TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp;today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas. The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.

The agreement includes two distinct parts: (1) a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which will open at the start of the 2031 NFL season; and (2) a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both sites will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel and residential properties.

“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,”&nbsp;Gov. Kelly said. “This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”

The agreement was approved today by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) with strong bipartisan support.&nbsp; It will be a public-private partnership between the state and the Chiefs organization – and it will require no funds from the current state budget and no new taxes on Kansans. A fact sheet of the agreement and the independent Economic Impact Study can be&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-media-kit" target="_blank">found here</a>.

“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,”&nbsp;Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt&nbsp;said. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”

“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” said&nbsp;NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases. The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”

The Chiefs announcement adds to the Kelly-Toland administration’s unprecedented streak of winning business investment projects that create jobs and grow Kansas’ economy. Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $30 billion committed capital investment and created or retained almost 78,000 jobs.

“Kansas has had a streak of big economic wins, but nothing is bigger than this. This is truly once-in-a-generation,” said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who led the state team that negotiated the deal with the Chiefs. “This happened because we brought Democrats and Republicans together to do what was best for Kansas – landing our state a huge economic win, without requiring a single dollar from the state budget or a tax increase on Kansans. This historic win is the latest in a series of major economic wins for Kansas, including the Panasonic headquarters, which all tell the same story: the future for Kansas, its workers and its economy is very exciting.”&nbsp;

“This is an extraordinary economic win for our state thanks to the effort of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland,” said&nbsp;Christal Watson, Mayor &amp; CEO Unified Government of Wyandotte KCK. “All of us in Wyandotte and Kansas City, Kansas are excited to work with the Chiefs and are committed to driving results that strengthen our region and uplift our community.”

“This deal is a once-in-a-generation type of opportunity for our community and region. Having the Chiefs headquarters and training facilities here in Johnson County will be huge for our local economy - and a lot of fun for our families,” said&nbsp;John Bacon, Mayor of Olathe. “We’re eager to get to work, and are committed to ensuring the process – and the result – are first class, something everyone in Olathe – and all across Chiefs Kingdom – can be proud of."

“Today, Kansas won the Super Bowl,” said&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson. “This is a huge win for Kansas. Now, we get to watch our beloved Chiefs play right here at home, keeping jobs and tax dollars right here in Kansas. Best of all, this will not cost one more penny for Kansas taxpayers.”

“Here in Kansas, we love the Chiefs, and we also love a good deal for taxpayers. So this is a win-win,”&nbsp;House Speaker Dan Hawkins said.

The project will be financed through a public-private partnership (60% public - 40% private). The public portion is funded through&nbsp;Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund&nbsp;– both funding mechanisms established specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget.&nbsp; The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council. The STAR bonds have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated by this project in neighboring communities to fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion of their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/">click here</a>.

The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was established by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from iLottery and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.

The Hunt Family is also committing to $1 billion in additional development, a portion of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs Announce Agreement On Plans for State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas

The Army announced that due to the 1st Infantry Division’s block leave period, pharmacy operations at Farrelly Health Clinic will temporarily consolidate staff to the Irwin Army Community Hospital Main Pharmacy. 

As a result, the Farrelly Health Clinic pharmacy will be closed from Dec. 22, 2025 through Jan. 2, 2026, and will reopen on Jan. 5, 2026.

• All active-duty servicemembers should fill prescriptions at the IACH Main Pharmacy.

• All other ancillary services and outpatient care at Farrelly Health Clinic will remain open and available as scheduled.

This temporary consolidation ensures continued pharmacy support for the Fort Riley community during the block leave period.

Pharmacy Update on Post

The 2026 Regional Growth Summit is your chance to join a transformative dialogue on economic growth and prosperity. Formerly known as the Regional Leaders Retreat, this event now focuses on active, solution-based discussions that will drive progress across Geary, Riley, and Pottawatomie Counties.

According to a Junction city Area Chamber of commerce announcement you can network with business and community leaders, collaborate on actionable strategies, and help build a thriving, sustainable future. 

This event will be on Friday, January 23rd from 8 am - 5 pm at the K-State Alumni Center - 1720 Anderson Avenue, Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Regional Growth Summit is set

Join local professionals for Business After Hours at Geary Rehab Pediatric Therapy. The Chamber of Commerce said that you can enjoy food and drinks provided by Highwind Brewing and take the opportunity to learn more about the Pediatric Therapy facility and services.

The event begins at&nbsp; 5 p.m. on Jan. 15.

Chamber of Commerce schedules Business After Hours for Jan. 15

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will hold its first public meeting of 2026 on Thursday, January 8 at the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fmaps%2Fdir%2FThe%2BTerritory%2BBallroom,%2BWest%2BMain%2BStreet,%2BCouncil%2BGrove,%2BKS%2F@38.6610471,-96.5310606,15963m%2Fdata=!3m1!1e3!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x87bc1d6c783037ab:0x56db692667071a9a!2m2!1d-96.4898612!2d38.6609873%3Fentry=ttu%26g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkwMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%253D%253D/1/0101019b471929c2-c46a6d5a-1b53-4eff-b100-1b0097c57533-000000/4f80A-nxJauXkk7rwTHsVt0-HjWUgJNiKZqFI83DTu4=436">Territory Ballroom in Council Grove</a>. The meeting will begin at noon and continue until all agenda items are addressed.

The Commission will hold a public hearing and final vote for several regulations that have been discussed at previous meetings, including:

The Commission will also conduct its annual random drawing from a pool of eligible nonprofit organizations to award&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2FCommission-Big-Game-Permits%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/1/0101019b471929c2-c46a6d5a-1b53-4eff-b100-1b0097c57533-000000/Fbj2pZCfr7R_Jk0hbuajAJlLBWbjVb3bLtF5i_ymOUY=436">Commission Big Game Permits</a>. Seven big-game permits (deer, elk, and antelope) will be awarded to the winning organizations to raise funds for conservation projects.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks staff will share updates on the Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program and waterfowl hunting season dates and limits for next year.

The public is invited to attend the meeting in person or virtually, with two opportunities&nbsp;

&nbsp;for public comment. Instructions for joining the meeting virtually, a complete meeting agenda, and the proposed regulation changes can all be viewed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/1/0101019b471929c2-c46a6d5a-1b53-4eff-b100-1b0097c57533-000000/Fk-EWfHmq0bYSqXZwTcFSJ4cpUcG9x8R-cJp88xOiBo=436">www.ksoutdoors.gov/commission</a>.

KDWP will conduct a meeting in Council Grove

RILEY COUNTY --Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend incident in Riley County.

Just before 3:30p.m. Sunday,  a 22-year-old suspect drove his vehicle at officers and then struck a gate that hit the two officers, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Ashton Troughton, 22, of Ogden, was arrested at approximately 4:20 p.m. in the 20000 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd and remains jailed on a $50,000 bond on requested charges that include two counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and two counts of attempted aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

Riley Co. man threatened officers with his vehicle

The Junction City Police Department has been made aware of a scam currently targeting members of the community. Police said an individual is spoofing the Junction City Police Department’s phone number and claiming to be Chief of Police Nichols. The caller states that Homeland Security has notified them of a warrant for the recipient’s arrest and demands immediate payment to avoid arrest. They may also claim officers are being sent if payment is not made.

This is a scam! Important reminders include the following: 

- JCPD will never call to demand payment or threaten arrest 

- They will never request money, gift cards, or financial information over the phone

-- Phone numbers can be spoofed to appear legitimate.If you receive a call like this, do not engage with the caller, do not provide personal or financial information, hang up, and contact the Junction City Police Department using a verified phone number.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Junction City police issue scam alert

&nbsp;In observance of the Christmas holiday, the Geary County Public Works Departments will follow the hours listed below: 

--The Geary County Public Works Department, HHW / Recycling Center and Geary County Landfill will be closed Thursday &amp; Friday, December 25 &amp; 26. . They will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 29, 2025.

--The Geary County Transfer Station will only be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025. The Transfer Station will resume normal business hours on Friday, December 26, 2025.&nbsp;

Geary County Public Works Holiday Schedule Notice: 

ADRIAN SELF National Agricultural Biosecurity Center

Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/nabc/">National Agricultural Biosecurity Center</a>&nbsp;is expanding its role on the front lines of animal disease preparedness with a new U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that will immerse extension professionals in realistic outbreak planning across the central U.S.

With $211,248 in new support from USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, or NABC, will lead a project called Region 7 Tabletops and Functional Workbooks for Extension Professionals. The effort is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/funding/nadprp">National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program</a>, a Farm Bill initiative that is investing $15.3 million in 68 projects to strengthen animal health infrastructure, biosecurity, emergency planning, training and traceability nationwide.

From October 2025 through September 2027, NABC and its partners will design and deliver tabletop exercises — guided simulations that walk participants through potential foreign or emerging animal disease events — for extension professionals in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Extension agents, state officials and other stakeholders will work through evolving scenarios, practicing how to coordinate response actions, communicate risk and make time-sensitive decisions that protect livestock and the broader agricultural economy.

Alongside the exercises, the project team will produce functional workbooks that extension professionals can carry back to their counties and communities. These workbooks will include adaptable templates, checklists and planning tools that help local leaders tailor outbreak response strategies to their state and county regulations, species of concern and industry partners.

By combining discussion-based training with practical materials, NABC aims to strengthen how extension systems anticipate, coordinate and respond when an animal disease threat emerges. The project places a particular emphasis on improving communication and decision-making during simulated emergencies, so when a real crisis occurs, responders are already familiar with their roles, information pathways and resource needs.

Building a stronger regional network

Marty Vanier, director of the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, said the project offers a chance to deepen relationships among extension professionals and response partners across state lines.

"Working together in shared exercises allows participants to identify gaps, compare approaches and build trust before an emergency, creating a more cohesive regional network when rapid, coordinated action is essential."

Over the coming months, NABC staff will collaborate with extension leaders in each Region 7 state to refine exercise objectives, recruit participants and pilot test the workbooks. Those partners are expected to include state departments of agriculture, land-grant university specialists, and emergency management agencies that bring additional expertise in surveillance, incident command and public communication.

The new project adds to a growing portfolio of National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program awards at K-State. In recent funding cycles, the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center has earned multiple grants for work ranging from livestock movement analysis to emergency planning and stakeholder outreach, with total awards now exceeding $900,000 to advance national and regional preparedness.

"The Region 7 tabletop project reflects K-State strengths as a next-generation land-grant institution leading collaborative solutions in biosecurity and animal health," said Hans Coetzee, vice president for research. "By partnering with producers, extension networks, and state and federal agencies, the university is helping to develop strategies that prevent and control infectious diseases while supporting the resilience of U.S. livestock industries."

K-State biosecurity center secures grant to boost animal disease preparedness training

Rotary Club of Junction City&nbsp;

Junction City, KS — The Junction City Rotary Club recently donated shoes to students at Grandview Elementary School, providing much-needed support to local children and families.

The donation, made earlier this week, was part of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to serving the Junction City community through practical, meaningful acts of service. Access to properly fitting shoes can make a significant difference in a child’s comfort, confidence, and ability to focus at school.

“We are grateful to our Rotary members and community supporters who made this donation possible,” said Sam Steiner, President of the Junction City Rotary Club. “This project reflects Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self and our dedication to meeting real needs right here in our community.”

The Junction City Rotary Club regularly partners with local schools and organizations to support education, health, and community well-being through service projects, donations, and volunteer efforts.

For more information about the Junction City Rotary Club or to get involved, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCRotaryClub">facebook.com/JCRotaryClub</a>.

Junction City Rotary Club Donates Shoes to Grandview Elementary Students

RILEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Friday in Riley&nbsp; County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Chevy Lumina driven by Stephen Lynn&nbsp;Williams, 63, Green, Kansas, was southbound&nbsp;on U.S. 77 at U.S. 24 and struck pedestrian identified as Thomas William&nbsp;McHugh, 77, Riley, in the southbound lane. McHugh landed in the northbound lane. A northbound 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by Jude Lewis Benson, 20, Clay Center, also struck McHugh.

EMS transported McHugh, Williams and a passenger in the car Brenda Lynn Williams, 71, Green, Kansas, to Via Christi in Manhattan. McHugh was pronounced deceased. Benson was not injured. The occupants of both vehicles were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Riley Co. man dies after struck by a car and a pickup

KANSAS CITY—Two men are facing charges for fatal shooting that occurred at a Kansas City gas station in September.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2781/Fleck-Vasquez-Complaint--PC-">Undrellius K. Fleck and Jordan A. Vasque</a>z, 18, each are charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Robbery, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to a gas station in south Kansas City on Sept. 6 and located the victim, later identified as&nbsp;23-year-old Kenneth Hutt suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was confirmed deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Detectives reviewed surveillance video and determined Fleck was at the gas station purchasing gas when Hutt entered the store with what appeared to be a pistol tucked under his left arm. Fleck and Vasquez entered the gas station looking at Hutt. Fleck was holding a Glock style firearm with what appeared to be modified with a switch. Vasquez pulled out a small AK pistol and passed it to Fleck, who approached Hutt and grabbed his pistol. Vasquez also approached Hutt and attempted to grab his pistol.&nbsp;

As Hutt attempted to regain control of his firearm, Fleck fired the fully automatic firearm toward him. When Hutt dropped to the ground, Fleck grabbed his pistol and both defendants fled.&nbsp;

Detectives identified the defendants through multiple investigative leads.

On Dec. 18, Fleck was certified through Jackson County Juvenile Courts as an adult.&nbsp; A Jackson County judge set both Fleck and Vasquez’s bond at $500,000 each cash-only.

Teens attacked, killed man in Kansas City gas station

SEDGWICK COUNTY–A&nbsp; woman accused in the shooting death of her boyfriend on his birthday was in court on Friday.

A jury found Amunique Cavitt, 19 of Wichita, guilty of 2nd degree intentional murder with a domestic violence finding, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Around noon April 23, 2024, police responded to the 1400 block of Minnesota Avenue in Wichita following reports of a shooting., according to police spokesman Andrew Ford. First responders found 34-year-old&nbsp; Norman E. Carter III with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body.

Responding officers immediately started life-saving measures until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported Carter to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead at 1:01 p.m, according to Ford.&nbsp; It was his birthday, according to<a href="https://www.heavenlygatesmortuary.com/obituary/norman-carter"> his obituary.</a>

Police detained a person of interest in their investigation and later booked&nbsp; Amunique Cavitt into jail. The district attorney's office has not released a date for her sentencing.

Jury: Kansas woman killed her boyfriend on his birthday

SEWARD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 6a.m. Monday in Seward County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Aaron Bradley&nbsp;Patton, 26, Liberal, was eastbound on U.S. 54 just east of County Road 9. The pickup crossed over the fog line onto the eastbound shoulder and collided with an unknown stopped vehicle . The stopped vehicle left the collision scene prior to notification of the collision to law enforcement and has not yet been identified.

Patton was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Hornung Family Funeral Home.&nbsp; Patton was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after crash with vehicle that fled 

LOS ANGELES (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/barry-manilow">Barry Manilow</a>&nbsp;will be having surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung and will reschedule his January concerts, the singer announced Monday.

Manilow, 82, said doctors found the cancer after he had an extended bout of bronchitis — six weeks, then a relapse of another five weeks.

“My wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK,” Manilow wrote&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSkevRHFPfU/?hl=en&amp;img_index=3" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>. “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early.”

The singer added that doctors don’t believe cancer has spread, so for now he expects “No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and ‘I Love Lucy’ reruns.”

A statement issued by Manilow’s representatives specified that the spot was a stage one tumor, and that the surgery would take place in late December.

Manilow will be recovering for the month of January and plans to return to action with Valentine’s weekend concerts beginning Feb. 12 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, and then his arena concerts will resume Feb. 28 in Tampa, Florida.

Manilow was&nbsp;<a href="https://barrymanilow.com/" target="_blank">due to perform 10 concerts</a>&nbsp;in January at nine locations in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Ohio. They will now be held in February.

Barry Manilow, 82, reveals cancer diagnosis

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs on Monday announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas, according to a media release from the governor's office.

The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.

The agreement was approved today by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) with strong bipartisan support.&nbsp; It will be a public-private partnership between the state and the Chiefs organization – and it will require no funds from the current state budget and no new taxes on Kansans. A fact sheet of the agreement and the independent Economic Impact Study can be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fchiefs-media-kit/1/0101019b47e3cc60-79d5a159-71bd-4dd8-9989-4634449a8d4e-000000/sqv0F-XILtGTBeOIeE7COgUvwiuDKDzH7f9cgKFBdrs=436">found here</a>.

The project will be financed through a public-private partnership (60% public - 40% private). The public portion is funded through&nbsp;Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund&nbsp;– both funding mechanisms established specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget.&nbsp; The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council. The STAR bonds have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated by this project in neighboring communities to fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion of their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fprogram%2Fcommunity-programs%2Fstar-bonds%2F/1/0101019b47e3cc60-79d5a159-71bd-4dd8-9989-4634449a8d4e-000000/w6Q6rqfl0t1i1WOrOK2YcpE1h29RfpiF5DBiZJE9W7g=436">click here</a>.

Chiefs announce move to Kansas: Details on new domed stadium 

<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.

You could be a billionaire before Christmas: Powerball Monday night

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers approved a proposal Monday to help pay for a new stadium for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kansas-city-chiefs">the Kansas City Chiefs</a>, which is expected to lure one of the NFL's iconic franchises across the state line from Missouri and replace popular but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-stadium-c90881d77888591bbaec75a03c6d9f5c">aging Arrowhead Stadium</a>.

(Click below to watch the roll call vote)

The Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, voted unanimously inside a packed room at the state capitol to allow for STAR bonds to be issued to cover up to 70% of the cost of a stadium and accompanying district. The bonds would be paid off with state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around it.

The council meeting was attended by Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and team president Mark Donovan, along with other officials. They are expected to announce their intention to move later Monday from their longtime home in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has called a news conference for 3 p.m. local time “to present a major economic development announcement for the State of Kansas and the Kansas City Region.” She will be joined by legislators and Kansas City-area representatives.

The most likely landing place for the Chiefs is Kansas City, Kansas, near the Kansas Speedway and a retail and entertainment district known as The Legends. The area is also home to Children's Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City.

The move by the Chiefs would be a massive blow to Missouri lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who had been working on their own package to prevent a second NFL franchise in a decade from leaving their borders. The Rams left St. Louis for Los Angeles in part due to their inability to secure funding to help replace The Dome at America’s Center.

Kehoe had backed a special legislative session in June to authorize bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.

Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, has been working to keep both the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals on the Missouri side of the state line. He has called a news conference for later Monday regarding “sports team developments.”

The Chiefs originally planned an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium in a joint effort with the Royals, who are similarly planning to build a new facility to replace Kauffman Stadium. The facilities sit a couple of hundred yards across the parking lot from each other, and both teams have leases with Jackson County, Missouri, that expire in January 2031.

Last year, Jackson County voters soundly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-kansas-city-stadiums-e9605296b85e91699441e4ba10e83212">defeated a local sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;which would have helped to pay for those renovations to the football stadium while helping to fund a new ballpark for the Royals in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

The Royals were not discussed by Kansas lawmakers Monday, but momentum appears to be building behind their own move across the state line. An affiliate of the club already has purchased the mortgage on a tract of land in Overland Park, Kansas.

Hunt has long said his preference was to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, which was beloved by his father and team founder, the late Lamar Hunt. It is considered one of the jewels of the NFL, alongside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and is revered for its tailgating scene and home-field advantage; it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar.

This summer, Arrowhead Stadium will host six World Cup matches, including matches in the Round of 32 and quarterfinals.

Lamar Hunt established the Chiefs on August 14, 1959. The team was originally based in Dallas and known as the Texans, but Hunt was convinced by then-Kansas City Mayor H. Roe Bartle to relocate the team to Missouri with promises of tripling the team's season-ticket sales and expanding the seating capacity of Municipal Stadium.

In 1972, the team moved into Arrowhead Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex just east of downtown Kansas City.

The stadium has undergone numerous renovations through the years, allowing it to stay relevant in a changing sports landscape. But there has been little economic development around the stadium, the facility itself is starting to show wear and tear, and there is a limit to the number of luxury suites and amenities that the franchise can utilize to help drive revenue.

While the Hunt family has long loved Arrowhead Stadium, it has warmed in recent years to the idea of a replacement.

Not only would it solve many of the shortcomings of the Chiefs' longtime home, a new facility with a fixed or retractable roof would allow them to use it year-round. That would mean the potential for hosting more concerts and events, college football bowl games, the Final Four and perhaps one of Lamar Hunt's long-held dreams: a Super Bowl.

Kan. lawmakers approve proposal to help Chiefs build new stadium in Kansas

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Sunday announced he is appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to serve as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, the vast, semi-autonomous territory of Denmark that Trump has said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-offshore-drilling-gulf-of-america-fa66f8d072eb39c00a8128a8941ede75">U.S. needs to take over.</a>

“Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World,” Trump said in announcing the appointment.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-greenland-norway-panama-canal-canada-a52858e3075f9b5ad95e78753293fc1f">during his presidential transition</a>&nbsp;and in the early months of his return to the White House repeatedly called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, and has not ruled out military force to take control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island.

The issue had drifted out of the headlines in recent months, but in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denmark-greenland-us-trump-6c9544314792cf1e287e21af06111c1e">Danish officials summoned the U.S. ambassador</a>&nbsp;following a report that at least three people with connections to Trump had carried out covert influence operations in Greenland.

Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-american-military-pituffik-space-base-denmark-746d67b1bc8e6681328a809787412495">U.S. military base</a>&nbsp;on the island and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-dd58fe169672042f803886da55ff3c0b">accused Denmark of underinvesting</a>&nbsp;there.

Trump has said that Greenland is crucial for U.S. security and hasn’t ruled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-834785773189f2f12ec6b09f8c5a9321">taking the island by military force</a>, even though Denmark is a NATO ally of the U.S.

Landry took office as governor in January 2024. His term ends in January 2028.

“It's an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” Landry wrote in a posting on X in which he thanked Trump for the appointment. He added, "This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”

Denmark, a NATO ally of the U.S., and Greenland have said the island is not for sale and condemned reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence there. The U.S. push for Greenland is also opposed by Russia and much of Europe.

The Embassy of Denmark in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Landry's appointment.

The Danish Defense Intelligence Service said in a report earlier this month that the United States is using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against friend and foe alike.

The service, in its annual assessment, said Washington’s greater assertiveness under the Trump administration also comes as China and Russia seek to diminish Western, especially American, influence.

"The strategic importance of the Arctic is rising as the conflict between Russia and the West intensifies, and the growing security and strategic focus on the Arctic by the United States will further accelerate these developments,” the report said.

Trump takes next step in effort to make Greenland part of U.S.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the death of a 4-year-old boy is due back in court on Monday.&nbsp;

On Dec. 12, Judge Rodger Woods charged 34-year-old Daniel Martin with&nbsp; first degree murder and child abuse in the death of Tiuri Blunt-Porrata, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 3:30p.m. Dec. 8, police&nbsp; responded to a medical call regarding an unresponsive 4-year-old child in the 2600 block of South Topeka in Wichita, according to police department spokesman Andrew Ford. The child identified as Tirui Blunt-Porrata, according to an online fundraiser, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and was pronounced deceased at 4:07 p.m.

Police arrested Martin and booked him, into the Sedgwick County Jail where he remains on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.

On December 16, police arrested the boy's mother 27-year-old Tyne Blunt in connection with the boy's death. A Sedgwick County judge charged her with first-degree murder and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Blunt is being held on a  a $750,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on December 29, according to the district attorney's office.

Suspect in 4-year-old's death is due back in court

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Project relies on combination of state and federal funding, donations and bond debt

TOPEKA — The total price of constructing research and clinical facilities for the new University of Kansas Cancer Center increased nearly $80 million to accommodate plans for additional laboratory space and in response to general inflation, tariff and labor cost spikes.

Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center, said financial requirements of transforming the campus in Kansas City, Kansas, to fulfill the promise of a coveted federal designation as a comprehensive cancer center was estimated in November 2023 to total $250 million. He said the current assessment pegged the project cost at $329 million, which would amount to a 30% escalation in the budget.

Presentations to the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Board of Regents indicated decisions to add 70,000 square feet to the project for research purposes, enough to allow 44 principal laboratories rather than the original 32, would elevate the cost by $67.5 million. Escalation in materials and labor expenses added $6 million to the bottom line. In addition, planners committed $6 million more to the contingency fund.

In May, ground was broken for the cancer center complex. The plan calls for occupancy of the new research building in February 2028. Renovation of the nearby Hemenway Life Sciences and Innovation Center would connect it to the research hub of the cancer center. The entire complex would be operational by February 2029.

“It’s going to be an incredible catalyst for, I think, further growth of the cancer center,” Jensen said. “We’re super excited to have this in progress right now.”

The cancer center complex at 39th and Rainbow campus was designed to provide patients with access to groundbreaking clinical trials and therapies, KU officials said. Physicians and researchers engaged in cancer research and treatment would be brought together to make personalized care more readily available.

Jensen said KU Medical Center attracted 8,500 new cancer patients annually, an increase from 1,700 new patients in 2004. The volume of research at the medical center has grown over the past 20 years from $14 million annually to $94 million annually, he said.

“With that significant growth, we’re in need of an expansion,” Jensen said. “We’re currently in 10 different buildings just on the medical center campus. A big reason for this project was to begin to consolidate.”

Under the revised $329 million budget endorsed by the Board of Regents, the cancer center project would rely on $75 million in state aid, $60.7 million in federal appropriations, $57.2 million in private donations, $98 million in bond debt and $38 million from cash reserves and contributions from KU Health System.

“The Legislature’s allocation of $75 million played a key role in allowing us to move forward with this project,” Jensen said. “The office of Sen. (Jerry) Moran has also been quite helpful with a number of congressionally directed spending allocations.”

Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said unresolved pieces of the puzzle included the potential of supplemental federal funding. U.S. Senate legislation pending in Washington, D.C., would earmark $36 million more to the KU Cancer Center, which Waymaster suggested could be dedicated to reducing KU’s bond debt obligations.

Jensen said extra federal aid might moderate costs of borrowing, but the infusion also could allow shifting of resources to better incentivize hiring of cancer center researchers.

“Some of the cash on hand that’s being set aside for this building could then be used to help us to build recruiting packages to help bring new investigators to the cancer center,” he said.

In 2012, KU was federally designated by the U.S. National Cancer Institute as a clinical cancer center. KU Cancer Center was declared a comprehensive center in 2022, which was the highest level of recognition awarded by NCI.

Fifty-four comprehensive cancer centers have been established in the United States — a figure representing 1% of all cancer treatment facilities in the country, Jensen said.

“It’s impressive,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. “I think people should know that because it didn’t happen by accident.”

Extra lab space, inflation drives cost of University of Kansas Cancer Center to $329 million

Wichita State University men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills is sharing a deeply personal story after surviving a life-threatening cardiac emergency earlier this month—an experience he says could have ended very differently had even a few circumstances changed.

Mills explained that two weeks ago, following a road game at Northern Iowa, he began experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing immediately after the final buzzer.

“I realized something wasn’t right,” Mills said. “It felt like my chest had a skeletal fracture, and it was extremely hard to breathe.”

Despite the pain, Mills completed postgame responsibilities before sitting down in the locker room, exhausted and struggling to move. With a winter storm impacting travel plans, the team ultimately boarded a late-night flight rather than returning by bus. Mills said that decision may have saved his life.

After landing shortly after 1 a.m., Mills told his wife he needed to go to the hospital. Doctors immediately performed an EKG and identified abnormalities, admitting him overnight while a cardiac team was called in. Mills said the next thing he remembers is waking up after undergoing emergency cardiac surgery.

Doctors later told Mills his right coronary artery was 100 percent blocked and had gone without blood flow for approximately six hours. Multiple stents were inserted to restore circulation.

According to his cardiologist, survival rates for that type of cardiac event drop to about 50 percent if treatment is not received within the first hour.

“There were so many moments where this could have gone the other way,” Mills said. “If we had gotten on a bus, if I had gone to a hotel, if I had gone to the wrong hospital, or if I had ignored the pain and gone to sleep—I likely wouldn’t be here.”

Mills credited what he described as a series of providential circumstances for his survival, noting that he does not drink or smoke and runs regularly.

“I thought I was doing everything right,” he said. “What I didn’t realize was that about 80 percent of my cholesterol issue was hereditary.”

Despite being released from the intensive care unit on a Wednesday, Mills returned to the bench just days later for Wichita State’s game against DePaul, under strict medical supervision and while wearing heart-monitoring equipment.

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