TOPEKA&nbsp;– The&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/1/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/7v3sX41WVujpU5S5oDNfVdUtl4bGe0JJUeZLnMafa3A=417">Kansas&nbsp;Wildlife&nbsp;and Parks Commission</a>&nbsp;will hold its next public meeting on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2FUpcoming-Meeting-Information%2FAugust-14-2025-Garden-City-KS%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/1/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/vAZKVyFc9VkO3bCZCuVzCeePlbaEJfBgQWpPIZIcoto=417">Thursday, August 14, 2025</a>, at the Finnup Center at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City. The meeting will begin at noon and continue until all agenda items are addressed.

Attendees can participate in the meetings in person or virtually. Instructions for joining via Zoom, phone, or live streaming are available&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2FHow-to-Attend-Commission-Meetings-Virtually%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/1/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/BWUVxYbMNQdr-bnVFrJgK907qnpuP2ur2nsx-t0CuJ4=417">HERE</a>&nbsp;under “How To Attend Commission Meetings Virtually.”

The meeting will begin with a report from the Kansas Department of&nbsp;Wildlife&nbsp;and Parks, including a public hearing on the following regulations:

Commissioners will also receive updates on regulations currently in the promulgation process.

The meeting will conclude with an additional opportunity for public comment.

The complete agenda can be viewed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2FUpcoming-Meeting-Information%2FAugust-14-2025-Garden-City-KS%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/2/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/LgbKoYmp5OyXa94_N5C2OtbMPUzH91LcQ3lYO-jy95o=417">HERE</a>.

An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Individuals with disabilities may request other accommodations by contacting KDWP at (785) 294-2645.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The&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/1/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/7v3sX41WVujpU5S5oDNfVdUtl4bGe0JJUeZLnMafa3A=417">Kansas&nbsp;Wildlife&nbsp;and Parks Commission</a>&nbsp;will hold its next public meeting on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2FUpcoming-Meeting-Information%2FAugust-14-2025-Garden-City-KS%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/1/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/vAZKVyFc9VkO3bCZCuVzCeePlbaEJfBgQWpPIZIcoto=417">Thursday, August 14, 2025</a>, at the Finnup Center at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City. The meeting will begin at noon and continue until all agenda items are addressed.Attendees can participate in the meetings in person or virtually. Instructions for joining via Zoom, phone, or live streaming are available&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2FHow-to-Attend-Commission-Meetings-Virtually%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/1/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/BWUVxYbMNQdr-bnVFrJgK907qnpuP2ur2nsx-t0CuJ4=417">HERE</a>&nbsp;under “How To Attend Commission Meetings Virtually.”The meeting will begin with a report from the Kansas Department of&nbsp;Wildlife&nbsp;and Parks, including a public hearing on the following regulations:<ul>
 <li>K.A.R. 115-2-1 – Trout Fee and Senior License FeesEstablishing a 5-year Resident Senior Hunting OR Fishing License (ages 65–74) for $50.Establishing a 5-year Resident Senior Hunting AND Fishing Combo License (ages 65–74) for $90.Increasing the trout permit fee from $12 to $17.50.</li><li>Establishing a 5-year Resident Senior Hunting OR Fishing License (ages 65–74) for $50.</li><li>Establishing a 5-year Resident Senior Hunting AND Fishing Combo License (ages 65–74) for $90.</li><li>Increasing the trout permit fee from $12 to $17.50.</li><li>K.A.R. 115-4-4 – Nonlead Muzzleloader ShotExpanding allowable projectile types for muzzleloaders, enabling use of modern, non-lead (non-toxic) options.</li><li>Expanding allowable projectile types for muzzleloaders, enabling use of modern, non-lead (non-toxic) options.</li><li>K.A.R. 115-25-9 – Deer SeasonsUpdating season dates, units, and permit limits for the 2025–2026 Extended White-tailed Antlerless-only Firearm Season:Proposed Season DatesUnit 3: Jan. 1–4, 2026Units 4–10, 16: Jan. 1–11, 2026Units 11–15, 19: Jan. 1–18, 2026Proposed Permit LimitsNo WAO permits: Units 1, 2, 17, 18One WAO permit: Unit 3Four additional WAO permits: Units 4-10, 16Nine additional WAO permits: Units 11-15, 19 (on non-KDWP-managed lands, except Berentz-Dick and Elk City&nbsp;Wildlife&nbsp;Areas)</li><li>Updating season dates, units, and permit limits for the 2025–2026 Extended White-tailed Antlerless-only Firearm Season:Proposed Season DatesUnit 3: Jan. 1–4, 2026Units 4–10, 16: Jan. 1–11, 2026Units 11–15, 19: Jan. 1–18, 2026Proposed Permit LimitsNo WAO permits: Units 1, 2, 17, 18One WAO permit: Unit 3Four additional WAO permits: Units 4-10, 16Nine additional WAO permits: Units 11-15, 19 (on non-KDWP-managed lands, except Berentz-Dick and Elk City&nbsp;Wildlife&nbsp;Areas)</li><li>Proposed Season DatesUnit 3: Jan. 1–4, 2026Units 4–10, 16: Jan. 1–11, 2026Units 11–15, 19: Jan. 1–18, 2026</li><li>Unit 3: Jan. 1–4, 2026</li><li>Units 4–10, 16: Jan. 1–11, 2026</li><li>Units 11–15, 19: Jan. 1–18, 2026</li><li>Proposed Permit LimitsNo WAO permits: Units 1, 2, 17, 18One WAO permit: Unit 3Four additional WAO permits: Units 4-10, 16Nine additional WAO permits: Units 11-15, 19 (on non-KDWP-managed lands, except Berentz-Dick and Elk City&nbsp;Wildlife&nbsp;Areas)</li><li>No WAO permits: Units 1, 2, 17, 18</li><li>One WAO permit: Unit 3</li><li>Four additional WAO permits: Units 4-10, 16</li><li>Nine additional WAO permits: Units 11-15, 19 (on non-KDWP-managed lands, except Berentz-Dick and Elk City&nbsp;Wildlife&nbsp;Areas)</li><li>K.A.R. 115-25-9a – Deer Seasons on Military UnitsSetting specific deer season dates for Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and Smoky Hill Air National Guard, including antlerless-only and extended firearm opportunities.Fort RileyPre-rut White-tailed Antlerless Firearm: Oct. 11-13, 2025White-tailed Antlerless-only Firearm: Nov. 28-30, 2025Firearm: Dec. 13-21, 2025Extended Firearm White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 1-11, 2026Fort LeavenworthFirearm: Nov. 15-16, Nov. 22-23, Nov. 27-30, Dec. 6-7, and Dec. 13-14, 2025Extended Firearm White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 1-18. 2026Archery White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 19-31, 2026Smoky Hill Air National GuardFirearm: Dec. 3-14, 2025</li><li>Setting specific deer season dates for Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and Smoky Hill Air National Guard, including antlerless-only and extended firearm opportunities.Fort RileyPre-rut White-tailed Antlerless Firearm: Oct. 11-13, 2025White-tailed Antlerless-only Firearm: Nov. 28-30, 2025Firearm: Dec. 13-21, 2025Extended Firearm White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 1-11, 2026Fort LeavenworthFirearm: Nov. 15-16, Nov. 22-23, Nov. 27-30, Dec. 6-7, and Dec. 13-14, 2025Extended Firearm White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 1-18. 2026Archery White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 19-31, 2026Smoky Hill Air National GuardFirearm: Dec. 3-14, 2025</li><li>Fort RileyPre-rut White-tailed Antlerless Firearm: Oct. 11-13, 2025White-tailed Antlerless-only Firearm: Nov. 28-30, 2025Firearm: Dec. 13-21, 2025Extended Firearm White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 1-11, 2026</li><li>Pre-rut White-tailed Antlerless Firearm: Oct. 11-13, 2025</li><li>White-tailed Antlerless-only Firearm: Nov. 28-30, 2025</li><li>Firearm: Dec. 13-21, 2025</li><li>Extended Firearm White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 1-11, 2026</li><li>Fort LeavenworthFirearm: Nov. 15-16, Nov. 22-23, Nov. 27-30, Dec. 6-7, and Dec. 13-14, 2025Extended Firearm White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 1-18. 2026Archery White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 19-31, 2026</li><li>Firearm: Nov. 15-16, Nov. 22-23, Nov. 27-30, Dec. 6-7, and Dec. 13-14, 2025</li><li>Extended Firearm White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 1-18. 2026</li><li>Archery White-tailed Antlerless-only: Jan. 19-31, 2026</li><li>Smoky Hill Air National GuardFirearm: Dec. 3-14, 2025</li><li>Firearm: Dec. 3-14, 2025</li><li>K.A.R. 115-25-12 – Coyote SeasonsExtending the night vision coyote hunting season to run from September 1 through March 31, excluding the following periods:The first Saturday in September and the 22 consecutive days following (total of 23 days)The Wednesday following Thanksgiving and the 11 consecutive days following (total of 12 days)If approved, the 2025-2026 night vision coyote hunting season would begin September 29 and run through December 2, then resume December 15 through March 31, 2026. The September 1-5 window will not be in effect for 2025 due to regulatory timelines.</li><li>Extending the night vision coyote hunting season to run from September 1 through March 31, excluding the following periods:The first Saturday in September and the 22 consecutive days following (total of 23 days)The Wednesday following Thanksgiving and the 11 consecutive days following (total of 12 days)</li><li>The first Saturday in September and the 22 consecutive days following (total of 23 days)</li><li>The Wednesday following Thanksgiving and the 11 consecutive days following (total of 12 days)</li><li>If approved, the 2025-2026 night vision coyote hunting season would begin September 29 and run through December 2, then resume December 15 through March 31, 2026. The September 1-5 window will not be in effect for 2025 due to regulatory timelines.</li><li>K.A.R. 115-5-1 – Coyote Equipment, Taking MethodsUpdating the season dates established by K.A.R. 115-25-12.</li><li>Updating the season dates established by K.A.R. 115-25-12.</li>
 </ul>Commissioners will also receive updates on regulations currently in the promulgation process.Other agenda items include:<ul>
 <li>General public comment</li><li>Remarks from KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy</li><li>Informational updates on Kansas State Park camping fees</li><li>General discussion on nonresident waterfowl hunting</li><li>Review of additional topics that may be voted on at a future meeting</li>
 </ul>The meeting will conclude with an additional opportunity for public comment.The complete agenda can be viewed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2FUpcoming-Meeting-Information%2FAugust-14-2025-Garden-City-KS%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/2/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/LgbKoYmp5OyXa94_N5C2OtbMPUzH91LcQ3lYO-jy95o=417">HERE</a>.Attendees can participate in the meetings in person or virtually. Instructions for joining via Zoom, phone, or live streaming are available&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fksoutdoors.gov%2FKDWP-Info%2FCommission%2FHow-to-Attend-Commission-Meetings-Virtually%2F%3Futm_source=news%26utm_medium=press-release%26utm_campaign=commission/1/0101019884ff78c3-13a6a0be-a232-49d5-ac6a-d9fe10757a0a-000000/BWUVxYbMNQdr-bnVFrJgK907qnpuP2ur2nsx-t0CuJ4=417">HERE</a>&nbsp;under “How To Attend Commission Meetings Virtually.”An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Individuals with disabilities may request other accommodations by contacting KDWP at (785) 294-2645.

Kan. wildlife officials to review deer, coyote and trout regulations

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Kennedy Center is proud to announce our incredible lineup of 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees: •George Strait (<a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeStrait?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GeorgeStrait</a>) •Michael Crawford •Sylvester Stallone (<a href="https://twitter.com/TheSlyStallone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheSlyStallone</a>) •Gloria Gaynor (<a href="https://twitter.com/gloriagaynor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GloriaGaynor</a>) •Kiss (<a href="https://twitter.com/kiss?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kiss</a>) Congratulations to our 48th Class! <a href="https://t.co/y8iWt4U0Lq">pic.twitter.com/y8iWt4U0Lq</a>&mdash; The Kennedy Center (@kencen) <a href="https://twitter.com/kencen/status/1955665540208603319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeStrait?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GeorgeStrait</a> as a 2025 Kennedy Center Honors nominee <a href="https://t.co/QWJ89jYXIE">pic.twitter.com/QWJ89jYXIE</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1955655797846732992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces Michael Crawford as a 2025 Kennedy Center Honors nominee. <a href="https://t.co/wDpNxgSrSG">pic.twitter.com/wDpNxgSrSG</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1955656852529889353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces <a href="https://twitter.com/kiss?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kiss</a> as a 2025 Kennedy Center Honors nominee <a href="https://t.co/2humQiLBio">pic.twitter.com/2humQiLBio</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1955658164130775127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces legendary actor <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSlyStallone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheSlyStallone</a> as a 2025 Kennedy Center Honors nominee <a href="https://t.co/wOro0slUCx">pic.twitter.com/wOro0slUCx</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1955658539453554690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> announces <a href="https://twitter.com/gloriagaynor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gloriagaynor</a> as a 2025 Kennedy Center Honors nominee <a href="https://t.co/YPztXwvCeZ">pic.twitter.com/YPztXwvCeZ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1955658293734707559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Country music legend among Kennedy Center honor nominees

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a four-vehicle crash that sent three people to the hospital.

Just before 7p.m. Tuesday, a black Chevrolet Malibu was eastbound on 18th Street at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

 At 18th and Indiana, The Chevrolet struck a northbound Toyota Highlander.&nbsp; The Chevrolet then struck a westbound Dodge Durango. The impact forced the Toyota into a rotational spin and redirected the Toyota into the westbound lanes of 18th Street. 

As the Toyota was spinning, it struck a red Ford Taurus and a black Chrysler 200 that were both traveling westbound on 18th Street before coming to rest. 

EMS transported the driver of the Toyota to a local hospital with critical injuries. The rear seat juvenile passenger of the Toyota was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The passenger of the Chevrolet was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

All of the drivers and or passengers of the Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and Chrysler fled the scene of the collision prior to the arrival of the responding officers. 

The driver of the Toyota was in critical, but stable condition Wednesday morning, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; The rear seat juvenile passenger of the Toyota and the passenger of the Chevrolet are both in stable condition. Police released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a four-vehicle crash that sent three people to the hospital.Just before 7p.m. Tuesday, a black Chevrolet Malibu was eastbound on 18th Street at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. At 18th and Indiana, The Chevrolet struck a northbound Toyota Highlander.&nbsp; The Chevrolet then struck a westbound Dodge Durango. The impact forced the Toyota into a rotational spin and redirected the Toyota into the westbound lanes of 18th Street. As the Toyota was spinning, it struck a red Ford Taurus and a black Chrysler 200 that were both traveling westbound on 18th Street before coming to rest. EMS transported the driver of the Toyota to a local hospital with critical injuries. The rear seat juvenile passenger of the Toyota was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The passenger of the Chevrolet was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. All of the drivers and or passengers of the Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and Chrysler fled the scene of the collision prior to the arrival of the responding officers. The driver of the Toyota was in critical, but stable condition Wednesday morning, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; The rear seat juvenile passenger of the Toyota and the passenger of the Chevrolet are both in stable condition. Police released no additional details.

KCPD: 4 drivers fled after 5-vehicle critical injury crash

LAWRENCE, Kan.—&nbsp;Just days before the Kansas Jayhawks football season kickoff against Fresno State on Aug. 23, the University of Kansas announced an unprecedented gift from alumnus David G. Booth of Austin, Texas. The extraordinary gift, amounting to approximately $300 million, is the largest in Kansas Athletics and University of Kansas history, and is among the largest single gifts in the history of college athletics, according to a media release from the university.&nbsp;

Booth, a graduate of both Lawrence High School and KU, is an investing legend and founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors — a global investment firm that manages $853 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025. Booth's visionary gift includes a $75 million challenge to other donors that launches the next phase of progress on the Gateway District and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The remainder of his commitment will generate a stream of income that will strengthen Kansas Athletics across generations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"David's unprecedented generosity is transformative now and for our future," said KU Athletics Director and Vice Chancellor&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/staff-directory/travis-goff/166">Travis Goff</a>. "It accelerates phase II of the Gateway District and the new 'Booth' and inspires others to step up and join in completing this vision. We're profoundly grateful for David's leadership and extraordinary impact on generations of student-athletes and fans. There is no more generous and impactful Jayhawk, and we are so fortunate to call him a friend and mentor."&nbsp;

It's not just the scale of the gift that is remarkable, but what it will accomplish. Booth's commitment will propel the Gateway District's next phase, which adds to private and civic investment for a new hotel, additional retail and restaurant spaces, student housing, improved parking and an outdoor event plaza.

The remainder of Booth's gift will allow Kansas Athletics to be strategic, innovative and maintain a leadership position in college athletics. With the advent of revenue sharing and the continued changes in NCAA and conference dynamics, his generosity will help enable KU to take the next step in cementing itself as a national leader in college athletics.

"David has always believed in the power of athletics to unite communities, generate Jayhawk spirit and create lasting bonds between alumni, students and fans," said KU Chancellor Douglas A. Girod. "His generosity is inspiring, and his loyalty to KU runs deep. We are beyond grateful for his transformative gift."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For Booth, giving back to KU is an investment in the university and its mission. He hopes his philanthropy will inspire others to also support the Gateway District project and what he calls "the prototype for future football stadiums" at whatever level they can.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"One of life's greatest privileges is being able to give back to the people and places that gave so much to you," said Booth. "KU and Lawrence are a big part of my story, and it means a lot to support the community that invested in me. Philanthropy, like investing, pays dividends over time. Each gift compounds, creating opportunities not just for today, but for years to come. This is really about the future we're building."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

When he was a child, Booth's parents, Gilbert and Betty Booth, moved the family from their home in Garnett, Kansas, to Lawrence at 1931 Naismith Drive, near Allen Fieldhouse. The family gathered regularly to listen to KU games on the radio, glued to Max Falkenstien's iconic voice. At the age of 13, Booth attended his first game through the Boy Scouts, working as an usher in the football stadium. He later worked basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse by selling popcorn in the stands.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Lawrence High graduate attended KU, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1968 and a Master of Science in Business in 1969 before earning his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago in 1971.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Booth founded Dimensional Fund Advisors in 1981 to apply the principles of financial science to practical investment solutions. Booth started Dimensional in collaboration with several others from the University of Chicago, including Booth's mentor, former professor and Nobel Laureate Eugene Fama, and classmate Rex Sinquefield, who co-founded the firm. Booth and Dimensional have been recognized for helping transform the industry toward more transparent, low-cost and data-driven solutions for investors. That story was recently profiled by Academy Award winning director Errol Morris in the film "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T98825bzcKw" target="_blank">Tune Out the Noise</a>."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Booth's landmark gift is the most recent in his long legacy of support at KU, helping transform athletics and its impact for the university. Booth provided a foundational gift of $50 million in 2017 to kick off renovations at the stadium, which was named for him in 2018. In 2010, he donated James Naismith's original rules of basketball to the university, a top attraction at the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, which he and his family provided $5 million for in 2004, followed by $4 million for subsequent improvements. His philanthropy is legendary and extends across areas, including the arts and academics. In 2008, he provided a gift valued at $300 million to the University of Chicago School of Business, where he earned his MBA. The school was named the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in his honor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

With KU's football season opener around the corner, Booth's excitement to get back to the stadium is growing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I feel the same inspiration that I felt as an usher in the stadium in 1960," Booth said. "I was blown away by all the people in the stands, the Jayhawk spirit. I'm feeling the same way now — I'm ready to celebrate with everyone."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755093387790.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan.—&nbsp;Just days before the Kansas Jayhawks football season kickoff against Fresno State on Aug. 23, the University of Kansas announced an unprecedented gift from alumnus David G. Booth of Austin, Texas. The extraordinary gift, amounting to approximately $300 million, is the largest in Kansas Athletics and University of Kansas history, and is among the largest single gifts in the history of college athletics, according to a media release from the university.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">For every Jayhawk today and tomorrow – Thank you, David Booth. 🔗→<a href="https://t.co/eF80fPxmfc">https://t.co/eF80fPxmfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/oQGvOatSk6">pic.twitter.com/oQGvOatSk6</a>&mdash; Kansas Jayhawks (@KUAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUAthletics/status/1955625648334032933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script</div>Booth, a graduate of both Lawrence High School and KU, is an investing legend and founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors — a global investment firm that manages $853 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025. Booth's visionary gift includes a $75 million challenge to other donors that launches the next phase of progress on the Gateway District and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The remainder of his commitment will generate a stream of income that will strengthen Kansas Athletics across generations.&nbsp;&nbsp;"David's unprecedented generosity is transformative now and for our future," said KU Athletics Director and Vice Chancellor&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/staff-directory/travis-goff/166">Travis Goff</a>. "It accelerates phase II of the Gateway District and the new 'Booth' and inspires others to step up and join in completing this vision. We're profoundly grateful for David's leadership and extraordinary impact on generations of student-athletes and fans. There is no more generous and impactful Jayhawk, and we are so fortunate to call him a friend and mentor."&nbsp;It's not just the scale of the gift that is remarkable, but what it will accomplish. Booth's commitment will propel the Gateway District's next phase, which adds to private and civic investment for a new hotel, additional retail and restaurant spaces, student housing, improved parking and an outdoor event plaza.The remainder of Booth's gift will allow Kansas Athletics to be strategic, innovative and maintain a leadership position in college athletics. With the advent of revenue sharing and the continued changes in NCAA and conference dynamics, his generosity will help enable KU to take the next step in cementing itself as a national leader in college athletics."David has always believed in the power of athletics to unite communities, generate Jayhawk spirit and create lasting bonds between alumni, students and fans," said KU Chancellor Douglas A. Girod. "His generosity is inspiring, and his loyalty to KU runs deep. We are beyond grateful for his transformative gift."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For Booth, giving back to KU is an investment in the university and its mission. He hopes his philanthropy will inspire others to also support the Gateway District project and what he calls "the prototype for future football stadiums" at whatever level they can.&nbsp;&nbsp;"One of life's greatest privileges is being able to give back to the people and places that gave so much to you," said Booth. "KU and Lawrence are a big part of my story, and it means a lot to support the community that invested in me. Philanthropy, like investing, pays dividends over time. Each gift compounds, creating opportunities not just for today, but for years to come. This is really about the future we're building."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When he was a child, Booth's parents, Gilbert and Betty Booth, moved the family from their home in Garnett, Kansas, to Lawrence at 1931 Naismith Drive, near Allen Fieldhouse. The family gathered regularly to listen to KU games on the radio, glued to Max Falkenstien's iconic voice. At the age of 13, Booth attended his first game through the Boy Scouts, working as an usher in the football stadium. He later worked basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse by selling popcorn in the stands.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Lawrence High graduate attended KU, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1968 and a Master of Science in Business in 1969 before earning his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago in 1971.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Booth founded Dimensional Fund Advisors in 1981 to apply the principles of financial science to practical investment solutions. Booth started Dimensional in collaboration with several others from the University of Chicago, including Booth's mentor, former professor and Nobel Laureate Eugene Fama, and classmate Rex Sinquefield, who co-founded the firm. Booth and Dimensional have been recognized for helping transform the industry toward more transparent, low-cost and data-driven solutions for investors. That story was recently profiled by Academy Award winning director Errol Morris in the film "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T98825bzcKw" target="_blank">Tune Out the Noise</a>."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Booth's landmark gift is the most recent in his long legacy of support at KU, helping transform athletics and its impact for the university. Booth provided a foundational gift of $50 million in 2017 to kick off renovations at the stadium, which was named for him in 2018. In 2010, he donated James Naismith's original rules of basketball to the university, a top attraction at the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, which he and his family provided $5 million for in 2004, followed by $4 million for subsequent improvements. His philanthropy is legendary and extends across areas, including the arts and academics. In 2008, he provided a gift valued at $300 million to the University of Chicago School of Business, where he earned his MBA. The school was named the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in his honor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With KU's football season opener around the corner, Booth's excitement to get back to the stadium is growing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I feel the same inspiration that I felt as an usher in the stadium in 1960," Booth said. "I was blown away by all the people in the stands, the Jayhawk spirit. I'm feeling the same way now — I'm ready to celebrate with everyone."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥 KU receives among the largest single gifts in the history of college athletics

A Kansas state representative is calling on Gov. Laura Kelly to address allegations of misconduct involving his predecessor, now serving on the Kansas State Fair Board.

Rep. Kyler Sweely, R-Hutchinson, said in a letter to Kelly on Monday that Jason Probst, acted “highly inappropriately” toward him during the Boots and Bling fundraiser for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation on Saturday. Sweely defeated Probst in the 2024 election for the 102nd District seat. Kelly appointed Probst to the Fair Board on July 7.

“Mr. Probst, visibly intoxicated, made disturbing sexual and homophobic comments toward me in front of attendees, and had to be physically held back due to escalating, aggressive behavior,” Sweely wrote in a statement to Hutch Post on Tuesday.

When asked, Jason Probst replied to the accusations saying in a statement, "Kyler Sweely is doing all he can to deflect from his history of abuse and dishonesty. If his feelings get hurt so easily perhaps public service isn’t for him."&nbsp;

In the letter to Gov. Kelly, Sweely said the encounter was not an isolated incident, claiming it was the second time in the past month that Probst had directed a “rant filled with homophobic comments” at him. He urged the governor to “immediately review this matter and take appropriate action” regarding Probst’s continued role on the board.

Kelly’s office confirmed receipt of Sweely’s letter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722265569928.jpeg" alt="Kyler Sweely -file photo" />
 <figcaption>Kyler Sweely -file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;A Kansas state representative is calling on Gov. Laura Kelly to address allegations of misconduct involving his predecessor, now serving on the Kansas State Fair Board.Rep. Kyler Sweely, R-Hutchinson, said in a letter to Kelly on Monday that Jason Probst, acted “highly inappropriately” toward him during the Boots and Bling fundraiser for the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation on Saturday. Sweely defeated Probst in the 2024 election for the 102nd District seat. Kelly appointed Probst to the Fair Board on July 7.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665505897161.jpeg" alt="Jason Probst-file photo" />
 <figcaption>Jason Probst-file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“Mr. Probst, visibly intoxicated, made disturbing sexual and homophobic comments toward me in front of attendees, and had to be physically held back due to escalating, aggressive behavior,” Sweely wrote in a statement to Hutch Post on Tuesday.When asked, Jason Probst replied to the accusations saying in a statement, "Kyler Sweely is doing all he can to deflect from his history of abuse and dishonesty. If his feelings get hurt so easily perhaps public service isn’t for him."&nbsp;In the letter to Gov. Kelly, Sweely said the encounter was not an isolated incident, claiming it was the second time in the past month that Probst had directed a “rant filled with homophobic comments” at him. He urged the governor to “immediately review this matter and take appropriate action” regarding Probst’s continued role on the board.Kelly’s office confirmed receipt of Sweely’s letter.

Kan. lawmaker asks governor to remove rival from State Fair Board

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump: &quot;We&#39;re going to have a meeting with Vladimir Putin and at the end of that meeting, probably in the first two minutes, I&#39;ll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/edokeefe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@edokeefe</a>: &quot;How will you know that?&quot; Trump: &quot;Because that&#39;s what I do. I make deals.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/0zAtfgAxCT">pic.twitter.com/0zAtfgAxCT</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1954935746751615406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump explains how he'll know if Putin wants a peace deal with Ukraine

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement continue to make arrests for those involved in sideshows and related activity in Kansas City.

Last weekend police caught suspects running red lights, driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic and performing stunts on Kansas City streets, according to a social media report from the KCPD. "We're cracking down on this illegal behavior."

On Saturday night, police arrested nine suspects, towed eight vehicles, including ATVs on city streets, recovered a&nbsp;stolen vehicle, issued 51 citations, and broke up two sideshows in the making. This resulted from officers assigned to stop lawlessness on the streets and those in the Entertainment District plan.&nbsp; The Clay County Sheriff's Deputies, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Johnson County Sheriff's Deputies and Independence Police assisted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754839853546.jpeg" alt="Photos KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement continue to make arrests for those involved in sideshows and related activity in Kansas City.Last weekend police caught suspects running red lights, driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic and performing stunts on Kansas City streets, according to a social media report from the KCPD. "We're cracking down on this illegal behavior."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754839804647.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday night, police arrested nine suspects, towed eight vehicles, including ATVs on city streets, recovered a&nbsp;stolen vehicle, issued 51 citations, and broke up two sideshows in the making. This resulted from officers assigned to stop lawlessness on the streets and those in the Entertainment District plan.&nbsp; The Clay County Sheriff's Deputies, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Johnson County Sheriff's Deputies and Independence Police assisted.

KCPD makes more arrests for sideshows

MEADE COUNTY —&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities believe a heat burst spread a wildfire in in southwest Kansas last weekend at&nbsp;Meade State Park.

On August 9, Kansas Forest Service personnel were requested to respond to a wildfire on Meade State Park,&nbsp;southwest of the city of Meade, according to a social media report from the Kansas Forest Service.

The wildfire started around 1:00 am and spread very actively due to a "Heat Burst." A heat burst is a rare meteorological phenomenon characterized by a sudden, localized increase in air temperature typically occurring during the late evening or nighttime hours. 

It is often associated with decaying thunderstorms and is marked by strong gusty winds and a sharp drop in humidity. Heat bursts can cause extreme temperature increases, which was the case in Meade County as temperatures at 12:00 am exceeded 100°F, with wind gusts exceeding 60mph.

Kansas Forest Service personnel worked alongside local responders to contain the wildfire. Western Kansas' vegetation continues to dry out due to a lack of rainfall and windy conditions. Please remain vigilant during outdoor activities.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755027014316.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MEADE COUNTY —&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities believe a heat burst spread a wildfire in in southwest Kansas last weekend at&nbsp;Meade State Park.On August 9, Kansas Forest Service personnel were requested to respond to a wildfire on Meade State Park,&nbsp;southwest of the city of Meade, according to a social media report from the Kansas Forest Service.The wildfire started around 1:00 am and spread very actively due to a "Heat Burst." A heat burst is a rare meteorological phenomenon characterized by a sudden, localized increase in air temperature typically occurring during the late evening or nighttime hours. It is often associated with decaying thunderstorms and is marked by strong gusty winds and a sharp drop in humidity. Heat bursts can cause extreme temperature increases, which was the case in Meade County as temperatures at 12:00 am exceeded 100°F, with wind gusts exceeding 60mph.Kansas Forest Service personnel worked alongside local responders to contain the wildfire. Western Kansas' vegetation continues to dry out due to a lack of rainfall and windy conditions. Please remain vigilant during outdoor activities.&nbsp;

Forest Service: Heat burst spread Kansas wildfire

The United States announced Tuesday that it has taken into custody 26 fugitives from Mexico facing a range of federal and state criminal charges from around the country, including charges relating to drug-trafficking, hostage-taking, kidnapping, illegal use of firearms, human smuggling, money laundering, the murder of a sheriffs’ deputy, and other crimes, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Among the fugitives taken into U.S. custody today are leaders and managers of dangerous drug cartels, such as those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, including the Sinaloa Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), and Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas). These fugitives are collectively alleged to have imported into the United States tonnage quantities of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.

“Today is the latest example of the Trump administration's historic efforts to dismantle cartels and foreign terrorist organizations,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “These 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores -- under this Department of Justice, they will face severe consequences for their crimes against this country. We are grateful to Mexico’s National Security team for their collaboration in this matter.” &nbsp;

Included in today’s transfer are the following fugitives:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755050571697.png" alt="Image U.S. Dept. of Treasury" />
 <figcaption>Image U.S. Dept. of Treasury</figcaption>
 </figure>The United States announced Tuesday that it has taken into custody 26 fugitives from Mexico facing a range of federal and state criminal charges from around the country, including charges relating to drug-trafficking, hostage-taking, kidnapping, illegal use of firearms, human smuggling, money laundering, the murder of a sheriffs’ deputy, and other crimes, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.Among the fugitives taken into U.S. custody today are leaders and managers of dangerous drug cartels, such as those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, including the Sinaloa Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), and Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas). These fugitives are collectively alleged to have imported into the United States tonnage quantities of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.“Today is the latest example of the Trump administration's historic efforts to dismantle cartels and foreign terrorist organizations,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “These 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores -- under this Department of Justice, they will face severe consequences for their crimes against this country. We are grateful to Mexico’s National Security team for their collaboration in this matter.” &nbsp;Included in today’s transfer are the following fugitives:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fopa%2Fpr%2Fco-founder-los-cuinis-drug-cartel-sentenced-30-years-prison-high-ranking-cartel-de-jalisco%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198a09d54ef-d2daa78c-60c7-4299-abbb-727e7a0412e1-000000/jnChD6bGv-P_wgqzI8ZG30wwB3ShKzdKOebhJ_UhW5g=418" target="_blank">Abigael Gonzalez Valencia</a>&nbsp;also known as “Cuini” – is one of the leaders of Los Cuinis, a major Mexican drug cartel responsible for trafficking multiple tons of cocaine from South America, through Mexico, into the United States.</li><li>Kevin Gil Acosta and Martin Zazueta Perez – According to court documents, Gil Acosta and Zazueta Perez are leaders of the security apparatus for the&nbsp;Chapitos, a powerful faction of the Sinaloa Cartel that engages in prolific fentanyl trafficking. Both men have led&nbsp;sicarios&nbsp;armed with military-style weapons – such as AK-47s, M-16s, AR-15s, and grenade launchers – in attacks on Mexican government and military officials. Gil Acosta leads&nbsp;sicarios&nbsp;tasked with protecting fentanyl labs and distribution routes while Zazueta Perez provides personal security for a leader of the&nbsp;Chapitos.</li><li><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Farchives%2Fopa%2Fpr%2Falleged-transnational-human-smuggler-indicted-and-sanctioned-united-states-and-arrested%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198a09d54ef-d2daa78c-60c7-4299-abbb-727e7a0412e1-000000/3Y2GsatlwL2_UTzpxQcoEQEJZQw0WNXy9jkTG_SsWUM=418" target="_blank">Abdul Karim Conteh</a>, a national of Sierra Leone, allegedly led a human smuggling organization that smuggled thousands of migrants to the United States through Mexico. These smuggled migrants originated from countries around the world, including Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Somalia, Cameroon, Senegal, Mauritania, Ethiopia, Egypt, and others. The migrants paid smuggling fees, often tens of thousands of dollars. Conteh allegedly oversaw the migrants’ unlawful entry into the United States by various surreptitious and unlawful means, including the use of ladders and tunnels.</li><li><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fd9%2Fpress-releases%2Fattachments%2F2023%2F04%2F14%2Fu.s._v._garcia_corrales_et_al_indictment_1.pdf%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198a09d54ef-d2daa78c-60c7-4299-abbb-727e7a0412e1-000000/iZnZuVxRpjiifISSBnesYS6K3HS2hYsYHPpfMW7I29Y=418" target="_blank">Leobardo Garcia Corrales</a>&nbsp;is believed to be an important figure in the Sinaloa Cartel who has trafficked kilogram quantities of fentanyl into the United States, sometimes in exchange for military-grade weapons such as AK-47s, grenades, and submachine guns. He claims to be close friends and associates with Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, aka “El Chapo.”</li><li><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-de%2Fpr%2Fmexican-national-charged-holding-american-citizen-hostage-and-drug-trafficking%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198a09d54ef-d2daa78c-60c7-4299-abbb-727e7a0412e1-000000/9tY8HP9jilOPS9CH8d4M2nsbEn7AunE8b7-f7aZoxVk=418" target="_blank">Luis Raul Castro Valenzuela</a>&nbsp;also known as “Chacho,” a member of the Sinaloa Cartel, has been charged with kidnapping and holding hostage a U.S. citizen.</li><li>Juan Carlos Felix Gastelum also known as “El Chavo Félix,” a major Sinaloa Cartel cell leader and son-in-law to former Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada,&nbsp;is alleged &nbsp;to be a principal operator of the Sinaloa Cartel’s clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing laboratories located in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Sinaloa and Durango, Mexico involved in the manufacturing and distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico into the United States.</li><li>Roberto Salazar is wanted in connection with the murder of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Juan Escalante, who was killed in 2008 when he was leaving his home during the early morning hours.</li><li>Pablo Edwin Huerta Nuno, also known as “Flaquito,” is a violent Tijuana Plaza boss who has operated with impunity during the last 15 years. Huerta-Nuno is alleged to have supplied thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to distributors and cells located throughout San Diego and Los Angeles. And in return, millions of dollars in narcotics proceeds were delivered to him and his organization via shipments of bulk cash from San Diego into Tijuana.</li>
 </ul>

Fugitives wanted for violent crimes returned to the U.S. from Mexico 

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man faces charges for that fatal shooting that occurred in northeast Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson .

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2701/Arel-Dawkins-RED-COMPLAINT-AD">Arel Dawkins</a>, 36,&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2700/Arel-Dawkins-RED-PC-AD">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence on Morrell Avenue in the northeast neighborhood in Kansas City on August 6 and located the victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp;

Based on eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage, Dawkins ran over the victim with his Ford F-150, then got out and shot her multiple times at close range while she was on the ground after premeditation. He walked toward the street, turned back, and fired at her again. After reloading his weapon, he returned and shot her again before driving away.&nbsp;

Dawkins' cell phone also pinged in the area of the crime scene just prior to the homicide.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755028242050.png" alt="Dawkins photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Dawkins photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man faces charges for that fatal shooting that occurred in northeast Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson .<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2701/Arel-Dawkins-RED-COMPLAINT-AD">Arel Dawkins</a>, 36,&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2700/Arel-Dawkins-RED-PC-AD">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence on Morrell Avenue in the northeast neighborhood in Kansas City on August 6 and located the victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp;Based on eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage, Dawkins ran over the victim with his Ford F-150, then got out and shot her multiple times at close range while she was on the ground after premeditation. He walked toward the street, turned back, and fired at her again. After reloading his weapon, he returned and shot her again before driving away.&nbsp;Dawkins' cell phone also pinged in the area of the crime scene just prior to the homicide.&nbsp;

Court records: Suspect ran over victim with pickup and shot her

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas Sex Offender on drug allegations after a traffic stop

Just before 3:30p.m., August 8, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black 1997 Ford F-150 pickup truck in the 3400 block of NW Frontage Road for an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.

Michael R. Anderson, 43, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia

Anderson has been a registered sex offender since 2016 after ten convictions for sexual exploitation of a child in Ellis County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755033467479.png" alt="Anderson has been a registered sex offender since 2016." />
 <figcaption>Anderson has been a registered sex offender since 2016.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas Sex Offender on drug allegations after a traffic stopJust before 3:30p.m., August 8, a K-9 Unit with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a black 1997 Ford F-150 pickup truck in the 3400 block of NW Frontage Road for an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.Michael R. Anderson, 43, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernaliaAnderson has been a registered sex offender since 2016 after ten convictions for sexual exploitation of a child in Ellis County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. sex offender jailed on drug allegations after traffic stop

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750268276007.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Breaking News 🚨UFC has a new home in 2026 only on <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paramountplus</a> <a href="https://t.co/FUQjemPnBS">pic.twitter.com/FUQjemPnBS</a>&mdash; danawhite (@danawhite) <a href="https://twitter.com/danawhite/status/1954876574404366488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">“We’re going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there. We&#39;re gonna build a little - Dana&#39;s gonna do it... Championship fight, full fight, like 20, 25,000 people. And we&#39;re going to do that as part of A250&quot; - Trump in Iowa <a href="https://t.co/5Dkam2IFWU">pic.twitter.com/5Dkam2IFWU</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1941078076903043230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

UFC fight at the White House is part of deal with Paramount

WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran – a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry – joined Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in introducing the&nbsp;Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Improvement and Flexibility Act.

The legislation would bolster CRP by improving access to grazing, maximizing enrollment options for producers and expediting emergency haying in response to drought and other weather-related disaster events.

“Equipping farmers and ranchers with improved access to CRP resources is crucial to the sustainability of the agricultural economy in Kansas,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“This bipartisan legislation grants greater flexibility for producers in Kansas and across the country to improve their economic stability while conserving our nation’s farmland, wildlife habitats and water supply for future generations to benefit from and enjoy.”

“Ensuring that CRP continues to be an effective option for producers and landowners is critical to South Dakota’s agriculture industry,”&nbsp;said Sen. Thune. “As a longtime supporter of CRP, I’m proud to lead this commonsense legislation that would help advance the multiple-use benefits of this conservation program, including wildlife habitat and livestock forage potential.”

“The Conservation Reserve Program helps equip our farmers with the tools to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat,”&nbsp;said Sen. Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation makes commonsense improvements to CRP that will strengthen conservation practices and landowner enrollment in this vital program.”

“The Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) has long advocated for additional grazing opportunities on CRP acres,”&nbsp;said Matt Teagarden, CEO of Kansas Livestock Association.&nbsp;“Grazing benefits the native grass species, advancing the conservation goals of the program. We appreciate Senator Moran's leadership in improving CRP for producers and the land.”

“The Conservation Reserve Program is one of our nation’s most effective tools for improving wildlife habitat, water quality, and soil health on private lands, and is a vital part of the farm safety net,”&nbsp;said Andrew Schmidt, Director of Government Affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.

“The&nbsp;CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act&nbsp;will make this critical program work better for farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and wildlife. PF and QF are grateful to Majority Leader Thune, Ranking Member Klobuchar, and Sens. Moran and Smith for their continued leadership in strengthening CRP and ensuring it remains a cornerstone of private lands conservation.”

“The Conservation Reserve Program is an important, incentive-based program that provides flexibility for farmers and ranchers to implement voluntary conservation practices on their land,”&nbsp;said Mike Bulk, Ducks Unlimited Kansas state policy chair. “We thank Senators Moran, Thune, Klobuchar, and Smith for their leadership in enhancing CRP to ensure landowners can continue to get the most out of this historically successful program in Kansas and across the U.S.”The&nbsp;CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act&nbsp;would:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754944135152.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran – a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry – joined Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in introducing the&nbsp;Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Improvement and Flexibility Act. The legislation would bolster CRP by improving access to grazing, maximizing enrollment options for producers and expediting emergency haying in response to drought and other weather-related disaster events.“Equipping farmers and ranchers with improved access to CRP resources is crucial to the sustainability of the agricultural economy in Kansas,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“This bipartisan legislation grants greater flexibility for producers in Kansas and across the country to improve their economic stability while conserving our nation’s farmland, wildlife habitats and water supply for future generations to benefit from and enjoy.”“Ensuring that CRP continues to be an effective option for producers and landowners is critical to South Dakota’s agriculture industry,”&nbsp;said Sen. Thune. “As a longtime supporter of CRP, I’m proud to lead this commonsense legislation that would help advance the multiple-use benefits of this conservation program, including wildlife habitat and livestock forage potential.”“The Conservation Reserve Program helps equip our farmers with the tools to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat,”&nbsp;said Sen. Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation makes commonsense improvements to CRP that will strengthen conservation practices and landowner enrollment in this vital program.”“The Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) has long advocated for additional grazing opportunities on CRP acres,”&nbsp;said Matt Teagarden, CEO of Kansas Livestock Association.&nbsp;“Grazing benefits the native grass species, advancing the conservation goals of the program. We appreciate Senator Moran's leadership in improving CRP for producers and the land.”“The Conservation Reserve Program is one of our nation’s most effective tools for improving wildlife habitat, water quality, and soil health on private lands, and is a vital part of the farm safety net,”&nbsp;said Andrew Schmidt, Director of Government Affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “The&nbsp;CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act&nbsp;will make this critical program work better for farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and wildlife. PF and QF are grateful to Majority Leader Thune, Ranking Member Klobuchar, and Sens. Moran and Smith for their continued leadership in strengthening CRP and ensuring it remains a cornerstone of private lands conservation.”“The Conservation Reserve Program is an important, incentive-based program that provides flexibility for farmers and ranchers to implement voluntary conservation practices on their land,”&nbsp;said Mike Bulk, Ducks Unlimited Kansas state policy chair. “We thank Senators Moran, Thune, Klobuchar, and Smith for their leadership in enhancing CRP to ensure landowners can continue to get the most out of this historically successful program in Kansas and across the U.S.”The&nbsp;CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act&nbsp;would:<ul>
 <li>Make CRP grazing a more attractive option by providing cost-share for the establishment of grazing infrastructure – including fencing and water distribution – on all CRP practices and contracts if grazing is included in the approved conservation plan.</li><li>Increase the CRP annual payment limitation from $50,000, which was established in 1985, to $125,000 to account for inflation and rising land values and provide landowners with more CRP enrollment options to ensure resources are appropriately conserved.</li><li>Reinstate mid-contract management cost-share payments for activities that are not related to haying or grazing.</li><li>Permanently establish the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement practice under Continuous CRP.</li><li>Create flexibility for producers by allowing emergency haying on CRP acres when certain conditions are met and in consultation with state technical committees.</li>
 </ul>

Kan. U.S. Senator helps introduce bill to bolster Conservation Reserve Program

Another regent says of University of Nebraska Regent Elizabeth O’Connor, ‘Of all the people I know who deserve second chances, she tops the list’

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA —&nbsp;A University of Nebraska regent faces a felony charge for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol and crashing into another vehicle in mid-May, breaking the back and pelvis of a passenger in the other car.

NU Regent Elizabeth O’Connor of Omaha, 34, a former Douglas County deputy county attorney serving in her seventh year as a regent, is accused of a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-6,198#:~:text=60%2D6%2C198.,bodily%20injury%3B%20violation%3B%20penalty." target="_blank">DUI causing serious bodily injury</a>&nbsp;from the night of May 21 in Omaha’s Benson neighborhood, which is in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/media/images/maps/2021/regents/omaha.pdf" target="_blank">O’Connor’s district</a>. The Class IIIA felony charge carries a maximum of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-105" target="_blank">three years in prison and 18 months post-release supervision</a>.

The severity of the allegation could impact whether O’Connor can serve. The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=XV-2" target="_blank">Nebraska Constitution</a>&nbsp;bars felons from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=29-112" target="_blank">holding public office</a>&nbsp;unless the person’s civil rights are restored by the Nebraska Board of Pardons, which consists of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general.

Neither O’Connor nor her attorney has yet addressed her future as a regent, a position to which she was reelected to a 6-year term in November.

According to police reports, O’Connor was driving her Subaru Outback east on Blondo Street about 8:33 p.m., when she crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a Ford Focus at the intersection of N 63rd and Blondo Streets.&nbsp;

Police said they found a half-empty bottle of Fireball Whisky in O’Connor’s vehicle and wrote that she was showing symptoms of intoxication, including bloodshot or watery eyes, slurred speech and alcohol on her breath.

Field sobriety tests confirmed her condition, the investigator wrote, and a blood test collected immediately after the crash indicated O’Connor had a blood alcohol concentration of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-6,196" target="_blank">four times the legal limit</a>: 0.321%.

Both vehicles were totaled, according to the accident report. The crash occurred minutes from O’Connor’s home.&nbsp;

The vehicle police say her car hit had five passengers in it, including three children. The driver and children sustained minor injuries, according to the police report. The woman seriously injured in the crash and O’Connor, who had minor injuries, were taken to the Nebraska Medical Center.

O’Connor declined to comment for this story, and her attorney could not be reached. The family involved in the crash also declined to comment when reached by the Nebraska Examiner. Two listed witnesses did not return calls seeking comment. A spokesperson for the University of Nebraska system said NU “does not comment on ongoing legal matters.”

It took two months to file charges, partly because of O’Connor’s employment as a civil attorney in the Douglas County Attorney’s Office until last Tuesday, when she resigned, the timing of which the County Attorney’s Office confirmed.

Omaha’s top prosecutors opted out of the case involving O’Connor, citing a potential conflict of interest. That left Omaha City Prosecutor Kevin Slimp to file the felony charge in Douglas County Court on July 30.&nbsp;

Slimp told the Examiner a key reason for the delay was waiting for the blood test to come back from the lab.&nbsp;The police report was amended July 22 to include the BAC results. Slimp said he also needed time to review the evidence.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_568415b8-8810-4e00-8a05-7310b78932f1.html" target="_blank">defended O’Connor a day before she resigned</a>, telling the Omaha World-Herald she had “been an exemplary employee for our office.” He also described what happened as “something that is terrible and needs to be addressed.”

O’Connor, a 2015 graduate from Notre Dame Law School, told the local paper through her attorney last week that she&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_9a8194de-a14b-4909-b722-acb3dc45d007.html" target="_blank">decided to resign</a>&nbsp;“after much reflection and support from trusted colleagues.”

“While I am proud of my work serving Douglas County, I do not want my pending legal matter to serve as a distraction from the fine work and service the Douglas County Attorney’s Office continues to provide our community,” she said in the statement.

O’Connor was booked into the Douglas County Department of Corrections at 9:31 p.m. on July 31. She appeared before a judge the following morning. A county official confirmed she was released after posting 10% of a $25,000 bond around 7 p.m. on Aug. 1.&nbsp;

As a condition of her release, O’Connor must participate in Douglas County’s&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.dccorr.com/community-programs/24-7-sobriety-program" target="_blank">24/7 Sobriety Program</a>&nbsp;with daily monitoring and drug testing.

The Douglas County Court, with agreement from the prosecution and defense, waived a stipulation that O’Connor stay within 10 miles of the county. O’Connor’s next court date is Sept. 9 in Douglas County Court.

‘Everything she can to make it right’

NU Regent Paul Kenney, a Republican of Amherst and chair of the NU Board of Regents, said he would be as supportive as he could to O’Connor while not commenting on the criminal case.

“Just trying to be a friend and a colleague and do what I can to help,” Kenney said Monday.

Kenney and NU Regent Barbara Weitz of Omaha, who joined O’Connor on the board in 2019, told the Examiner that O’Connor has been through a tough time recently in her personal life, which Weitz described as a “year in hell.”

O’Connor was the youngest regent elected to the NU board in 2018, at 28 years old, and is one of just a handful of women to serve.

Weitz said the situation breaks her heart and that O’Connor “takes responsibility for making a bad choice, but she’s also doing everything she can to make it right.” Weitz said she remains supportive of O’Connor and that it is “imperative” that NU keep her as a regent.&nbsp;

Gov. Jim Pillen, a Republican who served as a regent for 10 years before becoming governor in 2023, including four years with O’Connor, would get to appoint a successor in the event of a vacancy.

The board is officially nonpartisan, and regents are often unanimous in their votes, but the party breakdown on the board is 6 Republicans and 2 Democrats. O’Connor and Weitz are the two Democrats.&nbsp;

In seven years — across hundreds of votes — only once has the board split 6-2 along party lines. That was in April, when the regents amended NU bylaws to try to comply with an order from President Donald Trump’s administration against higher education diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Weitz and O’connor&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/11/university-of-nebraska-regents-amend-bylaws-to-comply-with-federal-anti-dei-mandate/">opposed the changes</a>.

O’Connor stands out among elected regents as having first served as a student body president and student regent for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, one of four students who serve in advisory roles to the board. She graduated from UNO in 2012.

Weitz described O’Connor as an “outstanding” regent, an “excellent” attorney and someone who has NU’s best interests in mind.

“Of all the people I know who deserve second chances, she tops the list,” Weitz said Monday. “We’d lose a great deal if we lose her.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755021731102.png" alt=" University of Nebraska Regent Elizabeth O’Connor of Omaha. June 22, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> University of Nebraska Regent Elizabeth O’Connor of Omaha. June 22, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Another regent says of University of Nebraska Regent Elizabeth O’Connor, ‘Of all the people I know who deserve second chances, she tops the list’</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/zachwendling/">Zach Wendling</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA —&nbsp;A University of Nebraska regent faces a felony charge for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol and crashing into another vehicle in mid-May, breaking the back and pelvis of a passenger in the other car.NU Regent Elizabeth O’Connor of Omaha, 34, a former Douglas County deputy county attorney serving in her seventh year as a regent, is accused of a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-6,198#:~:text=60%2D6%2C198.,bodily%20injury%3B%20violation%3B%20penalty." target="_blank">DUI causing serious bodily injury</a>&nbsp;from the night of May 21 in Omaha’s Benson neighborhood, which is in&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/media/images/maps/2021/regents/omaha.pdf" target="_blank">O’Connor’s district</a>. The Class IIIA felony charge carries a maximum of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-105" target="_blank">three years in prison and 18 months post-release supervision</a>.The severity of the allegation could impact whether O’Connor can serve. The&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/articles.php?article=XV-2" target="_blank">Nebraska Constitution</a>&nbsp;bars felons from&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=29-112" target="_blank">holding public office</a>&nbsp;unless the person’s civil rights are restored by the Nebraska Board of Pardons, which consists of the governor, secretary of state and attorney general.Neither O’Connor nor her attorney has yet addressed her future as a regent, a position to which she was reelected to a 6-year term in November.<h2>Alleged May 21 incident</h2>According to police reports, O’Connor was driving her Subaru Outback east on Blondo Street about 8:33 p.m., when she crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a Ford Focus at the intersection of N 63rd and Blondo Streets.&nbsp;Police said they found a half-empty bottle of Fireball Whisky in O’Connor’s vehicle and wrote that she was showing symptoms of intoxication, including bloodshot or watery eyes, slurred speech and alcohol on her breath.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755021843318.png" alt="A police-drawn diagram of a crash on May 21 allegedly involving University of Nebraska Regent Elizabeth O’Connor, whose vehicle is meant to be illustrated in green. (Courtesy of Omaha Police Department)" />
 <figcaption>A police-drawn diagram of a crash on May 21 allegedly involving University of Nebraska Regent Elizabeth O’Connor, whose vehicle is meant to be illustrated in green. (Courtesy of Omaha Police Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Field sobriety tests confirmed her condition, the investigator wrote, and a blood test collected immediately after the crash indicated O’Connor had a blood alcohol concentration of&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-6,196" target="_blank">four times the legal limit</a>: 0.321%.Both vehicles were totaled, according to the accident report. The crash occurred minutes from O’Connor’s home.&nbsp;The vehicle police say her car hit had five passengers in it, including three children. The driver and children sustained minor injuries, according to the police report. The woman seriously injured in the crash and O’Connor, who had minor injuries, were taken to the Nebraska Medical Center.O’Connor declined to comment for this story, and her attorney could not be reached. The family involved in the crash also declined to comment when reached by the Nebraska Examiner. Two listed witnesses did not return calls seeking comment. A spokesperson for the University of Nebraska system said NU “does not comment on ongoing legal matters.”<h2>Douglas County Attorney’s Office</h2>It took two months to file charges, partly because of O’Connor’s employment as a civil attorney in the Douglas County Attorney’s Office until last Tuesday, when she resigned, the timing of which the County Attorney’s Office confirmed.Omaha’s top prosecutors opted out of the case involving O’Connor, citing a potential conflict of interest. That left Omaha City Prosecutor Kevin Slimp to file the felony charge in Douglas County Court on July 30.&nbsp;Slimp told the Examiner a key reason for the delay was waiting for the blood test to come back from the lab.&nbsp;The police report was amended July 22 to include the BAC results. Slimp said he also needed time to review the evidence.Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_568415b8-8810-4e00-8a05-7310b78932f1.html" target="_blank">defended O’Connor a day before she resigned</a>, telling the Omaha World-Herald she had “been an exemplary employee for our office.” He also described what happened as “something that is terrible and needs to be addressed.”O’Connor, a 2015 graduate from Notre Dame Law School, told the local paper through her attorney last week that she&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_9a8194de-a14b-4909-b722-acb3dc45d007.html" target="_blank">decided to resign</a>&nbsp;“after much reflection and support from trusted colleagues.”“While I am proud of my work serving Douglas County, I do not want my pending legal matter to serve as a distraction from the fine work and service the Douglas County Attorney’s Office continues to provide our community,” she said in the statement.O’Connor was booked into the Douglas County Department of Corrections at 9:31 p.m. on July 31. She appeared before a judge the following morning. A county official confirmed she was released after posting 10% of a $25,000 bond around 7 p.m. on Aug. 1.&nbsp;As a condition of her release, O’Connor must participate in Douglas County’s&nbsp;<a href="https://corrections.dccorr.com/community-programs/24-7-sobriety-program" target="_blank">24/7 Sobriety Program</a>&nbsp;with daily monitoring and drug testing.The Douglas County Court, with agreement from the prosecution and defense, waived a stipulation that O’Connor stay within 10 miles of the county. O’Connor’s next court date is Sept. 9 in Douglas County Court.<h2>‘Everything she can to make it right’</h2>NU Regent Paul Kenney, a Republican of Amherst and chair of the NU Board of Regents, said he would be as supportive as he could to O’Connor while not commenting on the criminal case.“Just trying to be a friend and a colleague and do what I can to help,” Kenney said Monday.Kenney and NU Regent Barbara Weitz of Omaha, who joined O’Connor on the board in 2019, told the Examiner that O’Connor has been through a tough time recently in her personal life, which Weitz described as a “year in hell.”O’Connor was the youngest regent elected to the NU board in 2018, at 28 years old, and is one of just a handful of women to serve.Weitz said the situation breaks her heart and that O’Connor “takes responsibility for making a bad choice, but she’s also doing everything she can to make it right.” Weitz said she remains supportive of O’Connor and that it is “imperative” that NU keep her as a regent.&nbsp;<h2>Second chances</h2>Gov. Jim Pillen, a Republican who served as a regent for 10 years before becoming governor in 2023, including four years with O’Connor, would get to appoint a successor in the event of a vacancy.The board is officially nonpartisan, and regents are often unanimous in their votes, but the party breakdown on the board is 6 Republicans and 2 Democrats. O’Connor and Weitz are the two Democrats.&nbsp;In seven years — across hundreds of votes — only once has the board split 6-2 along party lines. That was in April, when the regents amended NU bylaws to try to comply with an order from President Donald Trump’s administration against higher education diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Weitz and O’connor&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/11/university-of-nebraska-regents-amend-bylaws-to-comply-with-federal-anti-dei-mandate/">opposed the changes</a>.O’Connor stands out among elected regents as having first served as a student body president and student regent for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, one of four students who serve in advisory roles to the board. She graduated from UNO in 2012.Weitz described O’Connor as an “outstanding” regent, an “excellent” attorney and someone who has NU’s best interests in mind.“Of all the people I know who deserve second chances, she tops the list,” Weitz said Monday. “We’d lose a great deal if we lose her.”

NU regent faces felony DUI charge from crash that could jeopardize her office

KANSAS CITY — On August 7 and 8, a coalition of Northland law enforcement agencies combined efforts to combat human trafficking occurring in the communities north and east of Kansas City, according to a media release from the Ray County Sheriff.

The Clay, Clinton, Platte, and Ray County Sheriffs and the Kearney Police Department each hosted a proactive countertrafficking operation in their jurisdiction. They were assisted substantially by the Cameron Police, Richmond Police, Kansas City International Airport Police, Kansas City (KS) Police, and Riverside Police Departments, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Social Services - State Technical Assistance Team, and Homeland Security Investigations. Technical assistance was provided by the Bourbon County (KS) Sheriff, Butler County (KS) Sheriff, Goodyear (AZ) Police, Greenwood County (KS) Sheriff, Mesa (AZ) Police, Peoria (AZ) Police, and Washoe County (NV) Sheriff.​​

This operation was designed from the beginning to reduce the demand for victimization of victim-survivors of sex trafficking in these communities, connect to and provide critical services and support to these potential victims, and especially deter any suspect attempting to prey upon children who have been enslaved by the commercial sex industry. The results for this operation were:​​

7 suspects arrested and booked for attempting to buy sex with a child​- 

3 suspects arrested and booked for attempting to buy sex​- 

2 suspects arrested for promoting prostitution for recruiting a person to engage in prostitution. One suspect in this case was ultimately booked for kidnapping and sexual assault after excellent work by the investigators revealed additional crimes that were occurring in another jurisdiction. 

A victim-survivor was recovered and placed into aftercare.​- 

8 potential sex trafficking survivors met with local advocates from Value Unconditional and RPOR, with technical assistance provided by ICTSOS. Many of them are now receiving advocacy and aftercare support.​​

All of the agencies involved in this effort want to remind everyone that sex trafficking is a violation of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and Missourians. Human trafficking won't be tolerated in our communities now or ever.

KANSAS CITY — On August 7 and 8, a coalition of Northland law enforcement agencies combined efforts to combat human trafficking occurring in the communities north and east of Kansas City, according to a media release from the Ray County Sheriff.The Clay, Clinton, Platte, and Ray County Sheriffs and the Kearney Police Department each hosted a proactive countertrafficking operation in their jurisdiction. They were assisted substantially by the Cameron Police, Richmond Police, Kansas City International Airport Police, Kansas City (KS) Police, and Riverside Police Departments, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Social Services - State Technical Assistance Team, and Homeland Security Investigations. Technical assistance was provided by the Bourbon County (KS) Sheriff, Butler County (KS) Sheriff, Goodyear (AZ) Police, Greenwood County (KS) Sheriff, Mesa (AZ) Police, Peoria (AZ) Police, and Washoe County (NV) Sheriff.​​This operation was designed from the beginning to reduce the demand for victimization of victim-survivors of sex trafficking in these communities, connect to and provide critical services and support to these potential victims, and especially deter any suspect attempting to prey upon children who have been enslaved by the commercial sex industry. The results for this operation were:​​7 suspects arrested and booked for attempting to buy sex with a child​- 3 suspects arrested and booked for attempting to buy sex​- 2 suspects arrested for promoting prostitution for recruiting a person to engage in prostitution. One suspect in this case was ultimately booked for kidnapping and sexual assault after excellent work by the investigators revealed additional crimes that were occurring in another jurisdiction. A victim-survivor was recovered and placed into aftercare.​- 8 potential sex trafficking survivors met with local advocates from Value Unconditional and RPOR, with technical assistance provided by ICTSOS. Many of them are now receiving advocacy and aftercare support.​​All of the agencies involved in this effort want to remind everyone that sex trafficking is a violation of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and Missourians. Human trafficking won't be tolerated in our communities now or ever.

Sheriff: Operation targeted human trafficking in Missouri and Kansas

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas woman is recovering after attempting to free her Chihuahua from an attack by another dog, according to Lawrence Police.

  The Chihuahua did not survive and the woman suffered a severe bite wound on her arm, a broken finger, and several other minor wounds.

The incident occurred just before 2p.m. Sunday at Centennial Skate Park,&nbsp; 600 Rockledge Road in Lawrence. When officers arrived, they found the attacking dog had been pinned down by men who saw it  happen. Officers took over and got control of the dog by creating a makeshift muzzle from a leash, while other officers tended to the victim and began an investigation.

Officers learned the woman, in her 70’s, was walking her three dogs when the unleashed dog attacked the Chihuahua.  The woman’s other two dogs were not harmed. Officers took the dog who initiated the incident to the Humane Society, along with the decease dog. The woman was transported by ambulance to the hospital, accompanied by one of her dogs.  The third had run off but officers later found the animal and brought it to her home. 

Officers worked to identify the owner of the dog who initiated the attack, but had not been able to make contact as of Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A Kansas woman is recovering after attempting to free her Chihuahua from an attack by another dog, according to Lawrence Police. The Chihuahua did not survive and the woman suffered a severe bite wound on her arm, a broken finger, and several other minor wounds.The incident occurred just before 2p.m. Sunday at Centennial Skate Park,&nbsp; 600 Rockledge Road in Lawrence. When officers arrived, they found the attacking dog had been pinned down by men who saw it happen. Officers took over and got control of the dog by creating a makeshift muzzle from a leash, while other officers tended to the victim and began an investigation.Officers learned the woman, in her 70’s, was walking her three dogs when the unleashed dog attacked the Chihuahua. The woman’s other two dogs were not harmed. Officers took the dog who initiated the incident to the Humane Society, along with the decease dog. The woman was transported by ambulance to the hospital, accompanied by one of her dogs. The third had run off but officers later found the animal and brought it to her home. Officers worked to identify the owner of the dog who initiated the attack, but had not been able to make contact as of Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Kan. woman bitten, her Chihuahua killed by dog not on leash

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a young girl’s overnight slumber party that ended abruptly over the weekend after a man entered the home uninvited and took off his clothes. 

Just before 2a.m. Sunday, police were called to a neighborhood near 21st and Louisiana Street in Lawrence where they found several young girls and the supervising adults extremely upset, according to a statement from Lawrence Police.

 Officers soon learned two of the girls, who were asleep on the couch, woke to see a naked man in the home.  They began yelling for the adults. The man then went toward the back bedrooms and the male adult resident was able to force the man out of the house. 

A second team of officers quickly arrested the man nearby while the first team worked to help the children calm down and figure out what happened. Officers have no reason to believed anyone in the home knew the man, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs. 

 Medics came to check him out, then officers transported him to the Douglas County Correctional Facility. He was booked on several requested charges.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a young girl’s overnight slumber party that ended abruptly over the weekend after a man entered the home uninvited and took off his clothes. Just before 2a.m. Sunday, police were called to a neighborhood near 21st and Louisiana Street in Lawrence where they found several young girls and the supervising adults extremely upset, according to a statement from Lawrence Police. Officers soon learned two of the girls, who were asleep on the couch, woke to see a naked man in the home. They began yelling for the adults. The man then went toward the back bedrooms and the male adult resident was able to force the man out of the house. A second team of officers quickly arrested the man nearby while the first team worked to help the children calm down and figure out what happened. Officers have no reason to believed anyone in the home knew the man, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs. Medics came to check him out, then officers transported him to the Douglas County Correctional Facility. He was booked on several requested charges.

Slumber party: Girls found naked man in their Kansas home

STONE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10a.m. Monday in Stone County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Silverado driven by a 71-year-old Branson man was eastbound at 3449 MO 248 five miles east of Reed Springs. The pickup traveled off the road and struck a tree.

EMS transported him to Cox Branson where he was pronounced deceased. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

STONE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10a.m. Monday in Stone County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy Silverado driven by a 71-year-old Branson man was eastbound at 3449 MO 248 five miles east of Reed Springs. The pickup traveled off the road and struck a tree.EMS transported him to Cox Branson where he was pronounced deceased. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man dies after pickup strikes a tree

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced this week to 46 months in prison for drug trafficking stemming from an investigation into multiple fentanyl overdoses.

According to court documents, Rayvon Porter, 33, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.

While investigating the supplier in several fentanyl-related overdoses, Porter was identified as a suspect and law enforcement began to conduct surveillance. Investigators took him into custody while he was inside of a business. 

During a search of his car, they found a loaded Glock handgun, 1.32 grams of cocaine, 9.7 grams of fentanyl, and digital scales.

“Illegal fentanyl is a blight on our community that causes death and destruction,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Our office will do everything in its power to help eliminate it and stop its distribution.”

“This sentencing represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents working with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant narcotics investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal

Service, Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”

The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754664727407.png" alt="Porter -photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Porter -photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced this week to 46 months in prison for drug trafficking stemming from an investigation into multiple fentanyl overdoses.According to court documents, Rayvon Porter, 33, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.While investigating the supplier in several fentanyl-related overdoses, Porter was identified as a suspect and law enforcement began to conduct surveillance. Investigators took him into custody while he was inside of a business. During a search of his car, they found a loaded Glock handgun, 1.32 grams of cocaine, 9.7 grams of fentanyl, and digital scales.“Illegal fentanyl is a blight on our community that causes death and destruction,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Our office will do everything in its power to help eliminate it and stop its distribution.”“This sentencing represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents working with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant narcotics investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. PostalService, Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.”The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) investigated the case.

Prison for Kansas man who admitted selling fentanyl, cocaine

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating five suspect on multiple allegations after a home-invasion

Just after 5:30p.m. August 8, were sent to a Salina home after the homeowner reported five suspects invading their home, according to Salina Police Captain Kyle Tonniges

The suspects were reportedly armed with handguns when they forcibly entered into the home. The resident stated being hit in the head by one of the suspects, that left a gash above their eye. The suspects then left in gray SUV and it was not determined whether they stole anything.

An officer on patrol later located the SUV in Salina and conducted a traffic stop. The SUV pulled over and the occupants of the vehicle were discovered to be the suspects of the home invasion. All suspects were arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail.&nbsp;

Kayla Sitton,  33, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault

Scott Gardner, 32, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault

Antwon Pierce, 45, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Interference with Law Enforcement

Darryl Jones, 52, faces&nbsp;requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault

Ernest Reed, 35, faces&nbsp;requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754926934274.jpeg" alt="Clockwise from top left Antwon Pierce, Scott Gardner, Darryl Jones, Ernest Reed, and Kayla Sitton -photos Saline Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Clockwise from top left Antwon Pierce, Scott Gardner, Darryl Jones, Ernest Reed, and Kayla Sitton -photos Saline Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating five suspect on multiple allegations after a home-invasionJust after 5:30p.m. August 8, were sent to a Salina home after the homeowner reported five suspects invading their home, according to Salina Police Captain Kyle TonnigesThe suspects were reportedly armed with handguns when they forcibly entered into the home. The resident stated being hit in the head by one of the suspects, that left a gash above their eye. The suspects then left in gray SUV and it was not determined whether they stole anything.An officer on patrol later located the SUV in Salina and conducted a traffic stop. The SUV pulled over and the occupants of the vehicle were discovered to be the suspects of the home invasion. All suspects were arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail.&nbsp;Kayla Sitton, 33, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated AssaultScott Gardner, 32, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated AssaultAntwon Pierce, 45, faces requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Interference with Law EnforcementDarryl Jones, 52, faces&nbsp;requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated AssaultErnest Reed, 35, faces&nbsp;requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault

Suspects accused of violent Kansas home invasion attack

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the teen victim as 16-year-old&nbsp;Traelynn Sibley, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in 3600 block of Norton in Kansas City.

On arrival officers were led inside a residence where they located Sibley unresponsive. Officers summoned EMS to the scene who transported her to the hospital. She was declared deceased by medical personnel at the hospital.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene and are investigating.

Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was inside a residence at the location when gunfire from an unknown suspect or suspects came from outside the residence to the inside, striking her.&nbsp; Police have no known suspect information.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the teen victim as 16-year-old&nbsp;Traelynn Sibley, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in 3600 block of Norton in Kansas City.On arrival officers were led inside a residence where they located Sibley unresponsive. Officers summoned EMS to the scene who transported her to the hospital. She was declared deceased by medical personnel at the hospital.Homicide detectives responded to the scene and are investigating.Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was inside a residence at the location when gunfire from an unknown suspect or suspects came from outside the residence to the inside, striking her.&nbsp; Police have no known suspect information.

Police ID girl killed by gunshots fired from outside her KC home

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach says he keeps a box of naloxone in his pickup truck.

It’s a lifesaving tool that can fit in the glovebox, and Kobach wants to make the product more accessible to Kansans.

Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is an overdose-reversal medication that can restore someone’s breathing within minutes and is known for its effectiveness in combating the opioid epidemic.

A state grant review board unanimously approved Friday a $177,000 grant for the Attorney General’s Office to transform unused news racks into naloxone distribution boxes.

“If you’re willing to keep it in your glovebox in your car, you should be doing that, because we need it distributed everywhere to potentially save lives,” Kobach said at a Friday meeting of the Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Review Board.

The idea was inspired by Emily’s Hope, an organization in South Dakota that says it was the first in the nation to repurpose news racks to increase access to naloxone and reduce the stigma around drug use. The program has been “extremely successful,” said&nbsp;Angela Kennecke, president and CEO of Emily’s Hope. Since April, the organization has established 25 open boxes in 11 cities, and it is working on 12 more. That has amounted to roughly 8,200 kits distributed.

“I thought we should be doing the same thing,” Kobach said.

He wants to place repurposed newspaper boxes on college and university campuses, of which there are about 40 in Kansas.

Kobach’s request focused on illegally made fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that caused more than half of overdose deaths in 2023 in Kansas, according to the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/data-research/facts-stats/sudors-dashboard-fatal-overdose-data.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kansas recently surpassed 1,500 total deaths from fentanyl, he said. Of the 615 overdose deaths in Kansas in 2023, nearly 60% had at least one potential opportunity for intervention, the data said. In almost 45% of deaths, a bystander was present.

Pat George, the board chair, said the overdose crisis is happening now.

“Our primary mission, I’ve always felt, is saving lives and saving families, so this fits right in,” George said.

The addiction grant review board is charged with deciding where to allocate the millions of dollars that have poured into the state from settlements with pharmaceutical companies, which were sued for playing a part in the opioid epidemic. Kansas has received $90 million to date, said Shanna Zimmer, chief financial officer of the Sunflower Foundation, a nonprofit that administers the funds for the state. About $74 million remains in the bank.

The attorney general envisioned the grant paying for public service announcements, social media and video advertising, distribution boxes and 7,000 boxes of naloxone, each typically containing two doses. The majority of the grant, about $150,000, will be for advertising, Kobach said.

Education is a significant piece, he said, because of the pervasive nature of fentanyl. It appears in counterfeit pills, often mixed with other drugs.

A Douglas County-based social services organization, DCCCA, runs the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dccca.org/program/kansas-naloxone-program/" target="_blank">Kansas Naloxone Program</a>. It has placed five vending machines across the state that distribute naloxone like bags of chips or candy bars. Three more are on the way, said Chrissy Mayer, chief community-based services officer for DCCCA.

Between October and June, the organization distributed about 40,000 kits of naloxone across Kansas, either through vending machines or by mail. That’s 80,000 doses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754940903452.png" alt="DCCCA offers naloxone through a vending machine outside of a Lawrence Transit station near the University of Kansas campus. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>DCCCA offers naloxone through a vending machine outside of a Lawrence Transit station near the University of Kansas campus. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach says he keeps a box of naloxone in his pickup truck.It’s a lifesaving tool that can fit in the glovebox, and Kobach wants to make the product more accessible to Kansans.Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is an overdose-reversal medication that can restore someone’s breathing within minutes and is known for its effectiveness in combating the opioid epidemic.A state grant review board unanimously approved Friday a $177,000 grant for the Attorney General’s Office to transform unused news racks into naloxone distribution boxes.“If you’re willing to keep it in your glovebox in your car, you should be doing that, because we need it distributed everywhere to potentially save lives,” Kobach said at a Friday meeting of the Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Review Board.The idea was inspired by Emily’s Hope, an organization in South Dakota that says it was the first in the nation to repurpose news racks to increase access to naloxone and reduce the stigma around drug use. The program has been “extremely successful,” said&nbsp;Angela Kennecke, president and CEO of Emily’s Hope. Since April, the organization has established 25 open boxes in 11 cities, and it is working on 12 more. That has amounted to roughly 8,200 kits distributed.“I thought we should be doing the same thing,” Kobach said.He wants to place repurposed newspaper boxes on college and university campuses, of which there are about 40 in Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754940843188.png" alt="DCCCA offers naloxone through a vending machine outside of a Lawrence Transit station near the University of Kansas campus. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>DCCCA offers naloxone through a vending machine outside of a Lawrence Transit station near the University of Kansas campus. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kobach’s request focused on illegally made fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that caused more than half of overdose deaths in 2023 in Kansas, according to the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/data-research/facts-stats/sudors-dashboard-fatal-overdose-data.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kansas recently surpassed 1,500 total deaths from fentanyl, he said. Of the 615 overdose deaths in Kansas in 2023, nearly 60% had at least one potential opportunity for intervention, the data said. In almost 45% of deaths, a bystander was present.Pat George, the board chair, said the overdose crisis is happening now.“Our primary mission, I’ve always felt, is saving lives and saving families, so this fits right in,” George said.The addiction grant review board is charged with deciding where to allocate the millions of dollars that have poured into the state from settlements with pharmaceutical companies, which were sued for playing a part in the opioid epidemic. Kansas has received $90 million to date, said Shanna Zimmer, chief financial officer of the Sunflower Foundation, a nonprofit that administers the funds for the state. About $74 million remains in the bank.The attorney general envisioned the grant paying for public service announcements, social media and video advertising, distribution boxes and 7,000 boxes of naloxone, each typically containing two doses. The majority of the grant, about $150,000, will be for advertising, Kobach said.Education is a significant piece, he said, because of the pervasive nature of fentanyl. It appears in counterfeit pills, often mixed with other drugs.A Douglas County-based social services organization, DCCCA, runs the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dccca.org/program/kansas-naloxone-program/" target="_blank">Kansas Naloxone Program</a>. It has placed five vending machines across the state that distribute naloxone like bags of chips or candy bars. Three more are on the way, said Chrissy Mayer, chief community-based services officer for DCCCA.Between October and June, the organization distributed about 40,000 kits of naloxone across Kansas, either through vending machines or by mail. That’s 80,000 doses.“We know that overdoses continue to increase, and this is a really easy way to save someone’s life,” Mayer said.The organization places boxes at locations in Hutchinson, Lawrence, Kansas City, Kansas, Salina and Wichita, based on data mapping overdose hotspots. New machines are expected soon in Garden City, Overland Park and Pittsburg.People who want naloxone from one of DCCCA’s machines enter their zip code on a keypad, then the machine dispenses a kit, Mayer said. The machine in Wichita is typically restocked weekly. In Hutchinson, it’s restocked about every two weeks, and the rest are usually restocked once a month.Mayer said “there are some interesting assumptions that people might make” regarding who uses the vending machines. Many who use the vending machines are from what might be classified as more affluent ZIP codes, she said.“That just demonstrates opioid overdose affects everybody,” Mayer said.She added: “Your ZIP code doesn’t really matter.”DCCCA offers multiple&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dccca.org/program/self-paced-training/" target="_blank">training</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dccca.org/request-a-training/" target="_blank">options</a>&nbsp;on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dccca.org/" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;for the proper administration of naloxone.The Kansas Attorney General’s Office plans to have naloxone kits available at its table at the Kansas State Fair, which is scheduled for Sept. 5-14 in Hutchinson.