BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>

WASHINGTON — Former Hawaii U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/intel-nominee-gabbard-tries-win-over-skeptics-us-senate-confirmation-hearing" target="_blank">Tulsi Gabbard</a>&nbsp;got a step further on Tuesday in her bid to serve as the next director of national intelligence after a U.S. Senate panel propelled her nomination to the Senate floor.

Gabbard — who has stood among President Donald Trump’s most controversial Cabinet nominees — managed to secure enough votes in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence to advance her nomination, 9-8, along party lines, the panel confirmed to States Newsroom.

The lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve faced serious concerns from lawmakers of both parties regarding her nomination following a series of controversies, including over her foreign policy views and meetings she took part in with then-Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

But Gabbard provided further clarity to some of her past statements and actions last week in front of the Senate intelligence panel and described her vision on working “to end the politicization of the intelligence community,” if confirmed.

Tuesday’s committee vote by no means guaranteed Gabbard’s confirmation, but the outcome brought her closer to potentially securing the post responsible for overseeing the vast intelligence community.

That community, made up of 18 agencies and organizations, has a budget of more than&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10524" target="_blank">$100 billion</a>.

Gabbard, who is now a Republican but ran an unsuccessful 2020 Democratic presidential campaign, managed to win the support of senators on the panel who voiced skepticism surrounding her nomination, including GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana.

Collins said Monday that&nbsp;<a href="https://mainemorningstar.com/briefs/sen-collins-to-support-nomination-of-tulsi-gabbard-for-intelligence-chief/" target="_blank">Gabbard addressed her concerns</a>&nbsp;regarding the nominee’s views on Edward Snowden — a former contractor at the National Security Agency who leaked classified information regarding surveillance efforts.

During last week’s confirmation hearing, Gabbard took heat for refusing to call Snowden a traitor.

However, Collins managed to get Gabbard to say that she would not support a pardon for Snowden, if confirmed.

Gabbard also garnered the support of Young, who in a Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenToddYoung/status/1886799486640386197" target="_blank">post on social media</a>&nbsp;backed the nominee while sharing a letter she wrote to the Indiana Republican outlining multiple commitments she will make, if confirmed.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738022744738.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran met with Gabbard last month-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran met with Gabbard last month-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — Former Hawaii U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/intel-nominee-gabbard-tries-win-over-skeptics-us-senate-confirmation-hearing" target="_blank">Tulsi Gabbard</a>&nbsp;got a step further on Tuesday in her bid to serve as the next director of national intelligence after a U.S. Senate panel propelled her nomination to the Senate floor.Gabbard — who has stood among President Donald Trump’s most controversial Cabinet nominees — managed to secure enough votes in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence to advance her nomination, 9-8, along party lines, the panel confirmed to States Newsroom.The lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve faced serious concerns from lawmakers of both parties regarding her nomination following a series of controversies, including over her foreign policy views and meetings she took part in with then-Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.But Gabbard provided further clarity to some of her past statements and actions last week in front of the Senate intelligence panel and described her vision on working “to end the politicization of the intelligence community,” if confirmed.Tuesday’s committee vote by no means guaranteed Gabbard’s confirmation, but the outcome brought her closer to potentially securing the post responsible for overseeing the vast intelligence community.That community, made up of 18 agencies and organizations, has a budget of more than&nbsp;<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10524" target="_blank">$100 billion</a>.Gabbard, who is now a Republican but ran an unsuccessful 2020 Democratic presidential campaign, managed to win the support of senators on the panel who voiced skepticism surrounding her nomination, including GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana.Collins said Monday that&nbsp;<a href="https://mainemorningstar.com/briefs/sen-collins-to-support-nomination-of-tulsi-gabbard-for-intelligence-chief/" target="_blank">Gabbard addressed her concerns</a>&nbsp;regarding the nominee’s views on Edward Snowden — a former contractor at the National Security Agency who leaked classified information regarding surveillance efforts.During last week’s confirmation hearing, Gabbard took heat for refusing to call Snowden a traitor.However, Collins managed to get Gabbard to say that she would not support a pardon for Snowden, if confirmed.Gabbard also garnered the support of Young, who in a Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenToddYoung/status/1886799486640386197" target="_blank">post on social media</a>&nbsp;backed the nominee while sharing a letter she wrote to the Indiana Republican outlining multiple commitments she will make, if confirmed.&nbsp;

Gabbard nomination for intel chief headed to Senate floor after panel approval

KANSAS CITY —A man is facing charges in connection with a fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 70 that occurred January 28.

Javier Garcia-Arellano, 26, is charged with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2494/Redacted-Complaint">class B felony of Driving While Intoxicated resulting in death</a>, according to the&nbsp;Jackson County prosecutor's office.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2495/Probable-Cause">According to court records</a>, officers were dispatched to westbound Interstate 70 west of Noland Road in Independence shortly after midnight on a crash with fatal injuries. The crash investigation revealed a Toyota Camry operated by Garcia-Arellano was traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of Interstate 70 and struck a westbound Kia Optima head-on.

 After the collision, the Toyota continued traveling east where it was struck by a Freightliner tractor trailer and then collided with another vehicle.

The driver of the Kia died in the crash and the other two drivers sustained injuries.

Garcia-Arellano told police he had been drinking alcoholic beverages that night into the early morning. According to court records he said he had as many as twelve to fourteen alcoholic beverages since 6p.m.

 Toxicology reports confirmed the defendant was driving under the influence of alcohol.&nbsp;&nbsp;Javier Garcia-Arellanos did not have a valid driver's license and one prior arrest for driving while intoxicated, according to a&nbsp; Kansas Highway Patrol arrest in May of 2023

He is in custody on a $150,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738358683112.png" alt="GARCIA-ARELLANO is being held for immigration authorities, according to online jail records" />
 <figcaption>GARCIA-ARELLANO is being held for immigration authorities, according to online jail records</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A man is facing charges in connection with a fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 70 that occurred January 28. Javier Garcia-Arellano, 26, is charged with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2494/Redacted-Complaint">class B felony of Driving While Intoxicated resulting in death</a>, according to the&nbsp;Jackson County prosecutor's office.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2495/Probable-Cause">According to court records</a>, officers were dispatched to westbound Interstate 70 west of Noland Road in Independence shortly after midnight on a crash with fatal injuries. The crash investigation revealed a Toyota Camry operated by Garcia-Arellano was traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of Interstate 70 and struck a westbound Kia Optima head-on. After the collision, the Toyota continued traveling east where it was struck by a Freightliner tractor trailer and then collided with another vehicle.The driver of the Kia died in the crash and the other two drivers sustained injuries.Garcia-Arellano told police he had been drinking alcoholic beverages that night into the early morning. According to court records he said he had as many as twelve to fourteen alcoholic beverages since 6p.m. Toxicology reports confirmed the defendant was driving under the influence of alcohol.&nbsp;&nbsp;Javier Garcia-Arellanos did not have a valid driver's license and one prior arrest for driving while intoxicated, according to a&nbsp; Kansas Highway Patrol arrest in May of 2023He is in custody on a $150,000 bond.&nbsp;

Driver in fatal I-70 crash said he had 14 drinks

WASHINGTON — Two employees of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority have been charged after authorities say they leaked a video of the&nbsp;American Airlines Flight 5342 crash with an Army Black Hawk helicopter&nbsp;to CNN, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority.

The employees made an "unauthorized copy" of the video and gave it to the media outlet.

Mohamed Lamine Mbengue, 21, was charged with computer trespass. He was booked into the Arlington County Adult Detention Center and later released on his own recognizance. &nbsp;&nbsp;

 Jonathan Savoy, 45,&nbsp; Upper Marlboro, was also charged with computer trespass. He was released on a summons by a magistrate.

No one survived the Wednesday night collision. Crews are still searching for remains.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738667971605.png" alt="Mbengue photo Arlington County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Mbengue photo Arlington County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Two employees of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority have been charged after authorities say they leaked a video of the&nbsp;American Airlines Flight 5342 crash with an Army Black Hawk helicopter&nbsp;to CNN, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority.The employees made an "unauthorized copy" of the video and gave it to the media outlet.Mohamed Lamine Mbengue, 21, was charged with computer trespass. He was booked into the Arlington County Adult Detention Center and later released on his own recognizance. &nbsp;&nbsp; Jonathan Savoy, 45,&nbsp; Upper Marlboro, was also charged with computer trespass. He was released on a summons by a magistrate.No one survived the Wednesday night collision. Crews are still searching for remains.

Airport workers arrested for leaking mid-air plane crash video to media

KANSAS CITY—Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run in downtown Kansas City.

According to KCPD officer&nbsp; Alayna Gonzalez, a gold four door sedan was northbound on South Grand Boulevard and struck a pedestrian crossing,&nbsp; from west to east, on the crosswalk at 12th Street.

After the collision, the driver left the scene in an unknown direction. EMS transported the pedestrian to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later, according to Gonzalez&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run in downtown Kansas City.According to KCPD officer&nbsp; Alayna Gonzalez, a gold four door sedan was northbound on South Grand Boulevard and struck a pedestrian crossing,&nbsp; from west to east, on the crosswalk at 12th Street.After the collision, the driver left the scene in an unknown direction. EMS transported the pedestrian to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later, according to Gonzalez&nbsp;

Fatal hit-and-run: Pedestrian struck while in KC crosswalk

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly stabbing and have arrested the victim's mother.

&nbsp;Just before 2a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 500 block of Quincy in Kanas City on a reported knife attack, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

At the scene, first responders observed a residence with an open door and several people outside summoning officers to the home. 

Officers entered the residence to locate any potential victims and observed a man suffering from apparent stab wounds. Emergency medical aid was immediately given to the victim by responding officers until EMS arrived and transported the him to an area hospital where he&nbsp; was pronounced deceased. 

Preliminary investigation indicates the incident may have started over a verbal argument that escalated to violence. A woman, the victim's mother, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte' was identified as a suspect and taken into custody on scene for further questioning. 

Detectives are not currently looking for any additional individuals responsible. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to begin collecting evidence and gather witness statements.This incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of those involved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738679900796.png" alt="Police on the scene early Tuesday-photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene early Tuesday-photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly stabbing and have arrested the victim's mother.&nbsp;Just before 2a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the 500 block of Quincy in Kanas City on a reported knife attack, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.At the scene, first responders observed a residence with an open door and several people outside summoning officers to the home. Officers entered the residence to locate any potential victims and observed a man suffering from apparent stab wounds. Emergency medical aid was immediately given to the victim by responding officers until EMS arrived and transported the him to an area hospital where he&nbsp; was pronounced deceased. Preliminary investigation indicates the incident may have started over a verbal argument that escalated to violence. A woman, the victim's mother, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte' was identified as a suspect and taken into custody on scene for further questioning. Detectives are not currently looking for any additional individuals responsible. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to begin collecting evidence and gather witness statements.This incident is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of those involved.

Mother in custody after deadly stabbing at KC home

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

WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved one step closer to becoming Health and Human Services secretary on Tuesday after a Senate committee favorably reported his nomination to the floor.

The Finance Committee’s 14-13 party-line vote doesn’t necessarily guarantee Kennedy will receive Senate confirmation, though it signals he does have the chance despite decades of spreading false information about vaccine safety.

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who backed Kennedy in committee, said during a floor speech later Tuesday he had received hundreds of messages personally and thousands into his office expressing strong support from some and dismay from others about the prospect of Kennedy gaining Senate confirmation.

“The most notable opponents of Mr. Kennedy were pediatricians on the front lines of our children’s health, who regularly have to combat misinformation,” Cassidy said. “They are aware that children are now contracting diseases that they would not have contracted if the child was vaccinated.”

Cassidy, who worked as a physician for decades before becoming a senator, said Kennedy and the Trump administration have assured him they will protect “the public health benefit of vaccination.”

“Mr. Kennedy and the administration committed that he and I would have an unprecedentedly close, collaborative, working relationship if he is confirmed,” Cassidy said. “We will meet or speak multiple times a month.”

Cassidy said Kennedy and the Trump administration committed that if confirmed, Kennedy would:&nbsp;

“If Mr. Kennedy is confirmed, I will use my authority of the Senate committee with oversight of HHS to rebuff any attempt to remove the public’s access to life-saving vaccines without ironclad causational scientific evidence that can be accepted and defended before the mainstream scientific community and before Congress,” Cassidy said. “I will watch carefully for any effort to wrongly sow public fear about vaccines between confusing references of coincidence and anecdote.”

Cassidy said that if Kennedy is confirmed as HHS secretary by the full Senate, he expects Kennedy would support overhauls Cassidy has planned for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.

“We also need to reform institutions, like FDA and NIH, and those, as has already been indicated, are my priorities as chairman of the HELP Committee. I look forward to his support in accomplishing this,” Cassidy said.

Democrats raised their concerns about how Kennedy’s confirmation would impact the country’s public health system, just before the committee voted.

Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock said that Kennedy is “manifestly unqualified for the job he seeks.”

“We need a serious person at the helm of the HHS, an agency responsible for the health of about half of all Americans,” Warnock said. “Mr. Kennedy appears more obsessed in chasing conspiracy theories than chasing solutions to lower health care costs for working families in Georgia and to make sure that we are protected.

“The last thing we need is a dilettante dabbling in conspiracy theories at HHS.”

North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis said that he believes Kennedy will “go wild” as HHS Secretary.

“I hope he goes wild and actually finds a way to reduce the cost of health care,” Tillis said. “I hope he goes wild and instead of having the discussions that we have had for the 10 years that I’ve been in the Senate of making Medicaid work and making people on Medicaid healthier, I hope he goes wild and figures out how to do it because the status quo has not achieved much in the way of gain.

“I hope he goes wild on food safety discussions so that we can actually approve our food safety supply.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734473282160.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Kennedy during a meeting in December- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and Kennedy during a meeting in December- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved one step closer to becoming Health and Human Services secretary on Tuesday after a Senate committee favorably reported his nomination to the floor.The Finance Committee’s 14-13 party-line vote doesn’t necessarily guarantee Kennedy will receive Senate confirmation, though it signals he does have the chance despite decades of spreading false information about vaccine safety.Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who backed Kennedy in committee, said during a floor speech later Tuesday he had received hundreds of messages personally and thousands into his office expressing strong support from some and dismay from others about the prospect of Kennedy gaining Senate confirmation.“The most notable opponents of Mr. Kennedy were pediatricians on the front lines of our children’s health, who regularly have to combat misinformation,” Cassidy said. “They are aware that children are now contracting diseases that they would not have contracted if the child was vaccinated.”Cassidy, who worked as a physician for decades before becoming a senator, said Kennedy and the Trump administration have assured him they will protect “the public health benefit of vaccination.”“Mr. Kennedy and the administration committed that he and I would have an unprecedentedly close, collaborative, working relationship if he is confirmed,” Cassidy said. “We will meet or speak multiple times a month.”<h2>Pledges by Kennedy</h2>Cassidy said Kennedy and the Trump administration committed that if confirmed, Kennedy would:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Work within the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring systems and not establish parallel systems;</li><li>Maintain the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory committee on immunization practices recommendations without changes;</li><li>Keep statements on the CDC’s website that state vaccines do not cause autism;</li><li>Provide at least 30 days notice to the HELP Committee if HHS wants to make changes to any of the federal vaccine safety monitoring programs;</li><li>Allow the HELP Committee chairman to choose a representative on any board or commission formed to review vaccine safety; and</li><li>Appear before the HELP Committee on a quarterly basis if requested.</li>
 </ul>“If Mr. Kennedy is confirmed, I will use my authority of the Senate committee with oversight of HHS to rebuff any attempt to remove the public’s access to life-saving vaccines without ironclad causational scientific evidence that can be accepted and defended before the mainstream scientific community and before Congress,” Cassidy said. “I will watch carefully for any effort to wrongly sow public fear about vaccines between confusing references of coincidence and anecdote.”Cassidy said that if Kennedy is confirmed as HHS secretary by the full Senate, he expects Kennedy would support overhauls Cassidy has planned for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.“We also need to reform institutions, like FDA and NIH, and those, as has already been indicated, are my priorities as chairman of the HELP Committee. I look forward to his support in accomplishing this,” Cassidy said.<h2>‘Manifestly unqualified’</h2>Democrats raised their concerns about how Kennedy’s confirmation would impact the country’s public health system, just before the committee voted.Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock said that Kennedy is “manifestly unqualified for the job he seeks.”“We need a serious person at the helm of the HHS, an agency responsible for the health of about half of all Americans,” Warnock said. “Mr. Kennedy appears more obsessed in chasing conspiracy theories than chasing solutions to lower health care costs for working families in Georgia and to make sure that we are protected.“The last thing we need is a dilettante dabbling in conspiracy theories at HHS.”<h2>‘Go wild’</h2>North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis said that he believes Kennedy will “go wild” as HHS Secretary.“I hope he goes wild and actually finds a way to reduce the cost of health care,” Tillis said. “I hope he goes wild and instead of having the discussions that we have had for the 10 years that I’ve been in the Senate of making Medicaid work and making people on Medicaid healthier, I hope he goes wild and figures out how to do it because the status quo has not achieved much in the way of gain.“I hope he goes wild on food safety discussions so that we can actually approve our food safety supply.”&nbsp;

RFK Jr. Nomination as Health Secretary Approved by Key U.S. Senate Panel

LEAVENWORTH—Federal officials are investigating the death of an inmate at a prison in Kansas.

Just before 10p.m. Sunday, 30-year-old inmate&nbsp;Christian Rivera-Carrion was found unresponsive at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Leavenworth, 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.&nbsp; EMS transported Rivera-Carrion to a local hospital where he was&nbsp; pronounced deceased. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified.

No employees or other incarcerated individuals were injured and at no time was the public in danger.

&nbsp;Rivera-Carrion was sentenced in the Southern District of Texas to an aggregate 87-month sentence for Illegal Reentry by a Previously Deported Alien after an Aggravated Felony Conviction and Illegal Alien Transportation for Private or Financial Gain.

He had been in custody at FCI Leavenworth since October 17, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600183865325.png" alt="The federal prison in Leavenworth-image Bureau of Prisons" />
 <figcaption>The federal prison in Leavenworth-image Bureau of Prisons</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH—Federal officials are investigating the death of an inmate at a prison in Kansas.Just before 10p.m. Sunday, 30-year-old inmate&nbsp;Christian Rivera-Carrion was found unresponsive at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Leavenworth, 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.&nbsp; EMS transported Rivera-Carrion to a local hospital where he was&nbsp; pronounced deceased. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified.No employees or other incarcerated individuals were injured and at no time was the public in danger.&nbsp;Rivera-Carrion was sentenced in the Southern District of Texas to an aggregate 87-month sentence for Illegal Reentry by a Previously Deported Alien after an Aggravated Felony Conviction and Illegal Alien Transportation for Private or Financial Gain.He had been in custody at FCI Leavenworth since October 17, 2024.

30-year-old illegal alien in Kansas prison has died

The young figure skaters whose&nbsp;lives were cut tragically short Wednesday night when an&nbsp;American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter&nbsp;and crashed into the Potomac River were just beginning their journeys to stardom.

They were learning how to perfect toe loops and axels, sit spins and step sequences. They had just been to a development camp in Wichita after the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, where they had been learning how to skate with grace and flair.

On Monday, U.S. Figure skating released a video honoring the lives lost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738593013304.png" alt="Image from the U.S. Figure Skating video" />
 <figcaption>Image from the U.S. Figure Skating video</figcaption>
 </figure>The young figure skaters whose&nbsp;lives were cut tragically short Wednesday night when an&nbsp;American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter&nbsp;and crashed into the Potomac River were just beginning their journeys to stardom.They were learning how to perfect toe loops and axels, sit spins and step sequences. They had just been to a development camp in Wichita after the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, where they had been learning how to skate with grace and flair.On Monday, U.S. Figure skating released a video honoring the lives lost.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Honoring those we tragically lost. See below for tributes to our beloved club members. 🖤 ION FSC: <a href="https://t.co/UzVviMzAfJ">https://t.co/UzVviMzAfJ</a> The SC of Boston: <a href="https://t.co/S1rDUZ0QLa">https://t.co/S1rDUZ0QLa</a> SC of Northern Virginia: <a href="https://t.co/6bZ5htFQ0Y">https://t.co/6bZ5htFQ0Y</a> University of Delaware FSC: <a href="https://t.co/XfgjLlwHnP">https://t.co/XfgjLlwHnP</a> Washington… <a href="https://t.co/NtZgm3ImMB">pic.twitter.com/NtZgm3ImMB</a>&mdash; U.S. Figure Skating (@USFigureSkating) <a href="https://twitter.com/USFigureSkating/status/1886384339136491684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The AP contributed to this report.

🎥U.S. Figure Skating video honors those lost in mid-air crash

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted felon on new allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 6a.m. Sunday, police officer attempted to pull driver over for a traffic violation on Missouri 92 Highway near the QuikTrip, according to a statement from Kearney Police.

The driver did not want to stop and fled with speeds under 40 mph as the vehicle travels towards the Holiday Inn Hotel on Watson Drive.

 Officers pursued the vehicle a few blocks where it pulled into a parking spot at the hotel. The driver was safely removed from the vehicle and taken into custody without issue. The driver was found to be a wanted felon by the United States Marshals Service for a serious weapons offense as well as warrants through the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. 

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine, cocaine and prescription drugs. Officers also found a loaded firearm. The driver, a 47-year-old man from Independence, Missouri, is a convicted felon and prohibited from having a gun.

P0lice arrested the driver on his felony warrant and requested charges that include illegal narcotics and illegal possessing of the firearm. He is being held in the Clay County Detention Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738588870896.png" alt="Photo Kearney Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kearney Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted felon on new allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 6a.m. Sunday, police officer attempted to pull driver over for a traffic violation on Missouri 92 Highway near the QuikTrip, according to a statement from Kearney Police.The driver did not want to stop and fled with speeds under 40 mph as the vehicle travels towards the Holiday Inn Hotel on Watson Drive. Officers pursued the vehicle a few blocks where it pulled into a parking spot at the hotel. The driver was safely removed from the vehicle and taken into custody without issue. The driver was found to be a wanted felon by the United States Marshals Service for a serious weapons offense as well as warrants through the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine, cocaine and prescription drugs. Officers also found a loaded firearm. The driver, a 47-year-old man from Independence, Missouri, is a convicted felon and prohibited from having a gun.P0lice arrested the driver on his felony warrant and requested charges that include illegal narcotics and illegal possessing of the firearm. He is being held in the Clay County Detention Center.

Wanted felon captured after chase during KC area traffic stop

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday punted for one month his plans to impose sweeping tariffs against Mexico and Canada after both countries agreed to act on his demands to curb drug trafficking and illegal immigration into the United States.

The pauses came as Trump signed a trio of executive orders over the weekend that would kick-start a 25%&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/imposing-duties-to-address-the-situation-at-our-southern-border/" target="_blank">tariff on Mexico</a>, a 25% tariff on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/imposing-duties-to-address-the-flow-of-illicit-drugs-across-our-national-border/" target="_blank">most goods from Canada</a>&nbsp;and a 10% tariff on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/imposing-duties-to-address-the-synthetic-opioid-supply-chain-in-the-peoples-republic-of-china/" target="_blank">imports from China</a>, beginning early Tuesday. The tariff against China remained in place Monday night.

Many economists have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/31/how-tariffs-on-canada-china-and-mexico-may-impact-us-consumers.html" target="_blank">warned</a>&nbsp;about the negative effects such broad tariffs could have on consumers.

Trump imposed the tariffs — a tax on goods that come into the country — in an effort to hold the three countries “accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country,” according to a White House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-imposes-tariffs-on-imports-from-canada-mexico-and-china/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>.

Mexico, Canada and China are the United States’ top trading partners. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/02/02/us/trump-tariffs" target="_blank">three countries</a>&nbsp;had responded to Trump’s plans with their own retaliatory measures.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113942189236610107" target="_blank">post on social media</a>, Trump said “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans, while destroying their families and communities all across our Country.”

Trump held two calls Monday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

After his second call with Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1886529228193022429" target="_blank">Trudeau said</a>&nbsp;in a social media post that “Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl.”

He said nearly “10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border” and that the country would make new commitments to appoint a “Fentanyl Czar.”

Canada will also “list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border” and “launch a Canada- U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering,” Trudeau said.

“I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million,” he said.&nbsp;

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113940711907400754" target="_blank">social media post</a>&nbsp;on Monday, Trump said he had a “very friendly conversation” with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and that the two agreed to “immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period.”

Negotiations led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick and “high-level” Mexico representatives would take place during that time, Trump said.

Sheinbaum also agreed to “immediately supply” 10,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to curb illegal immigration to the United States, in addition to fentanyl smuggling.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats — including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York; Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota; Ron Wyden of Oregon; Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire; and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland — underscored how Trump’s tariff plans could hit Americans’ pocketbooks.

“Trump is yet again rigging the same game for his billionaire friends while doing nothing to lower costs for American families,” Schumer said.

“These nonsense tariffs equate to a tax increase on the American people, and the president isn’t just randomly slapping on tariffs — he’s slapping consumers right where it hurts: their wallets,” he added.

Asked about any legislation the Senate Democrats were contemplating, Wyden said “everything is on the table at this point.”

“No president has ever used this particular statute to impose a tariff, and we’ve already got legislation from several Democrats to make sure that it can’t be used as a blank check for the president,” the Oregon Democrat said.

The senators also brought in Ernie Tedeschi, director of economics at the Budget Lab at Yale, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/economic-and-fiscal-effects-trump-administrations-proposed-tariffs" target="_blank">conducted its own analysis</a>&nbsp;on the economic and fiscal effects of Trump’s tariff plans regarding Mexico, Canada and China.

“We found that the average price increase was the equivalent of about $1,250 per household in America,” Tedeschi said.

“Now bear in mind that that’s just an average — tariffs are not an equitable tax — they pinch the middle class more than they pinch upper-income households.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738613859631.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday punted for one month his plans to impose sweeping tariffs against Mexico and Canada after both countries agreed to act on his demands to curb drug trafficking and illegal immigration into the United States.The pauses came as Trump signed a trio of executive orders over the weekend that would kick-start a 25%&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/imposing-duties-to-address-the-situation-at-our-southern-border/" target="_blank">tariff on Mexico</a>, a 25% tariff on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/imposing-duties-to-address-the-flow-of-illicit-drugs-across-our-national-border/" target="_blank">most goods from Canada</a>&nbsp;and a 10% tariff on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/imposing-duties-to-address-the-synthetic-opioid-supply-chain-in-the-peoples-republic-of-china/" target="_blank">imports from China</a>, beginning early Tuesday. The tariff against China remained in place Monday night.Many economists have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/31/how-tariffs-on-canada-china-and-mexico-may-impact-us-consumers.html" target="_blank">warned</a>&nbsp;about the negative effects such broad tariffs could have on consumers.Trump imposed the tariffs — a tax on goods that come into the country — in an effort to hold the three countries “accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country,” according to a White House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-imposes-tariffs-on-imports-from-canada-mexico-and-china/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>.Mexico, Canada and China are the United States’ top trading partners. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/02/02/us/trump-tariffs" target="_blank">three countries</a>&nbsp;had responded to Trump’s plans with their own retaliatory measures.<h2>Two calls with Trudeau</h2>In a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113942189236610107" target="_blank">post on social media</a>, Trump said “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country, killing hundreds of thousands of Americans, while destroying their families and communities all across our Country.”Trump held two calls Monday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.After his second call with Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1886529228193022429" target="_blank">Trudeau said</a>&nbsp;in a social media post that “Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl.”He said nearly “10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border” and that the country would make new commitments to appoint a “Fentanyl Czar.”Canada will also “list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border” and “launch a Canada- U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering,” Trudeau said.“I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Negotiations with Mexico</h2>In a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113940711907400754" target="_blank">social media post</a>&nbsp;on Monday, Trump said he had a “very friendly conversation” with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and that the two agreed to “immediately pause the anticipated tariffs for a one month period.”Negotiations led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick and “high-level” Mexico representatives would take place during that time, Trump said.Sheinbaum also agreed to “immediately supply” 10,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border in an effort to curb illegal immigration to the United States, in addition to fentanyl smuggling.<h2>Senate Dems on tariff impacts</h2>Meanwhile, Senate Democrats — including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York; Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota; Ron Wyden of Oregon; Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire; and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland — underscored how Trump’s tariff plans could hit Americans’ pocketbooks.“Trump is yet again rigging the same game for his billionaire friends while doing nothing to lower costs for American families,” Schumer said.“These nonsense tariffs equate to a tax increase on the American people, and the president isn’t just randomly slapping on tariffs — he’s slapping consumers right where it hurts: their wallets,” he added.Asked about any legislation the Senate Democrats were contemplating, Wyden said “everything is on the table at this point.”“No president has ever used this particular statute to impose a tariff, and we’ve already got legislation from several Democrats to make sure that it can’t be used as a blank check for the president,” the Oregon Democrat said.The senators also brought in Ernie Tedeschi, director of economics at the Budget Lab at Yale, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/economic-and-fiscal-effects-trump-administrations-proposed-tariffs" target="_blank">conducted its own analysis</a>&nbsp;on the economic and fiscal effects of Trump’s tariff plans regarding Mexico, Canada and China.“We found that the average price increase was the equivalent of about $1,250 per household in America,” Tedeschi said.“Now bear in mind that that’s just an average — tariffs are not an equitable tax — they pinch the middle class more than they pinch upper-income households.”

Donald Trump Punts on Big Tariffs Against Canada and Mexico

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an&nbsp; accident just before 1:30a.m. Monday in Johnson County.

A motorcycle driven by 46-year-old James R. Woodrow of Lenexa was northbound Interstate 35 south of Santa Fe Street, according to Lenexa Police Sergeant John Moncayo. The motorcycle crashed. First responders found Woodrow and pronounced him dead on scene.

The accident remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police released no additional details.

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an&nbsp; accident just before 1:30a.m. Monday in Johnson County.A motorcycle driven by 46-year-old James R. Woodrow of Lenexa was northbound Interstate 35 south of Santa Fe Street, according to Lenexa Police Sergeant John Moncayo. The motorcycle crashed. First responders found Woodrow and pronounced him dead on scene.The accident remains under investigation by the Olathe Police Department.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police released no additional details.

Kansas man dies in motorcycle accident

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement arrested an additional man in connection with&nbsp;&nbsp;trying to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex after deputies arrested him in a sting operation this wek.&nbsp;

Josue Rivera, 27, Kansas City, Kansas has been charged with one count of felony attempted child enticement, according to the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.

Rivera was messaging with under-cover detectives during the original operation and continued communication until January 30, when he made arrangements to meet whom he believed to be the 14-year-old. Instead, deputies took him into custody at the meet-up location. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.

The Clay County&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, led a counter-human trafficking operation Jan. 23 and 24 that resulted in the arrest of two men who sought to have sex with a child, as well as services provided to more than a dozen potential trafficking victims.

Two other men, 33-year-old Jose Trinidad-Diaz of Kansas City, Mo. / Mexico and 34-year-old Dominic Shelby of Kansas City, Kan. were charged with felony attempted child enticement after they tried to meet whom they believed to be a 14-year-old girl for sex. It was actually under-cover detectives who had been chatting with them online and by text message. 

The operation was a joint effort by the Clay County&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations – Kansas City, and the Ray County Counter Human Trafficking Task Force. The Ray County Task Force is a team of subject matter experts in the counter-trafficking space who contribute their time and knowledge at no cost to host law enforcement agencies. They are credentialed law enforcement officers and analysts from several&nbsp;sheriff’s offices and have deep connections to a network of aftercare and survivor support service organizations. 

During this operation, Task Force volunteers from the Butler, Bourbon and Greenwood County&nbsp;sheriff’s offices in Kansas, the Washoe County, Nev.,&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office and the Goodyear, Ariz., Police Department participated. They work discreetly with in-jurisdiction agencies with the support of the Ray County, Mo.,&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office and many other credentialing agencies. Financially, they are supported by private donations from generous donors who believe in the mission of supporting law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738423670166.png" alt="Rivera-photo Clay County" />
 <figcaption>Rivera-photo Clay County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement arrested an additional man in connection with&nbsp;&nbsp;trying to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex after deputies arrested him in a sting operation this wek.&nbsp;Josue Rivera, 27, Kansas City, Kansas has been charged with one count of felony attempted child enticement, according to the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.Rivera was messaging with under-cover detectives during the original operation and continued communication until January 30, when he made arrangements to meet whom he believed to be the 14-year-old. Instead, deputies took him into custody at the meet-up location. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.The Clay County&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, led a counter-human trafficking operation Jan. 23 and 24 that resulted in the arrest of two men who sought to have sex with a child, as well as services provided to more than a dozen potential trafficking victims.Two other men, 33-year-old Jose Trinidad-Diaz of Kansas City, Mo. / Mexico and 34-year-old Dominic Shelby of Kansas City, Kan. were charged with felony attempted child enticement after they tried to meet whom they believed to be a 14-year-old girl for sex. It was actually under-cover detectives who had been chatting with them online and by text message. The operation was a joint effort by the Clay County&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations – Kansas City, and the Ray County Counter Human Trafficking Task Force. The Ray County Task Force is a team of subject matter experts in the counter-trafficking space who contribute their time and knowledge at no cost to host law enforcement agencies. They are credentialed law enforcement officers and analysts from several&nbsp;sheriff’s offices and have deep connections to a network of aftercare and survivor support service organizations. During this operation, Task Force volunteers from the Butler, Bourbon and Greenwood County&nbsp;sheriff’s offices in Kansas, the Washoe County, Nev.,&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office and the Goodyear, Ariz., Police Department participated. They work discreetly with in-jurisdiction agencies with the support of the Ray County, Mo.,&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office and many other credentialing agencies. Financially, they are supported by private donations from generous donors who believe in the mission of supporting law enforcement.

Another Kan. man arrested after child sex abuse sting

BUTLER COUNTY —Police on Monday arrested the adoptive parents of a child whose remains were found in the back yard of a home in Rose Hill.

Crystina Elizabeth Schroer, 50,&nbsp; Rose Hill is in custody on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st degree, Kidnapping, aggravated , Child abuse, torture (x4), Theft, felony (value under $25,000), Forgery (x4), Medicaid fraud and&nbsp;Desecration of a corpse.

Joseph Shane Schroer, 53,&nbsp; Rose Hill is being held on requested charges that include, Child abuse, torture (x4), Liability for crimes of another , Interference with Law Enforcement, Theft, felony (value under $25,000) and Medicaid fraud

Just before 7:30p.m. September 10, a call was made to Butler County Emergency Communications which began an investigation lasting several months.  During this initial contact Officers discovered the possibility of human remains having been buried in the backyard of 1406 North Meeker Court, Rose Hill, Kansas, according to Police Chief Taylor Parlier.

In the early morning hours of September 11, police secured a search warrant for the property of this residence, and with the assistance of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office began a search.  The ground was overgrown in the search area, so cadaver dogs acquired through Sedgwick County Emergency Management were deployed, with no positive indications, officers brought in a brush hog and knocked down the vegetation. 

 Another deployment of the canines was completed with interest being shown to different areas in the backyard, still with no positive indication. 

 A forensic dig began at one of the locations of interest and hours later, approximately 23 inches deep, the decomposed remains of a human child were found in a trash bag.

  A postmortem was completed at the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center on September 12.  On September 27, DNA testing was completed and confirmed the identity of the decedent as Kennedy Schroer (adopted name)/Natalie Garcia (birth name). 

 As the investigation began, six detectives with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the dig, neighborhood canvasing, initial interviews, and organizing information as it came in. 

 Andover Police Department detectives assisted as well with initial interviews of people with knowledge of this house but not living in the immediate area. 

 As the investigation progressed, other agencies were brought in to assist, such as the Butler County Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI, Wichita Satellite Office), FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU, Quantico), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Kansas Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Division, Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigation division, Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit (EMCU), and Civilian experts in the fields of trauma and abuse.

On November 20, 2024, personnel with the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center completed their postmortem report.  Their report found Kennedy/Natalie’s cause of death was probable suffocation, and her manner of death was homicide. 

"Sometimes investigations are complex and require patience, particularly in light of the severity of the suspected crimes.  We shared in that sense of urgency.  We know that there has been a strong desire in our community for answers, but the specific needs of our investigation would not permit us to provide them in detail before now."

"Please know that we conducted this investigation with the time, attention and seriousness that it required.  We assessed that there was not an ongoing risk to public safety during the investigation and that making arrests only after the investigation concluded was the necessary course of action to ensure the best possible outcome."

"During the last five months, Detective Missy Tharp and members of the Rose Hill PD put in over 2,000 hours into this investigation.  With assisting agencies putting in several hundred additional hours.  This case was built through the development of timelines spanning more than four years, which is the primary reason for the length of the investigation."

"Natalie has always been the focus of this investigation, and we believe we can now tell her story accurately."

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities have positively identified the human remains found on September 11 in the yard of a home in the city of Rose Hill.

Kennedy Jean Schroer, born on July 14, 2014, was adopted by Crystina and Joe Schroer in November 2018 and is believed to have died in late 2020, according to a statement from Rose Hill, Kansas Police Chief Taylor Parlier.

Her remains were brought to the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center for the postmortem. Due to the advanced level of decomposition, the medical examiner was unable to identify a cause of death. Their preliminary report gave findings that no visible injuries were observed, nor were any healing or healed injuries observable, according to the police chief.

"Through our investigation we believe the time of death occurred within the month of November 2020. The medical examiner has not released the full report of the postmortem but has confirmed Kennedy’s identity through DNA analysis."

"We understand that many in the public might be confused how an arrest in this case has not been made, that is completely understandable. What we would like to convey is that we have one chance to gather as much information as possible, to find out what happened to this child and to tell her story. While we understand the desire to hold persons accountable, we need to get this correct and not fast. Releasing too much information might appear to implicate a person or persons who were not involved, so in our search for the truth we need to equally work to protect peoples’ rights."

"This investigation is ongoing. Officers, Detectives, surrounding law enforcement agencies, social workers, mental health professionals, and many others are hard at work to find answers. What we can assure anyone interested in this case, Kennedy is the center of our universe and will remain so until we have answers."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727450427639.png" alt="Kennedy Jean Schroer" />
 <figcaption>Kennedy Jean Schroer</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Police on Monday arrested the adoptive parents of a child whose remains were found in the back yard of a home in Rose Hill.Crystina Elizabeth Schroer, 50,&nbsp; Rose Hill is in custody on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st degree, Kidnapping, aggravated , Child abuse, torture (x4), Theft, felony (value under $25,000), Forgery (x4), Medicaid fraud and&nbsp;Desecration of a corpse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738621674017.png" alt="Joseph Schroer photo Rose Hill Police" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Schroer photo Rose Hill Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Joseph Shane Schroer, 53,&nbsp; Rose Hill is being held on requested charges that include, Child abuse, torture (x4), Liability for crimes of another , Interference with Law Enforcement, Theft, felony (value under $25,000) and Medicaid fraud<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738621650185.png" alt="Crystina Schroer" />
 <figcaption>Crystina Schroer</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 7:30p.m. September 10, a call was made to Butler County Emergency Communications which began an investigation lasting several months. During this initial contact Officers discovered the possibility of human remains having been buried in the backyard of 1406 North Meeker Court, Rose Hill, Kansas, according to Police Chief Taylor Parlier.In the early morning hours of September 11, police secured a search warrant for the property of this residence, and with the assistance of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office began a search. The ground was overgrown in the search area, so cadaver dogs acquired through Sedgwick County Emergency Management were deployed, with no positive indications, officers brought in a brush hog and knocked down the vegetation. Another deployment of the canines was completed with interest being shown to different areas in the backyard, still with no positive indication. A forensic dig began at one of the locations of interest and hours later, approximately 23 inches deep, the decomposed remains of a human child were found in a trash bag. A postmortem was completed at the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center on September 12. On September 27, DNA testing was completed and confirmed the identity of the decedent as Kennedy Schroer (adopted name)/Natalie Garcia (birth name). As the investigation began, six detectives with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the dig, neighborhood canvasing, initial interviews, and organizing information as it came in. Andover Police Department detectives assisted as well with initial interviews of people with knowledge of this house but not living in the immediate area. As the investigation progressed, other agencies were brought in to assist, such as the Butler County Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI, Wichita Satellite Office), FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU, Quantico), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Kansas Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Division, Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigation division, Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit (EMCU), and Civilian experts in the fields of trauma and abuse.On November 20, 2024, personnel with the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center completed their postmortem report. Their report found Kennedy/Natalie’s cause of death was probable suffocation, and her manner of death was homicide. "Sometimes investigations are complex and require patience, particularly in light of the severity of the suspected crimes. We shared in that sense of urgency. We know that there has been a strong desire in our community for answers, but the specific needs of our investigation would not permit us to provide them in detail before now.""Please know that we conducted this investigation with the time, attention and seriousness that it required. We assessed that there was not an ongoing risk to public safety during the investigation and that making arrests only after the investigation concluded was the necessary course of action to ensure the best possible outcome.""During the last five months, Detective Missy Tharp and members of the Rose Hill PD put in over 2,000 hours into this investigation. With assisting agencies putting in several hundred additional hours. This case was built through the development of timelines spanning more than four years, which is the primary reason for the length of the investigation.""Natalie has always been the focus of this investigation, and we believe we can now tell her story accurately."-----SEDGWICK COUNTY —Authorities have positively identified the human remains found on September 11 in the yard of a home in the city of Rose Hill.Kennedy Jean Schroer, born on July 14, 2014, was adopted by Crystina and Joe Schroer in November 2018 and is believed to have died in late 2020, according to a statement from Rose Hill, Kansas Police Chief Taylor Parlier.Her remains were brought to the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center for the postmortem. Due to the advanced level of decomposition, the medical examiner was unable to identify a cause of death. Their preliminary report gave findings that no visible injuries were observed, nor were any healing or healed injuries observable, according to the police chief."Through our investigation we believe the time of death occurred within the month of November 2020. The medical examiner has not released the full report of the postmortem but has confirmed Kennedy’s identity through DNA analysis.""We understand that many in the public might be confused how an arrest in this case has not been made, that is completely understandable. What we would like to convey is that we have one chance to gather as much information as possible, to find out what happened to this child and to tell her story. While we understand the desire to hold persons accountable, we need to get this correct and not fast. Releasing too much information might appear to implicate a person or persons who were not involved, so in our search for the truth we need to equally work to protect peoples’ rights.""This investigation is ongoing. Officers, Detectives, surrounding law enforcement agencies, social workers, mental health professionals, and many others are hard at work to find answers. What we can assure anyone interested in this case, Kennedy is the center of our universe and will remain so until we have answers."

Kan. couple arrested after child's remains found in back yard of home

DICKINSON COUNTY —Sheriff's deputies in central Kansas are investigating a woman on multiple drug allegations.

On January 31, deputies responded to a call of suspicious activity on W 1st Avenue in Hope, Kansas, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.&nbsp; 

Deputies made contact with woman at the residence and began investigating the suspicious activity. During the investigation, deputies developed probable cause that illegal drugs were present in the residence.

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit was contacted to assist. Investigators applied for a search warrant which was granted and executed at the residence. While conducting the search, deputies located Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia.

As a result of the investigation, deputies arrested 48-year-old Beverly Lynette Hall and booked her into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738610022383.png" alt="Hall photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hall photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Sheriff's deputies in central Kansas are investigating a woman on multiple drug allegations.On January 31, deputies responded to a call of suspicious activity on W 1st Avenue in Hope, Kansas, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.&nbsp; Deputies made contact with woman at the residence and began investigating the suspicious activity. During the investigation, deputies developed probable cause that illegal drugs were present in the residence.The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit was contacted to assist. Investigators applied for a search warrant which was granted and executed at the residence. While conducting the search, deputies located Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia.As a result of the investigation, deputies arrested 48-year-old Beverly Lynette Hall and booked her into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Search warrant led to drug bust at Kansas home

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/aidenkauffman/">AIDEN KAUFFMAN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/torryionnamiller/">TORRYIONNA MILLER</a>

The University of Missouri is facing critical decisions about sports betting in its campus community as the practice approaches legality in Missouri.

MU must decide whether to ban betting entirely for its campus community, partner with betting companies or find a middle ground. The university could also push for state regulations to restrict certain types of bets on college sports.

Amendment 2, approved by voters in November, mandates sports betting becomes operational in Missouri by December 2025. Growing MU student and statewide interest ahead of that date, though, may force quicker policy decisions by the university.

Colleges across the country are taking a wide range of approaches to legalized betting. Xavier University and Purdue University completely ban their campus communities from betting on school sports, but others, like Louisiana State University, have partnered with betting companies.

Five states — New Jersey, New Hampshire, Virginia, Delaware and Washington — ban all bets on their college teams. Illinois only allows college sports betting in person at casinos, not through apps.

The Southeastern Conference leaves betting policies up to individual schools while working with Integrity Compliance 360, formerly known as U.S. Integrity, to watch for suspicious betting patterns.

One factor MU will have to consider is the well-being of its athletes.

“Sports betting is an emerging concern due to the multiple potential negative impacts on student athletes,” said Pam Bruzina, MU Faculty Athletic Representative. “Student athlete well-being is one of my primary responsibilities and one that I take very seriously.”

Bruzina is currently advocating for a policy that would potentially prohibit MU faculty, staff and students from wagering on Mizzou sports, work to eliminate prop bets on collegiate student-athletes and assess the prevalence and impact of sports wagering on the general student body.

Recent NCAA research reveals 21.5% of male college athletes already bet on sports, despite current bans. Bruzina said athletes face increasing harassment from bettors on social media during NCAA championships.

“Student athletes can be pressured to share inside information that could affect betting, such as teammates’ injuries or illness,” she said.

MU Faculty Council Chair Tom Warhover told the Missourian, “This topic has been assigned to the Student Affairs Committee to assess the capacity of counseling and mental health services for students who may need assistance when dealing with the added pressures.”

It is unclear if Missouri’s regulations on sports betting will follow other states protecting college athletes from individual betting scrutiny. Thirteen states, including neighboring Iowa, ban bets on individual player performance, like how many points someone may score, while still allowing bets on game outcomes.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/sports-betting-sparks-discussion-on-well-being-of-student-athletes-at-mu/article_66cd482a-df29-11ef-898b-cfd284c49f6e.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738618981180.png" alt=" The University of Missouri-Columbia’s iconic columns on a winter day (University of Missouri photo)." />
 <figcaption> The University of Missouri-Columbia’s iconic columns on a winter day (University of Missouri photo).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/aidenkauffman/">AIDEN KAUFFMAN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/torryionnamiller/">TORRYIONNA MILLER</a>The University of Missouri is facing critical decisions about sports betting in its campus community as the practice approaches legality in Missouri.MU must decide whether to ban betting entirely for its campus community, partner with betting companies or find a middle ground. The university could also push for state regulations to restrict certain types of bets on college sports.Amendment 2, approved by voters in November, mandates sports betting becomes operational in Missouri by December 2025. Growing MU student and statewide interest ahead of that date, though, may force quicker policy decisions by the university.Colleges across the country are taking a wide range of approaches to legalized betting. Xavier University and Purdue University completely ban their campus communities from betting on school sports, but others, like Louisiana State University, have partnered with betting companies.Five states — New Jersey, New Hampshire, Virginia, Delaware and Washington — ban all bets on their college teams. Illinois only allows college sports betting in person at casinos, not through apps.The Southeastern Conference leaves betting policies up to individual schools while working with Integrity Compliance 360, formerly known as U.S. Integrity, to watch for suspicious betting patterns.One factor MU will have to consider is the well-being of its athletes.“Sports betting is an emerging concern due to the multiple potential negative impacts on student athletes,” said Pam Bruzina, MU Faculty Athletic Representative. “Student athlete well-being is one of my primary responsibilities and one that I take very seriously.”Bruzina is currently advocating for a policy that would potentially prohibit MU faculty, staff and students from wagering on Mizzou sports, work to eliminate prop bets on collegiate student-athletes and assess the prevalence and impact of sports wagering on the general student body.Recent NCAA research reveals 21.5% of male college athletes already bet on sports, despite current bans. Bruzina said athletes face increasing harassment from bettors on social media during NCAA championships.“Student athletes can be pressured to share inside information that could affect betting, such as teammates’ injuries or illness,” she said.MU Faculty Council Chair Tom Warhover told the Missourian, “This topic has been assigned to the Student Affairs Committee to assess the capacity of counseling and mental health services for students who may need assistance when dealing with the added pressures.”It is unclear if Missouri’s regulations on sports betting will follow other states protecting college athletes from individual betting scrutiny. Thirteen states, including neighboring Iowa, ban bets on individual player performance, like how many points someone may score, while still allowing bets on game outcomes.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/sports-betting-sparks-discussion-on-well-being-of-student-athletes-at-mu/article_66cd482a-df29-11ef-898b-cfd284c49f6e.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Sports betting sparks discussion on well-being of student-athletes at University of Missouri

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a house fire Sunday in Kansas City.

Just after 3p.m., crews responded to a reported house fire in the 1600 block of Cambridge in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Crews reported heavy smoke and fire on arrival and initiated an interior operations using multiple handlines. 

Searches of the home came back all clear. One occupant escaped the fire. was evaluated and transported for further evaluation for minor burns and smoke inhalation. 

No firefighter injuries were reported.&nbsp; The cause of the fire is under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738548483218.png" alt="Photo KC Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo KC Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a house fire Sunday in Kansas City.Just after 3p.m., crews responded to a reported house fire in the 1600 block of Cambridge in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.Crews reported heavy smoke and fire on arrival and initiated an interior operations using multiple handlines. Searches of the home came back all clear. One occupant escaped the fire. was evaluated and transported for further evaluation for minor burns and smoke inhalation. No firefighter injuries were reported.&nbsp; The cause of the fire is under investigation.

One hospitalized after Kansas City house fire

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in central Kansas captured a suspect wanted for murder in Kansas City.

On Sunday morning, February 2, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle in the ditch in the area of K-15 Highway and 2900 Avenue, north of Abilene, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.

 A deputy responded to the motorist assist and made contact with a man later identified as 50-year-old Armando Navarro of Kansas City, Missouri.

 The vehicle was out of the roadway and Navarro advised he was waiting for a tow truck. The deputy then left the scene but told Navarro he would check on him later.

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office was later notified that Navarro was a suspect in a triple homicide that occurred on February 2, in Kansas City, Missouri. Deputies returned to the area and confirmed the suspect was still with the vehicle.

Additional deputies arrived as well as troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol. While awaiting the arrival of an armored vehicle from the Junction City Police department, deputies observed the subject leaving the area on 2900 and heading towards K-15 Highway. 

The Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit and another deputy contacted the subject at 2900 Avenue and K-15 Highway. A brief foot pursuit ensued and the K-9 was deployed.&nbsp; Navarro surrendered to the K-9 unit and was taken into custody by deputies.

Navarro is being held at the Dickinson County Detention Center awaiting extradition back to Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738602493023.png" alt="Navarro photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Navarro photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in central Kansas captured a suspect wanted for murder in Kansas City.On Sunday morning, February 2, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle in the ditch in the area of K-15 Highway and 2900 Avenue, north of Abilene, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff. A deputy responded to the motorist assist and made contact with a man later identified as 50-year-old Armando Navarro of Kansas City, Missouri. The vehicle was out of the roadway and Navarro advised he was waiting for a tow truck. The deputy then left the scene but told Navarro he would check on him later.The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office was later notified that Navarro was a suspect in a triple homicide that occurred on February 2, in Kansas City, Missouri. Deputies returned to the area and confirmed the suspect was still with the vehicle.Additional deputies arrived as well as troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol. While awaiting the arrival of an armored vehicle from the Junction City Police department, deputies observed the subject leaving the area on 2900 and heading towards K-15 Highway. The Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit and another deputy contacted the subject at 2900 Avenue and K-15 Highway. A brief foot pursuit ensued and the K-9 was deployed.&nbsp; Navarro surrendered to the K-9 unit and was taken into custody by deputies.Navarro is being held at the Dickinson County Detention Center awaiting extradition back to Missouri.

Wanted KC triple-homicide suspect captured in central Kansas

ARLINGTON, VA., January 31, 2025 — Gerber Products Company is initiating a recall and discontinuation of all batches of GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children, according to a statement from the Food and Drug Administration.

GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS were distributed nationwide via the internet and to distribution centers and retail stores in the following states and territories:

Recalled products can be identified as follows:

This recall and discontinuation is isolated to GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE and GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA.

The recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints of choking incidents. To date, one emergency room visit has been reported to the firm.

Consumers who may have purchased GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS should not feed this product to their child and can return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a refund. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a health care provider. For any additional support needed, Gerber is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).

We are working with the U.S. Food &amp; Drug Administration (FDA) on this recall and will cooperate with them fully.

For more information, consumers could call 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738595746534.png" alt="Image FDA" />
 <figcaption>Image FDA</figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, VA., January 31, 2025 — Gerber Products Company is initiating a recall and discontinuation of all batches of GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children, according to a statement from the Food and Drug Administration.GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS were distributed nationwide via the internet and to distribution centers and retail stores in the following states and territories:Recalled products can be identified as follows:<ul>
 <li>GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE, Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04618 7, all lot codes</li><li>GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA, Net Wt. 3.2 Oz (90g), with UPC 0 15000 04608 8, all lot codes</li><li>GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA, Net Wt. 1.59 Oz (45g), with UPC 0 15000 01015 7, all lot codes</li>
 </ul>This recall and discontinuation is isolated to GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – STRAWBERRY APPLE and GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS – BANANA.The recall was initiated after receiving consumer complaints of choking incidents. To date, one emergency room visit has been reported to the firm.Consumers who may have purchased GERBER® SOOTHE N CHEW® TEETHING STICKS should not feed this product to their child and can return the product to the retailer where it was purchased for a refund. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a health care provider. For any additional support needed, Gerber is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237).We are working with the U.S. Food &amp; Drug Administration (FDA) on this recall and will cooperate with them fully.For more information, consumers could call 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237)

Gerber recalls baby teething sticks over possible choking hazard

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a triple-homicide at a Kansas City home have identified the victims and made an arrest.

According to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina the victims are 73-year-old Sherri Duncan; 49-year-old Jodie Hopcus and 24-year-old Hailey Hopcus.

Just before 1a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4100 block of NW 65th Street, according to Becchina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738545218577.png" alt="Police on the scene of the homicide investigation-Photo KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the homicide investigation-Photo KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a triple-homicide at a Kansas City home have identified the victims and made an arrest.According to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina the victims are 73-year-old Sherri Duncan; 49-year-old Jodie Hopcus and 24-year-old Hailey Hopcus.Just before 1a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4100 block of NW 65th Street, according to Becchina.First responders were directed to a residence there. Inside that home officers located the three shooting victims unresponsive.Officers summoned EMS who declared all three deceased at the scene.Detectives and crime scene personnel processed the scene for evidence, canvassed for witnesses and identified a person of interest. Late Sunday police reported the person of interest in custody.&nbsp;Detectives will be working with prosecutors to present investigative findings for determination of applicable charges.