SEDGWICK COUNTY –The largest school district in Kansas recommended closing six schools during Monday night's board meeting, according to a statement from Wichita USD 259. The district is facing a $42 million budget deficit and closing 4 elementary and 2 middle schools will prevent job cuts.&nbsp;

The schools recommended to close are Clark Elementary, 650 S Apache Drive; Cleaveland Elementary, 3345 W 33rd Street; Payne Elementary, 1601 S Edwards Street; Park Elementary, 1025 N Main Street; Jardine Middle School,&nbsp;3550 E Ross Parkway and Hadley Middle School,&nbsp;1101 N Dougherty Avenue.

Wichita has 54 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, three K-8s, nine high schools and nine special schools. The school district has had declining enrollment since 2016.&nbsp; A final decision on the proposal is expected next month, according to USD 259.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707789312106.png" alt="Monday night board meeting -photo USD 259" />
 <figcaption>Monday night board meeting -photo USD 259</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY –The largest school district in Kansas recommended closing six schools during Monday night's board meeting, according to a statement from Wichita USD 259. The district is facing a $42 million budget deficit and closing 4 elementary and 2 middle schools will prevent job cuts.&nbsp;The schools recommended to close are Clark Elementary, 650 S Apache Drive; Cleaveland Elementary, 3345 W 33rd Street; Payne Elementary, 1601 S Edwards Street; Park Elementary, 1025 N Main Street; Jardine Middle School,&nbsp;3550 E Ross Parkway and Hadley Middle School,&nbsp;1101 N Dougherty Avenue.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/jNywA9AQrI">pic.twitter.com/jNywA9AQrI</a>&mdash; Wichita Public Schools (@WichitaUSD259) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaUSD259/status/1757220211751616879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/vX21bAkQOQ">pic.twitter.com/vX21bAkQOQ</a>&mdash; Wichita Public Schools (@WichitaUSD259) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaUSD259/status/1757219214111170599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/awGKj9JKvR">pic.twitter.com/awGKj9JKvR</a>&mdash; Wichita Public Schools (@WichitaUSD259) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaUSD259/status/1757218653521485901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/XhHarSQkkn">pic.twitter.com/XhHarSQkkn</a>&mdash; Wichita Public Schools (@WichitaUSD259) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaUSD259/status/1757217760289964382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Wichita has 54 elementary schools, 15 middle schools, three K-8s, nine high schools and nine special schools. The school district has had declining enrollment since 2016.&nbsp; A final decision on the proposal is expected next month, according to USD 259.&nbsp;

$42 million budget gap: Largest school district in Kan. IDs 6 schools to close

NEW YORK (AP) —The longest Super Bowl game will also go down as the most-watched program in television history.

According to Nielsen and Adobe Analytics,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">Kansas City's 25-22 overtime victory over San Francisco</a>&nbsp;on Sunday night averaged 123.4 million viewers across television and streaming platforms. That shattered last year's mark of 115.1 million for Kansas City's last-play victory over Philadelphia and is a 7% increase.

The game was televised by CBS, Nickelodeon and Univision and streamed on Paramount+ as well as the NFL's digital platforms.

Nielsen also said a record 202.4 million watched at least part of the game across all networks, a 10% jump over last year's figure of 183.6 million.

The CBS broadcast averaged 120 million. The network's previous mark for its most-watched Super Bowl was 112.34 million for the 2016 game between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers.

Some of the increase can be attributed to a change in the way viewers are counted. Nielsen began including out-of-home viewers in its ratings in 2020, but only from limited markets. That measurement expanded to all 50 states beginning this year.

Sunday's game was only the second of the 58 Super Bowls to go to overtime. The previous one was in 2017, when New England rallied from a 28-3 deficit and beat Atlanta 34-28.

“I was managing my expectations, but I had a bit of hope that it would happen,” CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said of overtime, which was set up when San Francisco kicker Jake Moody had an extra point blocked in the fourth quarter, which kept it a three-point game. “I can’t imagine a Super Bowl any better or more exciting than this.”

Kansas City sent it to overtime on Harrison Butker's field goal. After the 49ers kicked a field goal on the opening possession of OT, the Chiefs won when Patrick Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman.

This Super Bowl had the added attraction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-swift-las-vegas-kelce-chiefs-49ers-2cd5b56b6959ed053056cd6f28a82d0a">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;in attendance. The pop superstar is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, a romance that has brought new fans to the NFL.

It was the second straight year the Super Bowl averaged more than 100 million viewers after a period where four of the five games before 2023 had fallen short of that number because of cord-cutting. That included 95.2 million for the 2021 Super Bowl between Tampa Bay and Kansas City, which was the game’s lowest TV-only average since 2007.

Univision averaged more than 2.2 million viewers, the highest Super Bowl viewership on record for a Spanish-language network. The Super Bowl has been televised in Spanish in the United States since 2014.

The NFL playoffs averaged 38.5 million viewers the first three weekends, a 9% increase over last year.

That followed a regular season that averaged 17.9 million, tied for the second highest since averages were first tracked in 1995.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707736613770.png" alt="Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22 against the 49ers.(Brynn Anderson | AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)" />
 <figcaption>Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22 against the 49ers.(Brynn Anderson | AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —The longest Super Bowl game will also go down as the most-watched program in television history.According to Nielsen and Adobe Analytics,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">Kansas City's 25-22 overtime victory over San Francisco</a>&nbsp;on Sunday night averaged 123.4 million viewers across television and streaming platforms. That shattered last year's mark of 115.1 million for Kansas City's last-play victory over Philadelphia and is a 7% increase.The game was televised by CBS, Nickelodeon and Univision and streamed on Paramount+ as well as the NFL's digital platforms.Nielsen also said a record 202.4 million watched at least part of the game across all networks, a 10% jump over last year's figure of 183.6 million.The CBS broadcast averaged 120 million. The network's previous mark for its most-watched Super Bowl was 112.34 million for the 2016 game between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers.Some of the increase can be attributed to a change in the way viewers are counted. Nielsen began including out-of-home viewers in its ratings in 2020, but only from limited markets. That measurement expanded to all 50 states beginning this year.Sunday's game was only the second of the 58 Super Bowls to go to overtime. The previous one was in 2017, when New England rallied from a 28-3 deficit and beat Atlanta 34-28.“I was managing my expectations, but I had a bit of hope that it would happen,” CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus said of overtime, which was set up when San Francisco kicker Jake Moody had an extra point blocked in the fourth quarter, which kept it a three-point game. “I can’t imagine a Super Bowl any better or more exciting than this.”Kansas City sent it to overtime on Harrison Butker's field goal. After the 49ers kicked a field goal on the opening possession of OT, the Chiefs won when Patrick Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman.This Super Bowl had the added attraction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-swift-las-vegas-kelce-chiefs-49ers-2cd5b56b6959ed053056cd6f28a82d0a">Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;in attendance. The pop superstar is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, a romance that has brought new fans to the NFL.It was the second straight year the Super Bowl averaged more than 100 million viewers after a period where four of the five games before 2023 had fallen short of that number because of cord-cutting. That included 95.2 million for the 2021 Super Bowl between Tampa Bay and Kansas City, which was the game’s lowest TV-only average since 2007.Univision averaged more than 2.2 million viewers, the highest Super Bowl viewership on record for a Spanish-language network. The Super Bowl has been televised in Spanish in the United States since 2014.The NFL playoffs averaged 38.5 million viewers the first three weekends, a 9% increase over last year.That followed a regular season that averaged 17.9 million, tied for the second highest since averages were first tracked in 1995.

Super Bowl thriller: Most-watched program ever, averaging 123.4 million viewers

KANSAS CITY — Two people died in an accident just after 1:30a.m. Monday in Kansas City.

A Chevrolet Malibu was eastbound on Martin Luther King at a high rate of speed, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

The eastbound car crossed the double yellow center line into oncoming traffic. The Malibu was struck on the passenger side by a westbound Chevrolet Trax. 

The Malibu exited the roadway and struck a utility pole before coming to rest. EMS transported the unrestrained driver and unrestrained passenger of the Malibu to a local hospital where they were both pronounced deceased. 

EMS also transported the driver and passenger of the Trax to a local hospital in serious condition. The accident is still under investigation. Police have not released names of the victims. This is fatality #15 and #16 in KCMO compared to #5 at this time last year.

KANSAS CITY — Two people died in an accident just after 1:30a.m. Monday in Kansas City.A Chevrolet Malibu was eastbound on Martin Luther King at a high rate of speed, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.The eastbound car crossed the double yellow center line into oncoming traffic. The Malibu was struck on the passenger side by a westbound Chevrolet Trax. The Malibu exited the roadway and struck a utility pole before coming to rest. EMS transported the unrestrained driver and unrestrained passenger of the Malibu to a local hospital where they were both pronounced deceased. EMS also transported the driver and passenger of the Trax to a local hospital in serious condition. The accident is still under investigation. Police have not released names of the victims. This is fatality #15 and #16 in KCMO compared to #5 at this time last year.

Police: Two dead after wrong-way crash in Kansas City

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;fired two missiles at a ship carrying corn bound for a port in Iran on Monday, causing minor damage but no injuries to its crew, authorities said.

The attack on the Marshall Islands-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Star Iris shows just how widely the Houthis now target ships traveling through the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the two waterways.

The Star Iris had been heading from Brazil to Bandar Khomeini in Iran, the main backer and armer of the Houthis in Yemen's yearslong war.

“The group owner and operator regularly trade bulk cargo with Iran, so this was assessed to be the likely destination,” said Ambrey, a private security firm. Ambrey added that the Star Iris sustained damage to its starboard side in the attack.

The Houthis sought to describe the Star Iris as an “American” vessel, and said they targeted the ship with multiple missiles. The Star Iris' ultimate owner, Star Bulk Carriers Corp. of Athens, Greece, is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York. It did not respond to a request for comment.

Days earlier, another ship owned by Star Bulk, the Star Nasia,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attack-iran-us-e1c74b063a59fa4417d47feb5ab369cc">came under attack from the Houthis</a>.

The Houthis' military “will not hesitate to carry out more operations in retaliation to the Zionist crimes against our brothers in the Gaza Strip, as well as in response to the ongoing American-British aggression against our dear country,” Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said in a statement after the attack.

Iran did not acknowledge the Star Iris' destination, though the U.S. military's Central Command did in a statement early Tuesday. Central Command identified its cargo as Brazilian corn bound for Iran. Corn is a major Brazilian export to Iran, likely used in animal feed.

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, which oversees Mideast waters, reported the attack, saying it happened while the Star Iris was traveling south through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that separates East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.

The ship's captain “reports his vessel was attacked by two missiles and reports minor damage,” the UKMTO said. “Vessel and crew are safe. Vessel proceeding to next port of call.”

The attack on the Star Iris follows days in which no Houthi attacks on ships were reported. It's unclear what caused the pause, though the U.S. and British militaries have conducted multiple rounds of airstrikes targeting the Houthis' missile arsenals and launch sites in territory they hold.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;fired two missiles at a ship carrying corn bound for a port in Iran on Monday, causing minor damage but no injuries to its crew, authorities said.The attack on the Marshall Islands-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Star Iris shows just how widely the Houthis now target ships traveling through the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the two waterways.The Star Iris had been heading from Brazil to Bandar Khomeini in Iran, the main backer and armer of the Houthis in Yemen's yearslong war.“The group owner and operator regularly trade bulk cargo with Iran, so this was assessed to be the likely destination,” said Ambrey, a private security firm. Ambrey added that the Star Iris sustained damage to its starboard side in the attack.The Houthis sought to describe the Star Iris as an “American” vessel, and said they targeted the ship with multiple missiles. The Star Iris' ultimate owner, Star Bulk Carriers Corp. of Athens, Greece, is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market in New York. It did not respond to a request for comment.Days earlier, another ship owned by Star Bulk, the Star Nasia,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-ship-attack-iran-us-e1c74b063a59fa4417d47feb5ab369cc">came under attack from the Houthis</a>.The Houthis' military “will not hesitate to carry out more operations in retaliation to the Zionist crimes against our brothers in the Gaza Strip, as well as in response to the ongoing American-British aggression against our dear country,” Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said in a statement after the attack.Iran did not acknowledge the Star Iris' destination, though the U.S. military's Central Command did in a statement early Tuesday. Central Command identified its cargo as Brazilian corn bound for Iran. Corn is a major Brazilian export to Iran, likely used in animal feed.The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, which oversees Mideast waters, reported the attack, saying it happened while the Star Iris was traveling south through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that separates East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula.The ship's captain “reports his vessel was attacked by two missiles and reports minor damage,” the UKMTO said. “Vessel and crew are safe. Vessel proceeding to next port of call.”The attack on the Star Iris follows days in which no Houthi attacks on ships were reported. It's unclear what caused the pause, though the U.S. and British militaries have conducted multiple rounds of airstrikes targeting the Houthis' missile arsenals and launch sites in territory they hold.

Rebels fire missiles at ship bound for Iran, their main supporter

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas county jail inmate with a history of health issue died on Sunday.

On January 28, EMS transported a Sedgwick County inmate to a local hospital&nbsp; due to chronic medical problems, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.

The 36-year-old inmate identified as Kelly Junius Peterson, according to Sedgwick County booking records, was being evaluated by the Detention Facility Medical Clinic for the past three years after reporting difficulties with his chronic medical issues to jail medical staff. He was hospitalized for a total of 25 times since his arrest in October of 2020&nbsp;on felony charges of Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Indecent Liberties and Sexual Exploitation of a child.

The hospital staff had been attempting to treat Peterson, but his condition had a very small chance of survival.&nbsp; Based on medical advice, on February 8, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office contacted Peterson's family and made accommodations for them to visit him. 

Just before 5:30p.m. Sunday Peterson was pronounced deceased. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigation Division were notified.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707701963256.png" alt="PETERSON-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>PETERSON-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas county jail inmate with a history of health issue died on Sunday.On January 28, EMS transported a Sedgwick County inmate to a local hospital&nbsp; due to chronic medical problems, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.The 36-year-old inmate identified as Kelly Junius Peterson, according to Sedgwick County booking records, was being evaluated by the Detention Facility Medical Clinic for the past three years after reporting difficulties with his chronic medical issues to jail medical staff. He was hospitalized for a total of 25 times since his arrest in October of 2020&nbsp;on felony charges of Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Indecent Liberties and Sexual Exploitation of a child.He was hospitalized eight times in 2023.The hospital staff had been attempting to treat Peterson, but his condition had a very small chance of survival.&nbsp; Based on medical advice, on February 8, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office contacted Peterson's family and made accommodations for them to visit him. Just before 5:30p.m. Sunday Peterson was pronounced deceased. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigation Division were notified.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. inmate jailed for child sex crime allegations has died

WICHITA, KAN. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Kansas has charged a Kansas man by information with embezzling millions of dollars from his former employer, according to the United State's Atrorney.

According to court documents, Shan Hanes, 52, of Elkhart is charged with one count of bank embezzlement. Hanes previously served as the chief executive officer of Heartland Tri-State based in Elkhart. Hanes is accused of intentionally defrauding the bank by willfully misapplying and embezzling approximately $47.1 million. 

He allegedly did this by initiating a series of wire transfers between May 2023 and July 2023 to purchase cryptocurrency for his personal benefit.

The defendant is scheduled for his initial court appearance February 28, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate&nbsp;An information is an accusation exhibited against a person for a criminal offense without an indictment from a grand jury.

Judge Gwynne E. Birzer of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.

If convicted, Hanes faces a maximum penalty 30 years in prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Federal Reserve Board - Office of Inspector General (FRB-OIG), and Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General ((FHFA-OIG) are investigating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690636919386.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Kansas has charged a Kansas man by information with embezzling millions of dollars from his former employer, according to the United State's Atrorney.According to court documents, Shan Hanes, 52, of Elkhart is charged with one count of bank embezzlement. Hanes previously served as the chief executive officer of Heartland Tri-State based in Elkhart. Hanes is accused of intentionally defrauding the bank by willfully misapplying and embezzling approximately $47.1 million. He allegedly did this by initiating a series of wire transfers between May 2023 and July 2023 to purchase cryptocurrency for his personal benefit.The defendant is scheduled for his initial court appearance February 28, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate&nbsp;An information is an accusation exhibited against a person for a criminal offense without an indictment from a grand jury.Judge Gwynne E. Birzer of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.If convicted, Hanes faces a maximum penalty 30 years in prison.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Federal Reserve Board - Office of Inspector General (FRB-OIG), and Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General ((FHFA-OIG) are investigating.

$47 Million: Former Kan. bank CEO accused of embezzlement

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says it's looking forward to hosting the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs again — and it isn't ruling out having the team's most-famous fan,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>, tag along this time.

(click below to watch the White House invite for the Chiefs)

Asked at Monday's press briefing if the pop star could come along as a “plus one” when the team visits the White House to celebrate its second Super Bowl title in as many seasons, press secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/karine-jean-pierre">Karine Jean-Pierre</a>&nbsp;responded, “That’s going to be up to the Chiefs, and obviously their decision to figure out who’s going to come with them.”

(Click below to watch the Taylor Swift discussion)

“I can’t speak to attendance and who will be here,” Jean-Pierre added.

Swift is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and celebrated on the field after his team beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime on Sunday in Las Vegas. She has been the subject of intense media coverage throughout the season, and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-conspiracies-biden-republican-voters-reaction-b5192ca92541f1f04485e3d8c7c24e53">sparked anger among some conservatives</a>&nbsp;who spread baseless claims that Swift is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-conspiracy-theories-838ce3087c795cb45468d08ebbb27059">part of an elaborate plot</a>&nbsp;to help Democrats win the November election because she could ultimately endorse President Joe Biden's reelection bid.

Biden's supporters have made light of such suggestions. The president's personal account even&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1756888470599967000">deadpanned on X</a>&nbsp;immediately after the Super Bowl's game-winning catch, “Just like we drew it up” over an image of “Dark Brandon” — a meme featuring Biden with lasers for eyes.

Jean-Pierre also got in on the act, opening Monday's White House briefing by saying she wanted "to extend a big congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on their third Super Bowl win in just five seasons, and also congratulations to all the Swifties out there.”

“The president looks forward to welcoming them back once again to the White House to celebrate their latest victory,” she said.

When pressed on whether the players would be allowed to bring guests, Jean-Pierre said she wasn't sure of the protocol.

“That's a good question. I can't answer that right now. But, look, we are looking forward to having them here, the Chiefs," she said.

The White House and Biden's supporters aren't the only ones blurring the lines between politics and pop stars.

Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the front-runner in the Republican presidential primary, posted online ahead of the Super Bowl that, if Swift were to endorse Biden, it would be “disloyal to the man who made her so much money.” Trump continued that he was “responsible for the Music Modernization Act," which Congress approved in 2018 with strong bipartisan support.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707771130195.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says it's looking forward to hosting the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs again — and it isn't ruling out having the team's most-famous fan,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>, tag along this time.(click below to watch the White House invite for the Chiefs)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F377157548277294%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=40" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Asked at Monday's press briefing if the pop star could come along as a “plus one” when the team visits the White House to celebrate its second Super Bowl title in as many seasons, press secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/karine-jean-pierre">Karine Jean-Pierre</a>&nbsp;responded, “That’s going to be up to the Chiefs, and obviously their decision to figure out who’s going to come with them.”(Click below to watch the Taylor Swift discussion)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F377157548277294%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=3100" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“I can’t speak to attendance and who will be here,” Jean-Pierre added.Swift is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and celebrated on the field after his team beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime on Sunday in Las Vegas. She has been the subject of intense media coverage throughout the season, and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-conspiracies-biden-republican-voters-reaction-b5192ca92541f1f04485e3d8c7c24e53">sparked anger among some conservatives</a>&nbsp;who spread baseless claims that Swift is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-conspiracy-theories-838ce3087c795cb45468d08ebbb27059">part of an elaborate plot</a>&nbsp;to help Democrats win the November election because she could ultimately endorse President Joe Biden's reelection bid.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">With their third Super Bowl win in just five seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t just champions today – they’re a dynasty. Congratulations, Chiefs Kingdom. Ready to welcome this team back to the White House. <a href="https://t.co/8GZDRiopRX">pic.twitter.com/8GZDRiopRX</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1756890630175744098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden's supporters have made light of such suggestions. The president's personal account even&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1756888470599967000">deadpanned on X</a>&nbsp;immediately after the Super Bowl's game-winning catch, “Just like we drew it up” over an image of “Dark Brandon” — a meme featuring Biden with lasers for eyes.Jean-Pierre also got in on the act, opening Monday's White House briefing by saying she wanted "to extend a big congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on their third Super Bowl win in just five seasons, and also congratulations to all the Swifties out there.”“The president looks forward to welcoming them back once again to the White House to celebrate their latest victory,” she said.When pressed on whether the players would be allowed to bring guests, Jean-Pierre said she wasn't sure of the protocol.“That's a good question. I can't answer that right now. But, look, we are looking forward to having them here, the Chiefs," she said.The White House and Biden's supporters aren't the only ones blurring the lines between politics and pop stars.Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, the front-runner in the Republican presidential primary, posted online ahead of the Super Bowl that, if Swift were to endorse Biden, it would be “disloyal to the man who made her so much money.” Trump continued that he was “responsible for the Music Modernization Act," which Congress approved in 2018 with strong bipartisan support.

🎥 Chiefs get White House invitation; could Taylor Swift tag along?

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent crash in Emporia.

Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police attempted to stop a 2012 Acura,&nbsp; to conduct a welfare check at 18th and Rural Street in Emporia, according to Emporia Police Captain Ray Mattas.

&nbsp;The the car fled from the officer eastbound on 18th Street and the officer did not pursue the car. The vehicle continued at a high rate of speed onto Emporia State University campus. It left the road, went airborne, and crashed into the Emporia State University recreation building.

No one was in that area of the building when the car crashed into it. The driver of the car was initially trapped in the car.&nbsp; Emporia Fire crews extricated the driver and transported the driver to Newman Regional for care. Due to the nature of this accident, police did not release the name of the driver or possible charges.&nbsp; The rec center announced Monday afternoon the facility is temporarily closed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707775177532.png" alt="Photo by Tagan Trahoon courtesy KVOE" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tagan Trahoon courtesy KVOE</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a violent crash in Emporia.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FESUrecreation%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02weoM57q7jWrECRT95hLiu7k7p8aheRWqddSc49W4deKUV8cfvcVFT1uBZ4y7FYp1l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="590" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Just before 6p.m. Sunday, police attempted to stop a 2012 Acura,&nbsp; to conduct a welfare check at 18th and Rural Street in Emporia, according to Emporia Police Captain Ray Mattas.&nbsp;The the car fled from the officer eastbound on 18th Street and the officer did not pursue the car. The vehicle continued at a high rate of speed onto Emporia State University campus. It left the road, went airborne, and crashed into the Emporia State University recreation building.No one was in that area of the building when the car crashed into it. The driver of the car was initially trapped in the car.&nbsp; Emporia Fire crews extricated the driver and transported the driver to Newman Regional for care. Due to the nature of this accident, police did not release the name of the driver or possible charges.&nbsp; The rec center announced Monday afternoon the facility is temporarily closed.

Car crash shuts down recreation center at Emporia State

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Monday shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 57-year-old Ruth A. Bowman.

Just after 12:30.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting at 50th and Bellefontaine, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.

First responders were directed to a shooting victim, later identified as Bown, unresponsive on the sidewalk north of the intersection. Officers began rendering aid and summoned EMS to the scene who declared her deceased.

Responding Officers detained two people who were at the scene when they arrived for further investigation. Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene for evidence and canvassed for witnesses.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Monday shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 57-year-old Ruth A. Bowman.Just after 12:30.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting at 50th and Bellefontaine, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.First responders were directed to a shooting victim, later identified as Bown, unresponsive on the sidewalk north of the intersection. Officers began rendering aid and summoned EMS to the scene who declared her deceased.Responding Officers detained two people who were at the scene when they arrived for further investigation. Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators processed the scene for evidence and canvassed for witnesses.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

Homicide: Police ID Kansas City woman found dead on sidewalk

KANSAS CITY — The city of Kansas City released details on the Super Bowl victory parade.&nbsp;

PARADE: Kicks off at 11:00am at 6th Street and Grand Blvd, heading south on Grand Blvd, west on Pershing Road, north on Main, culminating at Union Station.&nbsp; The parade will last approximately 1.5 hours.&nbsp;

RALLY: Begins at approximately 12:45pm in front of Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial north lawn. The Rally will last approximately 1 hour.&nbsp;

The parade route has been planned with the safety and security of fans in mind.&nbsp;The City anticipates tremendous crowds. With that in mind, City services and business operations will be impacted on Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp;

For the most updated information on transit, public safety, and other news relating to the Chiefs Kingdom Champions Parade, please sign up to receive notifications from <a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/talk-to-us/hear-from-us/alertkc" target="_blank">ALERTKC</a> by texting “KCPARADE” to 888-777

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707738347948.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — The city of Kansas City released details on the Super Bowl victory parade.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">See ya on Wednesday, Chiefs Kingdom 🫶🏆<a href="https://t.co/FyzgpWr2yn">https://t.co/FyzgpWr2yn</a> <a href="https://t.co/U1sj4cl4g1">pic.twitter.com/U1sj4cl4g1</a>&mdash; Kansas City (@KansasCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/KansasCity/status/1756889251336126880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>PARADE: Kicks off at 11:00am at 6th Street and Grand Blvd, heading south on Grand Blvd, west on Pershing Road, north on Main, culminating at Union Station.&nbsp; The parade will last approximately 1.5 hours.&nbsp;RALLY: Begins at approximately 12:45pm in front of Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial north lawn. The Rally will last approximately 1 hour.&nbsp;The parade route has been planned with the safety and security of fans in mind.&nbsp;The City anticipates tremendous crowds. With that in mind, City services and business operations will be impacted on Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp;For the most updated information on transit, public safety, and other news relating to the Chiefs Kingdom Champions Parade, please sign up to receive notifications from <a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/talk-to-us/hear-from-us/alertkc" target="_blank">ALERTKC</a> by texting “KCPARADE” to 888-777

Details on Chiefs Kingdom Champions Parade

NEW YORK (AP)—Robert Kennedy Jr.’s presidential ambitions resulted in public family drama after a political action committee aired a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;ad invoking the Democratic family’s legacy to implicitly compare the independent candidate to his assassinated uncle, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-kennedy-assassination-60-years-public-service-7a17f5baefe83fc1eddb1025e2e298d5">John F. Kennedy</a>.

The 30-second spot, financed by the American Values 2024 Super PAC that is backing Kennedy, featured a shortened version of a campaign song that the 35th president used in his 1960 campaign. The spot also mimicked cartoon and newsreel effects using black-and-white pictures of Robert Kennedy Jr. similar to JFK. But in a notable departure from the Kennedy's bygone Democratic Party dynasty, the ad urged Americans to “Vote Independent.”

After the game, Kennedy responded to online criticism, including from one of his cousins, emphasizing that his campaign did not produce the spot, which cost an estimated $7 million.

“I’m so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain,” Kennedy wrote late Sunday night on X, formerly Twitter. “The ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approval from my campaign. ... I love you all. God bless you.”

Still, as of Monday morning, Kennedy had the ad pinned to the top of his X profile. “Our momentum is growing,” he wrote. “It’s time for an Independent President to heal the divide in our country.”

Bobby Shriver, whose mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the Special Olympics, hammered his cousin over the spot and his opposition to vaccines for COVID-19 and other diseases.

“My cousin’s Super Bowl ad used our uncle’s faces- and my Mother’s,” Shriver wrote. “She would be appalled by his deadly health care views. Respect for science, vaccines, &amp; health care equity were in her DNA.”

Shriver, whose father, Sargent Shriver, founded the Peace Corps, also alluded to his own work in expanding health care access in the developing world.

Robert Kennedy Jr. responded separately to his cousin: “Bobby. I’m so sorry if that advertisement caused you pain. ... I send you and your family my sincerest apologies. God bless you.”

Kennedy is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/election-2024-0000018ca126d7a5a79da57ef5030000">running for president</a>&nbsp;as an independent despite his family’s status as Democratic Party nobility. It’s not yet clear whether he can gain ballot access in enough states to mount a true national campaign. But his effort comes in a year when many voters are not enthusiastic about the likelihood of a rematch between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>, a Democrat, and former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>, a Republican. Any independent or third-party efforts in battleground states could shape the outcome in unpredictable ways.

“It is fitting that the first national ad promoting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy was bought and paid for by Donald Trump's largest donor this cycle,” said Democratic National Committee spokesman Alex Floyd. He was referring to Tim Mellon, a major donor to Trump who also gave American Values $15 million last year, according to federal filings.

The DNC already had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dnc-fec-complaint-kenedy-trump-biden-09d42502ca757cd4656b4829c4b4c00d">filed a federal complaint</a>&nbsp;alleging that Kennedy's campaign is illegally coordinating with American Values to siphon support from Biden, an accusation the PAC denies.

A Biden campaign spokesman sidestepped the flap, instead highlighting the president's Super Bowl Sunday debut on the social media platform TikTok.

An email newsletter from American Values framed the ad as an unqualified success, noting a spike in online searches for Kennedy and a statement from his campaign spokeswoman saying the campaign was “pleasantly surprised and grateful” for the ad, a different tone than Kennedy's statements to his family.

At one time, Kennedy was a leading environmental activist, and he was among the younger Kennedy family members who would speak at Democratic Party conventions and events. He has in recent years delved into conspiracy theories and become a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-rfk-jr-built-anti-vaccine-juggernaut-amid-covid-4997be1bcf591fe8b7f1f90d16c9321e">face of the anti-vaccine movement</a>.

Besides his presidential uncle, who was assassinated in 1963, Kennedy’s political lineage includes his father, who was U.S. attorney general, a senator from New York and leading presidential candidate at the time of his 1968 assassination. His father’s longest-lived brother was Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts. Sargent Shriver, Bobby Shriver’s father, ran for president in 1976 as a Democrat.

NEW YORK (AP)—Robert Kennedy Jr.’s presidential ambitions resulted in public family drama after a political action committee aired a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;ad invoking the Democratic family’s legacy to implicitly compare the independent candidate to his assassinated uncle, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-kennedy-assassination-60-years-public-service-7a17f5baefe83fc1eddb1025e2e298d5">John F. Kennedy</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I&#39;m so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain. The ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approval from my campaign. FEC rules prohibit Super PACs from consulting with me or my staff. I love you all. God…&mdash; Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1756900265368723562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 30-second spot, financed by the American Values 2024 Super PAC that is backing Kennedy, featured a shortened version of a campaign song that the 35th president used in his 1960 campaign. The spot also mimicked cartoon and newsreel effects using black-and-white pictures of Robert Kennedy Jr. similar to JFK. But in a notable departure from the Kennedy's bygone Democratic Party dynasty, the ad urged Americans to “Vote Independent.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our momentum is growing. It’s time for an Independent President to heal the divide in our country. 🇺🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kennedy24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kennedy24</a> <a href="https://t.co/6rwXW3AwAp">pic.twitter.com/6rwXW3AwAp</a>&mdash; Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1756852942379045085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After the game, Kennedy responded to online criticism, including from one of his cousins, emphasizing that his campaign did not produce the spot, which cost an estimated $7 million.“I’m so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain,” Kennedy wrote late Sunday night on X, formerly Twitter. “The ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approval from my campaign. ... I love you all. God bless you.”Still, as of Monday morning, Kennedy had the ad pinned to the top of his X profile. “Our momentum is growing,” he wrote. “It’s time for an Independent President to heal the divide in our country.”Bobby Shriver, whose mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the Special Olympics, hammered his cousin over the spot and his opposition to vaccines for COVID-19 and other diseases.“My cousin’s Super Bowl ad used our uncle’s faces- and my Mother’s,” Shriver wrote. “She would be appalled by his deadly health care views. Respect for science, vaccines, &amp; health care equity were in her DNA.”Shriver, whose father, Sargent Shriver, founded the Peace Corps, also alluded to his own work in expanding health care access in the developing world.Robert Kennedy Jr. responded separately to his cousin: “Bobby. I’m so sorry if that advertisement caused you pain. ... I send you and your family my sincerest apologies. God bless you.”Kennedy is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/election-2024-0000018ca126d7a5a79da57ef5030000">running for president</a>&nbsp;as an independent despite his family’s status as Democratic Party nobility. It’s not yet clear whether he can gain ballot access in enough states to mount a true national campaign. But his effort comes in a year when many voters are not enthusiastic about the likelihood of a rematch between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>, a Democrat, and former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>, a Republican. Any independent or third-party efforts in battleground states could shape the outcome in unpredictable ways.“It is fitting that the first national ad promoting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy was bought and paid for by Donald Trump's largest donor this cycle,” said Democratic National Committee spokesman Alex Floyd. He was referring to Tim Mellon, a major donor to Trump who also gave American Values $15 million last year, according to federal filings.The DNC already had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dnc-fec-complaint-kenedy-trump-biden-09d42502ca757cd4656b4829c4b4c00d">filed a federal complaint</a>&nbsp;alleging that Kennedy's campaign is illegally coordinating with American Values to siphon support from Biden, an accusation the PAC denies.A Biden campaign spokesman sidestepped the flap, instead highlighting the president's Super Bowl Sunday debut on the social media platform TikTok.An email newsletter from American Values framed the ad as an unqualified success, noting a spike in online searches for Kennedy and a statement from his campaign spokeswoman saying the campaign was “pleasantly surprised and grateful” for the ad, a different tone than Kennedy's statements to his family.At one time, Kennedy was a leading environmental activist, and he was among the younger Kennedy family members who would speak at Democratic Party conventions and events. He has in recent years delved into conspiracy theories and become a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-rfk-jr-built-anti-vaccine-juggernaut-amid-covid-4997be1bcf591fe8b7f1f90d16c9321e">face of the anti-vaccine movement</a>.Besides his presidential uncle, who was assassinated in 1963, Kennedy’s political lineage includes his father, who was U.S. attorney general, a senator from New York and leading presidential candidate at the time of his 1968 assassination. His father’s longest-lived brother was Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts. Sargent Shriver, Bobby Shriver’s father, ran for president in 1976 as a Democrat.

🎥RFK Jr. apologizes for Super Bowl ad invoking JFK

Plan changes implemented in 2015 designed to cut state’s overall cost

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature’s auditors say the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System plan available to the state’s government employees hired since 2015 has higher worker contribution requirements, a longer vesting period and lower financial rewards than plans in comparable states.

Auditors said a survey of 1,300 current and former Kansas public employees indicated people enrolled in KPERS 3 were more likely to leave their job than participants in the predecessor KPERS 1 or KPERS 2 plans. Dissatisfaction with KPERS 3 stemmed from reality of a plan delivering a lower proportion of final salary in terms of retirement benefits when compared to alternatives.

“KPERS 3, generally, gives employees less flexibility, requires them to share some financial risk and provides lower benefits than other plans evaluated,” said Cade Graber, an auditor with the Legislature’s Division of Post Audit. “KPERS 3 has higher employee contribution rates, a longer vesting period and longer retirement requirements than most other plans we evaluated.”

There has been interest among some members of the Legislature in moving all KPERS 3 members into KPERS 2, which would mean the transferred government employees would take on less financial risk in building a retirement nest egg and would secure better financial rewards at retirement. KPERS 1 and KPERS 2, versions of Kansas’ public employee retirement plan available to government employees hired from 1961 to 2014, required the state to carry the full financial risk.

Revenue to KPERS’ trust fund comes from worker contributions, employer contributions and investment returns. In 2022, the employee contribution rate was 6% of salary for all three KPERS tiers.

From 2002 to 2022, the audit said, 49% of revenue to KPERS came from investment returns. During this time, 35% came from employer contributions and 16% came from employee contributions.

A national recession in 2008 produced four consecutive years of investment losses for KPERS and reduced the system’s funded ratio, or the percentage of liability the trust fund’s assets covered, to 56% in 2012. With sustainability of the trust fund in doubt, the 2012 Legislature and Gov. Sam Brownback agreed to launch KPERS 3. It was structured in a way that would increase KPERS’ funded ratio by lowering future costs to the state.

Members of KPERS 3 by law were guaranteed 4% annual earnings on their personal account balances, but additional retirement benefits to these city, county or state employees would be dependent on performance of the pension system’s investment portfolio. Neither KPERS 1 nor KPERS 2 placed that investment-return risk on the back of public employees.

KPERS 3 covers employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2015, with the exception of state correctional officers who were placed in KPERS 2. This section of KPERS has 73,600 active members in government jobs, 44,000 inactive members no longer in a KPERS-covered position but not retired, and 4,000 retirees.

“By design, it’s doing what it was intended to do,” said Alan Conroy, executive director of KPERS. “It’s cheaper for the employers, but I think one important difference between KPERS 3 members and let’s say a 401(k) plan in the private sector is a KPERS 3 member never loses what they put in. They’re guaranteed 4% income.”

Overall, KPERS’ funded ratio climbed from 67% in 2015 to 73% in 2022 because the trust fund’s assets increased at a greater rate than its liabilities during the period.

Auditors said it wasn’t clear whether the transition to KPERS 3 or the overall positive direction in investment markets was responsible.

In December 2022, KPERS had $26.4 billion in actuarial assets and $36 billion in liabilities. Depending primarily on performance of the system’s investment portfolio, KPERS said it could be possible for the system to reach a 100% funded ratio by 2039.

Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican on the Legislature’s joint House and Senate audit committee, said an important consideration for the Legislature was whether KPERS 3 was competitive with what was commonly offered by private-sector employers in Kansas. He said the retirement plan presented to government workers in Kansas had to budgetarily responsible.

“Obviously, we want to retain employees. We want to give them the benefit. We’ve got to be realistic about what we’re competing against,” Thompson said.

The audit said KPERS 2 was created in 2007 and covered government employees hired from July 1, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2014. There are 23,800 active members, 11,000 inactive members and 2,900 retirees.

KPERS 1 was adopted at formation of the state retirement system in 1961 and guaranteed benefits slightly more generous than KPERS 2, the audit said. It has 46,500 active members, 18,200 inactive members and 95,200 retirees.

<h2>Plan changes implemented in 2015 designed to cut state’s overall cost</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707758166916.png" alt=" Alan Conroy, executive director of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System, said the currently available KPERS 3 plan performed as anticipated by lowering costs to government employers by shifting to workers a portion of financial risk of building a retirement portfolio. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Legislature’s YouTube channel) BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> " />
 <figcaption> Alan Conroy, executive director of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System, said the currently available KPERS 3 plan performed as anticipated by lowering costs to government employers by shifting to workers a portion of financial risk of building a retirement portfolio. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Legislature’s YouTube channel) BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature’s auditors say the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System plan available to the state’s government employees hired since 2015 has higher worker contribution requirements, a longer vesting period and lower financial rewards than plans in comparable states.Auditors said a survey of 1,300 current and former Kansas public employees indicated people enrolled in KPERS 3 were more likely to leave their job than participants in the predecessor KPERS 1 or KPERS 2 plans. Dissatisfaction with KPERS 3 stemmed from reality of a plan delivering a lower proportion of final salary in terms of retirement benefits when compared to alternatives.“KPERS 3, generally, gives employees less flexibility, requires them to share some financial risk and provides lower benefits than other plans evaluated,” said Cade Graber, an auditor with the Legislature’s Division of Post Audit. “KPERS 3 has higher employee contribution rates, a longer vesting period and longer retirement requirements than most other plans we evaluated.”There has been interest among some members of the Legislature in moving all KPERS 3 members into KPERS 2, which would mean the transferred government employees would take on less financial risk in building a retirement nest egg and would secure better financial rewards at retirement. KPERS 1 and KPERS 2, versions of Kansas’ public employee retirement plan available to government employees hired from 1961 to 2014, required the state to carry the full financial risk.Revenue to KPERS’ trust fund comes from worker contributions, employer contributions and investment returns. In 2022, the employee contribution rate was 6% of salary for all three KPERS tiers.From 2002 to 2022, the audit said, 49% of revenue to KPERS came from investment returns. During this time, 35% came from employer contributions and 16% came from employee contributions.A national recession in 2008 produced four consecutive years of investment losses for KPERS and reduced the system’s funded ratio, or the percentage of liability the trust fund’s assets covered, to 56% in 2012. With sustainability of the trust fund in doubt, the 2012 Legislature and Gov. Sam Brownback agreed to launch KPERS 3. It was structured in a way that would increase KPERS’ funded ratio by lowering future costs to the state.Members of KPERS 3 by law were guaranteed 4% annual earnings on their personal account balances, but additional retirement benefits to these city, county or state employees would be dependent on performance of the pension system’s investment portfolio. Neither KPERS 1 nor KPERS 2 placed that investment-return risk on the back of public employees.KPERS 3 covers employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2015, with the exception of state correctional officers who were placed in KPERS 2. This section of KPERS has 73,600 active members in government jobs, 44,000 inactive members no longer in a KPERS-covered position but not retired, and 4,000 retirees.“By design, it’s doing what it was intended to do,” said Alan Conroy, executive director of KPERS. “It’s cheaper for the employers, but I think one important difference between KPERS 3 members and let’s say a 401(k) plan in the private sector is a KPERS 3 member never loses what they put in. They’re guaranteed 4% income.”Overall, KPERS’ funded ratio climbed from 67% in 2015 to 73% in 2022 because the trust fund’s assets increased at a greater rate than its liabilities during the period.Auditors said it wasn’t clear whether the transition to KPERS 3 or the overall positive direction in investment markets was responsible.In December 2022, KPERS had $26.4 billion in actuarial assets and $36 billion in liabilities. Depending primarily on performance of the system’s investment portfolio, KPERS said it could be possible for the system to reach a 100% funded ratio by 2039.Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican on the Legislature’s joint House and Senate audit committee, said an important consideration for the Legislature was whether KPERS 3 was competitive with what was commonly offered by private-sector employers in Kansas. He said the retirement plan presented to government workers in Kansas had to budgetarily responsible.“Obviously, we want to retain employees. We want to give them the benefit. We’ve got to be realistic about what we’re competing against,” Thompson said.The audit said KPERS 2 was created in 2007 and covered government employees hired from July 1, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2014. There are 23,800 active members, 11,000 inactive members and 2,900 retirees.KPERS 1 was adopted at formation of the state retirement system in 1961 and guaranteed benefits slightly more generous than KPERS 2, the audit said. It has 46,500 active members, 18,200 inactive members and 95,200 retirees.

Kansas audit IDs weaknesses in state’s retirement plan for public employees

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident involving a law enforcement vehicle just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy 4-door Aveo&nbsp; driven by Latrina R. Hawkins, 40, Wichita,&nbsp; was exiting Interstate 235 northbound to Central Avenue.&nbsp; 

When the driver attempted to make a left turn onto Central, the car struck the passenger side of an eastbound Wichita Police Ford Explorer&nbsp;responding to a call with lights and siren activated.

EMS transported Hawkins to St. Francis Hospital. The officer identified as 27-year-old Watcharanan&nbsp;Kanhasee was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident involving a law enforcement vehicle just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy 4-door Aveo&nbsp; driven by Latrina R. Hawkins, 40, Wichita,&nbsp; was exiting Interstate 235 northbound to Central Avenue.&nbsp; When the driver attempted to make a left turn onto Central, the car struck the passenger side of an eastbound Wichita Police Ford Explorer&nbsp;responding to a call with lights and siren activated.EMS transported Hawkins to St. Francis Hospital. The officer identified as 27-year-old Watcharanan&nbsp;Kanhasee was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. police SUV with lights, sirens activated involved in crash

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating reported theft in Manhattan.&nbsp;

Just after 1p.m. Friday, officers filed a report for theft in the 2000 block of Rock Hill Circle in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 101-year-old man reported an unknown suspect removed and stole numerous Kansas State University championship rings.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating reported theft in Manhattan.&nbsp;Just after 1p.m. Friday, officers filed a report for theft in the 2000 block of Rock Hill Circle in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 101-year-old man reported an unknown suspect removed and stole numerous Kansas State University championship rings.

Police: Suspect stole numerous K-State championship rings

BARBER COUNTY—Officials were on the scene of a train derailment early Monday in Barber County. The Burlington Northern train derailed east of Hazelton, approximately 24 miles southeast of Medicine Lodge and just north of the Oklahoma border.

 There was no danger to the homes and there were no injuries, according to Barber County Emergency Management.&nbsp; Everything is contained.&nbsp;

Officials in the area are expecting a lot of traffic. Tri City road is still open.&nbsp; What caused the derailment is under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707748033586.png" alt="Photo Barber County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo Barber County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>BARBER COUNTY—Officials were on the scene of a train derailment early Monday in Barber County. The Burlington Northern train derailed east of Hazelton, approximately 24 miles southeast of Medicine Lodge and just north of the Oklahoma border. There was no danger to the homes and there were no injuries, according to Barber County Emergency Management.&nbsp; Everything is contained.&nbsp;Officials in the area are expecting a lot of traffic. Tri City road is still open.&nbsp; What caused the derailment is under investigation.

Officials investigate rural Kansas train derailment 

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — First lady Jill Biden said in an email to campaign donors over the weekend she didn't know what the special counsel was trying to achieve when he suggested President Joe Biden could not remember when his oldest son died.

”We should give everyone grace, and I can’t imagine someone would try to use our son’s death to score political points," she wrote. "If you’ve experienced a loss like that, you know that you don’t measure it in years -- you measure it in grief."

It was an emphatic defense of her husband in a note to supporters as Biden's team worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-special-counsel-classified-documents-election-2024-a54f03441e8145f9d6915858caaac37e">alleviate Democratic concerns</a>&nbsp;over the alarms raised by a special counsel about Biden’s age and memory, in a report determining that Biden would not be charged with any criminal activity for possessing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">classified documents after he left office.</a>

Special Counsel Robert Hur, a Republican former U.S. attorney appointed by Donald Trump, found the president should not face charges for retaining the documents, and described as a hypothetical defense that the 81-year-old president could show his memory was “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">added that during an interview with investigators</a>&nbsp;that Biden couldn't recall ”even within years" when his oldest son Beau had died.

“Believe me, like anyone who has lost a child, Beau and his death never leave him," Jill Biden said.

It was an unusually personal observation for a special counsel investigating the president's handling of classified documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">Beau Biden died in 2015 from a brain tumor.</a>&nbsp;It's something that Biden speaks of regularly, and cites as both a reason why he didn't run in 2016 and a later motivator for his successful 2020 run.

“May 30th is a day forever etched on our hearts,” Jill Biden said in a note to supporters about the day Beau Biden died. “It shattered me, it shattered our family. ... What helped me, and what helped Joe, was to find purpose. That’s what keeps Joe going, serving you and the country we love.”

The references to Beau Biden in Hur's report enraged the president, who later said: “How in the hell dare he raise that?”

(click below to watch President Biden answer questions about his age)

Biden mentioned that he had sat for five hours of interviews with Hur’s team over two days on Oct. 8 and 9, “even though Israel had just been attacked on October 7th and I was in the middle of handling an international crisis.”

Voters have been concerned about his age. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e">an August poll</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, 77% of U.S. adults said Biden is too old to be effective for four more years. It was one of the rare sources of bipartisan agreement during a politically polarized era, with 89% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats saying Biden’s age is a problem.

“Joe is 81, that’s true, but he’s 81 doing more in an hour than most people do in a day. Joe has wisdom, empathy, and vision,” Jill Biden said. “His age, with his experience and expertise, is an incredible asset and he proves it every day.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707678366989.png" alt="First lady Jill Biden during opening comments at a Women's Health conference Feb. 7, in Atlanta-White House image" />
 <figcaption>First lady Jill Biden during opening comments at a Women's Health conference Feb. 7, in Atlanta-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — First lady Jill Biden said in an email to campaign donors over the weekend she didn't know what the special counsel was trying to achieve when he suggested President Joe Biden could not remember when his oldest son died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707662434941.png" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707662459491.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>”We should give everyone grace, and I can’t imagine someone would try to use our son’s death to score political points," she wrote. "If you’ve experienced a loss like that, you know that you don’t measure it in years -- you measure it in grief."It was an emphatic defense of her husband in a note to supporters as Biden's team worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-special-counsel-classified-documents-election-2024-a54f03441e8145f9d6915858caaac37e">alleviate Democratic concerns</a>&nbsp;over the alarms raised by a special counsel about Biden’s age and memory, in a report determining that Biden would not be charged with any criminal activity for possessing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">classified documents after he left office.</a>Special Counsel Robert Hur, a Republican former U.S. attorney appointed by Donald Trump, found the president should not face charges for retaining the documents, and described as a hypothetical defense that the 81-year-old president could show his memory was “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">added that during an interview with investigators</a>&nbsp;that Biden couldn't recall ”even within years" when his oldest son Beau had died.“Believe me, like anyone who has lost a child, Beau and his death never leave him," Jill Biden said.It was an unusually personal observation for a special counsel investigating the president's handling of classified documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">Beau Biden died in 2015 from a brain tumor.</a>&nbsp;It's something that Biden speaks of regularly, and cites as both a reason why he didn't run in 2016 and a later motivator for his successful 2020 run.“May 30th is a day forever etched on our hearts,” Jill Biden said in a note to supporters about the day Beau Biden died. “It shattered me, it shattered our family. ... What helped me, and what helped Joe, was to find purpose. That’s what keeps Joe going, serving you and the country we love.”The references to Beau Biden in Hur's report enraged the president, who later said: “How in the hell dare he raise that?”(click below to watch President Biden answer questions about his age)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F690627529895091%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=243" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Biden mentioned that he had sat for five hours of interviews with Hur’s team over two days on Oct. 8 and 9, “even though Israel had just been attacked on October 7th and I was in the middle of handling an international crisis.”Voters have been concerned about his age. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e">an August poll</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, 77% of U.S. adults said Biden is too old to be effective for four more years. It was one of the rare sources of bipartisan agreement during a politically polarized era, with 89% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats saying Biden’s age is a problem.“Joe is 81, that’s true, but he’s 81 doing more in an hour than most people do in a day. Joe has wisdom, empathy, and vision,” Jill Biden said. “His age, with his experience and expertise, is an incredible asset and he proves it every day.”

Read First lady's email that questions special counsel report to 'score political points'

LAS VEGAS (AP) — With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-travis-super-bowl-eras-japan-13248c81324a4da46df425f0e6a7654c">the run she's having</a>, how could Taylor Swift be on anything other than the winning side?

She&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756894867592990732">embraced her boyfriend Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;and the couple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/super-bowl-2024-updates">locked lips</a>&nbsp;on the field at Allegiant Stadium after his Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl.

Moments earlier, Swift smiled with her eyes looking misty from tears as she stood next to Kelce's mother while he held aloft the Lombardi Trophy, shouting “Chiefs nation!” and bellowing a chorus of “Viva Las Vegas.”

Minutes before that,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756889859455885414">she was smothered by celebrity suite mates</a>, who at various points included Blake Lively, Ice Spice and Lana Del Rey, when the Chiefs scored the winning touchdown in overtime, set up by a key reception by Kelce for a first down.

It was the second straight Super Bowl win for the Chiefs, but the first since Swift became fan-in-chief. She and Kelce began dating shortly before the season started.

It completes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-grammys-tokyo-super-bowl-kelce-d46418de25e985f77ab7a7ada337d2a0">an epic stretch</a>&nbsp;for Swift, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-grammy-awards-show-75f0eda337c9289f846f9a047d191703">won album of the year a week earlier</a>&nbsp;for a record fourth time at the Grammys, where she also announced a new album dropping in April before jetting off to Japan for a series of stadium shows.

Soon after flying halfway around the world to get to the game, she strolled through security to enter the stadium along with Lively, Ice Spice and her mom, Andrea Swift. She cuddled with Lively during Post Malone's performance of “America the Beautiful" and won what appeared to be a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756841836713476406">beer chugging contest</a>, slamming her cup down to an appreciative roar from the fans.

She was spotted talking to Kelce's brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in one of the private boxes that reportedly cost more than $1 million. Del Rey joined the celeb-packed suite in time to catch&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-halftime-show-review-usher-ccd211bedd0b3a3e5ea90522828f6a13">Usher's halftime show</a>.

Swift&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-travis-super-bowl-eras-japan-13248c81324a4da46df425f0e6a7654c">flew on a private plane across nine time zones</a>&nbsp;and the international date line from the last of four shows at the Tokyo Dome to arrive about two hours before kickoff. The time change allowed her to land in Los Angeles and make the final hop to Las Vegas.

Kelce and Swift won’t have a whole lot of time together to celebrate. She is due back across the Pacific later this week. The international leg of her Eras Tour resumes Friday night in Australia with the first of three shows at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“This week is truly the best kind of chaos,” she&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3D8GyHOm4q/">posted Wednesday</a>&nbsp;on Instagram.

The 14-time Grammy winner walked into the Super Bowl&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1756791525839978674?s=20">wearing a black outfit</a>&nbsp;with a red jacket slung over her shoulder, apparently getting the memo from Kelce and many of the Chiefs. He wore a shimmering black suit, quarterback Patrick Mahomes wore a sharp black suit of his own, and even Chiefs coach Andy Reid wore a black blazer as the Chiefs leaned into the role of the villains.

"Anti-Hero” also happens to be the lead single from Swift's Grammy-winning album, “Midnights.”

“She’s unbelievable. She’s rewriting the history books herself,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-taylor-swift-super-bowl-d0fe0d21f00b68a5d99d8d6a29d3cded">Kelce said a day after the Grammys</a>. “I told her I’ll have to hold up my end of the bargain and come home with hardware, too.”

Swift began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-49ers-9accf85733377ae70456d163495c0801">dating Kelce after</a>&nbsp;he said on his “New Heights” podcast that he had tried and failed to give her a friendship bracelet during her performance at Arrowhead Stadium. Kelce then invited her to watch him perform at the home of the Chiefs, and she surprisingly showed up for their Week 2 game against Chicago.

Swift soon became a regular at games, both home and away, frequently sitting with Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Swift occasionally brought along friends, including Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

"Having Taylor as a new Chiefs fan is very unique," Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said during Super Bowl week. “I don't ever do an interview without someone asking me about it. I think a lot of players and coaches on the team are in the same boat. The most important thing is we're happy for the two of them that they have found each other and have such a special relationship.”

There was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-commercials-preview-025d653b2abf0ceadc7e9c7850c0383a">plenty of star power</a>&nbsp;besides Swift for the NFL's marquee night. Usher's halftime show included guest performers Alicia Keys, Ludacris and Lil Jon. Reba McEntire sang the national anthem. Beyoncé, who was also at the game, appeared in a commercial and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/beyonce-new-music-act-ii-14ab5948ecfb76c283c638162b7a53f7">dropped a pair of new songs</a>&nbsp;in the second half.

Few were under a brighter spotlight than Swift, though. Her dash from Tokyo, where she promised fans that “we're all gonna go on a great adventure,” had Swifties around the world watching online flight trackers, while her boyfriend seemed to get as many questions about his relationship as the game during the run-up to kickoff.

Asked to explain the intense interest, Kelce replied: “I think the values we stand for and just who we are as people — we love to shine light on others, shine light on the people that help and support us, and on top of that, I think we both just love life.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707736613770.png" alt="Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22 against the 49ers.(Brynn Anderson | AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)" />
 <figcaption>Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22 against the 49ers.(Brynn Anderson | AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-travis-super-bowl-eras-japan-13248c81324a4da46df425f0e6a7654c">the run she's having</a>, how could Taylor Swift be on anything other than the winning side?She&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756894867592990732">embraced her boyfriend Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;and the couple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/super-bowl-2024-updates">locked lips</a>&nbsp;on the field at Allegiant Stadium after his Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl.Moments earlier, Swift smiled with her eyes looking misty from tears as she stood next to Kelce's mother while he held aloft the Lombardi Trophy, shouting “Chiefs nation!” and bellowing a chorus of “Viva Las Vegas.”Minutes before that,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756889859455885414">she was smothered by celebrity suite mates</a>, who at various points included Blake Lively, Ice Spice and Lana Del Rey, when the Chiefs scored the winning touchdown in overtime, set up by a key reception by Kelce for a first down.It was the second straight Super Bowl win for the Chiefs, but the first since Swift became fan-in-chief. She and Kelce began dating shortly before the season started.It completes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-grammys-tokyo-super-bowl-kelce-d46418de25e985f77ab7a7ada337d2a0">an epic stretch</a>&nbsp;for Swift, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-grammy-awards-show-75f0eda337c9289f846f9a047d191703">won album of the year a week earlier</a>&nbsp;for a record fourth time at the Grammys, where she also announced a new album dropping in April before jetting off to Japan for a series of stadium shows.Soon after flying halfway around the world to get to the game, she strolled through security to enter the stadium along with Lively, Ice Spice and her mom, Andrea Swift. She cuddled with Lively during Post Malone's performance of “America the Beautiful" and won what appeared to be a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756841836713476406">beer chugging contest</a>, slamming her cup down to an appreciative roar from the fans.She was spotted talking to Kelce's brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in one of the private boxes that reportedly cost more than $1 million. Del Rey joined the celeb-packed suite in time to catch&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-halftime-show-review-usher-ccd211bedd0b3a3e5ea90522828f6a13">Usher's halftime show</a>.Swift&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-travis-super-bowl-eras-japan-13248c81324a4da46df425f0e6a7654c">flew on a private plane across nine time zones</a>&nbsp;and the international date line from the last of four shows at the Tokyo Dome to arrive about two hours before kickoff. The time change allowed her to land in Los Angeles and make the final hop to Las Vegas.Kelce and Swift won’t have a whole lot of time together to celebrate. She is due back across the Pacific later this week. The international leg of her Eras Tour resumes Friday night in Australia with the first of three shows at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.“This week is truly the best kind of chaos,” she&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3D8GyHOm4q/">posted Wednesday</a>&nbsp;on Instagram.The 14-time Grammy winner walked into the Super Bowl&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1756791525839978674?s=20">wearing a black outfit</a>&nbsp;with a red jacket slung over her shoulder, apparently getting the memo from Kelce and many of the Chiefs. He wore a shimmering black suit, quarterback Patrick Mahomes wore a sharp black suit of his own, and even Chiefs coach Andy Reid wore a black blazer as the Chiefs leaned into the role of the villains."Anti-Hero” also happens to be the lead single from Swift's Grammy-winning album, “Midnights.”“She’s unbelievable. She’s rewriting the history books herself,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-taylor-swift-super-bowl-d0fe0d21f00b68a5d99d8d6a29d3cded">Kelce said a day after the Grammys</a>. “I told her I’ll have to hold up my end of the bargain and come home with hardware, too.”Swift began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-49ers-9accf85733377ae70456d163495c0801">dating Kelce after</a>&nbsp;he said on his “New Heights” podcast that he had tried and failed to give her a friendship bracelet during her performance at Arrowhead Stadium. Kelce then invited her to watch him perform at the home of the Chiefs, and she surprisingly showed up for their Week 2 game against Chicago.Swift soon became a regular at games, both home and away, frequently sitting with Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Swift occasionally brought along friends, including Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds."Having Taylor as a new Chiefs fan is very unique," Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said during Super Bowl week. “I don't ever do an interview without someone asking me about it. I think a lot of players and coaches on the team are in the same boat. The most important thing is we're happy for the two of them that they have found each other and have such a special relationship.”There was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-commercials-preview-025d653b2abf0ceadc7e9c7850c0383a">plenty of star power</a>&nbsp;besides Swift for the NFL's marquee night. Usher's halftime show included guest performers Alicia Keys, Ludacris and Lil Jon. Reba McEntire sang the national anthem. Beyoncé, who was also at the game, appeared in a commercial and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/beyonce-new-music-act-ii-14ab5948ecfb76c283c638162b7a53f7">dropped a pair of new songs</a>&nbsp;in the second half.Few were under a brighter spotlight than Swift, though. Her dash from Tokyo, where she promised fans that “we're all gonna go on a great adventure,” had Swifties around the world watching online flight trackers, while her boyfriend seemed to get as many questions about his relationship as the game during the run-up to kickoff.Asked to explain the intense interest, Kelce replied: “I think the values we stand for and just who we are as people — we love to shine light on others, shine light on the people that help and support us, and on top of that, I think we both just love life.”

Super Bowl love story: Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift celebrate Chiefs' win

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that killed one man and sent another to a local hospital.

Just after&nbsp;2.m. Monday, police officers were called to 39th and Woodland in Kansas City on a sound of shots call. While officers were on the way the call was upgraded to a shooting call with two people shot, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.

First responders were directed to two&nbsp; shooting victims, on the ground south of the intersection, unresponsive. Officers summoned EMS to the scene, they transported one man to the hospital for treatment and the other man was declared deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Investigation indicates there was a number of people at the location in regard to a non-injury accident when an argument ensued. That argument escalated and shots were fired and the two victims were struck.

Detectives were talking with people who were at the scene when officers arrived, and canvassing for witnesses. Crime scene investigators&nbsp; processed the scene for evidence. The connection between the non-injury accident and the shooting is not known, but is under investigation at this time, according to Becchina.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that killed one man and sent another to a local hospital.Just after&nbsp;2.m. Monday, police officers were called to 39th and Woodland in Kansas City on a sound of shots call. While officers were on the way the call was upgraded to a shooting call with two people shot, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.First responders were directed to two&nbsp; shooting victims, on the ground south of the intersection, unresponsive. Officers summoned EMS to the scene, they transported one man to the hospital for treatment and the other man was declared deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Investigation indicates there was a number of people at the location in regard to a non-injury accident when an argument ensued. That argument escalated and shots were fired and the two victims were struck.Detectives were talking with people who were at the scene when officers arrived, and canvassing for witnesses. Crime scene investigators&nbsp; processed the scene for evidence. The connection between the non-injury accident and the shooting is not known, but is under investigation at this time, according to Becchina.

KCPD: Man shot dead after non-injury crash 

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces rescued two hostages early Monday, storming a heavily guarded apartment in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;and extracting the captives under fire in a dramatic raid that was a small but symbolically significant success for Israel. The men were identified as&nbsp;Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70.

The operation killed at least 67 Palestinians, including women and children, according to Palestinian health officials in the beleaguered territory.

To assist the rescue forces, heavy airstrikes pounded the area near the apartment in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">Rafah, a city on the southern edge</a>&nbsp;of the Gaza Strip where 1.4 million Palestinians have fled to escape fighting elsewhere in the Israel-Hamas war.

The raid was celebrated in Israel as a victory in the sluggish battle to free the hostages, with more than 100 captives still held by Hamas and other Gaza militants, and briefly lifted the spirits of a nation still reeling from Hamas' cross-border raid last year.

But in Gaza, where civilians have borne a staggering toll since the war erupted on Oct. 7, the operation unleashed another wartime tragedy, with many Palestinians killed or wounded.

More than 12,300 Palestinian minors — children and young teens — have been killed in Israel’s war against Hamas, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Monday. That means minors make up about 43% of the total number of 28,176 Palestinians killed so far. About 8,400 women were also among those killed.

The ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, provided the breakdown of minors and women at the request of The Associated Press. Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas fighters.

The plight of the hostages has profoundly shaken Israelis and the government has made freeing the dozens of remaining captives a top aim of its war, along with destroying Hamas' military and governing capabilities. But as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the fighting drags on</a>, now in its fifth month, their freedom remains elusive and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-1-19-2024-e5f45fb7b14d3dc8ff64b0aee4b473aa">rifts have emerged in Israel</a>&nbsp;over the best approach to end their ordeal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted persistent military pressure will bring about their freedom — a position he repeated on Monday — even as other top officials have opposed this, saying a deal is the only way to secure their release.

Israel has described Rafah as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza and signaled that its ground offensive may soon target the densely populated city. On Sunday, the White House said President Joe Biden had warned Netanyahu that Israel should not conduct a military operation against Hamas in Rafah without a “credible and executable” plan to protect civilians.

The army identified the rescued hostages as Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, abducted by Hamas militants from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the Oct. 7 cross-border attack that triggered the war. Netanyahu's office said they also hold Argentinian citizenship.

They were among roughly 250 taken captive during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas' stunning cross-border raid</a>, when an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to Israeli authorities. In addition to the thousands killed, Israeli's retaliatory air and ground offensive has displaced over 80% of the population and set off a massive humanitarian crisis.

Over 100 hostages were freed during a weeklong cease-fire in November. Israel says about 100 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and Hamas also holds the remains of roughly 30 others who were either killed on Oct. 7 or died in captivity. Three hostages were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-15-2023-072436cece0f2351fadfed892e985554">mistakenly killed by the army</a>&nbsp;after escaping their captors in December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707735845538.png" alt="Louis Har, 70 photo&nbsp; Hostage and Missing Families" />
 <figcaption>Louis Har, 70 photo&nbsp; Hostage and Missing Families</figcaption>
 </figure>RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces rescued two hostages early Monday, storming a heavily guarded apartment in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;and extracting the captives under fire in a dramatic raid that was a small but symbolically significant success for Israel. The men were identified as&nbsp;Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70.The operation killed at least 67 Palestinians, including women and children, according to Palestinian health officials in the beleaguered territory.To assist the rescue forces, heavy airstrikes pounded the area near the apartment in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">Rafah, a city on the southern edge</a>&nbsp;of the Gaza Strip where 1.4 million Palestinians have fled to escape fighting elsewhere in the Israel-Hamas war.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707735819504.png" alt="Fernando Simon Marman, 60, photo Hostage and Missing Families" />
 <figcaption>Fernando Simon Marman, 60, photo Hostage and Missing Families</figcaption>
 </figure>The raid was celebrated in Israel as a victory in the sluggish battle to free the hostages, with more than 100 captives still held by Hamas and other Gaza militants, and briefly lifted the spirits of a nation still reeling from Hamas' cross-border raid last year.But in Gaza, where civilians have borne a staggering toll since the war erupted on Oct. 7, the operation unleashed another wartime tragedy, with many Palestinians killed or wounded.More than 12,300 Palestinian minors — children and young teens — have been killed in Israel’s war against Hamas, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Monday. That means minors make up about 43% of the total number of 28,176 Palestinians killed so far. About 8,400 women were also among those killed.The ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, provided the breakdown of minors and women at the request of The Associated Press. Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas fighters.The plight of the hostages has profoundly shaken Israelis and the government has made freeing the dozens of remaining captives a top aim of its war, along with destroying Hamas' military and governing capabilities. But as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the fighting drags on</a>, now in its fifth month, their freedom remains elusive and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-1-19-2024-e5f45fb7b14d3dc8ff64b0aee4b473aa">rifts have emerged in Israel</a>&nbsp;over the best approach to end their ordeal.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted persistent military pressure will bring about their freedom — a position he repeated on Monday — even as other top officials have opposed this, saying a deal is the only way to secure their release.Israel has described Rafah as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza and signaled that its ground offensive may soon target the densely populated city. On Sunday, the White House said President Joe Biden had warned Netanyahu that Israel should not conduct a military operation against Hamas in Rafah without a “credible and executable” plan to protect civilians.The army identified the rescued hostages as Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, abducted by Hamas militants from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the Oct. 7 cross-border attack that triggered the war. Netanyahu's office said they also hold Argentinian citizenship.They were among roughly 250 taken captive during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas' stunning cross-border raid</a>, when an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to Israeli authorities. In addition to the thousands killed, Israeli's retaliatory air and ground offensive has displaced over 80% of the population and set off a massive humanitarian crisis.Over 100 hostages were freed during a weeklong cease-fire in November. Israel says about 100 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and Hamas also holds the remains of roughly 30 others who were either killed on Oct. 7 or died in captivity. Three hostages were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-15-2023-072436cece0f2351fadfed892e985554">mistakenly killed by the army</a>&nbsp;after escaping their captors in December.“Only the continuation of the military pressure, until total victory, will bring about the release of all of our captives,” Netanyahu said in a statement.A DRAMATIC RAIDIsraeli military spokesman Read Adm. Daniel Hagari said special forces broke into a second-floor apartment in Rafah under fire at 1:49 a.m. Monday, accompanied a minute later by airstrikes on surrounding areas. He said the hostages were being guarded by armed Hamas militants and that members of the rescue team shielded the hostages with their bodies as a heavy battle erupted in several places at once with Hamas gunmen.The hostages were taken to a nearby “safe area,” given a quick medical check and airlifted to Sheba Medical Center in central Israel. Their medical condition was reported to be good. They are just the second and third&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">hostages to be rescued safely</a>; a female soldier was rescued in November.The rescue, which Hagari said was based on precise intelligence and planned for some time, is a morale booster for Israelis but a small step toward winning the release of the remaining hostages, who are believed to be spread out and hidden in tunnels, likely in poor condition.Har and Marman were kidnapped from a home in southern Israel along with three other relatives who were freed in the late-November deal. No other family members of theirs remain in Gaza, Israeli media reported.Har's son-in-law, Idan Begerano, who saw the released captives at the hospital, said the two men were thin and pale, but communicating well and aware of their surroundings. Begerano said Har told him immediately upon seeing him: “You have a birthday today, mazal tov."DOZENS KILLED IN STRIKESThe airstrikes that backed up the Israeli forces hit the jam-packed Rafah in the middle of the night and dozens of explosions could be heard around 2 a.m. Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry</a>&nbsp;in Hamas-run Gaza, said at least 67 people were killed in the strikes.Al-Qidra said rescuers were still searching the rubble; an Associated Press journalist counted at least 50 bodies at the Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah.Footage circulating on social media from Rafah's Kuwaiti hospital showed dead or wounded children. The footage could not immediately be verified but was consistent with AP reporting.The wounded were seen lying on the hospital floor as medics tried to treat them. One wounded man was on the ground with two bloodied children lying beside him. “Rescue the girl,” he screamed.A young man was also seen carrying the body of an infant who he said was killed in the attacks. He said the girl, the daughter of his neighbor, was born and killed during the war.“Let Netanyahu come and see: is this (infant) your bank of targets?" he said. "For what is she to blame?”