SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;— Authorities&nbsp;have identified the skeletal remains discovered on Dec. 16, in the 4800 block of South Clifton, according to a media release from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

Through positive dental records and clothing, investigators have confirmed the remains belong to 46-year-old Dion Elliott Curry.

 Detectives determined that Curry was homeless and known to frequent the Oaklawn area. He was a registered offender and last reported to the Sheriff’s Office Offender Registration Unit in Jan. 2024. In Apr. 2024, Curry was reported missing to the Wichita Police Department.

As previously stated, a preliminary skeletal examination conducted by an anthropologist showed no signs of trauma, and no foul play is suspected in his death.

Curry had previous convictions in 2005 for felony criminal threat; sexually motivated, attempted aggravated sexual battery and criminal restraint, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

If you knew Curry and had contact with him between Jan. 2024 and Dec. 2024, you are encouraged to contact Detective Michael Clopton at (316) 660-5300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734472980895.png" alt="Remains found in the 4800 Block of South Clifton -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Remains found in the 4800 Block of South Clifton -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;— Authorities&nbsp;have identified the skeletal remains discovered on Dec. 16, in the 4800 block of South Clifton, according to a media release from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.Through positive dental records and clothing, investigators have confirmed the remains belong to 46-year-old Dion Elliott Curry.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739568719532.png" alt="Dion Curry-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Dion Curry-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure> Detectives determined that Curry was homeless and known to frequent the Oaklawn area. He was a registered offender and last reported to the Sheriff’s Office Offender Registration Unit in Jan. 2024. In Apr. 2024, Curry was reported missing to the Wichita Police Department.As previously stated, a preliminary skeletal examination conducted by an anthropologist showed no signs of trauma, and no foul play is suspected in his death.Curry had previous convictions in 2005 for felony criminal threat; sexually motivated, attempted aggravated sexual battery and criminal restraint, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.If you knew Curry and had contact with him between Jan. 2024 and Dec. 2024, you are encouraged to contact Detective Michael Clopton at (316) 660-5300.

Sheriff’s IDs skeletal remains as registered Kansas sex offender

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is in jail in connection with his infant son’s fatal fentanyl and methamphetamine poisoning that took place on the 2700 block of Quincy Avenue in Kansas City.

&nbsp;Terry Canady, 33,&nbsp; has been charged&nbsp;with Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the 1st Degree, Abuse or Neglect of a Child, and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

"We're seeing too many of our children's lives cut short due to negligence and substance misuse in our community.&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/fentanyl-report-may-2024.pdf">In our state in 2022</a>, 43 children lost their lives due to fentanyl and of those, 20 were under the age of five.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2501/CanadyTerry-PC_Redacted">According to court records</a>, on January 28, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence regarding an infant. The infant was later pronounced deceased. When officers searched the residence, they located a clear plastic torn baggie containing an unknown white substance inside, which later tested positive for methamphetamine. Camera footage also captured the defendant throwing away items into trash bins, later determined to be drug equipment with residue that tested positive for fentanyl.&nbsp;

Witnesses told police the defendant uses and sells methamphetamine and fentanyl.&nbsp;The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s report revealed the victim tested positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine. &nbsp;

The defendant is being held on no bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739282680424.png" alt="Canady photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Canady photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is in jail in connection with his infant son’s fatal fentanyl and methamphetamine poisoning that took place on the 2700 block of Quincy Avenue in Kansas City.&nbsp;Terry Canady, 33,&nbsp; has been charged&nbsp;with Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the 1st Degree, Abuse or Neglect of a Child, and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson."We're seeing too many of our children's lives cut short due to negligence and substance misuse in our community.&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/fentanyl-report-may-2024.pdf">In our state in 2022</a>, 43 children lost their lives due to fentanyl and of those, 20 were under the age of five.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2501/CanadyTerry-PC_Redacted">According to court records</a>, on January 28, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence regarding an infant. The infant was later pronounced deceased. When officers searched the residence, they located a clear plastic torn baggie containing an unknown white substance inside, which later tested positive for methamphetamine. Camera footage also captured the defendant throwing away items into trash bins, later determined to be drug equipment with residue that tested positive for fentanyl.&nbsp;Witnesses told police the defendant uses and sells methamphetamine and fentanyl.&nbsp;The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s report revealed the victim tested positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine. &nbsp;The defendant is being held on no bond.&nbsp;

Kansas City man accused of infant son's fatal fentanyl death

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Army will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military.&nbsp; The announcement came on social media Friday afternoon.

The Army will also stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Army and the JAG Corps is in compliance with President Trump's&nbsp;executive orders and orders from the Secretary of Defense.

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Army will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military.&nbsp; The announcement came on social media Friday afternoon.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USArmy</a> will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military and will stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members. Stay tuned for more details.&mdash; U.S. Army (@USArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/USArmy/status/1890490320313286788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Army will also stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Army and the JAG Corps is in compliance with President Trump's&nbsp;executive orders and orders from the Secretary of Defense.

U.S. Army announcement on transgenders in the military

GEARY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) updated on the investigation into a juvenile’s death at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Junction City, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.

KBI agents interviewed detention center employees and youth corrections officers about what happened on Nov. 5, and their interactions with the 17-year-old while he was at the facility. The teen had been living at the detention center since August.

The final autopsy report determined the teen’s cause of death was combined intoxication by buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine, hydroxyzine, quetiapine, and trazodone. These medications were prescribed to the juvenile. Contributing factors to his death were listed as cardiomegaly, obesity and asthma. His manner of death was ruled an accident.

The Kansas State Child Death Review Board reviews all child fatalities that occur in Kansas, and will evaluate this case.

GEARY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) updated on the investigation into a juvenile’s death at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Junction City, Kansas, according to a media release from the agency.KBI agents interviewed detention center employees and youth corrections officers about what happened on Nov. 5, and their interactions with the 17-year-old while he was at the facility. The teen had been living at the detention center since August.The final autopsy report determined the teen’s cause of death was combined intoxication by buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine, hydroxyzine, quetiapine, and trazodone. These medications were prescribed to the juvenile. Contributing factors to his death were listed as cardiomegaly, obesity and asthma. His manner of death was ruled an accident.The Kansas State Child Death Review Board reviews all child fatalities that occur in Kansas, and will evaluate this case.

KBI reveals cause of death of teen at juvenile detention facility

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas teen is going to prison for a fight and a shooting with a police officer's gun at the Oak Park Mall in Overland Park.

On Feb. 10, Judge Neil Foth sentenced 18-year-old&nbsp;Nery Alberto Gonzalez-Munoz to 34 months in prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. The sentence includes 17-months for 2 counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and 12 months for misdemeanor theft. The sentence for counts 1 and 2 are to run consecutively. The sentence for theft is to run concurrently.

Just before 4:30p.m. Nov 12, 2023, police responded to an armed disturbance at the Oak Park Mall in 11400 block of W.95th in Overland Park, according to Officer John Lacy.

As Gonzalez-Munoz and a 17-year-old suspect were trying to exit the mall near the food court, three plain clothes detectives identified themselves and attempted to apprehend them.

During the arrest Gonzalez-Munoz resisted arrest, a struggle occurred, and he was able to obtain one of the detective’s issued firearms.

Gonzalez-Munoz was able to pull the trigger, firing one shot. Police quickly arrested him. The other suspect ran north of the mall and was immediately apprehended. No one was injured in this incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732394078923.png" alt="Police on the scene of the disturbance -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the disturbance -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas teen is going to prison for a fight and a shooting with a police officer's gun at the Oak Park Mall in Overland Park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700012719162.png" alt="Gonzalez-Munoz photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Gonzalez-Munoz photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>On Feb. 10, Judge Neil Foth sentenced 18-year-old&nbsp;Nery Alberto Gonzalez-Munoz to 34 months in prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office. The sentence includes 17-months for 2 counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and 12 months for misdemeanor theft. The sentence for counts 1 and 2 are to run consecutively. The sentence for theft is to run concurrently.Just before 4:30p.m. Nov 12, 2023, police responded to an armed disturbance at the Oak Park Mall in 11400 block of W.95th in Overland Park, according to Officer John Lacy.As Gonzalez-Munoz and a 17-year-old suspect were trying to exit the mall near the food court, three plain clothes detectives identified themselves and attempted to apprehend them.During the arrest Gonzalez-Munoz resisted arrest, a struggle occurred, and he was able to obtain one of the detective’s issued firearms.Gonzalez-Munoz was able to pull the trigger, firing one shot. Police quickly arrested him. The other suspect ran north of the mall and was immediately apprehended. No one was injured in this incident.

Prison for Kan. teen after fight with officers at shopping mall

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Roberta Jackson was physically abused by a man who had an extensive history of hurting women in at least seven other states.

Jackson said offenders develop a “God complex” when they receive a “slap on the wrist” as a consequence of their violence. Jackson attends regular therapy and struggles with trauma.

“This trauma is not easily moved on from,” Jackson said. “I work three jobs just so I don’t have to think or feel or cry or scream because it is so hard. I have good days and bad days. I still have nerve damage on my scalp just above where I had my stitches.”

She testified Monday to the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee on legislation that would strengthen penalties for repeat offenders of domestic violence.

“I, as a domestic violence survivor, plead to you to consider this bill,” Jackson said. “Victims need to know that there is hope for justice for them.”

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2192/" target="_blank">House Bill 2192</a>&nbsp;would limit work release for second- or third-time domestic battery offenders, if their previous offense was committed within five years. Under current law, second- and third-time offenders are allowed work release after 48 hours. The bill would up that to 45 days for second-time offenders, and 90 days for third-time offenders.&nbsp;

William Hurst, assistant district attorney for Johnson County, said that while a first-time domestic battery conviction requires a jail sentence of at least 48 hours, that time is rarely served.&nbsp;

“The basic question before this committee is whether 48 hours of actual jail time is sufficient for an offender who has committed multiple, violent crimes within a short period of time,” Hurst said.&nbsp;

Supporters of the bill hope it leads to mandatory minimum sentences for a first offense of domestic battery, but they see this as a step in the right direction.&nbsp;

The House committee also heard testimony on a bill that would increase additional criminal penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer based on the circumstances of the offense.&nbsp;

Emily Brandt, representing the Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services, opposed both bills.&nbsp;

Brandt said in cases where an offender harmed a significant other, the restricted work leave would unintentionally harm the victim as well. She pointed to the high level of domestic violence cases where the offenders and victims share children, and rates of poverty. Brandt also pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/249845.pdf" target="_blank">a study by the National Institute of Justice</a>&nbsp;that found offenders who participate in work release programs are less likely to reoffend.&nbsp;

“Not all offenders are the same,” Brandt said. “Some offenders need more heightened supervision than other offenders. Some of them need more heightened intervention than other offenders. Some of them possibly need more incarceration time than other offenders. This bill takes that discretion away from district court judges.”&nbsp;

Brandt was the only in-person opponent to the bill. One person submitted a neutral written testimony, and four people testified in support in-person.

Rep. Ricky James, a Republican from La Cygne, asked, “Why would all these people be up here wanting the bill? Are they doing their job?” — referring to the judges.

Brandt said that should be a question for the proponents, but Chair Rep. Bob Lewis, a Republican from Garden City, decided to move on because of time constraints.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2177/" target="_blank">House Bill 2177</a>&nbsp;would increase penalties for fleeing a police officer, with additional penalties for specific circumstances.&nbsp;

Under current law a first offense is a class B misdemeanor, while the bill would change it to a severity level 9 felony if a driver fails to stop for a police roadblock or tire deflation devices, engages in reckless driving, causes an accident, intentionally causes property damages or is using a stolen car. That’s upped to a severity level 7 on the second offense, and severity level 5 for the second and up.&nbsp;

If the person drives the wrong way into oncoming traffic or causes a collision with another driver, the bill would classify that as severity level 7 for the first offense, severity level 6 for the second, and severity level 4 for three or more.&nbsp;

Former state Rep. Eric Smith, a Republican from Burlington and the undersheriff in Coffey County, said that in his county of a little more than 8,000 people with two major highways passing through, law enforcement expects three police pursuits per week.&nbsp;

“This is happening so often that law enforcement has become emotionally involved in it,” Smith said. “They watch front line the near misses — the opportunity this individual had to hurt or kill someone.”

Smith described a recent instance where the offender had been involved in multiple pursuits.&nbsp;

“Some just don’t see the crime as a big deal, and they begin to believe they are good at it,” Smith said. “Graduating the severity of the penalty will send a message to them that every time they do this, it will matter more.”

Brant opposed the bill because of the severity of the increased penalties. For actions like driving the wrong way on the highway or causing a collision on a third offense, the bill would escalate the classification of crime from a severity level 9 person felony to a severity level 4 personal felony.&nbsp;

“This bill would punish people who committed no harm to another as severely as people who committed a murder or caused great bodily harm,” Brandt said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739541321530.png" alt=" Roberta Jackson, a domestic battery survivor, speaks during a Feb. 10, 2025, hearing in support of a bill that would limit work release for repeat domestic battery offenders. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Roberta Jackson, a domestic battery survivor, speaks during a Feb. 10, 2025, hearing in support of a bill that would limit work release for repeat domestic battery offenders. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Roberta Jackson was physically abused by a man who had an extensive history of hurting women in at least seven other states.Jackson said offenders develop a “God complex” when they receive a “slap on the wrist” as a consequence of their violence. Jackson attends regular therapy and struggles with trauma.“This trauma is not easily moved on from,” Jackson said. “I work three jobs just so I don’t have to think or feel or cry or scream because it is so hard. I have good days and bad days. I still have nerve damage on my scalp just above where I had my stitches.”She testified Monday to the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee on legislation that would strengthen penalties for repeat offenders of domestic violence.“I, as a domestic violence survivor, plead to you to consider this bill,” Jackson said. “Victims need to know that there is hope for justice for them.”<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2192/" target="_blank">House Bill 2192</a>&nbsp;would limit work release for second- or third-time domestic battery offenders, if their previous offense was committed within five years. Under current law, second- and third-time offenders are allowed work release after 48 hours. The bill would up that to 45 days for second-time offenders, and 90 days for third-time offenders.&nbsp;William Hurst, assistant district attorney for Johnson County, said that while a first-time domestic battery conviction requires a jail sentence of at least 48 hours, that time is rarely served.&nbsp;“The basic question before this committee is whether 48 hours of actual jail time is sufficient for an offender who has committed multiple, violent crimes within a short period of time,” Hurst said.&nbsp;Supporters of the bill hope it leads to mandatory minimum sentences for a first offense of domestic battery, but they see this as a step in the right direction.&nbsp;The House committee also heard testimony on a bill that would increase additional criminal penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer based on the circumstances of the offense.&nbsp;Emily Brandt, representing the Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services, opposed both bills.&nbsp;Brandt said in cases where an offender harmed a significant other, the restricted work leave would unintentionally harm the victim as well. She pointed to the high level of domestic violence cases where the offenders and victims share children, and rates of poverty. Brandt also pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/249845.pdf" target="_blank">a study by the National Institute of Justice</a>&nbsp;that found offenders who participate in work release programs are less likely to reoffend.&nbsp;“Not all offenders are the same,” Brandt said. “Some offenders need more heightened supervision than other offenders. Some of them need more heightened intervention than other offenders. Some of them possibly need more incarceration time than other offenders. This bill takes that discretion away from district court judges.”&nbsp;Brandt was the only in-person opponent to the bill. One person submitted a neutral written testimony, and four people testified in support in-person.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739541290948.png" alt=" Rep. Ricky James, a Republican from La Cygne, asks questions during a Feb. 10, 2025, hearing of the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Ricky James, a Republican from La Cygne, asks questions during a Feb. 10, 2025, hearing of the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rep. Ricky James, a Republican from La Cygne, asked, “Why would all these people be up here wanting the bill? Are they doing their job?” — referring to the judges.Brandt said that should be a question for the proponents, but Chair Rep. Bob Lewis, a Republican from Garden City, decided to move on because of time constraints.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2177/" target="_blank">House Bill 2177</a>&nbsp;would increase penalties for fleeing a police officer, with additional penalties for specific circumstances.&nbsp;Under current law a first offense is a class B misdemeanor, while the bill would change it to a severity level 9 felony if a driver fails to stop for a police roadblock or tire deflation devices, engages in reckless driving, causes an accident, intentionally causes property damages or is using a stolen car. That’s upped to a severity level 7 on the second offense, and severity level 5 for the second and up.&nbsp;If the person drives the wrong way into oncoming traffic or causes a collision with another driver, the bill would classify that as severity level 7 for the first offense, severity level 6 for the second, and severity level 4 for three or more.&nbsp;Former state Rep. Eric Smith, a Republican from Burlington and the undersheriff in Coffey County, said that in his county of a little more than 8,000 people with two major highways passing through, law enforcement expects three police pursuits per week.&nbsp;“This is happening so often that law enforcement has become emotionally involved in it,” Smith said. “They watch front line the near misses — the opportunity this individual had to hurt or kill someone.”Smith described a recent instance where the offender had been involved in multiple pursuits.&nbsp;“Some just don’t see the crime as a big deal, and they begin to believe they are good at it,” Smith said. “Graduating the severity of the penalty will send a message to them that every time they do this, it will matter more.”Brant opposed the bill because of the severity of the increased penalties. For actions like driving the wrong way on the highway or causing a collision on a third offense, the bill would escalate the classification of crime from a severity level 9 person felony to a severity level 4 personal felony.&nbsp;“This bill would punish people who committed no harm to another as severely as people who committed a murder or caused great bodily harm,” Brandt said.&nbsp;

Kansas House bills would impose stricter penalties for domestic battery, fleeing police

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating alleged child sex crimes involving a staff member at an elementary school in Lawrence have learned of more victims and have established a hotline for other possible victims.

On Saturday, police in Lawrence launched&nbsp;an investigation into an alleged sexual assault of two students at Prairie Park Elementary, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.

A concerned parent of one student called police Saturday morning about events that occurred during the school day on February 7. Investigators quickly uncovered evidence that led to the Saturday night arrest of 60-year-old Mark Elliott Gridley.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is a Speech and Language Pathologist at the school.

Monday morning, investigators learned of a second possible victim.&nbsp; That alleged assault also occurred Friday morning at the school.

On Tuesday, police confirmed there are more than two victims in this investigation, according to McCabe. Police did not provide an exact number. Each parental concern brought to the attention of police must be fully investigated, which takes time. 

The team of police investigators, in conjunction with experts from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, are working to investigate all information received. 

The scope of the investigation has now expanded to include students who were not receiving services for speech at the school. Police are asking for parents of students at Prairie Park Elementary School to have a conversation with their children about any possible contact with Mark Gridley. Should concerns arise at any point in those conversations, police ask that parents stop the conversation and contact the investigations hotline set up for this investigation at (785) 830-7430.

Police are working closely with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, USD 497 administrators, and the District Attorney’s office to ensure all expert services coordinate to uncover the complete scope of the potential harm and crimes committed.

In addition to the on-site law enforcement presence, police set up a phone line for parents who may need to report a concern about their child and any contact with Mark Gridley. The phone number is&nbsp;(785) 830-7430. In addition, police ask that any parent who may have concerns about their child’s interaction with Gridley, please contact law enforcement before discussing it in-depth with your child.

"Lawrence Police and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County are here and ready to talk to you and your child. They are trained to address these issues while limiting the traumatic impact these discussions have on young victims."

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating alleged child sex crimes involving a staff member at an elementary school in Lawrence have learned of more victims and have established a hotline for other possible victims.On Saturday, police in Lawrence launched&nbsp;an investigation into an alleged sexual assault of two students at Prairie Park Elementary, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe.A concerned parent of one student called police Saturday morning about events that occurred during the school day on February 7. Investigators quickly uncovered evidence that led to the Saturday night arrest of 60-year-old Mark Elliott Gridley.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is a Speech and Language Pathologist at the school.Monday morning, investigators learned of a second possible victim.&nbsp; That alleged assault also occurred Friday morning at the school.On Tuesday, police confirmed there are more than two victims in this investigation, according to McCabe. Police did not provide an exact number. Each parental concern brought to the attention of police must be fully investigated, which takes time. The team of police investigators, in conjunction with experts from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, are working to investigate all information received. The scope of the investigation has now expanded to include students who were not receiving services for speech at the school. Police are asking for parents of students at Prairie Park Elementary School to have a conversation with their children about any possible contact with Mark Gridley. Should concerns arise at any point in those conversations, police ask that parents stop the conversation and contact the investigations hotline set up for this investigation at (785) 830-7430.Police are working closely with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, USD 497 administrators, and the District Attorney’s office to ensure all expert services coordinate to uncover the complete scope of the potential harm and crimes committed.In addition to the on-site law enforcement presence, police set up a phone line for parents who may need to report a concern about their child and any contact with Mark Gridley. The phone number is&nbsp;(785) 830-7430. In addition, police ask that any parent who may have concerns about their child’s interaction with Gridley, please contact law enforcement before discussing it in-depth with your child. "Lawrence Police and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County are here and ready to talk to you and your child. They are trained to address these issues while limiting the traumatic impact these discussions have on young victims."

Kan. police hotline for victims of speech pathologist child sex crimes

This recall involves Igloo 90 Qt. Flip &amp; Tow Rolling Coolers manufactured prior to January 2024. The date of manufacture is imprinted on the bottom of the cooler in a circular pattern with an arrow pointing to the month of manufacture and the last two digits of the year of manufacture inside the circle, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled coolers have a tow handle. “IGLOO” is printed on the side of the coolers. The coolers were sold in multiple body and lid color combinations, some of which are pictured above. The following cooler models with tow handles are included in the recall. The model number is located on labels affixed to the bottom of the cooler.

<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Igloo-Recalls-More-Than-One-Million-90-Quart-Rolling-Coolers-Due-to-Fingertip-Amputation-and-Crushing-Hazards">Click here </a>for more details.

Igloo toll-free at 888-943-5182 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:igloo90qt@sedgwick.com">igloo90qt@sedgwick.com</a>, or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com/">www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloocoolers.com/">http://www.igloocoolers.com</a>&nbsp;and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739468534690.png" alt="Image igloo" />
 <figcaption>Image igloo</figcaption>
 </figure>This recall involves Igloo 90 Qt. Flip &amp; Tow Rolling Coolers manufactured prior to January 2024. The date of manufacture is imprinted on the bottom of the cooler in a circular pattern with an arrow pointing to the month of manufacture and the last two digits of the year of manufacture inside the circle, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.The recalled coolers have a tow handle. “IGLOO” is printed on the side of the coolers. The coolers were sold in multiple body and lid color combinations, some of which are pictured above. The following cooler models with tow handles are included in the recall. The model number is located on labels affixed to the bottom of the cooler.<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Igloo-Recalls-More-Than-One-Million-90-Quart-Rolling-Coolers-Due-to-Fingertip-Amputation-and-Crushing-Hazards">Click here </a>for more details.Igloo toll-free at 888-943-5182 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:igloo90qt@sedgwick.com">igloo90qt@sedgwick.com</a>, or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com/">www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloocoolers.com/">http://www.igloocoolers.com</a>&nbsp;and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.

Igloo recall: Cooler handle hazard causes fingertip amputation injuries

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating the murder of two women at a home in Lenexa have identified the victims as 71-year-old Joyce E. Austin and 63-year-old Valerie A. Howard both of Lenexa, according to a statement from police.

Just after 5a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a residence in the 15400 block of W. 90th Street in Lenexa to conduct a welfare check after receiving information that individuals inside may have been shot.

Upon entering the home, officers located the two women who were deceased.&nbsp; Police took a man identified as 34-year-old Luke Howard into custody.

Luke is the son of Valerie Howard. Valerie Howard and Joyce Austin are former sisters-in-law, and both lived at the home, according to a statement from Lenexa Police.

The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office has charged Luke Howard with two counts of First-Degree Murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739559186747.png" alt="Howard is being held in Clay County, Missouri" />
 <figcaption>Howard is being held in Clay County, Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating the murder of two women at a home in Lenexa have identified the victims as 71-year-old Joyce E. Austin and 63-year-old Valerie A. Howard both of Lenexa, according to a statement from police.Just after 5a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police responded to a residence in the 15400 block of W. 90th Street in Lenexa to conduct a welfare check after receiving information that individuals inside may have been shot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739394112183.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon entering the home, officers located the two women who were deceased.&nbsp; Police took a man identified as 34-year-old Luke Howard into custody.Luke is the son of Valerie Howard. Valerie Howard and Joyce Austin are former sisters-in-law, and both lived at the home, according to a statement from Lenexa Police.The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office has charged Luke Howard with two counts of First-Degree Murder.

Police: Son of one of the victims accused in Kan. double murder

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman is going to prison for a teen's deadly overdose death.

On February 10, Judge Christina Dunn Gyllenborg sentenced 48-year-old Trina L. Golden to 186 months for distribution of drugs causing death, and 9 months each for two counts for use of a communication facility during a drug felony.&nbsp; All counts are to run consecutive to each other for a controlling sentence of 204 months in prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

In July, a jury convicted Golden of distribution of drugs causing death and use of a communication facility during a drug felony, according to Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe.

The victim was 19-year-old Maddelyn Miller who died of an overdose in July of 2020 at her home in Overland Park.

According to her obituary,&nbsp;Miller attended Olathe East High School, graduated in 2019 and&nbsp; planned to study at Johnson County Community College.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721483651727.png" alt="Golden photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Golden photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman is going to prison for a teen's deadly overdose death.On February 10, Judge Christina Dunn Gyllenborg sentenced 48-year-old Trina L. Golden to 186 months for distribution of drugs causing death, and 9 months each for two counts for use of a communication facility during a drug felony.&nbsp; All counts are to run consecutive to each other for a controlling sentence of 204 months in prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.In July, a jury convicted Golden of distribution of drugs causing death and use of a communication facility during a drug felony, according to Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721484305174.png" alt="Maddelyn Miller courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Maddelyn Miller courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The victim was 19-year-old Maddelyn Miller who died of an overdose in July of 2020 at her home in Overland Park.According to her obituary,&nbsp;Miller attended Olathe East High School, graduated in 2019 and&nbsp; planned to study at Johnson County Community College.&nbsp;

 Prison for drug overdose death of Kansas teen

No proponents of Senate-passed measure offer testimony at committee hearing

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Sister Therese Bangert stood alone before the House Federal and State Affairs Committee to denounce a resolution urging Gov. Laura Kelly to do everything in her power to support the immigration enforcement agenda of President Donald Trump.

Bangert, who has been with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth for more than 60 years, said the nation’s immigration system had been broken for decades. By default, she said, the federal government had allowed migrant laborers to fill jobs in the United States without extending to those individuals an accessible path to legal residency or citizenship.

She said people targeted by the Kansas Senate-approved resolution were Kansans in every way except for possession of U.S. immigration documents.

“I suspect these are the immigrant women who are milking cows in the western Kansas dairy industry, the men and women on the killing floors of Kansas slaughterhouses and those roofing the homes in my neighborhood,” said Bangert, who was worried they were all vulnerable to deportation. “I find troubling the heated rhetoric when speaking about our sisters and brothers who are immigrants.”

No one showed up at the House hearing to argue in favor of Senate Concurrent Resolution 1602. Likewise, there was no one present to articulate a neutral position. Wichita Republican Rep. Tom Kessler, chairman of the House committee, said written testimony lauding the resolution had been submitted, but it wasn’t publicly available.

When the Senate conducted its hearing in January on the resolution, Bangert wasn’t given the opportunity to speak to lawmakers. Sen. Mike Thompson, chairman of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee and sponsor of the resolution, said Bangert needed to notify the committee 24 hours in advance to be granted permission to testify. Proponents of the measure, including Attorney General Kris Kobach, were permitted to address Thompson’s committee.

The Senate went on to approve the resolution on a party-line vote of 31-9. It was expected to pass the House by a wide margin.

During the House committee hearing, Rep. Susan Ruiz, D-Shawnee, noted the absence of a throng of in-person witnesses to argue on behalf of the Senate resolution.

“There is no one here as a proponent, which I find really odd,” Ruiz said.

The void was partially filled by Republicans on the House committee who offered commentary demonstrating their sense that Kansas governors ought to authorize use of state resources to help patrol the national border, including deploying Kansas National Guard troops, and to assist with Trump’s strategy of detaining and deporting thousands or millions of people. There was no evidence of support for a concurrent crackdown on Kansas businesses hiring people without proper documentation.

Rep. Brian Bergkamp, R-Wichita, said the state and nation needed a higher standard of border security to address immigration among people without permission to remain temporarily or permanently in the United States. The security concept mirrored justification for a metal-detector at the main entrance to the Capitol instead of relying on an antiquated open-door policy for visitors, he said.

“I definitely stand for immigration,” Bergkamp said, “but in a more orderly fashion.”

GOP Rep. Kyle McNorton of Topeka said it was wrong for anyone to view people in the country without permission as law-abiding individuals.

“They broke the number one law coming across our border without permission and are still here,” McNorton said.

In response, Wichita Democratic Rep. Angela Martinez said the majority of people in the United States without authorization had overstayed a Visa rather than enter by sneaking across the border in defiance of immigration authorities.

“I support the deportation of criminals,” said Martinez, who was temporarily placed on the committee to coincide with debate on the resolution. “I ask this committee to sit and be honest with yourself. If you were subject to violence and tyranny and you couldn’t support your children and there was an opportunity for a better life … would you go?”

Rep. John Alcala, a Topeka Democrat among temporary appointments to the committee, said proponents of the resolution hadn’t taken into account economic harm that would fall on Kansas if full deportation occurred.

He said the National Immigration Law Center estimated Kansas’ workforce was comprised of thousands of people without documents to stay in the United States. He said an NILC study indicated there were 25,000 in manufacturing, 17,000 in food service and 16,000 in construction. In 2020, he said, NILC estimated those workers paid more than $600 million in state and federal taxes.

“I don’t think people realize what the impact will be on businesses that are struggling with labor shortages,” Alcala said. “How are we going to offset that economic loss? Can Kansas afford that loss of revenue? I don’t think so.”

Lawrence Rep. Brooklynne Mosley, a Democrat, said issues of human dignity and moral injury might not have been considered by champions of the resolution.

“What does that do to the cloth of a community when they start to see families being ripped apart?” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739483100220.png" alt=" Sister Therese Bangert of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth offered the only in-person testimony during a Kansas House committee hearing on a resolution directed Gov. Laura Kelly to support President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement agenda. No one spoke in favor of the resolution. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sister Therese Bangert of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth offered the only in-person testimony during a Kansas House committee hearing on a resolution directed Gov. Laura Kelly to support President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement agenda. No one spoke in favor of the resolution. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>No proponents of Senate-passed measure offer testimony at committee hearing</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Sister Therese Bangert stood alone before the House Federal and State Affairs Committee to denounce a resolution urging Gov. Laura Kelly to do everything in her power to support the immigration enforcement agenda of President Donald Trump.Bangert, who has been with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth for more than 60 years, said the nation’s immigration system had been broken for decades. By default, she said, the federal government had allowed migrant laborers to fill jobs in the United States without extending to those individuals an accessible path to legal residency or citizenship.She said people targeted by the Kansas Senate-approved resolution were Kansans in every way except for possession of U.S. immigration documents.“I suspect these are the immigrant women who are milking cows in the western Kansas dairy industry, the men and women on the killing floors of Kansas slaughterhouses and those roofing the homes in my neighborhood,” said Bangert, who was worried they were all vulnerable to deportation. “I find troubling the heated rhetoric when speaking about our sisters and brothers who are immigrants.”No one showed up at the House hearing to argue in favor of Senate Concurrent Resolution 1602. Likewise, there was no one present to articulate a neutral position. Wichita Republican Rep. Tom Kessler, chairman of the House committee, said written testimony lauding the resolution had been submitted, but it wasn’t publicly available.When the Senate conducted its hearing in January on the resolution, Bangert wasn’t given the opportunity to speak to lawmakers. Sen. Mike Thompson, chairman of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee and sponsor of the resolution, said Bangert needed to notify the committee 24 hours in advance to be granted permission to testify. Proponents of the measure, including Attorney General Kris Kobach, were permitted to address Thompson’s committee.The Senate went on to approve the resolution on a party-line vote of 31-9. It was expected to pass the House by a wide margin.During the House committee hearing, Rep. Susan Ruiz, D-Shawnee, noted the absence of a throng of in-person witnesses to argue on behalf of the Senate resolution.“There is no one here as a proponent, which I find really odd,” Ruiz said.The void was partially filled by Republicans on the House committee who offered commentary demonstrating their sense that Kansas governors ought to authorize use of state resources to help patrol the national border, including deploying Kansas National Guard troops, and to assist with Trump’s strategy of detaining and deporting thousands or millions of people. There was no evidence of support for a concurrent crackdown on Kansas businesses hiring people without proper documentation.Rep. Brian Bergkamp, R-Wichita, said the state and nation needed a higher standard of border security to address immigration among people without permission to remain temporarily or permanently in the United States. The security concept mirrored justification for a metal-detector at the main entrance to the Capitol instead of relying on an antiquated open-door policy for visitors, he said.“I definitely stand for immigration,” Bergkamp said, “but in a more orderly fashion.”GOP Rep. Kyle McNorton of Topeka said it was wrong for anyone to view people in the country without permission as law-abiding individuals.“They broke the number one law coming across our border without permission and are still here,” McNorton said.In response, Wichita Democratic Rep. Angela Martinez said the majority of people in the United States without authorization had overstayed a Visa rather than enter by sneaking across the border in defiance of immigration authorities.“I support the deportation of criminals,” said Martinez, who was temporarily placed on the committee to coincide with debate on the resolution. “I ask this committee to sit and be honest with yourself. If you were subject to violence and tyranny and you couldn’t support your children and there was an opportunity for a better life … would you go?”Rep. John Alcala, a Topeka Democrat among temporary appointments to the committee, said proponents of the resolution hadn’t taken into account economic harm that would fall on Kansas if full deportation occurred.He said the National Immigration Law Center estimated Kansas’ workforce was comprised of thousands of people without documents to stay in the United States. He said an NILC study indicated there were 25,000 in manufacturing, 17,000 in food service and 16,000 in construction. In 2020, he said, NILC estimated those workers paid more than $600 million in state and federal taxes.“I don’t think people realize what the impact will be on businesses that are struggling with labor shortages,” Alcala said. “How are we going to offset that economic loss? Can Kansas afford that loss of revenue? I don’t think so.”Lawrence Rep. Brooklynne Mosley, a Democrat, said issues of human dignity and moral injury might not have been considered by champions of the resolution.“What does that do to the cloth of a community when they start to see families being ripped apart?” she said.

Lone Catholic nun stands before Kansas House to oppose immigration enforcement resolution

The Salina Airport Authority (SAA) is proud to announce that Amazon has purchased 20 acres in the Airport Industrial Center Subdivision No. 3 and will construct a 90,000+/- square foot last-mile distribution facility at&nbsp;1850 W. Water Well Rd.&nbsp;The new facility, expected to generate at least 100 new jobs, will serve as a critical component of Amazon’s regional logistics network, further strengthening Salina’s role as a major economic hub in Kansas.&nbsp;

The new facility will help power the last mile of Amazon’s fulfillment process by enabling fast, everyday delivery directly to customers’ doorstep. Packages are transported to delivery stations from Amazon fulfillment and sortation centers and then employees process customer packages for last-mile delivery, helping to speed up delivery for customers in more rural communities. Employees in customer fulfillment and transportation earn at least $17 per hour.

This facility will anchor the 80-acre industrial subdivision, which is currently undergoing infrastructure development, including new internal roads and utilities. The Salina Airport Authority has already commenced construction to support Amazon’s site and the future expansion of the industrial park.

Strategic Location &amp; Economic Impact

Salina’s central location, skilled workforce, and strong transportation network were key factors in Amazon’s decision to expand here. The Salina Regional Airport, adjacent to the development, offers daily nonstop flights to Chicago, Houston, and Denver, connecting businesses to major national and international markets.

The Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center is home to over 125 businesses and industries, employing more than 7,000 workers, and contributing an annual Gross Regional Product (GRP) of $1.3 billion to the Kansas economy. Amazon’s presence will further enhance the region’s growth, innovation, and logistics capabilities.

Salina’s Growing Role as a Business Hub

“This is an exciting milestone for Salina and the entire state of Kansas,” said Pieter Miller, C.M., Executive Director of the Salina Airport Authority. “Amazon’s investment in our industrial center will not only create jobs but will also drive additional development, positioning Salina as a leading regional hub for logistics and advanced industries. The Salina Airport Authority Board of Directors has played a crucial role in guiding the strategic development of the Airport Industrial Center, ensuring that Salina remains a competitive and attractive location for businesses like Amazon."

Amazon’s selection of Salina’s Airport Industrial Center highlights the region’s strong infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and connectivity to national supply chains.

"Amazon is excited to expand with a new last-mile facility in Salina, Kansas, and as a good employer, bring new job opportunities to Saline County,” said Jason Vangalis, Amazon economic development manager. “The region’s strategic location, talented workforce, and strong transportation infrastructure make it an ideal location for our operations. We appreciate the partnership with local officials and look forward to serving our customers throughout north central Kansas."

City Leadership Praises Collaboration &amp; Rapid Development

Salina officials worked in close partnership with Amazon, their development partner Ambrose, the Salina Airport Authority, and other key stakeholders to ensure the rapid and seamless development of infrastructure needed to meet Amazon’s fast-tracked timeline.

City of Salina Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz emphasized the importance of collaboration in making this project a priority.

“It was incredible to see our city staff, development teams, and community partners come together to deliver this project within a tight timeline. The coordination between multiple agencies ensured that the street and utility network would be in place to support Amazon’s new facility and future growth at the Airport Industrial Center. This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal—bringing new jobs and opportunities to Salina.”

A Collaborative Effort for Economic Growth

The Salina Airport Authority extends its gratitude to the City of Salina, Saline County, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Salina Community Economic Development Organization for their unwavering support in making this project a reality. Their collaboration was instrumental in attracting Amazon and ensuring the continued expansion of the Salina Airport Industrial Center.

Salina Airport AuthorityThe Salina Airport Authority (SAA) is proud to announce that Amazon has purchased 20 acres in the Airport Industrial Center Subdivision No. 3 and will construct a 90,000+/- square foot last-mile distribution facility at&nbsp;1850 W. Water Well Rd.&nbsp;The new facility, expected to generate at least 100 new jobs, will serve as a critical component of Amazon’s regional logistics network, further strengthening Salina’s role as a major economic hub in Kansas.&nbsp;The new facility will help power the last mile of Amazon’s fulfillment process by enabling fast, everyday delivery directly to customers’ doorstep. Packages are transported to delivery stations from Amazon fulfillment and sortation centers and then employees process customer packages for last-mile delivery, helping to speed up delivery for customers in more rural communities. Employees in customer fulfillment and transportation earn at least $17 per hour.This facility will anchor the 80-acre industrial subdivision, which is currently undergoing infrastructure development, including new internal roads and utilities. The Salina Airport Authority has already commenced construction to support Amazon’s site and the future expansion of the industrial park.Strategic Location &amp; Economic ImpactSalina’s central location, skilled workforce, and strong transportation network were key factors in Amazon’s decision to expand here. The Salina Regional Airport, adjacent to the development, offers daily nonstop flights to Chicago, Houston, and Denver, connecting businesses to major national and international markets.The Salina Regional Airport and Airport Industrial Center is home to over 125 businesses and industries, employing more than 7,000 workers, and contributing an annual Gross Regional Product (GRP) of $1.3 billion to the Kansas economy. Amazon’s presence will further enhance the region’s growth, innovation, and logistics capabilities.Salina’s Growing Role as a Business Hub“This is an exciting milestone for Salina and the entire state of Kansas,” said Pieter Miller, C.M., Executive Director of the Salina Airport Authority. “Amazon’s investment in our industrial center will not only create jobs but will also drive additional development, positioning Salina as a leading regional hub for logistics and advanced industries. The Salina Airport Authority Board of Directors has played a crucial role in guiding the strategic development of the Airport Industrial Center, ensuring that Salina remains a competitive and attractive location for businesses like Amazon."Amazon’s selection of Salina’s Airport Industrial Center highlights the region’s strong infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and connectivity to national supply chains."Amazon is excited to expand with a new last-mile facility in Salina, Kansas, and as a good employer, bring new job opportunities to Saline County,” said Jason Vangalis, Amazon economic development manager. “The region’s strategic location, talented workforce, and strong transportation infrastructure make it an ideal location for our operations. We appreciate the partnership with local officials and look forward to serving our customers throughout north central Kansas."City Leadership Praises Collaboration &amp; Rapid DevelopmentSalina officials worked in close partnership with Amazon, their development partner Ambrose, the Salina Airport Authority, and other key stakeholders to ensure the rapid and seamless development of infrastructure needed to meet Amazon’s fast-tracked timeline.City of Salina Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz emphasized the importance of collaboration in making this project a priority.“It was incredible to see our city staff, development teams, and community partners come together to deliver this project within a tight timeline. The coordination between multiple agencies ensured that the street and utility network would be in place to support Amazon’s new facility and future growth at the Airport Industrial Center. This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal—bringing new jobs and opportunities to Salina.”A Collaborative Effort for Economic GrowthThe Salina Airport Authority extends its gratitude to the City of Salina, Saline County, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Salina Community Economic Development Organization for their unwavering support in making this project a reality. Their collaboration was instrumental in attracting Amazon and ensuring the continued expansion of the Salina Airport Industrial Center.

 Amazon expansion to Salina will provide 100 jobs

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

WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. secured Senate confirmation Thursday to become secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, overcoming concerns about dozens of false or misleading statements he has made regarding vaccine safety.

<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00052.htm" target="_blank">The 52-48 vote</a>&nbsp;puts Kennedy, an environmental lawyer who has no background in health care or running a major organization, at the helm of one of the largest federal departments. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only member of the GOP to oppose Kennedy’s confirmation.

HHS receives more than $1.7 trillion in government funding annually and houses some of the nation’s most prominent agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Food and Drug Administration, Indian Health Service, National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Many GOP senators were skeptical of Kennedy’s nomination during hearings in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-turnabout-vaccines-abortion-slammed-hhs-confirmation-hearing" target="_blank">Finance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-members-us-senate-probe-rfk-jr-his-history-vaccine-denial" target="_blank">Health, Education, Labor and Pensions</a>&nbsp;committees, but ultimately voted to confirm him.

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, chairman of the HELP Committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-nomination-health-secretary-approved-key-us-senate-panel" target="_blank">gave a floor speech detailing multiple commitments</a>&nbsp;from Kennedy and President Donald Trump that ultimately led Cassidy to support the nomination.

Among the assurances are that Kennedy will work within the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring systems and not establish parallel systems, maintain the CDC advisory committee on immunization practices recommendations without changes and keep statements on the CDC’s website that state vaccines do not cause autism.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced Wednesday in a social media post that she would support Kennedy’s confirmation, though she wrote she continued “to have concerns about Mr. Kennedy’s views on vaccines and his selective interpretation of scientific studies, which initially caused my misgivings about his nomination.”

“Vaccines have saved millions of lives, and I sought assurance that, as HHS Secretary, he would do nothing to make it difficult for people to take vaccines or discourage vaccination efforts,” Murkowski wrote.

‘We cannot take this man at his word’

Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., urged Republicans to vote against Kennedy, saying that a vote to confirm him would indicate to Americans that Congress supports his false statements about vaccines and the other conspiracy theories he’s elevated over the years.

“If you ignore the warning signs and confirm RFK Jr., then when the wheels fall off the wagon, you may try to tell yourself you were lied to. But you knew who you were dealing with,” Murray said.

She urged her GOP colleagues not to be “fooled” by commitments and promises Kennedy has made about what he will or won’t do once confirmed.

“We cannot take this man at his word, something he has changed and gone back and forth on time and time again,” Murray said. “But we can take him on his record, which is that he has consistently undermined vaccine confidence, And, by the way, he profited from that.”

Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden told Republican senators that if they voted against confirming Kennedy, they would help stop the spread of vaccine misinformation and keep children safe.

“When disease rates for illnesses that have effective vaccines start to rise across the country and death tolls mount again, we will see Republicans say this is something that could have been prevented,” Wyden said.

GOP senators who voted to confirm Kennedy, he said, “will be responsible for every child that dies as a result of not being vaccinated because it seems they care more about staying in the good graces of Donald Trump than they do about protecting the lives of kids.”

McConnell, a polio survivor, with his vote against Kennedy marked the third time he’s opposed a Trump nominee.

The former Senate Republican leader, who has clashed repeatedly with the president over the years, previously voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

McConnell wrote in a statement explaining his vote that “a record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions does not entitle Mr. Kennedy to lead these important efforts.”

“Mr. Kennedy failed to prove he is the best possible person to lead America’s largest health agency,” McConnell wrote. “As he takes office, I sincerely hope Mr. Kennedy will choose not to sow further doubt and division but to restore trust in our public health institutions.”

Senators repeatedly asked Kennedy during his two confirmation hearings about statements on vaccine safety and other conspiracy theories.

Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks raised concerns during the HELP Committee hearing about Kennedy saying he wanted to remove the “bad scientists” and replace them with “good scientists” at the NIH.

“The question is really whether you intend, as you said, to substitute your judgment for the judgment of these professional scientists and doctors,” Alsobrooks said.

Kennedy testified he wouldn’t “substitute” his judgment for science.&nbsp;

Alsobrooks also asked Kennedy about comments he made in 2021 when he said: “We should not be giving Black people the same vaccine schedule that’s given to whites because their immune system is better than ours.”

Kennedy said that he was referencing studies that suggested “Blacks need fewer antigens.”

Alsobrooks told Kennedy his confirmation would be “dangerous” since parents would look to him for advice about whether to vaccinate their children.

“Your views are dangerous to our state and to our country,” Alsobrooks said.

During the Finance Committee’s hearing, Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet asked a series of questions about previous statements Kennedy has made on various public health issues.

“Mr. Kennedy, did you say that COVID-19 was a genetically engineered bioweapon that targets Black and white people, but spared Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people?” Bennet asked.

Kennedy responded that he “didn’t say it was deliberately targeted.”

Kennedy said he “probably” had made comments that Lyme disease was a military engineered bioweapon.

Kennedy said he wasn’t sure if he had written in one of his books that it is “undeniable that African AIDS is an entirely different disease from Western AIDS,” following a question from Bennet.

Kennedy, however, denied making statements that pesticides cause children to become transgender.

Bennet said he would have those prior Kennedy statements entered into the committee’s official record.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739461653845.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, (center) gives the thumbs up vote for Kennedy on Thursday morning-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, (center) gives the thumbs up vote for Kennedy on Thursday morning-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. secured Senate confirmation Thursday to become secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, overcoming concerns about dozens of false or misleading statements he has made regarding vaccine safety.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734461763733.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall will help lead the Make America Health Again Committee" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall will help lead the Make America Health Again Committee</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00052.htm" target="_blank">The 52-48 vote</a>&nbsp;puts Kennedy, an environmental lawyer who has no background in health care or running a major organization, at the helm of one of the largest federal departments. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only member of the GOP to oppose Kennedy’s confirmation.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to my good friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RobertKennedyJr</a>, on his confirmation as our new Secretary of HHS! For over 40 years — 25 of them as a doctor — I’ve been committed to Making America Healthy Again. I look forward to working alongside such an incredible visionary to achieve… <a href="https://t.co/GpJ3L0NCox">pic.twitter.com/GpJ3L0NCox</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1890077008870223953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>HHS receives more than $1.7 trillion in government funding annually and houses some of the nation’s most prominent agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Food and Drug Administration, Indian Health Service, National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.<h2>Most Republicans fall in line</h2>Many GOP senators were skeptical of Kennedy’s nomination during hearings in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-turnabout-vaccines-abortion-slammed-hhs-confirmation-hearing" target="_blank">Finance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-members-us-senate-probe-rfk-jr-his-history-vaccine-denial" target="_blank">Health, Education, Labor and Pensions</a>&nbsp;committees, but ultimately voted to confirm him.Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, chairman of the HELP Committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-nomination-health-secretary-approved-key-us-senate-panel" target="_blank">gave a floor speech detailing multiple commitments</a>&nbsp;from Kennedy and President Donald Trump that ultimately led Cassidy to support the nomination.Among the assurances are that Kennedy will work within the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring systems and not establish parallel systems, maintain the CDC advisory committee on immunization practices recommendations without changes and keep statements on the CDC’s website that state vaccines do not cause autism.Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced Wednesday in a social media post that she would support Kennedy’s confirmation, though she wrote she continued “to have concerns about Mr. Kennedy’s views on vaccines and his selective interpretation of scientific studies, which initially caused my misgivings about his nomination.”“Vaccines have saved millions of lives, and I sought assurance that, as HHS Secretary, he would do nothing to make it difficult for people to take vaccines or discourage vaccination efforts,” Murkowski wrote.<h2>‘We cannot take this man at his word’</h2>Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., urged Republicans to vote against Kennedy, saying that a vote to confirm him would indicate to Americans that Congress supports his false statements about vaccines and the other conspiracy theories he’s elevated over the years.“If you ignore the warning signs and confirm RFK Jr., then when the wheels fall off the wagon, you may try to tell yourself you were lied to. But you knew who you were dealing with,” Murray said.She urged her GOP colleagues not to be “fooled” by commitments and promises Kennedy has made about what he will or won’t do once confirmed.“We cannot take this man at his word, something he has changed and gone back and forth on time and time again,” Murray said. “But we can take him on his record, which is that he has consistently undermined vaccine confidence, And, by the way, he profited from that.”Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden told Republican senators that if they voted against confirming Kennedy, they would help stop the spread of vaccine misinformation and keep children safe.“When disease rates for illnesses that have effective vaccines start to rise across the country and death tolls mount again, we will see Republicans say this is something that could have been prevented,” Wyden said.GOP senators who voted to confirm Kennedy, he said, “will be responsible for every child that dies as a result of not being vaccinated because it seems they care more about staying in the good graces of Donald Trump than they do about protecting the lives of kids.”McConnell, a polio survivor, with his vote against Kennedy marked the third time he’s opposed a Trump nominee.The former Senate Republican leader, who has clashed repeatedly with the president over the years, previously voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.McConnell wrote in a statement explaining his vote that “a record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions does not entitle Mr. Kennedy to lead these important efforts.”“Mr. Kennedy failed to prove he is the best possible person to lead America’s largest health agency,” McConnell wrote. “As he takes office, I sincerely hope Mr. Kennedy will choose not to sow further doubt and division but to restore trust in our public health institutions.”<h2>Kennedy probed on vaccine safety</h2>Senators repeatedly asked Kennedy during his two confirmation hearings about statements on vaccine safety and other conspiracy theories.Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks raised concerns during the HELP Committee hearing about Kennedy saying he wanted to remove the “bad scientists” and replace them with “good scientists” at the NIH.“The question is really whether you intend, as you said, to substitute your judgment for the judgment of these professional scientists and doctors,” Alsobrooks said.Kennedy testified he wouldn’t “substitute” his judgment for science.&nbsp;Alsobrooks also asked Kennedy about comments he made in 2021 when he said: “We should not be giving Black people the same vaccine schedule that’s given to whites because their immune system is better than ours.”Kennedy said that he was referencing studies that suggested “Blacks need fewer antigens.”Alsobrooks told Kennedy his confirmation would be “dangerous” since parents would look to him for advice about whether to vaccinate their children.“Your views are dangerous to our state and to our country,” Alsobrooks said.<h2>Conspiracy theories</h2>During the Finance Committee’s hearing, Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet asked a series of questions about previous statements Kennedy has made on various public health issues.“Mr. Kennedy, did you say that COVID-19 was a genetically engineered bioweapon that targets Black and white people, but spared Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people?” Bennet asked.Kennedy responded that he “didn’t say it was deliberately targeted.”Kennedy said he “probably” had made comments that Lyme disease was a military engineered bioweapon.Kennedy said he wasn’t sure if he had written in one of his books that it is “undeniable that African AIDS is an entirely different disease from Western AIDS,” following a question from Bennet.Kennedy, however, denied making statements that pesticides cause children to become transgender.Bennet said he would have those prior Kennedy statements entered into the committee’s official record.&nbsp;

Anti-vaccine crusader, conspiracy theorist RFK Jr. confirmed as nation’s health chief

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

An attorney for Tom Keating, who volunteered for the nonprofit that has paid for Mayor Quinton Lucas’ Super Bowl trips, is demanding an apology and threatening further legal action

The whistleblower who revealed financial transactions he felt were potentially unlawful by a nonprofit that bankrolled travel and entertainment for Kansas City’s mayor says he is now being targeted with defamation and retaliation.

Tom Keating has worked on ethics compliance for political campaigns for two decades, including for Lucas’ campaign and for a nonprofit called the Mayors Corps of Progress for a Greater Kansas City.

Late last year, Keating provided documents to The Independent detailing how the Mayors Corps was used to finance travel, meals and Kansas City Chiefs tickets for Mayor Quinton Lucas. The records revealed that the Mayors Corps spent more than $23,000 for Lucas, a staffer and security personnel to attend the Super Bowl in 2023.

A day after the game, the Mayors Corps took in $24,000 from a politically connected trade group — a move critics said&nbsp; could violate the city’s gift rules, which require elected officials to disclose any gifts they receive worth more than $200 and bans gifts worth more than $1,000.

Lucas has denied any wrongdoing, saying the spending was reviewed by legal counsel and fits within the Mayors Corps’ mission to help him promote the city. He has also suggested in interviews and in a letter from his general counsel that Keating was responsible for the finances of Mayors Corps and that Keating provided slanted information to The Independent.&nbsp;

Keating responded to the mayor’s accusations in a letter written last week by his attorney, Max Kautsch, accusing Lucas of retaliating against Keating for serving as a source for the coverage and attacking his First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

Kautsch gave Lucas’ office until Monday to apologize.

“The city can expect a demand from Mr. Keating in the future specifying monetary compensation for his injuries,” Kautsch says in the letter. “The nature of that demand will depend in large part on whether the city apologizes to Mr. Keating as outlined above.”

He adds: “Thank you for your assistance in correcting this flagrant constitutional violation.”

The mayor did not apologize by Monday evening. Neither his office nor an outside law firm that has represented Mayors Corps returned requests for comment.&nbsp;

In December, The Independent reported that, during Lucas’ first term in office, Mayors Corps spent more than $35,000 on travel, meals and entertainment for him and a top aide, including the Super Bowl trip.&nbsp;

The reporting was based on documents provided by Keating, who volunteered to do compliance for the nonprofit.

Keating raised concerns to Lucas and a top aide at the time of the 2023 Super Bowl trip. He suggested returning the $24,000 donation, reimbursing the nonprofit for the cost of the trip and paying for the flights, tickets and accommodations through United We Stand PAC, a political action committee that supports Lucas.

Last year, Keating came forward with the documents and concerns about how Mayors Corps funds were being used, saying he had agonized about whether or not to speak up since his departure from the nonprofit in October 2023.&nbsp;

“The real question about the Mayors Corps paying for Mayor Lucas and staff to attend the 2023 Super Bowl has never been, as Mayor Lucas has suggested, about if the mayor should attend a Super Bowl the Kansas City Chiefs are playing in,” Keating said in a statement Monday. “The real question is how it should be paid for and if the public has a right to know who is picking up the tab.”

Lucas also attended Sunday’s Super Bowl using funds from the Mayors Corps. His office and attorneys associated with Mayors Corps did not identify recent donors to the nonprofit.

While volunteering for Mayors Corps, Keating was also working on behalf of United We Stand PAC on compliance issues. He was asked at that time by the mayor’s then chief of staff, Morgan Said, to alter descriptions of two expenses on the PAC’s quarterly filing to make them more vague, according to a transcribed, recorded phone call provided by Keating.

Keating saw that as an attempt to obscure information about the organization’s spending from the public.

One of the expenses, which Said requested be labeled “inaugural reimbursement,” was for $1,694.42 at Halls, a high-end department store in Kansas City, for a tuxedo for Lucas’ second inauguration. The other, which Said asked be labeled only as “research,” was a $9,500 payment to Bold Decision Consulting LLC for a poll of 300 Clay County voters that showed 70% were opposed to the idea of a new sales tax to fund a Kansas City Royals baseball stadium in North Kansas City.

At the time the poll was released, it was not clear who paid for it. It was seen by many as an attempt to scuttle any hope of a Clay County stadium deal to ensure the team would land in Jackson County.&nbsp;

Following The Independent’s stories, both Keating and news organizations in Missouri received letters from either attorneys for the mayor or Mayors Corps that Kautsch calls&nbsp;“a coordinated attack on First Amendment rights.”&nbsp;

Kautsch says the letters are “rife with misstatements” and ruinous to Keating’s livelihood and reputation.

Keating received a letter on Dec. 18 from Jon Berkon of the Elias Law Group on behalf of the Mayors Corps. The letter claims it was Keating who approved the 2023 Super Bowl expenditures and that Lucas had offered to meet with him to discuss any concerns he had raised. Keating did not take Lucas up on that offer, Berkon writes, and “decided to leak confidential financial materials to the press” and “attack the mayor and his staff publicly.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739466545525.png" alt=" Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas delivers his State of the City address in February 2024 (photo courtesy of the City of Kansas City)." />
 <figcaption> Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas delivers his State of the City address in February 2024 (photo courtesy of the City of Kansas City).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-kite/">ALLISON KITE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>An attorney for Tom Keating, who volunteered for the nonprofit that has paid for Mayor Quinton Lucas’ Super Bowl trips, is demanding an apology and threatening further legal action</h2>The whistleblower who revealed financial transactions he felt were potentially unlawful by a nonprofit that bankrolled travel and entertainment for Kansas City’s mayor says he is now being targeted with defamation and retaliation.Tom Keating has worked on ethics compliance for political campaigns for two decades, including for Lucas’ campaign and for a nonprofit called the Mayors Corps of Progress for a Greater Kansas City.Late last year, Keating provided documents to The Independent detailing how the Mayors Corps was used to finance travel, meals and Kansas City Chiefs tickets for Mayor Quinton Lucas. The records revealed that the Mayors Corps spent more than $23,000 for Lucas, a staffer and security personnel to attend the Super Bowl in 2023.A day after the game, the Mayors Corps took in $24,000 from a politically connected trade group — a move critics said&nbsp; could violate the city’s gift rules, which require elected officials to disclose any gifts they receive worth more than $200 and bans gifts worth more than $1,000.Lucas has denied any wrongdoing, saying the spending was reviewed by legal counsel and fits within the Mayors Corps’ mission to help him promote the city. He has also suggested in interviews and in a letter from his general counsel that Keating was responsible for the finances of Mayors Corps and that Keating provided slanted information to The Independent.&nbsp;Keating responded to the mayor’s accusations in a letter written last week by his attorney, Max Kautsch, accusing Lucas of retaliating against Keating for serving as a source for the coverage and attacking his First Amendment right to freedom of speech.Kautsch gave Lucas’ office until Monday to apologize.“The city can expect a demand from Mr. Keating in the future specifying monetary compensation for his injuries,” Kautsch says in the letter. “The nature of that demand will depend in large part on whether the city apologizes to Mr. Keating as outlined above.”He adds: “Thank you for your assistance in correcting this flagrant constitutional violation.”The mayor did not apologize by Monday evening. Neither his office nor an outside law firm that has represented Mayors Corps returned requests for comment.&nbsp;<h2>Super Bowl trips</h2>In December, The Independent reported that, during Lucas’ first term in office, Mayors Corps spent more than $35,000 on travel, meals and entertainment for him and a top aide, including the Super Bowl trip.&nbsp;The reporting was based on documents provided by Keating, who volunteered to do compliance for the nonprofit.Keating raised concerns to Lucas and a top aide at the time of the 2023 Super Bowl trip. He suggested returning the $24,000 donation, reimbursing the nonprofit for the cost of the trip and paying for the flights, tickets and accommodations through United We Stand PAC, a political action committee that supports Lucas.Last year, Keating came forward with the documents and concerns about how Mayors Corps funds were being used, saying he had agonized about whether or not to speak up since his departure from the nonprofit in October 2023.&nbsp;“The real question about the Mayors Corps paying for Mayor Lucas and staff to attend the 2023 Super Bowl has never been, as Mayor Lucas has suggested, about if the mayor should attend a Super Bowl the Kansas City Chiefs are playing in,” Keating said in a statement Monday. “The real question is how it should be paid for and if the public has a right to know who is picking up the tab.”Lucas also attended Sunday’s Super Bowl using funds from the Mayors Corps. His office and attorneys associated with Mayors Corps did not identify recent donors to the nonprofit.While volunteering for Mayors Corps, Keating was also working on behalf of United We Stand PAC on compliance issues. He was asked at that time by the mayor’s then chief of staff, Morgan Said, to alter descriptions of two expenses on the PAC’s quarterly filing to make them more vague, according to a transcribed, recorded phone call provided by Keating.Keating saw that as an attempt to obscure information about the organization’s spending from the public.One of the expenses, which Said requested be labeled “inaugural reimbursement,” was for $1,694.42 at Halls, a high-end department store in Kansas City, for a tuxedo for Lucas’ second inauguration. The other, which Said asked be labeled only as “research,” was a $9,500 payment to Bold Decision Consulting LLC for a poll of 300 Clay County voters that showed 70% were opposed to the idea of a new sales tax to fund a Kansas City Royals baseball stadium in North Kansas City.At the time the poll was released, it was not clear who paid for it. It was seen by many as an attempt to scuttle any hope of a Clay County stadium deal to ensure the team would land in Jackson County.&nbsp;Following The Independent’s stories, both Keating and news organizations in Missouri received letters from either attorneys for the mayor or Mayors Corps that Kautsch calls&nbsp;“a coordinated attack on First Amendment rights.”&nbsp;Kautsch says the letters are “rife with misstatements” and ruinous to Keating’s livelihood and reputation.Keating received a letter on Dec. 18 from Jon Berkon of the Elias Law Group on behalf of the Mayors Corps. The letter claims it was Keating who approved the 2023 Super Bowl expenditures and that Lucas had offered to meet with him to discuss any concerns he had raised. Keating did not take Lucas up on that offer, Berkon writes, and “decided to leak confidential financial materials to the press” and “attack the mayor and his staff publicly.”In an email, Keating called the insinuation that he didn’t make any efforts to meet with Lucas ridiculous. Lucas offered to meet, Keating said, but never followed up with suggested times for a meeting to take place.Berkon also wrote that Keating was “the person with the authority” to approve expenses.&nbsp;That’s not true, Kautsch said, since Keating “never had any decision-making authority.”Kautsch, in his letter to the mayor’s office, wrote that Lucas also appeared on a Kansas City talk radio show after the coverage and “insinuated that Mr. Keating was solely responsible for making financial decisions for the organizations at issue.”&nbsp;Berkon also accuses Keating of accosting a Kansas City staffer in public.“If you have substantive concerns that you would like to address, please reach out to us,” Berkon writes. “We are happy to discuss them on behalf of the mayor and entities for which he fundraises, but the mayor takes the safety and wellbeing of staff seriously; we will not tolerate this ongoing conduct, and if it continues, we reserve all rights to take legal action to stop it.”&nbsp;Kautsch’s response says Berkon “fails to give even a hint of detail about the basis for such an allegation” of Keating accosting city staff. Kautsch suggests Berkon is hinting at a “chance meeting” between Keating and City Manager Brian Platt at a restaurant in Kansas City.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to emails Keating sent Platt at the time, a mutual friend had invited them to the same restaurant and Keating introduced himself to Platt. Keating says in the email that he wants to give Platt “the opportunity to know the entire story and defend yourself because this is a public matter.”&nbsp;Kautsch said emails from Keating to Platt following the encounter strike a conciliatory tone.“There is simply no evidence that this interaction, or any other my client may have had with city officials, was anything other than protected expression under the First Amendment,” Kautsch wrote. “To suggest, without evidence, that Mr. Keating is somehow a threat when his motive is to simply promote government transparency, shows retaliatory animus.”<h2>First Amendment freedoms</h2>Kautsch also takes issue with a letter the mayor’s taxpayer-funded general counsel, Gavriel&nbsp;Schreiber, sent to&nbsp;The Independent and KCUR, which republished the stories about the Mayors Corps and United We Stand.&nbsp;&nbsp;Schreiber’s letter, which was also sent on Dec. 18, was shared with numerous members of the media as an attempt to “shift the blame for the Super Bowl reimbursement from Mayor Lucas to Mr. Keating,” Kautsch wrote, “and suggesting that anyone involved in bringing Mr. Keating’s concerns to light would be subject to legal action.”Schreiber’s letter accuses The Independent of inaccuracies in its reporting and requests corrections and an apology. Schreiber claims the stories rely on a “single biased source and demonstrate such reckless disregard for the truth as to potentially constitute actual malice.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mayor’s general counsel also accuses Keating — without providing any evidence —&nbsp; of posting comments on the articles under a social media handle Kautsch says Keating has never used.The letter requests, in a footnote, that The Independent preserve its communications with Keating. Kautsch calls that a “baseless implication that a defamation lawsuit related to the critical coverage spurred by Mr. Keating’s communication was in the offing.”“Singling out Mr. Keating is further evidence of the city’s true intent in sending the letter to The Independent and KCUR: to retaliate against Mr. Keating,” Kautsch wrote.The Independent replied to Schreiber’s letter on Dec. 20 through its attorney, Eric Weslander, who said the letter “can be constructed only as an attempt to blame the messenger, divert attention from the central issues raised by my client’s reporting and deter practitioners of ground-breaking, important investigative journalism from doing further digging into the mayor’s affairs.”Crucially, Weslander wrote, the mayor’s office did not challenge any of the facts about spending by the nonprofit or the PAC that were central to The Independent’s stories, instead focusing on “highly technical distinctions” such as the makeup of the Mayors Corps’ board of directors and whether the mayor formally denied knowledge of who paid for the Clay County poll at the time it was released.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I understand that you may have a wide range of responsibilities in the mayor’s office,” Weslander wrote, “but impinging on First Amendment freedoms should not be one of them.”He added: “My client stands behind its work.”