Kansas
Kansas City voters say yes to public safety sales tax renewal, new city jail
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, voters approved a 20-year extension to a public safety sales tax whose proceeds would have been used to build a new city jail.
60% percent of voters were in favor of the sales tax extension while 40% said no.
“You need accountability for those who offend, you need consequences,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “But you also need to have a source of funds that allows us to invest in greater mental health and in rehabilitation for our community. That’s exactly what the people of Kansas City has supported today. I’m so proud of Kansas City voters.
The sales tax revenue is expected to generate about $480 million over the next 20 years.
KSHB 41 reporter Isabella Ledonne found out the cost to build a new detention center could be from $150 million to $250 million.
Kansas City, Missouri, voters approve renewal of public safety sales tax
The new jail would be next to the Jackson County Adult Detention Center, which is being built just off Interstate 70 and US 40 Highway.
“We don’t have the capacity [right now], we’re sending folks to Vernon and Johnson County,” Kansas City Councilman Nathan Willett said. “This is going to bring people who commit crimes who need a bit of a timeout in a place but also connect them with resources. I think this is a good, holistic approach.”
Opponents of the tax argued that money should be going toward crime prevention measures and mental health resources. Leaders with Decarcerate KC explained they will continue to push for solutions.
“We’re still in the fight,” community organizer Pateisha Royal said. “We got to get back to the drawing board, we have to work on a better Kansas City for residents. We still have to be here and organize on what’s next.”
Councilman Johnathan Duncan was the only Kansas City council member who opposed the passage of the public safety sales tax. He explained he will ensure mental health resources are included in the new jail.
“I’m ready to propose an ordinance to capture some of that funding to ensure that there is a community resource center that will actually improve public safety that is outcomes and solutions based,” Councilman Duncan said. “If the jail is our new reality, then I will work in that reality to make it the best jail that we can possibly have.”
Kansas City, Mo., Councilman Crispin Rea said told Ledonne money from the sales tax would cover detention center building costs and still support safety resources. Operation costs would be covered through other city budget funding measures.
“There is more than enough revenue that will be raised to cover the construction of the facility and continue to do the important things that the police department has need of to address deficiencies with the 911 system,” Rea said.
Kansas City council has sent out a request for proposal for the design of the detention center. Councilmembers stated at Tuesday night’s watch party they expect construction to begin in late 2027.
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Kansas
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.
“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.
“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.
Copyright 2026 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com
Kansas
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.
He said planes that landed after the threat were being held on the taxiway until it could be fully investigated.
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.
With Post Wires
Kansas
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.
Fulgham said Davids’ office worked with the State Department to flag the emergency and secure a flight for the couple.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
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