WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security is continuing to deliver this holiday season on its promise to help illegal aliens in the United States return home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Illegal aliens who sign up to self-deport through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/cbphome" target="_blank">CBP Home app</a>&nbsp;by the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend in addition to a free flight home. Using the CBP Home app also qualifies recipients for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home program. During the Christmas Season, the U.S. taxpayer is so generously TRIPLING the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally- offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.&nbsp;“Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

Self-deportation through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/cbphome" target="_blank">CBP Home app</a>&nbsp;is the best gift that an illegal alien can give themselves and their families this holiday season. It’s a fast, free, and easy process: Just download the app, fill out your information, and DHS will take care of the rest – including arranging and paying for your travel back home.&nbsp;

Those illegal aliens who don’t take advantage of this special offer today have only one alternative: They will be arrested, deported, and they will never be able to return to the United States.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766422617160.png" alt="Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security is continuing to deliver this holiday season on its promise to help illegal aliens in the United States return home.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">ILLEGAL ALIENS: Avoid ICE Air and go Ho Ho Home this Christmas using the CBP Home app! <a href="https://t.co/8UqOwg0Dhb">pic.twitter.com/8UqOwg0Dhb</a>&mdash; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICEgov/status/2002912253772026218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Illegal aliens who sign up to self-deport through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/cbphome" target="_blank">CBP Home app</a>&nbsp;by the end of the year will receive a $3,000 stipend in addition to a free flight home. Using the CBP Home app also qualifies recipients for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home program. During the Christmas Season, the U.S. taxpayer is so generously TRIPLING the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally- offering a $3,000 exit bonus, but just until the end of the year,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.&nbsp;“Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Self-deportation through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/cbphome" target="_blank">CBP Home app</a>&nbsp;is the best gift that an illegal alien can give themselves and their families this holiday season. It’s a fast, free, and easy process: Just download the app, fill out your information, and DHS will take care of the rest – including arranging and paying for your travel back home.&nbsp;Those illegal aliens who don’t take advantage of this special offer today have only one alternative: They will be arrested, deported, and they will never be able to return to the United States.&nbsp;

DHS offers cash stipend for illegal aliens to go ‘Home for the Holidays’

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/aaron-sanderford/">Aaron Sanderford</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jay-waagmeester/">Jay Waagmeester</a>- <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA — Former Nebraska Republican U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse is dying of “metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer,” he announced on social media Tuesday.

“Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence. But I already had a death sentence before last week too — we all do,” Sasse wrote.

Most of the political world knows Sasse from his time tussling with President Donald Trump over the direction of the Republican Party, including being one of seven Republicans who voted to convict the president following his impeachment in 2021.&nbsp;

Sasse has been, in many ways, a traditional small-government conservative with an intellectual bent. He often critiqued the GOP’s turn toward populism under Trump and paid a price in public.

He made waves as a candidate running from academia, as then-president of Midland University in Fremont before being elected to the Senate in 2014. His friends describe him as an intense and philosophical thinker.

His foes describe him as a man who likes to prove he is the smartest person in the room. He and his family had discussed moving back to Nebraska, to the lakes, from Florida.

In the early days, he pressed his fellow Republicans to offer solutions to issues like health care instead of just talking about what they were against.

In practice, he told reporters he found the Senate and its politically limiting ways stifling to the sort of committee work and legislative progress he sought.

He did not ever repeal and replace Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act, nor did he muster support for a clear legislative alternative.

But he found his legislative niche pushing back against the rise of China and the malfeasance of Russia online and in the real world, the changing face of war.

He told Americans early and often about the societal and economic disruption artificial intelligence would bring, calling it the next industrial revolution.

Much of his late Senate work focused on what he called “the future of work,” and he spoke often about the need to change education and training to meet new needs.

In 2022, Sasse was&nbsp;<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2022/11/01/u-s-sen-sasse-sole-finalist-in-uf-presidential-search-to-lead-floridas-flagship-university/" target="_blank">named sole finalist</a>&nbsp;for the University of Florida presidency, leaving the Senate for the role in early 2023. Secrecy around the search and concerns about Sasse’s political background stirred campus before he took office.&nbsp;

The UF Faculty Senate voted “no confidence” in the presidential search process, citing a law passed earlier that year to close presidential searches to the public until the final stage.

<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2024/07/19/ben-sasse-resigns-his-university-of-florida-presidency-after-wifes-condition-worsens/" target="_blank">Sasse left office</a>&nbsp;after 17 months, amid concerns about his spending habits as president among&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1823684508987662490" target="_blank">lawmakers</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alligator.org/article/2024/08/desantis-administration-calls-for-investigation-into-former-uf-president-ben-sasse-s-exorbitant-spending" target="_blank">Governor’s Office</a>, and then-Chief Financial Officer<a href="https://x.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1824151429873012749" target="_blank">&nbsp;Jimmy Patronis</a>.

The Independent Florida Alligator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alligator.org/article/2024/08/sasse-s-spending-spree-former-uf-president-channeled-millions-to-gop-allies-secretive-contracts" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;after Sasse resigned, that he had “channeled millions to GOP allies, secretive contracts, tripling spending by the previous president.

“A majority of the spending surge was driven by lucrative contracts with big-name consulting firms and high-salaried, remote positions for Sasse’s former U.S. Senate staff and Republican officials,” the newspaper reported.

Sasse then became a professor at the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at UF, a hub with a “classical” mission that aims to produce people working in law, government, public policy, finance, health and nonprofits.&nbsp;

His&nbsp;<a href="https://hamilton.ufl.edu/people/ben-sasse/" target="_blank">bio</a>&nbsp;on the Florida website points to his “service-leadership posture” and the university’s response to “post-October 7th campus unrest” during his presidency. It also mentions his implementing post-tenure review and launching of the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ufl.edu/2023/10/strategic-funding-awardees/" target="_blank">President’s Strategic Initiative</a>, targeted funding for student experience and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Florida State Rep. Allison Tant, a Democrat from Tallahassee,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AllisonTantFL/status/2003509774013681854" target="_blank">replied</a>&nbsp;to Sasse’s social media post, saying, “Praying for your strength and peace.”

Sasse has said he resigned from the Florida presidency to help care for his wife, Melissa, who had been ill.

Sasse typically dealt with her epilepsy and other ailments quietly, telling friends that his teens would be fine because they were a family that would work together.

He celebrated his closeness with Melissa since stepping back in the 185-word statement he posted, calling her “the best friend a man could ever have.”

“This is hard for someone wired to work and build, but harder still as a husband and a dad,” he wrote. “I can’t begin to describe how great my people are.”&nbsp;

Sasse has three children, two daughters and a son. His post referenced his joy in their successes — one in the Air Force, one teaching and one learning to drive.

In it, he spoke about the situation his health would put his family through, not getting to walk his daughter down the aisle, burying him.

But he layered his message as he did in some of his speeches, with themes and reflections on the faith that buttressed him during difficult times with his wife and kids.

Sasse said he wouldn’t go down without a fight. He said he finds comfort in the idea of Christmas. And “gallows humor.” He said death and dying are not the same.

“We hope in a real Deliverer — a rescuing God, born at a real time, in a real place,” he said.”But the eternal city — with foundations and without cancer — is not yet.”

This is a developing story.&nbsp;Nebraska Examiner Reporter Juan Salinas II contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1564937419455.png" alt="File photo former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/aaron-sanderford/">Aaron Sanderford</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jay-waagmeester/">Jay Waagmeester</a>- <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA — Former Nebraska Republican U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse is dying of “metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer,” he announced on social media Tuesday.“Advanced pancreatic is nasty stuff; it’s a death sentence. But I already had a death sentence before last week too — we all do,” Sasse wrote.Most of the political world knows Sasse from his time tussling with President Donald Trump over the direction of the Republican Party, including being one of seven Republicans who voted to convict the president following his impeachment in 2021.&nbsp;Sasse has been, in many ways, a traditional small-government conservative with an intellectual bent. He often critiqued the GOP’s turn toward populism under Trump and paid a price in public.<h2>Intellectual senator</h2>He made waves as a candidate running from academia, as then-president of Midland University in Fremont before being elected to the Senate in 2014. His friends describe him as an intense and philosophical thinker.His foes describe him as a man who likes to prove he is the smartest person in the room. He and his family had discussed moving back to Nebraska, to the lakes, from Florida.In the early days, he pressed his fellow Republicans to offer solutions to issues like health care instead of just talking about what they were against.In practice, he told reporters he found the Senate and its politically limiting ways stifling to the sort of committee work and legislative progress he sought.He did not ever repeal and replace Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act, nor did he muster support for a clear legislative alternative.But he found his legislative niche pushing back against the rise of China and the malfeasance of Russia online and in the real world, the changing face of war.He told Americans early and often about the societal and economic disruption artificial intelligence would bring, calling it the next industrial revolution.Much of his late Senate work focused on what he called “the future of work,” and he spoke often about the need to change education and training to meet new needs.<h2>University of Florida presidency</h2>In 2022, Sasse was&nbsp;<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2022/11/01/u-s-sen-sasse-sole-finalist-in-uf-presidential-search-to-lead-floridas-flagship-university/" target="_blank">named sole finalist</a>&nbsp;for the University of Florida presidency, leaving the Senate for the role in early 2023. Secrecy around the search and concerns about Sasse’s political background stirred campus before he took office.&nbsp;The UF Faculty Senate voted “no confidence” in the presidential search process, citing a law passed earlier that year to close presidential searches to the public until the final stage.<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2024/07/19/ben-sasse-resigns-his-university-of-florida-presidency-after-wifes-condition-worsens/" target="_blank">Sasse left office</a>&nbsp;after 17 months, amid concerns about his spending habits as president among&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1823684508987662490" target="_blank">lawmakers</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alligator.org/article/2024/08/desantis-administration-calls-for-investigation-into-former-uf-president-ben-sasse-s-exorbitant-spending" target="_blank">Governor’s Office</a>, and then-Chief Financial Officer<a href="https://x.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1824151429873012749" target="_blank">&nbsp;Jimmy Patronis</a>.The Independent Florida Alligator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alligator.org/article/2024/08/sasse-s-spending-spree-former-uf-president-channeled-millions-to-gop-allies-secretive-contracts" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;after Sasse resigned, that he had “channeled millions to GOP allies, secretive contracts, tripling spending by the previous president.“A majority of the spending surge was driven by lucrative contracts with big-name consulting firms and high-salaried, remote positions for Sasse’s former U.S. Senate staff and Republican officials,” the newspaper reported.Sasse then became a professor at the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at UF, a hub with a “classical” mission that aims to produce people working in law, government, public policy, finance, health and nonprofits.&nbsp;His&nbsp;<a href="https://hamilton.ufl.edu/people/ben-sasse/" target="_blank">bio</a>&nbsp;on the Florida website points to his “service-leadership posture” and the university’s response to “post-October 7th campus unrest” during his presidency. It also mentions his implementing post-tenure review and launching of the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ufl.edu/2023/10/strategic-funding-awardees/" target="_blank">President’s Strategic Initiative</a>, targeted funding for student experience and interdisciplinary scholarship.Florida State Rep. Allison Tant, a Democrat from Tallahassee,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AllisonTantFL/status/2003509774013681854" target="_blank">replied</a>&nbsp;to Sasse’s social media post, saying, “Praying for your strength and peace.”<h2>Family health fight</h2>Sasse has said he resigned from the Florida presidency to help care for his wife, Melissa, who had been ill.Sasse typically dealt with her epilepsy and other ailments quietly, telling friends that his teens would be fine because they were a family that would work together.He celebrated his closeness with Melissa since stepping back in the 185-word statement he posted, calling her “the best friend a man could ever have.”“This is hard for someone wired to work and build, but harder still as a husband and a dad,” he wrote. “I can’t begin to describe how great my people are.”&nbsp;Sasse has three children, two daughters and a son. His post referenced his joy in their successes — one in the Air Force, one teaching and one learning to drive.In it, he spoke about the situation his health would put his family through, not getting to walk his daughter down the aisle, burying him.But he layered his message as he did in some of his speeches, with themes and reflections on the faith that buttressed him during difficult times with his wife and kids.Sasse said he wouldn’t go down without a fight. He said he finds comfort in the idea of Christmas. And “gallows humor.” He said death and dying are not the same.“We hope in a real Deliverer — a rescuing God, born at a real time, in a real place,” he said.”But the eternal city — with foundations and without cancer — is not yet.”This is a developing story.&nbsp;Nebraska Examiner Reporter Juan Salinas II contributed to this story.

Former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse announces terminal stage-four cancer diagnosis

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/AA3vZTiiSk">pic.twitter.com/AA3vZTiiSk</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2003229806721396801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 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>: As Commander-in-Chief, it&#39;s my great honor to announce that I&#39;ve approved a plan for the Navy to begin the construction of two brand new, very large battleships... They&#39;ll be the fastest, the biggest, and by far — 100x more powerful than any battleship ever built. <a href="https://t.co/226O1UxOeS">pic.twitter.com/226O1UxOeS</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2003229232491901068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 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>: &quot;These cutting edge vessels will be some of the most lethal surface warfare ships... We envision that these ships will be the first of a whole new class of battleships to be produced in the years to come.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/TiZhdRbIej">https://t.co/TiZhdRbIej</a> <a href="https://t.co/DMVbS216KG">pic.twitter.com/DMVbS216KG</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2003230163832832306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 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>: &quot;I want to be very clear that we&#39;re building them here... we have great Navy Yards. We&#39;ll be negotiating with some of the companies that are running those yards.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/TiZhdRbIej">https://t.co/TiZhdRbIej</a> <a href="https://t.co/6xLWpiR3z5">pic.twitter.com/6xLWpiR3z5</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2003231004958568928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 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>: &quot;They&#39;ll also have hypersonic weapons...and even the high-power lasers that you&#39;ve been starting to read about... They&#39;ll also carry the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles currently under development.&quot; 🔥🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/TiZhdRbIej">https://t.co/TiZhdRbIej</a> <a href="https://t.co/6PNzZFwADs">pic.twitter.com/6PNzZFwADs</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2003231909221138714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥U.S. to build "Trump-class" warships for "Golden Fleet"

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating the recovery of a body&nbsp;&nbsp;found in a wooded area near the YMCA building in Salina have identified the victim as&nbsp;60-year old, Shane T. Duffy of Salina, according to a statement from Salina Police.

The cause of death was a heart attack and the contributing factors were chronic substance abuse, according to police. There was no&nbsp;indication of foul play.&nbsp;&nbsp;A passerby found the deceased body and contacted police on Nov. 20.

There was no home address listed for Duffy, as he was deemed to be homeless.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763669921157.png" alt="Google Map" />
 <figcaption>Google Map</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating the recovery of a body&nbsp;&nbsp;found in a wooded area near the YMCA building in Salina have identified the victim as&nbsp;60-year old, Shane T. Duffy of Salina, according to a statement from Salina Police.The cause of death was a heart attack and the contributing factors were chronic substance abuse, according to police. There was no&nbsp;indication of foul play.&nbsp;&nbsp;A passerby found the deceased body and contacted police on Nov. 20.There was no home address listed for Duffy, as he was deemed to be homeless.

Police ID body of man found in wooded area near Salina YMCA

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

&nbsp;Just after 10a.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to 27th&nbsp;and Quincy on a reported cutting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

 When officers arrived, they located an adult female victim suffering from laceration wounds.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; While officers were on scene investigating, they received information about the location of a possible suspect.&nbsp;

Just before 10:30a.m., officers responded to the 6600 block of E 16th&nbsp;street to investigate the information they received.&nbsp; When they arrived, possible crime scene evidence was located, and they were directed to a residence on 16th Street.&nbsp; Inside, they discovered an adult female victim suffering from unknown bodily trauma.&nbsp; KCFD EMS responded and pronounced the victim deceased on scene.&nbsp;

This is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; A subject of interest was taken into custody on 16th Street, pending further investigation.&nbsp; Detectives are working to determine what led up to the incidents and if the scenes are related.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766491333267.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;Just after 10a.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to 27th&nbsp;and Quincy on a reported cutting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. When officers arrived, they located an adult female victim suffering from laceration wounds.&nbsp; She was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; While officers were on scene investigating, they received information about the location of a possible suspect.&nbsp;Just before 10:30a.m., officers responded to the 6600 block of E 16th&nbsp;street to investigate the information they received.&nbsp; When they arrived, possible crime scene evidence was located, and they were directed to a residence on 16th Street.&nbsp; Inside, they discovered an adult female victim suffering from unknown bodily trauma.&nbsp; KCFD EMS responded and pronounced the victim deceased on scene.&nbsp;This is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; A subject of interest was taken into custody on 16th Street, pending further investigation.&nbsp; Detectives are working to determine what led up to the incidents and if the scenes are related.&nbsp;

Police: Woman killed, another injured in Kansas City

CASS COUNTY —The  Missouri State Highway Patrol investigating a fatal officer shooting involving a member of the Belton Police Department.

Just after 10a.m. Friday, police in the Kansas City suburb of Belton responded to a the 16,000 Block of Rebecca Lane to check the welfare of a subject possibly experiencing&nbsp; mental health issues, according to a media release from the&nbsp; MSHP. Officers made contact with the subject, later identified as 26-year-old&nbsp;Quinn Swaggart at the residence. Swaggart refused any assistance from officers.

Just before 12:30p.m. Officers were called to the same address a second time on a report Swaggart was threatening a member of the residence with a&nbsp; knife. Officer arrived and contacted the reporting party in the front of the home. During the conversation, Swaggart exited the residence and was armed with a knife. Swaggart ran toward the officers and they retreated.&nbsp; The subject continued to chase an officer. At 12:35p.m., the officer fired shots striking the Swaggart. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

No officers were injured during the incident. Investigators recovered a knife at the scene.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. Their final report on the incident will forwarded to the Cass County Attorney for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766181673996.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>CASS COUNTY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol investigating a fatal officer shooting involving a member of the Belton Police Department.Just after 10a.m. Friday, police in the Kansas City suburb of Belton responded to a the 16,000 Block of Rebecca Lane to check the welfare of a subject possibly experiencing&nbsp; mental health issues, according to a media release from the&nbsp; MSHP. Officers made contact with the subject, later identified as 26-year-old&nbsp;Quinn Swaggart at the residence. Swaggart refused any assistance from officers.Just before 12:30p.m. Officers were called to the same address a second time on a report Swaggart was threatening a member of the residence with a&nbsp; knife. Officer arrived and contacted the reporting party in the front of the home. During the conversation, Swaggart exited the residence and was armed with a knife. Swaggart ran toward the officers and they retreated.&nbsp; The subject continued to chase an officer. At 12:35p.m., the officer fired shots striking the Swaggart. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;No officers were injured during the incident. Investigators recovered a knife at the scene.The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. Their final report on the incident will forwarded to the Cass County Attorney for review.

Patrol IDs man shot, killed after chasing officers with a knife

Powerball® could deliver the ultimate life-changing prize this Christmas Eve. No ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night, pushing the jackpot to an estimated $1.70 billion for Wednesday night’s drawing, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $781.3 million.

Wednesday’s jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and among U.S. lottery games.

“Much like the holidays, Powerball is a game that brings people together to dream big and hope for a brighter future,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “We hope this growing jackpot inspires excitement and joy, and, most importantly, good will to all. A portion of every ticket helps support programs and services that benefit local communities.”

Historically, the Powerball® jackpot has been won once on Christmas Eve (2011) and four times on Christmas Day (1996, 2002, 2010 and 2013).

The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 3, 18, 36, 41, 54 and red Powerball 7. The Power Play® multiplier was 2.

Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many tickets won cash prizes in last night’s drawing.

Nationwide, nine tickets matched all five white balls to $1 million prizes. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York (2), Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

The drawing also produced 107 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 28 tickets that won $100,000 prizes. Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.

In the Double Play® drawing, two tickets sold in Florida and Maryland won $500,000 prizes after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. The Double Play drawing is live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.

Wednesday’s Powerball drawing will be the 47th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.

If a player wins Wednesday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.70 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $781.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

Powerball® could deliver the ultimate life-changing prize this Christmas Eve. No ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night, pushing the jackpot to an estimated $1.70 billion for Wednesday night’s drawing, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $781.3 million.Wednesday’s jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and among U.S. lottery games.“Much like the holidays, Powerball is a game that brings people together to dream big and hope for a brighter future,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “We hope this growing jackpot inspires excitement and joy, and, most importantly, good will to all. A portion of every ticket helps support programs and services that benefit local communities.”Historically, the Powerball® jackpot has been won once on Christmas Eve (2011) and four times on Christmas Day (1996, 2002, 2010 and 2013).The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 3, 18, 36, 41, 54 and red Powerball 7. The Power Play® multiplier was 2.Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many tickets won cash prizes in last night’s drawing.Nationwide, nine tickets matched all five white balls to $1 million prizes. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York (2), Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin.The drawing also produced 107 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 28 tickets that won $100,000 prizes. Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.In the Double Play® drawing, two tickets sold in Florida and Maryland won $500,000 prizes after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. The Double Play drawing is live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.Wednesday’s Powerball drawing will be the 47th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.If a player wins Wednesday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.70 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $781.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.Record U.S. Lottery Jackpots<ol>
 <li>$2.04 Billion – Powerball – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.787 Billion – Powerball – Sept. 6, 2025 – MO, TX</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Powerball – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.70 Billion est. – Powerball – Dec. 24, 2025</li><li>$1.602 Billion – Mega Millions – Aug. 8, 2023 – FL</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Powerball – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.537 Billion – Mega Millions – Oct. 23, 2018 – SC</li><li>$1.348 Billion – Mega Millions – Jan. 13, 2023 – ME</li><li>$1.337 Billion – Mega Millions – July 29, 2022 – IL</li><li>$1.326 Billion – Powerball – April 6, 2024 – OR</li>
 </ol>

Merry Christmas: Powerball now 4th largest in history

On December 22, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a low-profile vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters, according to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command.

 Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. One male narco-terrorist was confirmed killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.&nbsp;

On December 22, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a low-profile vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters, according to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Dec. 22, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a low-profile vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting… <a href="https://t.co/LGzEaQSTiR">pic.twitter.com/LGzEaQSTiR</a>&mdash; U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2003303616963133694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. One male narco-terrorist was confirmed killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.&nbsp;

🎥U.S. military: New strike on drug boat killed 1 'narco-terrorist'

&nbsp;The Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp; announced plans on Monday to move from Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri to a new domed stadium in Kansas.

On social media, Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed his disappointment in the decision.

&nbsp;The Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp; announced plans on Monday to move from Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri to a new domed stadium in Kansas.On social media, Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed his disappointment in the decision.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Rare in America do we all have a spot where we come together. That’s Arrowhead Stadium. <a href="https://t.co/FjDhhIt8XO">pic.twitter.com/FjDhhIt8XO</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/2003256467164659861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sometimes you get outbid, but today was still a lot. We’ll keep up our work, collaboratively with the county and our state to see the Royals in a great facility and to keep building progress citywide. <a href="https://t.co/SEmanWMcA3">pic.twitter.com/SEmanWMcA3</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/2003255500541215015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

What KCMO Mayor said about Chiefs decision to move to Kansas

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766242230418.png" alt="Vasquez -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Vasquez -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>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

 Kansas lawmakers approved a proposal today to help pay for a new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs, which is expected to lure the team across the state line from Missouri and replace the popular but aging Arrowhead Stadium.

The Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, voted unanimously at the state capitol in Topeka 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.&nbsp; "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 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 today as well 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 however, Jackson County voters soundly defeated a local sales tax extension 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 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 Royals were not discussed by Kansas lawmakers today, 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.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766434608613.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE Kansas lawmakers approved a proposal today to help pay for a new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs, which is expected to lure the team across the state line from Missouri and replace the popular but aging Arrowhead Stadium.The Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, voted unanimously at the state capitol in Topeka 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.&nbsp; "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 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 today as well 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 however, Jackson County voters soundly defeated a local sales tax extension 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 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 Royals were not discussed by Kansas lawmakers today, 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.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Kansas approves STAR  bonds paving way for Chiefs to move across state line

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">Anna Kaminski</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas City Chiefs are moving to Kansas with a deal to use taxpayer funding to help build a domed stadium, entertainment district, new team headquarters and a training facility, Kansas officials announced Monday.

The announcement followed a closed-door meeting by legislative leaders who then voted unanimously&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/18/kansas-legislators-to-meet-monday-about-deal-to-bring-kansas-city-chiefs-across-the-state-line/">to issue STAR bonds</a>&nbsp;to finance the project.

More information about the deal is expected at a news conference called by Gov. Laura Kelly, who appeared with Chiefs owner Clark Hunt before talking to reporters.

“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level,” Kelly said in a statement as the news conference began. “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. 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 Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of Republican and Democratic legislative leaders, booted a standing-room-only crowd out about three minutes into its Monday meeting and returned in less than 30 minutes to vote on the STAR bonds deal. They didn’t discuss the plan in an open meeting or with reporters.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said in a statement that “Kansas won the Super Bowl.”

“This is a big win our state really needed,” Masterson said. “As someone who loves watching the big game every week, I can tell you this will make the football experience better for Chiefs Kingdom. The overall fan experience will be greatly improved with this new stadium: better seats, enhanced tailgating, and smoother traffic flow to and from games.”

(Click below to watch the roll call vote)

The state has been trying to lure the Kansas City Chiefs football team and Kansas City Royals baseball team across state lines. The Legislature passed a law during a special session in 2024 to use STAR bonds to pay for up to 70% of a development project with a minimum investment of a billion dollars. The bonds would be paid through liquor sales and retail sales tax revenue in the development area, with a window up to 30 years.

Chiefs flags lined the street leading into the Docking State Office Building, and a lone Topekan sat outside to show his support of bringing the team to Kansas.

Steve Bushnell said he has made the trip to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, many times. He was excited at the idea of moving the team to the Sunflower State.

“It’s certainly a little bit bittersweet with the nostalgia of Royals stadium, Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium,” he said.&nbsp;

But, he said, when he heard Chiefs leaders were going to be in Topeka for the news conference with the governor, he “jumped at” the opportunity to be part of this “historic event.”

Inside, red and yellow balloon pillars welcomed an expected 400 guests, according to a spokesperson for the governor.&nbsp;

Kelly, legislative leadership, Chiefs president Mark Donovan, Hunt, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran and Lt. Gov. David Toland, who is also the Kansas commerce secretary, convened at the Docking building ahead of the news conference to commemorate the deal by posing for photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766434608613.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">Anna Kaminski</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas City Chiefs are moving to Kansas with a deal to use taxpayer funding to help build a domed stadium, entertainment district, new team headquarters and a training facility, Kansas officials announced Monday.The announcement followed a closed-door meeting by legislative leaders who then voted unanimously&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/18/kansas-legislators-to-meet-monday-about-deal-to-bring-kansas-city-chiefs-across-the-state-line/">to issue STAR bonds</a>&nbsp;to finance the project.More information about the deal is expected at a news conference called by Gov. Laura Kelly, who appeared with Chiefs owner Clark Hunt before talking to reporters.“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level,” Kelly said in a statement as the news conference began. “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. 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 Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of Republican and Democratic legislative leaders, booted a standing-room-only crowd out about three minutes into its Monday meeting and returned in less than 30 minutes to vote on the STAR bonds deal. They didn’t discuss the plan in an open meeting or with reporters.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said in a statement that “Kansas won the Super Bowl.”“This is a big win our state really needed,” Masterson said. “As someone who loves watching the big game every week, I can tell you this will make the football experience better for Chiefs Kingdom. The overall fan experience will be greatly improved with this new stadium: better seats, enhanced tailgating, and smoother traffic flow to and from games.”(Click below to watch the roll call vote)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P_VAc_3kmn0?si=-jAzhQQw6SS61clV&amp;start=2499" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The state has been trying to lure the Kansas City Chiefs football team and Kansas City Royals baseball team across state lines. The Legislature passed a law during a special session in 2024 to use STAR bonds to pay for up to 70% of a development project with a minimum investment of a billion dollars. The bonds would be paid through liquor sales and retail sales tax revenue in the development area, with a window up to 30 years.Chiefs flags lined the street leading into the Docking State Office Building, and a lone Topekan sat outside to show his support of bringing the team to Kansas.Steve Bushnell said he has made the trip to Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, many times. He was excited at the idea of moving the team to the Sunflower State.“It’s certainly a little bit bittersweet with the nostalgia of Royals stadium, Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium,” he said.&nbsp;But, he said, when he heard Chiefs leaders were going to be in Topeka for the news conference with the governor, he “jumped at” the opportunity to be part of this “historic event.”Inside, red and yellow balloon pillars welcomed an expected 400 guests, according to a spokesperson for the governor.&nbsp;Kelly, legislative leadership, Chiefs president Mark Donovan, Hunt, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran and Lt. Gov. David Toland, who is also the Kansas commerce secretary, convened at the Docking building ahead of the news conference to commemorate the deal by posing for photos.

Kansas lures Chiefs across state lines with offer to use build domed stadium, training facilit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766420960440.png" alt=" Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center at the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas, says the overall cost of the facility will rise nearly $80 million to a total of $329 million. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center at the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas, says the overall cost of the facility will rise nearly $80 million to a total of $329 million. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Project relies on combination of state and federal funding, donations and bond debt</h2>TOPEKA — The total price of constructing research and clinical facilities for the new University of Kansas Cancer Center increased nearly $80 million to accommodate plans for additional laboratory space and in response to general inflation, tariff and labor cost spikes.Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center, said financial requirements of transforming the campus in Kansas City, Kansas, to fulfill the promise of a coveted federal designation as a comprehensive cancer center was estimated in November 2023 to total $250 million. He said the current assessment pegged the project cost at $329 million, which would amount to a 30% escalation in the budget.Presentations to the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Board of Regents indicated decisions to add 70,000 square feet to the project for research purposes, enough to allow 44 principal laboratories rather than the original 32, would elevate the cost by $67.5 million. Escalation in materials and labor expenses added $6 million to the bottom line. In addition, planners committed $6 million more to the contingency fund.In May, ground was broken for the cancer center complex. The plan calls for occupancy of the new research building in February 2028. Renovation of the nearby Hemenway Life Sciences and Innovation Center would connect it to the research hub of the cancer center. The entire complex would be operational by February 2029.“It’s going to be an incredible catalyst for, I think, further growth of the cancer center,” Jensen said. “We’re super excited to have this in progress right now.”The cancer center complex at 39th and Rainbow campus was designed to provide patients with access to groundbreaking clinical trials and therapies, KU officials said. Physicians and researchers engaged in cancer research and treatment would be brought together to make personalized care more readily available.Jensen said KU Medical Center attracted 8,500 new cancer patients annually, an increase from 1,700 new patients in 2004. The volume of research at the medical center has grown over the past 20 years from $14 million annually to $94 million annually, he said.“With that significant growth, we’re in need of an expansion,” Jensen said. “We’re currently in 10 different buildings just on the medical center campus. A big reason for this project was to begin to consolidate.”Under the revised $329 million budget endorsed by the Board of Regents, the cancer center project would rely on $75 million in state aid, $60.7 million in federal appropriations, $57.2 million in private donations, $98 million in bond debt and $38 million from cash reserves and contributions from KU Health System.“The Legislature’s allocation of $75 million played a key role in allowing us to move forward with this project,” Jensen said. “The office of Sen. (Jerry) Moran has also been quite helpful with a number of congressionally directed spending allocations.”Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said unresolved pieces of the puzzle included the potential of supplemental federal funding. U.S. Senate legislation pending in Washington, D.C., would earmark $36 million more to the KU Cancer Center, which Waymaster suggested could be dedicated to reducing KU’s bond debt obligations.Jensen said extra federal aid might moderate costs of borrowing, but the infusion also could allow shifting of resources to better incentivize hiring of cancer center researchers.“Some of the cash on hand that’s being set aside for this building could then be used to help us to build recruiting packages to help bring new investigators to the cancer center,” he said.In 2012, KU was federally designated by the U.S. National Cancer Institute as a clinical cancer center. KU Cancer Center was declared a comprehensive center in 2022, which was the highest level of recognition awarded by NCI.Fifty-four comprehensive cancer centers have been established in the United States — a figure representing 1% of all cancer treatment facilities in the country, Jensen said.“It’s impressive,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. “I think people should know that because it didn’t happen by accident.”

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

JACKSON COUNTY —A Jackson County sheriff's deputy struck by a car while investigating an accident continues to show improvement, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp;

Just after 6p.m. December 17, a 2012 Mercedes driven by a 69-year-old Lee's Summit woman was southbound at South Buckner Tarsney at E. Ryan Road. The vehicle traveled into the crash scene and struck the the 53-year-old deputy, according to the MSHP. 

Central Jackson County EMS transported the deputy to Centerpoint Medical Center.

"After undergoing several medical procedures the deputy is making progress toward healing, remains in stable condition and is expected to recover," according to Sheriff Forte'

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766358531941.png" alt="Road blocked following the pedestrian incident Dec. 17, -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Road blocked following the pedestrian incident Dec. 17, -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —A Jackson County sheriff's deputy struck by a car while investigating an accident continues to show improvement, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp;Just after 6p.m. December 17, a 2012 Mercedes driven by a 69-year-old Lee's Summit woman was southbound at South Buckner Tarsney at E. Ryan Road. The vehicle traveled into the crash scene and struck the the 53-year-old deputy, according to the MSHP. Central Jackson County EMS transported the deputy to Centerpoint Medical Center."After undergoing several medical procedures the deputy is making progress toward healing, remains in stable condition and is expected to recover," according to Sheriff Forte'

Deputy recovering after struck by a car at scene of earlier crash

LAFAYATTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Sunday in Lafayette County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Nissan Sentra driven by a 72-year-old Warrensburg woman was northbound on MO 13 just north of Highway U.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the car and it began to skid sideways into the southbound lane. A southbound 2019 Ford F250 driven by a 49-year-old Grapevine, Arkansas, man struck the Nissan.&nbsp;

The 72-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Stewart Hoefer Funeral Home.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported the other driver to Western Missouri Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

LAFAYATTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Sunday in Lafayette County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Nissan Sentra driven by a 72-year-old Warrensburg woman was northbound on MO 13 just north of Highway U.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the car and it began to skid sideways into the southbound lane. A southbound 2019 Ford F250 driven by a 49-year-old Grapevine, Arkansas, man struck the Nissan.&nbsp;The 72-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Stewart Hoefer Funeral Home.&nbsp; A private vehicle transported the other driver to Western Missouri Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims..

Missouri woman killed in 2-vehicle crash

KANSAS CITY—Three people were injured in a fire on Sunday in Kansas City.

Just after 10:30a.m. crews were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 3300 block of Askew Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

On arrival, crews reported smoke on the 2nd&nbsp;floor of a 2-story house and initiated an offensive fire attack.&nbsp;Residents reported that all residents were able to get out on their own. Crews did conduct a search of the structure, which came back all clear. The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to a single room.&nbsp;KCFD ambulances transported 3 occupants of the residence, to local hospitals. Late Sunday, there was no update on their condition. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—Three people were injured in a fire on Sunday in Kansas City.Just after 10:30a.m. crews were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 3300 block of Askew Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.On arrival, crews reported smoke on the 2nd&nbsp;floor of a 2-story house and initiated an offensive fire attack.&nbsp;Residents reported that all residents were able to get out on their own. Crews did conduct a search of the structure, which came back all clear. The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to a single room.&nbsp;KCFD ambulances transported 3 occupants of the residence, to local hospitals. Late Sunday, there was no update on their condition. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

3 hospitalized after fire at home in Kansas City

just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the intersection of Admiral and Paseo on a reported shooting, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

First responders found a man lying in the street near the intersection, unresponsive, and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene&nbsp; and pronounced the victim deceased.

There is no preliminary information indicating what led up to the shooting and a subject of interest has not been identified at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766337684429.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the intersection of Admiral and Paseo on a reported shooting, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766337663096.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found a man lying in the street near the intersection, unresponsive, and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene&nbsp; and pronounced the victim deceased.There is no preliminary information indicating what led up to the shooting and a subject of interest has not been identified at this time.

Homicide: Shooting victim found on Kansas City street

GREENE COUNTY, Mo. —The pilot of a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing Saturday in Missouri.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the aircraft made the "off-field landing on just before 1p.m. on U.S. 65 one and one half miles north of Interstate 44 near Springfield.&nbsp;

 The pilot and one passenger were not injured.&nbsp; The mishap affected traffic&nbsp; for a short time until they plane was removed.&nbsp; The FAA and NTSB will investigate.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766357879881.png" alt="Photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>GREENE COUNTY, Mo. —The pilot of a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing Saturday in Missouri.According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the aircraft made the "off-field landing on just before 1p.m. on U.S. 65 one and one half miles north of Interstate 44 near Springfield.&nbsp; The pilot and one passenger were not injured.&nbsp; The mishap affected traffic&nbsp; for a short time until they plane was removed.&nbsp; The FAA and NTSB will investigate.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details.

Small plane forced to make emergency landing on Mo. highway

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Sunday in Crawford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Hyundai Elantra driven by Melinda Canet, 54, Pittsburg, was northbound on S 260th Street just north of E 510th Avenue.&nbsp; The car struck a pedestrian identified as Nicklas&nbsp;Thompson, 37, Pittsburg, who walking in the roadway.

Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Derfelt Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Cannet to Mercy Hospital. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

CRAWFORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Sunday in Crawford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Hyundai Elantra driven by Melinda Canet, 54, Pittsburg, was northbound on S 260th Street just north of E 510th Avenue.&nbsp; The car struck a pedestrian identified as Nicklas&nbsp;Thompson, 37, Pittsburg, who walking in the roadway.Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Derfelt Funeral Home.&nbsp; EMS transported Cannet to Mercy Hospital. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after struck by a car 

The Powerball® holiday jackpot streak continues! No ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night, sending the jackpot soaring to an estimated $1.60 billion for Monday night’s drawing, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $735.3 million.

Monday’s jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and the fifth largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.

“Powerball is giving players a chance to dream bigger than ever this holiday season,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “Every ticket sold not only offers the chance at a life-changing prize but also supports important public programs and services in communities nationwide. We encourage everyone to enjoy the thrill responsibly.”

The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 4, 5, 28, 52, 69 and red Powerball 20. The Power Play® multiplier was 3.

Nationwide, eight tickets matched all five white balls. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan (2), New Hampshire and Ohio. The Match 5 prize is a set cash prize of $1 million in all jurisdictions except California, where prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.

The drawing also produced 112 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 22 tickets that won $150,000 prizes.

In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in New Jersey won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. The Double Play drawing is live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.

Monday’s Powerball drawing will be the 46th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.

This marks only the second time in Powerball history that the game has produced back-to-back jackpots exceeding $1 billion. The only other occurrence was in 2023, when a $1.08 billion jackpot was won on July 19, followed by a $1.765 billion jackpot on Oct. 11. Both jackpots were won in California.

If a player wins Monday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.60 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $735.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

The Powerball® holiday jackpot streak continues! No ticket matched all six numbers drawn last night, sending the jackpot soaring to an estimated $1.60 billion for Monday night’s drawing, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $735.3 million.Monday’s jackpot ranks as the fourth largest in Powerball history and the fifth largest among U.S. lottery jackpots.“Powerball is giving players a chance to dream bigger than ever this holiday season,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “Every ticket sold not only offers the chance at a life-changing prize but also supports important public programs and services in communities nationwide. We encourage everyone to enjoy the thrill responsibly.”The jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 4, 5, 28, 52, 69 and red Powerball 20. The Power Play® multiplier was 3.Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many tickets won cash prizes in last night’s drawing.Nationwide, eight tickets matched all five white balls. The winning Match 5 tickets were sold in California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan (2), New Hampshire and Ohio. The Match 5 prize is a set cash prize of $1 million in all jurisdictions except California, where prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.The drawing also produced 112 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 22 tickets that won $150,000 prizes.In the Double Play® drawing, a ticket in New Jersey won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. The Double Play drawing is live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.Monday’s Powerball drawing will be the 46th in the current jackpot run – a game record for the most drawings in a jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.This marks only the second time in Powerball history that the game has produced back-to-back jackpots exceeding $1 billion. The only other occurrence was in 2023, when a $1.08 billion jackpot was won on July 19, followed by a $1.765 billion jackpot on Oct. 11. Both jackpots were won in California.If a player wins Monday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.60 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $735.3 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.Record U.S. Lottery Jackpots<ol>
 <li>$2.04 Billion – Powerball – Nov. 7, 2022 – CA</li><li>$1.787 Billion – Powerball – Sept. 6, 2025 – MO, TX</li><li>$1.765 Billion – Powerball – Oct. 11, 2023 - CA</li><li>$1.602 Billion – Mega Millions – Aug. 8, 2023 – FL</li><li>$1.60 Billion est. – Powerball – Dec. 22, 2025</li><li>$1.586 Billion – Powerball – Jan. 13, 2016 – CA, FL, TN</li><li>$1.537 Billion – Mega Millions – Oct. 23, 2018 – SC</li><li>$1.348 Billion – Mega Millions – Jan. 13, 2023 – ME</li><li>$1.337 Billion – Mega Millions – July 29, 2022 – IL</li><li>$1.326 Billion – Powerball – April 6, 2024 – OR</li>
 </ol>

Powerball jackpot jumps up to 4th largest prize in game’s history

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 Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert will step down from her position at the start of the new year and retire within weeks, she announced Friday.

Luckert, the second woman appointed to the state Supreme Court, suffered a stroke in October and temporarily withdrew from her public-facing duties. She said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NGjIp0AL_U" target="_blank">a video address</a>&nbsp;the decision to resign and retire was one of the hardest of her life.

“I am on a path to recovery,” she said in the video, “but I have had to face a difficult truth.”

She is unable to fully fulfill the demands of chief justice, she said. Luckert said she will resign from the office of chief justice Jan. 2 and retire weeks later, in late January or early February. As the most senior member on the court, Justice Eric Rosen, who has been serving as interim chief justice while Luckert was on medical leave, will step into the role Jan. 2.

Luckert’s retirement will give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly a fifth installation on the court before her term is up at the end of 2026. Justices Dan Biles and Rosen will be required to retire after completing the term during which they turn 75 years old, per state law. Justice Evelyn Wilson retired in July, citing a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis, and her replacement,<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">&nbsp;Justice Larkin Walsh, took the bench</a>&nbsp;in November.&nbsp;Voters in August 2026 will decide if they want to change the way state Supreme Court justices are selected. They will have the choice of switching to a popular vote system or retaining the current nomination and gubernatorial appointment process.

Luckert, 70, also announced her resignation from three national committees.

Before the Supreme Court, she was a district judge in Shawnee County, becoming the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge.

“I wanted small town Kansas children, including girls, to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership and to know their voices, their intelligence and their perseverance matter,” she said.

Luckert was born in Goodland, and she obtained undergraduate and law degrees at Washburn University in Topeka. She worked in private practice before Gov. Joan Finney appointed her to the district court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766272088494.png" alt=" Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert greets lawmakers as she arrives Jan. 11, 2023, in the House chamber in Topeka. Behind her are Supreme Court Justices Eric Rosen, Dan Biles and Caleb Stegall. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert greets lawmakers as she arrives Jan. 11, 2023, in the House chamber in Topeka. Behind her are Supreme Court Justices Eric Rosen, Dan Biles and Caleb Stegall. (Photo by Sherman Smith/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 Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert will step down from her position at the start of the new year and retire within weeks, she announced Friday.Luckert, the second woman appointed to the state Supreme Court, suffered a stroke in October and temporarily withdrew from her public-facing duties. She said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NGjIp0AL_U" target="_blank">a video address</a>&nbsp;the decision to resign and retire was one of the hardest of her life.“I am on a path to recovery,” she said in the video, “but I have had to face a difficult truth.”She is unable to fully fulfill the demands of chief justice, she said. Luckert said she will resign from the office of chief justice Jan. 2 and retire weeks later, in late January or early February. As the most senior member on the court, Justice Eric Rosen, who has been serving as interim chief justice while Luckert was on medical leave, will step into the role Jan. 2.Luckert’s retirement will give Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly a fifth installation on the court before her term is up at the end of 2026. Justices Dan Biles and Rosen will be required to retire after completing the term during which they turn 75 years old, per state law. Justice Evelyn Wilson retired in July, citing a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis, and her replacement,<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">&nbsp;Justice Larkin Walsh, took the bench</a>&nbsp;in November.&nbsp;Voters in August 2026 will decide if they want to change the way state Supreme Court justices are selected. They will have the choice of switching to a popular vote system or retaining the current nomination and gubernatorial appointment process.Luckert, 70, also announced her resignation from three national committees.Before the Supreme Court, she was a district judge in Shawnee County, becoming the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge.“I wanted small town Kansas children, including girls, to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership and to know their voices, their intelligence and their perseverance matter,” she said.Luckert was born in Goodland, and she obtained undergraduate and law degrees at Washburn University in Topeka. She worked in private practice before Gov. Joan Finney appointed her to the district court.Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, where she has sat for 22 years. She became chief justice in 2019 following the retirement of former Chief Justice Lawton Nuss.“Serving as chief justice has given me a front row seat to the courage and compassion that define our judicial system,” Luckert said. “I have watched judges make difficult decisions with integrity. Courts staff treat people with dignity during their most vulnerable moments, and employees adapt to change with grace and resolve.”Rosen said in a news release Luckert’s time on the bench has been “fraught with challenge.” He lauded her efforts to build relationships in state government and overcome major obstacles. She made the court system “stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future,” he said.Luckert said Kansas’ three branches of government have come together during her tenure to create a “more accessible, more efficient and better equipped” judiciary that can “respond to complex issues such as mental illness and the needs of children in care.”“That spirit of cooperation gives me great hope for the future,” Luckert said, “and confidence that the three branches can continue to build upon that foundation, and to continue to strengthen a dedicated court system designed to bring accessible justice to all.”