KCK Police Seize 120 Pounds of Meth; One of the Largest Drug Busts in City History
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KPR/KMBC) — Authorities say it may be the largest drug bust in the history of Kansas City, Kansas - or at least one of them. KMBC TV reports that police seized 120 pounds of meth in a single raid on one home during the last week of 2025. That's about the same weight as eight bowling balls - the 16-pound variety. Four people were arrested at that home Tuesday night. Officers also confiscated other drugs and eight firearms. For all of 2025, the KCK Police Department's narcotics unit says it seized more than 1,300 pounds of meth, nearly 700 pounds of heroin and 3,500 pounds of marijuana - along with loads of fentanyl, firearms and $1.2 million in cash. In all, the KCK narcotics unit made 373 felony arrests in 2025.
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FAA Still Mum on New Year's Eve Disruptions at KCI
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KSHB/KPR) — Kansas City International Airport experienced hundreds of passenger delays on New Year's Eve after authorities were notified of a potential threat inside the terminal. KSHB TV reports that airport police and the FBI evacuated some passengers Wednesday morning but the potential threat turned out to be a false alarm. The evacuation was triggered by a suspected bomb discovered in a restroom. The airport was on lock-down for about an hour-and-a-half, causing some passengers to miss their flights. After it was determined there was no threat, airport operations resumed. So far, the FAA has said nothing about the New Year's Eve disruption.
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Wichita Man Accused of Christmas Eve Hammer Attack
WICHITA, Kan. (Hays Post) — A man accused of using a hammer in a violent attack on Christmas Eve remains jailed in Wichita after a court appearance on Tuesday. A judge has charged 43-year-old Jason Eastburn with attempted first-degree murder, burglary and other crimes. The Hays Post reports that Eastburn is accused of hitting a woman with a hammer at a Wichita home (7237 E 24th Street). He remains jailed on $2 million bond.
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Police Bust Hutchinson Meth Lab
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (KWCH) — Police have busted a meth lab in Hutchinson. Police executing a search warrant at a home discovered the illicit drug-making operation on Monday. KWCH reports three men were arrested. They face multiple charges, including unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance and distribution of methamphetamine. The KBI Drug Task Force is assisting Hutchinson police with the investigation.
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Kansas Ranks Third in Distracted-Driving Death Rate
UNDATED (TCJ) — Kansas has the nation’s third-highest death rate from distracted driving. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the Sunflower State ranks only behind New Mexico and Louisiana. In 2023, distracted driving caused more than 14,500 wrecks in Kansas. About one in four wrecks in the state is caused by a driver using a cell phone or being otherwise distracted. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there were 115 fatality crashes due to distracted driving in Kansas in 2023.
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Salina Man Commits Three Burglaries in One Day, Gets Caught
SALINA, Kan. (KWCH) — Police in Salina have arrested a man who allegedly committed three burglaries in one day. That day was December 19. One of his alleged victims was the Boy Scouts. Matthew Hewitt, 43, now faces multiple charges. He was arrested in a hotel room on Christmas Eve. KWCH reports officers found several stolen items in the room, including a rifle.
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Drag-Racing Group Buys Topeka Race Track
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW-TV) — The International Hot Rod Association is buying a Topeka race track. The IHRA is the country’s second-largest drag racing sanctioning body. It announced its purchase of Heartland Motorsports Park on Tuesday. WIBW-TV reports the track has hosted concerts and races, bringing millions in revenue to Shawnee County since its opening in 1989. The track closed in 2023, after a tax dispute with the owners. The IHRA says it plans to refurbish the facility as “a modern destination entertainment complex.” The IHRA did not disclose the purchase price.
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Oil and Gas Drilling Decline in Kansas
UNDATED (KPR) — Oil and gas drilling in Kansas went down in 2025. Statistics released by the Independent Oil and Gas Service show 771 wells were drilled to full depth last year. That’s down 42.8% from the 1,347 wells drilled in 2024. The Kansas Corporation Commission issued 636 drilling permits last year, down from 495 in 2024. Oil and gas drilling is an important part of the state’s economy, especially in western Kansas. The industry provides high-paying jobs with average salaries often exceeding the state's median.
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Army Spares Fort Riley’s Mounted Color Guard
FORT RILEY, Kan. (KSNT) — Fort Riley’s mounted color guard has been spared the Pentagon's budget ax. Earlier this year, the military announced plans to disband most of its ceremonial horse units. But now the Army says it will retain the units at Fort Riley in Kansas and Fort Hood in Texas. In a statement, the Army said retaining the two units is “in the best interests of the force.” KSNT reports Fort Riley’s mounted color guard has participated in many high-profile public events, including this year’s presidential inauguration.
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Kansas Highway Patrol Reports Big Jump in Christmas DUI Arrests
UNDATED (KPR) — There was a big jump in drunk-driving arrests in Kansas over the Christmas holiday. That’s according to statistics released by the state highway patrol. From 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve through the following Sunday, troopers made 27 DUI arrests. That’s up from just seven the previous year. Troopers also issued 769 speeding tickets this year, up from 227 last year. An increase in patrols this year could account for the higher numbers. Only one fatal crash was reported over the Christmas holiday. That occurred in Ellsworth County on Saturday. Police say alcohol was not a factor in that crash.
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Washington Post: Kansas Should Reject Chiefs Stadium Deal
UNDATED (KPR) — Count the Washington Post among those opposed to the deal that the state of Kansas made with the Hunt family to bring the Chiefs football team to Kansas. Last week, state officials and the Chiefs announced plans to build a new stadium for the team in Wyandotte County. In an editorial published on Tuesday, the Post says the Hunt family, who own the team, are collectively worth $24.8 billion. And the paper says the Chiefs “don’t need any help from taxpayers to build their stadium, and there’s no danger they’ll leave the Kansas City metro area.” The paper says the state is providing $2.7 billion in public funding. It urges the state to abandon the deal before it is finalized.
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New Kansas Laws Take Effect Thursday
TOPEKA, Kan. (KCLY) — Kansas lawmakers passed more than 125 new laws during the legislative session earlier this year. Most of those took laws took effect on July 1, but several additional laws are set to become operative on January 1.
KCLY reports that a new state election law will require advance mail ballots to be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day instead of up to three days later. Registration fees will increase for electric and hybrid vehicles to help offset declining gas tax revenue, and a new online system to verify vehicle insurance will go into effect.
Kansas drivers will have new specialty license plate options, including an all black and white “blackout” plate, a commemorative Route 66 plate, and one promoting the Kansas chapter of Future Farmers of America.
Other new laws include updates on how the state distributes funding for 911 emergency services and measures to strengthen security around Kansas military bases by limiting foreign ownership.
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This summary of area news is curated by KPR news staffers. Our headlines are generally published by 10 am weekdays and are updated through 7 pm. This ad-free news summary is made possible by KPR members. Become one today. And follow KPR News on X (formerly Twitter).