JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating after suspicious activity near a Kansas park.

Just after 1p.m. On March 17, police were dispatched to the 11300 block of South Cook Street in Olathe regarding suspicious activity, according to Olathe Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

It was reported that a man asked juveniles to enter his vehicle while they were playing at an area park.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers arrived and contacted the&nbsp;juveniles and their parent. Officers also checked the area and were unable to locate the vehicle, which was described as a grey or silver 4-door passenger vehicle missing its hubcaps. 

The man was described as being in his 50’s or 60’s, with darker brown skin and short black hair and was last seen wearing a red shirt and dark pants.

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 after suspicious activity near a Kansas park.Just after 1p.m. On March 17, police were dispatched to the 11300 block of South Cook Street in Olathe regarding suspicious activity, according to Olathe Police Sergeant John Moncayo.It was reported that a man asked juveniles to enter his vehicle while they were playing at an area park.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers arrived and contacted the&nbsp;juveniles and their parent. Officers also checked the area and were unable to locate the vehicle, which was described as a grey or silver 4-door passenger vehicle missing its hubcaps. The man was described as being in his 50’s or 60’s, with darker brown skin and short black hair and was last seen wearing a red shirt and dark pants.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: Man allegedly asked children to get into his car

KANSAS CITY —At the request of the Kansas City, Missouri police department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol's division of drug and crime control is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred on Friday.

Just before 5p.m., KCPD officers located a white Hyundai passenger car which had been stolen earlier in the day during a burglary, according to a media release from the MSHP.

KCPD officers initiated a traffic stop on the car near Independence Avenue and Benton Boulevard. The driver refused to stop and fled. A KCPD helicopter in the area quickly located the car. KCPD officers on the ground discontinued any active pursuit of the car. The Hyundai began circling the area and a KCPD officer was able to successfully deploy a tire deflation device.&nbsp; The Hyundai came to a stop near 11th Street and Prospect Avenue where the driver ran from the car. KCPD officers responded to the area and began chasing the suspect on foot. Just after 5p.m. one officer fired shots striking the suspect.&nbsp; The suspect continued to run but was taken into custody a short distance later. 

EMS transported the suspect to a local hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Police recovered a handgun from the scene where the suspect had been shot. No officers were injured. The Patrol is in charge of the investigation. The nane of the suspect and possible charges have not been released.

KANSAS CITY —At the request of the Kansas City, Missouri police department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol's division of drug and crime control is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred on Friday.Just before 5p.m., KCPD officers located a white Hyundai passenger car which had been stolen earlier in the day during a burglary, according to a media release from the MSHP.KCPD officers initiated a traffic stop on the car near Independence Avenue and Benton Boulevard. The driver refused to stop and fled. A KCPD helicopter in the area quickly located the car. KCPD officers on the ground discontinued any active pursuit of the car. The Hyundai began circling the area and a KCPD officer was able to successfully deploy a tire deflation device.&nbsp; The Hyundai came to a stop near 11th Street and Prospect Avenue where the driver ran from the car. KCPD officers responded to the area and began chasing the suspect on foot. Just after 5p.m. one officer fired shots striking the suspect.&nbsp; The suspect continued to run but was taken into custody a short distance later. EMS transported the suspect to a local hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Police recovered a handgun from the scene where the suspect had been shot. No officers were injured. The Patrol is in charge of the investigation. The nane of the suspect and possible charges have not been released.

Kansas City car theft suspect wounded in police shooting

BUTLER COUNTY —A controlled burn got too close to the Kansas Turnpike late Thursday. The Kansas Highway Patrol shared a&nbsp;midnight view from Master Trooper Zeller and Trooper J. Hill of fire at milepost 84.8 south of the Cassoday exit in Butler County. 

Kansas weather has been crazy the last week with mid-80’s, blizzard conditions, high winds, wildfires, and more. It’s not uncommon to see controlled burns along the turnpike in the spring though. The smoke can create challenges for drivers, so please remember the following safety tips. 

When driving into smoke, turn on your headlights (low-beams). Never use high-beams.&nbsp;Slow down and adjust your speed to the visibility.&nbsp;Increase following distance between vehicles in anticipation of sudden stops or changes in traffic.&nbsp;Do not stop in a travel lane. Find a safe place completely off the roadway and away from other vehicles if you stop. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742564511543.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —A controlled burn got too close to the Kansas Turnpike late Thursday. The Kansas Highway Patrol shared a&nbsp;midnight view from Master Trooper Zeller and Trooper J. Hill of fire at milepost 84.8 south of the Cassoday exit in Butler County. Kansas weather has been crazy the last week with mid-80’s, blizzard conditions, high winds, wildfires, and more. It’s not uncommon to see controlled burns along the turnpike in the spring though. The smoke can create challenges for drivers, so please remember the following safety tips. When driving into smoke, turn on your headlights (low-beams). Never use high-beams.&nbsp;Slow down and adjust your speed to the visibility.&nbsp;Increase following distance between vehicles in anticipation of sudden stops or changes in traffic.&nbsp;Do not stop in a travel lane. Find a safe place completely off the roadway and away from other vehicles if you stop.

KHP: Controlled burn too close to the Kansas Turnpike

KANSAS CITY, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating a death that occurred Friday afternoon in Kansas City, Kansas, during a warrant arrest, according to a media release from the KBI.

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) requested the KBI conduct an investigation on Friday, March 21, at around 4:34 p.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene.

At 3:34 p.m., on Friday, March 21, KHP initiated a traffic stop on I-70 near the 7th&nbsp;Street exit to serve an arrest warrant for Daijon Estell, 24. During the stop, a trooper gave verbal commands for Estell to exit the vehicle. Estell did not comply with the commands, and produced a handgun. Estell fired one round, which resulted in a self-inflicted head wound. No law enforcement personnel discharged any firearms during the incident.

Troopers attempted life-saving measures until EMS arrived. At 3:43 p.m., Estell was pronounced deceased. No law enforcement officers were injured.

A small child was in the back seat of Estell’s vehicle. The child was unharmed, and was safely removed from the vehicle. The child was taken by the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department to be reunited with other family members.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the incident. In use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Wyandotte County District Attorney. The investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742643109671.png" alt="Estell from a previous arrest in Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Estell from a previous arrest in Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating a death that occurred Friday afternoon in Kansas City, Kansas, during a warrant arrest, according to a media release from the KBI.The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) requested the KBI conduct an investigation on Friday, March 21, at around 4:34 p.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene.At 3:34 p.m., on Friday, March 21, KHP initiated a traffic stop on I-70 near the 7th&nbsp;Street exit to serve an arrest warrant for Daijon Estell, 24. During the stop, a trooper gave verbal commands for Estell to exit the vehicle. Estell did not comply with the commands, and produced a handgun. Estell fired one round, which resulted in a self-inflicted head wound. No law enforcement personnel discharged any firearms during the incident.Troopers attempted life-saving measures until EMS arrived. At 3:43 p.m., Estell was pronounced deceased. No law enforcement officers were injured.A small child was in the back seat of Estell’s vehicle. The child was unharmed, and was safely removed from the vehicle. The child was taken by the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department to be reunited with other family members.This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the incident. In use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Wyandotte County District Attorney. The investigation is ongoing.

Police investigate death during a warrant arrest of Kansas man

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area high school teacher is facing charges for possessing child pornography on a school computer.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2551/MEYER-COMPLAINT-RED">Austin Meyer, a drama teacher at Truman High School, faces</a>&nbsp;11 counts of Possession of Child Pornography, according to Jackson County Prosecutor&nbsp;Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2550/Meyer-Austin---PC-Statement_Redacted">Click here to read the probably cause statement</a>

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2550/Meyer-Austin---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Independence police were advised by school officials that 11 gigabytes of child pornography had been found on the Meyer's computer. Officers arrested Meyer and he is in custody on a $100,000 cash bond.&nbsp;

The Independence School District announced Meyer was placed on administrative leave due to the criminal investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742506503134.png" alt="Meyer photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Meyer photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area high school teacher is facing charges for possessing child pornography on a school computer.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2551/MEYER-COMPLAINT-RED">Austin Meyer, a drama teacher at Truman High School, faces</a>&nbsp;11 counts of Possession of Child Pornography, according to Jackson County Prosecutor&nbsp;Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2550/Meyer-Austin---PC-Statement_Redacted">Click here to read the probably cause statement</a><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2550/Meyer-Austin---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Independence police were advised by school officials that 11 gigabytes of child pornography had been found on the Meyer's computer. Officers arrested Meyer and he is in custody on a $100,000 cash bond.&nbsp;The Independence School District announced Meyer was placed on administrative leave due to the criminal investigation.

KC area teacher had child porn on his school computer

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 12:05a.m. Friday in Topeka.

A vehicle was northbound in the 1400 Block of SW Wanamaker, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz. The vehicle struck the bridge. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have not released the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742571842855.png" alt="Police on the scene early Friday- image by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene early Friday- image by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 12:05a.m. Friday in Topeka.A vehicle was northbound in the 1400 Block of SW Wanamaker, according to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz. The vehicle struck the bridge. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.Police have not released the name of the victim.

One dead after crash into Kansas bridge

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

Federal prosecutors filed criminal charges Thursday against the husband of former Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush alleging he defrauded pandemic-era relief programs.

Cortney Merritts, 46, faces&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/indictment-charges-st-louis-man-covid-fraud" target="_blank">two counts of wire fraud</a>&nbsp;for allegedly filing sham applications in 2020 and 2021 with the Small Business Administration, enabling him to collect money aimed at helping struggling businesses make payroll during the pandemic.

The charges were filed by Ed Martin, a former chairman of the Missouri Republican Party who was appointed a D.C. U.S. attorney position by President Donald Trump.

Merritts’ attorney told St. Louis Public Radio that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/news-briefs/2025-03-20/feds-charge-cori-bushs-husband-with-pandemic-relief-fraud" target="_blank">he intends to plead not guilty</a>.

According to the indictment, Merritts allegedly lied on applications and forged documents in order to receive a bigger loan from COVID-19 relief programs. When one loan was rejected because it was nearly identical to a previous application he submitted, he allegedly applied on behalf of a different business that he claimed he started in 2020.

Federal prosecutors say he recieved a loan for $20,832 that was forgiven by the government.

Bush served two terms representing a St. Louis-based seat in Congress before losing last year in the Democratic primary to Wesley Bell.&nbsp;She is not mentioned or accused of any wrongdoing in the indictment against her husband.

Controversy has swirled around the couple before when Bush hired Merritts as her security guard. A complaint was filed alleging Merritts’ employment with the Bush campaign violated federal law, but it was ultimately dismissed by the Office of Congressional Ethics.

Bush had attracted controversy for using campaign money to hire her husband, Merritts, as her security guard. But the Office of Congressional Ethics dismissed a complaint filed against Bush last fall alleging that her campaign’s employment of Merritts was a violation of federal election law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674158702822.png" alt="File photo&nbsp; Former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Missouri, testifies during a 2021 committee hearing.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>File photo&nbsp; Former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Missouri, testifies during a 2021 committee hearing.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Federal prosecutors filed criminal charges Thursday against the husband of former Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush alleging he defrauded pandemic-era relief programs.Cortney Merritts, 46, faces&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/indictment-charges-st-louis-man-covid-fraud" target="_blank">two counts of wire fraud</a>&nbsp;for allegedly filing sham applications in 2020 and 2021 with the Small Business Administration, enabling him to collect money aimed at helping struggling businesses make payroll during the pandemic.The charges were filed by Ed Martin, a former chairman of the Missouri Republican Party who was appointed a D.C. U.S. attorney position by President Donald Trump.Merritts’ attorney told St. Louis Public Radio that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/news-briefs/2025-03-20/feds-charge-cori-bushs-husband-with-pandemic-relief-fraud" target="_blank">he intends to plead not guilty</a>.According to the indictment, Merritts allegedly lied on applications and forged documents in order to receive a bigger loan from COVID-19 relief programs. When one loan was rejected because it was nearly identical to a previous application he submitted, he allegedly applied on behalf of a different business that he claimed he started in 2020.Federal prosecutors say he recieved a loan for $20,832 that was forgiven by the government.Bush served two terms representing a St. Louis-based seat in Congress before losing last year in the Democratic primary to Wesley Bell.&nbsp;She is not mentioned or accused of any wrongdoing in the indictment against her husband.Controversy has swirled around the couple before when Bush hired Merritts as her security guard. A complaint was filed alleging Merritts’ employment with the Bush campaign violated federal law, but it was ultimately dismissed by the Office of Congressional Ethics.Bush had attracted controversy for using campaign money to hire her husband, Merritts, as her security guard. But the Office of Congressional Ethics dismissed a complaint filed against Bush last fall alleging that her campaign’s employment of Merritts was a violation of federal election law.

Husband of former Mo. Congresswoman Cori Bush charged with COVID fraud

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 22-year-old Dayteonna&nbsp;Thompson, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a disturbance at an apartment in the 600 block of E Minor Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.

On arrival officers were directed to an apartment unit where they located two adult women inside with unknown injuries. One of the women was alert and talking with what appeared to be minor injuries and another was unresponsive with significant injuries.

Based on preliminary information obtained by the initial responding officers, additional responding officers were able to locate a male subject of interest and take him into custody, for further investigation, a short distance away within the apartment complex.

Initial officers rendered aid to the injured victims and called for EMS who transported both the victims to the hospital for treatment. The female victim with significant injuries later identified as Thompson was pronounced&nbsp; deceased at the hospital. The second woman was treated for what is believed to be non life threatening injuries.

Based on preliminary information it is believed the male subject of interest is known to the women.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 22-year-old Dayteonna&nbsp;Thompson, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just after 11:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a disturbance at an apartment in the 600 block of E Minor Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.On arrival officers were directed to an apartment unit where they located two adult women inside with unknown injuries. One of the women was alert and talking with what appeared to be minor injuries and another was unresponsive with significant injuries.Based on preliminary information obtained by the initial responding officers, additional responding officers were able to locate a male subject of interest and take him into custody, for further investigation, a short distance away within the apartment complex.Initial officers rendered aid to the injured victims and called for EMS who transported both the victims to the hospital for treatment. The female victim with significant injuries later identified as Thompson was pronounced&nbsp; deceased at the hospital. The second woman was treated for what is believed to be non life threatening injuries.Based on preliminary information it is believed the male subject of interest is known to the women.

Police ID woman who died in KC apartment disturbance

DOUGLAS COUNTY—The search continues for the&nbsp;driver who fled from an attempted vehicle stop Wednesday night leading to a pursuit through a Lawrence, Kansas, neighborhood before the driver struck a concrete barrier at Sixth Street and Schwarz Road, according to a social media report from the Douglas County Sheriff.

Just before 10p.m. Wednesday, a Douglas County Sheriff's deputy recognized the driver as someone with outstanding warrants and attempted to stop the vehicle near West Seventh Street and Lawrence Avenue before the driver fled in a 2004 Cadillac DeVille.&nbsp;

Striking the barrier deflated a tire on the vehicle, and the driver ran from the scene through backyards between residences in the 500 block of Schwarz Road. Lawrence police officers assisted deputies in searching the area, including using a drone and K-9.

Law enforcement did not locate the suspect. Deputies did identify the suspect and planned to submit an affidavit to prosecutors related to charges for felony fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement related to the pursuit.

Deputies took one passenger in the DeVille, a 21-year-old Lawrence man, into custody on warrants outside of Douglas County.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release the name of the suspects.

DOUGLAS COUNTY—The search continues for the&nbsp;driver who fled from an attempted vehicle stop Wednesday night leading to a pursuit through a Lawrence, Kansas, neighborhood before the driver struck a concrete barrier at Sixth Street and Schwarz Road, according to a social media report from the Douglas County Sheriff.Just before 10p.m. Wednesday, a Douglas County Sheriff's deputy recognized the driver as someone with outstanding warrants and attempted to stop the vehicle near West Seventh Street and Lawrence Avenue before the driver fled in a 2004 Cadillac DeVille.&nbsp;Striking the barrier deflated a tire on the vehicle, and the driver ran from the scene through backyards between residences in the 500 block of Schwarz Road. Lawrence police officers assisted deputies in searching the area, including using a drone and K-9.Law enforcement did not locate the suspect. Deputies did identify the suspect and planned to submit an affidavit to prosecutors related to charges for felony fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement related to the pursuit.Deputies took one passenger in the DeVille, a 21-year-old Lawrence man, into custody on warrants outside of Douglas County.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release the name of the suspects.

Kansas suspect at large after running from police chase, crash

WASHINGTON —The Iranian regime continues to fuel conflict in Middle East, pursue its nuclear program, and support its terrorist proxies.&nbsp; Iran’s oil exports are enabled by a network of illicit shipping facilitators in multiple jurisdictions who, through obfuscation and deception, load and transport Iranian oil for sale to buyers in Asia, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of State.

On Thursday, the United States announced it is taking action under National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-2, President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran.&nbsp; This action marks the fourth round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales to stop the flow of revenue the regime uses to fund their destabilizing activities.&nbsp; The Department of State is imposing sanctions on one entity engaged in the acquisition of Iranian petroleum.&nbsp; This target is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13846, which authorizes and reimposes certain sanctions with respect to Iran.&nbsp; In a separate action, the Department of the Treasury is imposing sanctions on 19 entities and vessels pursuant to E.O. 13902, which targets Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors.

Specifically, the Department of State is taking action against a crude oil and petroleum products storage terminal in the port of Huizhou in China.&nbsp; The terminal received and stored Iranian-origin crude oil onboard a blocked tanker.&nbsp; Crude oil and petroleum products terminals based in China serve as the gateway for Iranian petroleum products to enter the Chinese market.&nbsp; As China is the largest importer of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products, terminals in China play a critical role in supporting Iran’s efforts to maintain revenues from its energy exports and fuel its destabilizing activities.

The Department is designating the following entity pursuant to section 3(a)(ii) of E.O. 13846 for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran:

As a result of today’s sanctions-related actions, and in accordance with E.O. 13846, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).&nbsp; Additionally, all entities and individuals that have ownership, either directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.

All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt.&nbsp; These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of U.S. government sanctions derive not only from the U.S. government’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.

WASHINGTON —The Iranian regime continues to fuel conflict in Middle East, pursue its nuclear program, and support its terrorist proxies.&nbsp; Iran’s oil exports are enabled by a network of illicit shipping facilitators in multiple jurisdictions who, through obfuscation and deception, load and transport Iranian oil for sale to buyers in Asia, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of State.On Thursday, the United States announced it is taking action under National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-2, President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran.&nbsp; This action marks the fourth round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales to stop the flow of revenue the regime uses to fund their destabilizing activities.&nbsp; The Department of State is imposing sanctions on one entity engaged in the acquisition of Iranian petroleum.&nbsp; This target is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13846, which authorizes and reimposes certain sanctions with respect to Iran.&nbsp; In a separate action, the Department of the Treasury is imposing sanctions on 19 entities and vessels pursuant to E.O. 13902, which targets Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors.Specifically, the Department of State is taking action against a crude oil and petroleum products storage terminal in the port of Huizhou in China.&nbsp; The terminal received and stored Iranian-origin crude oil onboard a blocked tanker.&nbsp; Crude oil and petroleum products terminals based in China serve as the gateway for Iranian petroleum products to enter the Chinese market.&nbsp; As China is the largest importer of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products, terminals in China play a critical role in supporting Iran’s efforts to maintain revenues from its energy exports and fuel its destabilizing activities.The Department is designating the following entity pursuant to section 3(a)(ii) of E.O. 13846 for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran:<ul>
 <li>HUAYING HUIZHOU DAYA BAY PETROCHEMICAL TERMINAL STORAGE CO., LTD (HUAYING PETROCHEMICAL)&nbsp;knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the acquisition of crude oil from Iran in late January 2025, when the U.S.-designated tanker, formerly SPIRIT OF CASPER, also known as NICHOLA, offloaded approximately one million barrels of Iranian-origin crude oil at the Huaying Daya Bay terminal, a China-based petroleum products storage terminal that is owned and operated by HUAYING PETROCHEMICAL.</li><li>NICHOLA, which was added to the SDN List in October 2024 in connection with transporting multiple shipments of Iranian oil to China-based refineries, loaded Iranian-origin petroleum in December 2024, when it engaged in a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer in the eastern outer port limits near Singapore with U.S.-designated SALINA, an Iran-flagged tanker associated with the U.S.-designated NATIONAL IRANIAN TANKER COMPANY (NITC). At the time of the transfer, SALINA was laden with petroleum from Kharg Island, Iran, which it had loaded a month earlier in November 2024.</li><li>Several days before the NICHOLA arrived at the Huaying terminal, multiple sources reported that the vessel was laden with Iranian-origin petroleum. On January 22, 2025, HUAYING PETROCHEMICAL received NICHOLA at its petroleum products berth, where the vessel subsequently discharged approximately one million barrels of Iranian crude oil.&nbsp; Since March 2021, HUAYING PETROCHEMICAL has received at least nine shipments of Iranian petroleum at its terminal facility, seven of which came from the U.S.-designated NATIONAL IRANIAN OIL COMPANY).</li>
 </ul>SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONSAs a result of today’s sanctions-related actions, and in accordance with E.O. 13846, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).&nbsp; Additionally, all entities and individuals that have ownership, either directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt.&nbsp; These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.The power and integrity of U.S. government sanctions derive not only from the U.S. government’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior.

U.S. sanctions additional entities that trade in Iran’s oil exports

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man who was shot by police this week after he struck a patrol car while attempting to flee law enforcement is facing multiple charges, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2548/BEEBE-Complaint-RED">Robert Beebe, 35, faces</a>&nbsp;Resisting a Lawful Stop, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, according&nbsp; to Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2549/BEEBE-PC-RED">According to court records</a>, Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers were following a black Infiniti Tuesday evening that had previously eluded them. Troopers followed the vehicle until it reached state line. The passenger of the Infiniti bailed from the vehicle and was taken into custody. The driver of the Infiniti, later identified as Beebe was observed driving in a careless manner, according to Kansas City police helicopter footage. The driver drove into oncoming traffic and failed to stop at multiple traffic control devices.&nbsp;

The Infiniti then pulled into a parking lot on the 1600 block of Jefferson Street. A patrol vehicle attempted to conduct a car check of the vehicle. Witnesses, one of whom was participating in a police ride-along, said the officers identified themselves during the car check and requested the defendant to exit the vehicle. The defendant then hit the police car as he backed out and he revved its engine as if to strike the vehicle again. A witness said he believed the Infiniti was driving in the direction of an officer. Police fired at the vehicle, hitting Beebe who was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries.&nbsp;

A stolen firearm was recovered from the Infiniti’s front driver side floorboard, loaded with live rounds. Beebe is currently on probation for Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance. He&nbsp;is being held on a $50,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742379426063.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man who was shot by police this week after he struck a patrol car while attempting to flee law enforcement is facing multiple charges, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2548/BEEBE-Complaint-RED">Robert Beebe, 35, faces</a>&nbsp;Resisting a Lawful Stop, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, according&nbsp; to Johnson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742508983473.png" alt="Beebe photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Beebe photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2549/BEEBE-PC-RED">According to court records</a>, Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers were following a black Infiniti Tuesday evening that had previously eluded them. Troopers followed the vehicle until it reached state line. The passenger of the Infiniti bailed from the vehicle and was taken into custody. The driver of the Infiniti, later identified as Beebe was observed driving in a careless manner, according to Kansas City police helicopter footage. The driver drove into oncoming traffic and failed to stop at multiple traffic control devices.&nbsp;The Infiniti then pulled into a parking lot on the 1600 block of Jefferson Street. A patrol vehicle attempted to conduct a car check of the vehicle. Witnesses, one of whom was participating in a police ride-along, said the officers identified themselves during the car check and requested the defendant to exit the vehicle. The defendant then hit the police car as he backed out and he revved its engine as if to strike the vehicle again. A witness said he believed the Infiniti was driving in the direction of an officer. Police fired at the vehicle, hitting Beebe who was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries.&nbsp;A stolen firearm was recovered from the Infiniti’s front driver side floorboard, loaded with live rounds. Beebe is currently on probation for Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance. He&nbsp;is being held on a $50,000 bond.

Man shot by KCPD after striking patrol vehicle moved from hospital to jail

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

WASHINGTON — In a sweeping executive order signed Thursday, President Donald Trump called on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure” of the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/protesters-rally-against-sweeping-cuts-us-education-department" target="_blank">Education Department</a>.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/improving-education-outcomes-by-empowering-parents-states-and-communities/" target="_blank">signed the order</a>&nbsp;at a major White House ceremony, flanked by children seated at desks. It directs McMahon to “return authority over education to the States and local communities while ensuring the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.”

Trump spoke to an audience packed with top GOP state officials, and he cited Republican Govs. Greg Abbott of Texas, Mike Braun of Indiana, Ron DeSantis of Florida, Bill Lee of Tennessee, Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Jeff Landry of Louisiana, Brad Little of Idaho, Jim Pillen of Nebraska and Mike DeWine of Ohio.

Deena Bishop, commissioner of Alaska’s&nbsp;<a href="https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alaska-board-of-education-and-early-development-selects-new-commissioner/" target="_blank">Department of Education and Early Development</a>, was slated to attend, though she was not cited by Trump.

“After 45 years, the United States spends more money in education by far than any other country and spends, likewise, by far, more money per pupil than any country, and it’s not even close, but yet we rank near the bottom of the list in terms of success,” Trump said at the brief ceremony.&nbsp;

GOP Reps. Tim Walberg of Michigan and Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, the respective current and former chairs of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, were also in attendance.&nbsp;

The children each signed their own individual executive orders, proudly displaying them alongside Trump.&nbsp;

The order, which is sure to draw legal challenges, “also directs that programs or activities receiving any remaining Department of Education funds will not advance DEI or gender ideology,” referring to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Widespread reports ahead of the signing drew intense blowback from leading education groups, labor unions and congressional Democrats.

Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, noted that the department “was founded in part to guarantee the enforcement of students’ civil rights” in a statement Thursday.

“Legality aside, dismantling (the department) will exacerbate existing disparities, reduce accountability, and put low-income students, students of color, students with disabilities, rural students, and English as a Second Language (ESL) students at risk,” the Virginia Democrat added.&nbsp;

The department’s many responsibilities include administering federal student aid, carrying out civil rights investigations, providing Title I funding for low-income school districts and guaranteeing a free public education for children with disabilities via the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA.

Following the signing, McMahon clarified in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/statement-president-trumps-executive-order-return-power-over-education-states-and-local-communities" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that “closing the Department does not mean cutting off funds from those who depend on them — we will continue to support K-12 students, students with special needs, college student borrowers, and others who rely on essential programs.”

“We’re going to follow the law and eliminate the bureaucracy responsibly by working through Congress to ensure a lawful and orderly transition,” McMahon said.&nbsp;

Trump’s long-held campaign promise to move education “back to the states” comes despite much of the funding and oversight of schools already occurring at the state and local levels. The department also legally cannot dictate the curriculum of schools across the country.

Congress has the sole authority to shut down the department, and any bill to completely close the agency would face extreme difficulties getting through the narrowly GOP-controlled Senate, with at least 60 senators needed to advance past the filibuster.

However, it could be possible for the administration to take significant actions short of closure, such as moving some Education Department functions to other agencies.

The agency has an annual budget of $79 billion in discretionary spending, or funds appropriated yearly by Congress.&nbsp;

The department has already witnessed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/advocates-brace-trump-cuts-education-department-step-toward-elimination" target="_blank">mass layoffs</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/elon-musks-doge-targets-us-department-education-millions-funding-cuts" target="_blank">contract cuts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/28/education-department-quit-00206765" target="_blank">staff buyouts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-threatens-yanking-funds-schools-use-race-decisions" target="_blank">major policy changes</a>&nbsp;in the weeks since Trump took office.

Earlier in March, the department announced that more than 1,300 employees&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-cut-hundreds-staff-members" target="_blank">would be cut</a>&nbsp;through a “<a href="https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/reductions-in-force-rif/" target="_blank">reduction in force</a>” process — sparking concerns across the country over how the mass layoffs would impact the agency’s abilities to carry out its core functions.

The department had 4,133 employees when Trump took office, but the cuts brought the total number of workers remaining down to roughly 2,183.

A group of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-attorneys-general-sue-trump-over-us-education-department-layoffs" target="_blank">21 Democratic attorneys general</a>&nbsp;quickly sued over that effort and asked a federal court in Massachusetts to block the department from implementing the “reduction in force” action and Trump’s “directive to dismantle the Department of Education.”

Opponents of the closure said it’s one more example of how Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, head of the temporary U.S. DOGE Service, are seeking to destroy the federal government as they reduce the workforce and spending.

“Donald Trump and Elon Musk have aimed their wrecking ball at public schools and the futures of the 50 million students in rural, suburban, and urban communities across America, by dismantling public education to pay for tax handouts for billionaires,” said Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, in a Wednesday night&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-president-trumps-continued-actions-will-hurt-all-students" target="_blank">statement</a>.

“Now, Trump is at it again with his latest effort to gut the Department of Education programs that support every student across the nation,” added Pringle, who leads the largest labor union in the country.

“If successful, Trump’s continued actions will hurt all students by sending class sizes soaring, cutting job training programs, making higher education more expensive and out of reach for middle class families, taking away special education services for students with disabilities, and gutting student civil rights protections,” she said.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, kept her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aft.org/press-release/afts-weingarten-responds-trumps-attempt-eliminate-federal-role-education" target="_blank">response</a>&nbsp;to reports of the forthcoming order succinct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742504343223.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — In a sweeping executive order signed Thursday, President Donald Trump called on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure” of the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/protesters-rally-against-sweeping-cuts-us-education-department" target="_blank">Education Department</a>.Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/improving-education-outcomes-by-empowering-parents-states-and-communities/" target="_blank">signed the order</a>&nbsp;at a major White House ceremony, flanked by children seated at desks. It directs McMahon to “return authority over education to the States and local communities while ensuring the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.”Trump spoke to an audience packed with top GOP state officials, and he cited Republican Govs. Greg Abbott of Texas, Mike Braun of Indiana, Ron DeSantis of Florida, Bill Lee of Tennessee, Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Jeff Landry of Louisiana, Brad Little of Idaho, Jim Pillen of Nebraska and Mike DeWine of Ohio.Deena Bishop, commissioner of Alaska’s&nbsp;<a href="https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alaska-board-of-education-and-early-development-selects-new-commissioner/" target="_blank">Department of Education and Early Development</a>, was slated to attend, though she was not cited by Trump.“After 45 years, the United States spends more money in education by far than any other country and spends, likewise, by far, more money per pupil than any country, and it’s not even close, but yet we rank near the bottom of the list in terms of success,” Trump said at the brief ceremony.&nbsp;GOP Reps. Tim Walberg of Michigan and Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, the respective current and former chairs of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, were also in attendance.&nbsp;The children each signed their own individual executive orders, proudly displaying them alongside Trump.&nbsp;The order, which is sure to draw legal challenges, “also directs that programs or activities receiving any remaining Department of Education funds will not advance DEI or gender ideology,” referring to diversity, equity and inclusion.Widespread reports ahead of the signing drew intense blowback from leading education groups, labor unions and congressional Democrats.Rep. Bobby Scott, ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, noted that the department “was founded in part to guarantee the enforcement of students’ civil rights” in a statement Thursday.“Legality aside, dismantling (the department) will exacerbate existing disparities, reduce accountability, and put low-income students, students of color, students with disabilities, rural students, and English as a Second Language (ESL) students at risk,” the Virginia Democrat added.&nbsp;<h2>Title I, IDEA funds&nbsp;</h2>The department’s many responsibilities include administering federal student aid, carrying out civil rights investigations, providing Title I funding for low-income school districts and guaranteeing a free public education for children with disabilities via the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA.Following the signing, McMahon clarified in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/statement-president-trumps-executive-order-return-power-over-education-states-and-local-communities" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;that “closing the Department does not mean cutting off funds from those who depend on them — we will continue to support K-12 students, students with special needs, college student borrowers, and others who rely on essential programs.”“We’re going to follow the law and eliminate the bureaucracy responsibly by working through Congress to ensure a lawful and orderly transition,” McMahon said.&nbsp;Trump’s long-held campaign promise to move education “back to the states” comes despite much of the funding and oversight of schools already occurring at the state and local levels. The department also legally cannot dictate the curriculum of schools across the country.Congress has the sole authority to shut down the department, and any bill to completely close the agency would face extreme difficulties getting through the narrowly GOP-controlled Senate, with at least 60 senators needed to advance past the filibuster.However, it could be possible for the administration to take significant actions short of closure, such as moving some Education Department functions to other agencies.The agency has an annual budget of $79 billion in discretionary spending, or funds appropriated yearly by Congress.&nbsp;<h2>Layoffs, buyouts</h2>The department has already witnessed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/advocates-brace-trump-cuts-education-department-step-toward-elimination" target="_blank">mass layoffs</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/elon-musks-doge-targets-us-department-education-millions-funding-cuts" target="_blank">contract cuts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/28/education-department-quit-00206765" target="_blank">staff buyouts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-threatens-yanking-funds-schools-use-race-decisions" target="_blank">major policy changes</a>&nbsp;in the weeks since Trump took office.Earlier in March, the department announced that more than 1,300 employees&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-cut-hundreds-staff-members" target="_blank">would be cut</a>&nbsp;through a “<a href="https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/reductions-in-force-rif/" target="_blank">reduction in force</a>” process — sparking concerns across the country over how the mass layoffs would impact the agency’s abilities to carry out its core functions.The department had 4,133 employees when Trump took office, but the cuts brought the total number of workers remaining down to roughly 2,183.A group of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-attorneys-general-sue-trump-over-us-education-department-layoffs" target="_blank">21 Democratic attorneys general</a>&nbsp;quickly sued over that effort and asked a federal court in Massachusetts to block the department from implementing the “reduction in force” action and Trump’s “directive to dismantle the Department of Education.”<h2>Lawsuit incoming</h2>Opponents of the closure said it’s one more example of how Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, head of the temporary U.S. DOGE Service, are seeking to destroy the federal government as they reduce the workforce and spending.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742508632556.png" alt="From left, Olivia Sawyer and Jeremy Bauer-Wolf protest the U.S. Education Department’s mass layoffs during a “honk-a-thon” and rally March 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>From left, Olivia Sawyer and Jeremy Bauer-Wolf protest the U.S. Education Department’s mass layoffs during a “honk-a-thon” and rally March 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Donald Trump and Elon Musk have aimed their wrecking ball at public schools and the futures of the 50 million students in rural, suburban, and urban communities across America, by dismantling public education to pay for tax handouts for billionaires,” said Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, in a Wednesday night&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-president-trumps-continued-actions-will-hurt-all-students" target="_blank">statement</a>.“Now, Trump is at it again with his latest effort to gut the Department of Education programs that support every student across the nation,” added Pringle, who leads the largest labor union in the country.“If successful, Trump’s continued actions will hurt all students by sending class sizes soaring, cutting job training programs, making higher education more expensive and out of reach for middle class families, taking away special education services for students with disabilities, and gutting student civil rights protections,” she said.Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, kept her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aft.org/press-release/afts-weingarten-responds-trumps-attempt-eliminate-federal-role-education" target="_blank">response</a>&nbsp;to reports of the forthcoming order succinct.“See you in court,” she said.&nbsp;

Trump signs order directing Education secretary to shut down her own department

MITCHELL COUNTY — Three small earthquakes shook north central Kansas over the past 24-hours.

Just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas Geological Survey reported a 2.3 magnitude quake northeast of Hope in rural Dickinson County.

At 3:47 a.m Thursday., the Kansas Geological Survey reported a quake one half mile east, northeast of Glen Elder with a preliminary magnitude 2.8.&nbsp; Four hours later, a quake with a magnitude 2.9&nbsp; shook one half mile west of Glen Elder, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.

There are no reports of any damage or injury, according to the Mitchell County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742491867827.png" alt="Red dots mark the location of the quakes on Thursday morning in Mitchell County-image Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>Red dots mark the location of the quakes on Thursday morning in Mitchell County-image Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>MITCHELL COUNTY — Three small earthquakes shook north central Kansas over the past 24-hours.Just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas Geological Survey reported a 2.3 magnitude quake northeast of Hope in rural Dickinson County.At 3:47 a.m Thursday., the Kansas Geological Survey reported a quake one half mile east, northeast of Glen Elder with a preliminary magnitude 2.8.&nbsp; Four hours later, a quake with a magnitude 2.9&nbsp; shook one half mile west of Glen Elder, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.There are no reports of any damage or injury, according to the Mitchell County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

3 small earthquakes reported in Kansas in past 24-hours

GRAND COUNTY, Colorado— A skier from Kansas died after he struck a tree at a Colorado resort on Tuesday.

Just before 11a.m. March 18,&nbsp;&nbsp;Winter Park Ski Patrol received reporting that a man struck a tree on the Lupin, an advanced trail at the Winter Park Ski resort, according to the Fraser Winter Park Police Department. Resort guests on the scene started CPR on the man later identified as 20-year-old Andrew McDonald of Shawnee, Kansas, according to Grand County Coroner's office.&nbsp; When the Ski Patrol arrived, they transported McDonald to Denver Health Winter Park Medical Center at the base of the resort.&nbsp; 

Despite resuscitation efforts, McDonald was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, according to police.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742488404695.png" alt="Image courtesy KKTV" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KKTV</figcaption>
 </figure>GRAND COUNTY, Colorado— A skier from Kansas died after he struck a tree at a Colorado resort on Tuesday.Just before 11a.m. March 18,&nbsp;&nbsp;Winter Park Ski Patrol received reporting that a man struck a tree on the Lupin, an advanced trail at the Winter Park Ski resort, according to the Fraser Winter Park Police Department. Resort guests on the scene started CPR on the man later identified as 20-year-old Andrew McDonald of Shawnee, Kansas, according to Grand County Coroner's office.&nbsp; When the Ski Patrol arrived, they transported McDonald to Denver Health Winter Park Medical Center at the base of the resort.&nbsp; Despite resuscitation efforts, McDonald was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, according to police.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Skier from Kansas dies after striking a tree in Colorado

FRANKLIN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.

On March 16, detectives and officers with the Ottawa Police Department, in collaboration with detectives from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, executed a narcotics search warrant in the 900 block of South Cypress Street, according to a media release.

During the search, a significant amount of fentanyl and other illegal drugs were discovered. Additionally, a juvenile residing in the home was subsequently taken into protective custody by Ottawa Police officers.

The suspect in this case was already in custody on unrelated criminal charges. Reports regarding this incident have been submitted to the Franklin County Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Police did not release the name of the suspect.

FRANKLIN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.On March 16, detectives and officers with the Ottawa Police Department, in collaboration with detectives from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, executed a narcotics search warrant in the 900 block of South Cypress Street, according to a media release.During the search, a significant amount of fentanyl and other illegal drugs were discovered. Additionally, a juvenile residing in the home was subsequently taken into protective custody by Ottawa Police officers.The suspect in this case was already in custody on unrelated criminal charges. Reports regarding this incident have been submitted to the Franklin County Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Child placed in protective custody after fentanyl found at Kan. home

MIAMI COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal crash in northeast Kansas. Just after 12:30P.M. Tuesday, police and fire and EMS crews&nbsp;were dispatched to a vehicle crash into the Safari Hair Salon in the 900 block of W. Amity Street in Louisburg, according to a media release.

The vehicle crashed into the building and struck two people inside.

Louisburg Police learned the pickup was westbound on Amity Street, traveled off the roadway east of Rogers Road onto the the south curbside and continued&nbsp; eastbound and struck the east wall of the building.

 The pickup continued through the building and struck the two occupants who were inside at a desk, before continuing through the western wall of the business, where they struck a parked car in the parking lot. 

The two victims, later identified as Drexel Firefighter Anthony Juarez and his wife Devin were transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center for treatment, according to the Drexel, Missouri Police Department. He was listed in critical condition.

Devin will recover from her injuries, according to police. Late Tuesday night, Anthony died from his many injuries, according to police.

EMS treated the driver of the pickup on scene for his minor injuries. Due to the serious nature of this accident, the Miami County Sheriff's Office provided their CHART and crash reconstruction team to assist in the investigation, and KDOT responded to help with traffic control as the two eastbound lanes of traffic had to be closed while crews were on scene. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742466512334.png" alt="-Photo Louisburg Police" />
 <figcaption>-Photo Louisburg Police</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAMI COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal crash in northeast Kansas. Just after 12:30P.M. Tuesday, police and fire and EMS crews&nbsp;were dispatched to a vehicle crash into the Safari Hair Salon in the 900 block of W. Amity Street in Louisburg, according to a media release.The vehicle crashed into the building and struck two people inside.Louisburg Police learned the pickup was westbound on Amity Street, traveled off the roadway east of Rogers Road onto the the south curbside and continued&nbsp; eastbound and struck the east wall of the building. The pickup continued through the building and struck the two occupants who were inside at a desk, before continuing through the western wall of the business, where they struck a parked car in the parking lot. The two victims, later identified as Drexel Firefighter Anthony Juarez and his wife Devin were transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center for treatment, according to the Drexel, Missouri Police Department. He was listed in critical condition.Devin will recover from her injuries, according to police. Late Tuesday night, Anthony died from his many injuries, according to police.EMS treated the driver of the pickup on scene for his minor injuries. Due to the serious nature of this accident, the Miami County Sheriff's Office provided their CHART and crash reconstruction team to assist in the investigation, and KDOT responded to help with traffic control as the two eastbound lanes of traffic had to be closed while crews were on scene. This crash is still under investigation.

Missouri firefighter dies after pickup crash into hair salon

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcemente investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City have identified the two victims as 72-year-old Juah R. Mubarek and 33-year-old Leander D. Wooden, Jr., according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 11p.m. Tuesday, police were called to the 3400 block of Harrison Street on a sound of shots call. First responders located Mubarek and Wooden, Jr. unresponsive in the street. Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over treatment. EMS transported both victims to the hospital where they were both pronounced deceased.

Detectives continue to investigate. The public is reminded of the need for any information in this caseThey can call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcemente investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City have identified the two victims as 72-year-old Juah R. Mubarek and 33-year-old Leander D. Wooden, Jr., according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just after 11p.m. Tuesday, police were called to the 3400 block of Harrison Street on a sound of shots call. First responders located Mubarek and Wooden, Jr. unresponsive in the street. Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over treatment. EMS transported both victims to the hospital where they were both pronounced deceased.Detectives continue to investigate. The public is reminded of the need for any information in this caseThey can call the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS

KCPD: 72-year-old among victims found shot in the street 

BENTON COUNTY —Since March 14, Water Patrol and Dive Team members have been diligently searching the Clear Creek Cove area of Truman Lake in Benton County for a missing boater, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. As officers utilize all available resources to continue their search efforts, please avoid the area.

If you believe you have any information that will aid law enforcement in their search efforts, please call Troop A at 816-622-0800.

BENTON COUNTY —Since March 14, Water Patrol and Dive Team members have been diligently searching the Clear Creek Cove area of Truman Lake in Benton County for a missing boater, according to a statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. As officers utilize all available resources to continue their search efforts, please avoid the area.If you believe you have any information that will aid law enforcement in their search efforts, please call Troop A at 816-622-0800.

Search continues for a missing boater in Missouri lake

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 2:30a.m.&nbsp; March 17, a Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2012 Chrysler 300 near Arizona Avenue and Banner Road in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Deputies placed four occupants from the vehicle under arrest. The driver, James Michael Johnson, 62, of Leavenworth, was jailed on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.

 Charles Ernest Hidy, 68, of Lees Summit, Missouri, was jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.

 Shelly Jo Straub, 50, of Leavenworth, was jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia and possessing a hallucinogenic drug.

Ashley Joy Hooper, 37, of Blue Springs, Missouri, was jailed on requested charges for interference with law enforcement and transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742312227896.png" alt="Johnson -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating four suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just before 2:30a.m.&nbsp; March 17, a Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2012 Chrysler 300 near Arizona Avenue and Banner Road in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742312108731.png" alt="Hooper -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hooper -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Deputies placed four occupants from the vehicle under arrest. The driver, James Michael Johnson, 62, of Leavenworth, was jailed on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742312295259.png" alt="Hidy photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hidy photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Charles Ernest Hidy, 68, of Lees Summit, Missouri, was jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742312341962.png" alt="Straub photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Straub photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Shelly Jo Straub, 50, of Leavenworth, was jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia and possessing a hallucinogenic drug.Ashley Joy Hooper, 37, of Blue Springs, Missouri, was jailed on requested charges for interference with law enforcement and transporting an open container.

2 from Kansas, 2 from Missouri jailed after drug bust

KANSAS CITY —A woman is in custody after fleeing from deputies and nearly running over a man attending a birthday party. 

At 4 p.m. March 15, a sheriff's deputy observed an SUV with a fake temporary tag near 210 Highway and Searcy Creek Parkway, according to a media release from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.

Before the deputy tried to stop the vehicle, he also saw the driver run a stop sign and go southbound into the northbound lanes of Searcy Creek Parkway. 

The driver eventually corrected, but as the deputy tried to stop the vehicle, it took off at high speed, frequently traveling on the wrong side of the road.

The deputy lost sight of the vehicle near a paintball and laser tag business at 9300 Underground Drive, but a bystander pointed him in the direction the SUV had gone. 

The deputy located the SUV crashed in the woods. The deputy couldn’t find the driver, later identified as 48-year-old&nbsp;Katherine A. Donohoe. Additional deputies arrived, and one of them located Donohoe walking on Underground Drive and took her into custody. She had only superficial injuries. The bystander told deputies the fleeing driver almost struck him as he retrieved pizzas from his vehicle for a birthday party. 

The SUV swerved, causing it to strike a gate and overturn in the woods. There were many vehicles in the business's parking lot at the time, and thankfully the SUV traveled&nbsp; off the road before striking anyone. 

Deputies later learned Donohoe had no valid license. She has now been charged with felony aggravated fleeing from a stop&nbsp; and has a bond of $75,000. She remains in custody in the Clay County Detention Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742406934115.png" alt="Photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A woman is in custody after fleeing from deputies and nearly running over a man attending a birthday party. At 4 p.m. March 15, a sheriff's deputy observed an SUV with a fake temporary tag near 210 Highway and Searcy Creek Parkway, according to a media release from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742406892265.png" alt="Donohoe photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Donohoe photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Before the deputy tried to stop the vehicle, he also saw the driver run a stop sign and go southbound into the northbound lanes of Searcy Creek Parkway. The driver eventually corrected, but as the deputy tried to stop the vehicle, it took off at high speed, frequently traveling on the wrong side of the road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742419470129.png" alt="Photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The deputy lost sight of the vehicle near a paintball and laser tag business at 9300 Underground Drive, but a bystander pointed him in the direction the SUV had gone. The deputy located the SUV crashed in the woods. The deputy couldn’t find the driver, later identified as 48-year-old&nbsp;Katherine A. Donohoe. Additional deputies arrived, and one of them located Donohoe walking on Underground Drive and took her into custody. She had only superficial injuries. The bystander told deputies the fleeing driver almost struck him as he retrieved pizzas from his vehicle for a birthday party. The SUV swerved, causing it to strike a gate and overturn in the woods. There were many vehicles in the business's parking lot at the time, and thankfully the SUV traveled&nbsp; off the road before striking anyone. Deputies later learned Donohoe had no valid license. She has now been charged with felony aggravated fleeing from a stop&nbsp; and has a bond of $75,000. She remains in custody in the Clay County Detention Center.

Kansas City woman jailed after crash while fleeing deputy

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

TOPEKA — Kansas voters will decide next year whether to rewrite the state’s constitution to turn the Kansas Supreme Court into an elected office.

The House on Wednesday narrowly endorsed a Senate resolution to place the question on the August 2026 ballot, rejecting concerns that the change from a merit-based selection system for justices&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">would result in a more politicized court</a>.

Republicans have pursued the change for years in response to rulings that require lawmakers to fully fund public schools and that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/07/kansas-senate-adopts-plan-to-elect-supreme-court-justices-a-step-toward-overturning-abortion-rights/">established a right to terminate a pregnancy</a>. But they defend the change as a way to empower voters.

“They think the voters should have a bigger role in the selection process,” said Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, during debate Wednesday. “To that, I find it ironic that we have chosen to place this constitutional amendment on the ballot of a low-turnout election. And I think that’s because that’s not what this is really about. This is about injecting politics into our court system.”

Vaughn said the inevitable surge in campaign spending for the high court would “invite misinformation” and that “justice should not be for sale.”

Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, responded: “We all know elections are not for sale,” which was met with a smattering of laughter from her colleagues.

The highest bidder, she pointed out, doesn’t win every race. Campaign finance matters, she conceded, but is “vastly overstated” because voters can evaluate the merit of candidates.

And she pointed out that most Kansans, if asked, don’t know how justices currently are selected.

The House declared an emergency to take final action on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1611/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1611</a>&nbsp;without waiting the customary day between the debate and a vote. The House then approved the resolution by an 84-40 margin, meeting the minimum two-thirds threshold needed for passage. The Senate passed the resolution 27-13 on March 6.

In the House, four Republicans joined Democrats in opposition: Rep. Jesse Borjon of Topeka, Rep. Angel Roeser of Manhattan, Rep. Mark Schreiber of Emporia, and Rep. Sean Willcott of Holton.

Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican who chairs the House Taxation Committee, initially voted against the resolution but flipped his vote to ensure it would pass.

The current system for selecting Kansas Supreme Court justices emerged from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/26/kansas-senate-republicans-take-up-plan-to-rewrite-constitution-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">a 1950s political scandal</a>. A nine-member nominating commission reviews applications to fill a vacancy and selects three finalists for the governor to choose from. There is no Senate approval of the governor’s pick.

The commission members include one lawyer and one nonlawyer from each of the state’s four congressional districts, plus an additional lawyer who serves as chair. Kansas bar members elect the lawyers who serve on the commission, and the governor appoints the nonlawyers.

Rep. Bob Lewis, a Republican attorney from Garden City, said the voters of Kansas “threw the baby out with the bathwater” when they installed the system through a constitutional amendment in 1958. He said it was wrong that only lawyers could have input into a majority of the nominating commission members.

“I think it’s a rigged system, quite frankly, and it needs to be changed,” Lewis said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742415749326.png" alt=" Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House defends a plan to rewrite the state constitution so that voters can elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House defends a plan to rewrite the state constitution so that voters can elect Kansas Supreme Court justices. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas voters will decide next year whether to rewrite the state’s constitution to turn the Kansas Supreme Court into an elected office.The House on Wednesday narrowly endorsed a Senate resolution to place the question on the August 2026 ballot, rejecting concerns that the change from a merit-based selection system for justices&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">would result in a more politicized court</a>.Republicans have pursued the change for years in response to rulings that require lawmakers to fully fund public schools and that&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/07/kansas-senate-adopts-plan-to-elect-supreme-court-justices-a-step-toward-overturning-abortion-rights/">established a right to terminate a pregnancy</a>. But they defend the change as a way to empower voters.“They think the voters should have a bigger role in the selection process,” said Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, during debate Wednesday. “To that, I find it ironic that we have chosen to place this constitutional amendment on the ballot of a low-turnout election. And I think that’s because that’s not what this is really about. This is about injecting politics into our court system.”Vaughn said the inevitable surge in campaign spending for the high court would “invite misinformation” and that “justice should not be for sale.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742415722010.png" alt=" Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, argues during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House that a plan to elect justices is really about trying to politicize the Kansas Supreme Court. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, argues during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House that a plan to elect justices is really about trying to politicize the Kansas Supreme Court. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita, responded: “We all know elections are not for sale,” which was met with a smattering of laughter from her colleagues.The highest bidder, she pointed out, doesn’t win every race. Campaign finance matters, she conceded, but is “vastly overstated” because voters can evaluate the merit of candidates.And she pointed out that most Kansans, if asked, don’t know how justices currently are selected.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742415683477.png" alt=" Rep. Bob Lewis, R-Garden City, described the merit-based selection of Kansas Supreme Court justices as a “rigged system” during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Bob Lewis, R-Garden City, described the merit-based selection of Kansas Supreme Court justices as a “rigged system” during a March 19, 2025, debate in the House. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>The House declared an emergency to take final action on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1611/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1611</a>&nbsp;without waiting the customary day between the debate and a vote. The House then approved the resolution by an 84-40 margin, meeting the minimum two-thirds threshold needed for passage. The Senate passed the resolution 27-13 on March 6.In the House, four Republicans joined Democrats in opposition: Rep. Jesse Borjon of Topeka, Rep. Angel Roeser of Manhattan, Rep. Mark Schreiber of Emporia, and Rep. Sean Willcott of Holton.Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican who chairs the House Taxation Committee, initially voted against the resolution but flipped his vote to ensure it would pass.The current system for selecting Kansas Supreme Court justices emerged from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/26/kansas-senate-republicans-take-up-plan-to-rewrite-constitution-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">a 1950s political scandal</a>. A nine-member nominating commission reviews applications to fill a vacancy and selects three finalists for the governor to choose from. There is no Senate approval of the governor’s pick.The commission members include one lawyer and one nonlawyer from each of the state’s four congressional districts, plus an additional lawyer who serves as chair. Kansas bar members elect the lawyers who serve on the commission, and the governor appoints the nonlawyers.Rep. Bob Lewis, a Republican attorney from Garden City, said the voters of Kansas “threw the baby out with the bathwater” when they installed the system through a constitutional amendment in 1958. He said it was wrong that only lawyers could have input into a majority of the nominating commission members.“I think it’s a rigged system, quite frankly, and it needs to be changed,” Lewis said.

Kansas House endorses plan to elect Supreme Court justices, placing question on August 2026 ballot

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

TOPEKA — A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/12/kansas-satanists-plan-to-defy-governor-with-therapeutic-blasphemy-in-black-mass-at-statehouse/">planned satanic black mass</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas capitol has spurred policy changes, allegations of theft and religious debates as state leaders scramble to address&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/16/afraid-of-letting-satan-loose-in-the-kansas-statehouse-then-check-your-religion-at-the-door-too/">First Amendment concerns</a>&nbsp;with blocking satanists from their demonstration.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly censured the black mass in a statement March 12 and said participants weren’t allowed to demonstrate inside the capitol building.

Catholic organizations circulated petitions and urged legislators to step in.

Rumors swirled among Statehouse circles that the Satanic Grotto’s president had stolen materials used in the Catholic sacrament of the Eucharist — an accusation bolstered by an archbishop’s lawsuit against the group’s leader.

Legislative leaders went a step further Tuesday and modified the Capitol’s building and grounds policies to change assembly rights for anyone who wants to demonstrate at the Statehouse — not just the Satanic Grotto.

The policy changes add three contingencies to the public’s use of common areas in the Statehouse and capitol grounds:

The Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of Republican and Democratic leadership, passed the changes unanimously at a meeting Tuesday following a letter from Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. The legislative leaders called on the governor to use the Kansas Highway Patrol to prevent the black mass from occurring as scheduled on March 28.&nbsp;

“The Governor’s Office is reviewing actions from the Legislative Coordinating Council,” said Grace Hoge, a spokesperson for the governor.

Senate President Ty Masterson acknowledged in a statement that the First Amendment protects assembly and speech, including offensive speech.

“However, the First Amendment does not protect criminal conduct,” he said. “Recent statements from an organization — which pledged to engage in such conduct — necessitated a thoughtful review of policies to ensure the safety of all those visiting our State Capitol.”

Masterson was referring to alleged criminal conduct in a civil lawsuit against Michael Stewart, the president of the Satanic Grotto. Masterson also said lawmakers sent to the director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation writings from Satanic Grotto members threatening legislators. It is unclear how current those writings were.

In a 44-page complaint filed Friday in Leavenworth County District Court, Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Joseph Naumann alleged that members of the Satanic Grotto, including Stewart and the Grotto’s vice president, stole consecrated hosts to use during the black mass. The allegation was based on phone conversations and posts on Reddit linked to Stewart’s username, “xsimon666x.”&nbsp;

In an interview Tuesday, Stewart denied the allegations and added that no one asked what consecration means to him.

“I find it very entertaining that he is convinced that I have Jesus trapped in a cracker and he would take it to court,” Stewart said.

He said his religion contains its own consecration rituals and that the Catholic Church has made “a lot of assumptions” about his religion. The satanic ritual of a black mass intentionally upends and mocks the ritual of a Catholic mass, often including a consecrated host. The Satanic Grotto is a nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with the recognized religion, the Satanic Temple.

Naumann, who plans at the same time as the planned black mass to preside over a holy hour and Catholic mass at the Assumption Church across the street from the Statehouse, said in the lawsuit the performance of a black mass directly harms the Catholic Church and Catholics across Kansas and the country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742388611692.png" alt="Michael Stewart, pictured here on March 14, 2025, is the president of the Satanic Grotto and the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Kansas City, Kansas, archbishop. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Michael Stewart, pictured here on March 14, 2025, is the president of the Satanic Grotto and the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Kansas City, Kansas, archbishop. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/12/kansas-satanists-plan-to-defy-governor-with-therapeutic-blasphemy-in-black-mass-at-statehouse/">planned satanic black mass</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas capitol has spurred policy changes, allegations of theft and religious debates as state leaders scramble to address&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/16/afraid-of-letting-satan-loose-in-the-kansas-statehouse-then-check-your-religion-at-the-door-too/">First Amendment concerns</a>&nbsp;with blocking satanists from their demonstration.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly censured the black mass in a statement March 12 and said participants weren’t allowed to demonstrate inside the capitol building.Catholic organizations circulated petitions and urged legislators to step in.Rumors swirled among Statehouse circles that the Satanic Grotto’s president had stolen materials used in the Catholic sacrament of the Eucharist — an accusation bolstered by an archbishop’s lawsuit against the group’s leader.But the satanist group hasn’t budged.Legislative leaders went a step further Tuesday and modified the Capitol’s building and grounds policies to change assembly rights for anyone who wants to demonstrate at the Statehouse — not just the Satanic Grotto.The policy changes add three contingencies to the public’s use of common areas in the Statehouse and capitol grounds:<ul>
 <li>Organizations and individuals will not be permitted to “meet or gather when participation is limited or restricted on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, cultural heritage or national origin or ancestry.”</li><li>People cannot gather if an individual has made a threat verified by state law enforcement “against the governor, a member of the Legislature or other public official.”</li><li>People cannot gather if a group or member of a group “has stated explicitly that the meeting or gathering will involve a violation of law.”</li>
 </ul>The Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of Republican and Democratic leadership, passed the changes unanimously at a meeting Tuesday following a letter from Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. The legislative leaders called on the governor to use the Kansas Highway Patrol to prevent the black mass from occurring as scheduled on March 28.&nbsp;“The Governor’s Office is reviewing actions from the Legislative Coordinating Council,” said Grace Hoge, a spokesperson for the governor.Senate President Ty Masterson acknowledged in a statement that the First Amendment protects assembly and speech, including offensive speech.“However, the First Amendment does not protect criminal conduct,” he said. “Recent statements from an organization — which pledged to engage in such conduct — necessitated a thoughtful review of policies to ensure the safety of all those visiting our State Capitol.”Masterson was referring to alleged criminal conduct in a civil lawsuit against Michael Stewart, the president of the Satanic Grotto. Masterson also said lawmakers sent to the director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation writings from Satanic Grotto members threatening legislators. It is unclear how current those writings were.In a 44-page complaint filed Friday in Leavenworth County District Court, Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Joseph Naumann alleged that members of the Satanic Grotto, including Stewart and the Grotto’s vice president, stole consecrated hosts to use during the black mass. The allegation was based on phone conversations and posts on Reddit linked to Stewart’s username, “xsimon666x.”&nbsp;In an interview Tuesday, Stewart denied the allegations and added that no one asked what consecration means to him.“I find it very entertaining that he is convinced that I have Jesus trapped in a cracker and he would take it to court,” Stewart said.He said his religion contains its own consecration rituals and that the Catholic Church has made “a lot of assumptions” about his religion. The satanic ritual of a black mass intentionally upends and mocks the ritual of a Catholic mass, often including a consecrated host. The Satanic Grotto is a nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with the recognized religion, the Satanic Temple.Naumann, who plans at the same time as the planned black mass to preside over a holy hour and Catholic mass at the Assumption Church across the street from the Statehouse, said in the lawsuit the performance of a black mass directly harms the Catholic Church and Catholics across Kansas and the country.“It is the conviction of the Catholic Church presented in its doctrinal teachings that the Consecrated Hosts and Wine are in fact the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, present under the form of bread and wine,” the lawsuit read.Catholic teachings outline specific rituals for the handling of sacramental objects. The suit alleges Stewart and his vice president aren’t qualified to handle such objects.Naumann provided no evidence to show that archdiocesan property had been stolen.&nbsp;Stewart said he “would think this whole thing was hilarious” if it weren’t for the Legislature changing state policy to address a single event.“I think it’s because they’re afraid,” Stewart said.Naumann demanded the lawsuit be resolved through a civil jury trial. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Thursday. No criminal charges had been filed against Stewart or other members of the Satanic Grotto as of Tuesday afternoon, according to court records.&nbsp;The Satanic Grotto has changed its plans in response to Kelly’s decree and intends to demonstrate outside, as she prescribed, with the expectation that Catholic groups will be there to counter-protest. Stewart initially promised to enter the building, defying the governor in “a peaceful act of civil disobedience.”Even with the policy changes, the lawsuit, which Stewart expects will be thrown out, and a statement from legislators condemning the event, Stewart is resolute.&nbsp;“I will go to the capitol on March 28,” he said.The House Federal and State Affairs Committee held an impromptu hearing Tuesday on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hr6016/" target="_blank">House Resolution 6016</a>, which denounces the planned event as “a despicable, blasphemous and offensive sacrilege to not only Catholics but all people of goodwill.”The hearing, which only included testimony from the resolution’s supporters, also provoked discussions over legislators’ religious beliefs and whether lawmakers were considering First Amendment protections.Rep. Dan Osman, an Overland Park Democrat, attributed the proponent-only testimony to the fact that the committee met outside of its scheduled time and parties were given less than 24 hours of notice to participate. He wanted to discuss the resolution at a later date, but a majority of committee members voted to advance it.&nbsp;Osman called the resolution “shortsighted” because no one knows what will happen on March 28.Other legislators questioned why they were spending time and resources to give the Satanic Grotto attention. Some supported the resolution as a way to stand up to the planned black mass and what some saw as anti-Catholic bigotry. Others voted against it to avoid treating one religion differently than others.The resolution is not law and has no legal teeth.