd09f18">unemployment benefits</a>&nbsp;fell last week and remain at historically healthy levels despite some signs that the labor market is weakening.

U.S. applications for jobless claims for the week ending Dec. 20 fell by 10,000 to 214,000 from the previous week’s 224,000, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. That’s below the 232,000 new applications forecast of analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet.

Dynavax Technologies soared 38.2% after Sanofi said it was acquiring the California-based vaccine maker in a deal worth $2.2 billion. The French drugmaker will add Dynavax’s hepatitis B vaccines to its portfolio, as well as a shingles vaccine that is still in development.

Novo Nordisk's shares rose 1.8% after the weight-loss drug company got approval from U.S. regulators for a pill version of its blockbuster drug Wegovy. However, Novo Nordisk shares are still down almost 40% this year as the company has faced increased competition for weight-loss medications, particularly from Eli Lilly. Shares of Eli Lilly are up 40% this year.

European markets moved between slight gains and losses. Asian markets were also quiet, with Hong Kong moving up 0.2% while Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.1%

US stocks drift to more records on a holiday-shortened day of trading

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/john-hanna">JOHN HANNA</a> Associated Press

The University of Oklahoma has fired an instructor who was accused by a student of religious discrimination over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-oklahoma-gender-bible-essay-demonic-0fd51985c123737cd372ba609b730541">a failing grade</a>&nbsp;on a psychology paper in which she cited the Bible and argued that promoting a “belief in multiple genders” was “demonic.”

The university said in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/UofOklahoma/status/2003209457195741653" target="_blank">a statement</a>&nbsp;posted Monday on X that its investigation found the graduate teaching assistant had been “arbitrary” in giving 20-year-old junior Samantha Fulnecky zero points on the assignment. The university declined to comment beyond its statement, which said the instructor had been removed from teaching.

Through her attorney, the instructor, Mel Curth, denied Tuesday that she had “engaged in any arbitrary behavior regarding the student’s work.” The attorney, Brittany Stewart, said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press that Curth is “considering all of her legal remedies.”

Conservative groups, commentators and others quickly made Fulnecky’s failing grade an online cause, highlighting her argument that she’d been punished for expressing conservative Christian views. Her case became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over academic freedom on college campuses as President Donald Trump pushes to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dei-critical-race-theory-colleges-diversity-db8317ad37931558dd5a396cf5ab3d42">end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives</a>, and restrict how campuses discuss&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brown-compact-higher-education-trump-b883cf9c23eaed7ee1ba9819430d33d8">race, gender and sexuality.</a>

Fulnecky appealed her grade on the assignment, which was worth 3% of the final grade in the class, and the university said the assignment would not count. It also placed Curth on leave, and Oklahoma’s conservative Republican governor, Kevin Stitt, declared the situation “deeply concerning.

“The University of Oklahoma believes strongly in both its faculty’s rights to teach with academic freedom and integrity and its students’ right to receive an education that is free from a lecturer’s impermissible evaluative standards,” the university’s statement said. “We are committed to teaching students how to think, not what to think.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/diversity-equity-inclusion-dei-education-379c55d6a9487381d48d8450a639bd13">A law approved this year</a>&nbsp;by Oklahoma’s Republican-dominated Legislature and signed by Stitt prohibits state universities from using public funds to finance DEI programs or positions or mandating DEI training. However, the law says it does not apply to scholarly research or “the academic freedom of any individual faculty member.”

Home telephone listings for Fulnecky in the Springfield, Missouri, area had been disconnected, and her mother — an attorney, podcaster and radio host — did not immediately respond Tuesday to a Facebook message seeking comment about the university’s action.

Fulnecky’s failing grade came in an assignment for a psychology class on lifespan development. Curth directed students to write a 650-word response to an academic study that examined whether conformity with gender norms was associated with popularity or bullying among middle school students.

Fulnecky wrote that she was frustrated by the premise of the assignment because she does not believe that there are more than two genders based on her understanding of the Bible, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qxnVi_yaJ-Fb9u1-A1Vy2vQT3Aiw8Nix/preview" target="_blank">a copy of her essay</a>&nbsp;provided&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2025/11/25/ou-oklahoma-samantha-fulnecky-read-essay-gender-bible/87463858007/" target="_blank">to The Oklahoman</a>.

“Society pushing the lie that there are multiple genders and everyone should be whatever they want to be is demonic and severely harms American youth,” she wrote, adding that it would lead society “farther from God’s original plan for humans.”

In feedback obtained by the newspaper, Curth said the paper did “not answer the questions for the assignment,” contradicted itself, relied on “personal ideology” over evidence and “is at times offensive.”

“Please note that I am not deducting points because you have certain beliefs,” Curth wrote.

OU instructor fired after giving failing grade to a Bible-based essay on gender

WICHITA, KAN. –&nbsp;Alex Emillano Jaramillo, 45, a minimum-custody resident of the Wichita Work Release Facility (WWRF) has been apprehended.

Jaramillo was taken into custody Wednesday morning, December 24, after surrendering to authorities at a local hospital, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was arrested without incident.

Jaramillo was placed on escape status after not returning to the facility Wednesday, December 24, 2025, from his night job.

Jaramillo is listed a violent Kansas offender and has previous convictions for aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon, burglary, driving while suspended, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, violation of the offender registration act and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Violent Kan. offender captured after Christmas Eve escape

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 9a.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino, a white Mack concrete truck entered the on-ramp for southbound U.S. 71 Highway from eastbound MO 150 Highway at a high rate of speed. 

The driver was unable to maintain the curvature of the entrance ramp and due its height and weight, the truck rolled over. The truck then slid into the concrete retaining wall located along the east side of the ramp before coming to rest. The driver and sole occupant of the truck was pronounced deceased at the scene. This is fatality #67 compared to #92 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; The name of the driver has not been released.

KCPD: Driver killed after concrete truck rollover crash

A Christmas Eve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/powerball-lottery-players-dream-big-as-jackpot-reaches-1-6-billion-6ff5647e15794b4c890f1fd5d3e111a5">Powerball drawing</a>&nbsp;could add new meaning to holiday cheer as millions of players hope to cash in on the $1.7 billion prize, which comes after months without a jackpot winner.

The United States'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec46e188305c9425cb555eef00a89d37">4th-largest jackpot</a>&nbsp;on record comes after 46 consecutive draws without someone claiming to have all six numbers. The last contest with a jackpot winner was on Sept. 6. The game’s long odds have people decking the halls and doling out $2 — and sometimes more — for tickets ahead of Wednesday night's live drawing at 10:59 p.m. EST.

It's a sign the game is operating as intended. 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 as a mechanism for snowballing jackpots, all the while making it easier to win smaller prizes.

The Christmas holiday is not expected to impact the drawing process should there be a winning ticket, a Powerball spokesperson said.

Here is what to know about Wednesday’s drawing:

That ticket placed in a stocking or under the tree could be worth a billion bucks — but with some caveats.

Powerball is played in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most of those areas require players to be 18 or older, though some states have steeper requirements. In Nebraska, players have to be at least 19 years old, and in Louisiana and Arizona, people can't buy tickets until they are 21.

Winning tickets also must be cashed in the states where they were bought. And players can't buy tickets in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada or Utah.

Other than that, lottery officials argue there is a chance a lucky Powerball ticket could be a gift that keeps on giving.

Charlie McIntyre, the New Hampshire Lottery's executive director, said Tuesday: “Just think of the stories you can tell for generations to come about the year you woke up a billionaire on Christmas.”

Wednesday's $1.7 billion jackpot has a cash value of $781.3 million.

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>, with an immediate payment and then annual payments over 29 years that increase by 5% each time. Most winners, however, usually choose the cash value for a lump sum.

The odds are high for the top prize, but there are smaller prizes players can reap.

At the last drawing, players in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin each won $1 million. There are also prizes outside the jackpot, ranging from a few dollars to $2 million.

One woman told Powerball officials that she already made plans for her $1 million win: “We’re going to pay off our cars and credit cards and get a bigger house!”

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