Topeka Capital-Journal. February 16, 2024.
Editorial: Tragedy mars KC Chiefs celebration. When will Kansas lawmakers act on constituent wishes?
Believe it or not, we are in the middle of February. It may be the shortest month of the year, but we have plenty to talk about.
Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl celebration ends in tragedy
Before we commend the on-field efforts of the Kansas City Chiefs, we must acknowledge the devastation that followed Wednesday’s celebration. Gunshots scattered people, killing one and injuring 22 others. About half the victims were younger than 16.
At the rally, police detained three people, including two juveniles, and recovered several firearms. One of the three people being questioned by law enforcement was tackled by bystanders before being detained. More than 800 officers were providing security for the event.
Thank you to the brave men and women who took such decisive action in detaining a possible suspect. Thank you to the law enforcement officers. Thank you to all of you who are donating blood, money and time to help those who are hurting today.
And to the lawmakers refusing to listen to the wishes of the majority of their constituents who are calling for common-sense gun regulations, shame on you.
Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl champions and all-time greats
Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on winning back-to-back Super Bowls. We’re proud of our home team. Yes, they’re technically in Missouri, but Kansas is in their name and our hearts.
USA Today’s Mike Freeman points out how likable a team they are: “There are other Super Bowl teams that were cool, but none of them match up with Kansas City.” We agree. The Chiefs offer something for everyone interested in football. Andy Reid may be on the Mount Rushmore of historically great coaches. Patrick Mahomes looks like one of the best — and possibly the best — to ever quarterback a team. Harrison Butker is a kicker with a nickname of “Buttkicker.”
Of course, the love story that is Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift is giving all of us something to sing about.
Kris Kobach’s land grab
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has sponsored a bill that would bar foreign nationals from owning 10 or more acres of land unless approved by a council created by the bill. The Topeka Capital-Journal’s Jack Harvel reports Senate Bill 446 is opposed by the state’s largest lobbyists in agriculture, utilities, business and civil rights.
The Kansas Farm Bureau, Livestock Association, Agribusiness Retailers Association, Corn Growing Association and Soybean Association all opposed the motion, citing its infringement on private property rights and existing laws prohibiting corporate farming. From where we stand, we concur with their assessment and point out the potential for discrimination and civil rights issues. We hope this bill doesn’t get much traction.
Hope for Highland Park basketball teams
On Jan. 16, a pipe burst in the gymnasium of Highland Park, which resulted in flooding of the basketball court. The busted pipe occurred during record low temperatures that saw Topeka suffer 96 straight hours of wind chill at zero degrees or less.
The Topeka Capital-Journal’s Liam Keating reports the gym isn’t currently available for competition. The Scots have been using Topeka High and Topeka West’s facilities in the interim, but officials are hopeful they can have a home game before the season ends. We hope so, too. Resilient indeed. Best of luck with the repairs.
END
