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Headlines for Tuesday, November 26, 2024

A graphic representation of eight radios of various vintages, underneath the words "Kansas Public Radio News Summary"
Emily DeMarchi
/
KPR

FBI Agent Shoots, Kills Person While Serving Warrant in KC Northland

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KC Star) — An FBI agent executing a federal search warrant shot and killed a person who was allegedly armed inside a home in north Kansas City, Missouri Monday. A Federal Bureau of Investigation news release says the shooting occurred as members of the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force went to a home in the 3000 block of Northwest 73rd Street in the Platte Brook subdivision. The Kansas City Star reports that the task force officers went to the home to serve a search warrant at about 9:30 Monday morning. The FBI said law enforcement officers announced their presence and knocked on the door. After receiving no response, they entered the home and encountered a person who was allegedly armed. The person was struck with gunfire and died at the scene. The FBI did not provide details on what actions the person took that prompted the shooting. The identity of the person was not released. The FBI’s inspection division is investigating the agent-involved shooting, in accordance with FBI policy.

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Leader of KBI Seeks New, Multi-Million Dollar Facility

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) – The leader of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is asking state lawmakers to fund a new facility for the agency. He says the current one is outdated and unsafe. The KBI is housed at three buildings that used to be a middle school in Topeka. The Kansas News Service reports that Director Tony Mattivi says the facility has been obsolete since the 90’s. It lacks proper external fencing, smoke containment and sprinkler systems, and doesn’t comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. “I am failing miserably in my obligation to give our employees a safe place to work,” he said. Mattivi proposed a new, $114 million facility. But lawmakers seem more interested in other options, like renovating the current space or finding another existing office.

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Five Arrested in Kansas City Area Sex Sting

PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. (KMBC) - Five men were arrested last week in a human trafficking sting in the Kansas City area. Five men -- who thought they'd be meeting with 14 and 15-year-old girls -- were taken into custody. KMBC TV reports that sheriff's deputies in Platte County, Missouri, conducted the sting operation. In addition, authorities say 12 commercial sex workers were connected with a victim advocacy group.

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KCMO Police Investigate Fatal Shooting Following Fight

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMBC) – Kansas City, Missouri, police are investigating after one woman was killed and another was injured in a shooting Monday night after a large fight. KMBC-TV reports that officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of West Bluff Drive on a shooting call around 8:25 p.m. Witnesses told police that two shooting victims had just left the scene in a private vehicle. Additional officers on their way to the scene found a vehicle just east of the shooting scene on Avenida Cesar E Chavez with two female shooting victims inside. Both women were rushed to an area hospital for treatment; one died of her injuries. The other was listed as being in stable condition.

The deceased woman has been identified as 26-year-old Michelle Donato.

Investigators believe the incident began as a large fight outside an apartment on West Bluff Drive. Both victims were among the multiple people involved in the fight, which escalated to gunfire when more people arrived at the apartment. An investigation into the matter continues.

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Man Arrested in Wichita Shooting Spree

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate an officer-involved shooting in Wichita. A 33-year-old man is in custody following a shooting spree in the northern part of Wichita. KWCH TV reports that the suspect shot at multiple people Friday night before he was shot by police. The shootings appeared to be random. No people were injured, but a dog was struck by gunfire inside a residence. The dog underwent surgery and is expected to recover.

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Kansas Governor Offers Insight on Her Next Political Moves

TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) - What's next for Kansas Governor Laura Kelly? Her Democratic party had hoped to break the GOP supermajority in the state Legislature during this month's elections. Instead, they lost ground, giving them even less power to negotiate on major issues. The governor has offered some insights into her political future. Kelly is entering her last two years as the top Democrat in a state where politics are mostly dominated by Republicans. Some Democrats are wondering if the 74-year-old might challenge Republicans in any other offices. But she says that will not be the case. “I have really enjoyed being governor, and I will enjoy the last two years and give it my all, but it is really time for me to move on," she said. Republican success in the election means Kelly will face an expanded GOP supermajority in the state Legislature.

For the remainder of her term, Kelly said she will work on improving housing availability, early childhood education and water sustainability in Kansas.

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Kansas Labor Department Completes Online Overhaul

TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - The Kansas Department of Labor says a $43 million overhaul of its computer systems is complete. That includes a new unemployment insurance website. The department’s computer systems dated back to the 70s and had a lot of problems. Those problems came into focus in 2020, when the unemployment site was flooded with applications. But Labor Secretary Amber Shultz says the new system is more user-friendly and secure. “We have enhanced security features that have bolstered our security to make it even more difficult for bad actors to exploit our system," she said. Shultz says the department saw a large volume of calls the first couple days after the new site launched. But now, she says about 97% of people are able to complete their application fully online.

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City of Wichita Proposing New Ordinance to Remove Homeless Camps, File Criminal Charges

WICHITA, Kan. (KMUW) – Wichita has drafted a new ordinance that makes it easier to fine or jail people for camping in public spaces. KMUW reports that the city currently doesn't file criminal charges against homeless people camping on public property, if there aren't shelter beds available for them. But a new ordinance Wichita is proposing would allow police to immediately remove camps in certain areas, like under bridges or near bus shelters. If the camper doesn't immediately leave, they could be charged with a crime -- no matter if there's a shelter bed available. Council member Mike Hoheisel worries the policy could leave people without a place to sleep. "Taking away the ability for people to wait until beds are open for what’s appropriate for them -- that is a concern of mine," he said. Other council members say an emergency winter shelter opening next week will provide hundreds of beds. The council will vote on the policy in coming months.

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Child Hunger in Kansas Increased in 2021-2022

UNDATED (The Beacon) – About 37,000 more Kansas children went hungry from 2021 to 2022. Advocates say the end of some pandemic-era benefits is to blame. The Beacon reports that the expanded child care tax credit and enhanced food stamp benefits expired in 2021 and 2022. That’s one reason 6 percent more children were uncertain about where they’d get their next meal. John Wilson with Kansas Action for Children says those pandemic-era programs should be more standard, not just a response to an emergency. The increase in child hunger didn’t surprise him. “Alarmed by it though," he said. "We’ve seen continued or increased demand at food pantries around the state.” Yet proponents of a strong social services system in Kansas aren’t expecting the conservative state Legislature to increase benefits. But they say low-cost changes could help feed more Kansans, like simplifying the food stamps application.

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KU Researchers Studying Effectiveness of Tool to Aid Latino Dementia Caregivers

UNDATED (KNS) – University of Kansas researchers are studying the effectiveness of a new tool designed to support Latino caregivers for people with dementia. The Kansas News Service reports that studies show caregivers of dementia patients have higher rates of depression and anxiety than other types of caregivers. Researchers say it’s worse for Latino caregivers because they may have less access to support. Dr. Jaime Perales Puchalt with the University of Kansas is testing the efficacy of a program that sends daily texts to caregivers who sign up, explaining that the it is oriented toward
“...stress coping strategies. It also includes strategies and tips on how to address their loved ones challenging behaviors.” The program is called CuidaTEXT, or CareTEXT, and is available in English and Spanish. If the study finds the program reduces depression and stress, Perales Puchalt says the next step is making it widely accessible in Kansas and elsewhere.

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Oral Health Advocates Work to Educate People on Water Fluoridation

UNDATED (KNS) – Oral health advocates in Kansas say they’re working to educate people on the benefits of fluoride in public water sources. The Kansas News Service reports that Tanya Dorf Brunner is with Oral Health Kansas. She says fluoride, a natural mineral, has been added to water sources for decades to help fight cavities. “The optimal level of fluoride for the prevention of tooth decay is 0.7 parts per million. And you can think of that as something like a teaspoon in a swimming pool,” she explained. Some cities want to stop fluoridation programs, but Dorf Brunner says that could lead to poor dental health. Oral Health Kansas is asking residents to join their Statewide Water Action Team and participate in conversations about water fluoridation in local government.

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Wichita Immigration Lawyers Report Increase in Calls Since Presidential Election

WICHITA, Kan. (KMUW) – Wichita immigration lawyers say they've seen a significant uptick in calls since Donald Trump won the presidential election. Trump has called for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants residing in the United States. KMUW reports that local immigration lawyers say that has alarmed immigrants and their families in Wichita and statewide. About 80,000 undocumented immigrants live in Kansas, according to the Pew Research Center. Trinidad Galdean, an immigration lawyer in Wichita, says calls to his office have doubled since the election. He advises people applying for U.S. residency to keep proof of the case on hand, explaining "...that way, if they are stopped at a traffic light or something, they can show, 'Hey, I'm already in the system.' So, you know, hopefully they don't get detained." Galdean says businesses he works with are also concerned about how Trump's administration could make it more difficult to hire foreign workers they depend on.

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K-State Researchers Say Farmers Need Quicker Access to Crop Trial Results

UNDATED (KNS) – Kansas State University says farmers need much faster access to the results of crop trials because of changes in the market. The Kansas News Service reports that K-State tests crop varieties across the state. And farmers used to see the results in the winter before choosing their next seeds for spring planting. Agronomist Ignacio Ciampitti says that data carries a lot of weight. “The university is one of the most trusted and unbiased sources of information for farmers,” he explained. But now some sellers offer incentives that coax farmers to buy seeds months earlier - when harvests have barely finished. So K-State just launched AVYield.com. It can publish crop-specific data as fast as one day after harvest.

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Southwest Kansas Farmers Begin Discussions on Ogallala Aquifer Preservation Plans

UNDATED (KNS) – Farmers met last week in southwest Kansas to discuss what action is needed to extend the life of the Ogallala aquifer, which powers the state’s economy. The Kansas News Service reports that farmers gathered by the hundreds in Dodge City, Garden City, Ulysses and Sublette to brainstorm the best way to address falling groundwater levels. A state law passed last year requires all five groundwater management districts, or GMDs, in western Kansas to submit an action plan by July 1, 2026. Bret Rooney, a farmer in Haskell County, says he was pleasantly surprised that his fellow farmers agreed action is needed to control the rapid loss of water. “There was a lot less negativity regarding the scenarios and what it is we're trying to accomplish at the GMD level. So I was looking to see what my neighbors were thinking about that,” he explained. A common concern was the need for flexibility in water usage in situations like drought.

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New Wichita Emergency Winter Shelter Opens in December

WICHITA, Kan. (KMUW) - Communities all across the state are trying to find new ways to address the growing problem of homelessness. In Wichita, a former elementary school has been converted into an emergency winter shelter and is set to open December 2nd. The shelter is located in a former elementary school in downtown Wichita. The city purchased the building in September. In the past several months, the city put about $2 million dollars worth of renovations into the former school, including adding ADA accessible showers and a fire suppression system. The shelter has capacity for 260 single men and women. Sally Stang is the city's housing and community services director. She says the shelter will be open to almost anyone who needs it. "They're not having background screenings. There's no requirement for anybody to have income to be able to come in. People can come in if they're under the influence so long as they're not a threat to themselves or someone else," she said. In the next several days, the city plans to turn the building over to the nonprofit HumanKind Ministries which will operate the shelter.

During a tour for the media, assistant city manager Troy Anderson said the shelter will help the city decrease homelessness. "Our goal is to try and achieve functional net zero when it comes to homelessness," he said. "That means we have more people coming out of homelessness than we do having going into homelessness." The city plans to use leftover pandemic rental assistance funds to help people at the shelter move into permanent housing.

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KPR Community Spotlight for November: Americana Music Academy

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KPR) - Ever wanted to learn how to play guitar? How 'bout the fiddle, piano or drums? All your musical dreams can come true at a place in Lawrence called the Americana Music Academy. The academy is in this month's KPR Community Spotlight.

The KPR Community Spotlight is a program to help spread the word about local community non-profit organizations. The program gives these organizations an opportunity to spread awareness using KPR’s airwaves each month.

KPR is currently taking applications for the 2025 Community Spotlight. Learn more here.

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Washburn University Names New Head Football Coach

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Washburn University has announced that former All-American linebacker Zach Watkins will be the school's next head football coach. WIBW reports that Watkins has served as the associate head coach and a co-defensive coordinator at Washburn. He is the first Ichabod alumnus to take on the head coaching role in over 30 years. From 2006 to 2009, Watkins was a four-year starter as a linebacker for Washburn.

Watkins is a native of Independence, Missouri. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washburn University in 2009 and earned his master’s degree in sports administration at Fort Hays State in 2013.

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This summary of area news is curated by KPR news staffers. Our headlines are generally published by 10 am weekdays and are updated through 7 pm. This ad-free news summary is made possible by KPR members. Become one today. And follow KPR News on X (formerly Twitter).