hcj

KS - June 26 2025

Stadium Deal Deadline; New Measles Case; Eakins Enters Race; Man Dies by Suicide in Salina Hospital Lobby; Flood Watch Issued in KC

Greg Loving

26 Jun 2025 • 3 min read

Legislature to Extend Chiefs, Royals Stadium Deal Deadline

Morton County Reports New Measles Case After Outbreak Declared Over

Former Wichita School Board Member Joy Eakins Enters Governor's Race

Man Dies by Suicide in Salina Hospital Emergency Room

Flood Watch Issued for Eastern Kansas Through Early Friday

Legislature to Extend Chiefs, Royals Stadium Deal Deadline

Kansas lawmakers will meet July 7 to extend the deadline for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals to accept state financing for new stadiums. Senate President Ty Masterson announced the Legislative Coordinating Council will consider extending the June 30, 2025 deadline after Chiefs President Mark Donovan reported "substantial progress" in negotiations with the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The extension would give both teams more time to finalize deals under Kansas' STAR bond program, which offers up to 70% funding for stadium construction—a more generous package than Missouri's recently approved 50% financing cap. Discussions with the Chiefs have included plans for a stadium, headquarters, practice facility and related business developments, with Masterson noting the project is now "in the red zone" and needs additional time to cross the goal line.

Kansas Reflector

Morton County Reports New Measles Case After Outbreak Declared Over

Kansas health officials confirmed a new measles case in Morton County, where the outbreak had previously been declared resolved. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported the case involves an unvaccinated child under 4 years old, bringing the county back to active outbreak status as of June 25. The new case brings Kansas' total measles cases to 80.

CJOnline

Former Wichita School Board Member Joy Eakins Enters Governor's Race

Republican Joy Eakins, a former Wichita Board of Education member and founder of Cornerstone Data Inc., announced her candidacy for Kansas governor on June 18. Eakins, who touted her business background and education reform efforts while serving on the USD 259 board, said she's running to lead a "Kansas Comeback" and credited President Trump with ushering in a "golden age" for the nation.

CJOnline

Man Dies by Suicide in Salina Hospital Emergency Room

An 87-year-old man died by suicide Thursday morning in the Salina Regional Health Center emergency room waiting area, forcing the hospital to temporarily reroute patients. Police Captain James Feldman confirmed the man checked himself in at 7:08 a.m. and shot himself while alone in the waiting room, posing no threat to others. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by healthcare workers, he was pronounced dead shortly after 8 a.m.

Kansas.com

Flood Watch Issued for Eastern Kansas Through Early Friday

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Kansas City metro area and surrounding counties through 3 a.m. Friday, warning of potential torrential rainfall. Kansas counties under the watch include Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte, with 1-3 inches of rain expected and some areas possibly receiving up to 5 inches. Residents should monitor for flooding along rivers, creeks, streams and low-lying areas.