KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces charges against a man for his involvement in a shooting that took place outside a lounge in the Kansas City suburb of Independence.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2617/Mekai-Kelly-James-Complaint-Red">Mekai G. Kelly-James, 24, faces</a>&nbsp;one count of 1st Degree Assault, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2616/PC-Mekai-Kelly-James_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Independence police were dispatched to a lounge near E. Valley View Parkway and Little Blue Parkway on May 5 on reports of gunfire. Officers located two security guards detaining the Kelly-James in front of a nearby restaurant. He was taken into custody.&nbsp;

The victim said he and other security staff were breaking up a fight inside the lounge involving Kelly-James and several other patrons. Kelly-James was escorted out of the building. Moments later, the victim observed the Kelly-James at a vehicle retrieving a firearm and then firing into the air and toward security staff. The victim and other security staff returned fire, and the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the exchange. The victim was able to disarm and detain Kelly-James at a nearby business.&nbsp;

A check of Kelly-James' firearm revealed it had been reported stolen. A detective tested the weapon and found it had been modified with a metal bar affixed to the rear side, altering the weapon’s firing mechanism. The firearm exhibited erratic and dangerous discharge behavior, at times functioning in a fully automatic capacity.&nbsp;

Independence police are asking for patrons who have video footage of the incident to contact the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at (816) 474-8477 or the Independence Police Department Gun Squad at (816) 325-7330.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746824775432.png" alt="Kelly-James -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Kelly-James -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces charges against a man for his involvement in a shooting that took place outside a lounge in the Kansas City suburb of Independence.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2617/Mekai-Kelly-James-Complaint-Red">Mekai G. Kelly-James, 24, faces</a>&nbsp;one count of 1st Degree Assault, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2616/PC-Mekai-Kelly-James_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Independence police were dispatched to a lounge near E. Valley View Parkway and Little Blue Parkway on May 5 on reports of gunfire. Officers located two security guards detaining the Kelly-James in front of a nearby restaurant. He was taken into custody.&nbsp;The victim said he and other security staff were breaking up a fight inside the lounge involving Kelly-James and several other patrons. Kelly-James was escorted out of the building. Moments later, the victim observed the Kelly-James at a vehicle retrieving a firearm and then firing into the air and toward security staff. The victim and other security staff returned fire, and the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the exchange. The victim was able to disarm and detain Kelly-James at a nearby business.&nbsp;A check of Kelly-James' firearm revealed it had been reported stolen. A detective tested the weapon and found it had been modified with a metal bar affixed to the rear side, altering the weapon’s firing mechanism. The firearm exhibited erratic and dangerous discharge behavior, at times functioning in a fully automatic capacity.&nbsp;Independence police are asking for patrons who have video footage of the incident to contact the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at (816) 474-8477 or the Independence Police Department Gun Squad at (816) 325-7330.&nbsp;

Suspect fired shots at security staff after kicked out of KC suburb bar

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as&nbsp;Nicholas I. Claspill, 36, of Tecumseh, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

The accident occurred just after 4:30a.m. Thursday, when a&nbsp;black Ford F-150 pickup was northbound in the 3800 Block NW Carlson Road, according to the sheriff's office.

The pickup struck Claspill who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Ford was wearing a seatbelt and did not sustain any injuries, according to Christian. The driver is fully cooperating with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746710191002.png" alt="-Deputies on the scene early Thursday -photo WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>-Deputies on the scene early Thursday -photo WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as&nbsp;Nicholas I. Claspill, 36, of Tecumseh, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.The accident occurred just after 4:30a.m. Thursday, when a&nbsp;black Ford F-150 pickup was northbound in the 3800 Block NW Carlson Road, according to the sheriff's office.The pickup struck Claspill who was pronounced deceased at the scene.The driver of the Ford was wearing a seatbelt and did not sustain any injuries, according to Christian. The driver is fully cooperating with the investigation.

Sheriff IDs Kansas man who died in pedestrian accident

FRANKLIN COUNTY,&nbsp; Arkansas—A missing kayaker from Kansas whose body was found along the Mulberry River in northwest Arkansas has been identified as 57-year-old Hector Rios from Wichita, according to Keith Stephens, Chief of Communications with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.&nbsp; Rios was an Optometrist for over 20-years in the Wichita area, according to the bio on his practice web site.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday, Franklin County Search and Rescue found the body in area known locally as the Shoe on the Mulberry River just north of Mill Creek in Franklin County. The body was located along the bank of the river under some brush.&nbsp; Rios had been missing since Saturday afternoon. He was not wearing a life jacked, according to Stephens.

According to practice web site, Dr. Rios was a Kansas native. He graduated from Liberal High School in 1985. He attended Southwestern College, in Winfield. While at Southwestern, he attained All- America status in cross country and track &amp; field. He graduated summa cum laude in 1990, with degrees in biology, chemistry, and art. Dr. Rios graduated from Southern California College of Optometry, “with honors”, in 1994. He started practicing in September of 1994, with Dr. Dorwin H. Graham, in Wichita, and purchased a satellite office in Colwich in March of 1996.&nbsp; Rios is survived by a wife and three children.

The body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for autopsy. This occurs after all fatal boating accidents, according to Stephens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746808269282.png" alt="File. photo Rafters head down the swollen Mulberry River on Jan. 31 during the opening ceremony for the new Mulberry River Bridge -photo courtesy River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Penny Weaver" />
 <figcaption>File. photo Rafters head down the swollen Mulberry River on Jan. 31 during the opening ceremony for the new Mulberry River Bridge -photo courtesy River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Penny Weaver</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN COUNTY,&nbsp; Arkansas—A missing kayaker from Kansas whose body was found along the Mulberry River in northwest Arkansas has been identified as 57-year-old Hector Rios from Wichita, according to Keith Stephens, Chief of Communications with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.&nbsp; Rios was an Optometrist for over 20-years in the Wichita area, according to the bio on his practice web site.Just after 4p.m. Thursday, Franklin County Search and Rescue found the body in area known locally as the Shoe on the Mulberry River just north of Mill Creek in Franklin County. The body was located along the bank of the river under some brush.&nbsp; Rios had been missing since Saturday afternoon. He was not wearing a life jacked, according to Stephens.According to practice web site, Dr. Rios was a Kansas native. He graduated from Liberal High School in 1985. He attended Southwestern College, in Winfield. While at Southwestern, he attained All- America status in cross country and track &amp; field. He graduated summa cum laude in 1990, with degrees in biology, chemistry, and art. Dr. Rios graduated from Southern California College of Optometry, “with honors”, in 1994. He started practicing in September of 1994, with Dr. Dorwin H. Graham, in Wichita, and purchased a satellite office in Colwich in March of 1996.&nbsp; Rios is survived by a wife and three children.The body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for autopsy. This occurs after all fatal boating accidents, according to Stephens.

Searchers find body of missing kayaker from Kansas 

JOHNSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Thursday in Overland Park.

According to Overland Park police, a vehicle driven by 29-year-old Joshua Haines of Overland Park was eastbound on W. 151 Street at England Street. The vehicle struck another vehicle that was making a u-turn at England Street to travel eastbound. 

EMS transported Haines to Overland Park Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; The crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Overland Park Traffic Unit.

JOHNSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Thursday in Overland Park.According to Overland Park police, a vehicle driven by 29-year-old Joshua Haines of Overland Park was eastbound on W. 151 Street at England Street. The vehicle struck another vehicle that was making a u-turn at England Street to travel eastbound. EMS transported Haines to Overland Park Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; The crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Overland Park Traffic Unit.

Kansas man dies after crash into vehicle making u-turn

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

Just after 2:30a.m. Friday, patrol officers were dispatched to 11th and Wyandotte on the report of a dead body, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Security guards were conducting patrol rounds when they located an adult male victim in a nearby parking garage. Officers were directed to the upper floor of the parking garage and located the victim suffering from obvious bodily trauma. 

KCFD EMS responded and medics pronounced the victim deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to the incident and what caused the victim’s fatal injuries. Detectives are canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage. Crime scene personnel will be processing the scene for all available physical evidence.&nbsp; Police released no additional details early Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746786942808.png" alt="KCTV" />
 <figcaption>KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 2:30a.m. Friday, patrol officers were dispatched to 11th and Wyandotte on the report of a dead body, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746790386685.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>Security guards were conducting patrol rounds when they located an adult male victim in a nearby parking garage. Officers were directed to the upper floor of the parking garage and located the victim suffering from obvious bodily trauma. KCFD EMS responded and medics pronounced the victim deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to the incident and what caused the victim’s fatal injuries. Detectives are canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage. Crime scene personnel will be processing the scene for all available physical evidence.&nbsp; Police released no additional details early Friday.

Homicide: Body of man found in Kansas City parking garage

SALINE COUNTY — Two people were injured in a house fire in rural Saline County.

Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies and Saline County Rural Fire Districts 5, 7, and 2 responded to a working house fire in the 1500 block of N Marymount Road, according to Saline County Sheriff's Operations Captain Jim Hughes.

A 75-year-old female resident received serious burns and was transported to Salina Regional and transferred to Via Christi in Wichita.&nbsp; &nbsp;An 83-year-old male resident suffered smoke inhalation and was also transferred to Salina Regional Health Center;

The cause of the fire is suspected to be due to electrical issues.&nbsp; The residence is a total loss and the amount of loss is still being evaluated, according to Hughes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746798465659.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY — Two people were injured in a house fire in rural Saline County.Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, sheriff's deputies and Saline County Rural Fire Districts 5, 7, and 2 responded to a working house fire in the 1500 block of N Marymount Road, according to Saline County Sheriff's Operations Captain Jim Hughes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746798263843.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A 75-year-old female resident received serious burns and was transported to Salina Regional and transferred to Via Christi in Wichita.&nbsp; &nbsp;An 83-year-old male resident suffered smoke inhalation and was also transferred to Salina Regional Health Center;The cause of the fire is suspected to be due to electrical issues.&nbsp; The residence is a total loss and the amount of loss is still being evaluated, according to Hughes.

Man and woman hospitalized after rural Kansas house fire

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a man&nbsp;following a bizarre and violent encounter with officers at the Casey’s General Store in the 1700 block of W. 6th Street in Lawrence, according to a social media report from police.

Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police called to the store for a report of a transient man in the store bathroom, with a dog, refusing to leave. Officers entered the bathroom and discovered the man naked and performing a sexual act on himself. 

Officers attempted to arrest the man after he refused to stop, but he began fighting the officers, who radioed for emergency assistance. The man was tased twice but continued to fight. 

Eventually, officers were able to get the man in handcuffs, but he continued to resist being restrained, and while still in the cramped bathroom, the man bit onto his dog’s ear and neck, refusing to let go. 

As more officers arrived on scene, they were able to subdue the man and assisted LDCFM in transporting him to the hospital for evaluation. Once released, the man will be transported to the Douglas County Correctional Facility and booked on a litany of charges after he is identified. 

Multiple officers suffered minor injuries during the scuffle, including an officer who was treated at the hospital for a puncturing bite wound from the suspect. 

Officers transported the dog to the Lawrence Humane Society for treatment and evaluation of minor injuries.

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating&nbsp; a man&nbsp;following a bizarre and violent encounter with officers at the Casey’s General Store in the 1700 block of W. 6th Street in Lawrence, according to a social media report from police.Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, police called to the store for a report of a transient man in the store bathroom, with a dog, refusing to leave. Officers entered the bathroom and discovered the man naked and performing a sexual act on himself. Officers attempted to arrest the man after he refused to stop, but he began fighting the officers, who radioed for emergency assistance. The man was tased twice but continued to fight. Eventually, officers were able to get the man in handcuffs, but he continued to resist being restrained, and while still in the cramped bathroom, the man bit onto his dog’s ear and neck, refusing to let go. As more officers arrived on scene, they were able to subdue the man and assisted LDCFM in transporting him to the hospital for evaluation. Once released, the man will be transported to the Douglas County Correctional Facility and booked on a litany of charges after he is identified. Multiple officers suffered minor injuries during the scuffle, including an officer who was treated at the hospital for a puncturing bite wound from the suspect. Officers transported the dog to the Lawrence Humane Society for treatment and evaluation of minor injuries.

Police: Naked man bit dog, injured officers at Kan. gas station

CHRISTIAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Thursday in Christian County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Harley Davidson Road Glide driven by a 49-year-old Strafford man was northbound on U.S. 160 two miles south of Nixa. The motorcycle crossed the center of the road and struck a southbound 2000 Pontiac Firebird driven by a 47-year-old Highlandville woman.

A northbound 2023 Harley Davidson Street Glide driven by a 32-year-old Springfield man rear-end the 2015 Harley Davidson.&nbsp; The Pontiac skidded across the center of the road and struck a northbound 2019 GMC Sierra driven by a 45-year-old Springfield man head-on.&nbsp; As the 2023 Harley skidded on the road it struck a 2014 Toyota Rav4 driven by a 60-year-old Springfield man.&nbsp; Debris from the crash struck a 2023 Chevy Trailblazer driven by a 50-year-old Kimberling City woman.

The 47-year-old driver of the Pontiac was&nbsp; pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the motorcycle riders and the pickup driver to Cox South Springfield. The woman who died was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

CHRISTIAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Thursday in Christian County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Harley Davidson Road Glide driven by a 49-year-old Strafford man was northbound on U.S. 160 two miles south of Nixa. The motorcycle crossed the center of the road and struck a southbound 2000 Pontiac Firebird driven by a 47-year-old Highlandville woman.A northbound 2023 Harley Davidson Street Glide driven by a 32-year-old Springfield man rear-end the 2015 Harley Davidson.&nbsp; The Pontiac skidded across the center of the road and struck a northbound 2019 GMC Sierra driven by a 45-year-old Springfield man head-on.&nbsp; As the 2023 Harley skidded on the road it struck a 2014 Toyota Rav4 driven by a 60-year-old Springfield man.&nbsp; Debris from the crash struck a 2023 Chevy Trailblazer driven by a 50-year-old Kimberling City woman.The 47-year-old driver of the Pontiac was&nbsp; pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the motorcycle riders and the pickup driver to Cox South Springfield. The woman who died was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

Missouri woman killed, 3 injured in 6-vehicle crash

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration Thursday made an emergency request to the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the deportation of more than half a million immigrants granted humanitarian protections under the Biden administration.

A federal judge in Massachusetts in April blocked Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from ending the humanitarian parole program for 532,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. An appeals court rejected the request from the Trump administration to stay the lower court’s order.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24A1079/358354/20250508121118618_Kristi_Noem_v_Svitlana_Doe_et_al_%20application_stay.pdf" target="_blank">In the filing</a>&nbsp;to the high court, Solicitor General D. John Sauer argues that the Immigration Nationality Act bars judicial review of discretionary decisions, such as humanitarian parole.

Sauer adds that Noem terminated the program because it does not align with the interests of the Trump administration.

“The district court’s order stymies the government’s ability to terminate parole grants that the Secretary has determined undermine U.S. interests, and thus it inhibits the government’s pursuit of its foreign policy goals,” according to the brief.

Presidents for decades have used their parole authority to allow for migrants to obtain protected status.

President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/briefs/biden-administration-to-rapidly-expel-more-migrants-at-the-border-add-legal-pathways/" target="_blank">created the program in 2023</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;temporarily grants work permits and allows nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to remain in the country if they are sponsored by someone in the United States.

Thursday’s emergency request is one of several immigration related challenges the Trump administration is asking the high court to intervene in after district courts and appeals courts have ruled against the administration.

The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to weigh in on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-hear-case-trumps-birthright-citizenship-order" target="_blank">ending birthright citizenship</a>, the use of the 1798&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/supreme-court-permits-trump-use-wartime-law-deportations-now-and-limits" target="_blank">wartime Alien Enemies Act</a>, revoking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administration-asks-supreme-court-strip-legal-protections-venezuelans" target="_blank">Temporary Protected Status</a>&nbsp;for Venezuelans and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/supreme-court-says-trump-administration-must-facilitate-return-wrongly-deported-man" target="_blank">requirements to return</a>&nbsp;a wrongly deported Maryland man from El Salvador.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672235865420.png" alt="Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States" />
 <figcaption>Supreme Court Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>WASHINGTON — The Trump administration Thursday made an emergency request to the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the deportation of more than half a million immigrants granted humanitarian protections under the Biden administration.A federal judge in Massachusetts in April blocked Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from ending the humanitarian parole program for 532,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. An appeals court rejected the request from the Trump administration to stay the lower court’s order.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24A1079/358354/20250508121118618_Kristi_Noem_v_Svitlana_Doe_et_al_%20application_stay.pdf" target="_blank">In the filing</a>&nbsp;to the high court, Solicitor General D. John Sauer argues that the Immigration Nationality Act bars judicial review of discretionary decisions, such as humanitarian parole.Sauer adds that Noem terminated the program because it does not align with the interests of the Trump administration.“The district court’s order stymies the government’s ability to terminate parole grants that the Secretary has determined undermine U.S. interests, and thus it inhibits the government’s pursuit of its foreign policy goals,” according to the brief.Presidents for decades have used their parole authority to allow for migrants to obtain protected status.President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://georgiarecorder.com/briefs/biden-administration-to-rapidly-expel-more-migrants-at-the-border-add-legal-pathways/" target="_blank">created the program in 2023</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;temporarily grants work permits and allows nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to remain in the country if they are sponsored by someone in the United States.Thursday’s emergency request is one of several immigration related challenges the Trump administration is asking the high court to intervene in after district courts and appeals courts have ruled against the administration.The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to weigh in on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-hear-case-trumps-birthright-citizenship-order" target="_blank">ending birthright citizenship</a>, the use of the 1798&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/supreme-court-permits-trump-use-wartime-law-deportations-now-and-limits" target="_blank">wartime Alien Enemies Act</a>, revoking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-administration-asks-supreme-court-strip-legal-protections-venezuelans" target="_blank">Temporary Protected Status</a>&nbsp;for Venezuelans and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/supreme-court-says-trump-administration-must-facilitate-return-wrongly-deported-man" target="_blank">requirements to return</a>&nbsp;a wrongly deported Maryland man from El Salvador.

Trump asks U.S. Supreme Court to end humanitarian protections for migrants from 4 nations

The Kansas Prisoner Review Board has granted parole to Jimmie Nelms, a man convicted of murdering Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Conroy O’Brien during a 1978 traffic stop near Matfield Green.&nbsp;

Nelms, now in his 70s, was sentenced to two life terms plus additional years for aggravated kidnapping and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be released to out-of-state family custody, officials said.&nbsp;

The decision has sparked strong backlash from state officials and law enforcement groups, who say Nelms’ release undermines justice for the violent killing of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

“This cop killer received two life sentences after he brutally executed a highway patrol officer. Now, he is about to be released on parole. There is something deeply wrong with this picture,” said Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach in a statement. “Those who murder law enforcement officers should expect to receive the death penalty, not to be walking free on the streets of Kansas.”&nbsp;

Trooper O’Brien, 26, was conducting a routine traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike during the early morning hours of May 24, 1978, when Nelms and two others overpowered him. Authorities said O’Brien was forced at gunpoint into a roadside ditch, where he was pistol-whipped and fatally shot twice in the head with his own service weapon.&nbsp;

The three suspects, later identified as being wanted in a string of armed robberies across multiple states, were apprehended later that day after engaging another trooper in a gunfight. All were taken into custody following a manhunt.&nbsp;

Col. Erik Smith, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, said he received notice of the parole decision early Wednesday morning and called the announcement “a gut-punch.”&nbsp;

“There is no conceivable world in which the release of a convicted cop killer—an executioner—is acceptable,” Smith said in a written statement. “While we may vehemently disagree with the Board’s decision, we must live with it by continuing to support [O'Brien’s] surviving family and his blue family.”&nbsp;

The Kansas State Troopers Association also condemned the decision, calling the board’s actions “disgraceful and disgusting.”&nbsp;

O’Brien, a native of Hutchinson, Kansas, joined the patrol in 1974 and transferred to the Kansas Turnpike detail in 1977. He was survived by his pregnant wife and their unborn daughter, who never met her father.&nbsp;

Under Kansas law at the time of Nelms’ sentencing, life imprisonment allowed for the possibility of parole. The Prisoner Review Board said it believes Nelms “is able and willing to fulfill the obligations of a law-abiding citizen and… can be released without detriment to the community or to himself.”&nbsp;

Despite continued opposition during parole hearings over the years, including the most recent in March, the board determined Nelms met the criteria for release.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol emphasized that its members will continue to serve with professionalism and dignity and will not forget the sacrifice of Trooper O’Brien.&nbsp;

A memorial for O’Brien is located on the Kansas Turnpike and on the Kansas Highway Patrol’s official website.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746748524625.png" alt="Jimmie Nelms photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Jimmie Nelms photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostThe Kansas Prisoner Review Board has granted parole to Jimmie Nelms, a man convicted of murdering Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Conroy O’Brien during a 1978 traffic stop near Matfield Green.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746744283330.jpeg" alt="Conroy O'Brien from Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Conroy O'Brien from Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Nelms, now in his 70s, was sentenced to two life terms plus additional years for aggravated kidnapping and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be released to out-of-state family custody, officials said.&nbsp;The decision has sparked strong backlash from state officials and law enforcement groups, who say Nelms’ release undermines justice for the violent killing of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;“This cop killer received two life sentences after he brutally executed a highway patrol officer. Now, he is about to be released on parole. There is something deeply wrong with this picture,” said Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach in a statement. “Those who murder law enforcement officers should expect to receive the death penalty, not to be walking free on the streets of Kansas.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746744404741.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Trooper O’Brien, 26, was conducting a routine traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike during the early morning hours of May 24, 1978, when Nelms and two others overpowered him. Authorities said O’Brien was forced at gunpoint into a roadside ditch, where he was pistol-whipped and fatally shot twice in the head with his own service weapon.&nbsp;The three suspects, later identified as being wanted in a string of armed robberies across multiple states, were apprehended later that day after engaging another trooper in a gunfight. All were taken into custody following a manhunt.&nbsp;Col. Erik Smith, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, said he received notice of the parole decision early Wednesday morning and called the announcement “a gut-punch.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746744469926.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>“There is no conceivable world in which the release of a convicted cop killer—an executioner—is acceptable,” Smith said in a written statement. “While we may vehemently disagree with the Board’s decision, we must live with it by continuing to support [O'Brien’s] surviving family and his blue family.”&nbsp;The Kansas State Troopers Association also condemned the decision, calling the board’s actions “disgraceful and disgusting.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746744546042.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>O’Brien, a native of Hutchinson, Kansas, joined the patrol in 1974 and transferred to the Kansas Turnpike detail in 1977. He was survived by his pregnant wife and their unborn daughter, who never met her father.&nbsp;Under Kansas law at the time of Nelms’ sentencing, life imprisonment allowed for the possibility of parole. The Prisoner Review Board said it believes Nelms “is able and willing to fulfill the obligations of a law-abiding citizen and… can be released without detriment to the community or to himself.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746744593302.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Despite continued opposition during parole hearings over the years, including the most recent in March, the board determined Nelms met the criteria for release.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol emphasized that its members will continue to serve with professionalism and dignity and will not forget the sacrifice of Trooper O’Brien.&nbsp;A memorial for O’Brien is located on the Kansas Turnpike and on the Kansas Highway Patrol’s official website.&nbsp;

Kan. trooper's killer granted parole after nearly five decades in prison

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is going to prison for his involvement in a high-speed chase and police shooting that occurred earlier this year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2615/Jason-Keith-Judgement-Red">Jason P. Keith</a>, 39,&nbsp;pled guilty to Vehicle Hijacking, Armed Criminal Action, Aggravated Fleeing, and 1st Degree Assault. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2506/PC-KEITH_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police made contact with a victim of an armed silver Nissan Rogue carjacking in South Kansas City on Feb. 12, who gave a detailed description of the defendant.&nbsp;

Later that afternoon, officers found the stolen vehicle at a gas station and attempted a felony car check, but the vehicle fled. Around 4 p.m., officers found the vehicle parked in the area around East 11th Street and Elmwood Avenue and attempted to contact the defendant. 

As officers attempted to approach him, Keith brandished a rifle, pointed it at the officers, and fired two rounds in the direction of the officers. No one was injured. &nbsp;He fled back to the Nissan Rogue and a police pursuit was initiated onto I-70. The defendant initially ignored verbal commands to exit the vehicle and bean bag rounds were utilized. He exited the vehicle and was taken into custody.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736686363226.png" alt="Keith photo KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>Keith photo KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is going to prison for his involvement in a high-speed chase and police shooting that occurred earlier this year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2615/Jason-Keith-Judgement-Red">Jason P. Keith</a>, 39,&nbsp;pled guilty to Vehicle Hijacking, Armed Criminal Action, Aggravated Fleeing, and 1st Degree Assault. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2506/PC-KEITH_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police made contact with a victim of an armed silver Nissan Rogue carjacking in South Kansas City on Feb. 12, who gave a detailed description of the defendant.&nbsp;Later that afternoon, officers found the stolen vehicle at a gas station and attempted a felony car check, but the vehicle fled. Around 4 p.m., officers found the vehicle parked in the area around East 11th Street and Elmwood Avenue and attempted to contact the defendant. As officers attempted to approach him, Keith brandished a rifle, pointed it at the officers, and fired two rounds in the direction of the officers. No one was injured. &nbsp;He fled back to the Nissan Rogue and a police pursuit was initiated onto I-70. The defendant initially ignored verbal commands to exit the vehicle and bean bag rounds were utilized. He exited the vehicle and was taken into custody.&nbsp;

Prison for man who fired rifle at police during I-70 high-speed chase

JOHNSON COUNTY, Mo. —One person died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Johnson County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Buick Enclave driven by a 54-year-old woman from Holden was southbound at 551 MO 0.&nbsp; The SUV traveled off the road and the driver overcorrected. The SUV struck the&nbsp; embankment. 

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Mo. —One person died in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Johnson County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Buick Enclave driven by a 54-year-old woman from Holden was southbound at 551 MO 0.&nbsp; The SUV traveled off the road and the driver overcorrected. The SUV struck the&nbsp; embankment. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman dies after SUV strikes embankment

KANSAS CITY, KAN. –On Wednesday, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. &nbsp;The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. &nbsp;The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, according to a media release from the DOJ.

In the District of Kansas, two individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including: Christopher Davis, 39, of Wellington was indicted on four counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.&nbsp; Christopher Slattery, 42, of Manhattan was indicted on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor - possession of child pornography.

Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746733729757.png" alt="Davis is being held in Butler County" />
 <figcaption>Davis is being held in Butler County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. –On Wednesday, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. &nbsp;The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. &nbsp;The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, according to a media release from the DOJ.In the District of Kansas, two individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including: Christopher Davis, 39, of Wellington was indicted on four counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.&nbsp; Christopher Slattery, 42, of Manhattan was indicted on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor - possession of child pornography.Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

2 Kan. men jailed in nationwide crackdown on sex abuse offenders 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

No Democrats supported the bill, which also includes property tax relief for seniors and people with disabilities, on the final Missouri House vote

Missouri House Republicans muscled their biggest tax-cut priority of the year across the finish line on Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/HouseBillSumm.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=4957943" target="_blank">sending a bill</a>&nbsp;exempting capital gains from income tax to Gov. Mike Kehoe.

No Democrats supported the bill, although 10 did vote “present” to show they supported provisions of the legislation other than the exemption on profits from the sale of property or investments held more than a year.

The bill applies to income received this calendar year, so it has a bigger bite into state revenue for the current fiscal year than it does for future years. The&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/fiscal/fispdf/1683S.04F.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal note for the bill</a>&nbsp;estimates the change could reduce state revenue in the first year&nbsp; just under $430 million. In future years, the bill is estimated to reduce revenues by approximately $340 million annually.

House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, a Bowling Green Republican, sponsored the bill. In an interview after the vote, he said he was surprised that no Democrats joined Republicans on the 102-41 vote.&nbsp;

“There were a lot of Senate Democrats who voted for it,” Perkins said.

The tax cut vote came as the Friday deadline for passing the state budget approaches. During debate, Democrats said they are concerned that state revenues are stagnant and federal funding for many programs is in jeopardy.

“There are good pieces in this bill, but I fear it might be a pig that we put some lipstick on,” said state Rep. Stephanie Hein, a Springfield Democrat.

Citing estimates from a left-leaning think tank&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/07/missouri-lawmakers-set-to-pass-capital-gains-tax-cut-with-questions-about-its-total-cost/">published in The Independent</a>, Democrats also questioned whether the fiscal note truly reflects how much revenue would decline under the bill.&nbsp;

Federal tax data from returns filed for 2022 shows individual income tax filers from Missouri reported $13.3 billion in capital gains income. Allowing a deduction of that amount would reduce state revenue by more than $600 million if it is all taxed at the top rate of 4.7%

“I’m not sure that our budget can afford that, especially at a time when we’ve chosen not to fully fund our schools,” said state Rep. Kemp Strickler, a Democrat from Lee’s Summit.

Perkins said he also thinks the fiscal note is inaccurate, but for a different reason. The estimate does not account for increased economic activity from new investments made by people who retain the money, he said.

But he also acknowledged that the revenue reduction estimate could be inaccurate.

“The possibility exists that you are right as well,” Perkins said to Strickler.

Under the bill, individuals would receive the capital gains exemption immediately. Corporations would be exempt in the year after the top individual income tax rate declines to 4.5% under a state law lowering the rate when revenue growth hits a trigger amount.

Revenues are unlikely to trigger a one-tenth percentage point cut in the tax rate until 2028, the fiscal note states, making the corporate capital gains exemption unlikely until at least Jan. 1, 2030.

The capital gains exemption for individuals is estimated to reduce revenue by about $110 million annually. Corporations are expected to see their taxes reduced by about $180 million annually when the exemption is triggered.

The bill won votes from five of the 10 Democrats in the state Senate after the delay in the corporate exemption was added along with other tax cut provisions for lower-income Missourians.

The circuit breaker tax credit was established in 1973. People over age 65 and those who have a qualifying disability and rent their homes can claim a tax credit to offset property taxes of up to $750 if their income is less than $27,500. The credit for homeowners is up to $1,100 if they own their home if their income is less than $30,000.

The bill would increase the maximum credit for renters to $1,055. For homeowners, the maximum credit would be increased to $1,550. It would also increase the income limits for claiming the credit, to $38,200 for renters and $41,000 for homeowners, with slightly higher amounts allowed for married couples claiming the credit.

For the first time, the credit amount and the income limits would be indexed for inflation.

Most of the benefits from a cut in the capital gains rate for individuals would go to a small slice of taxpayers. The 23,800 federal returns filed for 2022 with incomes greater than $500,000 a year represent 0.8% of all returns but included 65% of the capital gains income.

State revenues are already trending lower for the current fiscal year, down more than 2% through Tuesday. If continued to the end of the fiscal year, revenues would fall about $300 million below estimates made in January.

Republicans who argued for the tax cut said they see no problem if revenues decline. The answer, they said, is to cut spending.

“I’m going to tell you,” said state Rep. Jim Murphy, a St. Louis Republican, “if you keep spending, and you keep spending, and you keep spending, we’re not going to be able to do the things we really need to do in this chamber, and that’s to help the people who deserve it.”

Democrats, however, said increases for the circuit breaker and the sales tax exemptions are attempts to mask a giveaway to the rich.

“No one’s sitting at any marble tables around the 73rd talking about capital gains tax,” said state Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson. “They are talking about these eggs. They are talking about how they have to use the emergency room for their primary care physician. They do talk about that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746749264670.png" alt=" Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins of Bowing Green speaks at a news conference Feb. 13 with state Rep. Melissa Schmidt, a Republican from Eldridge (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins of Bowing Green speaks at a news conference Feb. 13 with state Rep. Melissa Schmidt, a Republican from Eldridge (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>No Democrats supported the bill, which also includes property tax relief for seniors and people with disabilities, on the final Missouri House vote</h2>Missouri House Republicans muscled their biggest tax-cut priority of the year across the finish line on Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/HouseBillSumm.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=4957943" target="_blank">sending a bill</a>&nbsp;exempting capital gains from income tax to Gov. Mike Kehoe.No Democrats supported the bill, although 10 did vote “present” to show they supported provisions of the legislation other than the exemption on profits from the sale of property or investments held more than a year.The bill applies to income received this calendar year, so it has a bigger bite into state revenue for the current fiscal year than it does for future years. The&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/fiscal/fispdf/1683S.04F.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal note for the bill</a>&nbsp;estimates the change could reduce state revenue in the first year&nbsp; just under $430 million. In future years, the bill is estimated to reduce revenues by approximately $340 million annually.House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins, a Bowling Green Republican, sponsored the bill. In an interview after the vote, he said he was surprised that no Democrats joined Republicans on the 102-41 vote.&nbsp;“There were a lot of Senate Democrats who voted for it,” Perkins said.The tax cut vote came as the Friday deadline for passing the state budget approaches. During debate, Democrats said they are concerned that state revenues are stagnant and federal funding for many programs is in jeopardy.“There are good pieces in this bill, but I fear it might be a pig that we put some lipstick on,” said state Rep. Stephanie Hein, a Springfield Democrat.Citing estimates from a left-leaning think tank&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/07/missouri-lawmakers-set-to-pass-capital-gains-tax-cut-with-questions-about-its-total-cost/">published in The Independent</a>, Democrats also questioned whether the fiscal note truly reflects how much revenue would decline under the bill.&nbsp;Federal tax data from returns filed for 2022 shows individual income tax filers from Missouri reported $13.3 billion in capital gains income. Allowing a deduction of that amount would reduce state revenue by more than $600 million if it is all taxed at the top rate of 4.7%“I’m not sure that our budget can afford that, especially at a time when we’ve chosen not to fully fund our schools,” said state Rep. Kemp Strickler, a Democrat from Lee’s Summit.Perkins said he also thinks the fiscal note is inaccurate, but for a different reason. The estimate does not account for increased economic activity from new investments made by people who retain the money, he said.But he also acknowledged that the revenue reduction estimate could be inaccurate.“The possibility exists that you are right as well,” Perkins said to Strickler.Under the bill, individuals would receive the capital gains exemption immediately. Corporations would be exempt in the year after the top individual income tax rate declines to 4.5% under a state law lowering the rate when revenue growth hits a trigger amount.Revenues are unlikely to trigger a one-tenth percentage point cut in the tax rate until 2028, the fiscal note states, making the corporate capital gains exemption unlikely until at least Jan. 1, 2030.The capital gains exemption for individuals is estimated to reduce revenue by about $110 million annually. Corporations are expected to see their taxes reduced by about $180 million annually when the exemption is triggered.The bill won votes from five of the 10 Democrats in the state Senate after the delay in the corporate exemption was added along with other tax cut provisions for lower-income Missourians.They are:<ul>
 <li>Increased credit amounts and income limits for the&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/taxation/individual/tax-types/property-tax-credit/" target="_blank">refundable property tax credit</a>&nbsp;known as the “circuit breaker” available to people over 65 and people with disabilities. The changes included in the bill would reduce state revenue by about $84 million.</li><li>A sales tax exemption for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/07/missouri-senate-reaches-deal-on-gop-tax-cut-for-guns-democrat-tax-cut-for-diapers-and-tampons/">diapers and feminine</a>&nbsp;hygiene products that would eliminate the 4.225% state portion of the tax. Local sales taxes would remain in place. The exemption would reduce state revenue by about $37 million annually.</li>
 </ul>The circuit breaker tax credit was established in 1973. People over age 65 and those who have a qualifying disability and rent their homes can claim a tax credit to offset property taxes of up to $750 if their income is less than $27,500. The credit for homeowners is up to $1,100 if they own their home if their income is less than $30,000.The bill would increase the maximum credit for renters to $1,055. For homeowners, the maximum credit would be increased to $1,550. It would also increase the income limits for claiming the credit, to $38,200 for renters and $41,000 for homeowners, with slightly higher amounts allowed for married couples claiming the credit.For the first time, the credit amount and the income limits would be indexed for inflation.Most of the benefits from a cut in the capital gains rate for individuals would go to a small slice of taxpayers. The 23,800 federal returns filed for 2022 with incomes greater than $500,000 a year represent 0.8% of all returns but included 65% of the capital gains income.State revenues are already trending lower for the current fiscal year, down more than 2% through Tuesday. If continued to the end of the fiscal year, revenues would fall about $300 million below estimates made in January.Republicans who argued for the tax cut said they see no problem if revenues decline. The answer, they said, is to cut spending.“I’m going to tell you,” said state Rep. Jim Murphy, a St. Louis Republican, “if you keep spending, and you keep spending, and you keep spending, we’re not going to be able to do the things we really need to do in this chamber, and that’s to help the people who deserve it.”Democrats, however, said increases for the circuit breaker and the sales tax exemptions are attempts to mask a giveaway to the rich.“No one’s sitting at any marble tables around the 73rd talking about capital gains tax,” said state Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson. “They are talking about these eggs. They are talking about how they have to use the emergency room for their primary care physician. They do talk about that.”

Missouri bill exempting capital gains from income tax sent to governor

RENO COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a small plane mishap that occurred just after 10:30a.m. Thursday in Reno County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported an AT-301 Air-Tractor&nbsp;Fixed wing single-engine aircraft piloted by William E. Garrison, 62, Nickerson, was taking off from a private landing strip in the 7700 Block of North Herren Road just east of Nickerson.

The aircraft clipped the top of a 2014 Chevy Impala driven by Jessica M. Williams, 38, Great Bend, who was northbound on Kansas 14.

There were no injuries. Williams was properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The FAA and NTSB will be in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746735870194.jpeg" alt="Photos by Sean Boston Hutch Post" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Sean Boston Hutch Post</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Authorities are investigating a small plane mishap that occurred just after 10:30a.m. Thursday in Reno County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported an AT-301 Air-Tractor&nbsp;Fixed wing single-engine aircraft piloted by William E. Garrison, 62, Nickerson, was taking off from a private landing strip in the 7700 Block of North Herren Road just east of Nickerson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746735846843.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The aircraft clipped the top of a 2014 Chevy Impala driven by Jessica M. Williams, 38, Great Bend, who was northbound on Kansas 14.There were no injuries. Williams was properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The FAA and NTSB will be in charge of the investigation.

KHP: Small plane clipped car while taking off from private landing strip

The new pope is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. He was born in Chicago. His papal name is Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American pope.

The new pope is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. He was born in Chicago. His papal name is Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American pope.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH: Complete remarks from Pope Leo XIV. <a href="https://t.co/aOzEdyb0G0">pic.twitter.com/aOzEdyb0G0</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1920538411326169492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Pope Leo XIV <a href="https://t.co/UejjnPjzeQ">pic.twitter.com/UejjnPjzeQ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1920531668311359753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Pope Leo XIV, first American elected Pope

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.merck-animal-health.com%2F/1/01010196affcb425-3b4f991c-9bb8-456a-a026-b5d61955a9dc-000000/2jAl_vvhePLRUnTv8q-32_0YeOSQ7KKd4OnZYnGdzSA=404">Merck Animal Health</a>&nbsp;today jointly announced an $895 million capital expansion project at the company’s manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas, according to a media release from the governor's office.

 The second largest private investment in Kansas history – and the largest economic development project for Merck Animal Health – will create more than 200 new jobs.

The $860 million investment in its existing manufacturing facility and $35 million in its research and development laboratories demonstrates Merck’s commitment to the U.S. market, where the company has significantly invested to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.

“This extraordinary investment by Merck Animal Health underscores my administration’s commitment to securing a strong economic future for our state and ensuring prosperity for generations to come,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Public-private partnerships that lead to major global projects, such as those with Merck, Fiserv and Panasonic – just to name a few recent successes – are occurring because people believe in Kansas. They believe in who we are, what we are doing, and the direction we have taken.”

The 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility project will expand filling and freeze dryer capacity for large molecule vaccines and biologic products for Merck Animal Health. As a Center of Excellence, it will play a pivotal role in the manufacturing of animal health products and will complement the company’s extensive U.S. and international network of animal health product manufacturing plants.

Site preparation and facility design will start immediately, creating 2,500 construction jobs. Commercial manufacturing is expected to begin in 2030.

“Our De Soto manufacturing facility is strategically located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor. This region is renowned for its concentration of animal health companies, fostering an unparalleled ecosystem for innovation, collaboration and industry leadership,”&nbsp;Merck Animal Health President Richard DeLuca said. “This investment in our site is designed to increase Merck Animal Health’s ability to meet the growing customer demand for its portfolio of animal biologics products and ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation in the animal health sector. This initiative also reflects our dedication to advancing animal health and our on-going investment in the communities where we operate.”

Since the advent of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Merck has allocated more than $12 billion to enhance domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, with additional planned investments of more than $9 billion over the next four years.

Merck Animal Health’s significant investment in its research and development laboratories will enhance its research capabilities, focusing on advancing global drug discovery and development initiatives. The investment will continue to drive Merck Animal Health’s innovative research and development of novel parasiticides and therapeutics, reinforcing the company’s dedication to improving animal health and welfare worldwide.

“Merck’s massive expansion in De Soto further elevates Kansas’ long-established status as a global leader in animal health,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The opportunities and ripple effects of having almost $1 billion surge into the local economy will have far-reaching and long-lasting reverberations across the entire state. Historic investments such as these truly benefit all Kansans, both now and into the future.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746714250294.png" alt="Merk plant in DeSoto -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Merk plant in DeSoto -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.merck-animal-health.com%2F/1/01010196affcb425-3b4f991c-9bb8-456a-a026-b5d61955a9dc-000000/2jAl_vvhePLRUnTv8q-32_0YeOSQ7KKd4OnZYnGdzSA=404">Merck Animal Health</a>&nbsp;today jointly announced an $895 million capital expansion project at the company’s manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas, according to a media release from the governor's office. The second largest private investment in Kansas history – and the largest economic development project for Merck Animal Health – will create more than 200 new jobs.The $860 million investment in its existing manufacturing facility and $35 million in its research and development laboratories demonstrates Merck’s commitment to the U.S. market, where the company has significantly invested to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.“This extraordinary investment by Merck Animal Health underscores my administration’s commitment to securing a strong economic future for our state and ensuring prosperity for generations to come,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Public-private partnerships that lead to major global projects, such as those with Merck, Fiserv and Panasonic – just to name a few recent successes – are occurring because people believe in Kansas. They believe in who we are, what we are doing, and the direction we have taken.”The 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility project will expand filling and freeze dryer capacity for large molecule vaccines and biologic products for Merck Animal Health. As a Center of Excellence, it will play a pivotal role in the manufacturing of animal health products and will complement the company’s extensive U.S. and international network of animal health product manufacturing plants.Site preparation and facility design will start immediately, creating 2,500 construction jobs. Commercial manufacturing is expected to begin in 2030.“Our De Soto manufacturing facility is strategically located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor. This region is renowned for its concentration of animal health companies, fostering an unparalleled ecosystem for innovation, collaboration and industry leadership,”&nbsp;Merck Animal Health President Richard DeLuca said. “This investment in our site is designed to increase Merck Animal Health’s ability to meet the growing customer demand for its portfolio of animal biologics products and ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation in the animal health sector. This initiative also reflects our dedication to advancing animal health and our on-going investment in the communities where we operate.”Since the advent of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Merck has allocated more than $12 billion to enhance domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, with additional planned investments of more than $9 billion over the next four years.Merck Animal Health’s significant investment in its research and development laboratories will enhance its research capabilities, focusing on advancing global drug discovery and development initiatives. The investment will continue to drive Merck Animal Health’s innovative research and development of novel parasiticides and therapeutics, reinforcing the company’s dedication to improving animal health and welfare worldwide.“Merck’s massive expansion in De Soto further elevates Kansas’ long-established status as a global leader in animal health,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The opportunities and ripple effects of having almost $1 billion surge into the local economy will have far-reaching and long-lasting reverberations across the entire state. Historic investments such as these truly benefit all Kansans, both now and into the future.”

$895M expansion in Kansas plant will bring 200 jobs to the state

SHAWNEE COUNTY – The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a fatality accident near NW Carlson Road and NW 39th Street, according to Sheriff's Lt. Scott Wanamaker.

Just after 4:30 a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a phone call regarding a single vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in the 3800 block of NW Carlson Road.

NW Carlson Road was closed between NW 39th Street and NW 33rd Street.

Authorities released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746710191002.png" alt="Deputies on the scene early Thursday -photo WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Deputies on the scene early Thursday -photo WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY – The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a fatality accident near NW Carlson Road and NW 39th Street, according to Sheriff's Lt. Scott Wanamaker.Just after 4:30 a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a phone call regarding a single vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in the 3800 block of NW Carlson Road.NW Carlson Road was closed between NW 39th Street and NW 33rd Street.Authorities released no additional details.

Sheriff investigating deadly Kansas pedestrian accident

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congrats to <a href="https://twitter.com/CaseyMeansMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaseyMeansMD</a> on her nomination as Surgeon General! This is an excellent choice by President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. Dr. Means’ commitment to Making America Healthy Again will inspire a healthier nation, and I look forward to working with her on this movement. She is a… <a href="https://t.co/kRKralN71K">pic.twitter.com/kRKralN71K</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1920222714305958055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCXt3_myk9B/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCXt3_myk9B/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCXt3_myk9B/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Casey Means, MD (@drcaseyskitchen)</a></div></blockquote>
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Kan. U.S. Senator pleased with Trump's choice for surgeon general

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri, have identified the victim as 18-year-old Deon W. Porter, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to 75th Street and Bruce R Watkins Drive in Kansas City, Missouri on an ambulance in route, medical nature unknown call, according to DiMartino.

Passing motorists observed an individual lying in the roadway, on Bruce R Watkins Drive and called 911. 

First responders observed a victim, later identified as Porter, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers began performing life saving measures and KCFD EMS was ordered to the scene. Medics transported the Porter to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to Porter being shot. Police have not reported an arrest.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri, have identified the victim as 18-year-old Deon W. Porter, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to 75th Street and Bruce R Watkins Drive in Kansas City, Missouri on an ambulance in route, medical nature unknown call, according to DiMartino.Passing motorists observed an individual lying in the roadway, on Bruce R Watkins Drive and called 911. First responders observed a victim, later identified as Porter, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers began performing life saving measures and KCFD EMS was ordered to the scene. Medics transported the Porter to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to Porter being shot. Police have not reported an arrest.

KCPD: Shooting victim drivers saw lying in the road was just a teen

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile electric transmission line to be built through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The awards were made to Quanta Services of Houston and Kiewit Energy Group Inc. of Omaha. Grain Belt Express&nbsp;is an Invenergy project expected to add 5,000 megawatts of U.S. energy delivery capacity, according to an Invenergy press release. It’s also expected to provide $52 billion in energy cost savings to Americans over 15 years.

“Quanta Services and Kiewit have strong local presences and expect to source raw materials locally in Kansas and Missouri when possible, including concrete, aggregate, civil materials, conduit, and piping,” the press release said. “Main construction, engineering, and procurement offices for Grain Belt Express Phase 1 will be based out of Overland Park&nbsp;and Lenexa, Kansas.”

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said the Grain Belt Express is a multimillion dollar investment that will pay off for Kansans.

“The selection of contractors and suppliers with a local presence is just one of the many sizable economic benefits Grain Belt Express brings, in addition to greater energy cost savings and reliability,” he said.

In April, the Kansas Corporation Commission modified the route for one of two transmission lines that will connect wind and solar farms to the Grain Belt Express that was originally planned to run for 46 miles through parts of Ford, Meade and Gray counties.&nbsp;

“The new route reduces the length of the line by 12 miles and avoids 24 parcels of land resulting in fewer landowners being impacted,” a KCC press release said. “The 16-mile Bucklin-Dodge City Line remains unchanged.”

A map showing the new route of the Meade-Dodge City line can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Festar.kcc.ks.gov%252Festar%252FViewFile.aspx%252F20250410102317546.pdf%253FId%3D4560a87d-6cc2-410a-8239-5d3ecc7f61a3%2526utm_medium%3Demail%2526utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%2F1%2F01010196213afb39-3f6c80b3-910d-4f31-92a2-13acace51784-000000%2FLHVZJwat2a5Nhd9oAkr8cg4njDiZ1rTO40QiouMd54I%3D400&amp;data=05%7C02%7CLinda.Berry%40ks.gov%7Ccaa38d20bf6c491cbd6708dd7868088d%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638799110678140200%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=0tU8QIj0qToSrbld3FPpCscXv2cGIa6HbZUCkKu6CvU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.

The Invenergy press release said 1,500 agreements have been executed with landowners for easement rights. More than $105 million is part of executed easement agreements, including $19 million already paid to landowners and an additional $86 million due at construction, the company said. More than 95% of Grain Belt Express Phase 1 main line land acquisition is complete.

“Kansans working to balance household budgets and run businesses want energy that’s affordable and reliable, and that’s what we are getting with Grain Belt Express, all without ratepayers being forced to pay for it,” said Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746648653179.png" alt=" The Grain Belt Express announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday to build a transmission line through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption> The Grain Belt Express announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday to build a transmission line through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile electric transmission line to be built through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday.&nbsp;The awards were made to Quanta Services of Houston and Kiewit Energy Group Inc. of Omaha. Grain Belt Express&nbsp;is an Invenergy project expected to add 5,000 megawatts of U.S. energy delivery capacity, according to an Invenergy press release. It’s also expected to provide $52 billion in energy cost savings to Americans over 15 years.“Quanta Services and Kiewit have strong local presences and expect to source raw materials locally in Kansas and Missouri when possible, including concrete, aggregate, civil materials, conduit, and piping,” the press release said. “Main construction, engineering, and procurement offices for Grain Belt Express Phase 1 will be based out of Overland Park&nbsp;and Lenexa, Kansas.”Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said the Grain Belt Express is a multimillion dollar investment that will pay off for Kansans.“The selection of contractors and suppliers with a local presence is just one of the many sizable economic benefits Grain Belt Express brings, in addition to greater energy cost savings and reliability,” he said.In April, the Kansas Corporation Commission modified the route for one of two transmission lines that will connect wind and solar farms to the Grain Belt Express that was originally planned to run for 46 miles through parts of Ford, Meade and Gray counties.&nbsp;“The new route reduces the length of the line by 12 miles and avoids 24 parcels of land resulting in fewer landowners being impacted,” a KCC press release said. “The 16-mile Bucklin-Dodge City Line remains unchanged.”A map showing the new route of the Meade-Dodge City line can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Festar.kcc.ks.gov%252Festar%252FViewFile.aspx%252F20250410102317546.pdf%253FId%3D4560a87d-6cc2-410a-8239-5d3ecc7f61a3%2526utm_medium%3Demail%2526utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%2F1%2F01010196213afb39-3f6c80b3-910d-4f31-92a2-13acace51784-000000%2FLHVZJwat2a5Nhd9oAkr8cg4njDiZ1rTO40QiouMd54I%3D400&amp;data=05%7C02%7CLinda.Berry%40ks.gov%7Ccaa38d20bf6c491cbd6708dd7868088d%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638799110678140200%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=0tU8QIj0qToSrbld3FPpCscXv2cGIa6HbZUCkKu6CvU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.The Invenergy press release said 1,500 agreements have been executed with landowners for easement rights. More than $105 million is part of executed easement agreements, including $19 million already paid to landowners and an additional $86 million due at construction, the company said. More than 95% of Grain Belt Express Phase 1 main line land acquisition is complete.“Kansans working to balance household budgets and run businesses want energy that’s affordable and reliable, and that’s what we are getting with Grain Belt Express, all without ratepayers being forced to pay for it,” said Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins.

Grain Belt Express awards $1.7B in contracts for transmission line through Kansas, other states

SALINE COUNTY —A jury found a Salina man guilty for a shooting death in 2021.

A Saline County jury found 38-year-old Juan Doroteo Morales guilty of first-degree, premeditated murder, aggravated assault and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon in the death of 25-year-old Camilo Renaldo Ramirez of Salina, according to the Kansas Attorney General's office.

In August 2021,&nbsp;Ramirez and his dog were shot near the intersection of Front Street and E. Iron Avenue. Police, who were dispatched to the area for the report of gunshots, found Ramirez in the street.&nbsp; He later died at a hospital.

According to information from police, surveillance videos near the shooting scene showed a vehicle circling the area. It then stopped and two people got out and began shooting.

A front window at Fresh Market, 511 E. Iron Avenue, and a nearby CityGo bus stop sign sustained damage from bullets during the shooting.

As part of the investigation, detectives learned that Ramirez was lured to the location by Morales and co-defendants&nbsp;Jaime Leos, Jacob Leos, and Kiera Stewart. Investigators found firearms used in the shooting in a drainage system a few blocks from a residence associated with the crime.

“Everyone involved in Camilo Ramirez’s murder has now been held accountable for their actions. I am pleased that justice was served,” Jessica Domme, Deputy Attorney General, said.

Stewart entered guilty pleas to intentional murder in the second Degree, attempted aggravated robbery, and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery on Oct. 18, 2022.&nbsp; Stewart testified during Morales’ trial.

Jaime Leos entered guilty pleas to voluntary manslaughter and conspiracy to commit murder in the second degree on July 29, 2024.

Jacob Leos entered guilty pleas to intentional murder in the second degree, conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, and aggravated assault on May 2, 2024.

Stewart and Jaime Leos are scheduled to be sentenced on May 16. Jacob Leos is scheduled to be sentenced May 20.&nbsp;Morales will be sentenced in Saline County District Court on August 15th.

The Salina Police Department with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746639820085.png" alt="Morales -Saline County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Morales -Saline County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —A jury found a Salina man guilty for a shooting death in 2021.A Saline County jury found 38-year-old Juan Doroteo Morales guilty of first-degree, premeditated murder, aggravated assault and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon in the death of 25-year-old Camilo Renaldo Ramirez of Salina, according to the Kansas Attorney General's office.In August 2021,&nbsp;Ramirez and his dog were shot near the intersection of Front Street and E. Iron Avenue. Police, who were dispatched to the area for the report of gunshots, found Ramirez in the street.&nbsp; He later died at a hospital.According to information from police, surveillance videos near the shooting scene showed a vehicle circling the area. It then stopped and two people got out and began shooting.A front window at Fresh Market, 511 E. Iron Avenue, and a nearby CityGo bus stop sign sustained damage from bullets during the shooting.As part of the investigation, detectives learned that Ramirez was lured to the location by Morales and co-defendants&nbsp;Jaime Leos, Jacob Leos, and Kiera Stewart. Investigators found firearms used in the shooting in a drainage system a few blocks from a residence associated with the crime.“Everyone involved in Camilo Ramirez’s murder has now been held accountable for their actions. I am pleased that justice was served,” Jessica Domme, Deputy Attorney General, said.Stewart entered guilty pleas to intentional murder in the second Degree, attempted aggravated robbery, and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery on Oct. 18, 2022.&nbsp; Stewart testified during Morales’ trial.Jaime Leos entered guilty pleas to voluntary manslaughter and conspiracy to commit murder in the second degree on July 29, 2024.Jacob Leos entered guilty pleas to intentional murder in the second degree, conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, and aggravated assault on May 2, 2024.Stewart and Jaime Leos are scheduled to be sentenced on May 16. Jacob Leos is scheduled to be sentenced May 20.&nbsp;Morales will be sentenced in Saline County District Court on August 15th.The Salina Police Department with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

Jury: 4th suspect guilty of luring Kansas man to his death

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/tierneykugel/">Tierney Kugel</a>

The fallout from the failed contract negotiations between University of Missouri Health Care and Anthem is rippling far beyond Columbia — reaching counties more than 100 miles away.

As of April 1, more than 90,000 MU Health Care patients were left out of network after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement. MU Health Care serves patients in each of Missouri’s 114 counties. While the effects are immediate for patients in Columbia and nearby areas who use the health care system, the disruption is statewide, driving up care costs for employees across the state.

The Ozarks Schools Benefits Association, or OSBA, is a self-funded cooperative consortium for health care purposes. It provides employee benefits to public school districts across Missouri. It offers a range of insurance options including medical, dental, vision and life coverage at competitive rates by pooling resources from member districts.

OSBA, which represents more than 120 school districts across Missouri, could face future challenges as a result of the failed negotiations between MU Health Care and Anthem. Tim Ryan, OSBA president and superintendent of the Dallas County R-I School District in Buffalo, Missouri, explained how the breakdown may affect the association moving forward.

“Ultimately all of those (medical) bills that are paid out come from a self-funded plan,” Ryan said. “So even though my district doesn’t necessarily … use that system, overall we share the same funds in our health care plan.”

The failed negotiations will impact rates in the future, Ryan said.

“As we look to future years, we might have higher rate increases just based on this negotiation between Anthem and MU,” he said. “Because ultimately it comes down to what we have in our reserves, and what is our anticipated cost for the upcoming year. So we might have larger increases in the future which would be the biggest piece that has an impact on all 120 school districts in our association.”

Some Anthem members receiving intensive or ongoing treatment may still qualify for in-network rates at MU Health Care through a continuity-of-care plan, which provides a minimum 90-day window to apply.

“Ultimately it’s going to cost our association more for any individual that receives health care through the MU Health Care system,” Ryan said.

<figure>
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 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/tierneykugel/">Tierney Kugel</a>The fallout from the failed contract negotiations between University of Missouri Health Care and Anthem is rippling far beyond Columbia — reaching counties more than 100 miles away.As of April 1, more than 90,000 MU Health Care patients were left out of network after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement. MU Health Care serves patients in each of Missouri’s 114 counties. While the effects are immediate for patients in Columbia and nearby areas who use the health care system, the disruption is statewide, driving up care costs for employees across the state.The Ozarks Schools Benefits Association, or OSBA, is a self-funded cooperative consortium for health care purposes. It provides employee benefits to public school districts across Missouri. It offers a range of insurance options including medical, dental, vision and life coverage at competitive rates by pooling resources from member districts.OSBA, which represents more than 120 school districts across Missouri, could face future challenges as a result of the failed negotiations between MU Health Care and Anthem. Tim Ryan, OSBA president and superintendent of the Dallas County R-I School District in Buffalo, Missouri, explained how the breakdown may affect the association moving forward.“Ultimately all of those (medical) bills that are paid out come from a self-funded plan,” Ryan said. “So even though my district doesn’t necessarily … use that system, overall we share the same funds in our health care plan.”The failed negotiations will impact rates in the future, Ryan said.“As we look to future years, we might have higher rate increases just based on this negotiation between Anthem and MU,” he said. “Because ultimately it comes down to what we have in our reserves, and what is our anticipated cost for the upcoming year. So we might have larger increases in the future which would be the biggest piece that has an impact on all 120 school districts in our association.”Some Anthem members receiving intensive or ongoing treatment may still qualify for in-network rates at MU Health Care through a continuity-of-care plan, which provides a minimum 90-day window to apply.“Ultimately it’s going to cost our association more for any individual that receives health care through the MU Health Care system,” Ryan said.Ryan is confident that Anthem and MU Health Care will reach an agreement eventually.“It’s a bottom line issue,” he said. “We all share the funds, so ultimately there will be some sort of a rate increase in the future due to this more than likely, unless we can find other ways to reduce costs.”MU Health Care spokesperson Eric Maze said the health care system does not expect an agreement with Anthem in the future.“We are not optimistic that we will reach an agreement with Anthem in the foreseeable future,” Maze said. “The most recent proposal we received from Anthem doesn’t differ meaningfully from what they offered in fall 2024 or from the terms of the agreement that ended in March.”“More specifically, it doesn’t address the increases in expenses that MU Health Care and other health systems are experiencing, parity with the rates paid by other managed care companies in the region or parity with the rates Anthem pays other academic health systems,” he added.Maze pointed to rising premiums over the past decade as evidence of a growing disconnect between what employers pay and what providers receive.He explained in regard to employee benefit increases, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance’s 2023 Health Insurance Market Report outlined how Anthem and its peers increased annual premiums to employer groups by as much as 37% over the last decade, but they did not pass on those rate increases to health care providers.In addition to the financial impact to the OSBA, Ryan believes the failed negotiations will also impact trust for employees who use the health care system.“I know most other people are probably like me when you find a doctor or physician that you really like seeing on a regular basis, it’s very difficult to change. Especially if it’s your primary care,” he said. “So there’s going to be a lack of trust there with MU.”MU Health Care maintains contract agreements with other major insurers including UnitedHealthcare.“We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for many of our patients with Anthem insurance and our goal remains to come to an agreement,” Maze said. “It’s important to note that MU Health Care remains in network with most major insurers.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/mu-health-care-anthem-negotiations-have-far-reaching-impact-on-employee-benefits/article_4efaaee7-2497-4c19-bbcb-51915802d83e.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.