The Hutchinson City Council approved an ordinance adopting the city’s STAR Bond project plan—an action city officials emphasized is a required legal step that advances the proposal but does not authorize issuing bonds or spending city money at this time.

City staff explained the ordinance approves a framework document under the Kansas STAR Bond Act, formally known as Sales Tax and Revenue Bonds. Under the program, new sales tax revenue generated within a defined project district can be used to pay for eligible public improvements tied to tourism- and destination-oriented projects. Officials repeatedly noted the bonds are not backed by property taxes and not backed by the City’s general fund; instead, repayment depends on the project area generating incremental sales tax.

“This is approving the rule book, but not starting the game yet,” staff told council, describing the vote as a checkpoint that preserves the city’s ability to consider STAR Bond financing later, subject to additional approvals.

As presented Tuesday, the STAR Bond project plan contemplates three components

City leaders also referenced elements intended to reinforce Hutchinson’s identity around space tourism, including a proposed $1 million component previously discussed by the city.

Bond counsel Dominic Act, with Gilmore &amp; Bell, told council the primary “safeguard” for a future bond issue is the underwriting and revenue-sizing process. Following project plan approval, an underwriting firm would conduct deeper due diligence and commission third-party revenue projections to determine an appropriate bond size that can be repaid through incremental sales tax over time.

Council members and staff compared the earlier feasibility work to a preliminary screening, while underwriting was described as the more detailed step required to market and sell the bonds.

Act said the council would see the proposal again for additional votes, including a “sale resolution” authorizing preparation of bond documents and a later approval of the final bond terms after pricing, including interest rates and final amounts. He indicated the timeline from this point could be “another couple months,” driven by underwriting schedules and cash-flow needs across the project components.

Council members acknowledged ongoing public confusion, noting multiple overlapping discussions, including the city’s separate sales tax vote tied to eliminating a stormwater fee and broader infrastructure funding conversations. Several council members encouraged residents to contact elected officials directly with questions rather than relying on social media commentary.

To help clarify how STAR Bonds work, council members and bond counsel repeatedly stressed the concept of “incremental” sales tax: the program does not impose a new tax rate inside the district; rather, it redirects the additional sales tax generated above an established baseline within the project area toward bond repayment.

Examples cited: Strataca STAR Bonds paid off early

When asked for examples of STAR Bond projects, officials and community members pointed to Hutchinson’s own experience with Strataca, calling it one of the state’s most successful STAR Bond projects. Strataca Director Rachel Woods told the council Strataca utilized approximately $10 million in STAR Bonds and paid them off early, adding that the attraction likely would not have been possible without the financing mechanism.

Council members also referenced other STAR Bond-related developments around Kansas, including projects in Goddard, Salina, Manhattan, and those tied to major venues such as Kansas Speedway.

Council member Stacy Goss asked about discussion in Topeka regarding potential changes to the STAR Bond program. Act noted the STAR Bond Act currently has an expiration date at the end of June 2026, though it has historically been renewed. He said the city would retain authority to proceed under current law through at least that date, and that the city and bond team would monitor any legislative developments closely.

After closing the public hearing, the council voted unanimously to adopt the STAR Bond project plan ordinance and authorize the mayor to sign, moving the plan into the next phase that includes development agreement negotiations, coordination with the Kansas Department of Commerce, and further financial refinement.

City council approves STAR Bond project plan

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced&nbsp;ten&nbsp;Kansas communities have secured&nbsp;over&nbsp;$2.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;in federal&nbsp;Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act&nbsp;(IIJA) funding from the&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant&nbsp;(AIG)&nbsp;program. &nbsp;

“Investing in&nbsp;Kansas’&nbsp;airport&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;is crucial&nbsp;to&nbsp;enhancing connectivity and supporting local economies&nbsp;across the state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"I'm pleased&nbsp;that these projects are receiving vital infrastructure grants, which will not only improve our airports but also strengthen the entire state’s transportation network.”&nbsp;

Combined with just over $145,000 in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund and over $22,000 in local contributions, the total investment into airport infrastructure in Kansas through this round of grants is more than $2.6 million.&nbsp;

“The City of Chanute has been planning funding for over&nbsp;three&nbsp;years to rehabilitate our runway and taxiway pavements. With most of our local matching funds dedicated&nbsp;to&nbsp;Runway 18-36, the availability of&nbsp;Build Kansas&nbsp;Funds&nbsp;allowed us to take advantage of&nbsp;additional&nbsp;federal&nbsp;funds and complete taxiway repairs in the same year,”&nbsp;said Ryan Follmer, Chanute Assistant City Manager.&nbsp;“Completing these repairs now will extend the life of our taxiway by 10-15 years,&nbsp;eliminate&nbsp;the need for costly reconstruction, and&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;operations.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;airport&nbsp;projects receiving funding&nbsp;are:

Hugoton Airport – Improvements to Runway, Taxiway, Lighting, Signage, and Electrical

City of Garnett – Runway 1-19 Reconstruction – Phase 2 Land Acquisition

City of Colby – Hangar Construction – Design Only

McPherson Airport Authority – Airfield Electrical Improvements

Strother Field Commission – Snow Removal Equipment Building Construction

City of Eureka – Apron Construction – Design Only

Kearny County – Electrical Vault and Beacon Installation&nbsp;

City of Eureka – Fuel Farm Installation

City of Chanute – South Taxiway A Rehabilitation&nbsp;

City of Great Bend – Runway 17-35 Rehabilitation&nbsp;

In addition to these&nbsp;ten&nbsp;awards&nbsp;for airport infrastructure, the Build Kansas Fund has provided the required match dollars for 79&nbsp;other federal grant awards across Kansas. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund in all projects&nbsp;across the state&nbsp;is over $47.7&nbsp;million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of more than $153.4&nbsp;million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Infrastructure Hub connects multiple state agencies and serves as a resource center for Kansas communities to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;best practices for maximizing IIJA funding opportunities. The Build Kansas Fund provides state matching dollars for projects throughout Kansas that successfully apply for federal grants under IIJA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McPherson airport and others receive airport infrastructure AIG grants

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The American Red Cross has issued a severe blood shortage warning after the national blood supply dropped by approximately 35% over the past month, raising concerns for hospitals and patients nationwide.

The decline comes as flu activity surges across nearly every state, sidelining many potential donors and placing additional strain on already overburdened hospitals. As inventories continue to fall, some hospitals are being forced to triage critical blood products, prioritizing limited supplies for the most urgent cases.

The shortage is particularly acute for blood types O, A negative, and B negative. Patients who depend on regular transfusions—including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth, and individuals undergoing cancer treatment or living with sickle cell disease—could face serious risks if supplies are not replenished quickly.

Winter weather has further complicated collection efforts. According to the Red Cross, approximately 400 blood drives were disrupted by severe winter conditions last month alone—more than three times the number affected during the same period last year. Those cancellations resulted in thousands of donations going uncollected, deepening the shortage.

“This time of year is always challenging for blood collection — but right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, executive medical director for the Red Cross. “Every person’s blood donation can help save lives — plus you help ease the tremendous burden on our doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus on caring for patients.”

With additional winter storms forecast in the coming weeks, the Red Cross warns the situation could worsen without immediate donor action. Eligible donors are urged to schedule an appointment as soon as possible by using the Blood Donor App, visiting <a href="http://RedCrossBlood.org">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Red Cross issues blood shortage warning

A bridge replacement project will begin Jan. 26 on Northwest 12th Street between North Ridge Road and North Emma Creek Road. The bridge is west of Newton.

Northwest 12th Street will be closed to through traffic at the project site for the duration of the project. Residents will continue to have access to their properties.

The bridge replacement will be completed by King Construction. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of August, contingent on weather.

Bridge replacement to begin on NW 12th Street in Harvey County

Hutchinson first responders are once again teaming up with the American Red Cross to help save lives through the annual Hutchinson Community Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.

The friendly competition pits the Hutchinson Fire Department against the Hutchinson Police Department to see which agency can recruit the most blood donors. The fire department enters this year’s event looking to defend its title after winning Battle of the Badges three years in a rowHutch Community BOB_Flyer (1).

The blood drive begins Saturday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 700 E. 25th Avenue in Hutchinson. Additional donation opportunities will be held Monday, Jan. 26, from noon to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan.27, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 201 East Sherman.

All presenting donors will receive a commemorative Battle of the Badges T-shirt while supplies last.&nbsp;

Appointments can be scheduled online at <a href="http://RedCrossBlood.org">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by using sponsor code Hutchinson. Walk-ins are also welcome as space allows.

Community members are encouraged to roll up a sleeve, support local first responders, and help ensure a strong blood supply for hospitals across the region.

Hutchinson first responders host Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

Farm Bureau members of Kansas were well represented at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in Anaheim, Calif., earlier this month. Young Farmers and Ranchers representatives did well in their respective competitive events, with Lane County’s Mindy McMillen winning the national Discussion Meet and Jacquelyne Leffler placing in the top 10 for the Achievement Award.

The state’s voting delegates successfully lobbied to include policy supporting federal funding of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Laboratory in Manhattan to address current and emergent threats.

And four county Farm Bureaus were selected to share programs they developed through AFBF’s County Activities of Excellence (CAE) Awards. As part of the honor, the counties represented Kansas in the convention trade show and shared their award-winning programs with attendees from across the country who could take those ideas back to their own communities.

It’s worth noting that only 24 counties were recognized, so Kansas accounted for one-sixth of the CAE trade show booths, consisting of the following programs:

Atchison County: Started its Local Fresh for All program to provide gift certificates to the local farmers market for youth ages 9-19.

Franklin County: Partnered with a local recreation commission to host the Ag Education Summer Series, which facilitated and hosted lessons, demonstrations and farm tours over eight weeks in the summer.

Jackson County: Created a Livestock Summit to strengthen knowledge of 4-H exhibitors on livestock selection, nutrition, showmanship and carcass evaluation.

Meade County: Started the Silver Plate Project as a community-focused effort that provided shelf-stable and easy-to-prepare meals for senior citizens in rural areas to reduce food insecurity.

Walking through the two dozen booths, it was impossible to point to one program or activity as the best, aside from our four homegrown honorees, of course.

While the programs were broadly similar, they were also carefully tailored to the specific needs identified by county Farm Bureaus. One program provided broad instruction to a general audience while another sought to educate a narrow group on specific topics.

The other two counties identified those in need of nutritional assistance in their communities, even though the targets were at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of age.

They all started as good ideas, but ideas don’t actually do anything on their own. They require the effort of individuals or groups to move beyond the theoretical and make it reality. Ideas are easy, but their execution requires more than just a belief. Ideas require champions if they are to make any real impact.

While these four ideas originated in Kansas, it was their champions who rightfully got the change to present on a national stage. The best ideas inspire others. Hopefully, these ideas will ignite new champions across the country who will borrow the goals and intentions and adapt them into projects tailored to their communities.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Insight: Champions of ideas

KANSAS DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that applications are now being accepted for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The application period runs from&nbsp;Tuesday, Jan. 20, through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

LIEAP&nbsp;provides a one-time per year benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating costs, whether the home is heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or other home heating fuels. In 2025, more than 43,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of about $680.

“LIEAP&nbsp;plays a critical role in helping Kansas families remain safe and warm through the state’s often harsh winter months,”&nbsp;said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.

The federal government shutdown in late 2025 delayed the distribution of&nbsp;LIEAP&nbsp;funding to states for the 2026 season, which in turn delayed DCF’s planning efforts and the start of the 2026 application period.

To qualify, households must have an adult at the address responsible for the home's heating costs. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (see the 2026 income eligibility guidelines below).&nbsp;The level of benefit received varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.

Applications can be accessed online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/Pages/default.aspx">dcf.ks.gov​</a>&nbsp;by clicking the “Apply for Services” button on the top right side of the website.

DCF is planning in-person events to help Kansans submit their&nbsp;LIEAP&nbsp;applications. For a schedule of in-person&nbsp;LIEAP&nbsp;application events, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dcf.ks.gov%2Fservices%2Fees%2FPages%2FEnergyAssistance.aspx/1/0101019bdc5b0014-f87f2f0f-06ef-4863-b014-e164840cde80-000000/UrkU3ZX3i_7wEOXfwUbtudFgngWtVUEs_gN507hNe9c=441">lieap.dcf.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;and click on “Where are the in-person&nbsp;LIEAP&nbsp;application events being held this year” in the drop-down menu.

When applying for&nbsp;LIEAP, Kansans should have their identification, proof of income for all adult household members, copies of heating utility bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.), and a copy of their rental agreement if they are living in subsidized housing.

DCF opens applications for LIEAP

A small overnight electrical incident prompted a temporary closure Wednesday at The R-B, though owners say damage was minimal and no injuries were reported.

According to a post shared by the business on social media, an unused transformer dating back to the 1950s shorted out beneath an east-side soffit. The transformer had originally been installed to power early neon lighting but has not been in use since the 1970s.

The electrical failure caused limited exterior and eave damage. As a precaution, the business announced it would remain closed for the day while the issue is addressed.

Owners expressed appreciation for members of the public who noticed the issue and alerted authorities, as well as first responders who quickly arrived on scene — including Hutchinson Fire Department.

R-B Drive In closed Wednesday due to overnight fire

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Corporation Commission has scheduled a public hearing on Evergy’s request to site a new high-voltage electric transmission line in Reno County.

Evergy is seeking approval to construct a 15-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line that would connect the future McNew natural gas plant near South McNew Road and Highway 50 to the existing Reno County Substation.

The public hearing is set for Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Hutchinson Community College Stringer Fine Arts Center, 600 E. 11th Ave. The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. and will provide Kansas residents an opportunity to learn more about the proposed route, ask questions and offer public comment to the commission.

Prior to the hearing, commission staff and Evergy representatives will host an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. The open house will include maps of the proposed route and allow attendees to ask questions and discuss the project.

Those unable to attend in person may participate in the hearing via Zoom. Advance registration is required by noon the day before the hearing. The commission is also accepting written public comments through 5 p.m. CST on Jan. 26, 2026.

Residents can register to participate by Zoom or submit written comments online at <a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fkcc-connect.kcc.ks.gov%2Fs%2Fpublic-comments%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019bbcf71e6a-2fda36a1-68d1-4d2a-b9fd-1e3b59995359-000000/Va6WGGD-r9bAaCqeoKLUQKDc8ThJuBudeFGCX5RuEmI=440">kcc-connect.kcc.ks.gov/s/public-comments</a>. The hearing will also be broadcast live on the commission’s YouTube channel and will be available for later viewing.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

KCC schedules public hearing on Evergy transmission line in Reno County

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an RV fire&nbsp; in Kansas City on Thursday.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday, Kansas Fire Department crews&nbsp;responded to a reported car fire in the 700 block of Lewis in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 On arrival crews reported an RV on fire in the the driveway next to a single-story occupied home with minor extension in to the home. The first arriving company upgraded the call to a house fire due to the extension. 

Companies began interior operations on both the RV and the house. Upon entry into the RV,&nbsp; a woman in her mid 50s was discovered and removed. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. A second victim, a man in his mid to late 50s was discovered in the rear of the RV. He was pronounced deceased, according to Hopkins. 

Due to the significant injury and fatality, Bomb and Arson has been requested and will conduct the investigation.

Man dead, woman critically injured after RV fire in Kansas City

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating five suspects on multiple drug allegations after a drug bust in southeast Kansas.

On January 17, sheriff's deputies executed a narcotics search warrant at a home located at 630 E. 9th Street in Cherryvale, Kansas, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies made contact with the homeowner, identified as 37-year-old Rae Rash, and conducted a search of the residence. During the search, deputies located five additional individuals inside the residence, including one juvenile. All individuals were detained while the search was conducted.

As a result of the search, deputies located and seized approximately 172 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 280 grams of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

The following adult subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where they were booked on the listed charges:

Rae Rash is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a child

Jeffrey Mayberry, Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Aggravated endangering a child, Possession of marijuana and Interference with a law enforcement officer.

Clayton Harper, Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of methamphetamine, Distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school,&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated endangering a child, Interference with a law enforcement officer and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Brandy Barnett is jailed on requested charges of Cherryvale on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, Aggravated endangering a child , Interference with a law enforcement officer and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brandi Welch of Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school,&nbsp; Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp; Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a child.

The juvenile located inside the residence was taken into protective custody for their safety.

Sheriff Ron Wade stated, “Drug distribution, especially in close proximity to schools and involving children, will not be tolerated in Montgomery County. Our deputies will continue to work diligently to protect our communities and ensure the safety of our children.”

Sheriff: Suspects were selling drugs from Kan. home where children lived

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — A former police officer was acquitted Wednesday evening of charges he failed in his duties to confront the gunman at an Uvalde, Texas, elementary school during the critical opening minutes of what would become one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.

Jurors deliberated for more than seven hours before finding former Uvalde schools police officer Adrian Gonzalez, 52, not guilty in the first trial over the hesitant law enforcement response to the attack that killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022.

Flanked by his lawyers, Gonzales appeared to be fighting back tears after the verdict was read out in court.

The trial was a rare case in the U.S. of an officer facing criminal charges on accusations of failing to stop a crime and protect lives. Gonzales had faced the possiblity of up to two years in prison if he had been convicted.

The nearly three-week trial included emotional testimony from teachers who were shot and survived. Prosecutors had argued in laying out their case that Gonzales abandoned his training and did nothing to stop or interrupt the teenage gunman before he entered the school.

At least 370 law enforcement officers ultimately rushed to the school, where 77 minutes passed before a tactical team finally entered the classroom to confront and kill the gunman. Gonzales was one of just two officers indicted, angering some victim’s families who had said they wanted more officers held accountable for the law enforcement response.

Gonzales had been charged with 29 counts of child abandonment and endangerment — each count representing the 19 students who were killed and 10 others who were injured.

During the trial, jurors heard a medical examiner describe the fatal wounds to the children, some of whom were shot more than a dozen times. Several parents of victims described sending their children to school for an awards ceremony and the panic that ensued as the attack unfolded.

Gonzales’ lawyers argued he arrived upon a chaotic scene of rifle shots echoing on school grounds and never saw the gunman before the attacker went inside the school. They also insisted that three other officers who arrived seconds later had a better chance to stop the gunman.

They argued to jurors that Gonzales risked his life when he joined a group of five officers who tried to reach the classroom before they were driven back by rifle fire. Defense attorneys also said Gonzales helped evacuate children from other classrooms before the gunman was killed.

Gonzales and former Uvalde schools Police Chief Pete Arredondo are the only two responding officers that day to face charges. Arredondo’s trial has not yet been set.

Gonzales’ trial was tightly focused on his actions in the early moments of the attack, but prosecutors also presented the graphic and emotional testimony as the result of police failures.

State and federal reviews of the shooting cited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uvalde-school-shooting-justice-department-report-police-16b59efa5c5015d685d917c3f0f26256">cascading problems</a>&nbsp;in law enforcement training, communication, leadership and technology, and questioned why officers waited so long.

Prosecutors faced a high bar to win a conviction. Juries are often reluctant to convict law enforcement officers for inaction, as seen after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/parkland-florida-school-shooting">Parkland, Florida, school massacre in 2018</a>. A sheriff’s deputy was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/parkland-florida-school-shooting-deputy-91dfe6054944fa3a8399ee18f05d2171">acquitted by a jury</a>&nbsp;after being charged with failing to confront the shooter in that attack — the first such prosecution in the U.S. for an on-campus shooting.

Jury acquits officer of charges he failed duty to confront gunman in school shooting

ATCHISON COUNTY—A suspect wanted following an investigation by police and the KBI in June is in custody facing additional allegaions.

Shortly before 7p.m. on Tuesday an officer on patrol observed a vehicle being driven by Robert ‘Jamie’ Ford who the officer knew was wanted on outstanding warrants, according to Atchison Police Chef Mike Wilson.

The officer stopped the vehicle in the 600 block North 11th Street in Atchison where Ford was taken into custody on two District Court warrants and new traffic charges. 

He was subsequently found to be in possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. The District Court warrant charging him with possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia is in connection to a June 2025 Atchison Police/Kansas Bureau of Investigation joint investigation. Ford was taken to the County Jail.

He is being held on requested charges that include possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no vehicle insurance, expired tag, transporting an open container and District Court warrants charging him with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, and probation violation.

Wanted Kansas suspect was in possession of cocaine

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/josh-boak">JOSH BOAK</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/will-weissert">WILL WEISSERT</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/aamer-madhani">AAMER MADHANI</a>

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;announced Wednesday that he was canceling his planned tariff on U.S. allies in Europe over US control of Greenland after he and the leader of NATO agreed to a ‘framework of a future deal’ on Arctic security.

The abrupt about-face emerged hours after Trump had insisted that he wants to “get Greenland, including right, title and ownership,” but said he would not use force to do so while deriding European allies and vowing that NATO should not try to block U.S. expansionism.

In an extraordinary speech at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/world-economic-forum">the World Economic Forum</a>, the president said he was asking for territory that was “cold and poorly located.” He said the U.S. had effectively saved Europe during World War II and even declared of NATO: “It’s a very small ask compared to what we have given them for many, many decades.”

“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be frankly unstoppable. But I won’t do that, OK?” Trump said, later adding, “I don’t have to” and “I don’t want to use force.”

Trump often tries to increase pressure on the other side when he believes it can lead to a favorable deal, and he seemed happy to do so ahead of the forum in Davos.

The implications of his remarks were enormous, potentially rupturing an alliance that has held firm since the dawn of the Cold War and seemed among the globe’s most unshakable pacts.

NATO was founded by leading European nations, the U.S. and Canada to form a bloc to counter the Soviet Union. Its other members have been steadfast in saying Greenland is not for sale and cannot be wrested from Denmark, meaning Trump’s comments could yet mark the beginning of a larger geopolitical standoff.

The president has long said the U.S. will get control of Greenland no matter what it takes, arguing that Washington needs the world’s largest island to counter threats in the surrounding Arctic Ocean from Russia and China. That’s despite America already having a large military base there.

A Danish government official told The Associated Press after Trump’s speech that Copenhagen is ready to discuss U.S. security concerns. But the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, underscored the government’s position that “red lines”— namely Denmark’s sovereignty — must be respected.

Greenland’s government responded by telling its citizens to be prepared. It has published a handbook in English and Greenlandic on what to do in a crisis that urges residents to ensure they have sufficient food, water, fuel and supplies at home to survive for five days.

“We just went to the grocery store and bought the supplies,” said Tony Jakobsen in Greenland’s capital Nuuk said, showing off the contents of bags that included candles, snacks and toilet paper.

Jakobsen said he thought Trump’s rhetoric towards Greenland was “just threats... but it’s better to be ready than not ready.”

Trump, meanwhile, urged Denmark and the rest of NATO to stand aside, adding an ominous warning.

“We want a piece of ice for world protection, and they won’t give it,” Trump said. “You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember.”

He also called for opening “immediate negotiations” for the U.S. to acquire Greenland. In subsequent comments to reporters, he declined to name a price that might be paid, saying only, “There’s a bigger price, and that’s the price of safety and security and national security and international security.”

Trump suggests Europe is fizzling while U.S. booms

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said he was encouraged by Trump’s comment about not using U.S. military force but called other parts of the speech “a way of thinking about territorial integrity that does not match the institutions we have.”

“Greenland is part of NATO. Denmark is part of NATO, and we can exercise our sovereignty in Greenland,” Løkke Rasmussen said.

In his remarks, Trump also argued that the U.S. is booming and its economy is strong, in sharp contrast to Europe.

“I want to see Europe go good, but it’s not heading in the right direction,” said Trump, who also noted, “We want strong allies, not seriously weakened ones.” He said of European economies, “You all follow us down, and you follow us up.”

His arrival was delayed after a minor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-air-force-one-electrical-issue-c3044b52b792a8c12f6211718d94f8fe">electrical problem on Air Force One</a>&nbsp;forced a return to Washington to switch aircraft. As Trump’s motorcade headed down a narrow road to the speech site, onlookers — including some skiers — lined the route. Some made obscene gestures, and one held up a paper cursing the president.

Billionaires and top executives packed inside the forum’s Congress Hall, which held around 1,000, for Trump’s keynote address. The space was filled to standing room only. Attendees used headsets to listen in six languages besides English, and the reaction was mostly polite applause.

Afterward, Trump met with the leaders of Poland, Belgium and Egypt and again repeated that the U.S. would not be invading Greenland.

“Military is not on the table,” Trump said, suggesting that the parties involved would use better judgment.

Potentially deepening the crisis are Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denmark-greenland-us-trump-4ad99ea3975a8b62d37bd04961feda55">threats to impose steep U.S. import taxes on Denmark and seven other allies</a>&nbsp;unless they negotiate a transfer of the semi-autonomous territory — some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-us-trump-eu-tariffs-4e63efa690604004c69fc89a7c14e7c2">European say they won’t do</a>.

Trump said the tariffs would start at 10% next month and climb to 25% in June.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed during his weekly questioning in the House of Commons, “Britain will not yield on our principles and values about the future of Greenland under threats of tariffs, and that is my clear position.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that should Trump move forward with the tariffs, the bloc’s response “will be unflinching, united and proportional.”

Experts and economists are warning that Trump’s Greenland tariff threat could disrupt the U.S. economy if it blows up the trade truce reached last summer between the U.S. and the EU. But the U.S. stock market largely recovered on Wednesday from its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-trump-greenland-inflation-58a6fed13a1e04afd57f0a22a2c9cfb0">worst day since October</a>&nbsp;after Trump’s talk of Greenland-related tariffs spooked investors.

Trump’s was supposed to focus on how to lower U.S. housing prices — part of a larger effort to bring down the cost of living, which could prove a liability for the president’s party of November’s midterm elections.

Greenland instead carried the day, with Trump lashing out at Denmark for being “ungrateful” for the U.S. protection of the Arctic island during the Second World War. He also mistakenly referred to Iceland, mixing up that country with Greenland four times during his speech and for the fifth time since Tuesday.

“This enormous unsecured island is actually part of North America,” Trump said. “That’s our territory.”

When he finally did mention housing in his speech, Trump suggested he did not support a measure to encourage affordability. He said bringing down rising home prices hurts property values and makes homeowners who once felt wealthy because of the equity in their houses feel poorer.

‘You have to be prepared for almost anything’

In Nuuk, resident Johnny Hedemann said it was “insulting” that Trump “talks about the Greenlandic people and the Greenlandic nation as just an ice cube.” He spoke while heading out to buy a camping stove and instant mashed potatoes.

“Living in this nature, you have to be prepared for almost anything. And now there’s another threat — and that’s Trump,” Hedemann said.

He added: “With this lunatic, you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. He can make things very bad for everyone.”

Weissert and Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Emma Burrows in Nuuk, Greenland, Jamey Keaten in Davos and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.

🎥Trump agrees to 'framework' deal on Greenland, drops tariff threat

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City and working to determine how the victim died.

Just after&nbsp;9pm Tuesday, police responded to an apartment in the 2500 block of Benton in Kansas City, Missouri, on an EMS call.

The caller saw a person in a neighboring apartment who appeared to be injured and needed medical attention. On arrival officers were led to an apartment inside the building where they located a man unresponsive with unknown injuries. Officers called for EMS who responded and rendered aid before ultimately declaring the victim deceased at the scene.

Based on the preliminary circumstances Detectives are investigating this case as a homicide. They will be working with crime scene investigators to gather evidence and canvass for any witnesses

Detectives will also work with medical examiners to determine cause and manner of death.

Homicide: KCPD working to determine man's cause of death

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Tony Mattivi, director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, described a high school wrestling coach, a paraprofessional, a speech pathologist and a bus driver who all had at least two things in common.

None was required to submit to a criminal history and background check before working in proximity to school-age children, and all were accused or convicted of criminal acts against children they worked near.

“I believe the public would be stunned to know how many people may come in contact with their child in the educational process during a school day who have not been subject to mandatory fingerprint-based criminal history and background checks,” Mattivi said at a Tuesday hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Mattivi urged approval of a bill that would require state and national fingerprint-based criminal history background checks for all employees and volunteers at public and private schools every five years. He characterized the absence of a requirement as a gap in public safety.

The Kansas State Department of Education already requires licensed teachers to undergo fingerprint-based background checks, but the bill would solidify that requirement in state law.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb246/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 246</a>&nbsp;also proposes a new fingerprinted background check requirement for other school employees and contractors, such as janitors, cooks, coaches, therapists, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, volunteers and some administrators.

Those positions, Mattivi said, sometimes have greater and more private access to students than teachers do.

Applicants would have to foot the cost of a background check, or a school district could cover it.

Nicole Maddox, information services director at the KBI, said the $57 fee for fingerprint-based background checks covers processing costs for both the KBI and the FBI.

Sen. Mike Argabright, an Olpe Republican, was concerned with turnaround time. Many school boards only meet once a month, especially in rural areas, he said, and the bill as written could create a potential time crunch for the KBI to quickly run checks so schools can onboard the appropriate staff or volunteers.

The KBI currently promises a turnaround for background checks within 7-10 business days. The current average response time, Maddox said, is 9 hours.

The bill’s requirements would apply to approximately 44,000 teachers and 32,000 non-licensed staff each year, according to a fiscal note attached to the bill. If the cost per background check remains at $57, the state education department would receive an additional $4.3 million annually.

The bill is backed by multiple state agencies, and it was introduced last February at the behest of Steven Anderson, the state’s inspector general. It had no opponents.

In a 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/22666/638597681756200000" target="_blank">audit</a>, Anderson recommended almost exactly what the bill proposes, cementing in state law that fingerprint-based criminal background checks be performed in a five year cycle for all school employees.

KBI director urges mandatory background checks for school employees to fill public safety gaps

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kelcie-moseley-morris/">Kelcie Moseley-Morris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">Anna Spoerre</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Two Missouri women who had abortions 50 years ago testified Tuesday to mental health effects they suffered from the procedure

KANSAS CITY — The first slate of witnesses from the Missouri Attorney General’s office in the fight to uphold statewide abortion regulations offered testimony that professionals and scientific studies have long disputed, including claims about mental health outcomes and abortion medication.&nbsp;

It’s the second week of a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/09/missouri-abortion-regulations-trial-access-trap-laws/">10-day bench trial&nbsp;</a>that will be decided by Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang. Missouri’s Planned Parenthood affiliates, along with the ACLU of Missouri, filed the lawsuit over Missouri’s few dozen&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/12/missouri-abortion-rights-trial-focuses-on-two-decades-of-state-restrictions/">Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers, or TRAP, laws,</a>&nbsp;claiming they are now unconstitutional under the state’s reproductive rights amendment approved by voters in 2024.

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