KANSAS CITY– Christopher L. Curtner, 41, was charged with bank robbery in a federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. on May 28, according to the United State's Attorney.

The complaint affidavit alleges Curtner robbed a financial institution on the morning of May 27, 2025.&nbsp; After speaking briefly with the bank teller, Curtner wrote a note saying: “give me the money this is a robbery.”&nbsp; The teller activated the bank’s duress code and provided Curtner with approximately $1,400 in cash, after which he fled the scene.

A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) task force positively identified Curtner as the bank robber.&nbsp; Kansas City, Missouri Police Department (KCPD) officers located Curtner, who was on foot in the Kansas City metro area. The KCPD fugitive unit began physical surveillance on Curtner and took him into custody as he entered a second financial institution.

Under federal statutes, bank robbery carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment in federal prison without parole.&nbsp; The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Siegele. It was investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, Kansas City Division and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748630212736.png" alt="Curtner photo from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Curtner photo from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– Christopher L. Curtner, 41, was charged with bank robbery in a federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. on May 28, according to the United State's Attorney.The complaint affidavit alleges Curtner robbed a financial institution on the morning of May 27, 2025.&nbsp; After speaking briefly with the bank teller, Curtner wrote a note saying: “give me the money this is a robbery.”&nbsp; The teller activated the bank’s duress code and provided Curtner with approximately $1,400 in cash, after which he fled the scene.A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) task force positively identified Curtner as the bank robber.&nbsp; Kansas City, Missouri Police Department (KCPD) officers located Curtner, who was on foot in the Kansas City metro area. The KCPD fugitive unit began physical surveillance on Curtner and took him into custody as he entered a second financial institution.Under federal statutes, bank robbery carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment in federal prison without parole.&nbsp; The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Siegele. It was investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, Kansas City Division and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

 Affidavit: Kansas City man took $1,400 in bank robbery

KANSAS CITY, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Monday morning in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

Around 2:45 a.m., officers from Kansas City, Kansas Police responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic incident. After meeting with the woman who called, they went to a storage unit at 235 N. 78th&nbsp;St., to interview the suspect, later identified as Timothy Cella, 41, of Kansas City, Kansas.

Preliminary information indicates when officers arrived, they attempted to establish contact with Cella, who they could view through a large window in the exterior storage unit. During negotiations, officers gave commands for him to come out, but Cella did not comply and made verbal threats to officers. Then officers believed Cella pointed a firearm at them. Additional officers responded to the scene.

At around 3:45 a.m., officers again observed Cella raising what was believed to be a firearm at officers. Six officers fired, striking Cella multiple times. EMS responded and transported him to an area hospital. Cella is currently in critical, but stable condition.

A butane torch was located at the scene and is believed to be the object Cella pointed at officers.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Kansas.

Overnight,&nbsp; police responded to a domestic disturbance at a home in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.&nbsp; Officer were involved with a shooting&nbsp;with an adult, male suspect. 

The suspect was transported to an area hospital.&nbsp; He was in stable condition. No officers were injured. 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will conduct the investigation. Check the&nbsp; Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748894726866.png" alt="Cella photo from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Cella photo from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Monday morning in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.Around 2:45 a.m., officers from Kansas City, Kansas Police responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic incident. After meeting with the woman who called, they went to a storage unit at 235 N. 78th&nbsp;St., to interview the suspect, later identified as Timothy Cella, 41, of Kansas City, Kansas.Preliminary information indicates when officers arrived, they attempted to establish contact with Cella, who they could view through a large window in the exterior storage unit. During negotiations, officers gave commands for him to come out, but Cella did not comply and made verbal threats to officers. Then officers believed Cella pointed a firearm at them. Additional officers responded to the scene.At around 3:45 a.m., officers again observed Cella raising what was believed to be a firearm at officers. Six officers fired, striking Cella multiple times. EMS responded and transported him to an area hospital. Cella is currently in critical, but stable condition.A butane torch was located at the scene and is believed to be the object Cella pointed at officers.--------------KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Kansas.Overnight,&nbsp; police responded to a domestic disturbance at a home in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.&nbsp; Officer were involved with a shooting&nbsp;with an adult, male suspect. The suspect was transported to an area hospital.&nbsp; He was in stable condition. No officers were injured. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will conduct the investigation. Check the&nbsp; Post for additional details as they become available.

Police ID suspect wounded in Kansas officer-involved shooting

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly, in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce, announced&nbsp;Friday a new web page for federal workers seeking employment in Kansas. The landing page provides an overview of the state's current job opportunities, quick links to programs that aid eligible Kansas employees, access to the State of Kansas job portal, and other helpful tools for jobseekers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flovekansas.com%2Ffederalworkers%2F/1/0101019722ad0e2c-0983de1b-40a2-463a-8bb6-e5811c13914a-000000/IPB1iZg6vVnWWF9MV1K94_hcDKeGjFbekXxQAL8yeoY=407">Click here</a>&nbsp;to view the new web page

“As many federal employees find themselves in need of new opportunities, I’m excited to launch a web page that showcases all the great career opportunities Kansas has to offer,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“With highly rated schools, low cost of living, and a competitive housing market, our state is ready to welcome new employees and their families with open arms.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The web page specifically highlights the Rural Opportunity Zone program, which offers Student Loan Repayment Assistance and/or 100% State Income Tax Credit for 95 counties across the state.

“Kansas is an incredible place,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland.&nbsp;“Since 2019, we’ve been enhancing our communities through quality-of-life perks and elevating our economy by ushering in new and innovative business opportunities — all with the purpose of welcoming folks from across the country to live the good life here in Kansas. If you’re a displaced federal worker — or just someone seeking new horizons — look no further than the Sunflower State.”

The web page can be found on the&nbsp;Love, Kansas&nbsp;site.&nbsp;Love, Kansas&nbsp;is the state’s talent recruitment campaign that highlights why Kansas is an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. This marketing initiative, which was approved with bipartisan support of the Kansas Legislature, has a special emphasis on “boomerangs,” or individuals with previous ties to Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748719773344.png" alt="Image from the new website" />
 <figcaption>Image from the new website</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly, in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce, announced&nbsp;Friday a new web page for federal workers seeking employment in Kansas. The landing page provides an overview of the state's current job opportunities, quick links to programs that aid eligible Kansas employees, access to the State of Kansas job portal, and other helpful tools for jobseekers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flovekansas.com%2Ffederalworkers%2F/1/0101019722ad0e2c-0983de1b-40a2-463a-8bb6-e5811c13914a-000000/IPB1iZg6vVnWWF9MV1K94_hcDKeGjFbekXxQAL8yeoY=407">Click here</a>&nbsp;to view the new web page“As many federal employees find themselves in need of new opportunities, I’m excited to launch a web page that showcases all the great career opportunities Kansas has to offer,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“With highly rated schools, low cost of living, and a competitive housing market, our state is ready to welcome new employees and their families with open arms.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The web page specifically highlights the Rural Opportunity Zone program, which offers Student Loan Repayment Assistance and/or 100% State Income Tax Credit for 95 counties across the state.“Kansas is an incredible place,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland.&nbsp;“Since 2019, we’ve been enhancing our communities through quality-of-life perks and elevating our economy by ushering in new and innovative business opportunities — all with the purpose of welcoming folks from across the country to live the good life here in Kansas. If you’re a displaced federal worker — or just someone seeking new horizons — look no further than the Sunflower State.”The web page can be found on the&nbsp;Love, Kansas&nbsp;site.&nbsp;Love, Kansas&nbsp;is the state’s talent recruitment campaign that highlights why Kansas is an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. This marketing initiative, which was approved with bipartisan support of the Kansas Legislature, has a special emphasis on “boomerangs,” or individuals with previous ties to Kansas.

New website for federal employees seeking jobs in Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has issued a blue alert in Kansas on behalf of Missouri, after a Lee’s Summit officer was shot and critically injured Sunday night.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) issued the blue alert Monday morning trying to locate a suspect wanted in related to the shooting. The alert was later extended into Kansas.

Authorities are looking for Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27. Tolbert is a black male, around 240 pounds, and is 6 foot 2 inches tall with brown eyes and black hair. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing a black top with a hood, and black shorts.

He is armed with a handgun and considered dangerous.

Around 11 p.m, Sunday, June 1, law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance at 3560 SW Hollywood Drive in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. After a short foot pursuit between Tolbert and officers, Tolbert shot a Lee’s Summit police officer, seriously injuring him.

Tolbert left the scene in a vehicle that has since been recovered in Grandview, Missouri, but Tolbert remains on the loose.

A wireless emergency alert was issued in several Kansas City metro counties on the Kansas side.

Anyone who sees Tolbert should immediately call 911. Any other information about his whereabouts should be reported at 1-800-KS-CRIME.

JACKSON COUNTY—A police officer was injured in a shooting while investigating a domestic disturbance and the search for the suspect identified as 27-year-old Thomas Tolbert continues.

Just after 11:00 p.m. Sunday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 3500 block of SW Hollywood Drive in Lee's Summit on the report of a domestic disturbance, according to a media release from police.

 As the first officer arrived on scene in the apartment complex; and while waiting for his assisting officer, the officer observed a male subject running from the scene. 

 The officer chased the suspect on foot and quickly advised via the radio that shots had been fired.  No shots were fired by the officer. The officer was struck multiple times. 

 Investigators are working with area law enforcement partners to track Tolbert.

There is no perceived danger in the area of the original crime scene. Multiple witnesses gave a statement that the suspect fled the area in a vehicle.  The officer was transported to an area trauma center with serious injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748871261194.png" alt="Police near the scene of the shooting investigation KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the shooting investigation KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has issued a blue alert in Kansas on behalf of Missouri, after a Lee’s Summit officer was shot and critically injured Sunday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748872142987.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) issued the blue alert Monday morning trying to locate a suspect wanted in related to the shooting. The alert was later extended into Kansas.Authorities are looking for Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27. Tolbert is a black male, around 240 pounds, and is 6 foot 2 inches tall with brown eyes and black hair. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing a black top with a hood, and black shorts.He is armed with a handgun and considered dangerous.Around 11 p.m, Sunday, June 1, law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance at 3560 SW Hollywood Drive in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. After a short foot pursuit between Tolbert and officers, Tolbert shot a Lee’s Summit police officer, seriously injuring him.Tolbert left the scene in a vehicle that has since been recovered in Grandview, Missouri, but Tolbert remains on the loose.A wireless emergency alert was issued in several Kansas City metro counties on the Kansas side.Anyone who sees Tolbert should immediately call 911. Any other information about his whereabouts should be reported at 1-800-KS-CRIME.------------JACKSON COUNTY—A police officer was injured in a shooting while investigating a domestic disturbance and the search for the suspect identified as 27-year-old Thomas Tolbert continues.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748872142987.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11:00 p.m. Sunday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 3500 block of SW Hollywood Drive in Lee's Summit on the report of a domestic disturbance, according to a media release from police. As the first officer arrived on scene in the apartment complex; and while waiting for his assisting officer, the officer observed a male subject running from the scene. The officer chased the suspect on foot and quickly advised via the radio that shots had been fired. No shots were fired by the officer. The officer was struck multiple times. Investigators are working with area law enforcement partners to track Tolbert.There is no perceived danger in the area of the original crime scene. Multiple witnesses gave a statement that the suspect fled the area in a vehicle. The officer was transported to an area trauma center with serious injuries.

KBI extends alert for suspect after KC area officer shot multiple times

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.&nbsp; Just after 1p.m. Friday police arrested 22-year-old Brendon Delarosa of Bronx, New York on a Riley County District Court warrant on requested charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

This warrant stems from a report filed in September 2019 for rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Delarosa is being held on a $200,000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.&nbsp; Just after 1p.m. Friday police arrested 22-year-old Brendon Delarosa of Bronx, New York on a Riley County District Court warrant on requested charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.This warrant stems from a report filed in September 2019 for rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Delarosa is being held on a $200,000 bond.

Police: Suspect jailed for sex crime case from 2019

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/blaisemesa/">Blaise Mesa</a>&nbsp;

As Missouri lawmakers prepare to debate a counter offer to keep the teams, economists say Kansas’ proposal may not be financially feasible

Kansas is the only state or local government to pass a plan to fund a Kansas City Chiefs or Royals stadium project.

Dysfunction in the Missouri General Assembly might also mean the Show Me State has nothing to offer. A last-minute plan by Gov. Mike Kehoe to&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/05/01/missouri-legislature-stalls-bill-state-stadium-funding/" target="_blank">help finance stadium projects for the Royals and Chiefs</a>&nbsp;derailed in the state Senate.

Missouri lawmakers return Monday for a special session to, among other things, pass a stadium proposal. But as it stands now, Kansas is in the driver’s seat to get, in theory, both the Royals and Chiefs. Notably, an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2025-05-29/kansas-city-royals-stadium-aspiria-overland-park" target="_blank">affiliate of the Royals recently purchased a mortgage</a>&nbsp;in Overland Park secured by the Aspiria campus, which is at 119th Street and Nall Avenue.

But economists say Kansas can’t afford both teams.

“You are not going to generate enough net revenue to cover one of the facilities, let alone two,” said Geoffrey Propheter, an associate professor of public finance at the University of Colorado Denver.

Propheter did say there’s a way Kansas could afford both stadiums, but that requires “cannibalizing activity from other businesses.”

A majority of Kansas lawmakers disagree, and say getting the Chiefs or Royals is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But whether STAR bonds can support one or two teams depends on who you ask.

<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/" target="_blank">STAR bonds</a>, or sales and tax revenue bonds, are bonds that are paid by taxes generated in a bond district — hence the name. In a stadium proposal, taxes collected from bars, restaurants or any other businesses in the bond district would pay back the debt. Typically, STAR bonds are paid off in 20 years.

“(Kansans are) not going to pay a dime unless they visit the district,” Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/06/18/kansas-star-bonds-chiefs-royals/" target="_blank">said last year</a>.

That’s the logic behind the state’s proposal. Lawmakers last year approved a plan that would authorize Kansas to finance up to 70% of stadium costs with the bonds.

Supporters say the Chiefs and Royals would spark an economic boom that will bring new dollars into Kansas. All that economic activity would literally and figuratively pay off in the long run.

Almost 80% of STAR bonds projects are on track to be paid off early, the Kansas Department of Commerce said in 2024. STAR bonds have been used to finance other sports stadiums like the Kansas Speedway and Sporting Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Park.

But STAR bonds have never been used for projects of this magnitude. A Chiefs or Royals stadium would be by far the largest project in the program’s history. And previous STAR bonds have only funded at most 50% of construction costs, not 70%.

The Kansas Speedway’s original bond was $24.3 million for a stadium that opened in 2001. That’s equivalent to about a $47 million bond when adjusted for inflation. Children’s Mercy Park received a $150 million bond before its 2011 opening.

Those figures would only cover a small fraction of the construction for a new Chiefs or Royals stadium. New stadiums for the Texas Rangers, Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers opened in 2020. They had $1.2 billion, $1.9 billion and $5.5 billion price tags, respectively.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2022/b2021_22/committees/ctte_h_cmrce_lbr_1/documents/testimony/20220118_01.pdf" target="_blank">2021 audit</a>&nbsp;from the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit found questionable returns from some STAR bonds. Notably, the Prairiefire project in Overland Park defaulted on its STAR bonds last year. Topeka Heartland Park and the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, also failed to pay back their bonds. And Strataca, the Hutchinson salt museum, is only projected to break even in 43 to 118 years.

Propheter, the University of Colorado Denver associate professor, knows a lot about stadium funding plans. He said they don’t always work as advertised.

He said risk is unavoidable with these types of projects and they never start off profitably. It takes years to build the stadium and the surrounding district. That’s years of debt not being paid back.

Propheter said most of the money generated from the stadiums won’t be new to the metropolitan area. The Royals aren’t going to bring in tens of thousands of out-of-town fans for a Tuesday night game. But they will bring out tens of thousands of people who would already be spending money locally. These fans are spending money at the stadium instead of at a movie theater, bowling alley, restaurant or other local business.

Kansas wants projects financed by STAR bonds to attract 30% of their visitors from 100 miles away and 20% from outside Kansas. The 2021 audit of STAR bonds found that only three of 16 projects — the Hutchinson salt museum, Topeka Heartland Park and Kansas Speedway — met both goals.

A Chiefs or Royals stadium would likely draw a fair share of out-of-state visitors because the teams have been based in Missouri for so long. But Propheter isn’t convinced the economic activity will be worth it.

“A lot more people would travel to Kansas,” he said. “Would it be enough to generate the money needed to pay the debt? No.”

Nathaniel Birkhead, associate professor of political science at Kansas State University, also is wary of sales and other tax dollars being used to pay off bonds.

He said STAR bonds have struggled to pay off up to 50% of project costs before. Now, these bonds could pay up to 70% of one or more billion-dollar projects. That’s concerning to Birkhead.

“There’s some logic behind the STAR bonds,” he said. “However, I still fundamentally think it’s dishonest to say that something will pay for itself.”

Birkhead said the Chiefs, for example, are guaranteed no more than nine regular season games. The teams also could host concerts or other events to keep their stadiums busy, but there is no guarantee that happens.

He wonders how busy the STAR bond district will look when a game is not being played that day.

Then there’s uncertain economic projections. Ongoing concern about inflation and uncertainty around federal tariffs could make construction more expensive. A possible recession also would prevent people from spending money on sports events.

Brian Mayes, a lead political strategist who also worked on the Vote Yes! Keep the Rangers campaign in Texas, said there was a point in his life where he might have agreed that stadium debt is hard to pay off. But Mayes, who has worked on the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers stadium funding, said new stadium development is just different. There’s just so much economic development around these stadiums, he said.

Mayes said Rangers and Cowboys games always keep the businesses around the stadiums busy. But so too do the concerts, conventions and other stadium offerings. The Cowboys offer tours of the locker rooms, and people show up.

That’s not to mention mega events like hosting a Super Bowl.

Mayes remembers when the Cowboys left Irving, Texas, for the new stadium in Arlington. The old site of the Cowboys stadium still sits undeveloped. Meanwhile, Arlington now has a booming tourism district that is helping pay off other government projects.

“(We said) put the Cowboys to work for Arlington,” he said. “It was the economic generator, and the additional tax revenue that was made by the Cowboys helped the city pay for roads and parks and police.”

Scott Sayers is a senior technical architect with Gensler Kansas City. Gensler has worked on dozens of sports projects, including the Rams Village in Los Angeles, Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., and M&amp;T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Sayers said more people want to spend time before or after the game hanging around. Maybe they are talking about what they just saw or wanting to enhance the pregame experience.

Sayers doesn’t have specific opinions on STAR bonds and whether Kansas can afford one or two teams. But he does know that the Chiefs or Royals can create a prosperous stadium district if they work toward it — whether that would be in downtown Kansas City or suburban Kansas.

The state already did that when it created The Legends next to the Kansas Speedway and Children’s Mercy Park. Sayers said that area used to be an empty field before becoming a bustling, dense shopping and entertainment district.

The teams can build thriving entertainment districts when they treat the stadium and its surrounding areas as one cohesive community, he said.

“People have expectations,” Sayers said. “No longer are the days where 7:05, the event starts. I get dropped off at 6:40 … I want to start those experiences at 5 o’clock, at 4:30.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/05/30/economists-say-that-kansas-star-bond-stadium-plan-is-flawed/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748716070795.png" alt=" GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, are pictured on Feb. 8 (Anna Spoerre/The Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, are pictured on Feb. 8 (Anna Spoerre/The Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/blaisemesa/">Blaise Mesa</a>&nbsp;<h2>As Missouri lawmakers prepare to debate a counter offer to keep the teams, economists say Kansas’ proposal may not be financially feasible</h2>Kansas is the only state or local government to pass a plan to fund a Kansas City Chiefs or Royals stadium project.Dysfunction in the Missouri General Assembly might also mean the Show Me State has nothing to offer. A last-minute plan by Gov. Mike Kehoe to&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/05/01/missouri-legislature-stalls-bill-state-stadium-funding/" target="_blank">help finance stadium projects for the Royals and Chiefs</a>&nbsp;derailed in the state Senate.Missouri lawmakers return Monday for a special session to, among other things, pass a stadium proposal. But as it stands now, Kansas is in the driver’s seat to get, in theory, both the Royals and Chiefs. Notably, an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2025-05-29/kansas-city-royals-stadium-aspiria-overland-park" target="_blank">affiliate of the Royals recently purchased a mortgage</a>&nbsp;in Overland Park secured by the Aspiria campus, which is at 119th Street and Nall Avenue.But economists say Kansas can’t afford both teams.“You are not going to generate enough net revenue to cover one of the facilities, let alone two,” said Geoffrey Propheter, an associate professor of public finance at the University of Colorado Denver.Propheter did say there’s a way Kansas could afford both stadiums, but that requires “cannibalizing activity from other businesses.”A majority of Kansas lawmakers disagree, and say getting the Chiefs or Royals is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But whether STAR bonds can support one or two teams depends on who you ask.<h2>The Kansas STAR bonds proposal</h2><a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/" target="_blank">STAR bonds</a>, or sales and tax revenue bonds, are bonds that are paid by taxes generated in a bond district — hence the name. In a stadium proposal, taxes collected from bars, restaurants or any other businesses in the bond district would pay back the debt. Typically, STAR bonds are paid off in 20 years.“(Kansans are) not going to pay a dime unless they visit the district,” Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/06/18/kansas-star-bonds-chiefs-royals/" target="_blank">said last year</a>.That’s the logic behind the state’s proposal. Lawmakers last year approved a plan that would authorize Kansas to finance up to 70% of stadium costs with the bonds.Supporters say the Chiefs and Royals would spark an economic boom that will bring new dollars into Kansas. All that economic activity would literally and figuratively pay off in the long run.Almost 80% of STAR bonds projects are on track to be paid off early, the Kansas Department of Commerce said in 2024. STAR bonds have been used to finance other sports stadiums like the Kansas Speedway and Sporting Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy Park.But STAR bonds have never been used for projects of this magnitude. A Chiefs or Royals stadium would be by far the largest project in the program’s history. And previous STAR bonds have only funded at most 50% of construction costs, not 70%.The Kansas Speedway’s original bond was $24.3 million for a stadium that opened in 2001. That’s equivalent to about a $47 million bond when adjusted for inflation. Children’s Mercy Park received a $150 million bond before its 2011 opening.Those figures would only cover a small fraction of the construction for a new Chiefs or Royals stadium. New stadiums for the Texas Rangers, Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers opened in 2020. They had $1.2 billion, $1.9 billion and $5.5 billion price tags, respectively.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2022/b2021_22/committees/ctte_h_cmrce_lbr_1/documents/testimony/20220118_01.pdf" target="_blank">2021 audit</a>&nbsp;from the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit found questionable returns from some STAR bonds. Notably, the Prairiefire project in Overland Park defaulted on its STAR bonds last year. Topeka Heartland Park and the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, also failed to pay back their bonds. And Strataca, the Hutchinson salt museum, is only projected to break even in 43 to 118 years.<h2>Economists concerns</h2>Propheter, the University of Colorado Denver associate professor, knows a lot about stadium funding plans. He said they don’t always work as advertised.He said risk is unavoidable with these types of projects and they never start off profitably. It takes years to build the stadium and the surrounding district. That’s years of debt not being paid back.Propheter said most of the money generated from the stadiums won’t be new to the metropolitan area. The Royals aren’t going to bring in tens of thousands of out-of-town fans for a Tuesday night game. But they will bring out tens of thousands of people who would already be spending money locally. These fans are spending money at the stadium instead of at a movie theater, bowling alley, restaurant or other local business.Kansas wants projects financed by STAR bonds to attract 30% of their visitors from 100 miles away and 20% from outside Kansas. The 2021 audit of STAR bonds found that only three of 16 projects — the Hutchinson salt museum, Topeka Heartland Park and Kansas Speedway — met both goals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748716358227.png" alt="A screenshot of the 2021 analysis of STAR bonds by the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit. Three projects met the tourism goals set out by the state. (Source: Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit)" />
 <figcaption>A screenshot of the 2021 analysis of STAR bonds by the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit. Three projects met the tourism goals set out by the state. (Source: Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit)</figcaption>
 </figure>A Chiefs or Royals stadium would likely draw a fair share of out-of-state visitors because the teams have been based in Missouri for so long. But Propheter isn’t convinced the economic activity will be worth it.“A lot more people would travel to Kansas,” he said. “Would it be enough to generate the money needed to pay the debt? No.”Nathaniel Birkhead, associate professor of political science at Kansas State University, also is wary of sales and other tax dollars being used to pay off bonds.He said STAR bonds have struggled to pay off up to 50% of project costs before. Now, these bonds could pay up to 70% of one or more billion-dollar projects. That’s concerning to Birkhead.“There’s some logic behind the STAR bonds,” he said. “However, I still fundamentally think it’s dishonest to say that something will pay for itself.”Birkhead said the Chiefs, for example, are guaranteed no more than nine regular season games. The teams also could host concerts or other events to keep their stadiums busy, but there is no guarantee that happens.He wonders how busy the STAR bond district will look when a game is not being played that day.Then there’s uncertain economic projections. Ongoing concern about inflation and uncertainty around federal tariffs could make construction more expensive. A possible recession also would prevent people from spending money on sports events.<h2>Building a stadium district</h2>Brian Mayes, a lead political strategist who also worked on the Vote Yes! Keep the Rangers campaign in Texas, said there was a point in his life where he might have agreed that stadium debt is hard to pay off. But Mayes, who has worked on the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers stadium funding, said new stadium development is just different. There’s just so much economic development around these stadiums, he said.Mayes said Rangers and Cowboys games always keep the businesses around the stadiums busy. But so too do the concerts, conventions and other stadium offerings. The Cowboys offer tours of the locker rooms, and people show up.That’s not to mention mega events like hosting a Super Bowl.Mayes remembers when the Cowboys left Irving, Texas, for the new stadium in Arlington. The old site of the Cowboys stadium still sits undeveloped. Meanwhile, Arlington now has a booming tourism district that is helping pay off other government projects.“(We said) put the Cowboys to work for Arlington,” he said. “It was the economic generator, and the additional tax revenue that was made by the Cowboys helped the city pay for roads and parks and police.”Scott Sayers is a senior technical architect with Gensler Kansas City. Gensler has worked on dozens of sports projects, including the Rams Village in Los Angeles, Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., and M&amp;T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.Sayers said more people want to spend time before or after the game hanging around. Maybe they are talking about what they just saw or wanting to enhance the pregame experience.Sayers doesn’t have specific opinions on STAR bonds and whether Kansas can afford one or two teams. But he does know that the Chiefs or Royals can create a prosperous stadium district if they work toward it — whether that would be in downtown Kansas City or suburban Kansas.The state already did that when it created The Legends next to the Kansas Speedway and Children’s Mercy Park. Sayers said that area used to be an empty field before becoming a bustling, dense shopping and entertainment district.The teams can build thriving entertainment districts when they treat the stadium and its surrounding areas as one cohesive community, he said.“People have expectations,” Sayers said. “No longer are the days where 7:05, the event starts. I get dropped off at 6:40 … I want to start those experiences at 5 o’clock, at 4:30.”This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/05/30/economists-say-that-kansas-star-bond-stadium-plan-is-flawed/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

Experts question whether Kansas can afford its plan to lure Royals, Chiefs from Missouri

NEW CENTURY, Kansas. –&nbsp;Kansas Department of Corrections resident Anthony Mansfield was placed on escape status at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday after not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JCDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) or reporting to his job, according to a media release from the KDOC.

Mansfield, a 36-year old white male, is considered dangerous. He was reported missing when the resident could not be located at the minimum-security unit. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of the medium-maximum secure compound.

Mansfield is 5-feet, 8-inches tall, and weighs 185 pounds with an average build. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a&nbsp;white t-shirt with black designs, long black sleeve undershirt, brown boots, brown baseball hat and stonewashed jeans .

Mansfield was convicted in Johnson County for eight-months of incarceration for criminal damage to property convictions. He is serving that sentence at the JCDOC-ARC from which he walked away. Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who have release plans that are appropriate to Johnson County are housed at the ARC.

Anyone with information on Mansfield can call EAI at 816-266-2102, JCDOC at 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748524255503.png" alt="Mansfield photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Mansfield photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW CENTURY, Kansas. –&nbsp;Kansas Department of Corrections resident Anthony Mansfield was placed on escape status at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday after not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JCDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) or reporting to his job, according to a media release from the KDOC.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745669722214.jpeg" alt="Mansfield Image from an earlier arrest in Missouri" />
 <figcaption>Mansfield Image from an earlier arrest in Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>Mansfield, a 36-year old white male, is considered dangerous. He was reported missing when the resident could not be located at the minimum-security unit. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of the medium-maximum secure compound.Mansfield is 5-feet, 8-inches tall, and weighs 185 pounds with an average build. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a&nbsp;white t-shirt with black designs, long black sleeve undershirt, brown boots, brown baseball hat and stonewashed jeans .Mansfield was convicted in Johnson County for eight-months of incarceration for criminal damage to property convictions. He is serving that sentence at the JCDOC-ARC from which he walked away. Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who have release plans that are appropriate to Johnson County are housed at the ARC.Anyone with information on Mansfield can call EAI at 816-266-2102, JCDOC at 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.

Dangerous Kansas inmate still missing from work release facility

KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a late-night apartment in Kansas City.

Just after 9p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported apartment fire in the 11500 block of Holmes, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 Crews reported smoke and fire showing from a two-story apartment on arrival. Searches of the structure came back all clear. One occupant was transported for evaluation for non-fire related issues. 

One firefighter was treated on scene for heat related issues. Eight to ten units were damaged. Red Cross has been ordered along with dangerous buildings.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748858504801.png" alt="Photo KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a late-night apartment in Kansas City.Just after 9p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported apartment fire in the 11500 block of Holmes, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. Crews reported smoke and fire showing from a two-story apartment on arrival. Searches of the structure came back all clear. One occupant was transported for evaluation for non-fire related issues. One firefighter was treated on scene for heat related issues. Eight to ten units were damaged. Red Cross has been ordered along with dangerous buildings.&nbsp;

Ten units damaged in fire at Kansas City apartment complex

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on multiple allegations after a wild chase in southeast Kansas.

Just before 6a.m. Saturday, sheriff's&nbsp;deputies were conducting traffic control near the<a href="https://www.unboundgravel.com/"> Unbound Gravel bike race</a>&nbsp;near Emporia, according to a media release

A Chevy Silverado, driven by Kaitlynn Mundell, 32 of Emporia allegedly disobeyed traffic control and drove through the intersection at Road J and Road 240 without slowing down. 

A deputy attempted to stop the vehicle which&nbsp; fled eastbound. Deputies pursued the vehicle to Road 250 and Road S when it turned back westbound and ran a stop sign.

That's when the pursuit stopped. As deputies began positioning to prevent the vehicle from entering the bike race route, Mundell turned the truck around and traveled back east where the truck passed three deputies and failed to stop. Mundell then turned south on Highway 99 towards Emporia.

Due to the number of pedestrians and bicycles in Emporia at the time, a decision was made to use measures to disable the truck.

In the 2200 block of N. Highway 99, a deputy was able to get in front of the truck in an attempt to slow it down. The truck attempted to pass the deputy in a ditch, but when the truck came out of the ditch, it struck the deputy’s vehicle causing it to slide into the ditch and roll over. The vehicle ended upright after rolling out.

Mundell continued driving towards Emporia. Lyon County deputies and Emporia Police continued to look for the truck and did find it just before 6:30 a.m. at 8th Ave. and Merchant Street. Two patrol vehicles blocked the truck in.

Mundell and Preston Ashburn, 42 or Emporia, who was a passenger in the vehicle, refused to exit the vehicle. They were removed by police and taken into custody.

Mundell and Ashburn were booked into the Lyon County Detention Center. Mundell on requested charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, possession of a controlled substance and multiple traffic charges. Ashburn faces charges of obstruct of legal process and possession of a controlled substance.

The deputy involved in the rollover was treated at a&nbsp; hospital for minor injuries and was released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748743354395.png" alt="Ashburn photo Lyon Co." />
 <figcaption>Ashburn photo Lyon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on multiple allegations after a wild chase in southeast Kansas.Just before 6a.m. Saturday, sheriff's&nbsp;deputies were conducting traffic control near the<a href="https://www.unboundgravel.com/"> Unbound Gravel bike race</a>&nbsp;near Emporia, according to a media releaseA Chevy Silverado, driven by Kaitlynn Mundell, 32 of Emporia allegedly disobeyed traffic control and drove through the intersection at Road J and Road 240 without slowing down. A deputy attempted to stop the vehicle which&nbsp; fled eastbound. Deputies pursued the vehicle to Road 250 and Road S when it turned back westbound and ran a stop sign.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748742547739.png" alt="Mundell photo Lyon Co." />
 <figcaption>Mundell photo Lyon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>That's when the pursuit stopped. As deputies began positioning to prevent the vehicle from entering the bike race route, Mundell turned the truck around and traveled back east where the truck passed three deputies and failed to stop. Mundell then turned south on Highway 99 towards Emporia.Due to the number of pedestrians and bicycles in Emporia at the time, a decision was made to use measures to disable the truck.In the 2200 block of N. Highway 99, a deputy was able to get in front of the truck in an attempt to slow it down. The truck attempted to pass the deputy in a ditch, but when the truck came out of the ditch, it struck the deputy’s vehicle causing it to slide into the ditch and roll over. The vehicle ended upright after rolling out.Mundell continued driving towards Emporia. Lyon County deputies and Emporia Police continued to look for the truck and did find it just before 6:30 a.m. at 8th Ave. and Merchant Street. Two patrol vehicles blocked the truck in.Mundell and Preston Ashburn, 42 or Emporia, who was a passenger in the vehicle, refused to exit the vehicle. They were removed by police and taken into custody.Mundell and Ashburn were booked into the Lyon County Detention Center. Mundell on requested charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, possession of a controlled substance and multiple traffic charges. Ashburn faces charges of obstruct of legal process and possession of a controlled substance.The deputy involved in the rollover was treated at a&nbsp; hospital for minor injuries and was released.

Kan. deputy injured, suspects jailed after pursuit near bike race 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase in a reported stolen vehicle.

Just after 5 p.m. May 30, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conducted a traffic stop on a stolen red 2017 Ford Escape near SE 10th Avenue and SE Monroe Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The driver, later identified as 44-year-old Bryan K. Carter of Topeka, refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. The vehicle pursuit ended in the 500 block of SE Lafayette Street and the occupants ran from the SUV.

K-9 units assisted and two individuals were taken into custody nearby. Carter was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of stolen property, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant;&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body;&nbsp;Operating a vehicle without a valid license,&nbsp;Interference with law enforcement, speeding and reckless driving&nbsp;

Rochelle E-M Mott, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into jail on requested charges that include Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748811733168.png" alt="Carter photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Carter photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase in a reported stolen vehicle.Just after 5 p.m. May 30, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conducted a traffic stop on a stolen red 2017 Ford Escape near SE 10th Avenue and SE Monroe Street in Topeka, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748811515267.png" alt="Mott photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mott photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, later identified as 44-year-old Bryan K. Carter of Topeka, refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. The vehicle pursuit ended in the 500 block of SE Lafayette Street and the occupants ran from the SUV.K-9 units assisted and two individuals were taken into custody nearby. Carter was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of stolen property, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant;&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body;&nbsp;Operating a vehicle without a valid license,&nbsp;Interference with law enforcement, speeding and reckless driving&nbsp;Rochelle E-M Mott, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into jail on requested charges that include Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and interference with law enforcement.

Kan. sheriff's K9 helped make arrest of 2 who ran from stolen SUV

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 9p.m. Friday,&nbsp; patrol officers were dispatched to a reported shooting at 82nd Terrace and Troost, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

While in route officers received numerous calls about sounds of shots in the area. They also received an additional call that there was a victim in the 8200 block of Tracy. As officers arrived they located an adult male victim in the street. He was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and officers immediately began performing life saving measures.

 KCFD EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

This is being investigated as a homicide and there is no one in custody at this point. Preliminary information indicated there was an altercation between several individuals in the street that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just before 9p.m. Friday,&nbsp; patrol officers were dispatched to a reported shooting at 82nd Terrace and Troost, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.While in route officers received numerous calls about sounds of shots in the area. They also received an additional call that there was a victim in the 8200 block of Tracy. As officers arrived they located an adult male victim in the street. He was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and officers immediately began performing life saving measures. KCFD EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.This is being investigated as a homicide and there is no one in custody at this point. Preliminary information indicated there was an altercation between several individuals in the street that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim.

KCPD: After multiple reports of gunfire, victim found in the street

GLADSTONE, Mo. —Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly explosion at a single-family home in the 100 Block of NE 74th Terrace in the Kansas City suburb of Gladstone.&nbsp; Investigators found one unidentified body at the scene.

Just after 11a.m. Saturday, crews from city of Gladstone and the Kansas City Fire Department responded to the property where the home was completely destroyed, according to&nbsp;Gladstone Battalion Chief Mike Desaultels.&nbsp;

As a precaution, adjacent homes were evacuated. Crews found the body of one victim. No other injuries were reported.&nbsp; The area was secured and reported to be safe.

The Kansas City Fire Dept. assisted Gladstone with 4 pumper companies, 2 truck companies, HazMat, and a Drone, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748720548341.png" alt="View near the scene of the home explosion-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>View near the scene of the home explosion-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>GLADSTONE, Mo. —Authorities are investigating the cause of a deadly explosion at a single-family home in the 100 Block of NE 74th Terrace in the Kansas City suburb of Gladstone.&nbsp; Investigators found one unidentified body at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748777741182.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11a.m. Saturday, crews from city of Gladstone and the Kansas City Fire Department responded to the property where the home was completely destroyed, according to&nbsp;Gladstone Battalion Chief Mike Desaultels.&nbsp;As a precaution, adjacent homes were evacuated. Crews found the body of one victim. No other injuries were reported.&nbsp; The area was secured and reported to be safe.The Kansas City Fire Dept. assisted Gladstone with 4 pumper companies, 2 truck companies, HazMat, and a Drone, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

Cause of fatal home explosion under investigation in KC suburb 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas House Democrats opened their “fight back” tour Thursday night in the capital city, drawing more than 220 people to sit through rain showers and talk about the importance of strengthening their party’s voice in upcoming elections.

“There’s a lot to lose, so we have a lot to fight for,” said Carla Gardner, of Lawrence, as she waited in line to get into the event. “It’s sad that in 2025 we feel we have to fight back. But a lot of, well, women, potentially, could lose, the LGBTQ+ community, health care, veterans — there are just so many groups, people of color, just all the marginalized groups, that stand to lose a lot more. We have to fight back.”

Linda Manley and Sarah Ruiz, both of Topeka, said they attended the rally because they feel the need to get involved more at the local level after watching national news.

Why did they come listen to Democrats in the rain?

“The chaos in the world and trying to find out what we can do,” Ruiz said.

“Loss of our Constitution, loss of our courts, checks and balances — I know it needs to start locally,” Manley added.

Their words were echoed by many of the House Democrats in attendance, as well as Gov. Laura Kelly, who spoke briefly at the event.

“This was exactly the right response to what happened in November of 2024, in this last legislative session,” she said. “We need to be out there now and forever, leading up to the August 2026 primary when, in addition to electing candidates, we also have to make sure that we defeat that amendment to elect our Supreme Court justices.”

Kelly referred to a proposed constitutional amendment that would put Kansas Supreme Court justices on the ballot, instead of the governor appointing one of three finalists selected by a nonpartisan review panel.

“I don’t know about you, but I have no interest in being like Wisconsin on this where there are millions and millions of dollars coming into that state to sway the one group that is supposed to be impartial and not motivated by political leanings,” the governor said.

Kelly encouraged everyone in attendance to “learn to speak Republican” and talk to people throughout the state.

“Talk about the issues that matter to people, and talk about electing a person, not a party,” she said.

Rep. Susan Ruiz, before the event started, emphasized that same message. The Shawnee Democrat said anyone paying attention to what happened in the Legislature during the recent session should be concerned.

A more collaborative relationship is needed in the Statehouse to push forward things Kansans care about, she said.

“I want to see more Democrats running and winning so that we can have a fighting chance,” she said, referring to the Republicans’ supermajority. “But it would be nice to see some moderate Republicans also win because we can band together. There’s a lot of things that we can do together that would be good for the majority of the people in the state, and not the Koch brothers of the world.”

Rep. Kirk Haskins, a Topeka Democrat, said before speaking at the event that the fight back tour, which will go to at least 11 more stops throughout the state, is important to get messaging out for the Democrats.

“There’s a lot of Kansans that have had their opinion not heard,” he said. “For example, 80% of Kansans want us to see some sort of expansion of Medicaid, but yet it doesn’t come up. We also feel like it’s time for the House Democrats to lead the opportunity for them to be heard, and so we’re traveling across with an agenda purpose to share what’s happening, but also to learn, not just from Democrats, but from all Kansans.”

Haskins said he’s been concerned about how business is being conducted at the Statehouse, and also what is happening at the federal level. Important items are buried in details, for instance.&nbsp;

“We saw this during the past session many times over,” he said. “Property tax relief started off as something they campaigned on, but then when it came out, they’re making sure that luxury jets get property tax relief.”

Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas GOP, said the House Democrats are not on a “fight back” tour.

“This is the out-of-touch tour,” he said by email. “Do the legislators not know that people are tired of larger government? Do they not understand that people like lower taxes, secure borders and parental rights?”

The gathering drew former elected officials like Joan Wagnon, who served in the House and as Topeka mayor, along with 13 current representatives and senators, Kansas Board of Education members, Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla and others.

After Kelly spoke, a panel made up of House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, of Lenexa, and Topeka Reps. Alexis Simmons, John Alcala, and Haskins answered questions from the audience.

Those questions focused primarily on what actions people could take to make a difference, as well as concerns about Medicaid cuts and mental health services.

The panel encouraged people to contact their legislators, to go to their offices and be heard.&nbsp;

“I’m on my soapbox. Settle in,” Simmons said, drawing laughs. “Y’all know how many races in the state of Kansas, in the state Legislature, are won or lost by only double digits? It’s crazy. There are so many. We just lost a state senator in Leavenworth — he lost by 31 votes.”

Simmons encouraged people to talk to everyone and tell them to vote all the way down the ballot.

“Do not vote only for president. Don’t vote only for Congress. Vote all the way down,” she said.

The next fight back tour events will be in Wichita on June 5 and Newton on June 6. Details are on the House Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshousedems" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748697749008.jpeg" alt="Linda Manley, left, and Sarah Ruiz attended the House Democrats “fight back” rally Thursday in Topeka. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Linda Manley, left, and Sarah Ruiz attended the House Democrats “fight back” rally Thursday in Topeka. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas House Democrats opened their “fight back” tour Thursday night in the capital city, drawing more than 220 people to sit through rain showers and talk about the importance of strengthening their party’s voice in upcoming elections.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔥🦬Topeka showed up!!! A fired-up crowd of hundreds gathered in Topeka last night to help us launch the Fight Back Tour! The Fight Back Tour heads next to Wichita and Newton on June 5 and 6. 🔥 RSVP for your spot at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fightbacktour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fightbacktour</a> in our bio <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kansas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kansas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/3jSTNkC36p">pic.twitter.com/3jSTNkC36p</a>&mdash; Kansas House Democrats (@KSHouseDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSHouseDems/status/1928555944931176957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“There’s a lot to lose, so we have a lot to fight for,” said Carla Gardner, of Lawrence, as she waited in line to get into the event. “It’s sad that in 2025 we feel we have to fight back. But a lot of, well, women, potentially, could lose, the LGBTQ+ community, health care, veterans — there are just so many groups, people of color, just all the marginalized groups, that stand to lose a lot more. We have to fight back.”Linda Manley and Sarah Ruiz, both of Topeka, said they attended the rally because they feel the need to get involved more at the local level after watching national news.Why did they come listen to Democrats in the rain?“The chaos in the world and trying to find out what we can do,” Ruiz said.“Loss of our Constitution, loss of our courts, checks and balances — I know it needs to start locally,” Manley added.Their words were echoed by many of the House Democrats in attendance, as well as Gov. Laura Kelly, who spoke briefly at the event.“This was exactly the right response to what happened in November of 2024, in this last legislative session,” she said. “We need to be out there now and forever, leading up to the August 2026 primary when, in addition to electing candidates, we also have to make sure that we defeat that amendment to elect our Supreme Court justices.”Kelly referred to a proposed constitutional amendment that would put Kansas Supreme Court justices on the ballot, instead of the governor appointing one of three finalists selected by a nonpartisan review panel.“I don’t know about you, but I have no interest in being like Wisconsin on this where there are millions and millions of dollars coming into that state to sway the one group that is supposed to be impartial and not motivated by political leanings,” the governor said.Kelly encouraged everyone in attendance to “learn to speak Republican” and talk to people throughout the state.“Talk about the issues that matter to people, and talk about electing a person, not a party,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748697709558.png" alt="Representatives (from left) John Alcala, Alexis Simmons, Kirk Haskins and Brandon Woodard took part in a panel in Topeka Thursday to kick off the House Democrats “fight back” tour. The panel was moderated by Jacquie Lightcap. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Representatives (from left) John Alcala, Alexis Simmons, Kirk Haskins and Brandon Woodard took part in a panel in Topeka Thursday to kick off the House Democrats “fight back” tour. The panel was moderated by Jacquie Lightcap. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rep. Susan Ruiz, before the event started, emphasized that same message. The Shawnee Democrat said anyone paying attention to what happened in the Legislature during the recent session should be concerned.A more collaborative relationship is needed in the Statehouse to push forward things Kansans care about, she said.“I want to see more Democrats running and winning so that we can have a fighting chance,” she said, referring to the Republicans’ supermajority. “But it would be nice to see some moderate Republicans also win because we can band together. There’s a lot of things that we can do together that would be good for the majority of the people in the state, and not the Koch brothers of the world.”Rep. Kirk Haskins, a Topeka Democrat, said before speaking at the event that the fight back tour, which will go to at least 11 more stops throughout the state, is important to get messaging out for the Democrats.“There’s a lot of Kansans that have had their opinion not heard,” he said. “For example, 80% of Kansans want us to see some sort of expansion of Medicaid, but yet it doesn’t come up. We also feel like it’s time for the House Democrats to lead the opportunity for them to be heard, and so we’re traveling across with an agenda purpose to share what’s happening, but also to learn, not just from Democrats, but from all Kansans.”Haskins said he’s been concerned about how business is being conducted at the Statehouse, and also what is happening at the federal level. Important items are buried in details, for instance.&nbsp;“We saw this during the past session many times over,” he said. “Property tax relief started off as something they campaigned on, but then when it came out, they’re making sure that luxury jets get property tax relief.”Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas GOP, said the House Democrats are not on a “fight back” tour.“This is the out-of-touch tour,” he said by email. “Do the legislators not know that people are tired of larger government? Do they not understand that people like lower taxes, secure borders and parental rights?”The gathering drew former elected officials like Joan Wagnon, who served in the House and as Topeka mayor, along with 13 current representatives and senators, Kansas Board of Education members, Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla and others.After Kelly spoke, a panel made up of House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, of Lenexa, and Topeka Reps. Alexis Simmons, John Alcala, and Haskins answered questions from the audience.Those questions focused primarily on what actions people could take to make a difference, as well as concerns about Medicaid cuts and mental health services.The panel encouraged people to contact their legislators, to go to their offices and be heard.&nbsp;“I’m on my soapbox. Settle in,” Simmons said, drawing laughs. “Y’all know how many races in the state of Kansas, in the state Legislature, are won or lost by only double digits? It’s crazy. There are so many. We just lost a state senator in Leavenworth — he lost by 31 votes.”Simmons encouraged people to talk to everyone and tell them to vote all the way down the ballot.“Do not vote only for president. Don’t vote only for Congress. Vote all the way down,” she said.The next fight back tour events will be in Wichita on June 5 and Newton on June 6. Details are on the House Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshousedems" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;

Kansas House Democrats hit the road to ‘fight back’ against GOP supermajority

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo.—One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Saturday in Jackson County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Harley Davidson Street Glide driven by a 66-year-old Kingsville man was southbound on Route F just south of Colbern Road in Lee's Summit. The motorcycle traveled off the road, became airborne, struck a ditch and overturned.&nbsp; 

The driver was pronounced deceased at Lee's Summit Medical Center. EMS transported a 54-year-old female passenger to Centerpointe Medical. They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo.—One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Saturday in Jackson County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Harley Davidson Street Glide driven by a 66-year-old Kingsville man was southbound on Route F just south of Colbern Road in Lee's Summit. The motorcycle traveled off the road, became airborne, struck a ditch and overturned.&nbsp; The driver was pronounced deceased at Lee's Summit Medical Center. EMS transported a 54-year-old female passenger to Centerpointe Medical. They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man dies from injuries in motorcycle accident

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after caught in an alleged stolen vehicle.

Just after 7p.m. May 28, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a Ford pickup that was being stolen from private property located at 142nd&nbsp;and T. Road in southeastern Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle and three male subjects on 142nd&nbsp;between U.4 and V. Roads.&nbsp; All three men were arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Philip D. Lister, 61, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, and possession of methamphetamine.

Michael Ray Youngs, 52, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony theft of property, criminal damage to property and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.

Thomas Wesley Denny, 41, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony possession of stolen property and criminal damage to property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748458727934.png" alt="Denny photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Denny photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after caught in an alleged stolen vehicle.Just after 7p.m. May 28, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a Ford pickup that was being stolen from private property located at 142nd&nbsp;and T. Road in southeastern Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle and three male subjects on 142nd&nbsp;between U.4 and V. Roads.&nbsp; All three men were arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748458673294.png" alt="Lister photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Lister photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Philip D. Lister, 61, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, and possession of methamphetamine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748458836186.png" alt="Youngs photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Youngs photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Ray Youngs, 52, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony theft of property, criminal damage to property and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.Thomas Wesley Denny, 41, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony possession of stolen property and criminal damage to property.

Sheriff: Suspects caught in pickup stolen from rural Kansas home

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces felony charges in connection with a fatal shooting that took place near Westport on May 23.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2628/Ponder-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Marquis Ponder</a>, 30,&nbsp; faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2629/Ponder-Marquis-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard and located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound in a vehicle. He was transferred to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

Based on surveillance footage, Ponder and the victim and exchanged words while inside a nearby business. The victim exited and Ponder followed behind him. The two appeared to continue exchanging words and then the victim turned around and walked away from the Ponder.&nbsp; Ponder then reached his hand into his pant pocket, retrieved a firearm, and then fired at the victim. The victim ran to his parked vehicle and attempted to drive away.&nbsp;

The defendant is being held on a $200,000 cash bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748052715240.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces felony charges in connection with a fatal shooting that took place near Westport on May 23.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2628/Ponder-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Marquis Ponder</a>, 30,&nbsp; faces 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748446156709.png" alt="Ponder photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ponder photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2629/Ponder-Marquis-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard and located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound in a vehicle. He was transferred to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.&nbsp;Based on surveillance footage, Ponder and the victim and exchanged words while inside a nearby business. The victim exited and Ponder followed behind him. The two appeared to continue exchanging words and then the victim turned around and walked away from the Ponder.&nbsp; Ponder then reached his hand into his pant pocket, retrieved a firearm, and then fired at the victim. The victim ran to his parked vehicle and attempted to drive away.&nbsp;The defendant is being held on a $200,000 cash bond.&nbsp;

KCPD: Man shot victim who drove away and was involved in a crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Two women died from injuries in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Shawnee County..

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Anya Joann&nbsp;Turner, 22, Topeka, was eastbound on U.S. 24 just east of Goodyear Road.

The SUV traveled off the roadway to the right and the drier overcorrected to the left, crossed all eastbound lanes, traveled through the median into the westbound lanes and collided with a 2020 Kia Forte driven by Andria Nikkole&nbsp; Starr, 32, Topeka.

Turner was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. EMS transported Starr to Stormont Vail where she was pronounced deceased just before 8p.m. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748653892847.png" alt="First responders at the scene Friday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene Friday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Two women died from injuries in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Shawnee County..The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Anya Joann&nbsp;Turner, 22, Topeka, was eastbound on U.S. 24 just east of Goodyear Road.The SUV traveled off the roadway to the right and the drier overcorrected to the left, crossed all eastbound lanes, traveled through the median into the westbound lanes and collided with a 2020 Kia Forte driven by Andria Nikkole&nbsp; Starr, 32, Topeka.Turner was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. EMS transported Starr to Stormont Vail where she was pronounced deceased just before 8p.m. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Two Kansas women dead after SUV, car crash

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a> <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

PARKERSBURG — At a sometimes raucous town hall meeting Friday morning, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst faced vocal opposition to her support for spending cuts to programs such as Medicaid and SNAP.

Like many other Republican lawmakers holding events with constituents throughout the country, Ernst faced a crowd at the Aplington-Parkersburg High School who were upset with decisions made by President Donald Trump and the GOP-controlled Congress — particularly as they relate to funding for health care and food assistance programs included in the “big, beautiful” budget reconciliation bill that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-republicans-push-through-massive-tax-and-spending-bill-slashing-medicaid" target="_blank">narrowly passed the U.S. House</a>&nbsp;earlier in May.

Though Ernst said the Senate would make changes to the measure and advance their own version of the legislation, she defended reductions in spending for Medicaid at the town hall, saying the changes will not impact people in need but will remove from the program “illegals that are receiving Medicaid benefits” and able-bodied adults who are not working.

“People will die,” a woman shouted at the stage as Ernst answered one of several questions about the cuts.

“People are not — well, we all are going to die, so for heaven’s sake,” Ernst said in a response that was met by further shouts and jeering from the crowd.

Ernst said she agrees with most of the provisions on Medicaid included in the House version of the budget reconciliation bill, saying that it was targeted at changes to the public health care program that “made it much easier to get onto Medicaid, but much tougher to take people off of Medicaid.” Ernst said many people on Medicaid currently are working full-time and have access to other benefits.

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a> <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>PARKERSBURG — At a sometimes raucous town hall meeting Friday morning, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst faced vocal opposition to her support for spending cuts to programs such as Medicaid and SNAP.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">During a town hall meeting, when discussing Medicaid benefits, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) responds to someone: &quot;Well, we all are going to die.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/HDj0w27vHJ">pic.twitter.com/HDj0w27vHJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1928477381359972502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Like many other Republican lawmakers holding events with constituents throughout the country, Ernst faced a crowd at the Aplington-Parkersburg High School who were upset with decisions made by President Donald Trump and the GOP-controlled Congress — particularly as they relate to funding for health care and food assistance programs included in the “big, beautiful” budget reconciliation bill that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-republicans-push-through-massive-tax-and-spending-bill-slashing-medicaid" target="_blank">narrowly passed the U.S. House</a>&nbsp;earlier in May.Though Ernst said the Senate would make changes to the measure and advance their own version of the legislation, she defended reductions in spending for Medicaid at the town hall, saying the changes will not impact people in need but will remove from the program “illegals that are receiving Medicaid benefits” and able-bodied adults who are not working.“People will die,” a woman shouted at the stage as Ernst answered one of several questions about the cuts.“People are not — well, we all are going to die, so for heaven’s sake,” Ernst said in a response that was met by further shouts and jeering from the crowd.Ernst said she agrees with most of the provisions on Medicaid included in the House version of the budget reconciliation bill, saying that it was targeted at changes to the public health care program that “made it much easier to get onto Medicaid, but much tougher to take people off of Medicaid.” Ernst said many people on Medicaid currently are working full-time and have access to other benefits.“What we have to do is make sure that those that are not eligible by the federal standard for Medicaid are not receiving Medicaid,” Ernst said. “What we do need to do is make sure that those that are part of a vulnerable population have access to Medicaid and receive those full benefits. So what we’re trying to do is strengthen Medicaid by directing the dollars to the people that actually meet the requirements of the program.”In its House form, the bill includes a $625 billion reduction in federal spending for Medicaid over 10 years, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. It also includes 80-hour-per-month work requirements for people between ages 19 and 65 to continue receiving Medicaid health coverage, with several exceptions for people with disabilities and complex medical conditions, pregnant people, tribal community members and parents of dependent children.Elizabeth Kehret, who works for Lutheran Services in Iowa, said she was troubled by the potential impact of Medicaid cuts for pregnant woman, saying that she was previously enrolled on Medicaid during her four pregnancies before the&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/04/03/postpartum-medicaid-extension-with-cut-in-eligibility-heads-to-governors-desk/">state revised eligibility for postpartum coverage</a>, changing it from families with incomes of 375% of the federal poverty line to those at 215% of the federal poverty line.Kehret said she was concerned the federal Medicaid spending cuts would cause similar cuts for care in states across the country, meaning pregnant people, who may also have private health coverage, will struggle to pay for the medical care required both before and after their child is born.“I heard you say earlier about people who work full time but still get Medicaid — yeah,” Kehret said. “I meet with dozens of women who have dual enrollment, where they have private insurance as well as Medicaid, and it helps cover the things that their private insurance doesn’t, or that high deductible. … Medicaid is extremely important to the smallest and most vulnerable population in Iowa.”Ernst said there were provisions to allow continued Medicaid coverage for pregnant people in the House bill.“Because you are part of that vulnerable population, we want to make sure that you have access to Medicaid,” Ernst said. “So you will hear examples of those like the able-bodied, 30-year-old man who is taking advantage of the program, not working. What we’re asking is that please engage in work activities, engage in volunteer activities, be enrolled in a training program, and then that makes you Medicaid eligible.”Similar concerns were brought up about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, that provides food assistance to low-income individuals. Under the House budget plan, some costs of SNAP would be moved to the states, in addition to adding other work requirements. Ernst said the House bill is correcting “overpayments” from states on SNAP, in addition to removing “people that have not been eligible for these programs by law as it is currently written” from public assistance.Several veterans also spoke at the event, criticizing Republicans and Elon Musk’s DOGE Service for cuts to veterans’ assistance programs and cuts to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In response, Ernst said, “We’re not cutting veterans benefits.”Several veterans have been outspoken about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/we-call-it-betrayal-veterans-join-dems-dc-protest-trumps-sweeping-va-job-cuts" target="_blank">changes made by DOGE</a>&nbsp;to the VA, including the cut of roughly 2,400 VA jobs in early March.Ernst has been a major supporter of DOGE and efforts to make government more “efficient,” saying Republicans and Musk are focused on removing areas of unnecessary spending and “streamlining” existing programs and services. Ernst highlighted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an entity that can be made more efficient through DOGE efforts in response to a question on federal support following natural disasters.“Department of Government Efficiency … the E is not about elimination, it is about efficiency,” Ernst said. “So how can we do better as a federal government to respond to the people on the ground?”