SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting at a convenience store.

Just after 3:00 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting at the Kwik Shop gas station, 746 NE Wabash Avenue in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Edward Stanley. First responders located one individual with life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Medical personnel pronounced the victim deceased on scene. Police released no additional details including the name of the victim or suspect information.

This is the city’s 4th homicide investigation of 2025, according to Stanley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744885831034.png" alt="Photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting at a convenience store.Just after 3:00 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting at the Kwik Shop gas station, 746 NE Wabash Avenue in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Edward Stanley. First responders located one individual with life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Medical personnel pronounced the victim deceased on scene. Police released no additional details including the name of the victim or suspect information.This is the city’s 4th homicide investigation of 2025, according to Stanley..

Police: 1 dead after shooting at Kansas convenience store

The health secretary and longtime conspiracy peddler discounts other factors scientists say are likely contributing to rising rates of autism

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Wednesday the department will shift its research into autism toward potential environmental causes, though he declined to say exactly what the Trump administration would do if certain industries or pollutants were found responsible.

Kennedy, an environmental lawyer with no medical or research training, declared that autism is a preventable disease, argued research into genetic causes is a “dead end” and asserted that “we know it’s environmental exposure,” before saying HHS would fund “a series of new studies to identify precisely what the environmental toxins are that are causing it.”

“This has not been done before,” Kennedy said. “We’re going to do it in a thorough and comprehensive way and we’re going to get back with an answer to the American people very, very quickly.”

Kennedy said during his first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/news-conference/hhs-sec-kennedy-news-conference-on-autism-rates/658669" target="_blank">press conference</a>&nbsp;since receiving Senate confirmation that he wanted researchers to look into numerous potential factors, including mold, food additives, pesticides, air, water, medicines, ultrasound, age of parents, obesity in parents and diabetes in parents.

He pledged to have “some of the answers by September,” though he added the research will “be an evolving process.”

Kennedy appeared confident in his personal assessment that environmental factors lead to autism, without attributing that belief to any one industry or contaminant.

“This is coming from an environmental toxin and somebody made a profit by putting that environmental toxin into our air, our water, our medicines, our food,” Kennedy said. “And it’s to their benefit to normalize it, to say, ‘This is all normal. It has always been here.’ But that’s not good for our country.”

Autism experts, however, cast doubt on Kennedy’s assertion that environmental factors lead to autism and questioned his proposed timeline to prove such a link.

When asked by a reporter what exactly the Trump administration would do if research found conclusive evidence that one specific industry or pollutant was causing autism, Kennedy didn’t say whether HHS would push to ban it or close down any businesses.&nbsp;

“I think we’re going to figure out a way to make pressure on them to remove it,” he said. “I think also there will be market forces that also exert pressure on them to remove it.”

Catherine Lord, professor of psychiatry with the school of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, said during an interview with States Newsroom following Kennedy’s remarks that trying to reach a definitive cause of autism before September was an “utterly ridiculous” timeline.

Lord said “the most likely hypothesis is that there may be interactions between genetics and, for example, environmental exposures, or even experiences like extreme prematurity.”

But she noted that studying the impact of environmental contaminants on people’s health, or a complex diagnosis like autism, is challenging because scientists obviously cannot expose people to toxins.

“It’s so difficult to do that work well, and people do it, but they can’t do it quickly,” Lord said. “And so I think that we do need work in that area, and I think it has been funded in the last few years. It just hasn’t come out with anything that is earth-shattering. It’s more the same thing, which is that if you’re exposed to something bad, your chances of having a child with any kind of neurodevelopmental disorder is going to go up.”

Lord expressed concern about moving funding and research away from genetic factors, saying “we do know that autism is genetic, so I think that is not under question.”

“I think the genetic work was moving forward,” she said. “It’s a slow pace, again, because they’re addressing so many different genetic patterns. But I think that at least there’s clear progress within this science.”

Eric Fombonne, professor emeritus of psychiatry at Oregon Health and Sciences University, said during an interview that it was unwise for Kennedy to say there would be some answers about autism within a few months.

“It’s ridiculous to say that he’s going to unravel the etiology of autism in six months,” Fombonne said. “I mean, he could give, like, all the money of the world to any lab or any person. They could never report any results before several years from now, at the minimum.”

The pace of medical research, he said, is slow and Kennedy’s comments show “a complete ignorance and disregard for science and what we do and how complicated it is and the time it takes.”

Directing research dollars toward possible environmental contributors to autism will also limit the amount of funding available for genetic research, which Fombonne said “has been incredibly productive.”

“The pie is limited,” Fombonne said. “So if you move funds from genetic research to environmental research, you’re going to slow down the pace of genetic research.”

Fombonne explained that research into genetics and autism is “quite complicated” and has shown that not all genetic mechanisms are “the same across different families.”

“So it’s a very complex puzzle. And as you know, the brain is a very hard organ to study. So understanding the pathophysiology, which is associated with these gene variants, is a very hard process,” he said. “But we are doing that and we are progressing. And this has been paying off enormously over the last 20 or 30 years.”

Fombonne wouldn’t make the same assessment of potential environmental factors, saying there are no signs of higher rates of autism in certain areas or certain time periods, like scientists have found for some other conditions.

“There is no evidence that there is a cluster of cases of kids who have been living in a polluted area, or exposed to particular environmental circumstances,” Fombonne said. “There is no starting point, which is strong, to start environmental research somewhere we can say is going to pay off.

“So it’s going to be very exploratory initially, which may be a good thing to do. But at least, let’s do it well, and most of the studies so far are short.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744818763361.png" alt="&nbsp;U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime health care conspiracy peddler, speaks during a press conference at the department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime health care conspiracy peddler, speaks during a press conference at the department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The health secretary and longtime conspiracy peddler discounts other factors scientists say are likely contributing to rising rates of autism</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Wednesday the department will shift its research into autism toward potential environmental causes, though he declined to say exactly what the Trump administration would do if certain industries or pollutants were found responsible.Kennedy, an environmental lawyer with no medical or research training, declared that autism is a preventable disease, argued research into genetic causes is a “dead end” and asserted that “we know it’s environmental exposure,” before saying HHS would fund “a series of new studies to identify precisely what the environmental toxins are that are causing it.”“This has not been done before,” Kennedy said. “We’re going to do it in a thorough and comprehensive way and we’re going to get back with an answer to the American people very, very quickly.”Kennedy said during his first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/news-conference/hhs-sec-kennedy-news-conference-on-autism-rates/658669" target="_blank">press conference</a>&nbsp;since receiving Senate confirmation that he wanted researchers to look into numerous potential factors, including mold, food additives, pesticides, air, water, medicines, ultrasound, age of parents, obesity in parents and diabetes in parents.He pledged to have “some of the answers by September,” though he added the research will “be an evolving process.”Kennedy appeared confident in his personal assessment that environmental factors lead to autism, without attributing that belief to any one industry or contaminant.“This is coming from an environmental toxin and somebody made a profit by putting that environmental toxin into our air, our water, our medicines, our food,” Kennedy said. “And it’s to their benefit to normalize it, to say, ‘This is all normal. It has always been here.’ But that’s not good for our country.”Autism experts, however, cast doubt on Kennedy’s assertion that environmental factors lead to autism and questioned his proposed timeline to prove such a link.When asked by a reporter what exactly the Trump administration would do if research found conclusive evidence that one specific industry or pollutant was causing autism, Kennedy didn’t say whether HHS would push to ban it or close down any businesses.&nbsp;“I think we’re going to figure out a way to make pressure on them to remove it,” he said. “I think also there will be market forces that also exert pressure on them to remove it.”<h2>Research difficult</h2>Catherine Lord, professor of psychiatry with the school of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, said during an interview with States Newsroom following Kennedy’s remarks that trying to reach a definitive cause of autism before September was an “utterly ridiculous” timeline.Lord said “the most likely hypothesis is that there may be interactions between genetics and, for example, environmental exposures, or even experiences like extreme prematurity.”But she noted that studying the impact of environmental contaminants on people’s health, or a complex diagnosis like autism, is challenging because scientists obviously cannot expose people to toxins.“It’s so difficult to do that work well, and people do it, but they can’t do it quickly,” Lord said. “And so I think that we do need work in that area, and I think it has been funded in the last few years. It just hasn’t come out with anything that is earth-shattering. It’s more the same thing, which is that if you’re exposed to something bad, your chances of having a child with any kind of neurodevelopmental disorder is going to go up.”Lord expressed concern about moving funding and research away from genetic factors, saying “we do know that autism is genetic, so I think that is not under question.”“I think the genetic work was moving forward,” she said. “It’s a slow pace, again, because they’re addressing so many different genetic patterns. But I think that at least there’s clear progress within this science.”<h2>Limits funding for genetic research</h2>Eric Fombonne, professor emeritus of psychiatry at Oregon Health and Sciences University, said during an interview that it was unwise for Kennedy to say there would be some answers about autism within a few months.“It’s ridiculous to say that he’s going to unravel the etiology of autism in six months,” Fombonne said. “I mean, he could give, like, all the money of the world to any lab or any person. They could never report any results before several years from now, at the minimum.”The pace of medical research, he said, is slow and Kennedy’s comments show “a complete ignorance and disregard for science and what we do and how complicated it is and the time it takes.”Directing research dollars toward possible environmental contributors to autism will also limit the amount of funding available for genetic research, which Fombonne said “has been incredibly productive.”“The pie is limited,” Fombonne said. “So if you move funds from genetic research to environmental research, you’re going to slow down the pace of genetic research.”Fombonne explained that research into genetics and autism is “quite complicated” and has shown that not all genetic mechanisms are “the same across different families.”“So it’s a very complex puzzle. And as you know, the brain is a very hard organ to study. So understanding the pathophysiology, which is associated with these gene variants, is a very hard process,” he said. “But we are doing that and we are progressing. And this has been paying off enormously over the last 20 or 30 years.”Fombonne wouldn’t make the same assessment of potential environmental factors, saying there are no signs of higher rates of autism in certain areas or certain time periods, like scientists have found for some other conditions.“There is no evidence that there is a cluster of cases of kids who have been living in a polluted area, or exposed to particular environmental circumstances,” Fombonne said. “There is no starting point, which is strong, to start environmental research somewhere we can say is going to pay off.“So it’s going to be very exploratory initially, which may be a good thing to do. But at least, let’s do it well, and most of the studies so far are short.”

RFK Jr. to refocus federal autism research on environmental factors

KANSAS CITY—Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced a total of 18 felony charges have been filed against the owner of a Kansas City towing company and his mother, following an in-depth investigation by the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement, and the Department of Revenue Compliance and Investigation Bureau into illegal towing practices.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2580/Donald-Adamson-RED-COMPLAINT-DA">Donald Adamson</a>&nbsp;and Lannette Adamson face four counts of Stealing, four counts of Forgery, and 1st Degree Harassment.

“After months of investigation by our assistant prosecutors and law enforcement partners, I am proud to present charges as we work to hold predatory towing companies accountable for their actions,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “The impact of illegal towing falls hardest on those already struggling financially, creating a snowball effect of towing fees, lost wages, transportation challenges, and stress piling up. I am proud of our team for building a strong case and bringing justice to victims impacted by these practices. We will not tolerate businesses that exploit hardworking people in Jackson County.”&nbsp;

The investigation revealed Metro Tow and Transport owner Donald Adamson and employee Lannette Adamson&nbsp;allegedly acted in concert to allow&nbsp;the company to tow vehicles illegally without proper authorization; falsified required 4669 Forms; and made it extremely difficult for victims to retrieve their vehicles.

State law requires towing companies to have a properly completed and signed 4669 Form with a signature from an authorized, full-time employee representative of the property who must also be present at the time of removal. Tow companies must also report vehicle information to police, so owners can be notified of the location of their vehicle. State law requires the property representative to provide an original signature and should not be photocopied.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2575/AdamsonDonald---PC-Statement-Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were made aware of numerous complaints and disputes related to Metro Tow and Transport over the past several years. Victims questioned the legitimacy of their tows and the lengthy, almost impossible tasks of retrieving their vehicles from the tow lot.

Donald has another active case from last year for similar illegal towing conduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744835942075.png" alt="Adamson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Adamson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced a total of 18 felony charges have been filed against the owner of a Kansas City towing company and his mother, following an in-depth investigation by the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement, and the Department of Revenue Compliance and Investigation Bureau into illegal towing practices.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744836235521.png" alt="Adamson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Adamson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2580/Donald-Adamson-RED-COMPLAINT-DA">Donald Adamson</a>&nbsp;and Lannette Adamson face four counts of Stealing, four counts of Forgery, and 1st Degree Harassment.“After months of investigation by our assistant prosecutors and law enforcement partners, I am proud to present charges as we work to hold predatory towing companies accountable for their actions,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “The impact of illegal towing falls hardest on those already struggling financially, creating a snowball effect of towing fees, lost wages, transportation challenges, and stress piling up. I am proud of our team for building a strong case and bringing justice to victims impacted by these practices. We will not tolerate businesses that exploit hardworking people in Jackson County.”&nbsp;The investigation revealed Metro Tow and Transport owner Donald Adamson and employee Lannette Adamson&nbsp;allegedly acted in concert to allow&nbsp;the company to tow vehicles illegally without proper authorization; falsified required 4669 Forms; and made it extremely difficult for victims to retrieve their vehicles.State law requires towing companies to have a properly completed and signed 4669 Form with a signature from an authorized, full-time employee representative of the property who must also be present at the time of removal. Tow companies must also report vehicle information to police, so owners can be notified of the location of their vehicle. State law requires the property representative to provide an original signature and should not be photocopied.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2575/AdamsonDonald---PC-Statement-Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were made aware of numerous complaints and disputes related to Metro Tow and Transport over the past several years. Victims questioned the legitimacy of their tows and the lengthy, almost impossible tasks of retrieving their vehicles from the tow lot.Donald has another active case from last year for similar illegal towing conduct.

Kansas City towing company owner, mother forged docs to move cars

HARVEY COUNTY —On Wednesday, the Harvey County Attorney reported&nbsp; Judge Michael X. Llamas sentenced 71-year-old&nbsp;Edward L. Altum of Newton, to 208 months in Kansas Department of Corrections custody following a conviction for 2nd Degree Intentional Homicide and Aggravated Battery in the killing of his wife Peggy S. Altum.

On December 15, 2023, in the early morning hours Newton Police officers were dispatched to a report of a shooting in the 2000 Block of Terrace Drive in Newton after a caller advised a shooting had occurred at the residence. The man who called then disconnected the call.

When law enforcement arrived on scene, Mr. Altum exited the house with his hands raised above his head and when asked if everyone was ok inside the residence he replied no. Officers located a .22 caliber revolver laying on the kitchen counter and his wife, the victim, lying in bed with multiple gunshot injuries. 

She was transported to Wesley Medical Center where she died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702667856753.png" alt="Altum photo Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Altum photo Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —On Wednesday, the Harvey County Attorney reported&nbsp; Judge Michael X. Llamas sentenced 71-year-old&nbsp;Edward L. Altum of Newton, to 208 months in Kansas Department of Corrections custody following a conviction for 2nd Degree Intentional Homicide and Aggravated Battery in the killing of his wife Peggy S. Altum.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703175587665.jpeg" alt="Peggy Sue Altum-courtesy. photo" />
 <figcaption>Peggy Sue Altum-courtesy. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>On December 15, 2023, in the early morning hours Newton Police officers were dispatched to a report of a shooting in the 2000 Block of Terrace Drive in Newton after a caller advised a shooting had occurred at the residence. The man who called then disconnected the call.When law enforcement arrived on scene, Mr. Altum exited the house with his hands raised above his head and when asked if everyone was ok inside the residence he replied no. Officers located a .22 caliber revolver laying on the kitchen counter and his wife, the victim, lying in bed with multiple gunshot injuries. She was transported to Wesley Medical Center where she died.

Kansas man going to prison for killing his wife

JEWELL COUNTY — What began as a routine traffic stop turned into something much more meaningful in eastern Jewell County Wednesday morning.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Trooper Mai was on patrol when a vehicle approached his patrol car at 92 mph in a 65-mph zone. As Trooper Mai turned around and attempted to stop the vehicle, he noticed it was crossing the centerline and initially failed to yield to emergency lights—causing concern.

Thankfully, the vehicle eventually pulled over, and Trooper Mai made contact with the elderly driver. After taking time to talk with him, it became clear this wasn’t just about speeding. 

The driver appeared confused and was trying to make his way back to Omaha, Nebraska. Further investigation revealed the driver had been reported missing from Omaha. 

His wife hadn’t seen him since the day before and he was listed as a missing person with Alzheimer’s. With help from the Omaha Police Department, Republic County Sheriff’s Office, and a nearby first responder, Trooper Mai was able to ensure the driver’s safety, arrange for his vehicle to be transported safely, and coordinate a reunion with the man’s family.

"This is another reminder that while the mission of the KHP is to keep Kansas roads safe, Troopers also here to help those in need—and sometimes, that means reuniting a family."

JEWELL COUNTY — What began as a routine traffic stop turned into something much more meaningful in eastern Jewell County Wednesday morning.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Trooper Mai was on patrol when a vehicle approached his patrol car at 92 mph in a 65-mph zone. As Trooper Mai turned around and attempted to stop the vehicle, he noticed it was crossing the centerline and initially failed to yield to emergency lights—causing concern.Thankfully, the vehicle eventually pulled over, and Trooper Mai made contact with the elderly driver. After taking time to talk with him, it became clear this wasn’t just about speeding. The driver appeared confused and was trying to make his way back to Omaha, Nebraska. Further investigation revealed the driver had been reported missing from Omaha. His wife hadn’t seen him since the day before and he was listed as a missing person with Alzheimer’s. With help from the Omaha Police Department, Republic County Sheriff’s Office, and a nearby first responder, Trooper Mai was able to ensure the driver’s safety, arrange for his vehicle to be transported safely, and coordinate a reunion with the man’s family."This is another reminder that while the mission of the KHP is to keep Kansas roads safe, Troopers also here to help those in need—and sometimes, that means reuniting a family."

Kansas Trooper helps reunite missing Nebraska man with family

KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement caught another driver in the region traveling well over the posted speed limit.

Last week, a sheriff's deputy stopped a driver traveling 114 mph in a 55mph zone on 69 Highway between Heartland Drive and 33 Highway, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.

 There are stoplights at both of those intersections. The driver told the deputy he had just gotten off work and was in a hurry to get home. "This is incredibly dangerous, and speeds that high result in an automatic court date. You can't just pay a fine and move on."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744768861072.png" alt="Photo Clay County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement caught another driver in the region traveling well over the posted speed limit.Last week, a sheriff's deputy stopped a driver traveling 114 mph in a 55mph zone on 69 Highway between Heartland Drive and 33 Highway, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff. There are stoplights at both of those intersections. The driver told the deputy he had just gotten off work and was in a hurry to get home. "This is incredibly dangerous, and speeds that high result in an automatic court date. You can't just pay a fine and move on."

Sheriff: 114mph in a 55mph zone; driver was in a hurry to get home

Former President Joe Biden on Tuesday used his first public address since leaving office to criticize the current administration for cutting thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration and to rebut those who have questioned the program’s relevance.

“In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon,” Biden said. “They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration, pushing 7,000 employees — 7,000 — out the door in that time, including the most seasoned career officials.”

The Social Security Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/deep-cutbacks-social-security-staff-slammed-us-senate-democrats" target="_blank">announced earlier this year</a>&nbsp;it would cut staffing from 57,000 to 50,000 employees and reduce the number of regional offices from 10 to four.

Biden urged Republicans to preserve Social Security for future generations, arguing during his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/fmr-president-biden-first-remarks-since-leaving-office-on-social-security/658611" target="_blank">30-minute speech</a>&nbsp;to the national conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago that people have been able to rely on it throughout wars, recessions and the pandemic.

“Social Security is about more than retirement accounts. It’s about honoring a fundamental trust between government and people,” Biden said. “It’s about peace of mind for those who work their whole lives, so they can rest assured they’ll have a chance to get back some of what they earned and what they deserve.”

Biden, who accepted the organization’s Beacon of Hope award, said protecting Social Security and the federal workers who administer the program is about defending core principles.

“Who are we? What makes us distinct from the rest of the world?” Biden asked. “It comes down to basic, in my view, fundamental American values — nobody’s king, nobody’s the boss. Everybody has a shot.”&nbsp;

Biden criticized members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet for making harsh comments about the program. He noted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said his mother-in-law wouldn’t complain if she missed a Social Security payment and that “the easiest way to find the fraudster is to stop payments and listen because whoever screams is the one stealing.”

Biden also called out billionaire and head of U.S. DOGE Service Elon Musk for calling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme.”

“​​What the hell are they talking about?” Biden said. “People earn these benefits. They paid into that benefit. They rely on that benefit.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing several hours before Biden’s speech the Trump administration doesn’t plan to cut off Americans’ Social Security benefits.

“Let me make it very clear ahead of former President Biden’s remarks: The president, this president, President Trump is absolutely certain about protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have paid into this program,” she said. “He will always protect that program. He campaigned on it. He protected it in his first term.”

Leavitt also took a swipe at Biden’s age, saying she didn’t expect him to give a speech during the evening.

“My first reaction when seeing former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I’m shocked that he was speaking at nighttime. I had thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight,” she said.&nbsp;

Biden, 82, last year dropped his reelection bid in a rematch against Trump, 78, amid concerns about his age and mental acuity.

Democrats have raised concerns for months that staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration will impact Americans’ ability to get their questions about the program answered or their issues resolved quickly.

Social Security Commissioner nominee Frank Bisignano&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-nominee-vows-service-will-improve-despite-mass-firings-office-closures" target="_blank">testified during his hearing</a>&nbsp;in March that, if confirmed, he would try to “ensure that every beneficiary receives their payments on time, that disability claims are processed in the manner they should be.”

Bisignano said he hoped to ensure Social Security recipients could visit an office, use the website, or speak to a real person after calling the 1-800 number.

“On the phone, I’m committed to reducing wait times and providing beneficiaries with a better experience; waiting 20 minutes-plus to get an answer will be of yesteryear,” Bisignano said. “I also believe we can significantly improve the length of the disability claim process.”

Bisignano promised lawmakers he would reduce the 1% error rate in payments, which he said was “five decimal places too high.” And he said repeatedly that personally identifiable information will be “protected.”

The Senate Finance Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-commissioner-nominee-advances-us-senate-floor-amid-doge-questions" target="_blank">voted along party lines</a>&nbsp;in early April to send Bisignano’s nomination to the floor, but he hasn’t yet been confirmed.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744766940489.png" alt="Former President Biden speaks about Social Security at a disability conference in Chicago on Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Biden speaks about Social Security at a disability conference in Chicago on Tuesday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>Former President Joe Biden on Tuesday used his first public address since leaving office to criticize the current administration for cutting thousands of employees at the Social Security Administration and to rebut those who have questioned the program’s relevance.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Biden: &quot;Look what&#39;s happened now, fewer than 100 days into this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It is kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UrggjUWvQJ">pic.twitter.com/UrggjUWvQJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1912284452794810763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has done so much damage and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon,” Biden said. “They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security Administration, pushing 7,000 employees — 7,000 — out the door in that time, including the most seasoned career officials.”The Social Security Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/deep-cutbacks-social-security-staff-slammed-us-senate-democrats" target="_blank">announced earlier this year</a>&nbsp;it would cut staffing from 57,000 to 50,000 employees and reduce the number of regional offices from 10 to four.Biden urged Republicans to preserve Social Security for future generations, arguing during his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/fmr-president-biden-first-remarks-since-leaving-office-on-social-security/658611" target="_blank">30-minute speech</a>&nbsp;to the national conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled in Chicago that people have been able to rely on it throughout wars, recessions and the pandemic.“Social Security is about more than retirement accounts. It’s about honoring a fundamental trust between government and people,” Biden said. “It’s about peace of mind for those who work their whole lives, so they can rest assured they’ll have a chance to get back some of what they earned and what they deserve.”Biden, who accepted the organization’s Beacon of Hope award, said protecting Social Security and the federal workers who administer the program is about defending core principles.“Who are we? What makes us distinct from the rest of the world?” Biden asked. “It comes down to basic, in my view, fundamental American values — nobody’s king, nobody’s the boss. Everybody has a shot.”&nbsp;Biden criticized members of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet for making harsh comments about the program. He noted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said his mother-in-law wouldn’t complain if she missed a Social Security payment and that “the easiest way to find the fraudster is to stop payments and listen because whoever screams is the one stealing.”Biden also called out billionaire and head of U.S. DOGE Service Elon Musk for calling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme.”“​​What the hell are they talking about?” Biden said. “People earn these benefits. They paid into that benefit. They rely on that benefit.”<h2>White House pledges to maintain program</h2>White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing several hours before Biden’s speech the Trump administration doesn’t plan to cut off Americans’ Social Security benefits.“Let me make it very clear ahead of former President Biden’s remarks: The president, this president, President Trump is absolutely certain about protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have paid into this program,” she said. “He will always protect that program. He campaigned on it. He protected it in his first term.”Leavitt also took a swipe at Biden’s age, saying she didn’t expect him to give a speech during the evening.“My first reaction when seeing former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I’m shocked that he was speaking at nighttime. I had thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight,” she said.&nbsp;Biden, 82, last year dropped his reelection bid in a rematch against Trump, 78, amid concerns about his age and mental acuity.<h2>Administrator nominee to target errors</h2>Democrats have raised concerns for months that staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration will impact Americans’ ability to get their questions about the program answered or their issues resolved quickly.Social Security Commissioner nominee Frank Bisignano&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-nominee-vows-service-will-improve-despite-mass-firings-office-closures" target="_blank">testified during his hearing</a>&nbsp;in March that, if confirmed, he would try to “ensure that every beneficiary receives their payments on time, that disability claims are processed in the manner they should be.”Bisignano said he hoped to ensure Social Security recipients could visit an office, use the website, or speak to a real person after calling the 1-800 number.“On the phone, I’m committed to reducing wait times and providing beneficiaries with a better experience; waiting 20 minutes-plus to get an answer will be of yesteryear,” Bisignano said. “I also believe we can significantly improve the length of the disability claim process.”Bisignano promised lawmakers he would reduce the 1% error rate in payments, which he said was “five decimal places too high.” And he said repeatedly that personally identifiable information will be “protected.”The Senate Finance Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/social-security-commissioner-nominee-advances-us-senate-floor-amid-doge-questions" target="_blank">voted along party lines</a>&nbsp;in early April to send Bisignano’s nomination to the floor, but he hasn’t yet been confirmed.&nbsp;

🎥In first post-White House address, Biden pans Trump on Social Security

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Hyundai Sonata driven by&nbsp; Jacob Robert Thomas Rhodes, 21, Shawnee,&nbsp;was northbound on Interstate 435&nbsp; in the far-right lane. The car veered over to the two lane, traveled all the way back over to the one lane, into the median and struck the bridge pillar.

Rhodes was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744797229055.png" alt="First responders at the crash scene photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the crash scene photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Hyundai Sonata driven by&nbsp; Jacob Robert Thomas Rhodes, 21, Shawnee,&nbsp;was northbound on Interstate 435&nbsp; in the far-right lane. The car veered over to the two lane, traveled all the way back over to the one lane, into the median and struck the bridge pillar.Rhodes was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Forensic Medical. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after car strikes bridge pillar

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Charges have been filed in the April 5, drug deal shooting that took the lives of 19-year-old Javon Brown and 20-year-old Delorean Jackson both residents of Kansas City, Kansas.

Last week, 18-year-old Kenneth Flowers a resident of Kansas City, Kansas was charged with four felonies including first-degree murder; aggravated battery; criminal discharge of a firearm; and criminal damage to property. 

He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000 bond.

Just before 9:p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 800 block of N. 70th Terrace, according to a media release. First responders discovered Brown and Jackson outside, both victims of apparent gunshot wounds.

During the incident two other victims were struck by gunfire and were transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

In addition, David Stephens, 56,&nbsp; Kansas City, Kan., has been charged with felony distribution of marijuana and felony possession of drug paraphernalia, according to KCK Police.&nbsp; He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744294077603.png" alt="Flowers photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Flowers photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Charges have been filed in the April 5, drug deal shooting that took the lives of 19-year-old Javon Brown and 20-year-old Delorean Jackson both residents of Kansas City, Kansas.Last week, 18-year-old Kenneth Flowers a resident of Kansas City, Kansas was charged with four felonies including first-degree murder; aggravated battery; criminal discharge of a firearm; and criminal damage to property. He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000 bond.Just before 9:p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 800 block of N. 70th Terrace, according to a media release. First responders discovered Brown and Jackson outside, both victims of apparent gunshot wounds.During the incident two other victims were struck by gunfire and were transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744294682991.png" alt="Stephens photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Stephens photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition, David Stephens, 56,&nbsp; Kansas City, Kan., has been charged with felony distribution of marijuana and felony possession of drug paraphernalia, according to KCK Police.&nbsp; He is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

Kan. boy accused of double-homicide 2 days after 18th birthday

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday in Shawnee&nbsp; County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford Ranger driven by Ronald W. Heusted, 71, Topeka, was southbound on U.S. 75 just south of 94th Road. The pickup traveled off the road to the right, vaulted the ditch and came to rest in the creek bed.

Heusted was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Shawnee County Coroner's Office. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday in Shawnee&nbsp; County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Ford Ranger driven by Ronald W. Heusted, 71, Topeka, was southbound on U.S. 75 just south of 94th Road. The pickup traveled off the road to the right, vaulted the ditch and came to rest in the creek bed.Heusted was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Shawnee County Coroner's Office. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after pickup crash into creek bed

‘You think you’re stopping abortions with these ridiculous bills? You’re not,’ said state Rep. Raychel Proudie

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

A proposed constitutional amendment that would ban abortion is one step closer to the statewide ballot after it won initial approval of the Missouri House on Tuesday.

After four hours of floor debate, the House passed the proposed amendment with 94 in favor and 50 against. Two Republicans — Speaker Jon Patterson and state Rep. Bill Allen — joined with 48 Democrats in opposition.&nbsp;

As lawmakers prepared to vote, protesters with Abortion Action Missouri began chanting from the upper chamber, unfurling banners over the balcony protesting the proposed amendment.&nbsp;

“When abortion rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back,” they shouted before security moved them into the hallway.&nbsp;

The legislation needs to be approved one more time by the House before it goes to the Senate.&nbsp;

If approved by the Senate, and then by voters, the new amendment would reinstate a near-total abortion ban in Missouri with limited exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It would also protect women’s access to health care during miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and other medical emergencies. These protections are also in place under the current law.

In November, voters approved&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3,</a>&nbsp;which rolled back Missouri’s abortion ban and opened the door for clinics to begin performing the procedure for the first time since 2022.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR73&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">proposed constitutional amendment debated Tuesday was</a>&nbsp;filed by Republican state Rep. Ed Lewis of Moberly and is being carried by state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican. A previous proposed abortion ban was scrapped before making it to the full House, causing some to speculate about internal disagreements among GOP lawmakers causing roadblocks with a month left in the legislative session.

Seitz denies that there are any disagreements between GOP lawmakers, saying the current legislation before the House was the plan all along because it best matches with the language in a similar Senate proposal.

“We’re on the exact same sheet of music,” he said. “The timeline may appear long to the general public, but this is exactly the plan from the beginning.”&nbsp;

Seitz insists that Missourians, in approving Amendment 3 with just shy of 52% of the statewide vote, were signaling that some exceptions were needed in Missouri’s prior abortion ban.

Since abortion was legalized late last year, Missouri Republicans have made it a priority to undo or weaken the current law, forcing many lawmakers to contend with their beliefs around abortion exceptions, something many have opposed in the past.

“I make decisions from a Biblical worldview,” Seitz told The Independent last week. “I have to understand that others may not, so pragmatically, how do we, particularly we that profess Christ as savior, how do we justify even the possibility of these exceptions for rape and incest?”&nbsp;

His conclusion: Exceptions will still allow the GOP legislature to “save as many infants as possible and protect women.”&nbsp;

During a marathon House debate on Tuesday, however, Democrats dismissed that argument.&nbsp;

“You think you’re stopping abortions with these ridiculous bills? You’re not,” said state Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson.&nbsp; “You’re stopping safe, legal abortions. People are still going to have abortions. So if you want to be pro-life, let’s try being pro quality-of-life first.”

Proudie noted that at a House committee hearing, some lawmakers advocated murder charges for rape and incest survivors who seek out abortions.&nbsp;

She was among several Democrats who shared stories of constituents who<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-gop-rape-incest/">&nbsp;weren’t allowed to testify against the bill last week</a>&nbsp;when state Rep. Holly Jones, who chairs the House Committee on Children and Families, limited testimony to only nine people, despite dozens more traveling to Jefferson City to oppose the legislation.

“My vagina is not mine,” Proudie said. “It belongs to the state of Missouri.”'

If approved by both the House and Senate, Missourians could be asked to weigh in on reinstating an abortion ban as soon as a special election the governor could call this year, or during the 2026 midterm election.&nbsp;

The proposed ballot summary doesn’t mention banning elective abortions. Instead, Missourians would be asked if they want to amend the Missouri constitution to:&nbsp;

Missouri state Rep. Mark Boyko, a Democrat from Kirkwood, said that no part of the ballot language “tells a voter that there will be fewer abortions allowed.”

Previous iterations of this proposed amendment included exceptions for survivors, but only if they first reported the rape or incest to police, a requirement that was highly criticized as dangerous by survivors and advocates.&nbsp;

While the current version eliminated those requirements, House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, remained skeptical of how survivors would be allowed to access the procedure.&nbsp;

“Who is the arbiter of whether or not she was raped or a victim of incest?” asked Aune, who is herself a survivor. “The honor system?”&nbsp;

After the passage of Amendment 3 in November, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri sued the state, claiming that many of the TRAP laws on the books were rendered unconstitutional. A Jackson County judge agreed,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">striking down many of the current regulations as “discriminatory.”&nbsp;</a>

This decision allowed Planned Parenthood to again begin offering some procedural abortions at three of its clinics. Medication abortions, however,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/28/missouri-rejects-planned-parenthood-medication-abortion-plan/">remain inaccessible.</a>&nbsp;

Jones said Amendment 3 was vague and “completely up to judicial interpretation” with unintended consequence.&nbsp;

State Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, a Republican from Carthage, pointed to language in Amendment 3 referring to a “treating health care professional.”

Could that include a dietician or a speech pathologist, Jo Loy asked.&nbsp;

State Rep. Jeremy Dean, a Democrat from Springfield who worked in health care for five years, including at an OBGYN office, disputed this.&nbsp;

“You ever heard of scope of practice? You ever heard of a licensure? A governing body?” he said. Those are all things that exist that didn’t go away when Amendment 3 passed.”&nbsp;

The proposed amendment also looks to require that any legal challenges to the state law around reproductive health care be heard in Cole County, a nod to the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">ongoing legal battle playing out between the state and Planned Parenthood in Jackson County.</a>

Republican lawmakers on numerous occasions during Tuesday’s debate emphasized that the main goal of the amendment was to protect women.

“I ask that you stop trying to protect me or my constituents,” said state Rep. Jo Doll, a Democrat from St. Louis. “Because we can protect ourselves.”&nbsp;

State Rep. Becky Laubinger, a Republican from Park Hills, rejected any accusations that anti-abortion lawmakers don’t care about women.&nbsp;

Laubinger, who runs&nbsp;Monarch Family Resource Center in Ironton, said she’s gone out at all hours of the day to purchase diapers and pack n plays for families in need. She’s watched children so women could go to doctor’s appointments.&nbsp;

Democrats ultimately accused their GOP colleagues of attempting to undermine the will of the people.

“Sending this back to them is not a democratic exercise,” said state Rep. Eric Woods, a Democrat from Kansas City. “It’s an attempt to slap them on the wrist, tell them they were wrong and maybe they can do it better next time.”&nbsp;

The Independent’s Annelise Hanshaw contributed to this story.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744766247716.png" alt=" Protesting an anti-abortion bill that seeks to reverse a constitutional amendment passed by voters, Kate Hopkins chants at the Missouri House Tuesday as security escorts the protestors out (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Protesting an anti-abortion bill that seeks to reverse a constitutional amendment passed by voters, Kate Hopkins chants at the Missouri House Tuesday as security escorts the protestors out (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘You think you’re stopping abortions with these ridiculous bills? You’re not,’ said state Rep. Raychel Proudie</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>A proposed constitutional amendment that would ban abortion is one step closer to the statewide ballot after it won initial approval of the Missouri House on Tuesday.After four hours of floor debate, the House passed the proposed amendment with 94 in favor and 50 against. Two Republicans — Speaker Jon Patterson and state Rep. Bill Allen — joined with 48 Democrats in opposition.&nbsp;As lawmakers prepared to vote, protesters with Abortion Action Missouri began chanting from the upper chamber, unfurling banners over the balcony protesting the proposed amendment.&nbsp;“When abortion rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back,” they shouted before security moved them into the hallway.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744766187767.png" alt=" Protestors with Abortion Action Missouri interrupt Missouri House debate of an anti-abortion constitutional amendment Tuesday, chanting: “When abortion rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back” (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Protestors with Abortion Action Missouri interrupt Missouri House debate of an anti-abortion constitutional amendment Tuesday, chanting: “When abortion rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back” (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>The legislation needs to be approved one more time by the House before it goes to the Senate.&nbsp;If approved by the Senate, and then by voters, the new amendment would reinstate a near-total abortion ban in Missouri with limited exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;&nbsp;It would also protect women’s access to health care during miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and other medical emergencies. These protections are also in place under the current law.In November, voters approved&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3,</a>&nbsp;which rolled back Missouri’s abortion ban and opened the door for clinics to begin performing the procedure for the first time since 2022.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR73&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">proposed constitutional amendment debated Tuesday was</a>&nbsp;filed by Republican state Rep. Ed Lewis of Moberly and is being carried by state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican. A previous proposed abortion ban was scrapped before making it to the full House, causing some to speculate about internal disagreements among GOP lawmakers causing roadblocks with a month left in the legislative session.Seitz denies that there are any disagreements between GOP lawmakers, saying the current legislation before the House was the plan all along because it best matches with the language in a similar Senate proposal.“We’re on the exact same sheet of music,” he said. “The timeline may appear long to the general public, but this is exactly the plan from the beginning.”&nbsp;Seitz insists that Missourians, in approving Amendment 3 with just shy of 52% of the statewide vote, were signaling that some exceptions were needed in Missouri’s prior abortion ban.Since abortion was legalized late last year, Missouri Republicans have made it a priority to undo or weaken the current law, forcing many lawmakers to contend with their beliefs around abortion exceptions, something many have opposed in the past.“I make decisions from a Biblical worldview,” Seitz told The Independent last week. “I have to understand that others may not, so pragmatically, how do we, particularly we that profess Christ as savior, how do we justify even the possibility of these exceptions for rape and incest?”&nbsp;His conclusion: Exceptions will still allow the GOP legislature to “save as many infants as possible and protect women.”&nbsp;During a marathon House debate on Tuesday, however, Democrats dismissed that argument.&nbsp;“You think you’re stopping abortions with these ridiculous bills? You’re not,” said state Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson.&nbsp; “You’re stopping safe, legal abortions. People are still going to have abortions. So if you want to be pro-life, let’s try being pro quality-of-life first.”Proudie noted that at a House committee hearing, some lawmakers advocated murder charges for rape and incest survivors who seek out abortions.&nbsp;She was among several Democrats who shared stories of constituents who<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-gop-rape-incest/">&nbsp;weren’t allowed to testify against the bill last week</a>&nbsp;when state Rep. Holly Jones, who chairs the House Committee on Children and Families, limited testimony to only nine people, despite dozens more traveling to Jefferson City to oppose the legislation.“My vagina is not mine,” Proudie said. “It belongs to the state of Missouri.”'<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744766150350.png" alt=" State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, debates a proposed constitutional amendment banning abortion on Tuesday (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, debates a proposed constitutional amendment banning abortion on Tuesday (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>If approved by both the House and Senate, Missourians could be asked to weigh in on reinstating an abortion ban as soon as a special election the governor could call this year, or during the 2026 midterm election.&nbsp;The proposed ballot summary doesn’t mention banning elective abortions. Instead, Missourians would be asked if they want to amend the Missouri constitution to:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>“Guarantee access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages;&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure women’s safety during abortions;&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure parental consent for minors;&nbsp;</li><li>Allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest;&nbsp;</li><li>Require physicians to provide medically accurate information; and&nbsp;</li><li>Protect children from gender transition?”</li>
 </ul>Missouri state Rep. Mark Boyko, a Democrat from Kirkwood, said that no part of the ballot language “tells a voter that there will be fewer abortions allowed.”Previous iterations of this proposed amendment included exceptions for survivors, but only if they first reported the rape or incest to police, a requirement that was highly criticized as dangerous by survivors and advocates.&nbsp;While the current version eliminated those requirements, House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, remained skeptical of how survivors would be allowed to access the procedure.&nbsp;“Who is the arbiter of whether or not she was raped or a victim of incest?” asked Aune, who is herself a survivor. “The honor system?”&nbsp;After the passage of Amendment 3 in November, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri sued the state, claiming that many of the TRAP laws on the books were rendered unconstitutional. A Jackson County judge agreed,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">striking down many of the current regulations as “discriminatory.”&nbsp;</a>This decision allowed Planned Parenthood to again begin offering some procedural abortions at three of its clinics. Medication abortions, however,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/28/missouri-rejects-planned-parenthood-medication-abortion-plan/">remain inaccessible.</a>&nbsp;Jones said Amendment 3 was vague and “completely up to judicial interpretation” with unintended consequence.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744766108984.png" alt=" State Rep. Holly Jones, a Republican from Eureka, debates a proposed constitutional amendment banning abortion on Tuesday (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> State Rep. Holly Jones, a Republican from Eureka, debates a proposed constitutional amendment banning abortion on Tuesday (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>State Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, a Republican from Carthage, pointed to language in Amendment 3 referring to a “treating health care professional.”Could that include a dietician or a speech pathologist, Jo Loy asked.&nbsp;“Absolutely,” Seitz replied.State Rep. Jeremy Dean, a Democrat from Springfield who worked in health care for five years, including at an OBGYN office, disputed this.&nbsp;“You ever heard of scope of practice? You ever heard of a licensure? A governing body?” he said. Those are all things that exist that didn’t go away when Amendment 3 passed.”&nbsp;The proposed amendment also looks to require that any legal challenges to the state law around reproductive health care be heard in Cole County, a nod to the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">ongoing legal battle playing out between the state and Planned Parenthood in Jackson County.</a>Republican lawmakers on numerous occasions during Tuesday’s debate emphasized that the main goal of the amendment was to protect women.“I ask that you stop trying to protect me or my constituents,” said state Rep. Jo Doll, a Democrat from St. Louis. “Because we can protect ourselves.”&nbsp;State Rep. Becky Laubinger, a Republican from Park Hills, rejected any accusations that anti-abortion lawmakers don’t care about women.&nbsp;Laubinger, who runs&nbsp;Monarch Family Resource Center in Ironton, said she’s gone out at all hours of the day to purchase diapers and pack n plays for families in need. She’s watched children so women could go to doctor’s appointments.&nbsp;Democrats ultimately accused their GOP colleagues of attempting to undermine the will of the people.“Sending this back to them is not a democratic exercise,” said state Rep. Eric Woods, a Democrat from Kansas City. “It’s an attempt to slap them on the wrist, tell them they were wrong and maybe they can do it better next time.”&nbsp;The Independent’s Annelise Hanshaw contributed to this story.

Proposed abortion ban amendment gets initial approval of Missouri House

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Monday, according to a statement from the agency.

The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. This Russian activity in Alaskan ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.&nbsp; NORAD reported similar activity in December, January and twice in February.

An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.

NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Monday, according to a statement from the agency.The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. This Russian activity in Alaskan ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.&nbsp; NORAD reported similar activity in December, January and twice in February.An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America.

More Russian war planes detected flying off coast of Alaska

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</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 — Gov. Laura Kelly said Tuesday a request was submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to reinstate more than $22 million in federal funding appropriated to Kansas to help students who fell behind during the COVID-19 pandemic catch up with peers and to retrain teachers in the science of reading.

The U.S. Department of Education announced in March that approximately $3 billion in pandemic relief funds would be frozen nationwide.

The Kansas State Department of Education had&nbsp;received an extension on the deadline for expending the funds, but the federal government’s latest maneuver reversed that decision. The state Department of Education requested the administration of President Donald Trump set aside the latest plan to sweep the $22.6 million allocated to Kansas. That request is pending at the federal level.

“Abruptly stripping this funding is a disservice to the Kansas students and teachers who rely on it to excel in the classroom,” Kelly said.

In Kansas, the funding in jeopardy was allocated to supporting student learning recovery and ensuring the education workforce was prepared to assist those students with academic deficiencies. The aid also was used to retrain teachers in reading instruction, support students’ career and college exploration and to lower start-up costs for child care providers.

In addition, a portion of the funds was relied on to cover the cost of&nbsp; licensure, fingerprinting and background check fees for early childhood educators. The Kelly administration began waiving the fees using federal and state funds in 2021. The fees will be reinstated until the Trump administration restores Kansas’ funding allocation, the governor said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744734048435.jpeg" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education requesting the administration of President Donald Trump reverse a decision to freeze $22.6 million allocated to the state for benefit of students and teachers. This is a 2023 image of Kelly meeting students at Jardine Elementary in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education requesting the administration of President Donald Trump reverse a decision to freeze $22.6 million allocated to the state for benefit of students and teachers. This is a 2023 image of Kelly meeting students at Jardine Elementary in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</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 — Gov. Laura Kelly said Tuesday a request was submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to reinstate more than $22 million in federal funding appropriated to Kansas to help students who fell behind during the COVID-19 pandemic catch up with peers and to retrain teachers in the science of reading.The U.S. Department of Education announced in March that approximately $3 billion in pandemic relief funds would be frozen nationwide.The Kansas State Department of Education had&nbsp;received an extension on the deadline for expending the funds, but the federal government’s latest maneuver reversed that decision. The state Department of Education requested the administration of President Donald Trump set aside the latest plan to sweep the $22.6 million allocated to Kansas. That request is pending at the federal level.“Abruptly stripping this funding is a disservice to the Kansas students and teachers who rely on it to excel in the classroom,” Kelly said.In Kansas, the funding in jeopardy was allocated to supporting student learning recovery and ensuring the education workforce was prepared to assist those students with academic deficiencies. The aid also was used to retrain teachers in reading instruction, support students’ career and college exploration and to lower start-up costs for child care providers.In addition, a portion of the funds was relied on to cover the cost of&nbsp; licensure, fingerprinting and background check fees for early childhood educators. The Kelly administration began waiving the fees using federal and state funds in 2021. The fees will be reinstated until the Trump administration restores Kansas’ funding allocation, the governor said.

Gov. Laura Kelly urges Trump administration to release $22.6 million in frozen funding

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Missouri man with a drug trafficking related offense, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Otis J. Newton, 58, of Kansas City, Missouri, was indicted on one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744319036629.png" alt="Newton is being held in Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Newton is being held in Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Missouri man with a drug trafficking related offense, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Otis J. Newton, 58, of Kansas City, Missouri, was indicted on one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.

Missouri man accused of attempting to sell meth in Kansas

COWLEY COUNTY—A Kansas family is celebrating the birth of their fourth child who arrived sooner than expected.

According to a social media report on Monday from the Arkansas City Fire and EMS, shortly after 11:30 a.m. March 31, emergency crews responded to a 911 call reporting an unexpected childbirth at the home of Mary Trenary and Donovan Dean. When responders arrived, they discovered that baby Kyng Kyrie Dean had already made his entrance into the world — a week ahead of schedule — at 11:20 a.m., weighing 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and measuring 19 inches long.

“I was taking care of my toddlers, and then the next thing I know, I was giving birth,” Mary said. “I thought it was just Braxton Hicks contractions.”Earlier that morning, Mary experienced back pain, which she attributed to lying on a heating pad. But by 11 a.m., it was clear she needed to get to the hospital. However, Baby Kyng had his own plans. With contractions rapidly intensifying, Donovan found himself playing PlayStation one minute — the next, he was delivering his son.

“I used to play doctor as a kid, but I never guessed I’d actually play one in real life,” Donovan said. “I just knew I had to get him out and make sure he could breathe.

 After I realized what happened, I started shaking. I wanted to make sure she was okay and he was okay. I know complications can happen. Then I heard him crying, and EMS came — and I knew it was going to be okay. I appreciate EMS getting there so quickly.

”For Mary, the experience was a whirlwind.“I just remember the police arriving, then EMS,” she said. “I don’t think it really hit me that I had given birth until they said, ‘Here’s the umbilical cord.’”

Arkansas City Fire/EMS crews transported both mom and baby safely to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WilliamNewtonHospital?__cft__[0]=AZX0c4TouQ39qu07s-c2aMxk9anyY2jJxOBIZZWo216YrRDfHqCTMsIk_8CZH5lbIC-I10-xXmeEAF3IgH-A9-u9WbEbbEaiMDzSUtHMhOORapnz4bkILEY0Q1h4Mf9I9OBR8LDgHZhaSz8bBpGuDjUwdj0_cIzCCizdMgTihOKPruMyoLMAcYXpF1b1Rwm0Qtg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">William Newton Hospital</a>. Kyng is Mary and Donovan’s fourth child — and their first boy. Their daughters are 5, 3, and 2 years old.“I’ve had a hospital birth, a water birth, and now a home birth,” Mary said. “Each one has been different, but this was definitely the most unexpected!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744717717084.png" alt="Photo Arkansas City Fire and EMS" />
 <figcaption>Photo Arkansas City Fire and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—A Kansas family is celebrating the birth of their fourth child who arrived sooner than expected.According to a social media report on Monday from the Arkansas City Fire and EMS, shortly after 11:30 a.m. March 31, emergency crews responded to a 911 call reporting an unexpected childbirth at the home of Mary Trenary and Donovan Dean. When responders arrived, they discovered that baby Kyng Kyrie Dean had already made his entrance into the world — a week ahead of schedule — at 11:20 a.m., weighing 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and measuring 19 inches long.“I was taking care of my toddlers, and then the next thing I know, I was giving birth,” Mary said. “I thought it was just Braxton Hicks contractions.”Earlier that morning, Mary experienced back pain, which she attributed to lying on a heating pad. But by 11 a.m., it was clear she needed to get to the hospital. However, Baby Kyng had his own plans. With contractions rapidly intensifying, Donovan found himself playing PlayStation one minute — the next, he was delivering his son.“I used to play doctor as a kid, but I never guessed I’d actually play one in real life,” Donovan said. “I just knew I had to get him out and make sure he could breathe. After I realized what happened, I started shaking. I wanted to make sure she was okay and he was okay. I know complications can happen. Then I heard him crying, and EMS came — and I knew it was going to be okay. I appreciate EMS getting there so quickly.”For Mary, the experience was a whirlwind.“I just remember the police arriving, then EMS,” she said. “I don’t think it really hit me that I had given birth until they said, ‘Here’s the umbilical cord.’”Arkansas City Fire/EMS crews transported both mom and baby safely to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WilliamNewtonHospital?__cft__[0]=AZX0c4TouQ39qu07s-c2aMxk9anyY2jJxOBIZZWo216YrRDfHqCTMsIk_8CZH5lbIC-I10-xXmeEAF3IgH-A9-u9WbEbbEaiMDzSUtHMhOORapnz4bkILEY0Q1h4Mf9I9OBR8LDgHZhaSz8bBpGuDjUwdj0_cIzCCizdMgTihOKPruMyoLMAcYXpF1b1Rwm0Qtg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">William Newton Hospital</a>. Kyng is Mary and Donovan’s fourth child — and their first boy. Their daughters are 5, 3, and 2 years old.“I’ve had a hospital birth, a water birth, and now a home birth,” Mary said. “Each one has been different, but this was definitely the most unexpected!”

Kansas man delivers baby boy at home

Legislation giving new power to Missouri’s attorney general and secretary of state has been sent to the governor’s desk

BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=SB%2022" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that would give the Missouri Attorney General the authority to appeal judges’ decisions to temporarily block state law and change how ballot measures are written and certified was sent to the governor Monday.&nbsp;

The House gave final approval to the bill in a 109-46 vote, with Democrats calling the legislation a “power grab” that targets a Jackson County judge’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu-mo.org/en/news/missouri-abortion-providers-resume-care-after-judge-blocks-discriminatory-licensure" target="_blank">temporary hold</a>&nbsp;on the state’s strictest abortion regulations which opened the door for Missouri clinics to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/planned-parenthood-abortion-appointments-columbia-kansas-city/">resume surgical abortions</a>.

“There is pending litigation going on right now,” said state Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat. “The Attorney General doesn’t like how it’s going because there’s a preliminary injunction issued, so (Republicans) are trying to jam legislation through so they can change the outcome of the litigation.”

The bill passed Monday would allow Attorney General Andrew Bailey to challenge the preliminary injunction before the judge issues a final ruling on the case.

Democrats argued that since the legislation allows for appeals on “any preliminary injunction that existed prior to August 28, 2025,” it is retroactive and unconstitutional.

State Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Springfield, called the accusation “ridiculous.”

“There’s only one ongoing case that this power grants that it could possibly be used for,” he said.

The House passed an emergency clause on the provision, making it effective as soon as the governor signs it into law. The emergency clause says that “immediate action is necessary to ensure judicial efficiency.”

Missouri law&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=1.130#:~:text=(1)%20A%20law%20necessary%20for,taken%20by%20yeas%20and%20nays" target="_blank">limits emergency clauses</a>&nbsp;to when they are “necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety.”

The bill’s House handler, state Rep. Ben Keathley, a Chesterfield Republican, justified the clause because action could “save the lives of women in (facilities that perform abortions) and the children that are the unnecessary victims of these acts.”

State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, said this provision was not part of the bill.

“We’re not voting on what the court may do one day,” she said.

The emergency clause passed along party lines with the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, smiling at the House dais.

Provisions on ballot measures from the General Assembly also drew criticism from Democrats who disagreed with shifting power from the courts to the Missouri Secretary of State.

The bill would give the Secretary of State three chances to rewrite ballot language proposed by state lawmakers after the initial summary is challenged. The courts are charged with giving the Secretary of State advice and approving the final language.

State Rep. Eric Woods, a Kansas City Democrat, said the legislation is an “entire upheaval” of the current process.

“The court exists as a check on us in case we turn out some language that… has ballot candy on it which is completely unrelated to the topic at hand or something that is entirely intended to trick people into voting for it,” Woods said.

He referenced&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-gop-rape-incest/">a joint resolution the House</a>&nbsp;is prepared to discuss Tuesday with language he says is deceitful to voters.

Keathley said the courts should be “the last step in the process.”

“We have a constitutional duty and job to send that ballot language through. The courts are only there to call the balls and strikes,” he said.

Since the court has the final say, he said, there is still separation of powers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744714181349.png" alt=" State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, mingles ahead of Gov. Mike Kehoe's inauguration ceremony. Brattin's bill on ballot measures passed the House Monday evening (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, mingles ahead of Gov. Mike Kehoe's inauguration ceremony. Brattin's bill on ballot measures passed the House Monday evening (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislation giving new power to Missouri’s attorney general and secretary of state has been sent to the governor’s desk</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=SB%2022" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;that would give the Missouri Attorney General the authority to appeal judges’ decisions to temporarily block state law and change how ballot measures are written and certified was sent to the governor Monday.&nbsp;The House gave final approval to the bill in a 109-46 vote, with Democrats calling the legislation a “power grab” that targets a Jackson County judge’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu-mo.org/en/news/missouri-abortion-providers-resume-care-after-judge-blocks-discriminatory-licensure" target="_blank">temporary hold</a>&nbsp;on the state’s strictest abortion regulations which opened the door for Missouri clinics to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/planned-parenthood-abortion-appointments-columbia-kansas-city/">resume surgical abortions</a>.“There is pending litigation going on right now,” said state Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat. “The Attorney General doesn’t like how it’s going because there’s a preliminary injunction issued, so (Republicans) are trying to jam legislation through so they can change the outcome of the litigation.”The bill passed Monday would allow Attorney General Andrew Bailey to challenge the preliminary injunction before the judge issues a final ruling on the case.Democrats argued that since the legislation allows for appeals on “any preliminary injunction that existed prior to August 28, 2025,” it is retroactive and unconstitutional.State Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Springfield, called the accusation “ridiculous.”“There’s only one ongoing case that this power grants that it could possibly be used for,” he said.The House passed an emergency clause on the provision, making it effective as soon as the governor signs it into law. The emergency clause says that “immediate action is necessary to ensure judicial efficiency.”Missouri law&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=1.130#:~:text=(1)%20A%20law%20necessary%20for,taken%20by%20yeas%20and%20nays" target="_blank">limits emergency clauses</a>&nbsp;to when they are “necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety.”The bill’s House handler, state Rep. Ben Keathley, a Chesterfield Republican, justified the clause because action could “save the lives of women in (facilities that perform abortions) and the children that are the unnecessary victims of these acts.”State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, said this provision was not part of the bill.“We’re not voting on what the court may do one day,” she said.The emergency clause passed along party lines with the bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, smiling at the House dais.Provisions on ballot measures from the General Assembly also drew criticism from Democrats who disagreed with shifting power from the courts to the Missouri Secretary of State.The bill would give the Secretary of State three chances to rewrite ballot language proposed by state lawmakers after the initial summary is challenged. The courts are charged with giving the Secretary of State advice and approving the final language.State Rep. Eric Woods, a Kansas City Democrat, said the legislation is an “entire upheaval” of the current process.“The court exists as a check on us in case we turn out some language that… has ballot candy on it which is completely unrelated to the topic at hand or something that is entirely intended to trick people into voting for it,” Woods said.He referenced&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/missouri-abortion-ban-amendment-gop-rape-incest/">a joint resolution the House</a>&nbsp;is prepared to discuss Tuesday with language he says is deceitful to voters.Keathley said the courts should be “the last step in the process.”“We have a constitutional duty and job to send that ballot language through. The courts are only there to call the balls and strikes,” he said.Since the court has the final say, he said, there is still separation of powers.