Top 5 Kansas news stories
September 29, 2025
Hays Police Sergeant Killed in Domestic Violence Standoff
Boeing-Spirit AeroSystems Deal Delayed Until late-2025
Maize High School Teacher Shot by Teen During Car Break-In
Taiwan Commits to $1.3 Billion U.S. Wheat Purchase Through 2029
Xavier Worthy's Return Sparks Chiefs' Offensive Explosion
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Hays Police Sergeant Killed in Domestic Violence Standoff
A Hays Police Department sergeant was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call early Sunday morning, marking the fourth line-of-duty death in Kansas in four consecutive months. Sgt. Scott Heimann was struck by a single gunshot fired from inside a home in the 2200 block of Downing Street around 1:55 a.m. as officers established a perimeter around the suspect's residence. The incident began just before midnight Saturday when a woman called 911 reporting she had escaped a domestic violence situation after her significant other rammed her vehicle with his truck as she fled. Heimann was flown to a regional hospital but died from his injuries just after 4 a.m. Multiple law enforcement teams, including the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's High-Risk Warrant Team, responded to negotiate with the barricaded suspect. Officers found 34-year-old Zane Wickham of Hays dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound around 6:15 a.m. The death marks Kansas's 295th line-of-duty fatality since 1966 and continues a deadly streak that has claimed four Kansas law enforcement officers since June, including deputies in Phillips and Wyandotte counties and a Kansas City, Kansas police officer.
KSNW
Boeing-Spirit AeroSystems Deal Delayed Until late-2025
Boeing's $4.7 billion acquisition of Wichita-based Spirit AeroSystems has been pushed back to the end of 2025, two months past the original July deadline. The delay stems from pending regulatory approvals in Europe, where Spirit operates manufacturing facilities that require foreign government clearance before the sale can proceed. While the United Kingdom has approved the deal, European Union regulators are still reviewing the acquisition and could potentially launch a four-month investigation if serious concerns arise. The purchase is part of Boeing's broader effort to regain control over safety and production following problems with its 737 Max jets, including fatal crashes and the door panel incident over Oregon.
KWCH
Maize High School Teacher Shot by Teen During Car Break-In
A Maize High School English teacher remains in critical condition after being shot by a 15-year-old attempting to break into his vehicle Saturday night in Wichita. Kevin Norfleet, 30, discovered the teen rummaging through his car in the 400 block of South Vassar and confronted him, leading to an exchange of gunfire that left both the homeowner and the teenager critically wounded. Police report that the teen fired first, striking Norfleet, who then returned fire and hit the 15-year-old. Both were transported to a local hospital in critical condition, and the incident remains under investigation by Wichita police.
KWCH
Taiwan Commits to $1.3 Billion U.S. Wheat Purchase Through 2029
Taiwan has agreed to purchase 132.3 million bushels of U.S. wheat worth approximately $1.296 billion between 2026 and 2029, providing a significant boost to Kansas farmers who grow much of the nation's wheat crop. The letter of intent was signed in Washington D.C. by representatives from the Taiwan Flour Millers Association and U.S. Wheat Associates. The United States currently supplies more than one-fifth of Taiwan's agricultural imports, with Taiwan purchasing 34.9 million bushels of various U.S. wheat varieties in the 2024-2025 marketing year. The multi-year commitment reinforces the strong agricultural trade relationship between the two partners.
HPJ
Xavier Worthy's Return Sparks Chiefs' Offensive Explosion
Kansas City Chiefs rookie receiver Xavier Worthy made an immediate impact in his return from a shoulder injury, leading the team in both receiving and rushing yards during Sunday's 37-20 victory over Baltimore. The speedster caught passes for a career-high 83 yards and added 38 rushing yards on just seven total touches after missing two games with a dislocated right shoulder. Worthy's presence helped unlock the Chiefs' offense for their highest-scoring performance of the season and their most points since September 2023. Even when not touching the ball, the rookie's speed created opportunities for teammates as Kansas City dominated the Ravens.
ESPN
Sources
- https://www.ksn.com/news/state-regional/hays-police-officer-killed-in-the-line-of-duty/amp/
- https://www.kwch.com/2025/09/29/not-surprised-boeing-spirit-deal-falls-behind-schedule/
- https://www.kwch.com/2025/09/29/family-maize-high-school-teacher-icu-after-being-shot-by-teen-attempting-break-into-car/
- https://hpj.com/2025/09/20/taiwan-commits-to-purchasing-132-million-bushels-of-u-s-wheat-through-2029/
- https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46417274/xavier-worthy-return-helps-unlock-chiefs-offense-win-vs-ravens
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