Saline County Commissioners have officially proclaimed September as "Recovery Month."

During the Saline County Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 12th,&nbsp;Kansas Certified Peer Mentor &amp; Harm Reduction Specialist for CKF Addiction Treatment, Justin Keen spoke to county commissioners about officially proclaiming September as "Recovery Month" across Saline County.

According to CKF, "Recovery Month" is a time to recognize the strength, resilience and hope found in recovery. It’s a chance to celebrate individuals and families who are healing and to raise awareness about the resources and support available in the community. CKF solely believes that recovery is possible and is committed to walking alongside those on that journey.

Keen stated that he is a person-in-recovery and emphasizes those who are currently struggling with addiction. He expressed the support he received from others during his recovery journey.

"I spent many years in addiction and I know what it is like to be there and to feel hopeless," said Keen. "One really important thing for me was the people who believed in me and loved me when I could not myself. This is why I love the work that I do at CKF."

With this proclamation, Keen hopes to 'break the stigma' when it comes the negative outlook people struggling with addiction may experience.

"Addicts are not horrible people, they are people who are stuck in a bad place," he said. "They may do bad things, but they are not bad people."

CKF will celebrate Recovery Month with a celebration on&nbsp;Saturday, September 6 at&nbsp;617 E. Elm Street from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. The event will be a family-friendly evening full of music, food, memories and fun. Testimonies will have a chance to get shared and messages of hope as CKF and the community can come together in strength, remembrance and celebration.

During the event, CKF will honor&nbsp;the life and legacy of <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/76f9f196-673b-4542-ad4b-a3af40ae1ab3">Don Greene</a>, former Director of Pathfinder Recovery Services. Don Greene was a mentor, leader and friend whose belief in recovery helped shape CKF. He built lasting programs, guided many of us, and brought heart and humor to everything he did.

The event is open and free to the public and CKF encourages the community to attend, learn and connect. Lawn chairs are encouraged.

Link to make a donation to CKF:&nbsp;<a href="https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/donation/">https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/donation/</a>

Additionally, CKF will be expanding their services with a new youth-focused space coming soon to 509 E. Elm Street.

Designed for youth ages 12–17, this welcoming environment "The Nest at Pathfinder" will offer support, peer services, education, life skills, family support and more. Pathfinder Recovery Center is also rebranding as Pathfinder Community Center and relocating in 2025, with the same commitment to care and connection in a refreshed space.

For more information about CKF Addiction Treatment:&nbsp;<a href="https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/">https://ckfaddictiontreatment.org/</a>

National Recovery Month Cause: Promote awareness of mental health and substance use recovery and reduce the stigma surrounding these disorders. 

National Recovery month&nbsp;is dedicated to supporting those in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders. Throughout September, organizations spread awareness, educate the public, and celebrate the achievements of people in recovery while reinforcing the message that treatment is effective, and recovery is possible. &nbsp;Why it is important: In 2023 alone, more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics">54 million people</a>&nbsp;in the US needed treatment for substance abuse disorders. However, only&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics">23% of those</a>&nbsp;received the treatment they needed due to cost, feelings of shame, or a lack of access to appropriate help. Even more worryingly, the relapse rate for substance use disorders is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics">40-60%</a>.&nbsp;

National Recovery Month promotes understanding and support for individuals and families affected by mental health or substance use disorders and raises awareness of treatment options.&nbsp;

CKF celebrates proclamation of September as "Recovery Month"

After isolated scattered storms until Wednesday, heat indices are expected to reach back up to the 100's from Thursday and into the weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms will remain possible areawide on Tuesday and over southeast Kansas till Wednesday. 

A return to triple digit heat indices is expected by Thursday and persisting through at least the weekend.

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Central Kansas Weather Forecast: August 12 - August 16

The Salina Arts &amp; Humanities (SAH) Foundation announces that the application process is open for projects funded in 2026 in two categories of the Horizons Grants Program.

The Lana Jordan Developing Artist Grants, and the Organizational Project Grants are open for application with a deadline of November 1, 2025. These grants support artistic growth and special projects through Saline County’s cultural and nonprofit organizations and practicing artists.

Thanks to generous donors, Horizons grants assist Saline County artists and organizations in developing the artistic, cultural, and aesthetic resources of the community.

The Lana Jordan Developing Artist Grants (up to $3,000, requiring a 1:2 match) are available to any visual, performing, literary and interdisciplinary artist who has demonstrated seriousness to an art form. Artists living in Saline County, KS, for at least one year and who are 18 years or older are eligible to apply.

The purpose of the Lana Jordan Developing Artist Grant is to:

· strengthen the ability of artists to build partnerships

· implement a public component to engage the community

Organizational Project Grants (up to $6,000, requiring a 1:1 match) provide support for projects that place the arts at the heart of community development.

In either category, the grant application deadline is November 1, 2025, for projects that will occur during the 2026 grant cycle (February 1 - November 30, 2026.)

All new applicants for the Lana Jordan Developing Artists Grants or Organizational Project Grants must schedule a meeting with SAH staff by September 20, 2025.

All returning applicants must notify SAH staff of their intent to apply by October 4, 2025.

Additionally, Horizons Enrichment Grants (up to $1,000) are available on an ongoing basis, with applications submitted four to six weeks before the beginning of the proposed project.

Horizons Enrichment Grants are open until November 15, 2025, for projects that take place in 2025.

Grant Writing Workshop Scheduled for August 28

SAH will be hosting a grant writing workshop led by Sarah Bishop of Coneflower Consulting on Thursday, August 28 at 6:00 pm in the community room at the Smoky Hill Museum (211 W Iron Ave.)&nbsp;

This session will prepare attendees to begin writing a first draft of a grant application and is open to individuals of all interests and disciplines. The workshop is free, and registration is required through Eventbrite to participate at: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grant-writing-workshop-with-sarah-bishop-tickets-1538109118779?utm-campaign=social&amp;utm-content=attendeeshare&amp;utm-medium=discovery&amp;utm-term=listing&amp;utm-source=cp&amp;aff=ebdsshcopyurl">https://bit.ly/GrantWorkshop828l</a>

Visit <a href="https://www.salinaarts.com/horizons-grants-program/">https://www.salinaarts.com/horizons-grants-program/</a> for grant guidelines and applications.

Staff are available to assist applicants in formulating a successful grant proposal. 

If you or your organization is interested in applying, please call Anna Pauscher Morawitz at (785) 309-5770 or email anna.pauscher@salina.org to schedule an appointment to discuss a proposal.

Salina Arts & Humanities opens grant applications for local artists 

KANSAS CITY, MO - The Phil Collins Experience, hailed as “the most authentic Phil Collins tribute in the U.S.,” is thrilled to announce a unforgettable evening at The Folly Theater (300 W. 12th St., Kansas City, MO) on October 11th&nbsp;at 7:30 pm&nbsp;

This dynamic multimedia production celebrates the legendary music of Phil Collins and Genesis.

Fronted by Englishman Terry Adams Jr., KC Magazine’s “Best Male Vocalist,” the ensemble perfectly recaptures the look, sound, and feel of Phil Collins in his prime.

Adams performs with unmatched authenticity on a left-handed drum kit, backed by a world-class 12-piece band complete with horns and backing vocals that breathe life into every beloved hit, from “In the Air Tonight” and “Sussudio” to “Invisible Touch” and “That’s All.”

Launched in 2018, The Phil Collins Experience has toured the nation, delivering jaw-dropping performances at festivals, theaters, and private events, earning its reputation as a must-see production for fans everywhere.

Tickets on sale now at: <a href="https://orders.follytheater.org/ChooseSeats/28402">https://orders.follytheater.org/ChooseSeats/28402</a>

For more information: <a href="http://thephilcollinsexperience.com">thephilcollinsexperience.com </a>

<a href="http://thephilcollinsexperience.com"></a>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/philcollinsexperience">https://www.facebook.com/philcollinsexperience</a>&nbsp;

The Folly Theater is a world-class theater. Her exterior is a marvel, her interior comfortable and elegant. Her acoustics have been compared to Carnegie Hall.

Today, the Folly is filled with the sounds of children’s giggles, thunderous applause for world-class performers, and the clink of toasting glasses. We invite you to share in the history and magic of the Folly Theater. Location &amp; Parking Info: https://follytheater.org/about/location-and-parking/

Tickets on sale now for The Phil Collins Experience in October

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Community Health Promotion program has announced the recipients of this year’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Community grant. 

In total, the State Fiscal Year 2026 CDRR program covers: 15 grantees, 25 counties and 1,972,817 Kansans (65.5 percent of the total Kansas population).&nbsp;

The CDRR Community Grant Program provides funding, training and technical assistance to communities to address chronic disease risk reduction through evidence-based strategies that impact tobacco use, physical activity and nutrition. 

Strategies include reducing secondhand smoke exposure, preventing youth from using tobacco, promoting tobacco treatment and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkansas.quitlogix.org%2Fen-US%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001989f3a7f83-fa22eb86-78ed-4b29-a8d2-0df7a84f470f-000000/fJjwWvf9jfsKlomQn88cgV2MGPP6OCps8dYc2KxYkGw=418">Kansas Tobacco Quitline</a>, increasing physical activity, and improving community nutrition.&nbsp;

“This program helps grantees show the power of local partnerships in creating long-term health improvements,” Mende Barnett, KDHE Section Director for Community Health Promotion, said. “We’re excited to continue this work together to reduce chronic disease and strengthen communities.

The 2026 CDRR Grantees and the counties they cover include:

Learn more about the CDRR Community Grant Program at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1063%2FChronic-Disease-Risk-Reduction-Community%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001989f3a7f83-fa22eb86-78ed-4b29-a8d2-0df7a84f470f-000000/MWDuVZbyPJ99U0XYNYqGx9qgJtflP_k2HzL4JV88jmw=418">kdhe.ks.gov/1063</a>

Tammy Walker Cancer Center receives grant to better address chronic disease risk reduction 

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has announced an arrest has been made from the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/40a222d9-891c-48f4-8d5a-7152beb5d5d0">Most Wanted list for August.</a>

According to the Sheriff's Office, suspect, Jeffrey Harker was arrested on Tuesday, August 12. Harker was taken into custody and booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:

Failure to appear; Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss. of marijuana; Poss. of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant.

View&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/40a222d9-891c-48f4-8d5a-7152beb5d5d0">Saline County's Most Wanted list for August 2025</a>

Saline County Sheriff's Most Wanted suspect for August arrested 

Salina man was arrested after driving recklessly and avoiding medical treatment.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Monday, August 11 at around 5:30 am, an officer went to the area of 9th and Pleasanthill Rd., regarding a man complaining of an injury he sustained after being 'in a fight.'

Reportedly, the man was found in a parked car on the side of the road. Medical personnel was requested by the officer to attend the man's injury. However when medics arrived, the man decided to drive away from the scene.

SPD stated when the man drove away, he struck an electric pole at the corner of Pleasanthill and 9th. The officer at the scene then pursued the man, reaching top speeds of 55 mph.

The pursuit eventually came to a close after the man drove into a ditch in the 2400 block of N. 9th. The man was identified as 36-year old, Christopher Ebinger.

Ebinger was then arrested after the pursuit without incident. He is facing requested charges of:

Flee and elude, Reckless driving, Speeding, No headlights and&nbsp;Improper driving on laned roadway.

Salina man arrested after driving recklessly and avoiding medical treatment

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

NAME:&nbsp;Beckwith, Reagan Danyale

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation&nbsp;

NAME:&nbsp;Ebinger, Christopher Edward

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Defective headlamps' Flee or attempt to elude; reckless driving; Duty of driver to report; Unattended veh./prop.;unkn.; Improper driving on laned roadway

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Harass by telecom device; Transmit comment/image/text to abuse/threat/har.; Harass by telecom. device; Transmit obscene comment/image/text; Viol. protection order; Stalking/sex asslt./hmn. traf.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Use/poss. drug paraphernalia/human body; Poss. of marijuana; Poss. of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

NAME:&nbsp;Montgomery, Makiah Louise

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 12

Salina Commissioners have approved the 2026 budget for the city after a city commission meeting on Monday.

During the city commission meeting, Director, Finance and Administrator Debbie Pack reviewed the process of the 2026 proposed budget, before Commissioners made a decision.

On June 23rd the city commission directed staff to prepare the 2026 budget using the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) of 28.568. This rate is a reduction of .849 mills from the City’s current mill levy rate of 29.417.

The RNR is the property tax rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year, using the current year's total assessed valuation.&nbsp;

The final proposed 2026 budget excluding transfers and cash reserves includes total expenditures of $155,959,033. The comparable amount for 2025 was $151,892,094.

The overall 2026 budget is about 2.7% higher than the adopted 2025 budget.

Interim City Manager Jacob Wood talked about the proposed budget is not a 'dramatic increase from the prior years' and the 'baseline for the budget was to allow increases in pay for employees.'

"The baseline for the budget was to allow employee increase in pay, but we really held the line in just about everything else as far as operational costs," said Wood. "This is not a dramatic increase from the prior years. I have been working with the City just over six years, and I think this is just about as smooth as the budget process has gone in my tenure here."

Commissioner Mike Hoppock responded to the public after comments were made.

"We make decisions hoping to bring individuals outside of Salina and into the community," said Hoppock. "I am a big believer in sales tax versus property tax, because I like someone from out of county helping us pave our roads."

Hoppock stated that the sales tax has been 'going up' and that it is a testament about the good things that are happening in the community.

"I cannot argue whether the population is going up or down, all I can tell you is we continue to build homes and they continue to be filled," he said. "Our sales tax is increasing, which I think talks well about what is going on in our community."

He also mentioned the most recent established $23 million, 90,000 sq. foot&nbsp; retail seed/agricultural facility by <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5ede60e5-fdc5-4fa8-8a12-1249a4b8db7d">Beck's Hybrids</a>, will go into the 'tax roles' in the future.

"This commission along with the commission before us, made alot of what of, what I consider good decisions that have got us to where we are at now," said Hoppock. "I think our budget is balanced and I think we have done a good job at getting it where we need it to be."

Salina commissioners voted to&nbsp;adopt and appropriate the 2026 annual budget, along with&nbsp;adopting the 2026 Comprehensive Fee Schedule.

<a href="https://agendasuite.org/iip/salina/file/getfile/13593">2026&nbsp;Comprehensive Fee Schedule</a>

🎥 Salina Commissioners approve 2026 budget

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has announced an arrest has been made from the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/40a222d9-891c-48f4-8d5a-7152beb5d5d0">Most Wanted list for August.</a>

According to the Sheriff's Office, suspect, John Bennet was arrested on Monday, August 11. Bennet was taken into custody and booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:

Theft of prop./services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; ID card; display another's card; Interf. w/LEO; obstr./resist/oppose felony warrant; Outside warrant/NCIC hit (2 requested charges).

View <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/40a222d9-891c-48f4-8d5a-7152beb5d5d0">Saline County's Most Wanted list for August 2025</a>

Arrest made from Saline County Sheriff's August Most Wanted list

the Saline County Tag Office, located at 300 W. Ash Room 210, will adjust its operating hours, beginning the first week of September. The new hours will be from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

According to Saline County, the decision was made to provide better service to their customers. It was also made after evaluating the cost-effectiveness of extended hours implemented in the past year.

“After being open additional hours this past 13 months, we have observed our customers are overwhelmingly utilizing services during traditional business hours,” Saline County Treasurer Anthony Newell said. “I think it's important to have staff in the office when our customers expect us. Shifting our workforce to provide better service just makes sense."

There will not be a reduction of staff as a result of this change.

Residents seeking vehicle registration services can still utilize other convenient options to avoid potential wait times at the office. 

·&nbsp;Renew online&nbsp;- Simple renewal? Go to <a href="http://ikan.ks.gov">ikan.ks.gov</a>

·&nbsp;Skip the line - Schedule an appointment online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://vktowebbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uitGlf9OIUJ2HvMXhX1ZwagwBcqxG4wv_f475_F_ju0KKB5o_tRytLSi6XrQJ8GvWJ9VUN1h8vMhBkiKsQMCGf0BMkg5X1cZ8-9ev0wigDKSUNd57GRrncx1iVU49TZzrj03uz-uOGsBsn6yMorCQw==&amp;c=OIC699HOnISQgjQhV8W78FuugK22UTJAjmIbpkGhiCYj_SzFGPkjqw==&amp;ch=CRW4KEzWsuTbQae2n3PP36oBhqFmTk9BGz5jHRwuveI55eKH4ao9JA==">bit.ly/SACoNoWait</a>

·&nbsp;Dropbox - Place your paperwork and payment in the dropbox in front of Room 210, and we’ll mail your items back to you.

·&nbsp;Mail - your paperwork and payment to: Saline County Tag Office, 300 W. Ash St. Room 210 Salina, KS 67401

"We've asked the state legislature for the last eight years to revisit the current fee structure,” Newell said. “The Saline County Tag Office acts as an agent for the Kansas Department of Revenue, and relies solely on the income generated through renewals and title fees. The fee structure has not been changed by the State of Kansas in 18 years, making it increasingly difficult to sustain the operational costs of the office. The decision was made after careful consideration of the facility's financial operations.”

Because the tag renewal process is governed by state law, concerns should be directed to your state representative. Let them know how this impacts you and share your feedback directly.

Saline County announces new Tag Office hours, plus vehicle registration service options 

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 11 - August 13

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 8 - August 10

Temperatures are ramping back up after a dropdown last week in Central Kansas.

According the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), heat indices throughout the Central Kansas region are expected to reach over 100 degrees. 

Areas such as Salina, Russell, Hutchinson, Wichita, Harper and Winfield are under a heat advisory for Thursday, August 7 and Friday, August 8. 

Additional areas include Emporia, Eureka, Chanute and Coffeyville for Friday

US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) advises everyone to take precaution during these times.

Temperatures ramping back up in Central Kansas with heat indices over 100

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 6 - August 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 4 - August 6

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 1 - August 3

Three day weather forecast Salina

The US National Weather Service has announced the heat indices around the central Kansas region for Monday.

According to the US National Weather Service, heat index values during the afternoon and early evening for Monday and Tuesday, July 29th are expected to be in the 102 to 109 degree range. Salina is expected to reach a heat index of 106 for Monday, and 105 for Tuesday.

The US National Weather Service advises everyone to be sure to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during the afternoon hours.

Heat indices expected to reach over 100 in Central Kansas

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.

Kan. sex offender jailed on drug allegations after traffic stop

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/dan-gelston">DAN GELSTON</a>

Hours after Paramount and UFC announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ufc-tko-paramount-ultimate-fighting-3804114c82e30e0359605b16105ff6bc">billion-dollar rights deal,</a>&nbsp;Dana White said he had yet to hear from his friend, President Donald Trump, on his thoughts about the fight company’s new streaming home.

That was fine with White. The UFC CEO was set to travel to Washington on Aug. 28 to meet with Trump and his daughter, Ivanka, to catch up and discuss logistics on the proposed Fourth of July fight card next year at the White House.

Trump said last month he wanted to stage a UFC match on the White House grounds with upwards of 20,000 spectators to celebrate 250 years of American independence.

“It’s absolutely going to happen,” White told The Associated Press. “Think about that, the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the UFC will be on the White House south lawn live on CBS.”

The idea of cage fights at the White House would have seemed improbable when the Fertitta brothers purchased UFC for $2 million in 2001 and put White in charge of the fledging fight promotion.

White helped steer the company into a $4 billion sale in 2016 and broadcast rights deals with Fox and ESPN before landing owner TKO Group’s richest one yet — a seven-year deal with Paramount starting in 2026 worth an average of $1.1 billion a year, with all cards on its streaming platform Paramount+ and select numbered events also set to simulcast on CBS.

ESPN, Amazon and Netflix and other traditional sports broadcast players seemed more in play for UFC rights — White had previously hinted fights could air across different platforms — but Paramount was a serious contender from the start of the negotiating window.

The Paramount and UFC deal came just days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paramount-skydance-media-cbs-trump-merger-a030c4f2c1903ed0e7f927782a64fcc0">Skydance</a>&nbsp;and Paramount officially closed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paramount-skydance-merger-fcc-approval-74836c0da9dc0b33f580f714a3f2bfbb">their $8 billion merger</a>&nbsp;— kicking off the reign of a new entertainment giant after a contentious endeavor to get the transaction over the finish line. White said he was impressed with the vision Skydance CEO David Ellison had for the the global MMA leader early in contract talks and how those plans should blossom now that Ellison is chairman and CEO of Paramount.

“When you talk about Paramount, you talk about David Ellison, they’re brilliant businessmen, very aggressive, risk takers,” White said. “They’re right up my alley. These are the kind of guys that I like to be in business with.”

The $1.1 billion deals marks a notable jump from the roughly $550 million that ESPN paid each year for UFC coverage today. But UFC’s new home on Paramount will simplify offerings for fans — with all content set to be available on Paramount+ (which currently costs between $7.99 and $12.99 a month), rather than various pay-per-view fees.

Paramount also said it intends to explore UFC rights outside the U.S. “as they become available in the future.”

UFC matchmakers were set to meet this week to shape what White said would be a loaded debut Paramount card. The UFC boss noted it was still too early to discuss a potential main event for the White House fight night.

“This is a 1-of-1 event,” White said.

There are still some moving parts to UFC broadcasts and other television programming it has its hands in as the company moves into the Paramount era. White said there are still moving parts to the deal and that includes potentially finding new homes for “The Ultimate Fighter,” “Road To UFC,” and “Dana White’s Contender Series.” It’s not necessarily a given the traditional 10 p.m. start time for what were the pay-per-view events would stand, especially on nights cards will also air on CBS.

“We haven’t figured that out yet but we will,” White said.

And what about the sometimes-contentious issue of fighter pay? Some established fighters have clauses in their contracts that they earn more money the higher the buyrate on their cards. Again, most of those issues are to-be-determined as UFC and Paramount settle in to the new deal — with $1.1 billion headed the fight company’s way.

“It will affect fighter pay, big time,” White said. “From deal-to-deal, fighter pay has grown, too. Every time we win, everybody wins.”

Boxer Jake Paul wrote on social media the dying PPV model — which was overpriced for fights as UFC saw a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mmamania.com/ufc-news/313759/report-ufc-suffered-lower-average-buys-per-event-after-already-bad-ppv-numbers-got-worse" target="_blank">decline in buys</a>&nbsp;because of missing star power in many main events — should give the fighters an increased idea of their worth.

“Every fighter in the UFC now has a clear picture of what the revenue is...no more PPV excuses,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jakepaul/status/1954907708437516708" target="_blank">Paul wrote</a>. “Get your worth boys and girls.”

White also scoffed at the idea that the traditional PPV model is dead.

There are still UFC cards on pay-per-view the rest of the year through the end of the ESPN contract and White and Saudi Arabia have teamed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ufc-wwe-saudi-boxing-tko-252c71058acb1aace5c763ea11c3d3c3">launch a new boxing venture</a>&nbsp;that starts next year and could use a PPV home. White, though, is part of the promotional team for the Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford fight in September in Las Vegas that airs on Netflix.

“It’s definitely not run it’s course,” White said. “There were guys out there who were interested in pay-per-view and there were guys out there that weren’t. Wherever we ended up, that’s what we’re going to roll with.”

White said UFC archival footage “kills it” in repeat views and those classic bouts also needed a new home once the ESPN deal expires.

Just when it seems there’s little left for UFC to conquer, White says, there’s always more. Why stop at becoming the biggest fight game in the world? Why not rewrite the pecking order in popularity and riches and go for No. 1 in all sports?

“You have the NFL, the NBA, the UFC, and soccer globally,” White said. “We’re coming. We’re coming for all of them.”

UFC fight at the White House? It’s happening as part of deal with Paramount

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/television-programs-arts-and-entertainment-0f146e9747854c8094002fae40df05d5">Danielle Spencer,</a>&nbsp;who played the wisecracking and tattling little sister Dee Thomas on the 1970s sitcom “What's Happening!!” has died at 60.

Spencer, who became a veterinarian later in life, died Monday at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, after a yearslong battle with cancer, family spokesperson Sandra Jones said.

As Dee, Spencer was the smarter, more serious younger sister who offered a steady stream of deadpan roasts of big brother Roger “Raj” Thomas and his friends Dwayne Nelson and Freddie “Rerun” Stubbs.

“Ooh, I’m gonna tell mama,” would become Dee's catchphrase.

The show, set in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts and among the first on television to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-los-angeles-sitcoms-arts-and-entertainment-race-and-ethnicity-29485334613f905bb8274ad7225e2e71">focus on the lives of Black teenagers,</a>&nbsp;was based on the movie “Cooley High” and ran on ABC from 1976 to 1979. It had a long legacy thanks to its memorable characters, including the geeky Raj, the catchphrase-spouting Dwayne, the red-bereted dancing phenom Rerun, and Dee with her eyerolls and icy stare.

Early in the production of the show's first season, Spencer, then 12, was in a major car accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, that left her in a coma for three weeks and killed her stepfather, Tim Pelt. She would have spinal and neurological problems that would require multiple surgeries in the years afterward.

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in New York, Spencer began acting when she was about 9. “What's Happening!!” would be her first credited role.

“Imagine being plucked from obscurity to star in a TV show,” she told Jet magazine in 2014. “I had never seen any young Black girl in that type of spotlight, so I didn’t have a reference point in the media as to how to deal with this opportunity. I was from the Bronx.”

Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne on the show, paid tribute Tuesday to “Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior.”

“We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, ‘What’s Happening’ cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine. Our Shero,” Nelson said on Instagram. “Danielle is loved.”

Spencer also appeared on a mid-1980s reboot of the show, “What’s Happening Now!!,” which ran for three seasons.

In 2018, she had emergency surgery for a bleeding hematoma, which stemmed from that 1977 car crash. In the immediate aftermath, a family spokesperson said she could only speak slightly and had to use crutches to walk. She had been suffering symptoms from at least 2004, when she had to use a wheelchair and relearn how to walk. In 2014, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy.

She went on to become a veterinarian and advocate for animals. She attended the University of California, Davis, and UCLA, and got a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tuskegee University in 1993.

Spencer continued to dabble in acting in her later years, including an appearance as a veterinarian in the 1997 Jack Nicholson film “As Good as it Gets.”

She is survived by her brother, musician Jeremy Pelt, and her mother, Cheryl Pelt.

Danielle Spencer, who played Dee on 'What's Happening!!,' dies at 60

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in the murder of a woman whose body was found in a Wichita park has admitted to killing 30-year-old Mariana Christian.

On Monday, 31-year-old Kyle Bearden entered a plea of guilty during an evidentiary hearing before Judge Jeffrey Goering, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

The plea agreement calls for the parties to jointly recommend a prison sentence of life with parole eligibility after 25 years, to be followed by an additional 15 years of imprisonment if parole is granted.

Around 10:30 a.m. on July 21, a friend of Mariana Christian filed a missing person report. The friend said Ms. Christian had a history of mental health challenges and often relied on them for transportation to work. That morning, Christian was not at her home in the 1200 block of S. Paige when the friend arrived to pick her up.

At the residence, the friend encountered an unidentified man later identified as Kyle Bearden who said he didn’t know Ms. Christian’s whereabouts.

He claimed Mariana Christian had left the apartment on Friday, July 18, in a truck with an unknown man and woman and hadn’t returned. He also expressed concern for her safety. Although not listed on the lease, the man appeared to be living in the apartment.

Although Ms. Christian was last seen on Friday, July 18, she wasn’t reported missing until Monday, July 21. After multiple failed attempts to reach her and finding her absence unusual, the friend contacted police. Officers issued an attempt-to-locate alert, and investigators took over the case.

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