KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 72 months in prison for deliberately ramming his vehicle into a federal law enforcement officer who was attempting to take the passenger of the vehicle into custody.

According to court documents, Diego Almaguer, 19, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault of a federal officer.

On February 23, 2024, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force went to a home in Kansas City, Kansas, to execute an arrest warrant. They watched the person they were seeking and Almaguer get into a vehicle that had been backed into the driveway with Almaguer in the driver’s seat. Agents pulled up in their law enforcement vehicles with emergency lights flashing. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer, wearing a ballistic vest with police markings, positioned himself in front of the vehicle. Almaguer struck the officer causing him to bounce over the windshield before hitting the ground.

Almaguer led law enforcement on a high-speed chase across the state line into Missouri, at times reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour. He and the second person were ultimately arrested in Kansas City, Missouri, hiding in an outbuilding behind a residence

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738165572105.png" alt="Almaguer-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Almaguer-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 72 months in prison for deliberately ramming his vehicle into a federal law enforcement officer who was attempting to take the passenger of the vehicle into custody.According to court documents, Diego Almaguer, 19, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault of a federal officer.On February 23, 2024, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force went to a home in Kansas City, Kansas, to execute an arrest warrant. They watched the person they were seeking and Almaguer get into a vehicle that had been backed into the driveway with Almaguer in the driver’s seat. Agents pulled up in their law enforcement vehicles with emergency lights flashing. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer, wearing a ballistic vest with police markings, positioned himself in front of the vehicle. Almaguer struck the officer causing him to bounce over the windshield before hitting the ground.Almaguer led law enforcement on a high-speed chase across the state line into Missouri, at times reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour. He and the second person were ultimately arrested in Kansas City, Missouri, hiding in an outbuilding behind a residence

Kansas man going to prison for striking federal officer with car

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a high speed chase.

Just before 8:30 p.m. Jan. 7, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a stolen vehicle being pursued by Jefferson County on NW US 24 Highway, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Our deputies responded and took over the pursuit as it entered Shawnee county. The driver of the U-Haul refused to stop and continued southbound on NW Topeka Boulevard. The pursuit ended when a K-9 Unit pinned the vehicle against a curb near SW 6th Street and SW Fairlawn Road.

During the investigation, illegal narcotics and numerous stolen items were located. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Lawrence.

The driver, Ranetta J. Jackson, 41, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on requested charges of Aggravated battery (3 counts), Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (6 counts), Felony possession of stolen property, Felony flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana , Possession of drug paraphernalia, Reckless driving, Failure to stop at an accident, Failure to stop at a stop sign, Transporting an open container of liquor, Driving while license suspended and Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol&nbsp;

The passenger, Jeffrey Mitchell, 54, was also arrested and booked into the SNDOC on 10 felony warrants and one misdemeanor warrant for his arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739039002938.png" alt="Mitchell-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mitchell-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a high speed chase.Just before 8:30 p.m. Jan. 7, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a stolen vehicle being pursued by Jefferson County on NW US 24 Highway, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Our deputies responded and took over the pursuit as it entered Shawnee county. The driver of the U-Haul refused to stop and continued southbound on NW Topeka Boulevard. The pursuit ended when a K-9 Unit pinned the vehicle against a curb near SW 6th Street and SW Fairlawn Road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739038923804.png" alt="Jackson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jackson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation, illegal narcotics and numerous stolen items were located. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Lawrence.The driver, Ranetta J. Jackson, 41, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on requested charges of Aggravated battery (3 counts), Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer (6 counts), Felony possession of stolen property, Felony flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana , Possession of drug paraphernalia, Reckless driving, Failure to stop at an accident, Failure to stop at a stop sign, Transporting an open container of liquor, Driving while license suspended and Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol&nbsp;The passenger, Jeffrey Mitchell, 54, was also arrested and booked into the SNDOC on 10 felony warrants and one misdemeanor warrant for his arrest.

2 jailed in Kansas after high-speed chase with stolen U-Haul

NEW ORLEANS —Donald Trump is set to make history as the first president to attend the Super Bowl while in office.

On Sunday afternoon, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall shared a photo of a group of including Missouri U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt ready to board Air Force One for the trip to New Orleans for the game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739137208965.png" alt="Photo Senator Roger Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Photo Senator Roger Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS —Donald Trump is set to make history as the first president to attend the Super Bowl while in office.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> boards Air Force One en route to Super Bowl LIX! 🏈🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/2WnRx5Yqi0">pic.twitter.com/2WnRx5Yqi0</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1888681271561253116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> en route to Caesars Superdome 🏈🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ERZxrtT1EY">pic.twitter.com/ERZxrtT1EY</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1888714004194906257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Sunday afternoon, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall shared a photo of a group of including Missouri U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt ready to board Air Force One for the trip to New Orleans for the game.

Missouri U.S. Senator joins Trump for historic Super Bowl trip

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/abrown/">ALEX BROWN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/khardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a>&nbsp;

The federal agency’s role is irreplaceable, emergency managers say.

State and local emergency managers are facing a serious question in the wake of President Donald Trump’s first few weeks in office: When disaster strikes, will they be able to count on the federal government?

Trump has called the Federal Emergency Management Agency a “disaster” and suggested it might “go away.” He said states would best take care of hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires on their own, with the federal government reimbursing some of the costs. He convened a council to review FEMA and recommend “improvements or structural changes.”

But leaders in states that have been hit by disasters say they need more than the promise of an eventual federal check to manage catastrophic events. They say they’re not equipped to handle the roles FEMA currently plays — such as marshaling emergency resources from multiple federal agencies, providing flood insurance, conducting damage assessments and distributing billions of dollars in recovery funds.

“FEMA has been an absolute lifesaver for people,” said Vermont state Sen. Anne Watson, a Democrat who has been involved in the state’s recovery from devastating 2023 floods. “I don’t see [states and municipalities] as being able to replicate what FEMA does. The possibility of it going away leaves millions and millions of Americans in a very vulnerable position.”

Meanwhile, Trump said last month that he wanted to make federal wildfire recovery aid to Los Angeles conditional on California enacting new laws requiring voter identification, adding further uncertainty about whether states can expect help from the feds.

Trump and his allies also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/06/politics/fact-check-trump-helene-response-north-carolina/index.html" target="_blank">targeted the agency</a>&nbsp;in the wake of Hurricane Helene, spreading lies that FEMA, under President Joe Biden, was diverting disaster money to immigrants without legal status; failing to provide helicopters; limiting aid to $750 per person; and cutting off support for Republican areas.

State officials say that while there’s room for a conversation about state and federal roles in disaster response, eliminating FEMA altogether would be shortsighted.

“I don’t think it makes sense&nbsp;to get rid of FEMA,” Lynn Budd, director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, said in an interview with Stateline. “There are economies of scale [that a nationwide agency provides]. States don’t have that capability built to handle a disaster every single year.”

Budd said she doesn’t believe Trump intends to terminate FEMA, calling such a move “not realistic.” She also serves as president of the National Emergency Management Association, a nonprofit comprising state and territorial emergency officials. Budd called on Trump to include state emergency managers on the council that will consider FEMA’s future.

Emergency management experts say that Trump cannot unilaterally dissolve FEMA, which would require congressional action. However, Trump already has&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/02/06/trump-wants-states-to-handle-disasters-without-fema-they-say-they-cant/Emergency%20management%20experts%20say%20that%20Trump%20cannot%20unilaterally%20dissolve%20FEMA,%20which%20would%20require%20congressional%20action.%20However,%20Trump%20already%20has%20taken%20actions%20that%20exceed%20his%20executive%20authority,%20including%20an%20attempt%20to%20freeze%20trillions%20of%20dollars%20in%20federal%20funding%20that%20had%20already%20been%20approved%20by%20Congress.">taken actions</a>&nbsp;that appear to exceed his executive authority, including an attempt to freeze trillions of dollars in federal funding that had already been approved by Congress.

FEMA does have some support from Trump’s Republican allies, especially given that red states have needed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-disaster-aid-fema-wildfire-hurricane-money-84e1db303b8abead10a26b95392cd980" target="_blank">more aid</a>&nbsp;in recent years. Since 2015, residents in Florida, Louisiana and Texas have received the highest amounts of individual assistance payments from FEMA, exceeding $2 billion in each state.

But experts see much to fear in cost-cutting efforts by Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk, which so far have focused on slashing the federal workforce and forcing out officials with decades of experience. Such actions could cripple FEMA, even if it’s not officially “abolished.”

“Senior people who don’t want to put up with this nonsense are going to walk away,” said Craig Fugate, who served as FEMA’s administrator under President Barack Obama. “It’s one thing to talk tough, it’s another to govern and provide services.”

Over the past decade, FEMA has responded to nearly 1,400 disasters, including wildfires, severe storms, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. The agency coordinates the federal response during emergency situations, such as calling the Pentagon to get rescue helicopters in the air or trucking in generators in the aftermath of a storm.

But the agency’s larger purpose is focused on recovery, assessing the damage to communities and distributing funding to help them rebuild. Over the last four years, FEMA has provided more than $12 billion to individuals and $133 billion to state and local governments, tribal nations, territories and some nonprofits to help in recovery efforts.

FEMA also provides much of the nation’s flood insurance coverage, as the private market has largely pulled back from flood policies.

Some governors, including Democrat Andy Beshear of Kentucky, have said Trump’s threats to dismantle FEMA are dangerous.

“[I]t would be disastrous in and of itself for the FEMA organization to be dissolved,” he said, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/01/30/beshear-says-dismantling-fema-would-be-disastrous-though-improvements-need-to-continue/" target="_blank">Kentucky Lantern</a>.

Beshear noted that replicating FEMA’s administrative functions in each state would be far more costly than a single national agency.

FEMA, which was established in the 1950s, has taken on a larger role as Congress has added to its recovery mission, populations have grown in disaster-prone areas, and climate change has increased the frequency and severity of disasters.

The agency has faced criticism at times — most famously after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 — for an overly bureaucratic system that has gotten bogged down in red tape. Some conservative groups have long argued that states should shoulder more of the burden of responding to disasters.

<a href="https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf" target="_blank">Project 2025</a>, a hard-right blueprint that Trump distanced himself from during the campaign but which appears to have guided many of his actions since he took office, aims to limit states’ eligibility for disaster assistance or set a deductible that states must meet before the feds step in. Such cutbacks would incentivize states to “take a more proactive role in their own preparedness and response capabilities,” it said. The document also calls for states to take on much more financial responsibility for recovery efforts.

Emergency managers say that there are opportunities to make FEMA more efficient.

Fugate, the former FEMA chief, said the underlying problem is that the agency was not designed to replace insurance coverage, but is increasingly taking on that role as private insurers abandon disaster-prone areas. And increasing the pace of payouts also increases the risk of misspent funds, he said.

“Nobody is saying we shouldn’t look at these programs and figure out how we move this money through faster,” he said. “But you’ve got that dual tension of, ‘I want to be fast but I’m a steward of the taxpayer’s dollars.’”

Amid that discussion, experts say that rushing to dismantle the federal agency would be catastrophic.

“The consequences [of dissolving FEMA] would be life-threatening,” said Juliette Kayyem, faculty chair of the Homeland Security Project at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a former Obama administration official. “The states are not built for that right now.”

Local leaders who have experienced disasters say FEMA is essential.

After an EF5 tornado swept through Moore, Oklahoma, in May 2013, the federal agency provided recovery support.

“Sometimes I think people have a misconception of the purpose of FEMA. And it’s not to provide lots of equipment or manpower — they can do a little bit of that, but that’s not their primary function,” said Moore Mayor Mark Hamm, whose office is nonpartisan.

Hamm was on the city council when the mile-wide tornado killed 24 people, including seven students at an elementary school. Moore said FEMA provided crucial financial resources, reimbursing the city’s exorbitant overtime costs for police and fire crews.

Moore is a bedroom community of about 63,000 people situated between Oklahoma City and Norman. The city’s annual budget is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cityofmoore.com/sites/default/files/flipbooks/2025-city-budget.pdf" target="_blank">about $133 million</a>. The National Weather Service calculated the 2013 storm’s damage across the region at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/tornado-report_moore-oklahoma_2013.pdf" target="_blank">$2 billion</a>. The city has been hit by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/oun/tornadodata-ok-f5tornadoes" target="_blank">two F5 tornadoes&nbsp;</a>since 1999.

“When you have a natural disaster like the couple of F5 tornadoes that have come to our city — that would bankrupt our city, our budget,” he said. “That is a huge burden that this city just could not afford.”

Hamm said he would be open to Trump’s talk of realigning FEMA, particularly if it allowed more funds to stay directly with states like his. But he said federal disaster funding must remain intact in some way.

“When you need a lifeline, it’s reassuring to know that one is there and you can grab onto that rope, and there’s somebody on the other end pulling you to safety,” he said. “And the federal government was a lifeline, not so much in the recovery, but in providing the finances. I can’t emphasize that enough.”

Eaton County, Michigan, was hit hard in August 2023, as tornadoes, severe storms and flooding struck the mid-Michigan region. FEMA’s response helped the community navigate aid and recovery programs and apply for federal assistance.

“That federal support piece is critical to us to be able to respond and recover from disasters,” said Ryan Wilkinson, the county’s emergency manager. “Yes, we need reform for emergency management nationwide — at all levels — but shifting complete responsibility to the states would do greater harm in the long term.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639393151807.png" alt="File photo Tornado damage in Kansas" />
 <figcaption>File photo Tornado damage in Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/abrown/">ALEX BROWN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/khardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a>&nbsp;<h2>The federal agency’s role is irreplaceable, emergency managers say.</h2>State and local emergency managers are facing a serious question in the wake of President Donald Trump’s first few weeks in office: When disaster strikes, will they be able to count on the federal government?Trump has called the Federal Emergency Management Agency a “disaster” and suggested it might “go away.” He said states would best take care of hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires on their own, with the federal government reimbursing some of the costs. He convened a council to review FEMA and recommend “improvements or structural changes.”But leaders in states that have been hit by disasters say they need more than the promise of an eventual federal check to manage catastrophic events. They say they’re not equipped to handle the roles FEMA currently plays — such as marshaling emergency resources from multiple federal agencies, providing flood insurance, conducting damage assessments and distributing billions of dollars in recovery funds.“FEMA has been an absolute lifesaver for people,” said Vermont state Sen. Anne Watson, a Democrat who has been involved in the state’s recovery from devastating 2023 floods. “I don’t see [states and municipalities] as being able to replicate what FEMA does. The possibility of it going away leaves millions and millions of Americans in a very vulnerable position.”Meanwhile, Trump said last month that he wanted to make federal wildfire recovery aid to Los Angeles conditional on California enacting new laws requiring voter identification, adding further uncertainty about whether states can expect help from the feds.Trump and his allies also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/06/politics/fact-check-trump-helene-response-north-carolina/index.html" target="_blank">targeted the agency</a>&nbsp;in the wake of Hurricane Helene, spreading lies that FEMA, under President Joe Biden, was diverting disaster money to immigrants without legal status; failing to provide helicopters; limiting aid to $750 per person; and cutting off support for Republican areas.State officials say that while there’s room for a conversation about state and federal roles in disaster response, eliminating FEMA altogether would be shortsighted.“I don’t think it makes sense&nbsp;to get rid of FEMA,” Lynn Budd, director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, said in an interview with Stateline. “There are economies of scale [that a nationwide agency provides]. States don’t have that capability built to handle a disaster every single year.”Budd said she doesn’t believe Trump intends to terminate FEMA, calling such a move “not realistic.” She also serves as president of the National Emergency Management Association, a nonprofit comprising state and territorial emergency officials. Budd called on Trump to include state emergency managers on the council that will consider FEMA’s future.Emergency management experts say that Trump cannot unilaterally dissolve FEMA, which would require congressional action. However, Trump already has&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/02/06/trump-wants-states-to-handle-disasters-without-fema-they-say-they-cant/Emergency%20management%20experts%20say%20that%20Trump%20cannot%20unilaterally%20dissolve%20FEMA,%20which%20would%20require%20congressional%20action.%20However,%20Trump%20already%20has%20taken%20actions%20that%20exceed%20his%20executive%20authority,%20including%20an%20attempt%20to%20freeze%20trillions%20of%20dollars%20in%20federal%20funding%20that%20had%20already%20been%20approved%20by%20Congress.">taken actions</a>&nbsp;that appear to exceed his executive authority, including an attempt to freeze trillions of dollars in federal funding that had already been approved by Congress.FEMA does have some support from Trump’s Republican allies, especially given that red states have needed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-disaster-aid-fema-wildfire-hurricane-money-84e1db303b8abead10a26b95392cd980" target="_blank">more aid</a>&nbsp;in recent years. Since 2015, residents in Florida, Louisiana and Texas have received the highest amounts of individual assistance payments from FEMA, exceeding $2 billion in each state.But experts see much to fear in cost-cutting efforts by Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk, which so far have focused on slashing the federal workforce and forcing out officials with decades of experience. Such actions could cripple FEMA, even if it’s not officially “abolished.”“Senior people who don’t want to put up with this nonsense are going to walk away,” said Craig Fugate, who served as FEMA’s administrator under President Barack Obama. “It’s one thing to talk tough, it’s another to govern and provide services.”<h2>FEMA’s role</h2>Over the past decade, FEMA has responded to nearly 1,400 disasters, including wildfires, severe storms, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. The agency coordinates the federal response during emergency situations, such as calling the Pentagon to get rescue helicopters in the air or trucking in generators in the aftermath of a storm.But the agency’s larger purpose is focused on recovery, assessing the damage to communities and distributing funding to help them rebuild. Over the last four years, FEMA has provided more than $12 billion to individuals and $133 billion to state and local governments, tribal nations, territories and some nonprofits to help in recovery efforts.FEMA also provides much of the nation’s flood insurance coverage, as the private market has largely pulled back from flood policies.Some governors, including Democrat Andy Beshear of Kentucky, have said Trump’s threats to dismantle FEMA are dangerous.“[I]t would be disastrous in and of itself for the FEMA organization to be dissolved,” he said, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/01/30/beshear-says-dismantling-fema-would-be-disastrous-though-improvements-need-to-continue/" target="_blank">Kentucky Lantern</a>.Beshear noted that replicating FEMA’s administrative functions in each state would be far more costly than a single national agency.FEMA, which was established in the 1950s, has taken on a larger role as Congress has added to its recovery mission, populations have grown in disaster-prone areas, and climate change has increased the frequency and severity of disasters.The agency has faced criticism at times — most famously after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 — for an overly bureaucratic system that has gotten bogged down in red tape. Some conservative groups have long argued that states should shoulder more of the burden of responding to disasters.<a href="https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf" target="_blank">Project 2025</a>, a hard-right blueprint that Trump distanced himself from during the campaign but which appears to have guided many of his actions since he took office, aims to limit states’ eligibility for disaster assistance or set a deductible that states must meet before the feds step in. Such cutbacks would incentivize states to “take a more proactive role in their own preparedness and response capabilities,” it said. The document also calls for states to take on much more financial responsibility for recovery efforts.Emergency managers say that there are opportunities to make FEMA more efficient.Fugate, the former FEMA chief, said the underlying problem is that the agency was not designed to replace insurance coverage, but is increasingly taking on that role as private insurers abandon disaster-prone areas. And increasing the pace of payouts also increases the risk of misspent funds, he said.“Nobody is saying we shouldn’t look at these programs and figure out how we move this money through faster,” he said. “But you’ve got that dual tension of, ‘I want to be fast but I’m a steward of the taxpayer’s dollars.’”Amid that discussion, experts say that rushing to dismantle the federal agency would be catastrophic.“The consequences [of dissolving FEMA] would be life-threatening,” said Juliette Kayyem, faculty chair of the Homeland Security Project at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a former Obama administration official. “The states are not built for that right now.”<h2>Local experience</h2>Local leaders who have experienced disasters say FEMA is essential.After an EF5 tornado swept through Moore, Oklahoma, in May 2013, the federal agency provided recovery support.“Sometimes I think people have a misconception of the purpose of FEMA. And it’s not to provide lots of equipment or manpower — they can do a little bit of that, but that’s not their primary function,” said Moore Mayor Mark Hamm, whose office is nonpartisan.Hamm was on the city council when the mile-wide tornado killed 24 people, including seven students at an elementary school. Moore said FEMA provided crucial financial resources, reimbursing the city’s exorbitant overtime costs for police and fire crews.Moore is a bedroom community of about 63,000 people situated between Oklahoma City and Norman. The city’s annual budget is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cityofmoore.com/sites/default/files/flipbooks/2025-city-budget.pdf" target="_blank">about $133 million</a>. The National Weather Service calculated the 2013 storm’s damage across the region at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/tornado-report_moore-oklahoma_2013.pdf" target="_blank">$2 billion</a>. The city has been hit by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/oun/tornadodata-ok-f5tornadoes" target="_blank">two F5 tornadoes&nbsp;</a>since 1999.“When you have a natural disaster like the couple of F5 tornadoes that have come to our city — that would bankrupt our city, our budget,” he said. “That is a huge burden that this city just could not afford.”Hamm said he would be open to Trump’s talk of realigning FEMA, particularly if it allowed more funds to stay directly with states like his. But he said federal disaster funding must remain intact in some way.“When you need a lifeline, it’s reassuring to know that one is there and you can grab onto that rope, and there’s somebody on the other end pulling you to safety,” he said. “And the federal government was a lifeline, not so much in the recovery, but in providing the finances. I can’t emphasize that enough.”Eaton County, Michigan, was hit hard in August 2023, as tornadoes, severe storms and flooding struck the mid-Michigan region. FEMA’s response helped the community navigate aid and recovery programs and apply for federal assistance.“That federal support piece is critical to us to be able to respond and recover from disasters,” said Ryan Wilkinson, the county’s emergency manager. “Yes, we need reform for emergency management nationwide — at all levels — but shifting complete responsibility to the states would do greater harm in the long term.”

Trump Wants States to Handle Disasters Without FEMA - States say they can't

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran&nbsp;– a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry – welcomed&nbsp;Amy France,&nbsp;chair of the National Sorghum Producers, from Scott City, Kansas, to testify before the committee during a hearing titled “Perspectives From the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy.”

“Amy France is a native of Leoti, Kansas – population, 1,475,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Amy lives in a very rural part of Kansas. She didn't grow up on a farm, but she found a love for this industry called agriculture after meeting her husband, Clint. Together, they operate the France&nbsp;Family&nbsp;Farms near Scott City, growing sorghum, corn and wheat and raising cattle with their children and grandchildren.”

“Her family&nbsp;has been a priority for Amy, and she has been instilling Kansas values in her children and an understanding of what it means to be good stewards of their land,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“They share the produce that they grow on their farm with their community, and Amy has stated how she is focused on being a&nbsp;‘better farmer, not just a bigger farmer.’”“With this market uncertainty, high production costs, the drought we've had in our state, Amy's consistent advocacy for disaster relief and crop loss assistance has made her a key voice for a fight for a better agricultural economy,”&nbsp;concluded Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“I thank you, Amy, for fighting for our nation's sorghum farmers.”

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran&nbsp;– a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry – welcomed&nbsp;Amy France,&nbsp;chair of the National Sorghum Producers, from Scott City, Kansas, to testify before the committee during a hearing titled “Perspectives From the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy.”<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aY0_-xoRyus?si=Or8LkLgikn15YmPZ&amp;start=2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GNdNBoMCnJc?si=ROaIb4h8wOgqeVzK" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Amy France is a native of Leoti, Kansas – population, 1,475,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Amy lives in a very rural part of Kansas. She didn't grow up on a farm, but she found a love for this industry called agriculture after meeting her husband, Clint. Together, they operate the France&nbsp;Family&nbsp;Farms near Scott City, growing sorghum, corn and wheat and raising cattle with their children and grandchildren.”“Her family&nbsp;has been a priority for Amy, and she has been instilling Kansas values in her children and an understanding of what it means to be good stewards of their land,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“They share the produce that they grow on their farm with their community, and Amy has stated how she is focused on being a&nbsp;‘better farmer, not just a bigger farmer.’”“With this market uncertainty, high production costs, the drought we've had in our state, Amy's consistent advocacy for disaster relief and crop loss assistance has made her a key voice for a fight for a better agricultural economy,”&nbsp;concluded Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“I thank you, Amy, for fighting for our nation's sorghum farmers.”

🎥Kan. woman tells Senate committee the state of the ag economy

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday her seventh attempt to expand Medicaid, which has continuously faced staunch opposition from Republican leadership.

The Healthcare Access for Working Kansans, or HAWK, Act, would expand the option of Medicaid coverage to roughly 150,000 Kansans. Kelly has proposed expansion every year she has been in office touting its benefits for rural hospitals, health care workers and the state economy.

“In fact, by waiting to expand Medicaid, we have wasted over $280 million and left $7.6 billion on the table in Washington, D.C.,” Kelly said. “I encourage the Legislature to advance Medicaid expansion this session so we can bring Kansas taxpayer dollars back home to support our health care system.”

During the 2024 legislative session, Republican leadership allowed hearings on a Medicaid expansion bill for the first time in four years after pressure from Kelly and advocates.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/28/survey-reveals-potential-tapering-of-kansas-gap-between-gop-democratic-presidential-candidates/">In October</a>, an annual statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-finalv3-corrections-10.28.24-execsum-final-bullet-and-10.31.24-appendix-c-crosstabs-table-17-title.pdf" target="_blank">survey from Fort Hays State University</a>&nbsp;found that more than 70% of respondents support expansion.

Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, and Sen. Pat Pettey, D-Kansas City, Kansas, introduced the bills in the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Ways and Means Committee.&nbsp;

The governor claims Medicaid expansion would create 23,000 new jobs and add $1.2 billion in funding to the Kansas economy while reducing health care costs and safeguarding struggling rural hospitals. About 62 rural hospitals in Kansas are&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf" target="_blank">at risk of closing</a>.

Kansas is one of nine states in the U.S. that have declined to expand Medicaid after the option to do so became available in 2010 under the Affordable Care Act. Expansion extends eligibility to people who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Without expansion, an estimated 39,000 adults in Kansas are caught in a coverage&nbsp;<a href="https://files.kff.org/attachment/fact-sheet-medicaid-state-KS" target="_blank">gap</a>, making too much to be eligible for Medicaid but too little to enroll in private health insurance.&nbsp;

“Studies show 63% of our state’s rural hospitals are at risk of closing,” said David Jordan, president and CEO of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, a Hutchinson-based nonprofit focused on rural health care.

“A sustainable health system is crucial to the future of rural Kansas communities, who rely on their local hospitals to receive timely and necessary care,” Jordan said.

Medicaid, in covering those who wouldn’t otherwise have health insurance, is the backbone of that system, Jordan said.&nbsp;

“Our hospitals already face high levels of uncompensated care, and they rely on Medicaid reimbursements to help keep their doors open — especially in our rural communities,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736987706731.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during the State of the State address last month" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during the State of the State address last month</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday her seventh attempt to expand Medicaid, which has continuously faced staunch opposition from Republican leadership.The Healthcare Access for Working Kansans, or HAWK, Act, would expand the option of Medicaid coverage to roughly 150,000 Kansans. Kelly has proposed expansion every year she has been in office touting its benefits for rural hospitals, health care workers and the state economy.“In fact, by waiting to expand Medicaid, we have wasted over $280 million and left $7.6 billion on the table in Washington, D.C.,” Kelly said. “I encourage the Legislature to advance Medicaid expansion this session so we can bring Kansas taxpayer dollars back home to support our health care system.”During the 2024 legislative session, Republican leadership allowed hearings on a Medicaid expansion bill for the first time in four years after pressure from Kelly and advocates.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/10/28/survey-reveals-potential-tapering-of-kansas-gap-between-gop-democratic-presidential-candidates/">In October</a>, an annual statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/2024-kansas-speaks-report-finalv3-corrections-10.28.24-execsum-final-bullet-and-10.31.24-appendix-c-crosstabs-table-17-title.pdf" target="_blank">survey from Fort Hays State University</a>&nbsp;found that more than 70% of respondents support expansion.Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, and Sen. Pat Pettey, D-Kansas City, Kansas, introduced the bills in the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Ways and Means Committee.&nbsp;The governor claims Medicaid expansion would create 23,000 new jobs and add $1.2 billion in funding to the Kansas economy while reducing health care costs and safeguarding struggling rural hospitals. About 62 rural hospitals in Kansas are&nbsp;<a href="https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf" target="_blank">at risk of closing</a>.Kansas is one of nine states in the U.S. that have declined to expand Medicaid after the option to do so became available in 2010 under the Affordable Care Act. Expansion extends eligibility to people who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Without expansion, an estimated 39,000 adults in Kansas are caught in a coverage&nbsp;<a href="https://files.kff.org/attachment/fact-sheet-medicaid-state-KS" target="_blank">gap</a>, making too much to be eligible for Medicaid but too little to enroll in private health insurance.&nbsp;“Studies show 63% of our state’s rural hospitals are at risk of closing,” said David Jordan, president and CEO of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, a Hutchinson-based nonprofit focused on rural health care.“A sustainable health system is crucial to the future of rural Kansas communities, who rely on their local hospitals to receive timely and necessary care,” Jordan said.Medicaid, in covering those who wouldn’t otherwise have health insurance, is the backbone of that system, Jordan said.&nbsp;“Our hospitals already face high levels of uncompensated care, and they rely on Medicaid reimbursements to help keep their doors open — especially in our rural communities,” he said.

Kansas governor takes another swing at joining 41 states that have expanded Medicaid

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as&nbsp; Olivia Miller, 51, of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

Just after 7:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 2700 Block of SW Burnett Road.

First responders found three individuals who had life-threatening injuries. Olivia MIller was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other two were taken to a local area hospital.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested 29-year-old Devin Miller of Topeka on requested charges of first degree murder and aggravated battery.

This is the city’s 1st homicide investigation of 2025.&nbsp; Police have not released details on the relationship between the suspect and the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738979967925.png" alt="Miller photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Miller photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as&nbsp; Olivia Miller, 51, of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.Just after 7:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 2700 Block of SW Burnett Road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738943432820.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found three individuals who had life-threatening injuries. Olivia MIller was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other two were taken to a local area hospital.As a result of the investigation, police arrested 29-year-old Devin Miller of Topeka on requested charges of first degree murder and aggravated battery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739074147131.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>This is the city’s 1st homicide investigation of 2025.&nbsp; Police have not released details on the relationship between the suspect and the victim.

Police ID Kansas woman who died in shooting 

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man who called 911 to turn himself in after a deadly shooting is going to prison.

On Feb. 3 Judge T. Kelly Ryan sentenced 24-year-old&nbsp;Dmariea Valentino Avance to 155 months in prison for 2nd degree murdery, according to the Johnson County District Attorney.

Last month, Avance pleaded no contest to second degree murder in the death of&nbsp;21-year-old Markese D. Gleghorn of Lenexa outside a fast-food restaurant, according to the District Attorney's office.

Just before 7p.m. Jan. 16, 2024, police responded to the parking lot of a fast food restaurant in the 13330 W. 87th Street Parkway in Lenexa on the report of an armed disturbance.

According to a 911 caller, one person was shot at the location. When officers arrived, they located a man later identified as&nbsp;21-year-old Markese D. Gleghorn of Lenexa inside a vehicle who had been shot. Officers attempted life-saving measures however Geighorn was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A few minutes after this initial call, police received another call from an individual later identified as Avance who said he was involved in the disturbance. Officers responded to an apartment in the 12700 block of W. 88th Circle where they took Avance into custody without incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705355537122.png" alt="Avance-photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Avance-photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man who called 911 to turn himself in after a deadly shooting is going to prison.On Feb. 3 Judge T. Kelly Ryan sentenced 24-year-old&nbsp;Dmariea Valentino Avance to 155 months in prison for 2nd degree murdery, according to the Johnson County District Attorney.Last month, Avance pleaded no contest to second degree murder in the death of&nbsp;21-year-old Markese D. Gleghorn of Lenexa outside a fast-food restaurant, according to the District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705317609481.png" alt="-Police on the scene of the deadly shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>-Police on the scene of the deadly shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 7p.m. Jan. 16, 2024, police responded to the parking lot of a fast food restaurant in the 13330 W. 87th Street Parkway in Lenexa on the report of an armed disturbance.According to a 911 caller, one person was shot at the location. When officers arrived, they located a man later identified as&nbsp;21-year-old Markese D. Gleghorn of Lenexa inside a vehicle who had been shot. Officers attempted life-saving measures however Geighorn was pronounced deceased at the scene.A few minutes after this initial call, police received another call from an individual later identified as Avance who said he was involved in the disturbance. Officers responded to an apartment in the 12700 block of W. 88th Circle where they took Avance into custody without incident.

Kan. man who called 911 after deadly shooting is going to prison

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Just after 5:30p.m. Jan. 3, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Kia Sorento on 150th Road, just west of U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the traffic stop, probable cause was obtained to search the vehicle.&nbsp; Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located on the passenger’s person and during a search of the vehicle, additional methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located.

The driver, Sidnee Lynn Holcomb, 59, of Horton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, use of&nbsp;communication device during felony drug offense.

The passenger, John Rodney Remmers, 64, of Blue Springs, Nebraska, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, use of communication device during felony drug offense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738842000727.png" alt="Remmers photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Remmers photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.&nbsp;Just after 5:30p.m. Jan. 3, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Kia Sorento on 150th Road, just west of U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738841970028.png" alt="Holcomb-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Holcomb-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>During the traffic stop, probable cause was obtained to search the vehicle.&nbsp; Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located on the passenger’s person and during a search of the vehicle, additional methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located.The driver, Sidnee Lynn Holcomb, 59, of Horton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, use of&nbsp;communication device during felony drug offense.The passenger, John Rodney Remmers, 64, of Blue Springs, Nebraska, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, use of communication device during felony drug offense.

Kansas couple caught transporting methamphetamine

KANSAS CITY — A Judge sentenced a Kansas City man to life in prison, plus 15 years this week for a fatal shooting that led to an hours-long standoff, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.&nbsp;

In November 2024, a jury convicted 70-year-old Juan Maiden of 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2498/Maiden-REDACTED-PC_FINAL">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 500th block of Booth Avenue on a shooting where they were informed the victim was inside the residence and shot by the defendant. Officers made entry and located the victim who had a gunshot wound to the head. Hours later, they located the defendant after a standoff.&nbsp;

A witness told police the defendant shot the victim unprovoked and then shot her two more times as she laid on the ground.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722171295792.png" alt="Maiden photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Maiden photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A Judge sentenced a Kansas City man to life in prison, plus 15 years this week for a fatal shooting that led to an hours-long standoff, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.&nbsp;In November 2024, a jury convicted 70-year-old Juan Maiden of 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2498/Maiden-REDACTED-PC_FINAL">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 500th block of Booth Avenue on a shooting where they were informed the victim was inside the residence and shot by the defendant. Officers made entry and located the victim who had a gunshot wound to the head. Hours later, they located the defendant after a standoff.&nbsp;A witness told police the defendant shot the victim unprovoked and then shot her two more times as she laid on the ground.&nbsp;

Prison: 70-year-old killed Kansas City woman in her home

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/GovernorShapiro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovernorShapiro</a>, your <a href="https://twitter.com/Eagles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eagles</a> are no match for our <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chiefs</a>. I&#39;ll bet you <a href="https://twitter.com/CreekstoneFarms?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CreekstoneFarms</a>&#39; Premium Black Angus steaks that <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatrickMahomes</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/tkelce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tkelce</a> will make history on Sunday by securing a Super Bowl 3-peat. As <a href="https://twitter.com/taylorswift13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@taylorswift13</a> would say, are you ready for it? <a href="https://t.co/c2VlFnoK0T">https://t.co/c2VlFnoK0T</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1887925874919358848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kan. governor makes friendly Super Bowl wager with PA. governor

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. senators from both political parties wrote to the acting Social Security commissioner on Thursday, expressing concern it might take the agency more than a year to implement an expansion to benefits that Congress approved last year.

“The Social Security Fairness Act restores full Social Security benefits for the millions of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who are unfairly penalized by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO),” the group of 28 senators wrote. “We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO.”

The senators then asked Commissioner Michelle King to provide Congress with “monthly updates and briefings” on how the agency was implementing the new law.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collins.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/252025_letter_to_ssa_re_hr82wepgpoimplementation.pdf" target="_blank">one-page letter</a>&nbsp;was signed by Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, Nebraska Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich, Colorado Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper, Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, Maine independent Sen. Angus King, Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján, Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla, Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, Nebraska Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, Vermont Democratic Sen. Peter Welch and Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.

The Social Security Administration has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html" target="_blank">webpage</a>&nbsp;with answers to several questions regarding the new law and how the agency is trying to implement the change in benefits.

The webpage says the agency “cannot yet provide an estimated timeframe for when we will adjust a person’s past or future benefits, but we will continue to provide updates on this webpage. We thank the public for its patience.”

The webpage also explains how people who have never filed for Social Security benefits due to the Windfall Elimination Provision or the Government Pension Offset can apply now that there is a new law.

A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration said the agency “received the letter and will respond directly to the requestors.” States Newsroom had asked for details about why the law’s implementation might take a year.&nbsp;

Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-benefits-boosted-millions-bill-headed-bidens-desk-1" target="_blank">voted on a broadly bipartisan basis</a>&nbsp;late last year to approve the bill making the change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-signs-bill-expanding-social-security-benefits-retired-teachers-public-employees" target="_blank">then-President Joe Biden signed it into law</a>&nbsp;in January.

The pension offset affects about 746,000 Americans while the windfall provision affects 2.1 million, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12451" target="_blank">a report&nbsp;</a>from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which includes maps showing which states have higher concentrations of people affected by the two former provisions.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716140421905.png" alt="File photo Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran" />
 <figcaption>File photo Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. senators from both political parties wrote to the acting Social Security commissioner on Thursday, expressing concern it might take the agency more than a year to implement an expansion to benefits that Congress approved last year.“The Social Security Fairness Act restores full Social Security benefits for the millions of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who are unfairly penalized by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO),” the group of 28 senators wrote. “We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO.”The senators then asked Commissioner Michelle King to provide Congress with “monthly updates and briefings” on how the agency was implementing the new law.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collins.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/252025_letter_to_ssa_re_hr82wepgpoimplementation.pdf" target="_blank">one-page letter</a>&nbsp;was signed by Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, Nebraska Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich, Colorado Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper, Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, Maine independent Sen. Angus King, Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, New Mexico Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján, Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran, Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla, Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, Nebraska Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, Vermont Democratic Sen. Peter Welch and Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.<h2>No estimated timeframe</h2>The Social Security Administration has a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html" target="_blank">webpage</a>&nbsp;with answers to several questions regarding the new law and how the agency is trying to implement the change in benefits.The webpage says the agency “cannot yet provide an estimated timeframe for when we will adjust a person’s past or future benefits, but we will continue to provide updates on this webpage. We thank the public for its patience.”The webpage also explains how people who have never filed for Social Security benefits due to the Windfall Elimination Provision or the Government Pension Offset can apply now that there is a new law.A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration said the agency “received the letter and will respond directly to the requestors.” States Newsroom had asked for details about why the law’s implementation might take a year.&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-benefits-boosted-millions-bill-headed-bidens-desk-1" target="_blank">voted on a broadly bipartisan basis</a>&nbsp;late last year to approve the bill making the change and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/biden-signs-bill-expanding-social-security-benefits-retired-teachers-public-employees" target="_blank">then-President Joe Biden signed it into law</a>&nbsp;in January.The pension offset affects about 746,000 Americans while the windfall provision affects 2.1 million, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12451" target="_blank">a report&nbsp;</a>from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, which includes maps showing which states have higher concentrations of people affected by the two former provisions.&nbsp;

Lawmakers press Social Security on lag in paying expanded benefits to public employees

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– The Blue Angels have named McConnell Air Force Base’s 2024 Frontiers in Flight airshow as the&nbsp;2024 Blue Angels Military Airshow of the Year.

The airshow was August 24-25, 2024, and brought in a crowd of more than 65,000 people on its first day. The event featured aerial demonstrations, static aircraft displays and interactive exhibits, allowing attendees to see military aviation capabilities up close. The Blue Angels headlined the performances, demonstrating precision flying and teamwork. A variety of military and civilian aircraft were also on display, showcasing both historical and modern aviation technology.

The award recognizes excellence in planning, execution, and community engagement, key factors that set McConnell’s airshow apart. The Blue Angels evaluate each of the airshows they performed at in 2024, considering elements such as crowd management, logistical coordination, airfield operations, and overall event impact. McConnell’s ability to coordinate a large-scale event while maintaining strict safety protocols and providing an engaging experience contributed to its selection for this recognition.

The air show was also cut short on Aug. 25, when a wet microburst, a sudden, intense downdraft of sustained 50+ mph winds and rain, forced the cancellation of the second day’s events.

These weather events are common in the Great Plains during the summer, typically forming overnight and weakening after sunrise. However, in this case, an upper-level disturbance allowed the storm to persist longer than expected, creating unsafe conditions for public attendance and flying demonstrations.

“Planning for the air show began about two years prior. The number of variables to cover is incredibly wide, ranging from weather and medical emergencies to making sure there is enough food and parking spaces for everyone,” said Maj. Ryan Sheive, 350th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot and air show director.

Hosting a large-scale event like an airshow requires extensive coordination across multiple agencies both on base and throughout the local communities, requiring months of preparation, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges.

“We had a great team this year, but during the air show there were challenges that popped up every five minutes,” said Capt. Matthew Robbins, 350th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 pilot and air show deputy director. “There were more people in attendance this year than was expected -- lines at security check, medical teams helping attendees with the heat and when the weather hit, that’s when we really stepped up as a team.”

Planning is also underway for the next Frontiers in Flight Airshow, slated for the fall of 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738946297135.png" alt="The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform during the practice show for the Frontiers in Flight Air Show Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The show will feature 13 performers including the Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, Tora Tora Tora and local pilots. Team McConnell invited the public on base to show appreciation to the local community for their support to the base and its Airmen, as well as showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhguh)" />
 <figcaption>The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform during the practice show for the Frontiers in Flight Air Show Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The show will feature 13 performers including the Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, Tora Tora Tora and local pilots. Team McConnell invited the public on base to show appreciation to the local community for their support to the base and its Airmen, as well as showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhguh)</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– The Blue Angels have named McConnell Air Force Base’s 2024 Frontiers in Flight airshow as the&nbsp;2024 Blue Angels Military Airshow of the Year.The airshow was August 24-25, 2024, and brought in a crowd of more than 65,000 people on its first day. The event featured aerial demonstrations, static aircraft displays and interactive exhibits, allowing attendees to see military aviation capabilities up close. The Blue Angels headlined the performances, demonstrating precision flying and teamwork. A variety of military and civilian aircraft were also on display, showcasing both historical and modern aviation technology.The award recognizes excellence in planning, execution, and community engagement, key factors that set McConnell’s airshow apart. The Blue Angels evaluate each of the airshows they performed at in 2024, considering elements such as crowd management, logistical coordination, airfield operations, and overall event impact. McConnell’s ability to coordinate a large-scale event while maintaining strict safety protocols and providing an engaging experience contributed to its selection for this recognition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724616069059.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The air show was also cut short on Aug. 25, when a wet microburst, a sudden, intense downdraft of sustained 50+ mph winds and rain, forced the cancellation of the second day’s events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738946491701.png" alt="Photo Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>These weather events are common in the Great Plains during the summer, typically forming overnight and weakening after sunrise. However, in this case, an upper-level disturbance allowed the storm to persist longer than expected, creating unsafe conditions for public attendance and flying demonstrations.“Planning for the air show began about two years prior. The number of variables to cover is incredibly wide, ranging from weather and medical emergencies to making sure there is enough food and parking spaces for everyone,” said Maj. Ryan Sheive, 350th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot and air show director.Hosting a large-scale event like an airshow requires extensive coordination across multiple agencies both on base and throughout the local communities, requiring months of preparation, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges.“We had a great team this year, but during the air show there were challenges that popped up every five minutes,” said Capt. Matthew Robbins, 350th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 pilot and air show deputy director. “There were more people in attendance this year than was expected -- lines at security check, medical teams helping attendees with the heat and when the weather hit, that’s when we really stepped up as a team.”Planning is also underway for the next Frontiers in Flight Airshow, slated for the fall of 2026.

Blue Angels name McConnell as 2024 Airshow of the Year  

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Johnson County have identified the victim as&nbsp;28-year-old Eduardo E. Portillo of Independence, Missouri.

Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to an armed disturbance in the 15900 block of West 127th Street in Olathe, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

First responders found Portillo suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Police have identified and contacted all individual involved. Police have not reported an arrest.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Johnson County have identified the victim as&nbsp;28-year-old Eduardo E. Portillo of Independence, Missouri.Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to an armed disturbance in the 15900 block of West 127th Street in Olathe, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.First responders found Portillo suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.Police have identified and contacted all individual involved. Police have not reported an arrest.

Police: Missouri man identified as victim in Kansas shooting

NEW ORLEANS — In a joint press conference with the National Football League, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, led by Director Ivan J. Arvelo, announced the seizure of $39.5 million in counterfeit sports merchandise through Operation Team Player, according to a media release from Homeland Security.

This year-long, collaborative initiative between Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and major sports leagues aims to prevent counterfeit sports-related merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.

In total, more than 214,507 counterfeit items were seized, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and various other memorabilia. Since its launch in 2013, Operation Team Player has seized more than $455 million in counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel, making it the largest anti-counterfeiting initiative within the federal government.

“With the rise of e-commerce, it has become incredibly easy for criminals to create fake websites, online marketplaces, and social media ads offering deceptive deals with the sole intention of scamming sports fans,” said Arvelo. “That’s why our partnership with sports leagues, such as the NFL, is critical in our efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit merchandise and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.”

“As we prepare for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, it is important to remember that the success of the game depends on so many crucial partners and vital stakeholders. The NFL is extremely grateful for its long partnership with the IPR Center, HSI, CBP and New Orleans law enforcement, and all that they do to protect NFL fans,” said Dolores DiBella, NFL Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs. “The continued success of Operation Team Player would not be possible without their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to protecting NFL fans from counterfeit crimes both on the ground and online.”

“At CBP, we’re not just fans of the game — we’re also here to protect the fans, businesses, and communities that make this event so special. One of the ways we do this is by tackling an issue many consumers don’t realize has an enormous impact: counterfeit goods. Fake jerseys and hats might seem like a good deal, but they can come with serious risks,” said AnneMarie Highsmith, Executive Associate Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade.

“Leading up to and during the game, members of the New Orleans Police Department will be teamed up with agents from the city’s Department of Revenue, the Department of Homeland Security and NFL members, to identify and address illegal vendors and the sale of counterfeit merchandise,” said Lt. Kenny Temple, New Orleans Police Department.

“Excitement is growing ahead of the big game in New Orleans on Sunday. But if you’re looking to be in that number — and buy tickets to the Super Bowl LIX, you’ve got to do your homework first. Sadly, many con artists will be working overtime this week to prey on innocent people looking to attend the game,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

While many mistakenly believe that counterfeiting only affects large corporations, the reality is that purchasing fake merchandise has real consequences such as identify theft or financial loss. In response, the IPR Center launched the 'True Fans Keep It Real' campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and provide sports fans with helpful tips to shop smart and spot counterfeit merchandise both online and in person.

“Our goal is to arm consumers with the knowledge to avoid purchasing counterfeit items in the first place,” Arvelo added.

To help fans stay safe from counterfeit products, the IPR Center and the NFL recommend the following tips when making purchases:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739026217872.png" alt="Photo Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Photo Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS — In a joint press conference with the National Football League, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, led by Director Ivan J. Arvelo, announced the seizure of $39.5 million in counterfeit sports merchandise through Operation Team Player, according to a media release from Homeland Security.This year-long, collaborative initiative between Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and major sports leagues aims to prevent counterfeit sports-related merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.In total, more than 214,507 counterfeit items were seized, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and various other memorabilia. Since its launch in 2013, Operation Team Player has seized more than $455 million in counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel, making it the largest anti-counterfeiting initiative within the federal government.“With the rise of e-commerce, it has become incredibly easy for criminals to create fake websites, online marketplaces, and social media ads offering deceptive deals with the sole intention of scamming sports fans,” said Arvelo. “That’s why our partnership with sports leagues, such as the NFL, is critical in our efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit merchandise and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.”“As we prepare for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, it is important to remember that the success of the game depends on so many crucial partners and vital stakeholders. The NFL is extremely grateful for its long partnership with the IPR Center, HSI, CBP and New Orleans law enforcement, and all that they do to protect NFL fans,” said Dolores DiBella, NFL Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs. “The continued success of Operation Team Player would not be possible without their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to protecting NFL fans from counterfeit crimes both on the ground and online.”“At CBP, we’re not just fans of the game — we’re also here to protect the fans, businesses, and communities that make this event so special. One of the ways we do this is by tackling an issue many consumers don’t realize has an enormous impact: counterfeit goods. Fake jerseys and hats might seem like a good deal, but they can come with serious risks,” said AnneMarie Highsmith, Executive Associate Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade.“Leading up to and during the game, members of the New Orleans Police Department will be teamed up with agents from the city’s Department of Revenue, the Department of Homeland Security and NFL members, to identify and address illegal vendors and the sale of counterfeit merchandise,” said Lt. Kenny Temple, New Orleans Police Department.“Excitement is growing ahead of the big game in New Orleans on Sunday. But if you’re looking to be in that number — and buy tickets to the Super Bowl LIX, you’ve got to do your homework first. Sadly, many con artists will be working overtime this week to prey on innocent people looking to attend the game,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.While many mistakenly believe that counterfeiting only affects large corporations, the reality is that purchasing fake merchandise has real consequences such as identify theft or financial loss. In response, the IPR Center launched the 'True Fans Keep It Real' campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and provide sports fans with helpful tips to shop smart and spot counterfeit merchandise both online and in person.“Our goal is to arm consumers with the knowledge to avoid purchasing counterfeit items in the first place,” Arvelo added.To help fans stay safe from counterfeit products, the IPR Center and the NFL recommend the following tips when making purchases:<ul>
 <li>Stick to trusted retail locations.</li><li>Be cautious when shopping online. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Criminals often use legitimate product photos while selling fraudulent items.</li><li>Use caution before purchasing expensive items from unfamiliar online sellers. Shop from authorized dealers with a reputation for quality merchandise to ensure a safe transaction and responsible customer service.</li><li>Look for signs of poor quality, such as sloppy stitching, missing security labels, or irregular markings on apparel.</li><li>Check your online bank statements regularly. Keep a record of purchases and confirmation pages and compare them to your bank statements. If discrepancies arise, report them immediately.</li><li>Purchase event tickets only from trusted sources, such as the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster, On Location, or other reputable ticket retailers. This year, Super Bowl LIX will be entirely digital, and no paper tickets will be accepted. Screenshots or PDFs of tickets will not be valid for entry.</li>
 </ul>

$39.5M in Counterfeit Sports Merchandise Seized Ahead of Super Bowl 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have made an arrest.

Just after 7:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 2700 Block of SW Burnett Road, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders found three individuals who had life-threatening injuries. One was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other two were taken to a local area hospital.

This is the city’s 1st homicide investigation of 2025.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim who died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738943432820.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have made an arrest.Just after 7:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 2700 Block of SW Burnett Road, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738979967925.png" alt="Miller -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Miller -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found three individuals who had life-threatening injuries. One was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other two were taken to a local area hospital.As a result of the investigation, police arrested 29-year-old Devin Miller of Topeka on requested charges of first degree murder and aggravated battery.This is the city’s 1st homicide investigation of 2025.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim who died.

Kansas man jailed for shooting that killed 1, injured 2 others

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of an apartment fire in Kansas City.

Just after 8a.m. Friday, crews responded to a reported apartment fire in the 4600 block of NW 78th Terrace in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

&nbsp;Crews reported smoke showing on arrival and initiated interior operations.

Crews discovered a small fire in one of the units. During a search of the smoking structure, firefighters found a dog and rescued from the smokey conditions.

The fire was quickly brought under control. . The property was equipped with working smoke detectors which alerted neighbors to call KCFD. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738949439769.png" alt="Photos KC Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos KC Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of an apartment fire in Kansas City.Just after 8a.m. Friday, crews responded to a reported apartment fire in the 4600 block of NW 78th Terrace in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;Crews reported smoke showing on arrival and initiated interior operations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738949418874.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Crews discovered a small fire in one of the units. During a search of the smoking structure, firefighters found a dog and rescued from the smokey conditions.The fire was quickly brought under control. . The property was equipped with working smoke detectors which alerted neighbors to call KCFD. There were no injuries reported.

Dog rescued from Kansas City apartment fire

LABETTE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal crash during a police chase have identified the man who died as 52-year-old John H. Jones, according to a statement from the Labette County Sheriff.

Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, while driving northbound on Wallace Road., a Labette County Deputy observed a tan Ford F-150 run the stop sign at 20000 and Wallace Road. at a high rate of speed, acc

Upon seeing the deputy, the driver later identified as Jones attempted several evasive maneuvers to lose the deputy, including driving through a field. 

 Upon activating the emergency lights, Jones started driving northbound on Wallace Road at speeds over 100 mph. 

The driver ran four motorists off the road and at one point, Jones slammed on their brakes, causing the deputy to sideswipe the suspect’s vehicle. 

Once the deputy went around the suspect’s vehicle, the Jones sped up, attempting to ram the deputy’s vehicle.&nbsp; Jones continued northbound at high speeds on Wallace Road., ignoring the warning signs. The suspect missed the curve at 22097 Wallace Road., then collided with a tree near 22097 Wallace Road

 Emergency medical and Oswego and Neosho fire departments were dispatched to the accident scene. Jones was transported to Labette Health, where he died of his injuries.&nbsp;

Deputies learned that Jones’ was driving while suspended and had arrest warrants issued out of Montgomery County and Neosho County.&nbsp; He also had previous convictions for aggravated burglary, theft, criminal threat obstruction and seven for drug related activity, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738954791730.png" alt="Jones photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Jones photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>LABETTE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal crash during a police chase have identified the man who died as 52-year-old John H. Jones, according to a statement from the Labette County Sheriff.Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, while driving northbound on Wallace Road., a Labette County Deputy observed a tan Ford F-150 run the stop sign at 20000 and Wallace Road. at a high rate of speed, accUpon seeing the deputy, the driver later identified as Jones attempted several evasive maneuvers to lose the deputy, including driving through a field. Upon activating the emergency lights, Jones started driving northbound on Wallace Road at speeds over 100 mph. The driver ran four motorists off the road and at one point, Jones slammed on their brakes, causing the deputy to sideswipe the suspect’s vehicle. Once the deputy went around the suspect’s vehicle, the Jones sped up, attempting to ram the deputy’s vehicle.&nbsp; Jones continued northbound at high speeds on Wallace Road., ignoring the warning signs. The suspect missed the curve at 22097 Wallace Road., then collided with a tree near 22097 Wallace Road Emergency medical and Oswego and Neosho fire departments were dispatched to the accident scene. Jones was transported to Labette Health, where he died of his injuries.&nbsp;Deputies learned that Jones’ was driving while suspended and had arrest warrants issued out of Montgomery County and Neosho County.&nbsp; He also had previous convictions for aggravated burglary, theft, criminal threat obstruction and seven for drug related activity, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Suspect who died in police chase, crash had a history of crime

In 2023, a politically-connected trade group donated $24,000 to a nonprofit that paid for the mayor, an aide and security personnel to travel to Phoenix for the game

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-kite/">ALLISON KITE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Chiefs will make their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance on Sunday, and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas will be in New Orleans to cheer them on.&nbsp;

Exactly who is funding the organization picking up the tab for this year’s trip, however, is not clear.&nbsp;

Two years ago, the mayor attended the Super Bowl in Phoenix with a top aide and security personnel. A nonprofit called the Mayors Corps of Progress for a Greater Kansas City footed the $23,518 bill for the trip. A day after the game, the organization took in a $24,000 donation from a politically connected trade group.

Lucas told reporters Thursday that the Mayors Corps would once again finance his trip, but he referred questions about the organization’s donors to its board of directors or attorneys.&nbsp;

“We’ve worked with lawyers, advisors and others to make sure that everything is on the up and up in connection with it,” Lucas said, adding that he would have official meetings with individuals in business and government during the trip.&nbsp;

While Lucas has been open that the nonprofit paid for his travel, the $24,000 donation — given by the Heavy Constructors Association — was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/kansas-city-mayor-accused-of-skirting-city-gift-ban-by-using-nonprofit-to-pay-for-travel/">first revealed in December by The Independent</a>. Critics contend the arrangement could violate the city’s gift rules, which require elected officials to disclose any gifts they receive worth more than $200 and bans gifts worth more than $1,000.

As a 501c4 nonprofit, the Mayors Corps is not legally required to disclose its donors.&nbsp;

The donation only became public when a whistleblower who did compliance for the mayor’s nonprofit provided documents to The Independent showing the transaction.&nbsp;

Lucas has also not disclosed how the Mayors Corps paid for his trip to last year’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas. A law firm representing the nonprofit did not return requests for comment on Thursday.&nbsp;

According to the organization’s bylaws, the Mayors Corps was created “to hold, attract, develop and encourage the economic development of the Kansas City community and to further the common good and general welfare of the citizens of Kansas City.”

The bylaws say: “The corporation shall not be used for either business or political purposes or for the pecuniary gain or profit of its organizers, board of directors, officers, members or any other person.”

Documents obtained by The Independent late last year show that, over the course of Lucas’ first term in office, the Mayors Corps spent more than $35,000 on&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/kansas-city-chiefs/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>&nbsp;tickets, hotel stays, flights and dinners for Lucas and staff.&nbsp;

The 2023 Super Bowl trip accounted for the bulk of that spending.&nbsp;

In an interview with The Independent last year, Lucas defended the spending, saying the Mayors Corps allows him to promote the city at conferences and sporting events and on international trips.

“I see nothing inconsistent with that, and it’s really not even my opinion,” Lucas said. “It’s the opinion of our counsel.”

Jon Berkon, an attorney for Mayors Corps, said in an email to The Independent in December that Lucas’ office’s use of the nonprofit helped attract film industry investments to Kansas City and contributed to Kansas City becoming a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The organization, Berkon said, helped Lucas be able to serve in national organizations and build relationships with members of Congress and governors.&nbsp;

Lucas also told The Independent in December that the Mayor’s Corps has a board of directors that can review expenses to ensure they are legitimate. He referred a question about the organization’s recent donors to the board on Thursday.&nbsp;

Lucas was on the board in 2020, shortly after taking office, according to meeting minutes provided to The Independent. Filings with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office show that the Mayors Corps was administratively dissolved from October 2022 April 2023, meaning it could not carry on any business at the time it paid for his February 2023 Super Bowl trip.&nbsp;

When the Mayors Corps&nbsp; was reconstituted in April 2023, the three-member board included the mayor, the aide who went to the Super Bowl with him and an attorney who told The Independent he was not sure he was ever an officer.&nbsp;

The most recent registration report for the nonprofit —&nbsp;from June 2023 —&nbsp;still names the three as board members, but the mayor’s general counsel said in a letter to The Independent in December that the mayor and staffer relinquished their roles as voting members of the board in October 2023.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738948069595.png" alt="Mayor Quinton Lucas&nbsp; photo from his social. media page at KCI as the Chiefs boarded their flight to the Super Bowl" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Quinton Lucas&nbsp; photo from his social. media page at KCI as the Chiefs boarded their flight to the Super Bowl</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>In 2023, a politically-connected trade group donated $24,000 to a nonprofit that paid for the mayor, an aide and security personnel to travel to Phoenix for the game</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-kite/">ALLISON KITE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>The Chiefs will make their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance on Sunday, and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas will be in New Orleans to cheer them on.&nbsp;Exactly who is funding the organization picking up the tab for this year’s trip, however, is not clear.&nbsp;Two years ago, the mayor attended the Super Bowl in Phoenix with a top aide and security personnel. A nonprofit called the Mayors Corps of Progress for a Greater Kansas City footed the $23,518 bill for the trip. A day after the game, the organization took in a $24,000 donation from a politically connected trade group.Lucas told reporters Thursday that the Mayors Corps would once again finance his trip, but he referred questions about the organization’s donors to its board of directors or attorneys.&nbsp;“We’ve worked with lawyers, advisors and others to make sure that everything is on the up and up in connection with it,” Lucas said, adding that he would have official meetings with individuals in business and government during the trip.&nbsp;While Lucas has been open that the nonprofit paid for his travel, the $24,000 donation — given by the Heavy Constructors Association — was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/kansas-city-mayor-accused-of-skirting-city-gift-ban-by-using-nonprofit-to-pay-for-travel/">first revealed in December by The Independent</a>. Critics contend the arrangement could violate the city’s gift rules, which require elected officials to disclose any gifts they receive worth more than $200 and bans gifts worth more than $1,000.As a 501c4 nonprofit, the Mayors Corps is not legally required to disclose its donors.&nbsp;The donation only became public when a whistleblower who did compliance for the mayor’s nonprofit provided documents to The Independent showing the transaction.&nbsp;Lucas has also not disclosed how the Mayors Corps paid for his trip to last year’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas. A law firm representing the nonprofit did not return requests for comment on Thursday.&nbsp;According to the organization’s bylaws, the Mayors Corps was created “to hold, attract, develop and encourage the economic development of the Kansas City community and to further the common good and general welfare of the citizens of Kansas City.”The bylaws say: “The corporation shall not be used for either business or political purposes or for the pecuniary gain or profit of its organizers, board of directors, officers, members or any other person.”Documents obtained by The Independent late last year show that, over the course of Lucas’ first term in office, the Mayors Corps spent more than $35,000 on&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/kansas-city-chiefs/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>&nbsp;tickets, hotel stays, flights and dinners for Lucas and staff.&nbsp;The 2023 Super Bowl trip accounted for the bulk of that spending.&nbsp;In an interview with The Independent last year, Lucas defended the spending, saying the Mayors Corps allows him to promote the city at conferences and sporting events and on international trips.“I see nothing inconsistent with that, and it’s really not even my opinion,” Lucas said. “It’s the opinion of our counsel.”Jon Berkon, an attorney for Mayors Corps, said in an email to The Independent in December that Lucas’ office’s use of the nonprofit helped attract film industry investments to Kansas City and contributed to Kansas City becoming a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The organization, Berkon said, helped Lucas be able to serve in national organizations and build relationships with members of Congress and governors.&nbsp;Lucas also told The Independent in December that the Mayor’s Corps has a board of directors that can review expenses to ensure they are legitimate. He referred a question about the organization’s recent donors to the board on Thursday.&nbsp;Lucas was on the board in 2020, shortly after taking office, according to meeting minutes provided to The Independent. Filings with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office show that the Mayors Corps was administratively dissolved from October 2022 April 2023, meaning it could not carry on any business at the time it paid for his February 2023 Super Bowl trip.&nbsp;When the Mayors Corps&nbsp; was reconstituted in April 2023, the three-member board included the mayor, the aide who went to the Super Bowl with him and an attorney who told The Independent he was not sure he was ever an officer.&nbsp;The most recent registration report for the nonprofit —&nbsp;from June 2023 —&nbsp;still names the three as board members, but the mayor’s general counsel said in a letter to The Independent in December that the mayor and staffer relinquished their roles as voting members of the board in October 2023.&nbsp;

KC mayor will use nonprofit for Super Bowl trip, but donors remain unclear

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red and gold beginning tonight in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX appearance. The dome will shine red and gold from sunset to sunrise through Sunday, February 9. 

Governor and First Lady Kehoe will cheer on the Chiefs from Missouri on Sunday night as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, marking the Chiefs' third straight Super Bowl appearance.

"Missourians and fans across Chiefs Kingdom are once again celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl on this Red Friday," Governor Kehoe said in a news release. "We're proud to call the Kansas City Chiefs Missouri's team, and light our state's Capitol red and gold as the Chiefs seek a Super Bowl three-peat this Sunday." 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738152364528.png" alt="Gov. Mike Kehoe begins his State of the State address by celebrating firsts in state leadership, such as the Senate’s first female president pro tem (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Kehoe begins his State of the State address by celebrating firsts in state leadership, such as the Senate’s first female president pro tem (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red and gold beginning tonight in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX appearance. The dome will shine red and gold from sunset to sunrise through Sunday, February 9. Governor and First Lady Kehoe will cheer on the Chiefs from Missouri on Sunday night as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, marking the Chiefs' third straight Super Bowl appearance."Missourians and fans across Chiefs Kingdom are once again celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl on this Red Friday," Governor Kehoe said in a news release. "We're proud to call the Kansas City Chiefs Missouri's team, and light our state's Capitol red and gold as the Chiefs seek a Super Bowl three-peat this Sunday." Governor Kehoe also announced a friendly bet with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro via social media.&nbsp; As part of the wager with Governor Shapiro, Governor Kehoe has bet Missouri-grown beef and an assortment of Kansas City favorites, including Gates Bar-B-Q Sauce, Scott's Kitchen BBQ Sauce and Rub, and Chase Candy Company Cherry Mash. "I'm predicting a 31-17 Chiefs Super Bowl victory," Governor Kehoe said. "I look forward to enjoying some Philly cheesesteaks from Governor Shapiro after the Chiefs bring home the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On Sunday, Missouri&#39;s Kansas City <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chiefs</a> will face the <a href="https://twitter.com/Eagles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eagles</a> once again in the Super Bowl. I like our chances at a three-peat, so let&#39;s make a deal, <a href="https://twitter.com/GovernorShapiro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovernorShapiro</a>. If by some unlikely twist of fate, the Eagles win on Sunday, I’ll send you some Missouri-grown beef and… <a href="https://t.co/qqhTAqEqrV">pic.twitter.com/qqhTAqEqrV</a>&mdash; Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMikeKehoe/status/1887894096670269502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>