Kansas
Yuli Gurriel's Houston homecoming being realized with sudden Kansas City trade
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — For the first time since Game 2 of the 2022 World Series, Yuli Gurriel will stand in the batter’s box inside Houston’s Minute Maid Park on Sunday. It just won’t be with the Astros.
On Saturday, the Kansas City Royals completed a trade with the Atlanta Braves to acquire the 40-year-old Cuban infielder, who has been playing on a minor-league deal. Despite the trade deadline having come and gone, the Royals were able to obtain Gurriel since he had yet to come up to the major league level in 2024.
The video above was produced in 2017.
And in a twist of fate, the Royals are starting Gurriel as the designated hitter when Kansas City and Houston face off Sunday in their series finale.
SEE PREVIOUS STORY: Former Astros teammates Yuli Gurriel and Alex Bregman reunite in heartwarming spring training photo
So, how did a sudden Gurriel homecoming unfold, and what was the first baseman doing since his exit after Houston’s latest world championship?
Gurriel’s final game with Houston was painful. In Game 5 of the 2022 World Series, he suffered a right knee injury that kept him out of the clinching game in Houston.
The Astros decided to attempt an upgrade at the first base position in the 2023 offseason by signing free agent Jose Abreu on a three-year, $58.5 million. The signing effectively put Gurriel, also a free agent, on the outs.
Gurriel signed a one-year deal with the Miami Marlins for 2023, where he played in 108 games and appeared as a pinch hitter in one postseason matchup.
The 40-year-old was back on the market for the 2024 season and signed with the Braves organization two weeks into the regular season. The Braves, who are in a dogfight with the Phillies for the National League East crown, were seemingly gearing up for a Gurriel call-up after he took reps as a second and third baseman in Triple A.
But after Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino broke his thumb during their series in Houston, Gurriel became appealing to postseason-contending Kansas City. He was reportedly traded for cash considerations.
Gurriel’s arrival on Sunday also coincides with major league rosters expanding from 26 to 28 players in time for the last month of the season.
The Houston Astros, who have found instant success with waiver-wire claim Ben Gamel and free agent Jason Heyward, both outfielders filling in the void left by Kyle Tucker’s injury, picked up Sugar Land Space Cowboys members Cesar Salazar, a catcher, and Forrest Whitley, a pitcher.
Salazar made his major league debut in 2023 and last played with the Astros on July 11 this year. Whitley, a San Antonio native, debuted on April 16, 2024, after eight seasons in the Astros minor-league system, but had yet to play again since.
Entering Sunday’s game, Houston holds a five-game lead over the Seattle Mariners for the American League West. The Astros head to Cincinnati on Monday for a series opener, take their first off day in 18 days on Tuesday, and resume the series with the Reds on Wednesday.
Houston can also add a wild-card bye into the postseason conversation. The ‘Stros sit three games behind the Cleveland Guardians for the AL’s second seed. The two teams face off for the last series of the season at the end of this month.
Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Kansas
Hundreds celebrate Kwanzaa at Kansas City’s Gem Theatre
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Hundreds of people packed the Gem Theatre over the weekend to celebrate Kwanzaa.
The celebrations run nightly through January 1. Each night highlights a different core value, including unity, cooperation and faith.
The event features local vendors and performances. Organizers say it’s a great way to start the new year.
The Kwanzaa celebration is free and open to everyone.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Kansas Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 27, 2025
The Kansas Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 27, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
05-20-34-39-62, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
Midday: 9-8-9
Evening: 6-5-8
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning 2 By 2 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
Red Balls: 01-23, White Balls: 12-15
Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
08-12-24-26-42, Lucky Ball: 17
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
08-10-20-47-50, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 05
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Super Kansas Cash numbers from Dec. 27 drawing
03-07-17-20-27, Cash Ball: 24
Check Super Kansas Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Kansas Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599. For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at select Kansas Lottery offices.
By mail, send a winner claim form and your signed lottery ticket to:
Kansas Lottery Headquarters
128 N Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66603-3638
(785) 296-5700
To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a claim form, and deliver the form along with your signed lottery ticket to Kansas Lottery headquarters. 128 N Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603-3638, (785) 296-5700. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Kansas Lottery.
When are the Kansas Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3 Midday/Evening: 1:10 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
- 2 By 2: 9:30 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Super Kansas Cash: 9:10 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Kansas editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Kansas
Health alert: Influenza activity trending up across Kansas, U.S.
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Kansas is reflecting national trends of respiratory virus cases on the rise.
The CDC’s latest influenza surveillance report, for the week ending December 13th, showed three states with very high influenza activity, including Colorado. Kansas was reported as having low activity.
However, Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment data shows even low activity has had an impact. For the 20025-2026 season, through Dec. 22, KDHE shows influenza, pneumonia and COVID, combined, have been the direct or contributing cause in 401 deaths.
KDHE also launched a wastewater monitoring dashboard this season. It reflects data from Shawnee, Reno and Johnson counties for influenza, COVID and RSV. It shows influenza levels moderate and increasing, and COVID levels low but increasing.
The CDC estimates the U.S. has had close to five million influenza cases nationwide this season and nearly 2,000 deaths, including at least three children.
The situation has doctors reminding you to get your annual influenza vaccination if you haven’t already. Many urgent care centers, local pharmacies and your doctor’s offices have it available.
Copyright 2025 WIBW. All rights reserved.
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