Four suspects are being sought after being tied to a theft at a Salina store, resulting in over $10,000 in cash stolen.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Sunday just after 4:00 pm, officers were dispatched to El Planeta Mexican store (1917 S. Ohio) for the report of a theft.

Reportedly, employees stated there were two males and two females who entered the store. Both the men and one of the women were distracting the employees, as the other female stole a money bag from the store.

Inside the money bag contained over $10,000 in cash.&nbsp;

The suspects then fled the scene in a vehicle.

According to SPD, the suspects drove away in a grey Honda van with Virginia plates. FLOCK cameras also indicated the vehicle entered into Salina before the crime occurred.

The suspects were wearing black face coverings at the time of the theft, and there was no further identification.

 SPD believes they are not local. The investigation is ongoing.

Four suspects being sought after stealing over $10,000 in cash from a Salina store

Salina Commissioners have approved an application from a local nonprofit be to under property tax exemption status.

<a href="https://www.breakthroughwichita.org/resilience-clubhouse/">Resilience Clubhouse</a>&nbsp;in Salina on 1111 W. South Street, was formed in 2024 and is a membership organization that provides essential services to individuals impacted by serious mental illness, housing instability, unemployment and social isolation.

The organization made an application to the Saline County Treasurer (to be forwarded to the state of Kansas) to consider a nonprofit property tax exemption.

Resilience&nbsp;Clubhouse has a proven track record of improving mental health outcomes, reducing hospitalization costs and increasing successful employment and housing stability. Members work alongside each other with staff to rebuild confidence, develop job skills, secure employment and restore connections to community life.

Historically, the City of Salina has provided similar letters for other local nonprofit organizations.

For example, the City adopted a resolution in 2023 in support of Salina Grace Foundation’s application for tax credits with the state.

For more information about Resilience Clubhouse, click <a href="https://www.breakthroughwichita.org/resilience-clubhouse/">here</a>.

Local nonprofit providing services for individuals in need now under property tax exemption status

Saline County along with 11 other Kansas counties, will receive federal assistance after suffering from July's significant weather events.

President Trump&nbsp;has granted&nbsp;Governor Kelly’s&nbsp;request for a major presidential disaster declaration for public assistance regarding damage to public infrastructure caused by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred during the period of July 17-22, 2025.

“I am grateful that this request for federal assistance has been approved,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly&nbsp;said. “These federal funds will go a long way in supporting these counties as they rebuild their infrastructure.”

The declaration allows state and local levels of government, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations that provide vital and essential services, such as rural electric cooperatives, to apply for Public Assistance funds for emergency and permanent work for the repair or replacement of infrastructure damaged by the disaster.

Twelve counties are included in the disaster declaration: 

Barton, Comanche, Edwards, Hodgeman, Logan, Morris, Ottawa, Rawlins, Saline, Stevens, Sumner, and Wyandotte.

It has not yet been classified as to how much funding each county will receive, because no projects have been developed, only preliminary damage assessments. 

Project development will take several months to complete.

Saline County and 11 other Kansas counties to receive federal assistance after July's significant weather events

KSU College&nbsp;of Veterinary Medicine

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html">Respiratory syncytial virus</a>, more commonly known as RSV, sends thousands of young children to the hospital each year, and treatment options remain limited.

New research from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/">Kansas State University</a>&nbsp;is helping address and mitigate the effects of the troublesome virus.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/academics/dmp/faculty-staff/faculty/baral/">Pankaj Baral</a>, associate professor of immunology in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/academics/dmp/">Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology</a>, and doctoral student Sandeep Adhikari recently published a paper in the journal&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/ncomms/">Nature Communications</a>&nbsp;detailing the role of the beta-adrenergic signaling pathway in RSV infections.

Using an animal model of RSV infection, the researchers tested how a drug that targets a common airway adrenergic&nbsp;receptor affects infection and inflammation.

How the nervous system helps young lungs fight RSV

The sympathetic nervous system is a critical aspect of the body-brain connection and organismic defense. These neurons are involved in the "fight-or-flight" response and secrete neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which binds to beta-adrenergic receptors in smooth muscle and immune cells.

“The role of the nervous system in antiviral immunity during early-life infections is not well understood,” Baral said. “Our study produces insight into the role of sympathetic neurons and beta-2 adrenergic receptor&nbsp;signaling in promoting antiviral defense mechanisms during neonatal infection with RSV, a respiratory virus that causes mild to severe infections in young children and animals.”

The virus is the most common cause of infection and other acute respiratory disorders in children under 5 years of age, Baral said, although RSV can occasionally be problematic for older people and animals.

RSV infections are characterized by lung inflammation, viral expansion and destruction of airway barriers, so it’s critically important to find ways to inhibit infections from occurring.

“It is unknown whether beta-adrenergic signaling can regulate antiviral immunity during early-life infections,” Baral said. “In our research, we find that stimulation of adrenergic signaling via Beta-2-adrenergic agonist increases viral clearance and anti-inflammatory responses, two major aspects of antiviral immunity.”

Beta-2-adrenergic agonists, also known as beta agonists, are widely used Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for bronchodilation in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Despite being a commonly used drug, its immune regulatory and antiviral potential in viral infection is less understood. While more research is needed before the findings can influence patient care, Baral's work opens the door to new ways of protecting infants during their most vulnerable months.

“Our study generates a proof-of-concept regarding the potential therapeutic role of beta-2 agonist for improving disease morbidity and viral clearance during RSV infections,” Adhikari said. “Our findings are significant as current monoclonal antibody therapies and maternal vaccines do not provide long-term protection against RSV.”

“It’s a significant recognition of our graduate program that a graduate student-led study got published in one of the most prestigious and high-impact journals,” said T.G. Nagaraja, program director of the doctoral pathobiology program in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

This newly published work was supported by funding from the American Lung Association, the National Institutes of Health, and the American Heart Association to the Baral Laboratory. 

The research article is titled, “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-66401-8">β2-adrenergic signaling controls neonatal respiratory syncytial virus infection by promoting viral clearance and airway protection</a>,” in the Dec. 18. issue of Nature Communications.&nbsp;

New K-State research seeks to help children breathe easier and avoid respiratory infection

SALINE COUNTY - A man was scammed and lost $10,000 after attempting to purchase an item from a Facebook ad.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office (SO) a 47-year old male reported of being scammed when trying to purchase a skid loader on Facebook.

The man reported on Friday, that on Monday, December 9th he saw on ad for the purchase of a "2011 Kubota SVL 90 skid loader." The man got in contact with individuals for the potential of purchasing the skid loader, which was $21,000.

He then made a wire transfer of $10,000 for the skid loader that was slated to come from Louisiana.

However, he never received the skid loader after several days and tried to get in contact with the people he was in communication with, which did not happen. 

He then found the website from the ad was not legitimate, neither was the phone number.

Sheriff Roger Soldan informs the community to be aware of making a purchase on Facebook, and it is better to make one in person, such as paying the price upfront especially when using Marketplace.

Victim of scam out $10,000 after attempting to purchase item from Facebook ad

SALINE COUNTY - A Nebraska man was found to be unconscious, after driving off the highway in Saline County.&nbsp;

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office (SO) on Friday at 12:15 pm, deputies were sent to milepost 157 on US 81 Highway for the report of a man who drove off the freeway.

Reportedly, a 43-year old man identified as Paul Sloan of York, NE, was driving a black 2018 Ford F150 northbound on US 81. Sloan drove off into the median and continued for awhile, before driving off the highway and landing onto Shipton Road, slamming onto a guardrail.

After the accident Sloan was found to be unconscious, but regained consciousness at some point.

He was transported Salina Regional Health Center for treatment.

Sloan was suspected to be under the influence.

Nebraska man unconscious after driving off highway in Saline County

Three juveniles were caught and with stealing a vehicle in Salina.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Saturday at around 10:30 am, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Russell for the report of a stolen vehicle. A 19-year old male stated he left his keys in a white 2006 Kia Amanti, before it was stolen.&nbsp;

SPD reviewed FLOCK cameras and spotted the vehicle in Oakdale Park at around 1:50 pm that same day. An officer discovered three males were inside the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, but did not comply.&nbsp;

The vehicle went to Front Street and turned onto Johnstown where it came to a stop. Once the vehicle stopped, the three exited the vehicle and ran away.

However, the three were captured and were identified as two 13-year old males and 14-year old male.

All three were placed on requested charges of Theft and were released by SPD.

Three juveniles caught with stealing a vehicle in Salina

Salina Police are actively searching for an unknown suspect(s) who burglarized three properties.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Friday, December 19 three reported burglaries occurred, which were connected.

The first happened at Boy Scouts of America (644 S. Ohio Street). An employee stated they discovered forced entry was made towards the back of the building and noticed several items were missing. Those items included:

Food, cash and a Boy Scouts medal. Damage and loss was valued at over $3,000.

The second burglary happened at All Eyes on You Salon (905 E. Prescott). An employee also stated forced entry was made towards the back of the building, with items missing. Those items included:

Gift cards, laptop and cash. Damage and loss was valued at over $4,000.

The third burglary happened at a home just a couple of blocks down from the salon in central Salina. A 35-year old male reported sometime between Thursday and Friday in the overnight hours, an unknown suspect entered an unlocked detached garage and stole items.

Those items included a tackle box, lighter and a wallet that was inside a vehicle. However, left inside the garage were items stolen from the Boy Scouts of America.

Total loss from the garage was valued at around $150.

Salina Police searching for suspect(s) connected to three burglaries

Saline County Jail Bookings, December 22

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge (subject to change)&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

<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>

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>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 22 - December 24

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 19 - December 21

With the current strong windy weather across central Kansas, Saline County Emergency Management issues warnings and I-70 between Colby and Goodland are reportedly closed.&nbsp;

Saline County Emergency Management statement:

Northwest winds will increase and persist through the afternoon, with sustained speeds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts approaching 60 mph. These conditions will create widespread hazards throughout Saline County.

The combination of strong winds and very dry conditions will result in extreme fire danger. Any grass fire that starts could spread rapidly and be difficult to control. Blowing dust may also reduce visibility, particularly along and west of Salina near I-70.

Kansas Department of Transportation statement:

KDOT has closed both directions of I-70 between Goodland and Colby due to reduced visibility from blowing dust as of 10:22 am on Thursday.

This statement comes after the freeway reopened at around 5:00 am, when it was closed late Wednesday evening.

Motorists are advised to delay non-essential travel until conditions improve.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019b32451255-66bf87ed-2388-4d16-a916-7ad1cd6cb05e-000000/-WTaKRS3IZhaitvuvGXNomZD2QUr6_IU549OuSP-qyY=436">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

Salina Post will provide updates on the reopening of the freeway.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

Windy weather and road closures: Saline Co. Emergency Management issues warning, I-70 between Colby & Goodland closed

Very strong northwest winds and a grassland fire danger are expected to occur Thursday morning most of western and central Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, wind gusts in the 50 to 60 mph range will commonly occur throughout the central Kansas region.

Strong winds will combine with dry conditions to elevate the grassland fire danger into the extreme category on Thursday with peak timing from around 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Any fires that start will be difficult to control.

Moreover, some locations may see visibility reduced which may result in dangerous driving conditions, especially along Interstate 70 west of Salina.

Wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph and grassland fire danger expected Thursday 

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 17 - December 19

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 15 - December 17

Four day weather forecast Salina, December 12 - December 15

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 10 - December 12

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 8 - December 10

Four day weather forecast Salina, December 5 - December 8

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

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

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

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

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

Detectives identified the defendants through multiple investigative leads.

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

Teens attacked, killed man in Kansas City gas station

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

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

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

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

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

Jury: Kansas woman killed her boyfriend on his birthday

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

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

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

Kansas man dies after crash with vehicle that fled 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barry Manilow, 82, reveals cancer diagnosis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chiefs announce move to Kansas: Details on new domed stadium 

<a href="https://apnews.com/video/powerball-lottery-players-dream-big-as-jackpot-reaches-1-6-billion-6ff5647e15794b4c890f1fd5d3e111a5">Powerball</a>&nbsp;will be drawing its winning lottery numbers Monday night for a record 46th time since its last jackpot was claimed, as a string of failed sweepstakes ballooned the top prize to $1.6 billion.

So far, it's the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec46e188305c9425cb555eef00a89d37">5th-largest jackpot</a>&nbsp;in U.S. history after more than three months without a Powerball winner. The game's long odds created a massive windfall that has enticed people to splurge on $2 tickets ahead of the live drawing at 10:59 p.m. ET Monday night.

Lottery officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-f3d841745b774492a03983e8f4bdc719">made the odds tougher</a>&nbsp;in 2015 to create these humongous jackpots and draw more attention, while also making it easier to win smaller prizes.

Experts say it’s a sign the lottery is operating exactly as designed, and that no one should really expect to match all six numbers and make a killing. Still, somebody will likely win at some point, and many players are hoping to be that lucky winner.

“Everybody wants to be a millionaire,” said Saqi Anwer, an Atlanta gas station manager who sold $800 worth of tickets on Saturday.

Monday's estimated $1.6 billion jackpot has a cash value of $735.3 million.

That means a winner can choose to be paid the whole amount&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity,</a>&nbsp;with an immediate payment and then annual payments over 29 years that increase by 5% each time. Winners almost always opt for the up-front cash value, however both eye-popping figures are before taxes.

The last time someone won the Powerball top prize was on Sept. 6, when players in Missouri and Texas won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-drawing-winner-4261a3909c9e01dacc0869c50030e198">$1.787 billion</a>&nbsp;— the second-highest jackpot in U.S. history.

Matt Strawn, who chairs the Powerball Product Group, said in an interview that nothing special predated back-to-back billion-dollar jackpots this year other than the odds of the game. Still, he said it would be magical for a winning ticket to be cashed in during the holidays.

“Imagine if someone is giving the gift of a winning Powerball ticket away, whether it’s in a stocking or a thank-you note to your mail carrier,” Strawn said.

How does the prize rank among the largest jackpots ever?

Monday’s potential bounty now tops the existing 5th-biggest jackpot of a $1.586 billion drawn on Jan. 13, 2016.

Four other jackpots, all from the past three years, have bested the current prize. The biggest U.S. jackpot ever was $2.04 billion back in 2022.

That lotto winner bought the ticket at a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sacramento-california-los-angeles-business-0a72f926487b51b7a6d60451679f8c76">Los Angeles-area gas station</a>&nbsp;and opted for a lump-sum payment of $997.6 million.

In Atlanta on Sunday, players were lining up to get their tickets ahead of Monday's drawing.

“My wife encourages me to buy a ticket because she wants to go on a big trip and she wants to do something good in society,” Bob Wehner said outside a car wash. “And she thought, ‘Well, we can do both if we win, for crying out loud!’”

Ronan Farrell, a middle schooler, speculated about buying an Xbox and a Lamborghini if his family won.

“With an Xbox controller as well,” he added.

The odds of winning Monday’s jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million, according to Powerball. Before the switch a decade ago, the odds were 1 in 175 million. Players now have a 1 in 24.9 chance overall of winning some kind of prize.

Tim Chartier, a Davidson College math professor, said he's never bought a lottery ticket despite knowing those odds inside and out.

“Picking a winning lottery ticket is equivalent to selecting one marked dollar bill from a stack 19 miles high — roughly the height of more than 115 Statues of Liberty,” or 30 kilometers, Chartier said.

“If you have the funds and you enjoy dreaming about a billionaire life, enjoy the ride. Of course, you could win,” Chartier said. “But when the numbers don’t fall your way, recognize that the odds were never in your favor — and that the twinkle of possibility is what made the journey worth the almost-certain letdown.”

Associated Press videojournalist Emilie Megnien in Atlanta contributed to this report.

Olivia Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reportforamerica.org/">Report for America</a>&nbsp;is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

You could be a billionaire before Christmas: Powerball Monday night

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

(Click below to watch the roll call vote)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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