Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp is nearing its end in St. Joseph, but jumping back to the start of camp, there was the big news of the signing of two players. 

The Chiefs extended the contract of George Karlaftis and signed Trey Smith to a new four year deal. 

Assistant General Manager Chris Shea, who was part of getting those deals done, says it was huge to make sure the team got those new contracts completed

"Zooming out to the big picture, one of the of the core operating principals we have that (Brett) Veach has adopted as the General Manager here. goes all the way up to ownership, is that we want to draft well and retain our own players to the maximum extent possible that's feasible within our constraints," Shea tells reporters following practice.  "We were very happy to get both of those guys done as important starters on both offense and defense."

Shea would not speak however on how close the team is to getting a new deal done for cornerback Trent McDuffie, but emphasized again the importance of keeping a player like that on the team. 

During Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp, fans have seen the battle raging along the offensive line. 

Trying to find the best five guys to protect Patrick Mahomes has been a key focus during this camp in St. Joseph, and the most talked about battle on the team. 

Offensive Line Coach Andy Heck says this has probably been one of the best years of competition among guys along the line, and that talent can stem to the guys beyond the starting five

"When you talk about the eighth, ninth, and 10th spot, there's a lot of competition going on and there's still a lot more to be done there in terms of evaluation, those preseason games are going to be huge," Heck explains. "So, whose operating and grading out, basically getting their guy blocked, the most consistently, who do we trust to put in there on a Sunday or Monday night?"

The Chiefs saw a dip in sacks last year, and hope to emphasize getting to the quarterback more this season. 

Defensive line coach Joe Cullen feels they have the guys to do that with what he's seen during Chiefs Training Camp

"When you look at the two years we won the Super Bowl, and Spags (defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) is creative as it comes in terms of getting to the quarterback, we have guys who can get to the quarterback, and we had like 57 0r 60 two years in a row and we dipped a bit last year, but we picked it up at the end of the regular season and into the playoffs," Cullen says.

Cullen says what they need to do a better job of this year however is not letting the quarterback get out of the pocket, saying his line got to the quarterback plenty last season but couldn't finish, but so far, he's seen a better job of that this season. 

The Chiefs have just one more practice left in St. Joseph, welcoming in the military tomorrow for an 8:15 practice at Missouri Western State University. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Penultimate practice in St. Joseph gives Chiefs one last long day at camp

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Twelve state schools serving students with disabilities will close next year as part of a plan approved Tuesday afternoon by the Missouri State Board of Education.&nbsp;

There was little discussion Tuesday about the plan to consolidate the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled, or MSSD. Board members delved into the plan more thoroughly during a May meeting and a retreat last month.

“The State Board of Education believes this is the first step in providing more opportunities and strengthening education for all students enrolled in Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled,” Board President Mary Schrag said in a news release. “This decision is not taken lightly but will result in a more efficient program that enriches quality resources provided to students and their families.”

The following schools will be required to close by the end of June 2026: Briarwood in Harrisonville, Citadel in Potosi, College View in Joplin, Crowley Ridge in Dexter, Delmar Cobble in Columbia, Dogwood Hills in Eldon, Gateway/Hubert Wheeler in St. Louis, Lakeview Woods in Lee’s Summit, Lillian Schaper in Bowling Green, Ozark Hills in Salem, Prairie View in Marshall and Rolling Meadow in Higginsville.

Six of the schools were already under “temporary emergency closure” because of staffing issues, impacting 61 students. The other six buildings set to close have a combined enrollment of 64 students and were at risk of emergency closure, Mark Wheatley, the department’s assistant commissioner of special education, told the board.

The change comes as MSSD struggles with declining enrollment, with 36% fewer students over the past 16 years, and $50 million in deferred maintenance between 34 school buildings.

A consultant hired by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-unveils-plan-to-transform-program-for-students-with-disabilities/">called the current program “unsustainable.”</a>

Over the past two years, a&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/lrpac-member-list-101824" target="_blank">committee</a>&nbsp;has worked with consultants to give the program a direction. Their&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/long-range-planning-advisory-committee-recommendations" target="_blank">recommendation</a>&nbsp;is to consolidate the schools, closing 24 existing buildings and constructing two new ones to condense the program to 12 locations.

Missouri is the only state that operates separate day schools for special education, though the practice was once commonplace nationwide.

Despite a nationwide push to better integrate students with learning disabilities, some parents say Missouri’s model works for their students. When consultants polled parents about their satisfaction,&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/pcg-final-report-and-appendices" target="_blank">85% said they felt that MSSD met their child’s needs</a>&nbsp;better than previous schools.

Missouri State Board of Education votes to close 12 schools for disabled students

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer driven by a 20-year-old Breckenridge man was westbound at the intersection of Matson Street and Garrow Street in Utica.

The driver failed to yield and the SUV struck a southbound 2013 Chrysler 200 driven by a 17-year-old girl from Hamilton.

Livingston County EMS transported the teen to Hedrick Medical Center. The SUV driver was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri teen injured after 2-vehicle crash

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph woman was injured in an accident&nbsp; just after 9a.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Chevy HHR driven by a 35-year-old St. Joseph man was southbound in the northbound passing lane of South Belt Highway at Powers Drive in St. Joseph.

The vehicle began to skid. The driver changed lanes and struck a northbound 2013 Hyundia Sonota driven by a 78-year-old St. Joseph woman.

Buchanan County EMS transported the 78-year-old to Mosaic Life Care. The Chevy driver was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

St. Joseph woman injured after wrong-way crash on South Belt highway

The University of Missouri Extension is hosting a second annual event designed to empower women in agriculture. 

The 2025 Women in Agriculture night will take place August 21st at the R/Farm Distillery in Mound City, the second event of its kind 

Denise Ferguson with the Missouri Extension in Buchanan County says this type of event is something they are finding they need more of to access a larger audience

"So this is a partnership with the Atchison, Holt, and Nodaway counties soil, water, and conservation district, the Natural Resource Conservation Office, and the FSA office up there," Ferguson says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "They received a grant to cover three counties with Women in Ag events, so last year was the first annual and we did that in Atchison county, this year it's being held in Holt county, and next year it's going to be in Nodaway county."

Ferguson says the event will feature several local vendors and food trucks, but also educational opportunities

"For instance from 4:30 to 5:30 for about an hour, Luke Skinner from the NRCS, he's the area soil health specialist, and he's going to do demonstrations that's going to include rainfall on different ground covers, different scenarios, and he's also going to talk about the grazing schools," Ferguson explains.

&nbsp;Ferguson says this event isn't just for women, it's designed to be about creating community

"Obviously we're targeting women, but it's not limited to women, we just want to create community in the rural areas and educate and share in experiences as far as agriculture," Ferguson says.

The event will run from 4 to 7:30 pm on Thursday August 21st.  Admission is $5.  You can contact the Buchanan County Extension Office or Ferguson for more information.

Local annual event empowering women in agriculture

After a special board meeting of the St. Joseph School Board called due to some behind the scenes issues, LaTonya Williams remains in her seat as the school board president. 

School Board member Kim Miller called for the special meeting last night after behind the scenes issues going on between Williams and board members.  Several area residents attended the meeting and voiced their concerns on the status of the board and where their priorities are focused. 

Following the discussion from residents all seven of the board members were able to voice their opinion about Williams and her future as president.  Ultimately in the end, after 90 minutes of discussions, the board made no motion and had no vote, which lead to Williams retaining her seat.

If you missed the meeting, you can click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tXP8yIYea4">HERE</a> to view it online.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Williams remains school board President following special meeting

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two teens were injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Polaris RZR driven by a 15-year-old Hamilton boy was westbound on Waltz Avenue one half mile west of 110th Street four miles north of Hamilton.

The vehicle struck a hump in the road as it was approaching the bridge over Morrowbone Creek. The vehicle traveled off the south side of the bridge, became airborne, struck the concrete wing wall of the bridge, struck the ground and came to rest on its passenger side.

Daviess County EMS transported a 15-year-old passenger to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver refused treatment of a minor injury at the scene. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Two Missouri teens injured in violent UTV accident

December corn closed down 13 1/4 cents per bushel at $3.94 1/2 and March corn was down 13 cents at $4.12 1/4. November soybeans closed up 21 1/2 cents at $10.32 3/4 and January soybeans were up 21 1/4 cents at $10.50 3/4. September KC wheat closed down 8 1/4 cents at $5.10 3/4, September Chicago wheat was down 10 cents at $5.05 0/1 and September Minneapolis wheat was down 0.005 cents at $5.7725.

In atypical fashion from their usual conservative approach to revising yield and production early, USDA truly shocked most traders Tuesday. Granted there were private forecasts with a similar yield in the past few weeks, but no one saw the 7.8 bushel per acre increase from last month that the August report put forth. That shot the national production estimate to a record large 16.742 bb and sent corn to big losses.

The biggest news for the live cattle complex was undoubtedly the wild rally in midday boxed beef prices, which were not up mildly, but up a dramatic $8.50 for choice and up $5.39 for select. Thankfully, this positive fundamental development helped drive the live cattle contracts higher as all of the contracts traded more than $2.00 higher into Tuesday's closing bell. Still no news has developed in the cash cattle complex as no bids or asking prices have been posted.

Tuesday's WASDE report was rather bullish for the beef and cattle markets of 2025. Beef production for 2025 was decreased by 262 million pounds as both fed and non-fed cattle slaughter speeds have been reduced and carcass weights have decline slightly as well. But the major jaw-dropping data in the report was the quarterly steer price projections. Steer prices in the third quarter of 2025 are expected to average $238 (up $12.00 from last month's estimate), fourth quarter steer prices are expected to average $240 (up $11 from last month's estimate), steer prices in the first quarter of 2026 are expected to average $242 (up $15 from last month's estimate) and steer prices in the second quarter of 2026 are expected to average $243 (up $15 from last month's estimate). 2025 beef imports were reduced by 103 million pounds as tariff restrictions are expected to limit Brazilian beef imports. And 2025 beef exports were reduced by 46 million pounds as supplies remain tight domestically.

Keeping with stronger tone of Monday, the feeder cattle complex traded sharply higher into Tuesday's close. As seen Monday afternoon through the day, the CME feeder cattle index closed at $$341.04, up $3.83 from the previous day. Feeder cattle demand remains red hot in the countryside as buyers still have orders to fill and they know supplies aren't going to become numerous anytime soon.

With both pork cutout values and cash prices lower this morning, it comes as no real surprise that the lean hog complex traded lower for the bulk of the session. And with the spot October contract nearing resistance pressure (at $92.50), it's unlikely that without robust fundamental support, the contracts are going to trade higher and challenge that threshold.

Tuesday's WASDE report shared mostly positive news for the pork and hog markets of 2025. Pork production for 2025 was reduced by 557 million pounds as chain speeds have been and are expected to remain slower, and carcass weights are lighter as well. Luckily, the quarterly price projections saw an increase compared to last month's report as hog prices in the third quarter of 2025 are expected to average $77 (up $1.00 from last month's estimate), hog prices in the fourth quarter of 2025 are expected to average $67 (up $2.00 from last month's estimate), hog prices in the first quarter of 2026 are expected to average $64 (unchanged from last month's estimate) and hog prices in the second quarter of 2026 are expected to average $69 (up $1.00 from last month's report). Pork imports for 2025 were decreased by 9 million pounds, but pork exports for 2025 were increased by 9 million pounds.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/08/12142811/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Several key agriculture programs that Republicans didn’t get in the reconciliation bill will expire soon. reports say  a farm bill battle is coming in the fall because Republicans will likely need Democrats’ help to construct a smaller farm bill. While the One Big Beautiful Bill took care of much of the farm bill, the deep cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will make it harder to get the legislation over the finish line. 

“I still think there’s hope,” said Senate Ag Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar at Farmfest in Minnesota. “There’s hope, because we still have other work to do.” In the House, Ag Chair GT Thompson wants to release some legislative text in September, but that will depend on how quickly the staff work gets done in August. Ranking Member Angie Craig said they’re in the “very early stages” of discussing what they’d like to see in the skinny farm bill. 

Lawmakers in early “Skinny Farm Bill” discussions

Clean Fuels Alliance America filed comments with the Environmental Protection Agency on the “Proposed Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026 and 2027.” Clean Fuels expressed appreciation for the EPA’s intent to provide consistent RFS growth in recognition of U.S. farmers’, feedstock providers’, and biomass-based producers’ investments in new capacity. EPA proposes a robust step-change in biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel volumes beginning in 2026. 

The agency projects the requirement to reach 5.61 billion gallons in 2026, which is more than two billion gallons higher than in 2025. “The proposal is a welcome signal to U.S. farmers and biofuel producers, and we are ready to meet these higher volumes with domestically-produced fuel,” Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels Vice President of Federal Affairs, said, “The industry supplied over five billion gallons of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF in 2024, and we’re poised to deliver more in 2026.” 

Clean Fuels asks EPA to sustain robust biodiesel volumes

December corn closed up 2 1/4 cents per bushel at $4.07 3/4 and March corn was up 2 1/4 cents at $4.25 1/4. November soybeans closed up 23 3/4 cents at $10.11 1/4 and January soybeans were up 23 cents at $10.29 1/2. September KC wheat closed up 3/4 cent at $5.19, September Chicago wheat was up 1/2 cent at $5.15 0/1 and September Minneapolis wheat was up 1 cent at $5.77 3/4.

An unusual overnight social media post by President Trump requesting that China quadruple their purchases of U.S. soybeans, along with a statement that China was concerned about their shortage of soybeans sent beans and products surging Monday. Whether or not the mere suggestion would lead to a U.S.-China soybean grain agreement remains to be seen, but it had funds covering some of their shorts. Corn and wheat were modestly higher as well.

Following Friday's tumultuous trade, the live cattle complex scurried back and forth, unsure of what it's supposed to do next. The live cattle contracts traded mixed with a level of uncertainty looming above the marketplace, but all contracts did finish modestly in the green by the closing bell. The market's next support plane lies around $220 in the October contract, and if the market broke below that, it would indeed be a bearish signal for the complex. New showlists appear to be mixed, higher in Kansas and Nebraska/Colorado, but lower in Texas.

Although demand remains red hot in the countryside, the feeder cattle complex continued to trade lower as traders remain unsettled in a technical sense for the bulk of the session, but did manage to finish slightly higher in the nearby contracts by the closing bell. It wouldn't be surprising to see demand slightly softer in the countryside early this week, as buyers would gladly see prices soften given the record highs at which they've currently been.

The lean hog complex ended up trading higher into the closing bell, after chopping sideways for the bulk of the session, as pork cutout values are higher and traders aren't currently pressured by any immediate resistance pressure. The rib (up $5.99), belly (up $5.31) and the picnic (up $5.17) are helping push the carcass price higher more than anything else.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/08/11144445/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The Renewable Fuel Standard turned 20 on Friday, August 8th. Groups like the National Corn Growers Association celebrated the milestone, noting that since it was signed into law, the RFS has provided immeasurable benefits to Americans. “It has dramatically increased demand for corn, provided significant savings to consumers at the pump, and strengthened America’s energy dominance,” said NCGA President Kenneth Hartman, Jr. 

Clean Fuels Alliance America also celebrated the 20th birthday of the RFS. “Under the RFS, the last twenty years have seen biodiesel and renewable diesel production grow from a few hundred million gallons to five billion gallons, meeting nine percent of the nation’s on-road diesel demand,” said Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ Vice President of Federal Affairs. “Biodiesel and renewable diesel production are vital for America’s economy, supporting $42.4 billion in economic opportunity.” It also supports ten percent of the value of every soybean grown in the United States’ fields.  

The RFS turns 20

The U.S. agricultural trade deficit hit a record high in the first half of 2025. Bloomberg said that only highlights American farmers’ longtime dominant role in world exports, which is hurt by President Donald Trump’s trade wars. Agricultural export value trailed the import value by $4.1 billion in June, a gap that’s 14 percent larger than a year ago. That pushed the ag sector’s trade deficit to $28.6 billion through the first half of 2025. 

For 50 years, the U.S. ag sector has consistently had major trade surpluses, but the growing deficit signals a historic reversal for the sector. The trend shift began in Trump’s first term during the trade war with China. Recent data from the U.S. Commerce Department showed the U.S. exported only $5.5 billion worth of farm goods to China during the first six months of the year, compared to $11.8 billion at the same point last year. 

U.S. ag trade deficit continues climbing in 2025

September corn closed down 1 3/4 cents and December corn was down 1 1/2 cents. September soybeans closed down 6 1/4 cents and November soybeans were down 6 1/4 cents. September KC wheat closed down 3 1/4 cents, September Chicago wheat was down 3 3/4 cents, September Minneapolis wheat was up 2 3/4 cents.

September corn closed down 6 3/4 cents and December corn was down 5 1/4 cents. September soybeans closed down 1 3/4 cents and November soybeans were down 1 3/4 cents. September KC wheat closed down 1/2 cents, September Chicago wheat was down 2 1/4 cents and September Minneapolis wheat was up 4 1/2 cents.

Markets looked poised to extend their late-week rally into the weekend early Friday, but momentum waned as the session wore on as traders are likely awaiting the USDA next week to offer clues on price direction through the remaining weeks ahead of the 2025 U.S. harvest. In outside markets for Friday, equities are heading higher to round out a back-and-forth week as investors weigh the uncertainties of this week's latest tariff developments, while preparing for next week's inflation reading. Crude oil futures also bounced off daily lows and the lowest price since early June, prior to the Israel-Iran conflict, and if values hold will narrowly avoid lower trade for each day this week.

If today's action isn't evidence of what emotional volatility can look like, then I don't know what would be. The live cattle complex fronted a magnificent rally throughout the week, only to come crashing lower on Friday. Why, you ask? Good question. One could say that traders have exhausted their efforts, someone could say that tariff chatters are taking their toll, another could highlight that traders are anxious as they've yet to see what fed cash cattle prices are going to do, but more than anything, today's reverse action compared to the rest of the week simply comes as an emotion knee-jerk reaction as traders themselves don't know what else to do with the contracts at this point. On Thursday, the spot October contract closed at yet another new contract high, and although the market is currently seeing an unseasonal rally in boxed beef prices, traders are anxious to see what develops this week in the fed cash cattle market.

Following the live cattle market's direction, the feeder cattle complex traded sharply lower after scoring new all-time highs in the futures complex just yesterday afternoon. Today's action could have a slightly negative effect on the sale barns having sales today, but still, prices will remain high, as the fact isn't changing anytime soon that supplies are tight.

The lean hog complex traded mixed into Friday's closing bell, as the market has again seemed to establish some footing into the futures complex, and it's helpful that pork prices are higher, too. Given that today's trade was mixed in its nature, it's likely the contracts may be able to keep their somewhat higher trend into the early part of next week.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/08/08143703/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

July runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was two million acre-feet, 62 percent of the average. The annual runoff forecast above Sioux City is 19.2 million acre-feet, 75 percent of the average. “Above-normal precipitation occurred in much of the basin, though areas of western Montana and Wyoming continue to be very dry,” said John Remus of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

“The dry soil moisture, below-normal rainfall in the mountains, and below-normal mountain snowpack runoff have led to well below-average reservoir inflows into the Fort Peck and Garrison reaches on the river.” The U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that 53 percent of the basin was not experiencing drought conditions, an improvement of 15 percent since July 1. System storage on August 1 was down only slightly from July. The Drought Outlook indicates drought conditions are expected to persist or expand throughout the basin through the end of October. 

Missouri River runoff in July was below average

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service recently released its 2025 Land Values Summary. The U.S. farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, averaged $4,350 per acre for 2025, up $180 per acre, or 4.3 percent, from 2024. California was the most expensive in the country, with farmland real estate valued at $13,700 per acre, up 2.2 percent from the previous year. 

The U.S. cropland value averaged $5,830 per acre, an increase of $260 per acre, or 4.7 percent, from the prior year. It’s up significantly from 2011, when the average cropland value was $2,980. California’s cropland value was $17,940, up 3.6 percent from the previous year, while Iowa’s cropland averaged $10,300 an acre, up 5.1 percent from 2024. The United States pasture value averaged $1,920 per acre, an increase of $90 per acre, or 4.9 percent, from 2024. 

Farm real estate values top $4,000 per acre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KCPD makes more arrests for sideshows

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

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

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

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

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

Forest Service: Heat burst spread Kansas wildfire

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

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

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

Included in today’s transfer are the following fugitives:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.

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

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

Kan. sex offender jailed on drug allegations after traffic stop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Everything she can to make it right’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The St. Louis Cardinals had won as many games as they needed to in order to make a win streak, winning two games in a row, but the mini streak was snapped on Tuesday evening at Busch Stadium as the Colorado Rockies shutout the Redbirds 3-0.&nbsp;

Hunter Goodman's two run home run in the fourth inning put Colorado up first, scoring Ezequiel Tovar.&nbsp; The Rockies extended the lead the very next inning, adding the only other run they needed in the victory, Kyle Farmer singling home Brenton Doyle.&nbsp; Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland held the Cardinals to five hits over 7 1/3 innings while striking out two and walking two in the win.&nbsp;

Matthew Liberatore took the loss for St. Louis, falling to 6-10 on the season, pitching four innings and giving up all three runs on four hits and striking out three while walking just one.&nbsp; At the plate, of the Cardinals six hits, Brendan Donovan was 2-for-4.&nbsp; Nolan Gorman was 1-for-2 with a double after coming on as a defensive replacement for Willson Contreras in the sixth inning.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Colorado wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael McGreevy (4-2, 4.40 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against former Cardinal Austin Gomber (0-6, 6.52 ERA) for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm with coverage being joined around 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Cards mini win streak snapped as they get shutout by Rockies

A big day for Vinnie Pasquantino at the plate helped the Kansas City Royals win a second game in a row over the Washington Nationals at Kauffman Stadium, earning an 8-5 win on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

Pasquantino got the scoring started on the night in the first inning, with his first of five RBI's in the game, driving in Maikel Garcia following his leadoff walk with a sacrifice fly.&nbsp; In the third inning, after another Garcia walk and a single by Bobby Witt Jr, it was Pasquantino again extending the Royals lead with a three run home run into the right field corner, putting Kansas City up 4-0 at the end of three innings.

The Nationals finally got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning on an RBI triple by Luis Garcia Jr, scoring Riley Adams.&nbsp; Washington added one more run in the sixth inning as Paul DeJong grounded into a forceout, with Josh Bell being thrown out at second and CJ Abrams scoring, cutting the Kansas City lead in half.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the bottom half of the inning though, the Royals added three more runs the first coming with Randal Grichuk hitting an RBI double to bring home Witt Jr, after he led the inning off with a walk, and Grichuk scored in the next at bat as Jonathan India hit his seventh home run of the season, putting Kansas City back up 7-2.&nbsp;

The Nationals scored two runs in the seventh inning, an RBI double by James Wood bringing home Robert Hassell III, and Woods scored in the next at bat on an RBI single by Abrams.&nbsp; The Royals added their final run in the bottom half of the inning, Pasquantino driving in his fifth run with an RBI double scoring Tyler Tolbert, before Washington scored their final run in the eighth inning on an RBI single by Daylen Lile driving in DeJong.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Michael Wacha earned the win on the mound, improving to 7-9 on the season, pitching 5 2/3 innings and giving up two runs on five hits with three strikeouts and two walks.&nbsp; Lucas Erceg pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save.&nbsp; At the plate, Pasquantino was 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, and five RBIs.&nbsp; India was 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk, and two RBIs.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Washington wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.46 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals with Jake Irvin (8-7, 4.90 ERA) for the Nationals.&nbsp; First pitch will be joined at 1:10pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;