Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina

SALINA – The Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina (CFDS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Hartman as chief executive officer. Hartman, who has served the foundation since 2021, brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, donor relations, and community building, along with deep ties to the Diocese of Salina.

“Heather has a heart for the Church, a deep love for the people of our diocese, and a gift for building relationships,” said Bishop Jerry Vincke. “I’m grateful for her leadership and excited to see how the Catholic Foundation will continue to grow and serve under her guidance.”

Hartman is a longtime Kansan with over a decade of experience in philanthropy, community foundations, and rural leadership. A former small business owner, she understands the importance of long-term investment and community connection — values that now shape her work in stewarding donor gifts and strengthening the mission of the Church across the Diocese. 

As CEO, she will continue to lead efforts to grow the Foundation’s endowment funds, support parishes and schools, and steward the generosity of donors who believe in the mission of the Catholic Church in north-central and northwest Kansas.

The Foundation is also proud to welcome three new members to its board:

· Jerry Kuckleman of Manhattan, a longtime leader in western Kansas with extensive experience in the beef industry, including his time as president of Innovative Livestock Services.

· Katie Platten of Salina, the foundation’s founding leader and first CEO, who brings valuable experience in organizational leadership and development.

· Mitzi Richards of Manhattan, who brings a wealth of expertise in nonprofit administration through her work with the KSU Foundation and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.

In addition, Francine Hestermann of Hays has been elected as the new President of the CFDS Board, leading the foundation’s efforts to further its mission. Francine joined the board in 2021.

About the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Salina

 The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Salina exists to provide long-term financial support for the ministries of the diocese, its parishes, and Catholic schools. The foundation partners with generous donors to sustain the mission of the Church and ensure its presence for future generations.

The CFDS Board includes Francine Hestermann, Hays (President); Ron Gfeller, Russell (Vice President); Jeff Thompson, Salina (Treasurer); Katie Platten, Salina (Secretary); Doug Hinkin, Manhattan; Don Boos, Salina; Fr. Gale Hammerschmidt, Manhattan; Cheri Mense, Hoxie; Betty Johnson, Lawrence; Jerry Kuckelman, Manhattan; Mitzi Richards, Manhattan; and Bishop Jerry Vincke, Salina.

Catholic Foundation for Diocese of Salina announces new CEO, board leadership

Hays Police Department arrest log: July 20-26, 2025

Hays Police Department activity log: July 20-26, 2025

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Media

Crude futures prices fall in seven consecutive trading sessions to two-month lows.&nbsp; NYMEX crude settles Thursday at $63.88 per barrel, down nearly half a dollar on the day and the first closing price below $64 since June 5. After some ups and downs the near-month contract ended the day on Friday unchanged at $63.88. a weekly loss of $3.45 per barrel.

Drooping prices in McPherson mirror those in London and New York. Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $54.25 per barrel, after plummeting three dollars since the first of the month.

Kansas regulators okayed three new drilling permits in eastern Kansas and seven west of Wichita. That's 440 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to over 600 last year at this time.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports new well-completions in Ellis, Stafford, and Finney County out of 11 in Western Kansas last week. Year-to-date, statewide, operators have completed 741 wells in Kansas compared to 791 a year ago.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is up one rig west of Wichita at ten active rigs and unchanged in eastern Kansas, also with ten rigs. The statewide tally is up 67% from a month ago, but down 33% from a year ago. Operators are rigging up for a new spud in Stafford County. Drilling continued Friday on a lease in Ellis County and three in Gove County.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is down one rig at 539, dropping one gas rig but adding one oil rig. Oklahoma adds two active rigs, Texas is down two and New Mexico is down one.

U.S. crude production in May increased by 24-thousand barrels a day, topping 13.4 million daily barrels for a third consecutive month. The Energy Information Administration reports Kansas production of 69-thousand barrels a day. That's down two thousand barrels from April, and eight percent lower than in May of last year, but it matches the statewide average so far year. Output in Texas increased slightly to 5.7 million barrels a day, surpassing the next 12 states combined.

The U.S. added 200,000 barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, where stockpiles now stand at 403 million barrels. Since refill operations resumed in April of last year, the Energy Department has added 38 million barrels at markdowns of $20 to $30 from the $95 a barrel we sold it for three years ago.

The government says commercial crude inventories dropped by three million barrels, and are about six percent below the five year seasonal average.

U.S. crude production drops for the fifth time in six weeks.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports output last week dropped below 13.3 million barrels a day for only the second time this year. Cumulative output so far this year is up two percent from a year ago, and remains above 13.4 million barrels a day.

Despite a spike in crude exports and declining imports, the US remains a net crude importer, with imports surpassing exports by 2.6 million barrels a day. Crude exports vaulted 620,000 daily barrels or 23% to 3.3 million barrels per day. Crude imports dropped by 174,000 barrels to six million barrels a day.

ConocoPhillips is selling assets in the Anadarko basin of Oklahoma for $1.3 BILLION. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year. The company announced increased production but lower earnings due to lower commodity prices. It's average realized price for crude oil during the first six months of the year was $45.77 per barrel, which is down 19 percent from a year earlier.&nbsp; Pumping nearly 2.4 million barrels of crude oil per day led to net earnings of two billion dollars.

Russia's crude-oil exports are dropping, but remain relatively high, and the government says their markets have shifted. With News from the Oil Patch...

From 2020 to 2024, Russia oil exports averaged five million barrels a day. That's down to 4.3 million as of June. The Energy Information Administration says Europe got 51% of Russia’s exports in 2020. That's down to 11 percent today, with most of that going to Turkey. The decline in Europe was offset by increases in Asia and the Pacific Islands, rising from 41% of Russia's sales five years ago to 81% now. China and India imported nearly five million barrels a day in the last year and a half. Prompting the Administration to announce new tariffs against both.

How hot was it was it? Hot enough to set new records for electricity demand...twice. EIA reports record high demand for electricity on July 28 and then again the next day: 745,000 megawatts. The government forecasts annual demand for electricity will rise by two percent this year, and again next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude prices crater

Beginning Tuesday, August 12, the intersection of 13th Street and Canterbury Drive will become a 4-way stop as this intersection will be getting traffic light upgrades and modifications. 

 Temporary stop signs will be utilized at this intersection. 

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Public Works office 785-628-7350.

13th & Canterbury intersection to be temporary 4-way stop in Hays starting Tuesday

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will review the fourth draft of the 2026 budget during its 8:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday.

This is the last chance for the commission to make changes before the proposed budget is published. After publication, a public hearing on the revenue-neutral rate and budget will be set for Sept. 9.

During last week’s meeting, the commission discussed High Plains Mental Health’s funding request of about $378,600 and its plan to honor it.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/214198c7-e910-476d-b7b7-6c39644d6eb9">SEE RELATED STORY: Ellis County Commission readjusts 2026 funding; discusses 1 mill tax hike</a>

Request for proposal for appraisal contract services

The Ellis County Appraiser's Office is seeking approval to enter into a consulting agreement with Equitable Solutions for commercial and industrial income and expense analysis services.

The proposal also includes staff training to eventually bring the service in-house and eliminate the need for a contractor by 2027.

This request comes after the retirement of the county’s longtime contractor earlier this year. The goal for 2026 is for the appraisal staff to handle most of the analysis with Equitable Solutions offering limited guidance.

The total cost is $21,000 and would be paid in three installments. The expense will be covered from the appraiser's 2025 general fund and the capital reserve fund.

Commissioners will receive an update from Mike Thomas, vice president of WoodRiver Energy, on the option to lock in natural gas rates for county facilities. The aim is to protect against price surges like those seen during the February 2021 cold spell, when rates exceeded $600 per million British thermal units.

The commission will decide between one to three-year fixed rate options. The current price rate for Ellis County is $5.65.

The commission will be asked to approve a waived fee of about $500 in waste disposal for the upcoming Volga German Oktoberfest, scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27 in Hays.

Commissioners will also be asked to approve an updated job description for the Noxious Weed Department, including the addition of a new position level. This change aims to align with stricter state certification requirements and improve employee retention.&nbsp;No new positions would be created.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122025-692">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to discuss fourth 2026 budget draft

Ellis County Jail bookings: Aug. 3-9, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Aug. 3-9 2025

 The Bricks in Downtown Hays invites the community to Sip, Stroll, and&nbsp;Support The Bricks at the return of&nbsp;Wines &amp; Steins, presented by Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic.

Tickets are on sale now for the event, which will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.

This 21+ ticketed event offers guests the opportunity to enjoy carefully curated wine and beer pairings at 12&nbsp;unique “stroll stops” throughout Downtown Hays. Each stop features thoughtfully paired hors d’oeuvres from&nbsp;local restaurants and caterers — all while highlighting the vibrant businesses and cultural atmosphere of The&nbsp;Bricks.

This year’s presenting sponsor, Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic, is also the exclusive glassware&nbsp;sponsor. All attendees will receive a commemorative tasting glass as part of their experience.

New for 2025, each guest will also receive an interactive tasting passport that includes pairing notes, vendor&nbsp;highlights, exclusive coupons, and space to rate your favorite sips and stops. 

Additional fundraising features this&nbsp;year include a gift card pull and a 50/50 raffle to support ongoing initiatives.

Tickets are $75 and available now at <a href="https://www.downtownhays.com/wines-steins">downtownhays.com/wines-steins</a>.

Only 250 tickets will be sold. With the&nbsp;cancellation of Brews on The Bricks this year, this event is expected to sell out — early ticket purchases are&nbsp;highly encouraged.

All proceeds support The Bricks in Downtown Hays, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the&nbsp;economic and cultural vibrancy of the downtown district through events, beautification, and community&nbsp;partnerships.

“Wines &amp; Steins is a community favorite that celebrates Downtown Hays,” said Lee Ann June, executive&nbsp;director of The Bricks. “It brings people together in a meaningful and delicious way. We’re thrilled to partner&nbsp;with Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic this year and can’t wait to welcome both new and returning&nbsp;guests to sip, stroll, and support The Bricks.”

For sponsorship information, contact the director at TheBricks@downtownhays.com or call 785-621-4171.

Tickets on sale now for Wines & Steins: A night of pairings and purpose in Downtown Hays

SHERMAN COUNTY—A pilot avoided being injured after an incident while landing just after 3:30p.m. Sunday in Sherman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported an Air Tractor crop duster piloted by Rosemarie L. Surette, 48, Vail, Colorado, was attempting to land at Goodland Municipal Airport.&nbsp; The aircraft caught a gust of wind, came down and rotated, snapping off the left landing gear.

Surette was not injured. The KHP released no additional details. The incident remains under investigation.

Pilot in NW Kan. avoids injury after crop duster lost landing gear

Now Enrolling &amp; Hiring at Two Unique Preschool Locations!

For parents seeking a preschool that nurtures curiosity, builds confidence, and feels like a second home — The Learning Academy may be just what you're looking for.

Owner Krystan Stinemetz, is passionate about creating a nurturing environment for children to learn and grow! Founded by Crystal Longsdale, she valued the multigenerational concept they had once created within Learning Cross Preschool. The Learning Academy is now housed in two locations and both are now accepting enrollment for children ages 2 ½ to 5 years of age. With flexible full and half day options.

Via Christi Campus – Part-Time, with Purpose Nestled inside the Via Christi nursing home, this location offers more than just early education — it provides something truly special: multigenerational connection. Children enrolled in the Via Christi campus attend either AM or PM sessions, Monday through Friday, and benefit from daily social interactions with residents. These moments help foster empathy, emotional growth, and a deep sense of community — all while learning through play.

Hadley Center Campus – Full-Time, Full Heart Located in the former WeKan space, The Learning Academy’s Hadley Center campus offers full-time care from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Designed for working families, this location blends structure and exploration in a safe, supportive environment. Children must be potty trained and will enjoy nutritious meals and snacks, a creative play-based curriculum, and experienced teachers focused on the social, emotional, and intellectual development of each child.

From early introductions to writing, math, and literacy, to music, art, and developmental screenings — The Learning Academy believes every child deserves a strong, joyful start.

As enrollment grows, so does the team! The Learning Academy is also hiring teachers and paraeducators who are passionate about early childhood education. If you believe in nurturing young minds and inspiring wonder, this could be the opportunity for you.

Whether you're looking for the perfect preschool for your child or a fulfilling career in early education, The Learning Academy invites you to discover where wisdom meets wonder. For enrollment or employment information, email enroll@childcarehays.com or call them at 785-787-2020 today or visit The Learning Academy’s Facebook page.

Sign up for free Hays Post Newsletter

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Beginning Monday evening, Aug. 11, the Vine Street roundabouts in Hays will be getting new pavement markings installed. 

This work will be done during the evening hours as to limit daytime traffic interruptions. 

Please use caution in these areas as traffic control devices will be used. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Public Works office 785-628-7350.

Hays roundabouts to get new pavement markings Monday night 

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin work on a series of improvement projects along portions of highways K-18 and U.S. 183 in Rooks and Ellis counties the week of Aug. 11.

The first project will involve milling and overlay on 12 miles of U.S. 183 starting at S Road north of Plainville and ending at the Ellis County line. 

Crews will then resurface approximately 13 miles of K-18 between Palco and Plainville. 

The final project will continue milling and overlay on 15 miles U.S. 183 in Ellis County beginning at the Rooks County line and ending near 55th&nbsp;Street in Hays.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane and directed by flaggers and a pilot car through the areas where crews are actively working. Motorists should plan for delays not exceeding 15 minutes during daylight hours.

KDOT expects the projects to be completed in late October, conditions permitting.

Bettis Construction and Asphalt, of Topeka, is the primary contractor for the projects with a combined contract cost of $7.2 million. 

For more information, contact KDOT Area Engineer Kevin Zimmer at 785-261-6132 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kevin.zimmer@ks.gov">kevin.zimmer@ks.gov</a>.

Highway construction projects set in Rooks, Ellis counties

Hungry for bierocks? Place your order with the Cancer Council of Ellis County for their BIEROCK FUNDRAISER until Monday, September 1, 2025. These delicious bierocks are made by Cervs on Main Street. 

To place your order call the Cancer Council at 785-625-6653 or mail your order to 701 Riley St., Hays KS 67601. 

Orders must be paid for at time of order. 

Pick up will be Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the south side of Main Street Cervs, 1601 Main Street.

Cost is $30 for ½ dozen or $50 for a dozen; with cheese $35 for ½ dozen or $60 for a dozen.

The Cancer Council of Ellis County is a local organization that has been helping Ellis County residents dealing with cancer for 39 years.

Bierocks fundraiser underway for Cancer Council of Ellis County

Farmers, are you needing to pick a new variety of wheat, or wanting to learn more about the Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus complex?

Then make plans to attend the Pre-Plant Wheat School on Wednesday, August 20 at the Great Bend Event Center, 3111 10th Street.

Registration and supper will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the program will conclude about 8 p.m.

According to Cottonwood District Extension Agent Stacy Campbell, some topics of discussion by Extension specialists will be wheat variety performance and selection, wheat streak mosaic virus complex and there will always be time for Q &amp; A.

Pre-registration is requested by Friday, August 15 to ensure a meal, call 785-628-9430, email Theresa tam3@ksu.edu or scan the QR Code.

Pre-plant wheat school offered for local farmers

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Bunker Hill public water supply system located in Russell County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

The advisory took effect on August 7 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. 

KDHE officials issued the advisory because the city cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual due to an equipment malfunction. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-324-0187, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000198866eb699-91059f6d-714c-40dc-a9e2-9ae7ad45c5e4-000000/aVlpUXP4H9xS0ZuVrbIVFgUf4DmGd1qNh7XicgLXPLs=417">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety &amp; lodging program at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-564-6767.

Boil Water Advisory issued for Bunker Hill by KS Dept. of Health and Environment

Following a recent water main break at the intersection of Sixth and Main, the City of Hays has finalized a repair plan and will begin work on Thursday, Aug. 7.

Repairs to the damaged infrastructure and the roadway are expected to take up to two weeks.

During the repair period, the intersection of Sixth and Main will be closed.

Main Street will be closed near the intersection, and the 100 block of West Sixth Street will also be inaccessible to through traffic.

Traffic signs will be placed to alert motorists of the closures and direct them to alternate routes.

"We appreciate the community's patience as we work to repair the damage," said Director of Water Resources Jeff Crispin. "Our crews will be working diligently to restore the infrastructure and the roadway as quickly and safely as possible."

The project will address the damage to both the underground infrastructure and the street surface caused by the break.

The City of Hays reminds all residents and visitors to exercise caution when traveling near the construction zone and to follow all posted detour signs. For updates follow the City of Hays on Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, Nextdoor, TikTok and LinkedIn, or visit HaysUSA.com.

Repairs to Hays' Main St. following water main leak begin today

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

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

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

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

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

Slumber party: Girls found naked man in their Kansas home

NEW YORK (AP) — Nvidia and AMD have agreed to share 15% of their revenues from chip sales to China with the U.S. government, as part of a deal to secure export licenses for the semiconductors.

The Trump administration halted the sale of advanced computer chips to China in April over national security concerns, but Nvidia and AMD&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-china-ai-chips-h20-trump-91588c36559bc881b8e010a9ed95cf0a">revealed in July</a>&nbsp;that Washington would allow them to resume sales of the H20 and MI308 chips, which are used in artificial intelligence development.

President Trump confirmed the terms of the unusual arrangement in a Monday press conference while noting that he originally wanted 20% of the sales revenue when Nvidia asked to sell the “obsolete” H20 chip to China. The president credited Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang for negotiating him down to 15%.

“So we negotiated a little deal. So he’s selling a essentially old chip,” Trump said.

Nvidia did not comment about the specific details of the agreement or its quid pro quo nature, but said they would adhere to the export rules laid out by the administration.

“We follow rules the U.S. government sets for our participation in worldwide markets. While we haven’t shipped H20 to China for months, we hope export control rules will let America compete in China and worldwide,” Nvidia wrote in a statement to the AP. “America cannot repeat 5G and lose telecommunication leadership. America’s AI tech stack can be the world’s standard if we race.”

AMD did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Rep. John Moolenaar, the Republican chair of the House Select Committee on China, expressed concern over the deal.

“There are questions about the legal basis for doing so,” he said. “Export controls are a frontline defense in protecting our national security, and we should not set a precedent that incentivizes the government to grant licenses to sell China technology that will enhance its AI capabilities.”

The top Democrat on the panel also raised concerns over the reported agreement, calling it “a dangerous misuse of export controls that undermines our national security.”

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, the ranking member of the House Select Committee on China, said he would seek answers about the legal basis for this arrangement and demand full transparency from the administration.

“Our export control regime must be based on genuine security considerations, not creative taxation schemes disguised as national security policy,” he said. “Chip export controls aren’t bargaining chips, and they’re not casino chips either. We shouldn’t be gambling with our national security to raise revenue.”

Derek Scissors, senior fellow and China expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, reiterated Moolenaar’s point about the constitutionality of the deal.

“There’s no precedent for this, probably because&nbsp;<a href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S9-C5-1/ALDE_00013596/#:~:text=Article%20I%2C%20Section%209%2C%20Clause,Articles%20exported%20from%20any%20State" target="_blank">export taxes are unconstitutional,</a>&nbsp;” said Derek Scissors, senior fellow and China expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. “They call it a fee, but 15% of sales revenue is about a standard a tax as it comes. For this reason, I don’t think the ‘arrangement’ is at all durable. ‘’

“If it were to last, it has two possible implications. First, there’s a possible export tax that high-profile companies and goods must consider. Or the tax only applies in exceptional situations, such as changing export controls. Then we’d risk national security for the sake of tax revenue, which is effectively the same as cutting the defense budget,” Scissors said.

Back in July, Nvidia argued that tight export controls around their chip sales would cost the company an extra $5.5 billion. They’ve argued that such limits hinder U.S. competition in a sector in one of the world’s largest markets for technology, and have also warned that U.S. export controls could end up pushing other countries toward China’s AI technology.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/15/howard-lutnick-says-china-is-only-getting-nvidias-4th-best-ai-chip.html" target="_blank">told CNBC</a>&nbsp;in July that the renewed sale of Nvidia’s chips in China was linked to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-china-trade-tariffs-rare-earth-minerals-cbd2482bd2b3a7ce8d47030c4ff1c3d4">trade agreement</a>&nbsp;made between the two countries on rare earth magnets.

Restrictions on sales of advanced chips to China have been central to the AI race between the world’s two largest economic powers, but such controls are also controversial. Proponents argue that these restrictions are necessary to slow China down enough to allow U.S. companies to keep their lead. Meanwhile, opponents say the export controls have loopholes — and could still spur innovation. The emergence of China’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deepseek-ai-china-f4908eaca221d601e31e7e3368778030">DeepSeek</a>&nbsp;AI chatbot in January particularly renewed concerns over how China might use advanced chips to help develop its own AI capabilities.

Associated Press writers Josh Boak,&nbsp;Shawn Chen, Didi Tang and Paul Wiseman contributed to the reporting.

Nvidia and AMD to pay 15% of China chip sale revenues to US government

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prison for Kansas man who admitted selling fentanyl, cocaine

WASHINGTON (AP) —D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called President Trump's takeover of the DC police, "unsettling."

She said that the city had reached a 30-year low in violent crime. Bowser said that crime was down not just from a post-pandemic peak in 2023, but from 2019 levels prior to the pandemic.

Bowser highlighted the district’s parks, schools and public transportation and said that it was important for those who live and visit here to know “just how beautiful our city is and how proud we are of all that we’ve accomplished here.

Bowser’s comments are a response to President Trump’s announcement of his takeover of D.C. police force. Bowser said that the steps were “unsettling” but not without precedent.

“My message to residents is this,” Bowser said. “We know that access to our democracy is tenuous. That is why you have heard me and many Washingtonians before me advocate for full statehood.”

The union representing DC police officers is backing Trump’s takeover move, though it called for the federal intervention to be temporary.

Union chairman Gregg Pemberton said it agrees with the president that “immediately action is necessary” to tamp down crime.

Still, Pemberton said that the city ultimately needs a police department that’s “fully staffed and supported.”

He also called for the repeal of criminal justice policies and laws passed by the city council.

Maryland governor says Trump mobilizing National Guard in Washington ‘lacks seriousness’

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in D.C. is also “deeply dangerous.”

Moore, a Democrat who served as a paratrooper and captain in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, said in a statement Monday that the president’s actions lack both data and a battle plan.

“He is simply using honorable men and women as pawns to distract us from his policies, which continue to drive up unemployment and strip away health care and food assistance from those who need it most,” Moore said.

He urged the president to look to Maryland for ways of reducing violent crime. Moore noted that homicides in Maryland are down by more than 20% since Moore’s inauguration in January 2023.

“We await outreach from the White House if they want to have a serious conversation about public safety. But we won’t hold our breath,” he said.

DC mayor responds to Trump takeover of DC  police

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suspects accused of violent Kansas home invasion attack

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

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

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

Homicide detectives responded to the scene and are investigating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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