Former Wichitan, Ringleader of Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy, Sentenced to Prison
WICHITA, Kan (KPR) — A former Wichita resident has been sentenced to nearly 23 years in prison for his part in a drug trafficking ring that transported large amounts of fentanyl into Kansas. Federal prosecutors say 35-year-old Rafael Turner, of Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty to distributing the deadly drug in Kansas. Forty-five other individuals were also prosecuted as part of this overall investigation, which included individuals in Kansas.
Across the country, individuals have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing. Included among this group are 33-year-old Clifton Ray Weatherspoon, and 27-year-old Antonio Dawayne Knight, both from Wichita. Both men were convicted of drug possession with the intent to distribute. Weatherspoon was given 25 years in prison. Knight was sentenced to 12.5 years.
In February 2023, Weatherspoon and Knight traveled by plane from Wichita to Phoenix, Arizona, to purchase 300,000 fentanyl pills. They packed the pills into two suitcases, checked the luggage under their names, and flew back to Wichita. Authorities seized one of the bags before it reached the baggage claim area. They x-rayed and searched the luggage and discovered 15 bags stuffed inside containing 150,000 fentanyl pills. Federal agents arrested Weatherspoon and Knight, who had by then retrieved the second suitcase from baggage claim. A search of that bag showed it also contained approximately 150,000 fentanyl pills. (Read more.)
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Mexican National Gets 20 Years in Prison for Assaulting ICE Agent
WICHITA, Kan. (KPR) — A Mexican national, residing illegally in the United States, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for attacking a federal law enforcement officer. That's the maximum punishment allowed under the statute. Federal prosecutors say 23-year-old Diego Barron-Esquivel pleaded guilty to assaulting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE agent. Prosecutors say Barron-Esquivel intentionally assaulted and strangled the agent in Wichita in February. The assault caused bodily injury. (Read more.)
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Lawrence Police Look for Driver Who Crashed into Van and House, Injuring Three People
LAWRENCE, Kan. (LJW) — Lawrence police are still looking for a driver who crashed into a van and a house, then fled on foot, leaving three people injured. The Lawrence Journal World reports the incident happened about 11:30 pm Tuesday near Ninth and Missouri streets. The driver of a Volkswagen Jetta ran a stop sign and hit a van. The impact sent the car into the porch of a nearby home. The driver fled on foot, while the passenger was transferred to an area trauma center with severe injuries. Two people in the van were also taken to the hospital, but their injuries were not severe. The homeowner was not home at the time of the crash.
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Kansas-Based Indian Tribe Fires Leaders Involved with ICE Contract
MAYETTA, Kan. (KNS) — The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has fired leaders of its tribal-owned business for accepting a $30 million contract from ICE, the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The Kansas News Service reports that the Kansas-based tribe says the project does not align with its values. Prairie Band LLC had landed a contract to assist in the design of immigration detention centers for the federal government. The tribe announced the leadership changes just hours after the company defended the project. The tribe says it will reevaluate its internal review and approval process for taking on federal contracts. However, it’s unclear whether the tribe will cancel the existing contract and project. The tribe’s announcement did not mention plans to end the deal.
(-Earlier reporting-)
Potawatomi Tribe Fires Officials over ICE Contract
MAYETTA, Kan. (TCJ) — The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has fired senior members of the tribe’s subsidiary after they agreed to a $30 million dollar contract with ICE to design immigrant detention centers. The subsidiary is known as Prairie Band LLC. After the agreement with ICE became public, tribal leaders posted a statement on social media acknowledging the contract does not “align” with the tribe’s values. The message does not say whether the contract will be fulfilled. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the contract calls for Prairie Band LLC to design so-called "secure structures" that fulfill federal requirements for immigrant detention centers.
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If They Build It, T-Mobile Will Leave Overland Park
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (WDAF-TV) — T-Mobile says it will leave its Overland Park location if the Kansas City Royals decide to build a new ballpark nearby. About 3,500 people work at the T-Mobile facility in Aspiria, as the former Sprint campus is now known. The Royals have purchased land in the area as the team searches for a site for a new ballpark. T-Mobile confirmed on Tuesday it will relocate if the ballpark is built in Aspira. In a statement to WDAF-TV, T-Mobile says the campus “cannot accommodate both our workforce and a stadium.” Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog said Tuesday the ballpark “is an exciting possibility,” but, “It has to be good for Overland Park.”
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Kansas Lawmaker Questions Funding Earmarked for Three Regents Schools
TOPEKA, Kan. (KNS) — A Kansas lawmaker is questioning the way three state universities used $12 million of special funding. State officials say the money is meant to help Fort Hays State, Emporia State and Pittsburg State keep up with the larger universities like the University of Kansas. Republican Representative Troy Waymaster says that the universities incorrectly used it to pay for salaries and wages. "If we're going to continue funding this and build it into their base budget as all three regional universities have asked for, then we need to have language clarifying what those dollars are supposed to be used for," he said. Waymaster says the fund was created to help the smaller universities pay for things like economic development. University leaders were not present in the meeting to respond. But the initial request for the funding did not exclude spending it on salaries. The stated goals include improving student graduation rates, recruiting people to the area and strengthening in-demand programs like health care degrees.
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Proposed ‘Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day’ Among First Bills Filed Ahead of Kansas Session
TOPEKA, Kan. (Kansas Reflector) — The Kansas Senate’s first piece of proposed legislation for 2026 seeks to honor the assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk. According to the Kansas Reflector, the Republican resolution proposes establishing “Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day” on October 14, the date of Kirk's birthday. Kirk, an advocate of free speech, was shot and killed in September while speaking at a Utah college campus. The Senate’s resolution describes Kirk's legacy as an example of the importance of free speech, the First Amendment and civil debate. The resolution also condemns Kirk’s killing and extends condolences to his family. The measure has the support of all 31 Republican Senators.
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Four Homes Damaged by Fire in Topeka
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW-TV) — A fire in Topeka Tuesday night damaged at least four homes. It was in the 500 block of SW Polk. When firefighters arrived three houses were on fire. The blaze then spread to a fourth house. WIBW-TV reports the house where the fire is believed to have started was under renovation. No injuries have been reported.
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Groundbreaking Held for Kansas Nuclear Reactor Project Despite Regulatory Questions
UNDATED (KNS) — Nuclear company Deep Fission broke ground on a nuclear reactor project Tuesday in Parsons, Kansas. The Kansas News Service reports that the project includes placing small reactors one mile underground to provide power at an industrial park. The first-of-its-kind reactor is part of a U.S. Department of Energy program to accelerate nuclear development. The project has bipartisan support from Kansas officials but questions remain about how this new type of reactor would be regulated.
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Suit Claims Kansas Living-Will Law Violates Rights of Pregnant Women
LAWRENCE, Kan. (LJW) — A Douglas County judge heard testimony this week on a challenge to Kansas’s living-will law. The law allows adults to refuse life-saving medical care if they have a terminal illness and are unable to communicate their wishes. But the law excludes pregnant women from having that option. The Lawrence Journal-World reports three women and two doctors have filed a civil suit challenging the law. They say it discriminates against pregnant women and violates their rights. The state has made a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Judge Mark Simpson has not yet ruled on the motion.
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Topeka Company Acquires 15 Kansas Assisted-Living Facilities
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW-TV) — A Topeka company has acquired 15 assisted-living facilities across Kansas. Midwest Health announced the purchase on Tuesday. The price was not disclosed. The facilities have operated under the name Vintage Park. Midwest Health was founded in Topeka in 1977. WIBW-TV reports the company operates more than 100 senior communities in six Midwestern states.
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Proposal Targets Kansas Drivers Who Ignore Stop Signs on School Buses
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) — The Kansas Board of Education is asking state lawmakers to pass a law that would make it easier to punish drivers who ignore the stop signs on stopped school buses. The law would allow school districts to install cameras on the buses that would record the license plate numbers of vehicles that ignore the stop signs. The registered owners of the vehicles would be fined by mail. Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson told KSNT the violation often goes unpunished. In 2020 a first-grader in Abilene was struck and killed by a car that ignored a bus stop sign.
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Deck the Halls but Not the Cars in Kansas and Missouri
UNDATED (KCTV) — You can deck the halls —but not your car. Police in Kansas and Missouri are reminding motorists that it’s illegal to attach decorations, including lights, to the outside of vehicles. Cars with decorations can be ticketed in both states. KCTV reports state laws regulate the colors of lights that can be on the front or back of any vehicle.
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Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Announces Property Tax Reduction Proposal
WICHITA, Kan. (KNS) — A Republican candidate for governor announced details Tuesday of his proposal to reduce property taxes for business and homeowners. The Kansas News Service reports that Secretary of State Scott Schwab calls the proposal “Better Affordable Living by Decreasing Property Taxes” — or “BALD” for short. The plan’s name pokes a bit of fun at the fact that Schwab himself has no hair. “It’s BALD. It’s bold. And it basically forces big government to take a haircut,” Schwab said at an event in Wichita. The plan would require the public to vote when local governments propose a mill levy increase. It also would make changes to the tax appeals process. If a property owner wins an appeal, their property’s assessed value growth would be kept flat or at a constant rate for three to six years. Many other Republicans in the race are also calling for property tax reform, including former Governor Jeff Colyer and Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson.
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KCK Police Investigate Church Vandalism as Possible Hate Crime
UNDATED (KCUR) — Kansas City, Kansas, police are investigating a possible hate crime at a church where Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree is pastor. KCUR reports that police say officers responded to the Grace Tabernacle Family Outreach Center on Sunday after a report of a racial epithet spray-painted across a sign. Dupree is lead pastor at the predominately Black church. He told KMBC-TV that in addition to the racist graffiti, the church has received death threats. Dupree says that while he is angry, he will forgive whoever defaced the sign – but will also hold that person accountable.
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New Wichita Sales Tax One Step Closer to Implementation
WICHITA, Kan. (KMUW) — Wichita is one step closer to implementing a sales tax after a City Council vote Tuesday. KMUW reports that the council approved a request to place a sales tax question on a March special election ballot. The plan for a seven-year, 1 percent sales tax was pitched by Wichita Forward, a new nonprofit. The group's proposal would direct up to $850 million dollars toward public safety, housing and cultural projects. Council member Dalton Glasscock called the plan a watershed moment. "Wichita is at one of the rare moments where we get to choose the future instead of just settling in one by default. And I support today's ask because I believe investing ourselves in safer neighborhoods, stronger infrastructure and the kind of spaces and opportunities that make Wichita home," he added. The council will take a final vote on the special election next week.
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Trump Administration Promises $12 Billion to Farmers
UNDATED (HPM) — The Trump Administration will be sending farmers $12 billion to help them stay in business and compensate for their trade war losses. Harvest Public Media reports that many Midwestern farmers lost money this year. President Trump’s trade wars didn’t help. Tariffs boosted the already high cost of fertilizer and farm machinery. Retaliatory tariffs temporarily hobbled export markets for American farm commodities. The administration will use a U.S. Department of Agriculture fund to cover the funding package. Missouri corn and soybean farmer Richard Oswald says most of the bailout money will go straight to banks and suppliers. "There's money to pay the bill now. Liquidity is another word for it. A lot of farmers right now, I'm hearing from people have liquidity problems," he explained. Oswald says the bailout will let some farmers pay off last year’s operating loans, so they can borrow more to cover planting this spring. (Read more.)
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AAA Predicts Record Number of Holiday Travelers Across the Nation
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW-TV) — With gas prices at their lowest point in four years, Triple A is projecting a record number of Americans will hit the road over the upcoming holiday period. The travel agency and insurance company predicts that 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day, year-end holiday period which begins December 20 and ends January 1. This year’s travel forecast is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers.
WIBW TV reports that nearly 1.25 million Kansans will be traveling during the holidays, up 1% over last year. Nearly 92% of them, or 1.14 million, will drive to their destinations. More than 43,000 Kansans will travel by air, while another 50,500 will go on cruises or travel by train or bus, AAA says.
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World Cup Momentum: How Kansas City’s Draw Could Boost Topeka’s Attractions
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) — Excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup has boomed following the draw of team assignments last week. Kansas City is one of the host cities for the highly anticipated global event. Kansas City is hosting the defending World Cup champions Argentina and is anticipating upwards of 600,000 or more people during the event.
While the event is hosted in Kansas City, it will also have a big impact on surrounding cities. WIBW TV reports reporting that Topeka officials anticipate that the influx of visitors to the region will spill into the Capital City. Officials from Visit Topeka say that they will market city services and attractions over the next several months in a hope to bring travelers to the city. The World Cup gets underway in early June and runs through the beginning of July, with several matches taking place at Arrowhead Stadium.
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