JOHNSON COUNTY —In the days leading up to Christmas, police&nbsp; conducted a coordinated operation to address retail theft in Lenexa.

&nbsp; Multiple units within the Lenexa police department collaborated on this effort, including the K9 Unit, Bike Unit, Directed Patrol Unit, Uniform Patrol, and Dispatch. The operation utilized both uniformed and undercover officers, focusing on high-traffic shopping areas near W. 95th Street and Quivira, according to a media release.

This proactive approach resulted in 33 arrests on various charges, including theft, felony theft, possession of stolen property, possession of narcotics including cocaine, fentanyl, and meth, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a stolen vehicle. 

Among those arrested was a group suspected of involvement in an organized retail crime ring, with over $13,000 worth of stolen merchandise found in their vehicle. Additionally, several individuals with outstanding warrants were taken into custody.

JOHNSON COUNTY —In the days leading up to Christmas, police&nbsp; conducted a coordinated operation to address retail theft in Lenexa.&nbsp; Multiple units within the Lenexa police department collaborated on this effort, including the K9 Unit, Bike Unit, Directed Patrol Unit, Uniform Patrol, and Dispatch. The operation utilized both uniformed and undercover officers, focusing on high-traffic shopping areas near W. 95th Street and Quivira, according to a media release.This proactive approach resulted in 33 arrests on various charges, including theft, felony theft, possession of stolen property, possession of narcotics including cocaine, fentanyl, and meth, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Among those arrested was a group suspected of involvement in an organized retail crime ring, with over $13,000 worth of stolen merchandise found in their vehicle. Additionally, several individuals with outstanding warrants were taken into custody.

33 arrests after Kansas police effort to address retail theft

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the company of turning its virtual assistant Siri into a snoop that eavesdropped on the users of iPhones and other trendy devices in a betrayal to its long-standing commitment to personal privacy.

The proposed settlement filed in federal court earlier this week still needs to be approved by a judge, but here are a few things to know about the case and the privacy issues that it raised.

The Wood Law Firm, which specializes in class-action lawsuits, filed the complaint against Apple in August 2019, shortly after The Guardian newspaper published an article alleging that Siri's microphone had been surreptitiously turned on to record conversations occurring without the users' knowledge.

Apple issued a September 2014 software update that was supposed to activate the virtual assistant only with the triggering words "Hey, Siri," but The Guardian story alleged Siri was listening and recording conversations at other times to help improve the company's technology.

The story led to the lawsuit, which later raised allegations that Apple shared some of the conversations that Siri secretly recorded with advertisers looking to connect with consumers who were more likely to buy their products and services.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COVERED BY THE SETTLEMENT?

Tens of millions of U.S consumers who owned or purchased iPhones and other devices equipped with Siri from September 17, 2014, through the end of last year will be eligible to file claims.

HOW MUCH MONEY WILL EACH ELIGIBLE CONSUMER RECEIVE?

It's far too early to tell for certain, but the settlement currently envisions paying out up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, with each consumer limited to a maximum. The final amount could be affected by two factors: the number of claims and how much of the settlement fund is reduced to cover legal fees and costs.

A claims administrator estimates only 3% to 5% of eligible consumers will file claims. The lawyers in the case currently are seeking nearly $30 million in fees and expenses, but that figure could still be lowered by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, who is overseeing the case in Oakland, California. A proposed Feb. 14 court hearing has been proposed to review the settlement terms.

If the allegations were true, Apple may have violated federal wiretapping laws and other statutes designed to protect people's privacy. But Apple adamantly denied any wrongdoing and maintained that it would have been cleared of any misconduct had the case gone to trial. Lawyers representing the consumers asserted that Apple's misbehavior was so egregious that the company could have been liable for $1.5 billion in damages if it lost the case.

Although Apple hasn't explained the reasons for making the settlement, major companies often decide it makes more sense to resolve class-action cases rather than to continue to run up legal costs and risk the chance of potentially bad publicity. The lawsuit also targeted one of Apple's core values framing privacy as a "fundamental human right."

Although $95 million sounds like a lot of money, it's a pittance for Apple. Since September 2014, the company's total profits have exceeded $700 billion — a streak of prosperity that has helped propel the company's market value to about $3.7 trillion.

DO I NEED TO BE WORRIED ABOUT THE MICROPHONES ON OTHER DEVICES SPYING ON ME?

Perhaps. A case similar to the one filed against Siri is still active in a San Jose, California, federal court against Google and the virtual assistant in its Android software, which has been widely used in smartphones for years.

You can turn Apple's virtual assistant off by following these simple steps:

1. Navigate to Settings Siri &amp; Search.

2. Toggle off Listen for 'Hey Siri' and press the Side button for Siri.

3. Tap Turn Off Siri when a pop-up window appears.

You can also disable individual apps' access to your iPhone's mic by doing the following: Navigate to Settings (select the app) then toggle off Microphone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736086913375.png" alt="Apple issued a September 2014 software update that was supposed to activate the virtual assistant only with the triggering words "Hey, Siri,"" />
 <figcaption>Apple issued a September 2014 software update that was supposed to activate the virtual assistant only with the triggering words "Hey, Siri,"</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology WriterApple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the company of turning its virtual assistant Siri into a snoop that eavesdropped on the users of iPhones and other trendy devices in a betrayal to its long-standing commitment to personal privacy.The proposed settlement filed in federal court earlier this week still needs to be approved by a judge, but here are a few things to know about the case and the privacy issues that it raised.WHAT WAS THE LAWSUIT ABOUT?The Wood Law Firm, which specializes in class-action lawsuits, filed the complaint against Apple in August 2019, shortly after The Guardian newspaper published an article alleging that Siri's microphone had been surreptitiously turned on to record conversations occurring without the users' knowledge.Apple issued a September 2014 software update that was supposed to activate the virtual assistant only with the triggering words "Hey, Siri," but The Guardian story alleged Siri was listening and recording conversations at other times to help improve the company's technology.The story led to the lawsuit, which later raised allegations that Apple shared some of the conversations that Siri secretly recorded with advertisers looking to connect with consumers who were more likely to buy their products and services.HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COVERED BY THE SETTLEMENT?Tens of millions of U.S consumers who owned or purchased iPhones and other devices equipped with Siri from September 17, 2014, through the end of last year will be eligible to file claims.HOW MUCH MONEY WILL EACH ELIGIBLE CONSUMER RECEIVE?It's far too early to tell for certain, but the settlement currently envisions paying out up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, with each consumer limited to a maximum. The final amount could be affected by two factors: the number of claims and how much of the settlement fund is reduced to cover legal fees and costs.A claims administrator estimates only 3% to 5% of eligible consumers will file claims. The lawyers in the case currently are seeking nearly $30 million in fees and expenses, but that figure could still be lowered by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, who is overseeing the case in Oakland, California. A proposed Feb. 14 court hearing has been proposed to review the settlement terms.DID APPLE BREAK ANY LAWS?If the allegations were true, Apple may have violated federal wiretapping laws and other statutes designed to protect people's privacy. But Apple adamantly denied any wrongdoing and maintained that it would have been cleared of any misconduct had the case gone to trial. Lawyers representing the consumers asserted that Apple's misbehavior was so egregious that the company could have been liable for $1.5 billion in damages if it lost the case.Although Apple hasn't explained the reasons for making the settlement, major companies often decide it makes more sense to resolve class-action cases rather than to continue to run up legal costs and risk the chance of potentially bad publicity. The lawsuit also targeted one of Apple's core values framing privacy as a "fundamental human right."Although $95 million sounds like a lot of money, it's a pittance for Apple. Since September 2014, the company's total profits have exceeded $700 billion — a streak of prosperity that has helped propel the company's market value to about $3.7 trillion.DO I NEED TO BE WORRIED ABOUT THE MICROPHONES ON OTHER DEVICES SPYING ON ME?Perhaps. A case similar to the one filed against Siri is still active in a San Jose, California, federal court against Google and the virtual assistant in its Android software, which has been widely used in smartphones for years.JUST IN CASE, HOW DO I DISABLE SIRI?You can turn Apple's virtual assistant off by following these simple steps:1. Navigate to Settings Siri &amp; Search.2. Toggle off Listen for 'Hey Siri' and press the Side button for Siri.3. Tap Turn Off Siri when a pop-up window appears.You can also disable individual apps' access to your iPhone's mic by doing the following: Navigate to Settings (select the app) then toggle off Microphone.

Apple to pay $95 million settlement in the snooping Siri case

PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — Jimmy Carter already had drawn months of media scrutiny as a devout Southern Baptist running for president. Then the 1976 Democratic nominee brought up sex and sin as he explained his religious faith to Playboy magazine.

Carter was not misquoted. But he was certainly misunderstood, as his thoughts in the wide-ranging interview were reduced in the popular imagination to utterances about "lust" and "adultery."

Nearly a half-century later, as Carter was receiving hospice care in the same south Georgia home where he once spoke with Playboy journalists, his interviewer Robert Scheer still believed Carter was treated unfairly. He recalled the former president as a "real" and "serious" figure whose intent was smothered by the intensity of a campaign's closing stretch.

"Jimmy Carter was a thoughtful guy," Scheer told The Associated Press. "But that got lost here. I've never seen a story like it. It was worldwide. ... It just never went away."

Political disaster ensued. Rosalynn Carter was suddenly being asked whether she trusted her husband. The fallout, in Carter's words, "nearly cost me the election."

Carter spent five-plus hours with Playboy across several months — "more time with you than with Time, Newsweek and all the others combined," he told Scheer and Playboy editor Barry Golson.

The resulting Q&amp;A spanned 12,000 words, and Scheer added thousands more in an accompanying story. Carter discussed military and foreign policy, racism and civil rights, political journalism and his reputation as a "vague" candidate.

"They weren't interested in sensationalized stuff," Scheer said of Playboy.

Hugh Hefner's publication reached an estimated 20 million-plus readers each month with its pictorials of nude women. But the magazine chronicled American culture as well, with its branded "Playboy Interview" featuring such power players as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lennon, Malcom X and leading newsman Walter Cronkite.

Carter, unafraid of nuance, proved he belonged among them, Scheer said.

Carter's most-remembered comments came at the end of their final session. Standing outside Carter's front door, Golson pressed Carter on whether his piety would make him a "rigid, unbending president" unable to represent all Americans.

The Baptist deacon responded with an 823-word soliloquy on human imperfection, pride and God's forgiveness. He said he believed in "absolute and total separation of church and state" and explained his faith as rooted in humility, not judgment of others.

Quoting Matthew 5:27-28, Carter explained that Jesus Christ considered an offending thought equivalent to consummated adultery, and by that standard, he was in no position to judge a man who "shacks up" and "screws lots of women," because he had "looked on many women with lust" and, thus, "committed adultery many times in my heart."

Scheer called it a "sensible statement," reflecting Carter's Baptist tradition: "He was saying, 'Look, I'm not going to be some fanatic. ... I'm not this perfect guy.'"

Playboy realized Carter provided explosive material — and not just about sex. Citing President Lyndon Johnson's handling of Vietnam, Carter included the last Democratic president alongside disgraced Republican Richard Nixon as guilty of "lying, cheating and distorting the truth."

The magazine decided to send the full Q&amp;A text to about 1,000 media outlets in late September, before the usual October publication date for the November edition.

The idea, Scheer explained, was to allow time for fair coverage rather than drop bombshells days before the election.

Headline writers, satirists and late-night television pounced anyway, labeling it Carter's "lust in my heart" interview. "Saturday Night Live," then a fledgling NBC sketch comedy show, had a field day. One political cartoonist depicted Carter lusting after the Statue of Liberty.

He lamented to NPR in 1993 that the Playboy interview morphed into "the No. 1 story of the entire 1976 campaign."

"I was explaining Jesus' Sermon on the Mount," Carter wrote wistfully in a 2015 memoir.

Carter's faith had endeared him to many fellow white evangelicals and cultural conservatives. That made him a difficult foil for Republicans, who wanted to cast Democrats as out of step with most of America. The flip side, Scheer noted, was that many young voters and urban liberals — key Democratic constituencies — "wondered if he was this Southern square."

"Hamilton Jordan (Carter's campaign manager) had always called Carter's faith 'the weirdo factor,'" said Amber Roessner, a University of Tennessee media historian who has written extensively on Carter. "Talking to Playboy was their way to prove he wasn't some kind of prude."

Scheer, who was with Carter as part of his traveling press corps, said Playboy's early text release sparked a frenzy.

"Reporters were scrambling, asking me, 'Bob, what is this?" he recalled.

The press traveling with Carter focused initially on Carter's criticism of Johnson, who died in 1973. It was a juicy detail because Carter was headed Texas to campaign with LBJ's widow.

Carter initially told reporters his criticisms of LBJ were taken out of context. Scheer "ran back to the plane to get the tapes," and effectively caught the nominee violating his pledge never to make a "misleading statement."

Lady Bird Johnson skipped Carter's Texas events, Scheer said. Carter apologized to her by telephone.

When his commentary on adultery ballooned, Carter insisted the exchange had been off-the-record, throwaway banter as Scheer and Golson prepared to leave.

"He was still wearing the mic!" Scheer told AP.

The way the story morphed "ended up making Carter seem like a creep," Roessner said.

Rosalynn Carter fashioned a pat response: "Jimmy talks too much, but at least people know he's honest and doesn't mind answering questions." And, no, she never worried about his fidelity.

"The only lust I worried about was that of the press," she wrote in 1984, recounting how her discipline finally cracked when a reporter asked whether she ever committed adultery.

"If I had," she replied, "I wouldn't tell you."

President Gerald Ford, who had been gaining on Carter but still trailed badly, leveraged the story. The Republican president was an Episcopalian, soft-spoken about religion, but he invited leading evangelical pastors to the White House the day after the interview's release, including the Rev. W.S. Criswell of Dallas First Baptist Church.

Criswell later declared from his pulpit that he had asked Ford: "Mr. President, if Playboy magazine were to ask you for an interview, what would you do?" Ford's reply, according to Criswell: "I was asked by Playboy magazine for an interview — and I declined with an emphatic 'No'!"

The Rev. Billy Graham, then the nation's top evangelist, and the Rev. Jerry Falwell, the rising leader of the so-called Religious Right, also blitzed Carter. National media, including The AP, highlighted criticism from Christian pastors from around the country.

Roessner, the daughter of a Protestant pastor, said Carter's Playboy comments were clumsy, "but if anyone should have understood the context ... it should have been the ministers."

She recalled Carter's resentment during a 2014 interview she conducted with him. Decades of global humanitarian work had by that time afforded the former president a profile above politics, yet "almost 40 years later, it was clearly something he held on to," she said. He was "still incredibly frustrated by what he felt was unfair coverage and response."

The 1976 campaign was the first after Richard Nixon's resignation, driven by reporting from The Washington Post, and many journalists were demonstrating a new level of distrust of politicians, especially one Scheer described as "wearing his religion on his sleeve."

Those same news organizations largely ignored what the soon-to-be president said about them, Roessner noted.

"The traveling press have zero interest in any issue unless it's a matter of making a mistake," Carter told Playboy. "There's nobody in the back of this plane who would ask an issue question unless he thought he could trick me into some crazy statement."

Scheer, at least, asked plenty of policy questions, and, looking back, he pointed to Carter's narrow victory just weeks later.

"Whatever they said, I think it did exactly what they wanted to accomplish," Scheer said. "That doesn't mean they weren't nervous."

This story was first published April 16, 2023, and has been updated with news of Carter's death.

By BILL BARROW Associated PressPLAINS, Ga. (AP) — Jimmy Carter already had drawn months of media scrutiny as a devout Southern Baptist running for president. Then the 1976 Democratic nominee brought up sex and sin as he explained his religious faith to Playboy magazine.Carter was not misquoted. But he was certainly misunderstood, as his thoughts in the wide-ranging interview were reduced in the popular imagination to utterances about "lust" and "adultery."Nearly a half-century later, as Carter was receiving hospice care in the same south Georgia home where he once spoke with Playboy journalists, his interviewer Robert Scheer still believed Carter was treated unfairly. He recalled the former president as a "real" and "serious" figure whose intent was smothered by the intensity of a campaign's closing stretch.Carter died Sunday at age 100."Jimmy Carter was a thoughtful guy," Scheer told The Associated Press. "But that got lost here. I've never seen a story like it. It was worldwide. ... It just never went away."Political disaster ensued. Rosalynn Carter was suddenly being asked whether she trusted her husband. The fallout, in Carter's words, "nearly cost me the election."Carter spent five-plus hours with Playboy across several months — "more time with you than with Time, Newsweek and all the others combined," he told Scheer and Playboy editor Barry Golson.The resulting Q&amp;A spanned 12,000 words, and Scheer added thousands more in an accompanying story. Carter discussed military and foreign policy, racism and civil rights, political journalism and his reputation as a "vague" candidate."They weren't interested in sensationalized stuff," Scheer said of Playboy.Hugh Hefner's publication reached an estimated 20 million-plus readers each month with its pictorials of nude women. But the magazine chronicled American culture as well, with its branded "Playboy Interview" featuring such power players as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lennon, Malcom X and leading newsman Walter Cronkite.Carter, unafraid of nuance, proved he belonged among them, Scheer said.Carter's most-remembered comments came at the end of their final session. Standing outside Carter's front door, Golson pressed Carter on whether his piety would make him a "rigid, unbending president" unable to represent all Americans.The Baptist deacon responded with an 823-word soliloquy on human imperfection, pride and God's forgiveness. He said he believed in "absolute and total separation of church and state" and explained his faith as rooted in humility, not judgment of others.Quoting Matthew 5:27-28, Carter explained that Jesus Christ considered an offending thought equivalent to consummated adultery, and by that standard, he was in no position to judge a man who "shacks up" and "screws lots of women," because he had "looked on many women with lust" and, thus, "committed adultery many times in my heart."Scheer called it a "sensible statement," reflecting Carter's Baptist tradition: "He was saying, 'Look, I'm not going to be some fanatic. ... I'm not this perfect guy.'"Playboy realized Carter provided explosive material — and not just about sex. Citing President Lyndon Johnson's handling of Vietnam, Carter included the last Democratic president alongside disgraced Republican Richard Nixon as guilty of "lying, cheating and distorting the truth."The magazine decided to send the full Q&amp;A text to about 1,000 media outlets in late September, before the usual October publication date for the November edition.The idea, Scheer explained, was to allow time for fair coverage rather than drop bombshells days before the election.Headline writers, satirists and late-night television pounced anyway, labeling it Carter's "lust in my heart" interview. "Saturday Night Live," then a fledgling NBC sketch comedy show, had a field day. One political cartoonist depicted Carter lusting after the Statue of Liberty.He lamented to NPR in 1993 that the Playboy interview morphed into "the No. 1 story of the entire 1976 campaign.""I was explaining Jesus' Sermon on the Mount," Carter wrote wistfully in a 2015 memoir.Carter's faith had endeared him to many fellow white evangelicals and cultural conservatives. That made him a difficult foil for Republicans, who wanted to cast Democrats as out of step with most of America. The flip side, Scheer noted, was that many young voters and urban liberals — key Democratic constituencies — "wondered if he was this Southern square.""Hamilton Jordan (Carter's campaign manager) had always called Carter's faith 'the weirdo factor,'" said Amber Roessner, a University of Tennessee media historian who has written extensively on Carter. "Talking to Playboy was their way to prove he wasn't some kind of prude."Scheer, who was with Carter as part of his traveling press corps, said Playboy's early text release sparked a frenzy."Reporters were scrambling, asking me, 'Bob, what is this?" he recalled.The press traveling with Carter focused initially on Carter's criticism of Johnson, who died in 1973. It was a juicy detail because Carter was headed Texas to campaign with LBJ's widow.Carter initially told reporters his criticisms of LBJ were taken out of context. Scheer "ran back to the plane to get the tapes," and effectively caught the nominee violating his pledge never to make a "misleading statement."Lady Bird Johnson skipped Carter's Texas events, Scheer said. Carter apologized to her by telephone.When his commentary on adultery ballooned, Carter insisted the exchange had been off-the-record, throwaway banter as Scheer and Golson prepared to leave."He was still wearing the mic!" Scheer told AP.The way the story morphed "ended up making Carter seem like a creep," Roessner said.Rosalynn Carter fashioned a pat response: "Jimmy talks too much, but at least people know he's honest and doesn't mind answering questions." And, no, she never worried about his fidelity."The only lust I worried about was that of the press," she wrote in 1984, recounting how her discipline finally cracked when a reporter asked whether she ever committed adultery."If I had," she replied, "I wouldn't tell you."President Gerald Ford, who had been gaining on Carter but still trailed badly, leveraged the story. The Republican president was an Episcopalian, soft-spoken about religion, but he invited leading evangelical pastors to the White House the day after the interview's release, including the Rev. W.S. Criswell of Dallas First Baptist Church.Criswell later declared from his pulpit that he had asked Ford: "Mr. President, if Playboy magazine were to ask you for an interview, what would you do?" Ford's reply, according to Criswell: "I was asked by Playboy magazine for an interview — and I declined with an emphatic 'No'!"Thousands of his parishioners roared.The Rev. Billy Graham, then the nation's top evangelist, and the Rev. Jerry Falwell, the rising leader of the so-called Religious Right, also blitzed Carter. National media, including The AP, highlighted criticism from Christian pastors from around the country.Roessner, the daughter of a Protestant pastor, said Carter's Playboy comments were clumsy, "but if anyone should have understood the context ... it should have been the ministers."She recalled Carter's resentment during a 2014 interview she conducted with him. Decades of global humanitarian work had by that time afforded the former president a profile above politics, yet "almost 40 years later, it was clearly something he held on to," she said. He was "still incredibly frustrated by what he felt was unfair coverage and response."The 1976 campaign was the first after Richard Nixon's resignation, driven by reporting from The Washington Post, and many journalists were demonstrating a new level of distrust of politicians, especially one Scheer described as "wearing his religion on his sleeve."Those same news organizations largely ignored what the soon-to-be president said about them, Roessner noted."The traveling press have zero interest in any issue unless it's a matter of making a mistake," Carter told Playboy. "There's nobody in the back of this plane who would ask an issue question unless he thought he could trick me into some crazy statement."Scheer, at least, asked plenty of policy questions, and, looking back, he pointed to Carter's narrow victory just weeks later."Whatever they said, I think it did exactly what they wanted to accomplish," Scheer said. "That doesn't mean they weren't nervous."___This story was first published April 16, 2023, and has been updated with news of Carter's death.

Jimmy Carter and Playboy: How ‘the weirdo factor’ rocked ’76

The ACLU warns CoreCivic’s Leavenworth facility and others could play a role in President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

CoreCivic inquired with federal officials in June about turning its shuttered Leavenworth jail into an immigration detention center, according to documents recently obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The facility, the ACLU warns, could be used as a hub for mass deportation efforts under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

CoreCivic Inc., the nation’s largest private prison operator, responded in June to a request by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help identify potential detention facilities in the Midwest and other regions, according to the ACLU’s documents. The company offered information on several of its facilities across the country.

Among them was the Midwest Regional Reception Center, which was previously operated as the Leavenworth Detention Center, a pre-trial detention facility for detainees charged with — but not convicted of —&nbsp;federal crimes in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and western Missouri.

During its time as a pre-trial detention facility, the Leavenworth Detention Center grappled with persistent violence.

Micah Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas, said in a statement that an expanded ICE presence “will deeply harm our fellow Kansans.”

“The community of Leavenworth has made it clear multiple times that ICE and CoreCivic are not welcome to wreak the havoc of federal immigration enforcement here,” Kubic said, “and local and state leaders do not have to give in.”

In a statement, Ryan Gustin, director of public affairs for CoreCivic, said the company’s immigration facilities “operate with a significant amount of oversight and accountability” and are monitored and audited by ICE officials.

“The services we provide help the government solve problems in ways it could not do alone —&nbsp;to manage unprecedented humanitarian crises, dramatically improve the standard of care for vulnerable people and meet other critical needs efficiently and innovatively,” Gustin said. “These are problems the American public has made clear they want fixed.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/documents/multi-state-detention-facility-support-foia-documents-request-for-information" target="_blank">ACLU obtained documentation of CoreCivic’s response</a>&nbsp;to ICE’s request for potential detention space through a lawsuit accusing ICE of failing to comply with the Freedom of Information Act. It also obtained documentation of responses to ICE from owners of potential detention sites in Texas, Nevada, New Mexico and California.

Kansas Reflector also sought information on responses to ICE’s request for detention space under the Freedom of Information Act in September, but has not received any documents.

The revelations come as Trump has promised to deport immigrants quickly after he takes office in January.

Eunice Cho, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU’s National Prison Project, said in a press release that President Joe Biden’s administration is “paving the way for … Trump to make good on his cruel and inhumane mass deportation proposals.”

“You cannot have mass deportations without significant expansion of ICE detention capacity in states across the country,” Cho said, “and that’s exactly what the incoming Trump administration is preparing to do.”

Gustin said CoreCivic does not advocate for or against legislation “that serves as the basis for —&nbsp;or determines the duration of —&nbsp;an individual’s detention.”

“Our responsibility is to care for each person respectfully and humanely while they receive the legal due process that they are entitled to,” Gustin said.

For years, CoreCivic operated the Leavenworth Detention Center through a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service, but it closed at the end of 2021 under an executive order signed by Biden banning renewal of U.S. Department of Justice contracts with private prisons.

As of June 2020, the facility could hold about 1,000 detainees.

The CoreCivic jail’s closure brought persistent speculation about what the company might do with the building, including whether it might become an ICE detention center. Just ahead of the closure in 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-06/leavenworth-prison-beset-by-reports-of-violence-and-mismanagement-faces-uncertain-future" target="_blank">ICE told KCUR it was not pursuing</a>&nbsp;a contract with CoreCivic to use the facility.

But in the years that followed, Leavenworth County discussed with CoreCivic the possibility of converting the facility to house immigration detainees. The county would have served as an intermediary in a contract with CoreCivic and ICE.

Commissioners&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-county-scuttles-talk-of-converting-leavenworth-jail-to-ice-detention-center/" target="_blank">voted in September 2023 to halt negotiations</a>&nbsp;over the arrangement. Opposition to the proposal ranged from anti-immigration sentiments about releasing detainees into Leavenworth to immigration and civil rights advocates’ concerns about the facility’s history of violence and safety issues.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/07/for-profit-kansas-prison-an-understaffed-hell-hole-of-violence-death-and-drugs/" target="_blank">An investigation by Kansas Reflector in 2021</a>&nbsp;found the Leavenworth Detention Center was often understaffed and beset with rampant drug use and violence. The company faces a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/25/former-detainee-sues-defunct-for-profit-jail-in-leavenworth-over-2021-stabbing/" target="_blank">lawsuit from a former detainee</a>&nbsp;who was stabbed in that year. The lawsuit, filed by Joshua Braddy, alleges at least 10 stabbings in 2021 and two suicides.

In a sentencing hearing in the fall of 2021, U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson called the facility a “hell hole.” Earlier this year, CoreCivic reached a settlement in a wrongful death case with the widow of a former inmate killed in 2021.

CoreCivic settled in 2019 with more than 500 detainees for $1.45 million for illegally recording phone calls with their defense attorneys and providing the information to prosecutors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574019674964.png" alt="&nbsp;CoreCivic’s Leavenworth Detention Center could serve as a detention center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;CoreCivic’s Leavenworth Detention Center could serve as a detention center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The ACLU warns CoreCivic’s Leavenworth facility and others could play a role in President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans</h2>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>CoreCivic inquired with federal officials in June about turning its shuttered Leavenworth jail into an immigration detention center, according to documents recently obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union.The facility, the ACLU warns, could be used as a hub for mass deportation efforts under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.CoreCivic Inc., the nation’s largest private prison operator, responded in June to a request by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help identify potential detention facilities in the Midwest and other regions, according to the ACLU’s documents. The company offered information on several of its facilities across the country.Among them was the Midwest Regional Reception Center, which was previously operated as the Leavenworth Detention Center, a pre-trial detention facility for detainees charged with — but not convicted of —&nbsp;federal crimes in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and western Missouri.During its time as a pre-trial detention facility, the Leavenworth Detention Center grappled with persistent violence.Micah Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas, said in a statement that an expanded ICE presence “will deeply harm our fellow Kansans.”“The community of Leavenworth has made it clear multiple times that ICE and CoreCivic are not welcome to wreak the havoc of federal immigration enforcement here,” Kubic said, “and local and state leaders do not have to give in.”In a statement, Ryan Gustin, director of public affairs for CoreCivic, said the company’s immigration facilities “operate with a significant amount of oversight and accountability” and are monitored and audited by ICE officials.“The services we provide help the government solve problems in ways it could not do alone —&nbsp;to manage unprecedented humanitarian crises, dramatically improve the standard of care for vulnerable people and meet other critical needs efficiently and innovatively,” Gustin said. “These are problems the American public has made clear they want fixed.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/documents/multi-state-detention-facility-support-foia-documents-request-for-information" target="_blank">ACLU obtained documentation of CoreCivic’s response</a>&nbsp;to ICE’s request for potential detention space through a lawsuit accusing ICE of failing to comply with the Freedom of Information Act. It also obtained documentation of responses to ICE from owners of potential detention sites in Texas, Nevada, New Mexico and California.Kansas Reflector also sought information on responses to ICE’s request for detention space under the Freedom of Information Act in September, but has not received any documents.The revelations come as Trump has promised to deport immigrants quickly after he takes office in January.Eunice Cho, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU’s National Prison Project, said in a press release that President Joe Biden’s administration is “paving the way for … Trump to make good on his cruel and inhumane mass deportation proposals.”“You cannot have mass deportations without significant expansion of ICE detention capacity in states across the country,” Cho said, “and that’s exactly what the incoming Trump administration is preparing to do.”Gustin said CoreCivic does not advocate for or against legislation “that serves as the basis for —&nbsp;or determines the duration of —&nbsp;an individual’s detention.”“Our responsibility is to care for each person respectfully and humanely while they receive the legal due process that they are entitled to,” Gustin said.For years, CoreCivic operated the Leavenworth Detention Center through a contract with the U.S. Marshals Service, but it closed at the end of 2021 under an executive order signed by Biden banning renewal of U.S. Department of Justice contracts with private prisons.As of June 2020, the facility could hold about 1,000 detainees.The CoreCivic jail’s closure brought persistent speculation about what the company might do with the building, including whether it might become an ICE detention center. Just ahead of the closure in 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-06/leavenworth-prison-beset-by-reports-of-violence-and-mismanagement-faces-uncertain-future" target="_blank">ICE told KCUR it was not pursuing</a>&nbsp;a contract with CoreCivic to use the facility.But in the years that followed, Leavenworth County discussed with CoreCivic the possibility of converting the facility to house immigration detainees. The county would have served as an intermediary in a contract with CoreCivic and ICE.Commissioners&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-county-scuttles-talk-of-converting-leavenworth-jail-to-ice-detention-center/" target="_blank">voted in September 2023 to halt negotiations</a>&nbsp;over the arrangement. Opposition to the proposal ranged from anti-immigration sentiments about releasing detainees into Leavenworth to immigration and civil rights advocates’ concerns about the facility’s history of violence and safety issues.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/07/for-profit-kansas-prison-an-understaffed-hell-hole-of-violence-death-and-drugs/" target="_blank">An investigation by Kansas Reflector in 2021</a>&nbsp;found the Leavenworth Detention Center was often understaffed and beset with rampant drug use and violence. The company faces a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/25/former-detainee-sues-defunct-for-profit-jail-in-leavenworth-over-2021-stabbing/" target="_blank">lawsuit from a former detainee</a>&nbsp;who was stabbed in that year. The lawsuit, filed by Joshua Braddy, alleges at least 10 stabbings in 2021 and two suicides.In a sentencing hearing in the fall of 2021, U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson called the facility a “hell hole.” Earlier this year, CoreCivic reached a settlement in a wrongful death case with the widow of a former inmate killed in 2021.CoreCivic settled in 2019 with more than 500 detainees for $1.45 million for illegally recording phone calls with their defense attorneys and providing the information to prosecutors.

Shuttered private jail in Kansas could become immigration detention center

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

On December 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Nissan Altima for a traffic infraction on 150th and Q. Road in rural Jackson County, according to sheriff Tim Morse.

 The driver, Dennis Gene Lindsay Jr., 37, of Topeka, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include distribute certain depressant; &lt; 3.5 grams, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751711476.png" alt="Lindsay-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Lindsay-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.On December 30, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Nissan Altima for a traffic infraction on 150th and Q. Road in rural Jackson County, according to sheriff Tim Morse. The driver, Dennis Gene Lindsay Jr., 37, of Topeka, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include distribute certain depressant; &lt; 3.5 grams, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of selling drugs

WASHINGTON (AP) — A harrowing chapter in American history remains shrouded in mystery: Who planted pipe bombs outside offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees in Washington on the eve of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">the attack on the Capitol</a>?

Hoping to generate new tips from the public, the FBI is releasing more information about its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/riots-0306b74458a99c6462333a9ee4779716">pipe bomb investigation</a>, including an estimate that the unidentified suspect is about 5 feet 7 inches tall. The bureau also is posting previously unreleased video of the suspect placing one of the bombs.

A host of basic questions remains unanswered four years later. For starters, investigators haven’t determined if the suspect is a man or a woman. Nor have they established a clear link between the pipe bombs and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6, 2021, riot</a>&nbsp;at the Capitol by a mob of Donald Trump's supporters.

The FBI “can’t work on assumptions," said David Sundberg, assistant director in charge of the bureau's Washington field office.

“Without being able to confirm the suspect’s identity, it is very hard to definitively establish motive," Sundberg told The Associated Press. “Therefore, it would be difficult for us to state that there is a link, although we can’t state there is not one.”

In the absence of harder evidence, Republican lawmakers and right-wing media outlets have promoted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-trump-cassidy-hutchinson-capitol-188ee6406b93f42eb946d28f5213de3d">conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;about the pipe bombs.&nbsp;<a href="https://cha.house.gov/_cache/files/d/9/d96ba6ce-03fb-4fc8-a4a7-5b5daf19d064/4F510144C1F427873D3298D955C8E19F.initial-findings-report.pdf">House Republicans</a>&nbsp;also have criticized security lapses, questioning how law enforcement failed to detect the bombs for 17 hours.

“We remain focused on conducting an investigation using all of the tools we have at our disposal,” Sundberg said. “But it is incumbent upon us to follow facts and evidence.”

The FBI has assessed over 600 tips, reviewed about 39,000 video files and conducted more than 1,000 interviews over the past four years. Images show the suspect was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, a face mask, black gloves and a black and grey pair of Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes with a yellow logo. The person also wore or carried a backpack containing the bombs.

Surveillance video captured the suspect placing the pipe bombs near the committees' offices between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2021. Nobody was hurt before the bombs were rendered safe, but the FBI says both devices could have been lethal.

<a href="https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2024-08/OIG-24-42-Aug24-Redacted.pdf">Kamala Harris</a>, then the Vice President-elect, was inside the DNC offices when the pipe bomb was found outside the building about 1:05 p.m. on Jan. 6. Before the bomb was deactivated, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's motorcade&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/29/us/politics/pelosi-jan-6-pipe-bomb.html">passed by the DNC building</a>&nbsp;as she was evacuated from the Capitol, according to House Republicans.

This week, the FBI is releasing a minute-long video that shows the suspect sitting on a park bench outside the DNC before placing the first bomb there at about 7:54 p.m. The suspect placed the second bomb about 8:16 p.m., in an alley behind the RNC, the FBI says.

The FBI also is releasing closeup images of the type of Nike sneakers worn by the suspect. Fewer than 25,000 pairs of the same shoe were sold between August 2018 and January 2021, according to the FBI.

“Based on attire, those are probably the most remarkable or distinctive feature when it comes to clothing the suspect wore,” Sundberg said. “We're hoping that somebody might recognize that.”

The FBI used surveillance footage to track the suspect's movements through Capitol Hill on the night of Jan. 5. The suspect initially is captured on video at about 7:34 p.m. at the intersection of First Street and North Carolina Avenue. The suspect is last seen on camera around 8:18 p.m. heading east on Rumsey Court.

“The suspect in this case did a very good job covering themselves up at a time that this would not be abnormal, so it didn’t raise any attention,” Sundberg said, referring to face masking during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Video of the suspect was sporadically available and often of poor quality, according to Sundberg. The 17-hour gap between the planting and discovery of the pipe bombs made it more difficult to identify potential witnesses, he said.

Authorities previously offered a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/washingtondc/news/500000-reward-remains-in-effect-for-information-about-capitol-hill-pipe-bomber">reward of up to $500,000</a>&nbsp;for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.

President-elect Trump, who returns to the White House on Jan. 20, repeatedly has vowed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-trump-election-pardon-justice-department-889129b9696dff4a2929234f3a8f1042">pardon some or many of the rioters</a>&nbsp;who stormed the Capitol. More than 1,500 people have been charged with Jan. 6-related crimes. About 1,100 have been convicted and sentenced. Over 700 defendants got terms of imprisonment ranging from a few days to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">22 years</a>.

Sundberg said he doesn’t expect the change in administration to alter the course of the FBI’s pipe bomb investigation.

“We don’t know who the suspect is,” he added. “And I expect that we will continue to work this case until its logical conclusion and we identify a suspect.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735867762680.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A harrowing chapter in American history remains shrouded in mystery: Who planted pipe bombs outside offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees in Washington on the eve of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/january-6-cases/">the attack on the Capitol</a>?Hoping to generate new tips from the public, the FBI is releasing more information about its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/riots-0306b74458a99c6462333a9ee4779716">pipe bomb investigation</a>, including an estimate that the unidentified suspect is about 5 feet 7 inches tall. The bureau also is posting previously unreleased video of the suspect placing one of the bombs.A host of basic questions remains unanswered four years later. For starters, investigators haven’t determined if the suspect is a man or a woman. Nor have they established a clear link between the pipe bombs and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6, 2021, riot</a>&nbsp;at the Capitol by a mob of Donald Trump's supporters.The FBI “can’t work on assumptions," said David Sundberg, assistant director in charge of the bureau's Washington field office.“Without being able to confirm the suspect’s identity, it is very hard to definitively establish motive," Sundberg told The Associated Press. “Therefore, it would be difficult for us to state that there is a link, although we can’t state there is not one.”In the absence of harder evidence, Republican lawmakers and right-wing media outlets have promoted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-trump-cassidy-hutchinson-capitol-188ee6406b93f42eb946d28f5213de3d">conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;about the pipe bombs.&nbsp;<a href="https://cha.house.gov/_cache/files/d/9/d96ba6ce-03fb-4fc8-a4a7-5b5daf19d064/4F510144C1F427873D3298D955C8E19F.initial-findings-report.pdf">House Republicans</a>&nbsp;also have criticized security lapses, questioning how law enforcement failed to detect the bombs for 17 hours.“We remain focused on conducting an investigation using all of the tools we have at our disposal,” Sundberg said. “But it is incumbent upon us to follow facts and evidence.”The FBI has assessed over 600 tips, reviewed about 39,000 video files and conducted more than 1,000 interviews over the past four years. Images show the suspect was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, a face mask, black gloves and a black and grey pair of Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes with a yellow logo. The person also wore or carried a backpack containing the bombs.Surveillance video captured the suspect placing the pipe bombs near the committees' offices between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2021. Nobody was hurt before the bombs were rendered safe, but the FBI says both devices could have been lethal.<a href="https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2024-08/OIG-24-42-Aug24-Redacted.pdf">Kamala Harris</a>, then the Vice President-elect, was inside the DNC offices when the pipe bomb was found outside the building about 1:05 p.m. on Jan. 6. Before the bomb was deactivated, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's motorcade&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/29/us/politics/pelosi-jan-6-pipe-bomb.html">passed by the DNC building</a>&nbsp;as she was evacuated from the Capitol, according to House Republicans.This week, the FBI is releasing a minute-long video that shows the suspect sitting on a park bench outside the DNC before placing the first bomb there at about 7:54 p.m. The suspect placed the second bomb about 8:16 p.m., in an alley behind the RNC, the FBI says.The FBI also is releasing closeup images of the type of Nike sneakers worn by the suspect. Fewer than 25,000 pairs of the same shoe were sold between August 2018 and January 2021, according to the FBI.“Based on attire, those are probably the most remarkable or distinctive feature when it comes to clothing the suspect wore,” Sundberg said. “We're hoping that somebody might recognize that.”The FBI used surveillance footage to track the suspect's movements through Capitol Hill on the night of Jan. 5. The suspect initially is captured on video at about 7:34 p.m. at the intersection of First Street and North Carolina Avenue. The suspect is last seen on camera around 8:18 p.m. heading east on Rumsey Court.“The suspect in this case did a very good job covering themselves up at a time that this would not be abnormal, so it didn’t raise any attention,” Sundberg said, referring to face masking during the COVID-19 pandemic.Video of the suspect was sporadically available and often of poor quality, according to Sundberg. The 17-hour gap between the planting and discovery of the pipe bombs made it more difficult to identify potential witnesses, he said.Authorities previously offered a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/washingtondc/news/500000-reward-remains-in-effect-for-information-about-capitol-hill-pipe-bomber">reward of up to $500,000</a>&nbsp;for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.President-elect Trump, who returns to the White House on Jan. 20, repeatedly has vowed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-trump-election-pardon-justice-department-889129b9696dff4a2929234f3a8f1042">pardon some or many of the rioters</a>&nbsp;who stormed the Capitol. More than 1,500 people have been charged with Jan. 6-related crimes. About 1,100 have been convicted and sentenced. Over 700 defendants got terms of imprisonment ranging from a few days to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/enrique-tarrio-capitol-riot-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-da60222b3e1e54902db2bbbb219dc3fb">22 years</a>.Sundberg said he doesn’t expect the change in administration to alter the course of the FBI’s pipe bomb investigation.“We don’t know who the suspect is,” he added. “And I expect that we will continue to work this case until its logical conclusion and we identify a suspect.”

FBI: New info about pipe bomb suspect on eve of the Capitol riot

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just after midnight early Saturday, police were dispatched to North Kansas City Hospital on a reported shooting, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

 A male shooting victim, later identified as 20-year-old&nbsp;Isiah Washington, was brought to the hospital by private vehicle.

Hospital staff advised the responding officers that the Washington died of his injuries shortly after arriving. Preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred in the 7400 Block of North Lewis in Kansas City.

There was an altercation between two individuals that resulted in the Washington being shot. Detectives are working to determine the circumstances that led to the interaction. Investigators and crime scene personnel canvassed the 7400 block of North Lewis for witnesses and any available physical evidence. Police released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after midnight early Saturday, police were dispatched to North Kansas City Hospital on a reported shooting, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino. A male shooting victim, later identified as 20-year-old&nbsp;Isiah Washington, was brought to the hospital by private vehicle.Hospital staff advised the responding officers that the Washington died of his injuries shortly after arriving. Preliminary investigation revealed the incident occurred in the 7400 Block of North Lewis in Kansas City.There was an altercation between two individuals that resulted in the Washington being shot. Detectives are working to determine the circumstances that led to the interaction. Investigators and crime scene personnel canvassed the 7400 block of North Lewis for witnesses and any available physical evidence. Police released no additional details.

KCPD: Man dies at hospital after fight led to shooting

&nbsp;I-70 has been reopened across North Central Kansas in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Saline, Dickinson and Geary County.

Motorists are advised to slow down, use caution and Give crews room to work safely.

<a href="https://kandrive.gov/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,stationsAlert,weatherRadar">Click here for updates</a>

ROAD CLOSURE: - Interstate 70 is closed in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Saline, Dickinson and Geary Co. across North Central Kansas. 

Roads are very icy, motorists are urged to stay home if possible and give crews room as they work to treat roads.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kandrive.gov/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,stationsAlert,weatherRadar">Click here for updates</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736084939739.png" alt="View of I-70 at 7:30a.m. Sunday" />
 <figcaption>View of I-70 at 7:30a.m. Sunday</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;I-70 has been reopened across North Central Kansas in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Saline, Dickinson and Geary County.

Motorists are advised to slow down, use caution and Give crews room to work safely.<a href="https://kandrive.gov/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,stationsAlert,weatherRadar">Click here for updates</a>-------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736077267844.png" alt="I-70 at Abilene 5a.m. Sunday" />
 <figcaption>I-70 at Abilene 5a.m. Sunday</figcaption>
 </figure>ROAD CLOSURE: - Interstate 70 is closed in Ellsworth, Lincoln, Saline, Dickinson and Geary Co. across North Central Kansas. 

Roads are very icy, motorists are urged to stay home if possible and give crews room as they work to treat roads.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kandrive.gov/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,stationsAlert,weatherRadar">Click here for updates</a>

KDOT: I-70 now open in central Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the East Room of the White House on a particularly frigid Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden bestowed the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639#:~:text=The%20Presidential%20Medal%20of%20Freedom,%2C%20science%2C%20or%20other%20fields.">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.

Former Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hillary-clinton">Hillary Clinton</a>&nbsp;aroused a standing ovation from the crowd as she received her medal. Clinton was accompanied to the event by her husband former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and grandchildren. Democratic philanthropist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-soros">George Soros</a>&nbsp;and actor-director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/denzel-washington">Denzel Washington</a>&nbsp;were also awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor in a White House ceremony.

“For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said in his opening remarks.

“Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country," Biden said Saturday.

Four medals were awarded posthumously. They went to George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; former Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Kennedy is father to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for health and human services secretary. Biden said, “Bobby is one of my true political heroes. I love and I miss him dearly.”

Romney is the father of former Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of Trump's strongest conservative critics.

Biden has days left in the Presidential office and has spent the last few days&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medal-of-honor-valor-biden-e8d2d59496ed61facf5866b1bd6d4220">issuing awards and medals</a>&nbsp;to valiant military veterans, courageous law enforcement officials and exceptional Americans.

The White House said the Medal of Freedom recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”

Major philanthropists receiving the award include Spanish American chef José Andrés, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-central-kitchen-jose-andres-gaza-israel-a21b62edbfa1150d0eb78ed5597a03c8">World Central Kitchen charity</a>&nbsp;has become one of the world's most recognized food relief organizations, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bono">Bono</a>, the front man for rock band U2 and a social justice activist.

Soros' son Alex Soros accepted the medal on his father's behalf. In an emailed statement, Soros said: “As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor."

Sports and entertainment stars recognized include professional soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend the event; retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson; actor Michael J. Fox, who is an outspoken advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development; and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy."

Other awardees include conservationist Jane Goodall; longtime Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-jason-wu-entertainment-lifestyle-new-york-b3350bcb566247a4ad6143cc6c3ed29c">American fashion designer Ralph Lauren</a>; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm.

Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the honor.

Last year, Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medal-of-freedom-biden-pelosi-gore-a74aa1d194736834975543498ff3919b">on 19 people</a>, including the late Medgar Evers, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina and actor Michelle Yeoh.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service. Notable Medal of Freedom recipients from the past include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou and Mother Teresa.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the East Room of the White House on a particularly frigid Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden bestowed the&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639#:~:text=The%20Presidential%20Medal%20of%20Freedom,%2C%20science%2C%20or%20other%20fields.">Presidential Medal of Freedom</a>&nbsp;to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HillaryClinton</a> receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom. <a href="https://t.co/wlKLaFEFry">pic.twitter.com/wlKLaFEFry</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1875621974174790127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Former Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hillary-clinton">Hillary Clinton</a>&nbsp;aroused a standing ovation from the crowd as she received her medal. Clinton was accompanied to the event by her husband former President Bill Clinton, daughter Chelsea Clinton and grandchildren. Democratic philanthropist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-soros">George Soros</a>&nbsp;and actor-director&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/denzel-washington">Denzel Washington</a>&nbsp;were also awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor in a White House ceremony.“For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said in his opening remarks.“Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country," Biden said Saturday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Today, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 great leaders who have made America a better place. <a href="https://t.co/d610LtMoes">pic.twitter.com/d610LtMoes</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1875625756014887175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Four medals were awarded posthumously. They went to George W. Romney, who served as both a Michigan governor and secretary of housing and urban development; former Attorney General and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy; Ash Carter, a former secretary of defense; and Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.Kennedy is father to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for health and human services secretary. Biden said, “Bobby is one of my true political heroes. I love and I miss him dearly.”Romney is the father of former Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of Trump's strongest conservative critics.Biden has days left in the Presidential office and has spent the last few days&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medal-of-honor-valor-biden-e8d2d59496ed61facf5866b1bd6d4220">issuing awards and medals</a>&nbsp;to valiant military veterans, courageous law enforcement officials and exceptional Americans.The White House said the Medal of Freedom recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”Major philanthropists receiving the award include Spanish American chef José Andrés, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-central-kitchen-jose-andres-gaza-israel-a21b62edbfa1150d0eb78ed5597a03c8">World Central Kitchen charity</a>&nbsp;has become one of the world's most recognized food relief organizations, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bono">Bono</a>, the front man for rock band U2 and a social justice activist.Soros' son Alex Soros accepted the medal on his father's behalf. In an emailed statement, Soros said: “As an immigrant who found freedom and prosperity in America, I am deeply moved by this honor."Sports and entertainment stars recognized include professional soccer player Lionel Messi, who did not attend the event; retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson; actor Michael J. Fox, who is an outspoken advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development; and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy."Other awardees include conservationist Jane Goodall; longtime Vogue Magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-jason-wu-entertainment-lifestyle-new-york-b3350bcb566247a4ad6143cc6c3ed29c">American fashion designer Ralph Lauren</a>; American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; and David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group global investment firm.Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the honor.Last year, Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medal-of-freedom-biden-pelosi-gore-a74aa1d194736834975543498ff3919b">on 19 people</a>, including the late Medgar Evers, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina and actor Michelle Yeoh.The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded 654 times between 1963 and 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service. Notable Medal of Freedom recipients from the past include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou and Mother Teresa.

🎥Hillary Clinton receives the highest US civilian honor

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Saturday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Wilson Fire Department truck&nbsp;with emergency lights and siren activated and driven by Dylan&nbsp;Walker, 29, Wilson, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Kansas 232.

Due to the slick roadway, the vehicle lost traction, overturned and came to rest on its roof.

EMS transported a passenger 19-year-old Taegan&nbsp;Thrasher of Wilson to the Ellsworth County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Walker was not injured. There are no seat belts in the vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736079620018.png" alt="Photo by Brett Neuman courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brett Neuman courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Saturday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Wilson Fire Department truck&nbsp;with emergency lights and siren activated and driven by Dylan&nbsp;Walker, 29, Wilson, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Kansas 232.Due to the slick roadway, the vehicle lost traction, overturned and came to rest on its roof.EMS transported a passenger 19-year-old Taegan&nbsp;Thrasher of Wilson to the Ellsworth County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Walker was not injured. There are no seat belts in the vehicle.

Kan. man hospitalized after firetruck overturns on icy I-70

FORD COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Saturday in Ford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Toyota Tacoma driven by Bernabe E.&nbsp;Rincon, 28, Dodge City, was eastbound on U.S. 56 two miles east of U.S. 283 in very icy conditions.

The pickup struck the trailer of a jackknifed 2019 International semi driven by Tirso&nbsp;Sataray-Parra, 58, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Rincon was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported a passenger in the Toyota&nbsp; Angel&nbsp;Ramirez, 27, to St. Catherine Hospital. The semi driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;The KHP did not release a hometown for Ramirez.

FORD COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Saturday in Ford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Toyota Tacoma driven by Bernabe E.&nbsp;Rincon, 28, Dodge City, was eastbound on U.S. 56 two miles east of U.S. 283 in very icy conditions.The pickup struck the trailer of a jackknifed 2019 International semi driven by Tirso&nbsp;Sataray-Parra, 58, Las Vegas, Nevada.Rincon was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported a passenger in the Toyota&nbsp; Angel&nbsp;Ramirez, 27, to St. Catherine Hospital. The semi driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;The KHP did not release a hometown for Ramirez.

SW Kansas man dies after pickup strikes jackknifed semi trailer

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on drug allegations.

On December 31, 2024, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 2100 BLK SE Adams ST. related to an ongoing investigation according to Police LT Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Dimethyltryptamine, a strong psychedelic drug, and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, Samantha Kern, 41; Donald Eteeyan, 48; Ashley Schippers, 34 and Michael Metz, 51, were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Samantha Kern is jailed on requested charges of Manufacturing a controlled substance, Distribution of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and for an Arrest Warrant

Donald Eteeyan is jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; Manufacturing a controlled substance, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant

Ashely Schippers is jailed on requested charges of Aggravated offender registration violation, Possession of drug paraphernalia and for Arrest Warrant.

Michael Metz is in custody on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751205728.png" alt="Eteeyan-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Eteeyan-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on drug allegations.On December 31, 2024, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 2100 BLK SE Adams ST. related to an ongoing investigation according to Police LT Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Dimethyltryptamine, a strong psychedelic drug, and drug paraphernalia.As a result, Samantha Kern, 41; Donald Eteeyan, 48; Ashley Schippers, 34 and Michael Metz, 51, were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751155024.png" alt="Kern-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kern-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Samantha Kern is jailed on requested charges of Manufacturing a controlled substance, Distribution of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and for an Arrest WarrantDonald Eteeyan is jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; Manufacturing a controlled substance, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, Drug Tax Stamp, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751307773.png" alt="Schippers photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Schippers photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ashely Schippers is jailed on requested charges of Aggravated offender registration violation, Possession of drug paraphernalia and for Arrest Warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735751375025.png" alt="Metz-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Metz-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Metz is in custody on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia

Police found cocaine, DMT during drug bust at Kansas home

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement officers never know what to expect when they go to work each day. Sheriff's deputies in Jefferson County, Missouri worked an unusual call on Friday.

Shortly before 4p.m., deputies responded to the area of Hwys 21 and M for reports of a subject monkeying around, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff social media page.

"First-responding units found the subject was naked except for what appeared to be a tutu.&nbsp;After careful negotiations, Deputies were able to get close enough to go “hands on” with the subject and bring this bananas situation under control without incident."

"In all seriousness, this is a great example of law enforcement officers never knowing what they’ll face on any given call, and having to be prepared to handle whatever the job throws at them."

"This spider monkey was staying at a nearby home when it managed to open a door and get outside. Deputies surrounded the animal and eventually got it back to its caretaker. What a day!"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735995571891.png" alt="Photos Jefferson County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Jefferson County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement officers never know what to expect when they go to work each day. Sheriff's deputies in Jefferson County, Missouri worked an unusual call on Friday.Shortly before 4p.m., deputies responded to the area of Hwys 21 and M for reports of a subject monkeying around, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff social media page.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735995531137.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"First-responding units found the subject was naked except for what appeared to be a tutu.&nbsp;After careful negotiations, Deputies were able to get close enough to go “hands on” with the subject and bring this bananas situation under control without incident."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735995614303.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"In all seriousness, this is a great example of law enforcement officers never knowing what they’ll face on any given call, and having to be prepared to handle whatever the job throws at them.""This spider monkey was staying at a nearby home when it managed to open a door and get outside. Deputies surrounded the animal and eventually got it back to its caretaker. What a day!"

Deputies capture suspect reported monkeying around

WICHITA, KAN. – A man and woman from Kansas have been charged through criminal complaint in Wichita on charges related to a series of bank robberies involving a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Zane Tilcock, 20, of Wichita is charged with three counts of bank robbery. Emily Wise, 18, of Wichita is charged with one count of bank robbery.

Tilcock is accused of brandishing a firearm to rob three banks in December of 2024. He allegedly robbed Intrust Bank on South Webb Road in Wichita on December 11, Emprise Bank on East Harry Street in Wichita on December 16, and Sunflower Bank on North Jefferson Street in Junction City on December 27. The JCPD confirmed Tilcock was originally from Junction City and was on parole from the Department of Corrections in Wichita.

Wise is accused of robbing Emprise Bank in Wichita on December 16, 2024.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Wichita Police Department, Junction City Police Department, and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735992378637.png" alt="Tilcock is being held in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Tilcock is being held in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A man and woman from Kansas have been charged through criminal complaint in Wichita on charges related to a series of bank robberies involving a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735992447751.png" alt="Wise is being held in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wise is being held in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>According to court documents, Zane Tilcock, 20, of Wichita is charged with three counts of bank robbery. Emily Wise, 18, of Wichita is charged with one count of bank robbery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735350419983.png" alt="Security camera image -Junction City Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image -Junction City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Tilcock is accused of brandishing a firearm to rob three banks in December of 2024. He allegedly robbed Intrust Bank on South Webb Road in Wichita on December 11, Emprise Bank on East Harry Street in Wichita on December 16, and Sunflower Bank on North Jefferson Street in Junction City on December 27. The JCPD confirmed Tilcock was originally from Junction City and was on parole from the Department of Corrections in Wichita.Wise is accused of robbing Emprise Bank in Wichita on December 16, 2024.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Wichita Police Department, Junction City Police Department, and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case

18-year-old woman jailed for Kansas bank robbery

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs finally arrived in Denver on Saturday after spending about four hours stranded on the tarmac amid an ice storm that blanketed the region ahead of an impending blizzard.

The Chiefs tried to move up the flight as the weather, which had been predicted all week, bared down on them. But the plane they were expected to use was delayed in arriving, so the team had to stick with its mid-afternoon departure, and just before it took off, airport officials announced that all flight operations were suspended due to “rapid ice accumulation.”

There was a brief break between the line of ice that had glazed Kansas City and the arrival of heavy snow, which was expected to last all of Sunday. That provided enough time to de-ice the plane, clear the runway and get the Chiefs off the ground.

Their chartered jet was the first to depart once airport operations resumed.

The Chiefs (15-1) have clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye, rendering their regular-season finale moot for them. But the game has significant meaning for Denver, which could clinch its own playoff berth with a win.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736031471529.png" alt="Car is wedged between two trucks during icy travel on I-70 photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Car is wedged between two trucks during icy travel on I-70 photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs finally arrived in Denver on Saturday after spending about four hours stranded on the tarmac amid an ice storm that blanketed the region ahead of an impending blizzard.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Touched down in Denver ❄️ <a href="https://t.co/trPB8L9mLW">pic.twitter.com/trPB8L9mLW</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1875730263998935500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Chiefs tried to move up the flight as the weather, which had been predicted all week, bared down on them. But the plane they were expected to use was delayed in arriving, so the team had to stick with its mid-afternoon departure, and just before it took off, airport officials announced that all flight operations were suspended due to “rapid ice accumulation.”There was a brief break between the line of ice that had glazed Kansas City and the arrival of heavy snow, which was expected to last all of Sunday. That provided enough time to de-ice the plane, clear the runway and get the Chiefs off the ground.Their chartered jet was the first to depart once airport operations resumed.The Chiefs (15-1) have clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye, rendering their regular-season finale moot for them. But the game has significant meaning for Denver, which could clinch its own playoff berth with a win.Earlier this week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he planned to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes, meaning backup Carson Wentz will get the start. The Chiefs also declared right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) out, while stars such as defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce were expected to get the game off.The Chiefs will have to wait to find out their playoff opponent. The earliest they would play in the divisional round is Jan. 18.------------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs were temporarily stranded at Kansas City International Airport on Saturday as an ice storm shut down operations, preventing their chartered jet from departing for their game against the Broncos on Sunday in Denver.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The runways at the Kansas City Airport will reopen and resume normal operations in about 30 minutes. <a href="https://t.co/xhQv5X4RWo">https://t.co/xhQv5X4RWo</a>&mdash; Brian David Platt (@BrianDavidPlatt) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianDavidPlatt/status/1875673374715941094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Chiefs tried to move up the flight as the weather, which had been predicted all week, bared down on Kansas City. But the plane they were expected to use was delayed in arriving, so the team had to stick with its mid-afternoon departure.The airport announced at 2:50 p.m. CDT that it had closed all flight operations due to “rapid ice accumulation.” It was unclear when the Chiefs would be able to depart, though a break was expected between the end of the icy rain that had fallen during the afternoon and a thick line of heavy snow that was expected to begin in the evening and last through Sunday.The hope was that the airport would have time enough to clear the runways and resume operations.The Chiefs (15-1) have clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye, rendering their regular-season finale moot for them. But the game has significant meaning for Denver, which could clinch its own playoff berth with a win.Earlier this week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he planned to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes, meaning backup Carson Wentz will get the start. The Chiefs also declared right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) out, while stars such as defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce were expected to get the game off.The Chiefs will have to wait to find out their playoff opponent. The earliest they would play in the divisional round is Jan. 18.