KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.

Just before 11a.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a reported house fire in the 3000 block of York in Kansas City, Mo., according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First arriving crews reported smoke and fire showing from a single story home.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear for human life. Occupants were able to escape. One dog was rescued and one dog was removed but did not survive. There were no other injuries. Officials have not released a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743535140411.png" alt="Photo KDFD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KDFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.Just before 11a.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a reported house fire in the 3000 block of York in Kansas City, Mo., according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First arriving crews reported smoke and fire showing from a single story home.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear for human life. Occupants were able to escape. One dog was rescued and one dog was removed but did not survive. There were no other injuries. Officials have not released a damage estimate.

Family pet dies in Kansas City house fire

JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas high school Choir Director is going to prison for sex crimes.

On Friday, Judge Thomas Sutherland sentenced 35-year-old Micah Horton to 34-months for unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

After an investigation in March of 2024, Olathe Police arrested Horton who was&nbsp;the Choir Director at Olathe North High School. He pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawful sexual relations. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710373305440.png" alt="Horton photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Horton photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas high school Choir Director is going to prison for sex crimes.On Friday, Judge Thomas Sutherland sentenced 35-year-old Micah Horton to 34-months for unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.After an investigation in March of 2024, Olathe Police arrested Horton who was&nbsp;the Choir Director at Olathe North High School. He pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawful sexual relations.

Prison: Former Kan. school choir director admits to unlawful sexual relations 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was charged in federal court March 28 following his arrest during the execution of a federal search warrant last week, according to the United State's Attorney.

Jose Valencia-Soriano, 23, was charged in a three-count criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of Kansas City, Mo., on Friday, March 28.&nbsp; 

As set forth in the attached complaint, Valencia-Soriano is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and one count of being an alien in possession of a firearm&nbsp; Valencia-Soriano was arrested yesterday and remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, on Thursday, March 27, agents with the Kansas City Field Division of the FBI, assisted by agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, were executing a federal search warrant at a home in the Kansas City area.&nbsp;According to the affidavit, during the execution of this warrant, Valencia-Soriano was discovered at the location, in addition to approximately 102 lbs. of finished crystal methamphetamine, over 406 lbs. of liquids containing methamphetamine in various states, three firearms in the main bedroom, and $48,634 in cash.&nbsp; Two of the firearms recovered had been listed as stolen.&nbsp; The underlying investigation is out of the St. Louis area and is primarily being handled by the St. Louis Field Division of the FBI.

"FBI St. Louis prioritized this drug trafficking investigation after we confirmed this defendant entered the U.S. illegally," said Special Agent in Charge Ashley Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. "With the help of our law enforcement partners, we seized a large quantity of illicit drugs to include 100 pounds of finished crystal meth and 406 pounds of liquid that contained meth."

“This case serves as an important reminder that, in addition to fentanyl, large quantities of other dangerous drugs, in this case methamphetamine, are still a significant problem in our community.&nbsp; This office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute every one of these cases with the goal of making our communities a safer place to live,” said Acting United States Attorney Jeffrey P. Ray for the Western District of Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582827978726.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was charged in federal court March 28 following his arrest during the execution of a federal search warrant last week, according to the United State's Attorney.Jose Valencia-Soriano, 23, was charged in a three-count criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of Kansas City, Mo., on Friday, March 28.&nbsp; As set forth in the attached complaint, Valencia-Soriano is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and one count of being an alien in possession of a firearm&nbsp; Valencia-Soriano was arrested yesterday and remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing.According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, on Thursday, March 27, agents with the Kansas City Field Division of the FBI, assisted by agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, were executing a federal search warrant at a home in the Kansas City area.&nbsp;According to the affidavit, during the execution of this warrant, Valencia-Soriano was discovered at the location, in addition to approximately 102 lbs. of finished crystal methamphetamine, over 406 lbs. of liquids containing methamphetamine in various states, three firearms in the main bedroom, and $48,634 in cash.&nbsp; Two of the firearms recovered had been listed as stolen.&nbsp; The underlying investigation is out of the St. Louis area and is primarily being handled by the St. Louis Field Division of the FBI."FBI St. Louis prioritized this drug trafficking investigation after we confirmed this defendant entered the U.S. illegally," said Special Agent in Charge Ashley Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. "With the help of our law enforcement partners, we seized a large quantity of illicit drugs to include 100 pounds of finished crystal meth and 406 pounds of liquid that contained meth."“This case serves as an important reminder that, in addition to fentanyl, large quantities of other dangerous drugs, in this case methamphetamine, are still a significant problem in our community.&nbsp; This office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute every one of these cases with the goal of making our communities a safer place to live,” said Acting United States Attorney Jeffrey P. Ray for the Western District of Missouri.

Mexican national caught in KC with 102 pounds of crystal meth

WASHINGTON —House Republicans advanced a bill out of committee on Tuesday that would limit the power of judges who have taken action against President Trump's executive orders. (click below to view Rep. Schmidt's comments)

During their Tuesday morning news conference, Freshman Congressman from Kansas, Derek Schmidt joined GOP leadership to explain what the 'nationwide injunctions bill' will do&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr1526rh/pdf/BILLS-119hr1526rh.pdf">Click here to read the bill</a>

"We're not de-funding courts, said House Speaker Mike Johnson. "We're not doing anything other than limiting, in this legislation, the ability of a judge to issue a nationwide injunction."

Derek Schmidt served as the Kansas Attorney General from 2011 to 2023. He was first elected to office serving in the Kansas Senate  representing the 15th district from 2001 to 2011. In 2022, Schmidt was the Republican nominee for governor of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743532285603.png" alt="Kansas 2nd District Rep. Derek Schmidt during Tuesday's news conference" />
 <figcaption>Kansas 2nd District Rep. Derek Schmidt during Tuesday's news conference</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —House Republicans advanced a bill out of committee on Tuesday that would limit the power of judges who have taken action against President Trump's executive orders. (click below to view Rep. Schmidt's comments)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M5xzihuI7UM?si=C21AbMhV4AOW8Oo_&amp;start=1555" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>During their Tuesday morning news conference, Freshman Congressman from Kansas, Derek Schmidt joined GOP leadership to explain what the 'nationwide injunctions bill' will do&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-119hr1526rh/pdf/BILLS-119hr1526rh.pdf">Click here to read the bill</a>Schmidt also explained the Save Act<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The SAVE Act is simple. 🎙️<a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepDerekSchmidt</a> breaks it down for us ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/SlN27CQd4M">pic.twitter.com/SlN27CQd4M</a>&mdash; House Republicans (@HouseGOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP/status/1907132415513891250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"We're not de-funding courts, said House Speaker Mike Johnson. "We're not doing anything other than limiting, in this legislation, the ability of a judge to issue a nationwide injunction."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpeakerJohnson</a>: &quot;We&#39;re not de-funding courts. We&#39;re not doing anything other than limiting, in this legislation, the ability of a judge to issue a nationwide injunction.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/j9BQDBOv9o">pic.twitter.com/j9BQDBOv9o</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1907081734736199765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Derek Schmidt served as the Kansas Attorney General from 2011 to 2023. He was first elected to office serving in the Kansas Senate representing the 15th district from 2001 to 2011. In 2022, Schmidt was the Republican nominee for governor of Kansas.

🎥Kan. congressman joins House leadership news conference

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Traffic Division is currently investigating a hit-and-run that left one person dead. 

Just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to report of an accident in the 4300 block of State Line Road, according to a media release.

 When officers arrived on scene, they located a man deceased in the roadway. The initial investigation revealed a large construction dump truck struck the pedestrian and left the scene. The construction company is cooperating in the investigation and police are working to identify the driver of the truck.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743534048942.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Traffic Division is currently investigating a hit-and-run that left one person dead. Just after 8:30a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to report of an accident in the 4300 block of State Line Road, according to a media release. When officers arrived on scene, they located a man deceased in the roadway. The initial investigation revealed a large construction dump truck struck the pedestrian and left the scene. The construction company is cooperating in the investigation and police are working to identify the driver of the truck.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Hit-and-run: Dump truck killed man on busy Kansas street

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged violence involving three people at at park.

Just before 7:30pm. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a report of suspicious activity at Oregon Trail Park at 1100 block of South Robinson Street in Olathe, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

It was reported that a man engaged in a physical altercation with two juveniles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers arrived and contacted the&nbsp;juveniles and their parent. Officers were able to locate and contact the man. All involved parties are being cooperative with the investigation.

It is believed that other members of the community were in the area during the incident and are asked to contact the Police Department if you have any information that can assist with this investigation.

This case remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged violence involving three people at at park.Just before 7:30pm. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a report of suspicious activity at Oregon Trail Park at 1100 block of South Robinson Street in Olathe, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.It was reported that a man engaged in a physical altercation with two juveniles.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers arrived and contacted the&nbsp;juveniles and their parent. Officers were able to locate and contact the man. All involved parties are being cooperative with the investigation.It is believed that other members of the community were in the area during the incident and are asked to contact the Police Department if you have any information that can assist with this investigation.This case remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

Police: Fight between man, juveniles at Kan. park under investigation

The amendment, which could be debated by the Missouri House next week, would outlaw abortion with a limited set of exemptions

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

A revamped constitutional amendment moving forward in the Missouri House would ban nearly all abortions in Missouri. But most voters likely wouldn’t know that just by reading the drafted ballot language.&nbsp;

<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR54" target="_blank">The Republican-backed amendment</a>, if passed out of the legislature and approved by voters, would outlaw abortion with limited exceptions for medical emergencies and survivors of rape and incest prior to 12 weeks gestation.

The amendment seeks to overturn an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">abortion-rights amendment approved by voters&nbsp;</a>in November that legalize abortions up until the point of fetal viability. This made Missouri the first state to overturn an abortion ban after lawmakers enacted a trigger law in 2022 that banned the procedure with exceptions only for medical emergencies.&nbsp;

While the proposed ballot language would ask voters if they want to repeal Article I, Section 36 of the constitution —the current abortion-rights amendment — it does not directly ask voters if they want to ban or outlaw most abortions.

Instead, it would ask voters if they want to “guarantee access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages,” a right that is already guaranteed under the current constitutional amendment.&nbsp;

Missourians would also be asked if they want to “ensure women’s safety during abortion,” “ensure parental consent for minors,” allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape and incest” and “protect children from gender transitions.”

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

The legislation approved by a House committee Monday, is the second iteration of legislation filed by state Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican from Springfield.&nbsp;

Stinnett’s initial language included a criticized police reporting requirement for survivors of sexual violence. Two out of every three sexual assaults are not reported to police, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rainn.org/statistics/criminal-justice-system" target="_blank">Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network&nbsp;</a>and the Bureau of Justice Statistics.&nbsp;

That requirement was removed in Monday’s version.&nbsp;

On Thursday, House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Republican from Lee’s Summit, said while he anticipates the GOP will continue to refine the exact language to put before voters, he doesn’t foresee the rape and incest exceptions being cut out in later debate.&nbsp;

“That’s something that the people spoke on,” Patterson said. “That’s something that all the legislators recognize is something that we have to keep.”

The new legislation, like its predecessor, proposes a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/16/missouri-abortion-gender-affirming-health-care-amendment-3/">ban on gender-affirming health care for minors.</a>&nbsp;It also seeks to reinstate state regulations on abortion providers and facilities, including admitting privileges at a local hospital, licensing requirements and inspections.&nbsp;

The amendment would allow abortions in cases of fetal anomaly, which the legislation defines as “a structural or functional abnormality in the unborn child’s gestational development that would make life outside the womb impossible.”&nbsp;

The bill specifies that this would include ectopic pregnancies but exclude a fetal diagnosis of a disability.&nbsp;

State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, raised concerns with this language on Monday. She questioned how the amendment would apply to a fetal diagnosis where a newborn could survive birth, but would die shortly after, including in cases of anencephaly, a fetal birth defect in which part of the brain or skull don’t develop properly.&nbsp;

The new proposal also looks to require that any legal challenges to the state law around reproductive health care be heard in Cole County.&nbsp;

After the abortion-rights amendment passed in November,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri sued the state</a>, arguing several abortion regulations on the books were now unconstitutional. That case is being tried in Jackson County, where one of the state’s several Planned Parenthood clinics is located.&nbsp;

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has been unable to convince the judge to move the case to Cole County, where a judge last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/10/missouri-supreme-court-rules-amendment-legalizing-abortion-will-remain-on-ballot/">attempted to remove the abortion-rights amendment&nbsp;</a>from the ballot.

During Monday’s hearing, state Rep. Pattie Mansur, a Democrat from Kansas City, said she found it noteworthy that in Missouri, a 17-year-old girl could be legally married but would still need permission from her parents for an abortion.&nbsp;

The House Committee on Children and Families previously spent four hours debating the initial bill, including testimony from Missourians&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/05/missouri-abortion-ban-constitutional-amendment-stinnett-rape-incest-exception/">who accused lawmakers of attempting to overturn the will of the people</a>.

Republicans have continued to defend their decision to spend much of the legislative session on an abortion amendment by arguing that Missourians were misinformed on what they were voting on in November — a reasoning that continues to draw fury from abortion-right supporters both in the legislature and in their districts.&nbsp;

“The most disappointing piece of that is the Republican’s consistent insistence on defying the will of the voters in this state,” House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, told reporters last week. “Whether it’s on abortion or paid sick leave and minimum wage, the first order of business this year has been to undo what Missourians went to the ballot box to vote for.”

Aune also took notice of how late into session the proposed amendment was making its way out of committee.&nbsp;

“It seems to me that the reason this has been slow rolled is that there simply is not consensus on the other side of the aisle on what language to end up with, how far to go or not, what they think that they can get passed by the voters or not,” Aune said Thursday. “That is likely causing a lot of contention in their caucus right now, and I’m not mad about that.”

But there didn’t seem to be much disagreement come Monday between GOP members of the House Committee on Children and Families who passed the revised language after just a few minutes of discussion.&nbsp;

“It was time to get this moving,” state Rep. Holly Jones, a Republican from Eureka who chairs the committee, told her colleagues Monday.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=186" target="_blank">Senate version of the legislation</a>, sponsored by state Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St Charles,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/05/abortion-ban-missouri-senate-mike-moon-rape-exceptions/">passed out of committee in early March</a>&nbsp;but has yet to be heard on the Senate floor.&nbsp;

Abortion within the state remains out of reach for many Missourians, despite voters in November codifying the right to reproductive health care in the state constitution.&nbsp;

This includes the most common type of abortion.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/28/missouri-rejects-planned-parenthood-medication-abortion-plan/">Medication abortions remain inaccessible</a>&nbsp;through Planned Parenthood in Missouri after the state rejected complication plans submitted by the clinics outlining continued care for patients in the case they had any adverse effects from the medication.&nbsp;

The rejection notice sent by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services was based on criteria set in an emergency rule published Thursday by the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office that included a requirement that clinics must provide the names of any physicians who prescribe abortion medication.&nbsp;

In response, Planned Parenthood on Friday filed a motion asking that a Jackson County judge block the state statute that requires the clinics submit an abortion medication plan.&nbsp;As of Monday, three Planned Parenthood clinics — in Kansas City,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/04/abortion-returns-columbia-missouri-planned-parenthood-clinic/">Columbia</a>&nbsp;and St. Louis —&nbsp;had started seeing some patients for procedural abortions again.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743531428363.png" alt="Stickers saying “repeal and replace Amendment 3” are distributed during Missouri Right to Life advocacy day at the Missouri State Capitol Wednesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Stickers saying “repeal and replace Amendment 3” are distributed during Missouri Right to Life advocacy day at the Missouri State Capitol Wednesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The amendment, which could be debated by the Missouri House next week, would outlaw abortion with a limited set of exemptions</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>A revamped constitutional amendment moving forward in the Missouri House would ban nearly all abortions in Missouri. But most voters likely wouldn’t know that just by reading the drafted ballot language.&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR54" target="_blank">The Republican-backed amendment</a>, if passed out of the legislature and approved by voters, would outlaw abortion with limited exceptions for medical emergencies and survivors of rape and incest prior to 12 weeks gestation.The amendment seeks to overturn an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/06/missouri-abortion-access-planned-parenthood-lawsuit-amendment-3/">abortion-rights amendment approved by voters&nbsp;</a>in November that legalize abortions up until the point of fetal viability. This made Missouri the first state to overturn an abortion ban after lawmakers enacted a trigger law in 2022 that banned the procedure with exceptions only for medical emergencies.&nbsp;While the proposed ballot language would ask voters if they want to repeal Article I, Section 36 of the constitution —the current abortion-rights amendment — it does not directly ask voters if they want to ban or outlaw most abortions.Instead, it would ask voters if they want to “guarantee access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages,” a right that is already guaranteed under the current constitutional amendment.&nbsp;Missourians would also be asked if they want to “ensure women’s safety during abortion,” “ensure parental consent for minors,” allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape and incest” and “protect children from gender transitions.”If approved by both the House and Senate, Missourians could be asked to weigh in on reinstating an abortion ban as soon as a special election the governor could call this year, or during the 2026 midterm election.&nbsp;The legislation approved by a House committee Monday, is the second iteration of legislation filed by state Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican from Springfield.&nbsp;Stinnett’s initial language included a criticized police reporting requirement for survivors of sexual violence. Two out of every three sexual assaults are not reported to police, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://rainn.org/statistics/criminal-justice-system" target="_blank">Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network&nbsp;</a>and the Bureau of Justice Statistics.&nbsp;That requirement was removed in Monday’s version.&nbsp;On Thursday, House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Republican from Lee’s Summit, said while he anticipates the GOP will continue to refine the exact language to put before voters, he doesn’t foresee the rape and incest exceptions being cut out in later debate.&nbsp;“That’s something that the people spoke on,” Patterson said. “That’s something that all the legislators recognize is something that we have to keep.”The new legislation, like its predecessor, proposes a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/16/missouri-abortion-gender-affirming-health-care-amendment-3/">ban on gender-affirming health care for minors.</a>&nbsp;It also seeks to reinstate state regulations on abortion providers and facilities, including admitting privileges at a local hospital, licensing requirements and inspections.&nbsp;The amendment would allow abortions in cases of fetal anomaly, which the legislation defines as “a structural or functional abnormality in the unborn child’s gestational development that would make life outside the womb impossible.”&nbsp;The bill specifies that this would include ectopic pregnancies but exclude a fetal diagnosis of a disability.&nbsp;State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, raised concerns with this language on Monday. She questioned how the amendment would apply to a fetal diagnosis where a newborn could survive birth, but would die shortly after, including in cases of anencephaly, a fetal birth defect in which part of the brain or skull don’t develop properly.&nbsp;The new proposal also looks to require that any legal challenges to the state law around reproductive health care be heard in Cole County.&nbsp;After the abortion-rights amendment passed in November,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri sued the state</a>, arguing several abortion regulations on the books were now unconstitutional. That case is being tried in Jackson County, where one of the state’s several Planned Parenthood clinics is located.&nbsp;Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has been unable to convince the judge to move the case to Cole County, where a judge last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/10/missouri-supreme-court-rules-amendment-legalizing-abortion-will-remain-on-ballot/">attempted to remove the abortion-rights amendment&nbsp;</a>from the ballot.During Monday’s hearing, state Rep. Pattie Mansur, a Democrat from Kansas City, said she found it noteworthy that in Missouri, a 17-year-old girl could be legally married but would still need permission from her parents for an abortion.&nbsp;The House Committee on Children and Families previously spent four hours debating the initial bill, including testimony from Missourians&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/05/missouri-abortion-ban-constitutional-amendment-stinnett-rape-incest-exception/">who accused lawmakers of attempting to overturn the will of the people</a>.Republicans have continued to defend their decision to spend much of the legislative session on an abortion amendment by arguing that Missourians were misinformed on what they were voting on in November — a reasoning that continues to draw fury from abortion-right supporters both in the legislature and in their districts.&nbsp;“The most disappointing piece of that is the Republican’s consistent insistence on defying the will of the voters in this state,” House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, told reporters last week. “Whether it’s on abortion or paid sick leave and minimum wage, the first order of business this year has been to undo what Missourians went to the ballot box to vote for.”Aune also took notice of how late into session the proposed amendment was making its way out of committee.&nbsp;“It seems to me that the reason this has been slow rolled is that there simply is not consensus on the other side of the aisle on what language to end up with, how far to go or not, what they think that they can get passed by the voters or not,” Aune said Thursday. “That is likely causing a lot of contention in their caucus right now, and I’m not mad about that.”But there didn’t seem to be much disagreement come Monday between GOP members of the House Committee on Children and Families who passed the revised language after just a few minutes of discussion.&nbsp;“It was time to get this moving,” state Rep. Holly Jones, a Republican from Eureka who chairs the committee, told her colleagues Monday.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=186" target="_blank">Senate version of the legislation</a>, sponsored by state Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St Charles,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/05/abortion-ban-missouri-senate-mike-moon-rape-exceptions/">passed out of committee in early March</a>&nbsp;but has yet to be heard on the Senate floor.&nbsp;Abortion within the state remains out of reach for many Missourians, despite voters in November codifying the right to reproductive health care in the state constitution.&nbsp;This includes the most common type of abortion.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/28/missouri-rejects-planned-parenthood-medication-abortion-plan/">Medication abortions remain inaccessible</a>&nbsp;through Planned Parenthood in Missouri after the state rejected complication plans submitted by the clinics outlining continued care for patients in the case they had any adverse effects from the medication.&nbsp;The rejection notice sent by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services was based on criteria set in an emergency rule published Thursday by the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office that included a requirement that clinics must provide the names of any physicians who prescribe abortion medication.&nbsp;In response, Planned Parenthood on Friday filed a motion asking that a Jackson County judge block the state statute that requires the clinics submit an abortion medication plan.&nbsp;As of Monday, three Planned Parenthood clinics — in Kansas City,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/04/abortion-returns-columbia-missouri-planned-parenthood-clinic/">Columbia</a>&nbsp;and St. Louis —&nbsp;had started seeing some patients for procedural abortions again.

Ballot language for Missouri anti-abortion amendment doesn’t mention abortion ban

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

Just after 11pm Monday, police were dispatched to a medical call in the 3000 block of Mersington, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. 

First responders found a man unresponsive in the street with unknown significant injuries. EMS treated the victim but ultimately declared him deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives responded for investigation and canvassed for any additional witnesses and crime scene investigators are processed the scene for evidence to give detectives&nbsp; better idea of what led up to the incident.

Based on preliminary information from people who were at the scene when officers arrived the victim had an interaction with unknown subject(s) nearby that led to him being injured.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or released the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743515165456.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 11pm Monday, police were dispatched to a medical call in the 3000 block of Mersington, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. First responders found a man unresponsive in the street with unknown significant injuries. EMS treated the victim but ultimately declared him deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives responded for investigation and canvassed for any additional witnesses and crime scene investigators are processed the scene for evidence to give detectives&nbsp; better idea of what led up to the incident.Based on preliminary information from people who were at the scene when officers arrived the victim had an interaction with unknown subject(s) nearby that led to him being injured.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or released the name of the victim.

KCPD: Victim found with significant injuries has died

WASHINGTON–&nbsp;U.S. Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) in introducing the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/services/files/86DB540C-CD52-4153-8815-3EF1F1A355AC">Locating Every Disbursement in Government Expenditure Records (LEDGER) Act</a>, which would require the U.S. Department of Treasury to track all payments after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) found $4.7 trillion in payments&nbsp;that were&nbsp;left unmarked and untraceable, according to a media release from Marshall's office.

“Our national debt has ballooned to&nbsp;over $36 trillion.&nbsp;Just last year, we spent more than $1 trillion on interest payments, and both figures continue to grow because&nbsp;of unbelievable waste, fraud, and abuse in our government,”&nbsp;said Senator&nbsp;Marshall.&nbsp;“The latest revelation that $4.7 trillion in Treasury payments were&nbsp;missing important traceability codes is disgraceful. The American people deserve answers and accountability, and this only reinforces why the work of&nbsp;DOGE&nbsp;is so critical to getting America’s financial house back in order.&nbsp;I am proud to stand alongside Senator Scott to make these traceability codes mandatory in order to enhance payment integrity.”

“Washington’s dysfunction was at an all-time high before President Trump took office this January. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a massive expansion of government, spending trillions of tax dollars with reckless abandon and nearly zero accountability or consideration of Americans’ best interests, adding $8 trillion to the now $36 trillion federal debt and running a $2 trillion deficit,”&nbsp;said Senator Scott.&nbsp;“The federal government&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/DOGE/status/1880282226727817715">hadn’t</a>&nbsp;completed a comprehensive review since before the world wide web existed when the federal budget was under $1 trillion. That’s changing as President Trump, Treasury Secretary Bessent, DOGE, and the entire administration work to streamline government and crack down on wasteful spending. Like many Americans, I was outraged by DOGE’s findings that the U.S. Treasury made $4.7 trillion in payments that were completely unmarked, unlabeled and therefore, untraceable and unaccountable to the American people. My bill, the&nbsp;LEDGER Act, fixes that by requiring Treasury to track every payment made using Americans’ tax dollars. There’s not a single family or business in America that operates this way – we look at our bank accounts and credit card statements to make sure we know where our money is going and stay on budget. I brought the same common sense of every American family and business as Governor of Florida to get spending under control and balance the budget, and we can do the same on the federal level to save the American dream and support the great work of President Trump, Secretary Bessent and DOGE.”

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/SRS-Bill-LEDGER-Act.pdf">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full bill text.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741300124075.png" alt="File photo Elon Musk during President Trump address to Congress last month-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo Elon Musk during President Trump address to Congress last month-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON–&nbsp;U.S. Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) in introducing the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/services/files/86DB540C-CD52-4153-8815-3EF1F1A355AC">Locating Every Disbursement in Government Expenditure Records (LEDGER) Act</a>, which would require the U.S. Department of Treasury to track all payments after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) found $4.7 trillion in payments&nbsp;that were&nbsp;left unmarked and untraceable, according to a media release from Marshall's office.“Our national debt has ballooned to&nbsp;over $36 trillion.&nbsp;Just last year, we spent more than $1 trillion on interest payments, and both figures continue to grow because&nbsp;of unbelievable waste, fraud, and abuse in our government,”&nbsp;said Senator&nbsp;Marshall.&nbsp;“The latest revelation that $4.7 trillion in Treasury payments were&nbsp;missing important traceability codes is disgraceful. The American people deserve answers and accountability, and this only reinforces why the work of&nbsp;DOGE&nbsp;is so critical to getting America’s financial house back in order.&nbsp;I am proud to stand alongside Senator Scott to make these traceability codes mandatory in order to enhance payment integrity.”“Washington’s dysfunction was at an all-time high before President Trump took office this January. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a massive expansion of government, spending trillions of tax dollars with reckless abandon and nearly zero accountability or consideration of Americans’ best interests, adding $8 trillion to the now $36 trillion federal debt and running a $2 trillion deficit,”&nbsp;said Senator Scott.&nbsp;“The federal government&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/DOGE/status/1880282226727817715">hadn’t</a>&nbsp;completed a comprehensive review since before the world wide web existed when the federal budget was under $1 trillion. That’s changing as President Trump, Treasury Secretary Bessent, DOGE, and the entire administration work to streamline government and crack down on wasteful spending. Like many Americans, I was outraged by DOGE’s findings that the U.S. Treasury made $4.7 trillion in payments that were completely unmarked, unlabeled and therefore, untraceable and unaccountable to the American people. My bill, the&nbsp;LEDGER Act, fixes that by requiring Treasury to track every payment made using Americans’ tax dollars. There’s not a single family or business in America that operates this way – we look at our bank accounts and credit card statements to make sure we know where our money is going and stay on budget. I brought the same common sense of every American family and business as Governor of Florida to get spending under control and balance the budget, and we can do the same on the federal level to save the American dream and support the great work of President Trump, Secretary Bessent and DOGE.”Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/SRS-Bill-LEDGER-Act.pdf">HERE</a>&nbsp;to read the full bill text.Background:<ul>
 <li>Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;is a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-key-member-on-senate-doge-caucus-to-eliminate-government-waste-and-inefficiency/">founding member of the Senate DOGE Caucus</a>&nbsp;and has long fought against wasteful government spending, fraud, and abuse that have burdened Americans with trillions of dollars in debt.</li><li>To date,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://doge.gov/savings">according to its website</a>, DOGE has cut over $130 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Kan. US. Senator takes action after DOGE found $4.7T in untraceable Treasury payments

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that led to the death of a man on Saturday.

Just before 10p.m., police were dispatched to the 1400 block of East Mart-Way Circle in Olathe, according to Olathe&nbsp;Police Sergeant John Moncayo. The location is less than a quarter of a mile from Santa Fe Trail Middle School.&nbsp; 

Responding officers found a&nbsp;21-year-old Landen Roggenkamp of Olathe suffering from multiple wounds. EMS transported Roggenkamp to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Police made contact with a 25-year-old, identified from Johnson County Booking reports as Armando Javier Guerrero. He is being held on requested charges of second-degree intentional murder and is expect to make a court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743418050944.png" alt="GUERRERO photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>GUERRERO photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that led to the death of a man on Saturday.Just before 10p.m., police were dispatched to the 1400 block of East Mart-Way Circle in Olathe, according to Olathe&nbsp;Police Sergeant John Moncayo. The location is less than a quarter of a mile from Santa Fe Trail Middle School.&nbsp; Responding officers found a&nbsp;21-year-old Landen Roggenkamp of Olathe suffering from multiple wounds. EMS transported Roggenkamp to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.Police made contact with a 25-year-old, identified from Johnson County Booking reports as Armando Javier Guerrero. He is being held on requested charges of second-degree intentional murder and is expect to make a court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, according to online jail records.

Suspect in custody after man killed near Kan. middle school

ANDERSON COUNTY—A rural Kansas community is in mourning after a drowning death.

Just before 6:30p.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a missing juvenile call in the small rural Anderson County community of Colony, according to a statement from the Anderson County Sheriff's office.

 The juvenile was located in a nearby pond and aid was rendered until the arrival of Anderson County Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene to take over care.

EMS transported the child to Anderson County Hospital.  After extraordinary measures by all those who responded, the child died.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no additional details on the victim.

Crest USD 479 released a statement on the tragedy. "Our school family is dealing with a tragic loss today. Please know that our staff is paying close attention to the needs of our students. We have extra support in our buildings. We respect the privacy of our families during this time of grieving and will do our very best to help provide support where needed.

"If you have questions about your student, and how we can best help support them, please call the school office. Prayers to the family, our students, and our staff."

&nbsp;Colony Rural Fire, Garnett Rural Fire, Welda Rural Fire, Anderson County EMS, and Garnett Police Department assisted the Sheriff's Department with the incident.

ANDERSON COUNTY—A rural Kansas community is in mourning after a drowning death.Just before 6:30p.m. Sunday, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a missing juvenile call in the small rural Anderson County community of Colony, according to a statement from the Anderson County Sheriff's office. The juvenile was located in a nearby pond and aid was rendered until the arrival of Anderson County Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene to take over care.EMS transported the child to Anderson County Hospital. After extraordinary measures by all those who responded, the child died.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no additional details on the victim.Crest USD 479 released a statement on the tragedy. "Our school family is dealing with a tragic loss today. Please know that our staff is paying close attention to the needs of our students. We have extra support in our buildings. We respect the privacy of our families during this time of grieving and will do our very best to help provide support where needed."If you have questions about your student, and how we can best help support them, please call the school office. Prayers to the family, our students, and our staff."&nbsp;Colony Rural Fire, Garnett Rural Fire, Welda Rural Fire, Anderson County EMS, and Garnett Police Department assisted the Sheriff's Department with the incident.

Sheriff: Child drowned in rural Kansas pond

The proposals would allow state tax support for new facilities in Clay County, where the Royals are considering a new stadium and the Chiefs are mulling a new training center

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

Two&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=5391365" target="_blank">identical bills</a>&nbsp;to give state backing for a new sports and convention center in Clay County are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/24/jackson-clay-county-lawmakers-jostling-to-keep-the-royals-and-chiefs-in-missouri/">not an attempt to poach</a>&nbsp;the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals from Jackson County, legislators were told Monday during a Senate committee hearing.

Instead, the bill sponsors said, the intent is to provide another location for new facilities for one or both of the teams in order to ensure they stay in Missouri .

“This has never been about pitting Jackson against Clay County,” said state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Democrat from the Clay County portion of Kansas City. “This is making sure that the teams have all the options on the table to find a spot that will work well for them.”

Nurrenbern, who represents about two-thirds of Clay County, was joined by state Sen. Kurtis Gregory, a Republican from Marshall whose district has the remainder of Clay County.

As he ran for the Senate last year, Gregory said, he was asked repeatedly what could be done to keep the teams in Missouri.&nbsp;

“If they go to another state, we’re looking at easily another 50, 60, 70 years, before we’ve got a shot to get them back,” he said.

With only seven weeks to go in the session, Gregory said after the hearing that he and Nurrenbern will be looking for a bill that can be amended to carry the legislation.

The bills would authorize a new Clay County Sports Complex Authority, modeled on the Jackson County organization that owns the Truman Sports Complex in eastern Kansas City where the Chiefs play home games in Arrowhead Stadium and the Royals play next door in Kauffman Stadium. The stadiums were built in the 1960s and leases for both teams run through the end of the 2030 season.

The bill would authorize a state payment of up to $3 million annually to support the authority if it leases its facility to a team in the NFL, NBA, NHL or Major League Baseball. The payment would only be made if lawmakers approve it in annual appropriation bills and only in an amount equal to the support from local governments.

The likelihood one or both teams will move is high after Kansas lawmakers last year passed several incentives intended to lure them across the state line.

The Royals first announced an intention to leave Kauffman Stadium&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article287849540.html" target="_blank">in November 2022</a>. The move would allow the Chiefs to remain in Arrowhead, demolish Kauffman and build a covered entertainment center.

In the spring of 2023, Clay County leaders announced interest in building a stadium in North Kansas City that could become the Royals new home.

Soon after Clay County entered the conversation, a poll was leaked to the media widely seen as an effort to discredit the offer. It showed 70% of Clay County voters opposed a new sales tax to fund a stadium in North Kansas City.&nbsp;

No one took responsibility for the poll at the time. It wasn’t until more than a year later that documents provided to The Independent revealed it was a political action committee formed to support Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/13/campaign-committee-controlled-by-kc-mayor-requested-poll-he-denied-involvement-in/">paid for the Clay County polling</a>.

The effort to relocate the Royals to a new downtown stadium stalled when voters last year rejected a proposal to extend a 3/8-cent sales tax to help finance a downtown Kansas City baseball stadium and upgrades to Arrowhead Stadium.

Clay County is angling for both the Royals’ new home and for a new Chiefs training facility.

Clay County officials testifying Monday said their top priority is to find a solution to team facility needs that keeps both teams in Missouri.

“We have worked with local businesses, and we have worked with the local municipalities to make sure that we are all speaking with one voice, and it would be our pleasure to be able to add our voice to that of the state of Missouri,” Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte said.

But if the teams stay put at the Truman Sports Complex, move downtown or cross the state line, having the authority structure will help Clay County compete for other business, Clay County Associate Commissioner Scott Wagner said.

“This tool,” Wagner said, “can be helpful to us in the future for other sorts of teams, other sorts of opportunities that could potentially come to Clay County.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743503225884.png" alt=" State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, right, listens as Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte speaks Monday in favor of her bill authorizing a Clay County sports and convention center authority. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, right, listens as Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte speaks Monday in favor of her bill authorizing a Clay County sports and convention center authority. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The proposals would allow state tax support for new facilities in Clay County, where the Royals are considering a new stadium and the Chiefs are mulling a new training center</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Two&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=5391365" target="_blank">identical bills</a>&nbsp;to give state backing for a new sports and convention center in Clay County are&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/24/jackson-clay-county-lawmakers-jostling-to-keep-the-royals-and-chiefs-in-missouri/">not an attempt to poach</a>&nbsp;the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals from Jackson County, legislators were told Monday during a Senate committee hearing.Instead, the bill sponsors said, the intent is to provide another location for new facilities for one or both of the teams in order to ensure they stay in Missouri .“This has never been about pitting Jackson against Clay County,” said state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Democrat from the Clay County portion of Kansas City. “This is making sure that the teams have all the options on the table to find a spot that will work well for them.”Nurrenbern, who represents about two-thirds of Clay County, was joined by state Sen. Kurtis Gregory, a Republican from Marshall whose district has the remainder of Clay County.As he ran for the Senate last year, Gregory said, he was asked repeatedly what could be done to keep the teams in Missouri.&nbsp;“If they go to another state, we’re looking at easily another 50, 60, 70 years, before we’ve got a shot to get them back,” he said.With only seven weeks to go in the session, Gregory said after the hearing that he and Nurrenbern will be looking for a bill that can be amended to carry the legislation.The bills would authorize a new Clay County Sports Complex Authority, modeled on the Jackson County organization that owns the Truman Sports Complex in eastern Kansas City where the Chiefs play home games in Arrowhead Stadium and the Royals play next door in Kauffman Stadium. The stadiums were built in the 1960s and leases for both teams run through the end of the 2030 season.The bill would authorize a state payment of up to $3 million annually to support the authority if it leases its facility to a team in the NFL, NBA, NHL or Major League Baseball. The payment would only be made if lawmakers approve it in annual appropriation bills and only in an amount equal to the support from local governments.The likelihood one or both teams will move is high after Kansas lawmakers last year passed several incentives intended to lure them across the state line.The Royals first announced an intention to leave Kauffman Stadium&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article287849540.html" target="_blank">in November 2022</a>. The move would allow the Chiefs to remain in Arrowhead, demolish Kauffman and build a covered entertainment center.In the spring of 2023, Clay County leaders announced interest in building a stadium in North Kansas City that could become the Royals new home.Soon after Clay County entered the conversation, a poll was leaked to the media widely seen as an effort to discredit the offer. It showed 70% of Clay County voters opposed a new sales tax to fund a stadium in North Kansas City.&nbsp;No one took responsibility for the poll at the time. It wasn’t until more than a year later that documents provided to The Independent revealed it was a political action committee formed to support Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/13/campaign-committee-controlled-by-kc-mayor-requested-poll-he-denied-involvement-in/">paid for the Clay County polling</a>.The effort to relocate the Royals to a new downtown stadium stalled when voters last year rejected a proposal to extend a 3/8-cent sales tax to help finance a downtown Kansas City baseball stadium and upgrades to Arrowhead Stadium.Clay County is angling for both the Royals’ new home and for a new Chiefs training facility.Clay County officials testifying Monday said their top priority is to find a solution to team facility needs that keeps both teams in Missouri.“We have worked with local businesses, and we have worked with the local municipalities to make sure that we are all speaking with one voice, and it would be our pleasure to be able to add our voice to that of the state of Missouri,” Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte said.But if the teams stay put at the Truman Sports Complex, move downtown or cross the state line, having the authority structure will help Clay County compete for other business, Clay County Associate Commissioner Scott Wagner said.“This tool,” Wagner said, “can be helpful to us in the future for other sorts of teams, other sorts of opportunities that could potentially come to Clay County.”

Missouri Senators debate bill to open the door to Royals stadium in Clay County

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were called to report of a shooting in the 9800 block of Marsh, according to KCPD Officer Phil DiMartino.

First responders located two shooting victims, a man and a woman, in the front of a residence there. Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over. EMS transported both victims to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. Initial responding officers took one adult male subject of interest into custody for further investigation. Late Monday afternoon detectives were notified that both victims were declared deceased at the hospital.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance took place at the residence, between multiple subjects known to each other, which escalated into gunfire that struck both the deceased victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743462543806.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City.Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were called to report of a shooting in the 9800 block of Marsh, according to KCPD Officer Phil DiMartino.First responders located two shooting victims, a man and a woman, in the front of a residence there. Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over. EMS transported both victims to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. Initial responding officers took one adult male subject of interest into custody for further investigation. Late Monday afternoon detectives were notified that both victims were declared deceased at the hospital.Preliminary investigation indicates that a disturbance took place at the residence, between multiple subjects known to each other, which escalated into gunfire that struck both the deceased victims.

Homicide: Man and woman dead after disturbance at KC home

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three adults and a teen on drug allegations after a traffic stop.

On March 25,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit served two narcotics related search warrants in the 400 block of SW 29th Street and in the 100 block of SW 27th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. A subsequent traffic stop was conducted in relation to those search warrants in the 200 block of SE 21st Street.

During this investigation, fentanyl, firearms, drug paraphernalia and large amounts of U.S. currency were located.

Mecca Latone Jihadd Cameron, 21, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Distribute/possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance and Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transaction

Quentin K. Lawton Jr., 22, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the jail on requested charges of Criminal use of weapons; possession of a firearm by a person addicted to/using a controlled substance

Lawton Jr. was out on bond from a previous firearm and drug arrest less than two weeks ago by the Sheriff’s Office.

Will Crawford, 26, Topeka was booked into jail on requested charges of distribution of opiates.&nbsp; Officers also booked 16-year-old Lebron King James Felder into the juvenile facility.&nbsp; Police have not released possible charges he will face.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743456280703.png" alt="Cameron photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cameron photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three adults and a teen on drug allegations after a traffic stop.On March 25,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit served two narcotics related search warrants in the 400 block of SW 29th Street and in the 100 block of SW 27th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. A subsequent traffic stop was conducted in relation to those search warrants in the 200 block of SE 21st Street.During this investigation, fentanyl, firearms, drug paraphernalia and large amounts of U.S. currency were located.Mecca Latone Jihadd Cameron, 21, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include Distribute/possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance and Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transaction<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743456176053.png" alt="Lawton-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lawton-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Quentin K. Lawton Jr., 22, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the jail on requested charges of Criminal use of weapons; possession of a firearm by a person addicted to/using a controlled substanceLawton Jr. was out on bond from a previous firearm and drug arrest less than two weeks ago by the Sheriff’s Office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743456355421.png" alt="Crawford photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Crawford photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Will Crawford, 26, Topeka was booked into jail on requested charges of distribution of opiates.&nbsp; Officers also booked 16-year-old Lebron King James Felder into the juvenile facility.&nbsp; Police have not released possible charges he will face.

Kansas drug task force found fentanyl, firearms and cash

SHAWNEE COUNTY —&nbsp; Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend crash released the name of the victim.

Benjamin Edwards, 40, Topeka, died just after 3p.m. Saturday in a crash involving two motor vehicles that occurred near SW 21st and SW College Avenue, according to Dan Garrett, City of Topeka spokesman.

Edwards was transported to a local area hospital and pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Monday afternoon.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —&nbsp; Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend crash released the name of the victim.Benjamin Edwards, 40, Topeka, died just after 3p.m. Saturday in a crash involving two motor vehicles that occurred near SW 21st and SW College Avenue, according to Dan Garrett, City of Topeka spokesman.Edwards was transported to a local area hospital and pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Monday afternoon.

Police: Kansas man died in 2-vehicle weekend crash

DOUGLAS COUNTY – The Lawrence Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Lawrence woman, according to a media release from police.

The whereabouts of 74-year-old Wanda Dyer are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her. The Lawrence Police Department issued a local alert for Dyer over one week ago and she has not been located. She is believed to be on foot and may be heading east towards Eudora and Kansas City.

Dyer is a black female who is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 117 pounds. She has brown eyes and grey hair. Dyer was last seen wearing a black coat with a pink lining, a hoodie, multi-colored pants, and a backpack. Dyer experiences confusion and memory issues.

If you see Wanda Dyer, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Douglas County dispatch at 785-843-0250.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743454360019.png" alt="Photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY – The Lawrence Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Lawrence woman, according to a media release from police.The whereabouts of 74-year-old Wanda Dyer are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her. The Lawrence Police Department issued a local alert for Dyer over one week ago and she has not been located. She is believed to be on foot and may be heading east towards Eudora and Kansas City.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Based on new information that a missing Lawrence woman may have been seen heading out of the Lawrence area, the Lawrence Police Department is now expanding the search and issuing a Silver Alert for Wanda Dyer. Lawrence Police have conducted an extensive search throughout the… <a href="https://t.co/RWRXRgWNXK">pic.twitter.com/RWRXRgWNXK</a>&mdash; Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) <a href="https://twitter.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1904723186198913380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Dyer is a black female who is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 117 pounds. She has brown eyes and grey hair. Dyer was last seen wearing a black coat with a pink lining, a hoodie, multi-colored pants, and a backpack. Dyer experiences confusion and memory issues.If you see Wanda Dyer, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Douglas County dispatch at 785-843-0250.

Silver Alert: Kansas woman missing for over a week

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last night, in a successful counter-terrorism operation with our allies in El Salvador, the United States military transferred a group of 17 violent criminals from the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 organizations, including murderers and rapists. In order to keep the American people…&mdash; Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio/status/1906684174020284784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last night, in a joint military operation with our allies from the United States, we transferred 17 extremely dangerous criminals linked to Tren de Aragua and MS-13. All individuals are confirmed murderers and high-profile offenders, including six child rapists. This operation… <a href="https://t.co/Tk1Xq7vnuB">pic.twitter.com/Tk1Xq7vnuB</a>&mdash; Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) <a href="https://twitter.com/nayibbukele/status/1906703745158660177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥US deports more alleged gang members to El Salvador

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly weekend shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 56-year-old Pamela&nbsp;Ahmed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just before 7p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of E 29th street on a reported shooting.

Upon arrival officers were directed to the front yard of a residence on 29th street. They located a Ahmed suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.

Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743440746210.png" alt="Police on the scene Saturday -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene Saturday -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly weekend shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as 56-year-old Pamela&nbsp;Ahmed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just before 7p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of E 29th street on a reported shooting.Upon arrival officers were directed to the front yard of a residence on 29th street. They located a Ahmed suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded and pronounced her deceased on scene.Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Police ID Kansas City woman killed in shooting

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 6p.m. March 27, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to check the welfare of two individuals sitting in a vehicle at the Dollar General store in Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the encounter, the deputies with the assistance of Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol found illegal drugs including fentanyl, controlled substances, THC and numerous drug paraphernalia items. 

Deputies&nbsp;arrested 31-year-old Cassidy Nicole Howland, of Lawrence on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.&nbsp; 

They also arrested 33-year-old Jonathan David King, of Lawrence on requested charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743162901122.png" alt="King photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>King photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 6p.m. March 27, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to check the welfare of two individuals sitting in a vehicle at the Dollar General store in Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743162814374.png" alt="Howland photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Howland photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the encounter, the deputies with the assistance of Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol found illegal drugs including fentanyl, controlled substances, THC and numerous drug paraphernalia items. Deputies&nbsp;arrested 31-year-old Cassidy Nicole Howland, of Lawrence on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.&nbsp; They also arrested 33-year-old Jonathan David King, of Lawrence on requested charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kan. couple caught with fentanyl outside Dollar General

WIESBADEN, Germany —The M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle the four missing U.S. Soldiers were operating during a training exercise has been located in Lithuania, according to a media release from U.S. Army.

 The vehicle was discovered submerged in a body of water in a training area after a search by U.S. Army, Lithuanian Armed Forces and other Lithuanian authorities. Recovery efforts are underway by U.S. Army and Lithuanian Armed Forces and civilian agencies.

Search efforts for the Soldiers continue.

The Soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting scheduled tactical training at the time of the incident. We will provide further updates as new information becomes available.

The 3rd Inf. Div. is continuing to keep families of the Soldiers informed on the status of search efforts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743415329786.png" alt="In this image provided by the U.S. Army, U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Lithuanian Army and emergency services personnel, discuss their plan to recover four U.S. soldiers in a U.S. Army M88 Hercules submerged under several meters of water in a swamp near a training area near Pabadre, Lithuania, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Christopher Saundersn/U.S. Army&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>In this image provided by the U.S. Army, U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Lithuanian Army and emergency services personnel, discuss their plan to recover four U.S. soldiers in a U.S. Army M88 Hercules submerged under several meters of water in a swamp near a training area near Pabadre, Lithuania, Thursday, March 27, 2025. Christopher Saundersn/U.S. Army&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WIESBADEN, Germany —The M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle the four missing U.S. Soldiers were operating during a training exercise has been located in Lithuania, according to a media release from U.S. Army. The vehicle was discovered submerged in a body of water in a training area after a search by U.S. Army, Lithuanian Armed Forces and other Lithuanian authorities. Recovery efforts are underway by U.S. Army and Lithuanian Armed Forces and civilian agencies.Search efforts for the Soldiers continue.The Soldiers, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were conducting scheduled tactical training at the time of the incident. We will provide further updates as new information becomes available.The 3rd Inf. Div. is continuing to keep families of the Soldiers informed on the status of search efforts.

Mystery: US Army vehicle pulled from swamp in Lithuania; soldiers still missing

LEAVENWORTH—A man died over the weekend in the federal prison in Leavenworth.

Just after 7 p.m. Saturday, prison officials found 28-year-old Denix Heredia-Chang unresponsive at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Leavenworth, Kansas, according to a statement from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Responding employees initiated life-saving measures. Emergency medical services (EMS) were requested while life-saving efforts continued. EMS pronounced him deceased.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600183865325.png" alt="Photo Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH—A man died over the weekend in the federal prison in Leavenworth.Just after 7 p.m. Saturday, prison officials found 28-year-old Denix Heredia-Chang unresponsive at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Leavenworth, Kansas, according to a statement from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.Responding employees initiated life-saving measures. Emergency medical services (EMS) were requested while life-saving efforts continued. EMS pronounced him deceased.

Man awaiting trial dies in federal prison in Kansas

JOHNSON COUNTY — A Kansas children's church pastor who admitted committing a violent attack on his family is going to prison.

On March 26, Judge Jason Billam sentenced 42-year-old Matthew L. Richards to nearly 30-years in prison for the September 2023 incident that sent seven people to the hospital.

On February 11, Richards pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted first degree murder. He was originally charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of arson with risk of bodily harm, according to the Shawnee, Kansas police department.

Just before 4a.m. September 16, 2023, police and fire crews were called to the 6600 block of Goode Drive for a report of a disturbance and a house fire, according to a media release from Shawnee Police. Firefighters found a fire in the basement of a home and quickly extinguished the fire.

EMS transported 7 people to area hospitals for treatment including the suspect later identified as Richards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following an investigation by police, fire and the Johnson County Criminalistics lab, police arrested Richards, the father and husband of the victims.

Richards was<a href="https://crossroads-christian.com/about-us/crossroads-team/matt-richards/">&nbsp;the children's pastor</a>&nbsp;at Crossroads Christian Church,&nbsp;5855 Renner Road in Shawnee, Kansas, according to the church web site.&nbsp;

The victims sustained laceration injuries. One adult woman and two juveniles remained at area hospitals the day after the incident receiving treatment.&nbsp; A 19-year-old and two other juveniles were released from the hospital late on the day of the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694924502225.png" alt="Richards photo Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Richards photo Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY — A Kansas children's church pastor who admitted committing a violent attack on his family is going to prison.On March 26, Judge Jason Billam sentenced 42-year-old Matthew L. Richards to nearly 30-years in prison for the September 2023 incident that sent seven people to the hospital.On February 11, Richards pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted first degree murder. He was originally charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of arson with risk of bodily harm, according to the Shawnee, Kansas police department.Just before 4a.m. September 16, 2023, police and fire crews were called to the 6600 block of Goode Drive for a report of a disturbance and a house fire, according to a media release from Shawnee Police. Firefighters found a fire in the basement of a home and quickly extinguished the fire.EMS transported 7 people to area hospitals for treatment including the suspect later identified as Richards.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following an investigation by police, fire and the Johnson County Criminalistics lab, police arrested Richards, the father and husband of the victims.Richards was<a href="https://crossroads-christian.com/about-us/crossroads-team/matt-richards/">&nbsp;the children's pastor</a>&nbsp;at Crossroads Christian Church,&nbsp;5855 Renner Road in Shawnee, Kansas, according to the church web site.&nbsp;The victims sustained laceration injuries. One adult woman and two juveniles remained at area hospitals the day after the incident receiving treatment.&nbsp; A 19-year-old and two other juveniles were released from the hospital late on the day of the incident.

Former Kan. pastor going to prison for attack on his family

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 3a.m. Sunday in Kansas City.

A vehicle driven by an unidentified woman was northbound on Broadway, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As the vehicle through the green light on West 43rd, it traveled directly into a utility pole. EMS transported the driver to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the driver or additional details.

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just after 3a.m. Sunday in Kansas City.A vehicle driven by an unidentified woman was northbound on Broadway, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.As the vehicle through the green light on West 43rd, it traveled directly into a utility pole. EMS transported the driver to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the driver or additional details.

KCPD: Woman dead after crash into utility pole

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a deadly shooting in Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 11p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1900 Block of Stewart Avenue. At the scene, first responders found a man outside a residence deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp; 

Police are questioning a person of interest but have not reported an arrest. Police did not release the name of the victim or additional details early Sunday.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a deadly shooting in Kansas City, Kansas.Just after 11p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1900 Block of Stewart Avenue. At the scene, first responders found a man outside a residence deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Police are questioning a person of interest but have not reported an arrest. Police did not release the name of the victim or additional details early Sunday.

Homicide: Police found man deceased outside Kansas home

Initiative petitions filed Friday would require Tesla to use independent franchises to market its cars or shutdown Kansas City,&nbsp;St. Louis showrooms.

An initiative effort begun Friday by a well-known Missouri Democrat would, if passed by voters next year, force Tesla to close its St. Louis and Kansas City showrooms.

Brad Ketcher, a St. Louis attorney who was chief of staff to Democratic Gov. Mel Carnahan in the 1990s, said he hopes the effort spreads to other states to fight back against Tesla CEO Elon Musk for his lead role in mass federal layoffs and budget cuts for President Donald Trump.

“If Elon Musk was not cutting Medicaid and Social Security and veterans health to fund a tax cut for billionaires and doing it with a bizarre glee, we would not be asking Missourians to say this guy does not deserve to be doing business in this state,” Ketcher said. “We would not be trying to drive this in Missouri.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741724524957.png" alt="Earlier this month, President Trump turned the White House lawn into a Tesla showroom to show support for Musk" />
 <figcaption>Earlier this month, President Trump turned the White House lawn into a Tesla showroom to show support for Musk</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Initiative petitions filed Friday would require Tesla to use independent franchises to market its cars or shutdown Kansas City,&nbsp;St. Louis showrooms.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>An initiative effort begun Friday by a well-known Missouri Democrat would, if passed by voters next year, force Tesla to close its St. Louis and Kansas City showrooms.Brad Ketcher, a St. Louis attorney who was chief of staff to Democratic Gov. Mel Carnahan in the 1990s, said he hopes the effort spreads to other states to fight back against Tesla CEO Elon Musk for his lead role in mass federal layoffs and budget cuts for President Donald Trump.“If Elon Musk was not cutting Medicaid and Social Security and veterans health to fund a tax cut for billionaires and doing it with a bizarre glee, we would not be asking Missourians to say this guy does not deserve to be doing business in this state,” Ketcher said. “We would not be trying to drive this in Missouri.”Tesla did not immediately respond to an email from The Independent seeking comment on the initiative.Soon after winning election in November, Trump named Musk to lead a newly created Department of Government Efficiency with instructions to find savings in the federal budget.Since taking office, Musk has, among other actions, closed the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/03/repub/members-of-congress-refused-entry-to-usaid-agency-shuttered-by-trump-administration/">U.S. Agency for International Development</a>, been granted&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/04/repub/lawsuit-filed-over-attempts-by-elon-musks-doge-to-take-over-u-s-benefit-payment-system/">access to payment systems</a>&nbsp;delivering benefits to millions of Americans, put the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/11/repub/elon-musks-doge-targets-u-s-department-of-education-for-millions-in-funding-cuts/">entire Department of Education</a>&nbsp;on the chopping block and slashed the staff of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/03/repub/deep-cutbacks-in-social-security-staff-slammed-by-u-s-senate-democrats/">Social Security Administration</a>.Many of those actions have been challenged in court and temporarily halted. Republicans in Congress, meanwhile, are pushing through a budget resolution that would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/25/repub/u-s-house-republicans-overcome-own-members-doubts-to-push-through-sweeping-budget/">extend tax cuts enacted in 2017</a>&nbsp;while making deep cuts in Medicaid and food programs.The initiatives filed with the secretary of state’s office would use Missouri’s law governing motor vehicle sales, which requires new cars, trucks and motorcycles to be sold through franchised dealers, to force Tesla out. Two versions were filed Friday, and more may be written before the signature drive begins, Ketcher said.The petitions must be reviewed and put out for public comment before the signature drive.Prior to the arrival of Tesla, all new motor vehicles sold in Missouri were purchased at authorized franchises with ownership independent of the manufacturer. In 2013, the Department of Revenue licensed a franchise owned by Tesla for a St. Louis showroom and followed it up the next year by licensing a Kansas City showroom.The initiatives would cause those licenses to be revoked. The first version filed states that “it is the express intent of the people to prevent any manufacturer of new motor vehicles from circumventing the public policy as stated in (state law) by engaging in methods of retailing new motor vehicles which are designed to avoid the provisions” of that law.To make the ballot, the committee called UnPlug Musk must gather at least 106,384 signatures properly distributed among six of the state’s congressional districts. The petition drive must be complete by the start of May 2026.Ketcher said that so far, he and former state Rep. Deb Lavender, a St. Louis County Democrat, treasurer of the committee, are the only people enlisted for the effort. He hopes to build a coalition quickly, he said.“This gives Missourians a chance to say this guy is not welcome to do business in our state,” Ketcher said.The petition drive would not be the first attempt to use state law to keep Tesla from opening its company-owned showrooms in Missouri. In 2014, Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, then a state senator, helped write a provision for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2014/05/09/complaints-flare-bill-affect-tesla-sales/8900153/" target="_blank">bill that fell just short of passing</a>&nbsp;to require all auto manufacturers to sell their vehicles through a franchise dealership.Kehoe owned Ford and Lincoln-Mercury franchises in Jefferson City from 1992 to 2011. He sold the dealerships before entering politics.He told the Springfield News-Leader in 2014 that he was surprised the department issued a dealership license to Tesla.“Our question as dealers and people I know in the business: how in the world when we’ve worked so hard to get franchise legislation, how in the world could that be possible?” Kehoe said to the News-Leader.The Missouri Automobile Dealers Association and others sued the department over its licensing decision, winning at the trial court level before the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.californiademocrat.com/news/2017/dec/06/appeals-court-rejects-anti-tesla-lawsuit/" target="_blank">Western District Court of Appeals ruled</a>&nbsp;none of the plaintiffs had a legal right to challenge the licenses.In its briefs for the appeals court, Tesla acknowledged that the legislature could block it from having manufacturer-owned dealerships.“Plainly, if the legislature had wanted to erect a blanket direct sales ban, it could and would have done so clearly and straightforwardly by amending the existing partial ban in the franchise act,” attorneys wrote.The auto dealers did not return a call seeking comment on the initiative.There are some states where Tesla is not operating dealerships because of franchise laws. In Wisconsin, where Musk is spending millions on the state Supreme Court election, Tesla is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tesla-musk-wisconsin-supreme-court-dealerships-101d7608d69dda61aeaf6ebee7903d2b" target="_blank">suing to overturn</a>&nbsp;the franchise law.Ketcher said he wants the effort to be joined by groups from other states with the initiative petition process and Democratically-controlled legislatures.“Even in red states, somebody can hold up an amendment, and say, here’s the amendment to drive Tesla, drive Musk, out of our state,” he said.The language of the initiative, Ketcher said, is taken, with only technical changes, from the provisions Kehoe supplied for the 2014 bill. Tesla attorneys acknowledged during the litigation that it would effectively shut down their showrooms, Ketcher noted.“They’ve given us plans for the Death Star,” Ketcher said. “And when when somebody gives you the plans for Death Star, you know what to do.”