Kansas

What is next for City Manager Brian Platt after suspension by Kansas City Mayor, Council

Published

10 months ago

March 7, 2025

What is next for City Manager Brian Platt after suspension by Kansas City Mayor, Council

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – On Thursday, Kansas City City Manager Brian Platt was suspended with pay by Mayor Quinton Lucas and the City Council. Questions now remain about Platt’s future in the City of Fountains.

Mayor Lucus and the 12-member City Council released a letter announcing Platt’s suspension. That letter came just one day after a jury ruled in favor of a former city employee who claimed in a whistleblower lawsuit that Platt had suggested the staff lie to the media.

The city must pay former communications director, Chris Hernandez, $700,000.

Whistleblower awarded $700K after forced out by City Manager

On Friday, Mayor Lucas told KCTV5 that “it certainly isn’t accidental” that Platt’s suspension came after the jury’s verdict.

“I have never been in a meeting where anyone has said or told someone to lie to the media, that is not something that we support,” said Lucas. He added, “I have not heard that from the City Manager, I have not heard that from others in the communications realm, I myself have never said that.”

Nevertheless, Lucas said, “This is a chance to see where we wish to go forward going into the future.”

During the trial, Lucas testified that he supported the removal of Hernandez from the City’s Communications Department.

When asked on Friday if he still supported City Manager Platt, the Mayor didn’t answer directly but shared he supports employers having the choice to keep or remove employees.

“This is a chance to see where we wish to go forward going into the future so I don’t have an answer to that for you today,” said Lucas.

Mayor Lucas said it has been a productive few years, including the time with Platt as City Manager, but said it is important the people of Kansas City have confidence in all the city’s employees.

“These situations are never easy, but our duty is always to the people of Kansas City ensuring that they can trust us (and) that they can believe what is coming out of city hall,” said Lucas.

KCTV5 reached out to Brian Platt for comment on his suspension but did not receive a response.

KCTV5 also contacted all 12 City Council members, most didn’t respond, and some said no comment. Councilman Kevin O’Neill shared a statement:

I am of the opinion we probably need to move on, however that is a decision that will be made by the entire council and Mayor at our next meeting March 20th.
I published a labor newspaper for over 30 years. I am a huge supporter of our labor force. Respecting employees is so important in any office environment. There is or should be a process when you are unhappy with an employee’s performance. It appears, based on the court verdict and other lawsuits facing the city, the City Manager fell short in that area.

A decision on Platt’s future will be made on Thursday, March 20 by the City Council and the Mayor.

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Related Topics:Brian city council councilman councilmember Featured kansas kc kcmo Kevin Lucas manager mayor member Missouri MO O'Neill platt quinton suspended

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Kansas

Kansas football transfer portal tracker: Jan. 4 developments for KU

Published

3 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Kansas football transfer portal tracker: Jan. 4 developments for KU

LAWRENCE — The Division I transfer portal window for college football is open from Jan. 2 through Jan. 16, and that means Sunday is another chance for the Kansas football program to shape its roster.

The Jayhawks already gained one public addition earlier this offseason in Grand Valley State transfer Jibriel Conde — whose signing was announced Dec. 4. Conde, who is making the jump up from Division II, is a 247Sports-rated three-star defensive lineman in the portal and is listed by KU as a defensive tackle. On Saturday, a number of current Kansas players — including redshirt freshman quarterback Isaiah Marshall, redshirt sophomore wide receiver Keaton Kubecka and redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Blake Herold — also outlined in social media posts on X that they are locked in with the program for the 2026 season.

Marshall is set to compete for the starting quarterback job next season. Kubecka has the chance to step up into a more significant role at wide receiver. Herold is in line to be a key part of Kansas’ defensive line.

Those positives, though, don’t outweigh the fact that there has been a sizable group of players who have revealed their intentions to transfer away. Looking overall, when it comes to those whose decisions became public before and after the portal opened, the significant names to know include redshirt senior safety Lyrik Rawls, redshirt junior linebacker Trey Lathan and freshman quarterback David McComb. Lathan led KU in tackles in 2025.

Check in here for more updates during this transfer portal window about a KU team that finished 5-7 during the 2025 season, with transfer ratings as outlined by 247Sports.

Kansas football transfer portal additions

Jibriel Conde (3-star defensive lineman from Grand Valley State) — KU lists him as a defensive tackle

Kansas football transfer portal departures

Joseph Sipp Jr. (linebacker)

Jacoby Davis (cornerback)

Dylan Brooks (defensive end)

Jaidyn Doss (wide receiver)

Carter Lavrusky (offensive lineman)

Trey Lathan (linebacker)

Tyler Mercer (offensive lineman)

Harry Stewart III (running back)

Caleb Redd (3-star edge) — KU lists him as a defensive end

Aundre Gibson (3-star cornerback)

David McComb (3-star quarterback)

Kene Anene (3-star interior offensive lineman) — KU lists him as an offensive lineman

Laquan Robinson (3-star safety)

Jameel Croft Jr. (3-star cornerback)

Logan Brantley (3-star linebacker)

Greydon Grimes (3-star offensive tackle) — KU lists him as an offensive lineman

Jon Jon Kamara (3-star linebacker)

Lyrik Rawls (3-star safety)

Damani Maxson (3-star safety)

Jaden Hamm (tight end)

Bryce Cohoon (wide receiver)

JaCorey Stewart (linebacker)

Johnny Thompson Jr. (running back)

Efren Jasso (punter)

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.

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Kansas

Hundreds celebrate Kwanzaa at Kansas City’s Gem Theatre

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

Press Room

Hundreds celebrate Kwanzaa at Kansas City’s Gem Theatre

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Hundreds of people packed the Gem Theatre over the weekend to celebrate Kwanzaa.

The celebrations run nightly through January 1. Each night highlights a different core value, including unity, cooperation and faith.

The event features local vendors and performances. Organizers say it’s a great way to start the new year.

The Kwanzaa celebration is free and open to everyone.

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Kansas

Kansas Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for Dec. 27, 2025

Published

1 week ago

December 28, 2025

Press Room

The Kansas Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 27, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

05-20-34-39-62, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 9-8-9

Evening: 6-5-8

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning 2 By 2 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Red Balls: 01-23, White Balls: 12-15

Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

08-12-24-26-42, Lucky Ball: 17

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

08-10-20-47-50, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 05

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Super Kansas Cash numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

03-07-17-20-27, Cash Ball: 24

Check Super Kansas Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Kansas Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599. For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at select Kansas Lottery offices.

By mail, send a winner claim form and your signed lottery ticket to:

Kansas Lottery Headquarters

128 N Kansas Avenue

Topeka, KS 66603-3638

(785) 296-5700

To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a claim form, and deliver the form along with your signed lottery ticket to Kansas Lottery headquarters. 128 N Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603-3638, (785) 296-5700. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Kansas Lottery.

When are the Kansas Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3 Midday/Evening: 1:10 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
2 By 2: 9:30 p.m. CT daily.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Super Kansas Cash: 9:10 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Kansas editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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