HARVEY COUNTY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in rural Harvey County.

On Tuesday morning, crews from Newton and city of Walton responded to a house and vehicle fire in Walton, according to a social media report from Newton Fire and EMS.

The house had significant damage, and two vehicles burned. No occupants, pets, or firefighters were injured. Division Chief 135 and the State Fire Marshall's office are in charge of the investigation.

Newton Fire thanked responders, including the Harvey County Sheriff's Office, Hesston Fire/EMS, and Whitewater River Consolidated Fire District.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707849626755.png" alt="Photos Newton Fire and EMS" />
 <figcaption>Photos Newton Fire and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in rural Harvey County.On Tuesday morning, crews from Newton and city of Walton responded to a house and vehicle fire in Walton, according to a social media report from Newton Fire and EMS.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707850058430.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The house had significant damage, and two vehicles burned. No occupants, pets, or firefighters were injured. Division Chief 135 and the State Fire Marshall's office are in charge of the investigation.Newton Fire thanked responders, including the Harvey County Sheriff's Office, Hesston Fire/EMS, and Whitewater River Consolidated Fire District.

Home damaged, vehicles destroyed in rural Kansas fire

OSAGE COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported two traffic stops for 100-plus miles per hour within 6 miles in the same afternoon, and both vehicles had children in the car, according to a social media report Monday.

LT. Littrell stopped the first vehicle for 103mph on Interstate 35 in Osage County. This vehicle had a properly restrained infant in the vehicle. Just six miles down the road the next vehicle was stopped for 101mph and had an unrestrained child, according to the KHP.

On Thursday, Troopers stopped a motorist on Kansas 10 for 112 mph during evening rush hour traffic.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, a Trooper on I-70&nbsp; noticed a vehicle racing up behind him. Swiftly exiting, he let the speedster pass, only to re-enter and apprehend them for cruising at 106 in a 75 zone. Not only that, but the driver was also tailgating and failing to stay in the right lane on a 4-lane highway.

On February 5, in heavy fog on Interstate 135 in Saline County, a Troper stopped a motorist driving 116 mph, according to Trooper Ben Gardner. That driver&nbsp;faces a $468.00 fine, according to the ticket.

In 2022, Troop D troopers wrote 1,237 tickets for people driving over 100 mph, according to Trooper Tod Heilman. 153 mph was the top speed that year.

"These speeds are excessive and even more dangerous with precious cargo in the vehicles."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707829928919.png" alt="Photos KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photos KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported two traffic stops for 100-plus miles per hour within 6 miles in the same afternoon, and both vehicles had children in the car, according to a social media report Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707829895541.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LT. Littrell stopped the first vehicle for 103mph on Interstate 35 in Osage County. This vehicle had a properly restrained infant in the vehicle. Just six miles down the road the next vehicle was stopped for 101mph and had an unrestrained child, according to the KHP.On Thursday, Troopers stopped a motorist on Kansas 10 for 112 mph during evening rush hour traffic.&nbsp;On Wednesday, a Trooper on I-70&nbsp; noticed a vehicle racing up behind him. Swiftly exiting, he let the speedster pass, only to re-enter and apprehend them for cruising at 106 in a 75 zone. Not only that, but the driver was also tailgating and failing to stay in the right lane on a 4-lane highway.On February 5, in heavy fog on Interstate 135 in Saline County, a Troper stopped a motorist driving 116 mph, according to Trooper Ben Gardner. That driver&nbsp;faces a $468.00 fine, according to the ticket.In 2022, Troop D troopers wrote 1,237 tickets for people driving over 100 mph, according to Trooper Tod Heilman. 153 mph was the top speed that year."These speeds are excessive and even more dangerous with precious cargo in the vehicles."

KHP: Drivers traveling over 100mph had children in vehicles

EDITOR'S note: Information on the number of train cars derailed was provided by Barber County and not BNSF.

BARBER COUNTY—Officials with Burlington Northern Railroad are still working to determine the cause of train derailment Monday in Barber County.&nbsp;

Just after 5a.m. Monday the 20 train cars carrying mixed freight derailed east of the rural community of Hazleton, according to Barber County Emergency Manager Mike Loreg. Seventeen cars were on the ground.

There were no injuries to the crew. BNSF personnel continue working to clear the incident as quickly and safely as possible. One track reopened overnight and trains are running on that, according to Loreg. The other track was still closed as of 9a.m..&nbsp;

Drivers in the area are advised to avoid the area due to all of the heavy equipment being used, according to Loreg.&nbsp; There was no danger to the homes in the area.&nbsp; Everything was contained.&nbsp;

Hazelton, is approximately 24 miles southeast of Medicine Lodge and just north of the Oklahoma border.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707748033586.png" alt="Photos Barber County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photos Barber County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>EDITOR'S note: Information on the number of train cars derailed was provided by Barber County and not BNSF.BARBER COUNTY—Officials with Burlington Northern Railroad are still working to determine the cause of train derailment Monday in Barber County.&nbsp;Just after 5a.m. Monday the 20 train cars carrying mixed freight derailed east of the rural community of Hazleton, according to Barber County Emergency Manager Mike Loreg. Seventeen cars were on the ground.There were no injuries to the crew. BNSF personnel continue working to clear the incident as quickly and safely as possible. One track reopened overnight and trains are running on that, according to Loreg. The other track was still closed as of 9a.m..&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707834758379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Drivers in the area are advised to avoid the area due to all of the heavy equipment being used, according to Loreg.&nbsp; There was no danger to the homes in the area.&nbsp; Everything was contained.&nbsp;Hazelton, is approximately 24 miles southeast of Medicine Lodge and just north of the Oklahoma border.

Work continues at site of rural Kansas train derailment 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate early Tuesday passed a $95.3 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-military-aid-ukraine-israel-gaza-0b9c866308cc4c8c13c3f54494371f0b">aid package</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, pushing ahead after months of difficult negotiations and amid growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad.

The vote came after a small group of Republicans opposed to the $60 billion for Ukraine held the Senate floor through the night, using the final hours of debate to argue that the U.S. should focus on its own problems before sending more money overseas. But more than a dozen Republicans voted with almost all Democrats to pass the package 70-29, with supporters arguing that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-ukraine-israel-trump-aid-biden-13d5461154e2755510d7149a5af9b97a">threaten national security across the globe</a>.

“It’s been years, perhaps decades, since the Senate has passed a bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but also the security of western democracy,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked closely with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the legislation.

The bill’s passage through the Senate was a welcome sign for Ukraine amid critical&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-money-congress-weapons-dd5076b30bf8fab5c914a1222186e7f0">shortages on the battlefield</a>. The final vote gained 22 Republicans including Kansas Senator Jerry Moran supporting its passage, while two Democrats, Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Peter Welch of Vermont, as well as Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent, voted against it. Progressive lawmakers have objected to sending offensive weaponry to Israel.

The other Republicans voting for the bill included Senators Boozman Capito, Cassidy, Collins, Cornyn, Cramer, Crapo, Ernst, Grassley, Hoeven, Kennedy, McConnell, Murkowski, Risch, Romney, Rounds, Sullivan, Thune, Tillis, Wicker, and Young.&nbsp;

Yet the package faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump — the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine — oppose the legislation.

Speaker Mike Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-6970b539025d2de5ade9e3aff165c54f">cast new doubt</a>&nbsp;on the package in a statement Monday evening, making clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to President Joe Biden's desk — if at all.

Still, the vote was a win for both Senate leaders. Schumer noted the strong bipartisan support and projected that if the House speaker brings it forward it would have the same strong support in that chamber. McConnell has made Ukraine his top priority in recent months, and was resolute in the face of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-ukraine-republicans-senate-c5217d686c85837d2b9708aa197843f9">considerable pushback</a>&nbsp;from his own GOP conference.

Speaking directly to his detractors in a floor speech on Sunday, McConnell said that “the eyes of the world” were on the U.S. Senate.

“Will we give those who wish us harm more reason to question our resolve, or will we recommit to exercising American strength?” McConnell asked.

Dollars provided by the legislation would purchase U.S.-made defense equipment, including munitions and air defense systems that authorities say are desperately needed as Russia batters the country. It also includes $8 billion for the government in Kyiv and other assistance.

In addition, the legislation would provide $14 billion for Israel’s war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.2 billion in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">humanitarian assistance for Gaza</a>.

The bill’s passage followed almost five months of torturous negotiations over an expansive bill that would have paired the foreign aid with an overhaul of border and asylum policies. Republicans demanded the trade-off, saying the surge of migration into the United States had to be addressed alongside the security of allies.

But a bipartisan deal on border security struck by Republican Sen. James Lankford fell apart just days after its unveiling, a head-spinning development that left negotiators deeply frustrated. Republicans declared the bill insufficient and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">blocked it</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.

After the border bill collapsed, the two leaders abandoned the border provisions and pushed forward with passing the foreign aid package alone — as Democrats had originally intended.

While the slimmed-down foreign aid bill eventually won enough Republican support to pass, several GOP senators who had previously expressed support for Ukraine voted against it. The episode further exposed divisions in the party, made more public as Trump dug in and a handful of lawmakers openly called for McConnell to step down.

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., became emotional as he talked about the drudgery of the Senate and spending time away from his family to get little done. “But every so often there are issues that come before us that seem to be the ones that explain why we are here,” he said, his voice cracking.

Moran conceded that the cost of the package was heavy for him, but pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the U.S. would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict — a commitment that Trump has called into question as he seeks another term in the White House.

Sen. J.D. Vance, an Ohio Republican, argued that the U.S. should step back from the conflict and help broker an end to it with Russia's Putin. He questioned the wisdom of continuing to fuel Ukraine’s defense when Putin appears committed to fighting for years.

“I think it deals with the reality that we’re living in, which is they’re a more powerful country, and it’s their region of the world,” he said.

Vance, along with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and other opponents, spent several hours on the floor railing against the aid and complaining about Senate process. They dug in their heels to delay a final vote, speaking on the floor until daybreak.

Supporters of the aid pushed back, warning that bowing to Russia would be a historic mistake with devastating consequences. In an unusually raw back-and-forth, GOP senators who support the aid challenged some of the opponents directly on the floor.

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis angrily rebutted some of their arguments, noting that the money would only help Ukraine for less than a year and that much of it would go to replenishing U.S. military stocks.

“Why am I so focused on this vote?” Tillis said. “Because I don’t want to be on the pages of history that we will regret if we walk away. You will see the alliance that is supporting Ukraine crumble. You will ultimately see China become emboldened. And I am not going to be on that page of history.”

At a rally Saturday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nato-foreign-aid-russia-2b8054a9fe185eec34c2c541cece655d">said that he had once told</a>&nbsp;a NATO ally he would encourage Russia “to do whatever the hell they want” to members that are “delinquent” in their financial and military commitments to the alliance. The former president has&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/pronto/20e902788e8701999ce0424f73d478cc">led his party away</a>&nbsp;from the foreign policy doctrines of aggressive American involvement overseas and toward an “America First” isolationism.

Evoking the slogan, Moran said, “I believe in America first, but unfortunately America first means we have to engage in the world.”

While the vast majority of House Republicans have opposed the aid and are unlikely to cross Trump, a handful of GOP lawmakers have signaled they will push to get it passed.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, traveled to Ukraine last week with a bipartisan delegation and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Turner posted on X, formerly Twitter, after the trip that “I reiterated America’s commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.”

But Speaker Johnson is in a tough position. A majority of his conference opposes the aid, and he is trying to lead the narrowest of majorities and avoid the fate of his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted in October.

Johnson, R-La., said in a statement Monday that because the foreign aid package lacks border security provisions, it is “silent on the most pressing issue facing our country.” It was the latest — and potentially most consequential — sign of opposition to the Ukraine aid from House GOP leadership, who had rejected the bipartisan border plan as a “non-starter,” contributing to its rapid demise.

“Now, in the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters,” Johnson said. “America deserves better than the Senate’s status quo.”

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Virginia Democrat, traveled to Kyiv last week with Turner and other House members. She said the trip underscored to her how Ukraine is still in a fight for its very existence.

As the group traveled through Kyiv in armored vehicles, she said, they witnessed signs of an active war, from sandbagged shelters to burned-out cars and memorials to those killed. During the meeting with Zelenskyy, she said the U.S. lawmakers tried to offer assurances that the American people still stand with his country.

“He was clear that our continued support is critical to their ability to win the war,” Spanberger said. “It’s critical to their own freedom. And importantly, it’s critical to U.S. national security interests.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707796196671.png" alt="Sen. Jerry Moran became emotional as he talked about the drudgery of the Senate and spending time away from his family to get little done. “But every so often there are issues that come before us that seem to be the ones that explain why we are here,” he said, his voice cracking. Moran conceded that the cost of the package was heavy for him, but pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the U.S. would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Jerry Moran became emotional as he talked about the drudgery of the Senate and spending time away from his family to get little done. “But every so often there are issues that come before us that seem to be the ones that explain why we are here,” he said, his voice cracking. Moran conceded that the cost of the package was heavy for him, but pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the U.S. would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate early Tuesday passed a $95.3 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-military-aid-ukraine-israel-gaza-0b9c866308cc4c8c13c3f54494371f0b">aid package</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, pushing ahead after months of difficult negotiations and amid growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad.The vote came after a small group of Republicans opposed to the $60 billion for Ukraine held the Senate floor through the night, using the final hours of debate to argue that the U.S. should focus on its own problems before sending more money overseas. But more than a dozen Republicans voted with almost all Democrats to pass the package 70-29, with supporters arguing that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-ukraine-israel-trump-aid-biden-13d5461154e2755510d7149a5af9b97a">threaten national security across the globe</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Washington is disconnected from real America. Instead of securing our own border the Senate decided to send another $60 plus billion to secure Ukraine’s. I voted NO. <a href="https://t.co/VwzkJI1225">pic.twitter.com/VwzkJI1225</a>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1757360623237607826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;I believe in America First, but unfortunately America First means we have to engage in the world.&quot;-Senator Moran (R-KS) from the Senate floor in support of the $95B foreign aid to Israel, Ukraine &amp; Taiwan bill. <a href="https://t.co/ID6c1qL7MP">pic.twitter.com/ID6c1qL7MP</a>&mdash; Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigCaplan/status/1757175089731170755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“It’s been years, perhaps decades, since the Senate has passed a bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but also the security of western democracy,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked closely with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the legislation.The bill’s passage through the Senate was a welcome sign for Ukraine amid critical&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-money-congress-weapons-dd5076b30bf8fab5c914a1222186e7f0">shortages on the battlefield</a>. The final vote gained 22 Republicans including Kansas Senator Jerry Moran supporting its passage, while two Democrats, Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Peter Welch of Vermont, as well as Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent, voted against it. Progressive lawmakers have objected to sending offensive weaponry to Israel.The other Republicans voting for the bill included Senators Boozman Capito, Cassidy, Collins, Cornyn, Cramer, Crapo, Ernst, Grassley, Hoeven, Kennedy, McConnell, Murkowski, Risch, Romney, Rounds, Sullivan, Thune, Tillis, Wicker, and Young.&nbsp;Yet the package faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump — the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine — oppose the legislation.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on Senate’s failure to address the most critical aspect of national security supplemental legislation: <a href="https://t.co/ENjJ0WzKsK">pic.twitter.com/ENjJ0WzKsK</a>&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1757210505570087039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Speaker Mike Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-6970b539025d2de5ade9e3aff165c54f">cast new doubt</a>&nbsp;on the package in a statement Monday evening, making clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to President Joe Biden's desk — if at all.Still, the vote was a win for both Senate leaders. Schumer noted the strong bipartisan support and projected that if the House speaker brings it forward it would have the same strong support in that chamber. McConnell has made Ukraine his top priority in recent months, and was resolute in the face of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-ukraine-republicans-senate-c5217d686c85837d2b9708aa197843f9">considerable pushback</a>&nbsp;from his own GOP conference.Speaking directly to his detractors in a floor speech on Sunday, McConnell said that “the eyes of the world” were on the U.S. Senate.“Will we give those who wish us harm more reason to question our resolve, or will we recommit to exercising American strength?” McConnell asked.Dollars provided by the legislation would purchase U.S.-made defense equipment, including munitions and air defense systems that authorities say are desperately needed as Russia batters the country. It also includes $8 billion for the government in Kyiv and other assistance.In addition, the legislation would provide $14 billion for Israel’s war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.2 billion in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">humanitarian assistance for Gaza</a>.The bill’s passage followed almost five months of torturous negotiations over an expansive bill that would have paired the foreign aid with an overhaul of border and asylum policies. Republicans demanded the trade-off, saying the surge of migration into the United States had to be addressed alongside the security of allies.But a bipartisan deal on border security struck by Republican Sen. James Lankford fell apart just days after its unveiling, a head-spinning development that left negotiators deeply frustrated. Republicans declared the bill insufficient and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">blocked it</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.After the border bill collapsed, the two leaders abandoned the border provisions and pushed forward with passing the foreign aid package alone — as Democrats had originally intended.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707792235922.png" alt="Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., arrives as the Senate prepares a procedural vote on an emergency spending package that would provide military aid to Ukraine and Israel, replenish U.S. weapons systems and provide food, water and other humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., arrives as the Senate prepares a procedural vote on an emergency spending package that would provide military aid to Ukraine and Israel, replenish U.S. weapons systems and provide food, water and other humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</figcaption>
 </figure>While the slimmed-down foreign aid bill eventually won enough Republican support to pass, several GOP senators who had previously expressed support for Ukraine voted against it. The episode further exposed divisions in the party, made more public as Trump dug in and a handful of lawmakers openly called for McConnell to step down.Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., became emotional as he talked about the drudgery of the Senate and spending time away from his family to get little done. “But every so often there are issues that come before us that seem to be the ones that explain why we are here,” he said, his voice cracking.Moran conceded that the cost of the package was heavy for him, but pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the U.S. would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict — a commitment that Trump has called into question as he seeks another term in the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Democrats&#39; border ‘efforts’ were only ever a charade to find an avenue for more Ukraine funding. It&#39;s never been about helping Israel or addressing the historic border crisis- it&#39;s always been about finding a vessel for more Ukraine funding. <a href="https://t.co/21PH5Qerdf">pic.twitter.com/21PH5Qerdf</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1757190709445042555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sen. J.D. Vance, an Ohio Republican, argued that the U.S. should step back from the conflict and help broker an end to it with Russia's Putin. He questioned the wisdom of continuing to fuel Ukraine’s defense when Putin appears committed to fighting for years.“I think it deals with the reality that we’re living in, which is they’re a more powerful country, and it’s their region of the world,” he said.Vance, along with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and other opponents, spent several hours on the floor railing against the aid and complaining about Senate process. They dug in their heels to delay a final vote, speaking on the floor until daybreak.Supporters of the aid pushed back, warning that bowing to Russia would be a historic mistake with devastating consequences. In an unusually raw back-and-forth, GOP senators who support the aid challenged some of the opponents directly on the floor.North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis angrily rebutted some of their arguments, noting that the money would only help Ukraine for less than a year and that much of it would go to replenishing U.S. military stocks.“Why am I so focused on this vote?” Tillis said. “Because I don’t want to be on the pages of history that we will regret if we walk away. You will see the alliance that is supporting Ukraine crumble. You will ultimately see China become emboldened. And I am not going to be on that page of history.”At a rally Saturday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nato-foreign-aid-russia-2b8054a9fe185eec34c2c541cece655d">said that he had once told</a>&nbsp;a NATO ally he would encourage Russia “to do whatever the hell they want” to members that are “delinquent” in their financial and military commitments to the alliance. The former president has&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/pronto/20e902788e8701999ce0424f73d478cc">led his party away</a>&nbsp;from the foreign policy doctrines of aggressive American involvement overseas and toward an “America First” isolationism.Evoking the slogan, Moran said, “I believe in America first, but unfortunately America first means we have to engage in the world.”While the vast majority of House Republicans have opposed the aid and are unlikely to cross Trump, a handful of GOP lawmakers have signaled they will push to get it passed.House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, traveled to Ukraine last week with a bipartisan delegation and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Turner posted on X, formerly Twitter, after the trip that “I reiterated America’s commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.”But Speaker Johnson is in a tough position. A majority of his conference opposes the aid, and he is trying to lead the narrowest of majorities and avoid the fate of his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted in October.Johnson, R-La., said in a statement Monday that because the foreign aid package lacks border security provisions, it is “silent on the most pressing issue facing our country.” It was the latest — and potentially most consequential — sign of opposition to the Ukraine aid from House GOP leadership, who had rejected the bipartisan border plan as a “non-starter,” contributing to its rapid demise.“Now, in the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters,” Johnson said. “America deserves better than the Senate’s status quo.”Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Virginia Democrat, traveled to Kyiv last week with Turner and other House members. She said the trip underscored to her how Ukraine is still in a fight for its very existence.As the group traveled through Kyiv in armored vehicles, she said, they witnessed signs of an active war, from sandbagged shelters to burned-out cars and memorials to those killed. During the meeting with Zelenskyy, she said the U.S. lawmakers tried to offer assurances that the American people still stand with his country.“He was clear that our continued support is critical to their ability to win the war,” Spanberger said. “It’s critical to their own freedom. And importantly, it’s critical to U.S. national security interests.”

Moran's emotional plea helps Senate pass $95B aid package for Ukraine, Israel

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that left two men dead.

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

First responders were directed to two&nbsp; shooting victims, on the ground south of the intersection, unresponsive. Officers summoned EMS to the scene, they transported one man to the hospital for treatment who later died.&nbsp; The other man later identified as 32-year-old Deion S. Lewis&nbsp; was declared deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

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

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

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that left two men dead.Just after&nbsp;2.m. Monday, police officers were called to 39th and Woodland in Kansas City on a sound of shots call. While officers were on the way the call was upgraded to a shooting call with two people shot, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.First responders were directed to two&nbsp; shooting victims, on the ground south of the intersection, unresponsive. Officers summoned EMS to the scene, they transported one man to the hospital for treatment who later died.&nbsp; The other man later identified as 32-year-old Deion S. Lewis&nbsp; was declared deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Investigation indicates there was a number of people at the location in regard to a non-injury accident when an argument ensued. That argument escalated and shots were fired and the two victims were struck.Detectives were talking with people who were at the scene when officers arrived, and canvassing for witnesses. Crime scene investigators&nbsp; processed the scene for evidence. The connection between the non-injury accident and the shooting is not known, but is under investigation at this time, according to Becchina.

2 now dead after gunfight following non-injury KC crash

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kan. inmate jailed for child sex crime allegations has died

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Click below to watch the Taylor Swift discussion)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Car crash shuts down recreation center at Emporia State

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

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

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

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

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

Homicide: Police ID Kansas City woman found dead on sidewalk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details on Chiefs Kingdom Champions Parade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎥RFK Jr. apologizes for Super Bowl ad invoking JFK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HUTCHINSON— The Kansas State Fair announced Monday that the chart-topping and Grammy-nominated group, Goo Goo Dolls, is set to perform at the 2024 Fair, according to a media release.

The&nbsp;concert&nbsp;is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., promising an unforgettable evening of music.

Formed by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac in Buffalo, NY in 1986, Goo Goo Dolls have become a staple in the American songbook, connecting with millions of fans over three-plus decades.

With over 15 million records sold worldwide, four Grammy Award nominations, and an impressive collection of platinum and gold singles, the group has left an indelible mark on popular music.

Their discography includes iconic albums such as "A Boy Named Goo," which achieved double-platinum status, and "Dizzy Up The Girl," certified five-times-platinum. Today, their music continues to reach new audiences around the world and rack up platinum &amp; gold statuses – including the recently platinum-certified “Slide”, “Black Balloon” and “Better Days” – and has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers.

Among a string of hits, “Iris” clutched #1 on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and would be named “#1 Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years.” On the heels of going viral on TikTok, the track recently achieved seven-times-platinum status and re-entered the Billboard charts, yet again proving the timelessness of Goo Goo Dolls’ illustrious catalog.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 16 at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com</a>. Anyone signed up for Kansas State Fair emails can get access to tickets with a presale code, starting 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 15. Sign up for emails at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>.

The show will be Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

New in 2024 – Expanded Seating Area:​

The Kansas State Fair is pleased to unveil an improvement to the Grandstand seating that promises to enhance the overall event experience for attendees. This year, the stage will be repositioned to create space for an extended party pit in the lower track area. This expansion not only boosts overall capacity but also provides more&nbsp;concert&nbsp;enthusiasts the chance to enjoy the excitement up close.​

Ticket Options:​Reserved seating in the Grandstand is $45 and $30. ​

There are several options for an upgraded Grandstand experience:

Track Party PitGet up close to the stage! The Track Party Pit area gives&nbsp;concertgoers the opportunity to be on the floor, located right in front of the stage. Each ticket is $75.​

VIP Deck – Standing​Want the ultimate VIP treatment? This ticket package includes access to the VIP Deck area, two beverage coupons, complimentary appetizers and finger foods within the VIP Deck, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each VIP Standing ticket is $100.​

VIP Deck – Reserved TableGet all your friends together with the VIP experience! Reserve a table on our VIP Deck to enjoy the show from a private table that seats six. In addition to a reserved table for six, this package provides two beverage coupons per person, complimentary appetizers and finger foods&nbsp;within the VIP Deck area prior to the show, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each VIP Reserved Table is $750.​

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707753944440.jpeg" alt="Goo Goo Dolls-Courtesy Kansas State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Goo Goo Dolls-Courtesy Kansas State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON— The Kansas State Fair announced Monday that the chart-topping and Grammy-nominated group, Goo Goo Dolls, is set to perform at the 2024 Fair, according to a media release.The&nbsp;concert&nbsp;is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., promising an unforgettable evening of music.Formed by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac in Buffalo, NY in 1986, Goo Goo Dolls have become a staple in the American songbook, connecting with millions of fans over three-plus decades.With over 15 million records sold worldwide, four Grammy Award nominations, and an impressive collection of platinum and gold singles, the group has left an indelible mark on popular music.Their discography includes iconic albums such as "A Boy Named Goo," which achieved double-platinum status, and "Dizzy Up The Girl," certified five-times-platinum. Today, their music continues to reach new audiences around the world and rack up platinum &amp; gold statuses – including the recently platinum-certified “Slide”, “Black Balloon” and “Better Days” – and has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers.Among a string of hits, “Iris” clutched #1 on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and would be named “#1 Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years.” On the heels of going viral on TikTok, the track recently achieved seven-times-platinum status and re-entered the Billboard charts, yet again proving the timelessness of Goo Goo Dolls’ illustrious catalog.Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 16 at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com</a>. Anyone signed up for Kansas State Fair emails can get access to tickets with a presale code, starting 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 15. Sign up for emails at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>.The show will be Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.New in 2024 – Expanded Seating Area:​The Kansas State Fair is pleased to unveil an improvement to the Grandstand seating that promises to enhance the overall event experience for attendees. This year, the stage will be repositioned to create space for an extended party pit in the lower track area. This expansion not only boosts overall capacity but also provides more&nbsp;concert&nbsp;enthusiasts the chance to enjoy the excitement up close.​Ticket Options:​Reserved seating in the Grandstand is $45 and $30. ​There are several options for an upgraded Grandstand experience:Track Party PitGet up close to the stage! The Track Party Pit area gives&nbsp;concertgoers the opportunity to be on the floor, located right in front of the stage. Each ticket is $75.​VIP Deck – Standing​Want the ultimate VIP treatment? This ticket package includes access to the VIP Deck area, two beverage coupons, complimentary appetizers and finger foods within the VIP Deck, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each VIP Standing ticket is $100.​VIP Deck – Reserved TableGet all your friends together with the VIP experience! Reserve a table on our VIP Deck to enjoy the show from a private table that seats six. In addition to a reserved table for six, this package provides two beverage coupons per person, complimentary appetizers and finger foods&nbsp;within the VIP Deck area prior to the show, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each VIP Reserved Table is $750.​NOTE: Each grandstand ticket includes a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of event only.&nbsp;To purchase tickets or for more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;the Ticket Office (620) 669-3618. &nbsp;The Nex-Tech Grandstand is sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless and Nex-Tech. ​