Kansas
Taylor Swift visits Kansas City children’s hospital on eve of her 35th birthday
Taylor Swift visited a children’s hospital in Kansas City, Mo., on the eve of her 35th birthday.
The “Karma” singer, 34, stopped by Children’s Mercy Kansas City on Thursday with her beau Travis Kelce and met with patients, staff and specially trained facility dogs during her visit.
A patient named Rylie took several photos with the global superstar, and his grandmother, Anita Belt, raved about his experience and said that Kelce, 35, was also visiting.
“Children’s Mercy Hospital does their best to nurse seriously ill children, comfort family, and bring a little joy when they can. Today did not disappoint!” she wrote in a public Facebook post.
“Thank you Taylor Swift for bringing some joy to Rylie today!!”
“Travis Kelce was in the building as well, but didn’t stop in his room. Great way to bring a smile and make a memory! ❤️.”
Page Six reached out to Kelce’s rep for confirmation of his visit.
Another patient, an 11-year-old Swiftie named Baylee, also met the singer after nearly a week in the hospital. Her mother, Melissa Nuzum, called it “the coolest, most unexpected surprise ever” on her Facebook page.
“We absolutely gained so much more love and respect [for] Taylor,” Nuzum exclusively told Page Six. “She was lovely and personable.”
In her Facebook post, she also revealed that Swift gave Baylee a signed copy of her “Eras Tour Book.”
Workers at the hospital were also in awe of the surprise visit. Pediatric oncology nurse Nkiru Chigbogwu took to her Instagram Story to share a photo of Swift smiling behind a group of professionals with two thumbs in the air.
“meeting Taylor Swift was NOT on my bingo card today,” she wrote over the snap.
The 14-time Grammy winner seemed to enjoy visiting a trained hospital dog named Jellybean while spending time at Children’s Mercy as well.
An Instagram account for Jellybean and her peers shared two images of Swift petting the 4-year-old golden retriever as she sat on a bed with her.
Swift wore a green button-up shirt with a matching pleated miniskirt with opaque black tights and knee-high Christian Louboutin boots.
Swift has certainly felt the giving spirit this holiday season — her hospital visit comes days after Page Six confirmed she gave her tour cast and crew about $197 million in bonuses between the May 2023 start and Dec. 8 conclusion of her record-breaking Eras Tour.
As for her birthday, it’s not clear how she plans to celebrate.
A source for Us Weekly claimed earlier this month that she is “excited” to ring in her new year of life.
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.
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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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