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Kansas Citians support relief as bipartisan bill would cap credit card interest rates at 10%

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Kansas Citians support relief as bipartisan bill would cap credit card interest rates at 10%


KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City shoppers continue to search for financial relief ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.

“The credit card is just second nature for me,” explained David Grace, a Chiefs fan purchasing team merchandise at Union Station. “Rewards points are the reason I decided to use the credit card.”

Will Shaw/KSHB

David Grace

Credit card debt in the United States reached $1.166 trillion, according to LendingTree. Forbes reports the average credit card interest rate is 28.6%.

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In a bipartisan effort, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) is teaming up with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), introducing a bill on Tuesday that would cap credit card interest rates at 10%.

Senator Josh Hawley

KSHB 41

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO)

“Americans have more credit card debt than ever before in history,” Hawley told KSHB 41. “People are putting groceries on their credit cards. They’re putting gas on their credit cards because they can’t afford that stuff.”

Senators Hawley and Sanders don’t typically see eye-to-eye on policy. The two find themselves working together to change how America’s banking system operates.

Bernie Sanders

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Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

“When large financial institutions charge over 25 percent interest on credit cards, they are not engaged in the business of making credit available. They are engaged in extortion and loan sharking,” Sanders said. “We cannot continue to allow big banks to make huge profits ripping off the American people. This legislation will provide working families struggling to pay their bills with desperately needed financial relief.”

In a recent Fox Business report, it highlighted Hawley introduced a bill in the last Congress that would cap credit card interest rates at 18%. The bill died in committee.

Congress

J. Scott Applewhite/AP

The Capitol is seen in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.

“Here’s what our bill would do, cap it. Cap it at 10%. All credit card interest rates are capped for five years at 10%. It gives working people a chance to catch up,” Hawley said. “It’s exactly what Donald Trump endorsed on the trail, and I think it would be an enormous and important source of relief.”

In the Trump campaign’s race for the White House, it promised to lower credit card interest rates to 10%. Senate Bill 381 would give him the opportunity to do that.

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Trump

Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

President Donald Trump in the Roosevelt Room at the White House.

“President Trump has promised to cap interest rates at 10% to provide temporary and immediate relief for hardworking Americans who are struggling to make ends meet and cannot afford hefty interest payments on top of the skyrocketing costs of mortgages, rent, groceries and gas,” the Trump campaign said in a September press release.

Kansas City shoppers find themselves searching for ways to combat high interest rates to stay ahead.

“Better rates would help,” James Vertreese told KSHB 41. “The rates are — they’re ridiculous. Since the Fed rates went up, it’s made a big difference in the making monthly payments.”

James Vertreese

Will Shaw/KSHB

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James Vertreese

KSHB 41 spoke with shoppers at Union Station celebrating the start of Super Bowl weekend.

Marilyn Simpson took her grandson shopping and to take pictures. She said she never watched her finances as closely until she retired.

“I am going to go back and start working like part-time,” Simpson said. “It’s concerning because there’s people that have less than I do. I’m not hurting financially, but when I go to get gas today and the grocery store, at those two places you can spend up to $100-$120.”

Marilyn Simpson

Will Shaw/KSHB

Marilyn Simpson

According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, in 2024, Kansas ranked #3 in the lowest average cost of living in the United States and Missouri ranked #6. Missourians say they’re yet to feel the relief.

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“We all hurtin’. We go to work. Everything is up but my paycheck,” Cecilia Pulce, another shopper said. “We all need a little bit of help from somewhere.”

Cecilia Pulce

Will Shaw/KSHB

Cecilia Pulce

Other shoppers KSHB 41 spoke with say a major contributor to increased credit card debt is a society built around the swipe and tap.

“So many places in our life have gone cashless,” Grace added. “You look at the stadiums, they’re cashless. You pretty much have to pay with a card.”

Grace said capping credit card interest rates to 10% could create an economic boom and encourage consumers to buy more.

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KC Chiefs Shoppers

Will Shaw/KSHB

Simpson shopping with her grandson at Union Station.

“Sometimes people have debt they don’t foresee, medical bills, car repairs, so a capped interest rate a low interest rate to protect them is a great idea,” Grace explained. “I think you would potentially see retail spending increase if people knew their interest rate was lower and it could fit into their budget.”

Senate Bill 381 was introduced on Tuesday and must pass both chambers of the House before it reaches the president’s desk.

KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. He also covers agricultural topics. Share your story idea with Ryan.

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Farmer receives support from community after Kansas wildfire destroys home

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Farmer receives support from community after Kansas wildfire destroys home


KISMET, Kan. (KWCH) – Last month, wildfires in southern Kansas raged, destroying farmer Randall Thorp’s property, tools and 960 acres of land.

As he handles the massive cleanup project, he knows he is not alone.

“It’s about the greatest show of love I’ve ever seen,” Thorpe said. “I didn’t realize that I would have all this support in my greatest time of need.”

The two main contributors to Thorp’s optimism are the community around him and his faith.

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“I’ve seen a lot of darkness that, because of my faith in Jesus, I can see the light in my heart,” Thorp said. “And that’s what keeps me going.”

Throughout the past few weeks, friends, family and neighbors have come to his property to help sort out and clean up the debris.

“I come out here and I’m by myself and I find it hard to do anything, but when a group of people all shows up and they’re wanting to work, then I’m ready to get to work with them, and they’re all ready to help me,” Thorp said.

Even with all the uncertainty following the fire, Thorp has been able to feed the 150 cattle he has, a number that is now growing since it is calving season. Friendly helpers are providing free hay for his animals to eat.

There’s a long way until things will be back to normal, but Thorp is determined to get there.

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“You know, I can see some light at the end of the tunnel, but I’ve got to stay strong and keep it going and make it through,” Thorp said.

The powerful show of dependability from fellow Kansans is something he will never forget.

“I’ve been shown lots of love,” Thorp said.

You can still donate to Thorp’s GoFundMe here.

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Kansas City International Airport reopens after ‘threat’ prompts FBI, cops to swarm terminal

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Kansas City International Airport reopens after ‘threat’ prompts FBI, cops to swarm terminal


Kansas City International Airport in Missouri was partly evacuated over a “threat” Sunday afternoon but has since resumed “normal operations,” officials said.

“The security incident at [Kansas City International Airport] is now clear and normal operations are resuming,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on X.

“I want to thank law enforcement including the FBI for their timely response. The safety of our passengers, airport staff, and crew members is always our number one priority.”

Airport representative Jackson Overstreet told The Associated Press in an email that the threat was reported at 11:50 a.m. local time, at which point an entire terminal was evacuated.

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He said planes that landed after the threat were being held on the taxiway until it could be fully investigated.

Passengers gather on the tarmac at Kansas City International Airport after being evacuated due to a “threat” on March 8, 2026. J McDonough via KCTV

Airport staff gathered on the tarmac in front of a terminal and jet bridge.
Roughly 2,000 people were ushered out of the terminal and onto the tarmac, a spokesperson said. Peter Everett via KCTV

FBI rep Dixon Land said the bureau was “aware of the incident” and worked with “law enforcement officials to determine the credibility of a threat.”

Passenger Logan Hawley, 29, told the outlet he was getting ready to board a flight to Texas when he saw police and K-9 units swarming the terminal.

“Suddenly there was an airport worker saying ‘immediately evacuate,’ people got up fast and rushed out of there,” Hawley said.

Roughly 2,000 people were ushered out of the terminal and onto the tarmac, he said.

Photos and video from the airport circulating online show large groups of passengers being led onto the tarmac or funneling out of the terminal.

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Kansas family stranded in Iran with critical medical need makes it home through congressional intervention

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Kansas family stranded in Iran with critical medical need makes it home through congressional intervention


SHAWNEE, Kan. – A Kansas family said a call to their congresswoman’s office helped bring their daughter and son-in-law home after they were stranded overseas with an unmet critical medical need.

Janet Fulgham said her daughter Laura and Laura’s husband Adam had been traveling in the UAE when an attack on Iran disrupted their plans to return home.

With their trip delayed and Laura facing a medical need that could not be met there, Fulgham said she contacted the office of Rep. Sharice Davids.

A Kansas family said a call to their congresswoman’s office helped bring their daughter and son-in-law home after they were stranded overseas with an unmet critical medical need.(Janet Fulgham)

Fulgham said Davids’ office worked with the State Department to flag the emergency and secure a flight for the couple.

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“The first thing that went through my mind was her medication. It is such a big part of her life. And then how do we get them out safely? How on earth do we get them out?” Fulgham said.

The couple was stranded in the UAE when conflict broke out in the Middle East last weekend.
The couple was stranded in the UAE when conflict broke out in the Middle East last weekend.(Janet Fulgham)

She said the experience prompted her to share a message with other families.

“Very often things are out of your control. But what I want everyone to know is, no matter what state you’re in, there are services to the American public that we may not know about,” Fulgham said.

The couple was stranded in the UAE when conflict broke out in the Middle East last weekend.
The couple was stranded in the UAE when conflict broke out in the Middle East last weekend.(Janet Fulgham)

Davids, who represents Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District, said the situation reflects the real-world impact of international crises.

“This is one of those areas where you really see how much we’re talking about real people. You know, Laura and Adam are real Kansans who are stuck in a situation that they did not ask to be in. I’m just so relieved and glad that they’re back home,” Davids said.

Fulgham said the relief of her daughter’s return is tempered by awareness of others still waiting.

“Happiness and my delight that they’re home. Mixed with my total exhaustion. But then there’s so many other parents and friends and family members who are waiting for their loved ones. It’s hard to really celebrate when you know there’s such a big need,” Fulgham said.

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Davids is expected to visit the family later this week. Her office said it is still working to help other Kansas families who remain stranded.



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