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KS - June 30 2025

Deputy Killed; GOP BBB Rural Healthcare Impact; Kansas Crime Drops; Court Upholds PV Ruling; Wichita Mall Closes

Greg Loving

30 Jun 2025 • 4 min read

Kansas Deputy, Suspect Both Killed in Phillipsburg Shooting

GOP Healthcare Bill Faces Rural Opposition, Costs Tillis Re-election Bid

Kansas Sees Significant Drop in Violent, Property Crimes in 2024

Kansas Supreme Court Upholds Prairie Village Government Petition Ruling

Towne West Square Mall Closes After 45 Years in Wichita

1. Kansas Deputy, Suspect Both Killed in Phillipsburg Shooting

PHILLIPSBURG - A Phillips County deputy and a suspect were both killed Friday night during a domestic shooting incident in Phillipsburg. Deputy Brandon Gaede, who had recently served as undersheriff before returning to deputy duties, was responding to a report of illegal fireworks around 9:30 p.m. near 1st and E Street when 27-year-old Colton Griffith pulled a gun during his arrest and shot the deputy. Gaede returned fire, killing Griffith at the scene, but died shortly after being transported to a hospital. Gaede is survived by his wife Karlye and three children, with donations being accepted through a GoFundMe page established by Sedgwick County FOP Lodge #74, The Farmer's State Bank in Phillipsburg, or Karlye Gaede's Venmo account.

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2. GOP Healthcare Bill Faces Rural Opposition, Costs Tillis Re-election Bid

WASHINGTON DC — Republicans are pushing forward with their comprehensive domestic policy legislation despite growing opposition from rural healthcare advocates and some within their own party. The "One Big Beautiful Bill" includes work requirements for able-bodied adults aged 19-64 receiving benefits, while also targeting the provider tax that states use to help fund Medicaid programs, particularly in rural areas. The proposed limits on federal reimbursement to states could cost rural hospitals billions in funding, according to healthcare providers and hospital associations. The controversy has created a rift within the GOP, with Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri arguing the provision would "defund" rural hospitals. The political stakes intensified Sunday when Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced he would not seek re-election after opposing the bill, citing concerns it would cost his state tens of billions in funding and eliminate Medicaid coverage for residents. Tillis's announcement came one day after President Trump threatened to back a primary challenger against him for his opposition to the legislation.

3. Kansas Sees Significant Drop in Violent, Property Crimes in 2024

TOPEKA - Violent and property crimes decreased significantly across Kansas in 2024, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's annual crime index report released Monday. The state recorded 12,643 violent crimes including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault and battery, representing a 6.7% decrease from 2023 and bringing violent crime to the 10-year average level. Property crimes showed an even steeper decline, dropping 12.9% from 66,782 incidents in 2023 to 58,161 in 2024, according to the KBI report.

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4. Kansas Supreme Court Upholds Prairie Village Government Petition Ruling

TOPEKA - The Kansas Supreme Court declined to hear a case involving controversial petitions seeking to change Prairie Village's form of government, upholding a March 2025 Court of Appeals decision that blocked two of three petitions from appearing on the ballot. The legal battle began in 2023 after the city attempted to amend zoning laws for affordable housing, sparking heated debate that spilled into city elections and led to the formation of PV United, a resident group that filed petitions to limit rezoning, abandon the current mayor-council government, and adopt a new governmental structure. The court ruling allows only the petition to abandon the current government to proceed to voters, though Kansas law requires the city to continue operating under its existing structure until a replacement is established. The blocked petition would have reduced council positions from 12 to 6 and created a mayor-council-city manager system limiting mayoral powers.

Kansas City Star

5. Towne West Square Mall Closes After 45 Years in Wichita

WICHITA - Towne West Square, which opened in October 1980 as Wichita's west side answer to Towne East Square, has closed after 45 years marked by recent financial struggles including delinquent bills, power shutoffs, and widespread vacancies. The 975,000-square-foot mall originally cost $50 million and featured popular 1980s retailers like B Dalton Booksellers, Camelot Music, Spencer's Gifts, and anchor stores JCPenney, Montgomery Ward and Dillard's, with a grand opening celebration in March 1981 that included appearances by "Hee Haw's" Grandpa Jones and basketball star Meadowlark Lemon. Most remaining tenants received notices from the new owner to vacate by June 30, though anchor stores JCPenney, Dillard's Clearance Center and Boulevard Theatres will remain open.

Wichita Eagle

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McPherson / Lindsborg