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

just after 2a.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to the 4200 block of College on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

On arrival officers were directed to a shooting victim later identified as&nbsp;50-year-old Dante Franklin who was unresponsive on the sidewalk in front of a house there. 

Officers rendered aid and called for EMS to the scene. EMS declared Franklin deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim had an interaction in front of the residence with one or more suspects that escalated and led to gunfire, which struck the victim.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.just after 2a.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to the 4200 block of College on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.On arrival officers were directed to a shooting victim later identified as&nbsp;50-year-old Dante Franklin who was unresponsive on the sidewalk in front of a house there. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS to the scene. EMS declared Franklin deceased.Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim had an interaction in front of the residence with one or more suspects that escalated and led to gunfire, which struck the victim.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

50-year-old homicide victim found on sidewalk near KC home

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The city of Leavenworth and CoreCivic will take their fight to court June 25 to determine whether the company can reopen its prison facility as an ICE detention center without going through a permitting process.&nbsp;

Attorneys for Leavenworth filed suit in March in U.S. District Court against the Nashville-based company, which ran the Leavenworth Detention Center before it was closed in 2021. The June 25 hearing is a scheduling hearing.

CoreCivic announced its intent to reopen its prison facility as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, which would be named the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corecivic.com/facilities/midwest-regional-reception-center" target="_blank">Midwest Regional Reception Center</a>.&nbsp;

In its initial filing, city attorneys said CoreCivic must apply for and receive a supplemental use permit to reopen and operate the prison.&nbsp;

“Our facility – which has been in Leavenworth since 1992 – is and always has been properly zoned,” said CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin in an email. “Leavenworth’s city code designates our site as an existing special use and lawful conforming use.”

The city recently passed a resolution that indicated CoreCivic needed permission to open its facility, Gustin said.&nbsp;

“There’s nothing in Leavenworth’s code that allows for such a resolution to rescind zoning,” he said.&nbsp;

City officials do not agree. In a 211-page filing with attachments, their attorneys said that, while the lawsuit is about the need for proper permitting, there were other problems too.&nbsp;

From 1992 to 2021, when CoreCivic operated the detention center, the company “became embroiled in multiple widely publicized scandals resulting from its gross mismanagement of the Facility and the ensuing rampant abuse, violence, and violations of the constitutional rights of its detainees and staff,” the filing said.&nbsp;

“CoreCivic’s mismanagement directly and indirectly impacted the City in countless ways, including for example, by imposing unexpected maintenance costs on its taxpayers, unreasonably increasing the burden on the City’s police and law enforcement agencies to address violent crime, and even impeding the City’s investigation of sexual assaults and other violent crimes against detainees and staff,” the filing said.&nbsp;

The city’s lawsuit contends that CoreCivic was already operating the prison when the city enacted its development rules that require a permit, so the business was grandfathered in under the new rules. But by ceasing operations for three years, the filing said, CoreCivic must now apply for the special use permit.&nbsp;

In fact, CoreCivic applied for a special use permit in February 2025 but about three weeks later withdrew that application, the city’s filing said.&nbsp;

Community activists are speaking about against the idea of CoreCivic operating a prison in Leavenworth.

Former CoreCivic employees regularly speak at city and county meetings about their negative experiences working in the closed detention center, and state organizations including the Kansas ACLU have helped organize press conferences and rallies. Objections include how CoreCivic operates, whether people held at the facility will be released into the community, and general opposition to immigrant detention centers.

Gustin said the company, as of April 30, had received applications from more than 1,100 people who want to work at the site.&nbsp;

“Despite what politically extreme outsider groups are saying, potential new employees and local business partners are excited to be part of what we’re creating in Leavenworth,” said Misty Mackey, warden of the new facility, in a press release. “We’re looking forward to operating a safe, transparent, accountable facility that will be a positive for this community dedicated to public service.”

Gustin said there has been inaccurate reporting about employees working on a job at the prison to replace the facility’s roof. CoreCivic issued cease-and-desist letters to those who accused the roofing company, Bass Roofing and Restoration, Fort Worth, of hiring workers without the proper permits.&nbsp;

“Any claims that our company has a contractor working for us at our Leavenworth facility that has undocumented or unauthorized workers doing the work are completely false,” he said. “We have been furnished documentation of the legal status of all workers on the roofing project at our facility from the primary contractor and subcontractor.”

The company has said that it will use local contractors at the facility, and Gustin said CoreCivic did reach out to local vendors.

“Experience in roofing our facilities and experience working on our federally contracted facilities is a factor we evaluate in reviewing bids,” he said. “It’s important to note that the roofing contractor who was selected for this project has handled similar work at another of our federal facilities, which required special clearances for workers.”

Although aware of community disagreement about the facility, Gustin said CoreCivic wants to work with Leavenworth city and county officials.&nbsp;

“In addition to the impact fees we’ve agreed to pay – and the property tax we already pay – we’ve worked to both listen to and be transparent with the community,” he said.

CoreCivic has offered the following impact fees:

Gustin said no one detained at the facility will be released directly into the Leavenworth community, which is one opposition point.&nbsp;

“Our facility will operate with strong oversight and accountability from our government partners, including regular audits and onsite monitors,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574019674964.png" alt="-CoreCivic plans to reopen its Leavenworth facility, closed since 2021, as an ICE detention facility. File photo" />
 <figcaption>-CoreCivic plans to reopen its Leavenworth facility, closed since 2021, as an ICE detention facility. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The city of Leavenworth and CoreCivic will take their fight to court June 25 to determine whether the company can reopen its prison facility as an ICE detention center without going through a permitting process.&nbsp;Attorneys for Leavenworth filed suit in March in U.S. District Court against the Nashville-based company, which ran the Leavenworth Detention Center before it was closed in 2021. The June 25 hearing is a scheduling hearing.CoreCivic announced its intent to reopen its prison facility as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, which would be named the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corecivic.com/facilities/midwest-regional-reception-center" target="_blank">Midwest Regional Reception Center</a>.&nbsp;In its initial filing, city attorneys said CoreCivic must apply for and receive a supplemental use permit to reopen and operate the prison.&nbsp;“Our facility – which has been in Leavenworth since 1992 – is and always has been properly zoned,” said CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin in an email. “Leavenworth’s city code designates our site as an existing special use and lawful conforming use.”<h2>Proper permits?</h2>The city recently passed a resolution that indicated CoreCivic needed permission to open its facility, Gustin said.&nbsp;“There’s nothing in Leavenworth’s code that allows for such a resolution to rescind zoning,” he said.&nbsp;City officials do not agree. In a 211-page filing with attachments, their attorneys said that, while the lawsuit is about the need for proper permitting, there were other problems too.&nbsp;From 1992 to 2021, when CoreCivic operated the detention center, the company “became embroiled in multiple widely publicized scandals resulting from its gross mismanagement of the Facility and the ensuing rampant abuse, violence, and violations of the constitutional rights of its detainees and staff,” the filing said.&nbsp;“CoreCivic’s mismanagement directly and indirectly impacted the City in countless ways, including for example, by imposing unexpected maintenance costs on its taxpayers, unreasonably increasing the burden on the City’s police and law enforcement agencies to address violent crime, and even impeding the City’s investigation of sexual assaults and other violent crimes against detainees and staff,” the filing said.&nbsp;The city’s lawsuit contends that CoreCivic was already operating the prison when the city enacted its development rules that require a permit, so the business was grandfathered in under the new rules. But by ceasing operations for three years, the filing said, CoreCivic must now apply for the special use permit.&nbsp;In fact, CoreCivic applied for a special use permit in February 2025 but about three weeks later withdrew that application, the city’s filing said.&nbsp;<h2>Back and forth</h2>Community activists are speaking about against the idea of CoreCivic operating a prison in Leavenworth.Former CoreCivic employees regularly speak at city and county meetings about their negative experiences working in the closed detention center, and state organizations including the Kansas ACLU have helped organize press conferences and rallies. Objections include how CoreCivic operates, whether people held at the facility will be released into the community, and general opposition to immigrant detention centers.Gustin said the company, as of April 30, had received applications from more than 1,100 people who want to work at the site.&nbsp;“Despite what politically extreme outsider groups are saying, potential new employees and local business partners are excited to be part of what we’re creating in Leavenworth,” said Misty Mackey, warden of the new facility, in a press release. “We’re looking forward to operating a safe, transparent, accountable facility that will be a positive for this community dedicated to public service.”Gustin said there has been inaccurate reporting about employees working on a job at the prison to replace the facility’s roof. CoreCivic issued cease-and-desist letters to those who accused the roofing company, Bass Roofing and Restoration, Fort Worth, of hiring workers without the proper permits.&nbsp;“Any claims that our company has a contractor working for us at our Leavenworth facility that has undocumented or unauthorized workers doing the work are completely false,” he said. “We have been furnished documentation of the legal status of all workers on the roofing project at our facility from the primary contractor and subcontractor.”The company has said that it will use local contractors at the facility, and Gustin said CoreCivic did reach out to local vendors.“Experience in roofing our facilities and experience working on our federally contracted facilities is a factor we evaluate in reviewing bids,” he said. “It’s important to note that the roofing contractor who was selected for this project has handled similar work at another of our federal facilities, which required special clearances for workers.”<h2>Collaborative goals</h2>Although aware of community disagreement about the facility, Gustin said CoreCivic wants to work with Leavenworth city and county officials.&nbsp;“In addition to the impact fees we’ve agreed to pay – and the property tax we already pay – we’ve worked to both listen to and be transparent with the community,” he said.CoreCivic has offered the following impact fees:<ul>
 <li>One-time impact fee of $1,000,000 to the city of Leavenworth</li><li>Annual impact fee of $250,000 to the city of Leavenworth</li><li>Additional $150,000 annually to the police department</li>
 </ul>Gustin said no one detained at the facility will be released directly into the Leavenworth community, which is one opposition point.&nbsp;“Our facility will operate with strong oversight and accountability from our government partners, including regular audits and onsite monitors,” he said.

Leavenworth sues to keep CoreCivic from reopening Kansas prison as ICE detention facility

RILEY COUNTY —A carbon monoxide incident prompted a hotel evacuation in Manhattan.

Just before 11a.m. Saturday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 530 Richards Drive, The Double Tree by Hilton, for a report of an unknown hazmat situation. 

Crews found elevated carbon monoxide levels inside the hotel. The hotel was evacuated to allow crews to monitor the atmospheric conditions throughout the building. 

Riley County EMS transported two hotel guests to Ascension Via Christi and evaluated several other guests on scene.&nbsp;A total of 12 firefighters on 4 fire apparatus responded to the incident. The last units cleared at 3:00 p.m. after ventilating the building.

&nbsp;The cause of the carbon monoxide incident was determined to be the pool heater and inoperable exhaust fans for the heating system.

 After venitlating the building, occupants were allowed to return to the hotel.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747531008903.png" alt="Photo Manhattan Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photo Manhattan Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —A carbon monoxide incident prompted a hotel evacuation in Manhattan.Just before 11a.m. Saturday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 530 Richards Drive, The Double Tree by Hilton, for a report of an unknown hazmat situation. Crews found elevated carbon monoxide levels inside the hotel. The hotel was evacuated to allow crews to monitor the atmospheric conditions throughout the building. Riley County EMS transported two hotel guests to Ascension Via Christi and evaluated several other guests on scene.&nbsp;A total of 12 firefighters on 4 fire apparatus responded to the incident. The last units cleared at 3:00 p.m. after ventilating the building.&nbsp;The cause of the carbon monoxide incident was determined to be the pool heater and inoperable exhaust fans for the heating system. After venitlating the building, occupants were allowed to return to the hotel.&nbsp;

2 hospitalized after carbon monoxide incident at Kan. hotel 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a high-speed chase.

Just after 10 p.m. May 15, a Sheriff’s Deputy&nbsp;attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a white 2003 Buick Regal near SE 15th Street and SE Adams Street, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson. The driver, later identified as 30-year-old Corey Mason of Topeka refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. 

Due to the driver accelerating to a high speed and driving in the opposite lanes of travel, the deputy chose not pursue.

A short time later, an officer with the Topeka Police Department located the vehicle near SE 24th Street and SE Virginia Avenue. Mason fled from the vehicle and was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. 

During the investigation, illegal narcotics were found. Mason was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County

Department of Corrections on requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude; drive wrong way into opposing lane/intersection, Reckless driving, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia,&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving while license suspended and Speeding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747407167524.png" alt="Mason photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mason photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations after a high-speed chase.Just after 10 p.m. May 15, a Sheriff’s Deputy&nbsp;attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a white 2003 Buick Regal near SE 15th Street and SE Adams Street, according to Deputy Shayna Anderson. The driver, later identified as 30-year-old Corey Mason of Topeka refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. Due to the driver accelerating to a high speed and driving in the opposite lanes of travel, the deputy chose not pursue.A short time later, an officer with the Topeka Police Department located the vehicle near SE 24th Street and SE Virginia Avenue. Mason fled from the vehicle and was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit. During the investigation, illegal narcotics were found. Mason was arrested and booked into the Shawnee CountyDepartment of Corrections on requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude; drive wrong way into opposing lane/intersection, Reckless driving, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia,&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving while license suspended and Speeding.

Kan. drug suspect drove wrong-way in traffic during police chase

JOHNSON COUNTY—The Overland Park Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Overland Park woman.

The whereabouts of 81-year-old Jerry McConnell are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her, according to a media release from the KBI.

McConnell was last seen on Wednesday afternoon in Harrisonville, Missouri and was driving to her residence in Overland Park, Kansas. 

McConnell is believed to be driving a grey 2009 Honda Accord bearing Texas license plate RFP836. McConnell also may have been near Severy, Kansas on Thursday afternoon.

McConnell is a white female who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. She has blue eyes and gray hair. If you see Jerry McConnell, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Overland Park Police Department at (913)-895-6300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747502608195.png" alt="photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—The Overland Park Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Overland Park woman.The whereabouts of 81-year-old Jerry McConnell are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her, according to a media release from the KBI.McConnell was last seen on Wednesday afternoon in Harrisonville, Missouri and was driving to her residence in Overland Park, Kansas. McConnell is believed to be driving a grey 2009 Honda Accord bearing Texas license plate RFP836. McConnell also may have been near Severy, Kansas on Thursday afternoon.McConnell is a white female who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 140 pounds. She has blue eyes and gray hair. If you see Jerry McConnell, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Overland Park Police Department at (913)-895-6300.

KBI: Silver Alert for Kan. woman last seen May 14

SHAWNEE COUNTY—The search for a suspect who ran from a stolen vehicle crash last month ended Wednesday.

Steven M. Rule, 39, of Topeka, is in custody in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

On April 24, police&nbsp;&nbsp;were investigating a stolen vehicle report in Topeka, according to Topeka Police&nbsp; LT Manuel Munoz. Through the investigation, officers were notified that the vehicle was in the area of SW 17th and SW Wanamaker in Topeka.

Police located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle fled east on SW 17th and officers did not pursue. A short time later, a Shawnee County Sheriff’s deputy observed the vehicle, which had been involved in an accident at SW 17th and SW McAlister when it struck a tree.

Several individuals ran from the scene and the Deputy began to run after them. During the foot pursuit, the deputy heard shots being fired and summoned additional assistance.&nbsp;Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, and Washburn University Police, arrived on scene.

Two individuals were taken into custody at the scene including Bryan K. Carter, 44, of Topeka on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of stolen property; value $1,500 to $25,000,&nbsp;Fail to stop at an accident; injury/damage over $1,000,&nbsp;Interference with law enforcement, Operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.

Laura M. Herde, 42, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC for a misdemeanor warrant out of Douglas County and two misdemeanor warrants out of Shawnee County.

Rule is in custody on requested charges of theft, failure to stop at an injury accident, duty of driver to provide certain information, driving while license suspended, interference with law enforcement and flee or attempt to elude.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745527604920.png" alt="Police at the scene of the crash photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the crash photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—The search for a suspect who ran from a stolen vehicle crash last month ended Wednesday.Steven M. Rule, 39, of Topeka, is in custody in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747407663939.png" alt="Rule photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Rule photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On April 24, police&nbsp;&nbsp;were investigating a stolen vehicle report in Topeka, according to Topeka Police&nbsp; LT Manuel Munoz. Through the investigation, officers were notified that the vehicle was in the area of SW 17th and SW Wanamaker in Topeka.Police located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle fled east on SW 17th and officers did not pursue. A short time later, a Shawnee County Sheriff’s deputy observed the vehicle, which had been involved in an accident at SW 17th and SW McAlister when it struck a tree.Several individuals ran from the scene and the Deputy began to run after them. During the foot pursuit, the deputy heard shots being fired and summoned additional assistance.&nbsp;Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, and Washburn University Police, arrived on scene.Two individuals were taken into custody at the scene including Bryan K. Carter, 44, of Topeka on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of stolen property; value $1,500 to $25,000,&nbsp;Fail to stop at an accident; injury/damage over $1,000,&nbsp;Interference with law enforcement, Operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.Laura M. Herde, 42, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC for a misdemeanor warrant out of Douglas County and two misdemeanor warrants out of Shawnee County.Rule is in custody on requested charges of theft, failure to stop at an injury accident, duty of driver to provide certain information, driving while license suspended, interference with law enforcement and flee or attempt to elude.

Police capture suspect who ran from crash in stolen vehicle

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30a.m. Saturday in Johnson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford pickup driven by Brady F. Toole, 34, Olathe, was northbound on Interstate 435 at 95th Street in the number three lane. 

The pickup entered lane number four, crossed the right shoulder, traveled off the right side of the roadway into the grass ditch, struck a wood post of a Kansas Department of Transportation sign, slid on the wet muddy surface and struck the southernmost bridge pillar of the 95th Street bridge.&nbsp;

Toole was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30a.m. Saturday in Johnson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford pickup driven by Brady F. Toole, 34, Olathe, was northbound on Interstate 435 at 95th Street in the number three lane. The pickup entered lane number four, crossed the right shoulder, traveled off the right side of the roadway into the grass ditch, struck a wood post of a Kansas Department of Transportation sign, slid on the wet muddy surface and struck the southernmost bridge pillar of the 95th Street bridge.&nbsp;Toole was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies in violent pickup crash

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

Just before 7:30p.m. Friday, police were initially called to 92nd and James A Reed Road for what was described as an injury accident, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

While officers were still on the way the call was updated to a shooting call with a victim at 92nd Street. Initial responding officers located an adult male shooting victim outside of a vehicle just north of 92nd Street 

Additional responding officers were notified of an additional vehicle that had crashed at 93rd and James A. Reed Road.&nbsp; Additional officers responded to that location and found a vehicle that had crashed there with one adult male shooting victim inside the vehicle.

EMS responded to both locations and declared both victims deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives are working to determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747472835672.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a double homicide in Kansas City.Just before 7:30p.m. Friday, police were initially called to 92nd and James A Reed Road for what was described as an injury accident, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747472818903.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>While officers were still on the way the call was updated to a shooting call with a victim at 92nd Street. Initial responding officers located an adult male shooting victim outside of a vehicle just north of 92nd Street Additional responding officers were notified of an additional vehicle that had crashed at 93rd and James A. Reed Road.&nbsp; Additional officers responded to that location and found a vehicle that had crashed there with one adult male shooting victim inside the vehicle.EMS responded to both locations and declared both victims deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives are working to determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting.&nbsp;

KCPD: 2 dead after report of crash and shooting

The wide-ranging bill includes provisions related to hearing aids, birth control and prenatal testing for sexually transmitted diseases

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

Missouri Farm Bureau will be allowed to sell health care plans to its members, Medicaid will cover the cost of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/27/house-passes-bill-to-expand-hearing-aid-access-under-missouri-medicaid/">hearing aids for adults</a>&nbsp;and supplies of birth control will be extended under legislation that passed the legislature in the waning hours of the session on Thursday.&nbsp;

The legislation, which was sponsored by Republican state Sen. Kurtis Gregory of Marshall, now heads to the governor’s desk.

The underlying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=1021" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;allows the Missouri Farm Bureau to sell health care plans that don’t abide by the protections set by the Affordable Care Act. As a result, the Farm Bureau would be able to offer lower-price coverage options, which the organization and its supporters say is necessary to help uninsured farmers.

“This is a product that is going to get people coverage that otherwise cannot afford it,” Gregory said at a House hearing last month. “This is a coverage product that is going to save lives. It is a product that’s going to save people money.”

State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Republican from Sedalia who carried the bill in the House, said Thursday that the Farm Bureau’s health plans “will not be the solution for everyone. But those without health care plans believe this will be beneficial.”

This was the third year the bill has been proposed, and it’s received&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/27/missouri-senate-passes-bill-exempting-certain-health-insurance-plans-from-federal-protections/">significant pushback from Democrats and patient advocates</a>, who argue it would leave some Missourians without protections. It’s also faced opposition from insurance companies who argue it gives the Farm Bureau an unfair advantage over competitors.

If the bill is signed into law, Missouri will join 10 states that have adopted similar carveouts for the Farm Bureau in previous years.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.al.com/politics/2025/05/ivey-signs-bill-that-sparked-battle-between-alfa-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-alabama.html" target="_blank">Alabama</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.floridatrend.com/articles/2025/05/05/legislation-provide-farmers-with-medical-benefit-plans-heads-desantis-desk/" target="_blank">Florida</a>&nbsp;also passed similar measures this year.

Democrats added some protections to the Farm Bureau portion of the bill during negotiations, including mandating the organization to provide a clear disclaimer that the products it’s selling are not officially regulated as health insurance, mandating the company can’t cancel coverage for members because of a medical event and ensuring the state insurance department will handle complaints.&nbsp;

The bill contains a wide swath of other health measures, including several added by Democrats during negotiations, especially by state Sen. Patty Lewis of Kansas City.

Those include: provisions mandating that Missouri Medicaid cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for adults, expanding access to testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, requiring insurance companies that provide birth control medication to provide extended supplies and tweaking the law around telehealth to allow audio-only visits.&nbsp;

There was little opposition voiced on Thursday.&nbsp;

State Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Democrat from Springfield, said the negotiations “were able to make a bill significantly better with wins for the majority party, wins for the minority party and ultimately wins for our constituents back home.”

The bill passed by a vote of 147 to 1 on Thursday afternoon in the House. That&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/27/missouri-senate-passes-bill-exempting-certain-health-insurance-plans-from-federal-protections/">followed a&nbsp;</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/27/missouri-senate-passes-bill-exempting-certain-health-insurance-plans-from-federal-protections/">vote&nbsp;of 24 to 6 in the Senate.</a>

The Farm Bureau would offer lower prices by reverting to the pre-Affordable Care Act practice of what’s called medical underwriting — carefully evaluating applicants’ medical history and risk — to determine whether to cover them and at what price.&nbsp;

The Farm Bureau is a nonprofit agricultural membership organization which partners with for-profit companies to sell various kinds of insurance to its members. Anyone can join — the&nbsp;<a href="https://mofb.org/member-benefits/" target="_blank">fee is $30</a>&nbsp;per year. Historically the group has been primarily made up of people in farming communities.

Gregory has estimated around 15,000 Farm Bureau members lack health insurance and would be the target audience to enroll in the benefit plan.

Many farmers and other members of the Farm Bureau, proponents say, are uninsured because they can’t afford to buy an individual plan on the Affordable Care Act marketplace or make too much money to qualify for subsidies.

Garrett Hawkins, president of Missouri Farm Bureau, said in an interview with The Independent shortly after the bill passed that the organization’s effort has been years in the making.&nbsp;

Lack of health insurance options for farmers is “an impediment to bringing the kids home to the farm. It’s an impediment to bringing a spouse home to the farm who has pursued off-farm employment solely to get health coverage,” he said. “This is a big deal.”

Emily Kalmer, a lobbyist for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, said at a House hearing last month that even with concessions made at the urging of the bill’s critics, patient advocates remain highly concerned.

“To be clear, this legislation still allows the Farm Bureau to sell unregulated products that won’t have to comply with many of the other provisions we fought for over the years,” Kalmer said, including protections for preexisting conditions.

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/27/house-passes-bill-to-expand-hearing-aid-access-under-missouri-medicaid/">Medicaid coverage for hearing aids and cochlear implants for adults</a>&nbsp;would be expanded under the bill passed Thursday. Currently, Medicaid in Missouri, which is called MO HealthNet, only covers hearing aids for eligible children, pregnant women and blind people.

There was little opposition to that change this year, but in prior years there has been some concern around the cost. The Medicaid hearing aid and cochlear implant provisions are estimated to cost up to $10.3 million in fiscal year 2027, and $2.7 million the following year,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/0769S.09P.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">according to the fiscal note.</a>

“I realize there are some costs to this,”&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/27/house-passes-bill-to-expand-hearing-aid-access-under-missouri-medicaid/">said state Rep. Cameron Parker,</a>&nbsp;a Republican from Campbell. “But I do believe that the benefit of these services, the hearing instruments, the cochlear implants, outweigh the cost greatly.”

The bill&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Summary.aspx?SessionType=r&amp;SummaryID=10524591&amp;BillID=1021" target="_blank">also requires health plans</a>&nbsp;to cover extended supplies of birth control. Plans that provide coverage for hormonal contraceptives would be required to cover a supply lasting up to 90 days, or, for generic medication, up to 180 days — meaning patients would be able to pick up months-long supplies of the birth control pill at one time rather than needing to pick up the prescription more frequently.&nbsp;

The Independent’s Jason Hancock contributed reporting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747472165660.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The wide-ranging bill includes provisions related to hearing aids, birth control and prenatal testing for sexually transmitted diseases</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Farm Bureau will be allowed to sell health care plans to its members, Medicaid will cover the cost of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/27/house-passes-bill-to-expand-hearing-aid-access-under-missouri-medicaid/">hearing aids for adults</a>&nbsp;and supplies of birth control will be extended under legislation that passed the legislature in the waning hours of the session on Thursday.&nbsp;The legislation, which was sponsored by Republican state Sen. Kurtis Gregory of Marshall, now heads to the governor’s desk.The underlying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=1021" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;allows the Missouri Farm Bureau to sell health care plans that don’t abide by the protections set by the Affordable Care Act. As a result, the Farm Bureau would be able to offer lower-price coverage options, which the organization and its supporters say is necessary to help uninsured farmers.“This is a product that is going to get people coverage that otherwise cannot afford it,” Gregory said at a House hearing last month. “This is a coverage product that is going to save lives. It is a product that’s going to save people money.”State Rep. Brad Pollitt, a Republican from Sedalia who carried the bill in the House, said Thursday that the Farm Bureau’s health plans “will not be the solution for everyone. But those without health care plans believe this will be beneficial.”This was the third year the bill has been proposed, and it’s received&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/27/missouri-senate-passes-bill-exempting-certain-health-insurance-plans-from-federal-protections/">significant pushback from Democrats and patient advocates</a>, who argue it would leave some Missourians without protections. It’s also faced opposition from insurance companies who argue it gives the Farm Bureau an unfair advantage over competitors.If the bill is signed into law, Missouri will join 10 states that have adopted similar carveouts for the Farm Bureau in previous years.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.al.com/politics/2025/05/ivey-signs-bill-that-sparked-battle-between-alfa-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-alabama.html" target="_blank">Alabama</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.floridatrend.com/articles/2025/05/05/legislation-provide-farmers-with-medical-benefit-plans-heads-desantis-desk/" target="_blank">Florida</a>&nbsp;also passed similar measures this year.Democrats added some protections to the Farm Bureau portion of the bill during negotiations, including mandating the organization to provide a clear disclaimer that the products it’s selling are not officially regulated as health insurance, mandating the company can’t cancel coverage for members because of a medical event and ensuring the state insurance department will handle complaints.&nbsp;The bill contains a wide swath of other health measures, including several added by Democrats during negotiations, especially by state Sen. Patty Lewis of Kansas City.Those include: provisions mandating that Missouri Medicaid cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for adults, expanding access to testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, requiring insurance companies that provide birth control medication to provide extended supplies and tweaking the law around telehealth to allow audio-only visits.&nbsp;There was little opposition voiced on Thursday.&nbsp;State Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Democrat from Springfield, said the negotiations “were able to make a bill significantly better with wins for the majority party, wins for the minority party and ultimately wins for our constituents back home.”The bill passed by a vote of 147 to 1 on Thursday afternoon in the House. That&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/27/missouri-senate-passes-bill-exempting-certain-health-insurance-plans-from-federal-protections/">followed a&nbsp;</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/27/missouri-senate-passes-bill-exempting-certain-health-insurance-plans-from-federal-protections/">vote&nbsp;of 24 to 6 in the Senate.</a><h2>‘This is a big deal’</h2>The Farm Bureau would offer lower prices by reverting to the pre-Affordable Care Act practice of what’s called medical underwriting — carefully evaluating applicants’ medical history and risk — to determine whether to cover them and at what price.&nbsp;The Farm Bureau is a nonprofit agricultural membership organization which partners with for-profit companies to sell various kinds of insurance to its members. Anyone can join — the&nbsp;<a href="https://mofb.org/member-benefits/" target="_blank">fee is $30</a>&nbsp;per year. Historically the group has been primarily made up of people in farming communities.Gregory has estimated around 15,000 Farm Bureau members lack health insurance and would be the target audience to enroll in the benefit plan.Many farmers and other members of the Farm Bureau, proponents say, are uninsured because they can’t afford to buy an individual plan on the Affordable Care Act marketplace or make too much money to qualify for subsidies.Garrett Hawkins, president of Missouri Farm Bureau, said in an interview with The Independent shortly after the bill passed that the organization’s effort has been years in the making.&nbsp;Lack of health insurance options for farmers is “an impediment to bringing the kids home to the farm. It’s an impediment to bringing a spouse home to the farm who has pursued off-farm employment solely to get health coverage,” he said. “This is a big deal.”Emily Kalmer, a lobbyist for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, said at a House hearing last month that even with concessions made at the urging of the bill’s critics, patient advocates remain highly concerned.“To be clear, this legislation still allows the Farm Bureau to sell unregulated products that won’t have to comply with many of the other provisions we fought for over the years,” Kalmer said, including protections for preexisting conditions.<h2>Hearing aids and birth control</h2><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/27/house-passes-bill-to-expand-hearing-aid-access-under-missouri-medicaid/">Medicaid coverage for hearing aids and cochlear implants for adults</a>&nbsp;would be expanded under the bill passed Thursday. Currently, Medicaid in Missouri, which is called MO HealthNet, only covers hearing aids for eligible children, pregnant women and blind people.There was little opposition to that change this year, but in prior years there has been some concern around the cost. The Medicaid hearing aid and cochlear implant provisions are estimated to cost up to $10.3 million in fiscal year 2027, and $2.7 million the following year,&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2025-1/0769S.09P.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">according to the fiscal note.</a>“I realize there are some costs to this,”&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/27/house-passes-bill-to-expand-hearing-aid-access-under-missouri-medicaid/">said state Rep. Cameron Parker,</a>&nbsp;a Republican from Campbell. “But I do believe that the benefit of these services, the hearing instruments, the cochlear implants, outweigh the cost greatly.”The bill&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Summary.aspx?SessionType=r&amp;SummaryID=10524591&amp;BillID=1021" target="_blank">also requires health plans</a>&nbsp;to cover extended supplies of birth control. Plans that provide coverage for hormonal contraceptives would be required to cover a supply lasting up to 90 days, or, for generic medication, up to 180 days — meaning patients would be able to pick up months-long supplies of the birth control pill at one time rather than needing to pick up the prescription more frequently.&nbsp;The Independent’s Jason Hancock contributed reporting.

Lawmakers approve bill exempting Missouri Farm Bureau health plans from federal rules

HUTCHINSON, Kansas –&nbsp;Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) resident Tony Payne, 34, died Thursday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 He was found unresponsive in his cell Thursday evening. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived. Payne was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased by medical staff. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Payne was serving a 46-month sentence for a violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. He was listed as a registered offender since May of 2018 for convictions in Sedgwick County for aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He had a dozen convictions for violent crimes and drugs.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747410602071.png" alt="Payne photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Payne photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kansas –&nbsp;Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) resident Tony Payne, 34, died Thursday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was found unresponsive in his cell Thursday evening. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived. Payne was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased by medical staff. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.Payne was serving a 46-month sentence for a violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. He was listed as a registered offender since May of 2018 for convictions in Sedgwick County for aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He had a dozen convictions for violent crimes and drugs.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

Violent offender in Kanas prison has died 

RILEY COUNTY—One person died in a hit-and-run accident just after 5:30a.m. Thursday in Riley County and police have made an arrest.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a semi driven by 48-year-old Shane Jungemann, Jefferson City, South Dakota, was traveling in the 700 Block of South 4th Street.&nbsp; The vehicle struck a 32-year-old man.

Just after 9p.m.&nbsp; Thursday police arrested Jungemann on requested charges of&nbsp; failure to report an accident involving a fatality. Jungemann if being held on a $15,000 bond, according to the RCPD. Police have not released the name of the victim.

RILEY COUNTY—One person died in a hit-and-run accident just after 5:30a.m. Thursday in Riley County and police have made an arrest.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a semi driven by 48-year-old Shane Jungemann, Jefferson City, South Dakota, was traveling in the 700 Block of South 4th Street.&nbsp; The vehicle struck a 32-year-old man.Just after 9p.m.&nbsp; Thursday police arrested Jungemann on requested charges of&nbsp; failure to report an accident involving a fatality. Jungemann if being held on a $15,000 bond, according to the RCPD. Police have not released the name of the victim.

Police make arrest in fatal Kansas hit-and-run

Both teams face a deadline at the end of June on whether they will accept an offer from Kansas to pay 70% of the cost of building new stadiums across the state line

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

Missouri lawmakers will return to Jefferson City next month for a special session to debate providing tax breaks to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in the state, Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a news conference Friday morning.

The special session could also consider a $500 million spending bill for construction needs around the state, he said, but a final decision has not been made.

In the final days of the regular session, which ended Thursday, Kehoe unveiled a plan to use&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/13/new-stadium-funding-plan-for-chiefs-royals-clears-missouri-house/">tax revenue generated by the Chiefs and Royals</a>&nbsp;to finance bonds for their stadiums. The Chiefs would use the money to upgrade Arrowhead Stadium while the Royals would use it for a new stadium in Missouri.

Despite the late reveal, the Missouri House passed the proposal on a 108-40 vote. But the Senate balked at the deal, with many members saying they could not support it because a $513 million capital construction bill died when the Missouri House refused to allow it to come up for a vote.

Kehoe did not see the delay of the stadium proposal as a final defeat.

“We introduced that in the last week of the session to try to find what the feelings were,” he said.

The exact date for the special session has not been determined, Kehoe said.

The Chiefs and the Royals face a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article289372524.html" target="_blank">deadline at the end of June</a>&nbsp;on whether they will accept an offer from Kansas to pay 70% of the cost of building new stadiums in that state. The proposal floated by Kehoe would pay up to half the cost as well as up to $50 million in tax credits for any direct investments made by the teams.

Remodeling Arrowhead and building a new baseball stadium would cost up to $3 billion, Kehoe said.&nbsp;

“I would consider that significant economic development,” Kehoe said of the stadiums, comparing them to manufacturing projects that won incentives from lawmakers in the past

Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said she agrees that the state should work to keep the Chiefs and Royals from moving to Kansas but blamed Kehoe for the late introduction of his plan for the need to hold a special session.

“We are at this point because Governor Kehoe committed gross legislative malpractice by springing his stadium plan on lawmakers with no warning and just days left in the regular session without bothering to first build support for it,” Aune said.

The hurdles for a successful special session are both political and financial. The stadium plan died in the regular session when the Senate twice used a rare procedural rule to end debate on controversial bills on abortion and sick leave rights.

The move infuriated Democrats, who vowed the Senate will not function normally until they feel they can trust the GOP to work towards compromise.

“I’ve heard a long time, ‘well, nobody has ever made us pay.’” Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat said at a news conference Wednesday. “You’ll find out now.”

Complicating the debate is lingering anger over the projects that were lost when the House sunk the capital improvements bill. The $513 million would have paid for projects at eight hospitals around the state, supported a new nuclear reactor at the University of Missouri to make cancer treatments and a new mental health hospital in Kansas City.

In all, more than 60 projects added by lawmakers, in addition to more than 20 sought by Kehoe, will not be funded.

One of the biggest boosters of the Chiefs and Royals, state Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, said she could not support a stadium funding bill if the capital improvements bill is not part of a special session.

“Those things are more important to me and to my colleagues than the Chiefs,” Washington said.

Kehoe did not rule out including the capital spending in a call for a special session, but did not commit to it, either.

“I’ve heard and listened to quite a few senators and representatives from both sides of the aisle on that very same issue, and I understand what their concerns are,” Kehoe said. “And I think it’s fair to say everything is on the table of what that special session might look like.”

Kehoe has a June 30 deadline for acting on the $53 billion in spending that was approved for the coming fiscal year. The budget spends $15.8 billion in general revenue, about $2.2 billion more than estimated revenue for the year, by dipping into the accumulated surplus that stood at $3.6 billion when the current fiscal year began.

Revenues are not keeping up with projections and Missouri House leaders cited a need to maintain a fund balance in excess of $1 billion for future years. Kehoe, who will be responsible for making sure spending does not exceed available funds, said he agrees with that approach.

“I don’t think it’s ever appropriate for some politician to think just because we have it, we have to spend it,” Kehoe said. “ It’s more appropriate for us to leave some reserves in the tank for the times when the budget does get tougher.”

Kehoe, who took office in January, had a successful session. Major items he asked for in his State of the State Address — a state takeover of the St. Louis Police Department, school safety legislation and a major tax cut eliminating income taxes on capital gains — all passed.

Kehoe took some defeats as well, with lawmakers spending more than he wanted on public schools, the failure of a bill reducing the top income tax rate and the defeat of legislation allowing parents to enroll their children in school districts other than the one they live in.

He said he looks favorably on the bill repealing the Proposition A sick leave law but stopped short of promising to sign it.&nbsp;

Kehoe also did not say whether he would put the constitutional amendment imposing a new ban on abortions on a special election ballot or let it wait for a November 2026 vote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709142006045.jpeg" alt="Aerial view of newly renovated Arrowhead Stadium. Courtesy image." />
 <figcaption>Aerial view of newly renovated Arrowhead Stadium. Courtesy image.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Both teams face a deadline at the end of June on whether they will accept an offer from Kansas to pay 70% of the cost of building new stadiums across the state line</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri lawmakers will return to Jefferson City next month for a special session to debate providing tax breaks to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in the state, Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a news conference Friday morning.The special session could also consider a $500 million spending bill for construction needs around the state, he said, but a final decision has not been made.In the final days of the regular session, which ended Thursday, Kehoe unveiled a plan to use&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/13/new-stadium-funding-plan-for-chiefs-royals-clears-missouri-house/">tax revenue generated by the Chiefs and Royals</a>&nbsp;to finance bonds for their stadiums. The Chiefs would use the money to upgrade Arrowhead Stadium while the Royals would use it for a new stadium in Missouri.Despite the late reveal, the Missouri House passed the proposal on a 108-40 vote. But the Senate balked at the deal, with many members saying they could not support it because a $513 million capital construction bill died when the Missouri House refused to allow it to come up for a vote.Kehoe did not see the delay of the stadium proposal as a final defeat.“We introduced that in the last week of the session to try to find what the feelings were,” he said.The exact date for the special session has not been determined, Kehoe said.The Chiefs and the Royals face a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article289372524.html" target="_blank">deadline at the end of June</a>&nbsp;on whether they will accept an offer from Kansas to pay 70% of the cost of building new stadiums in that state. The proposal floated by Kehoe would pay up to half the cost as well as up to $50 million in tax credits for any direct investments made by the teams.Remodeling Arrowhead and building a new baseball stadium would cost up to $3 billion, Kehoe said.&nbsp;“I would consider that significant economic development,” Kehoe said of the stadiums, comparing them to manufacturing projects that won incentives from lawmakers in the pastMissouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said she agrees that the state should work to keep the Chiefs and Royals from moving to Kansas but blamed Kehoe for the late introduction of his plan for the need to hold a special session.“We are at this point because Governor Kehoe committed gross legislative malpractice by springing his stadium plan on lawmakers with no warning and just days left in the regular session without bothering to first build support for it,” Aune said.The hurdles for a successful special session are both political and financial. The stadium plan died in the regular session when the Senate twice used a rare procedural rule to end debate on controversial bills on abortion and sick leave rights.The move infuriated Democrats, who vowed the Senate will not function normally until they feel they can trust the GOP to work towards compromise.“I’ve heard a long time, ‘well, nobody has ever made us pay.’” Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat said at a news conference Wednesday. “You’ll find out now.”Complicating the debate is lingering anger over the projects that were lost when the House sunk the capital improvements bill. The $513 million would have paid for projects at eight hospitals around the state, supported a new nuclear reactor at the University of Missouri to make cancer treatments and a new mental health hospital in Kansas City.In all, more than 60 projects added by lawmakers, in addition to more than 20 sought by Kehoe, will not be funded.One of the biggest boosters of the Chiefs and Royals, state Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, said she could not support a stadium funding bill if the capital improvements bill is not part of a special session.“Those things are more important to me and to my colleagues than the Chiefs,” Washington said.Kehoe did not rule out including the capital spending in a call for a special session, but did not commit to it, either.“I’ve heard and listened to quite a few senators and representatives from both sides of the aisle on that very same issue, and I understand what their concerns are,” Kehoe said. “And I think it’s fair to say everything is on the table of what that special session might look like.”Kehoe has a June 30 deadline for acting on the $53 billion in spending that was approved for the coming fiscal year. The budget spends $15.8 billion in general revenue, about $2.2 billion more than estimated revenue for the year, by dipping into the accumulated surplus that stood at $3.6 billion when the current fiscal year began.Revenues are not keeping up with projections and Missouri House leaders cited a need to maintain a fund balance in excess of $1 billion for future years. Kehoe, who will be responsible for making sure spending does not exceed available funds, said he agrees with that approach.“I don’t think it’s ever appropriate for some politician to think just because we have it, we have to spend it,” Kehoe said. “ It’s more appropriate for us to leave some reserves in the tank for the times when the budget does get tougher.”Kehoe, who took office in January, had a successful session. Major items he asked for in his State of the State Address — a state takeover of the St. Louis Police Department, school safety legislation and a major tax cut eliminating income taxes on capital gains — all passed.Kehoe took some defeats as well, with lawmakers spending more than he wanted on public schools, the failure of a bill reducing the top income tax rate and the defeat of legislation allowing parents to enroll their children in school districts other than the one they live in.He said he looks favorably on the bill repealing the Proposition A sick leave law but stopped short of promising to sign it.&nbsp;Kehoe also did not say whether he would put the constitutional amendment imposing a new ban on abortions on a special election ballot or let it wait for a November 2026 vote.

Mo. governor will call lawmakers back into session for Royals, Chiefs stadium funding

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating five homicides in Kansas City, Missouri over the past week.

Just after 2:30a.m. May 9, patrol officers were dispatched to 11th and Wyandotte on the report of a dead body, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Security guards were conducting patrol rounds when they located an adult male victim in a nearby parking garage. Officers were directed to the upper floor of the parking garage and located the victim later identified as 22-year-old Russell Mason suffering from obvious bodily trauma.

KCFD EMS responded and medics pronounced the Mason deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to the incident and what caused the victim’s fatal injuries.&nbsp;

Just after 2p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 8400 block of East 63rd street on a reported shooting, according to Sergeant Phil DiMartino. As officers arrived they were directed to the parking lot of a convenience store.

There they located a victim identified Thursday morning as 17-year-old&nbsp;Matim Nunley  suffering from gun shot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics transported Nunley to a local hospital where he died a short time later.&nbsp; Preliminary investigation revealed there was an altercation in the parking lot that led to shots being fired and Nunley being struck. Police released no additional details.

Just after 8p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 9300 block of Cleveland on a reported shooting, according to Sergeant DiMartino.

As officers arrived they were directed to an apartment building.&nbsp; There they located a man later identified as 20-year-old Morgan William suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers began performing lifesaving measures until KCFD EMS arrived. Medics took over and transported William to a local hospital where he died a short time later.

Preliminary information revealed an argument occurred in the parking lot that led to shots being fired and William being struck.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not reported an arrest from the weekend violence.

Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1600 block of Topping in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

First responding officers were led to an alleyway next to a residence, where they located an adult female shooting victim later identified as 29-year-old Carissa Perryman unresponsive.

Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS transported Perryman to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. She was pronounced&nbsp;deceased at the hospital a short time later.

Responding officers detained one subject of interest, an adult female, for further investigation. Detectives were talking to people who were at the scene when officers arrived and are looking for witnesses.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim and the subject of interest had an interaction next to the house that escalated and shots were fired that struck the victim.&nbsp; Police have released no additional detials.

Jusst before 10p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting call at 37th and Pennsylvania, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Callers reported hearing the sound of gunfire and looked out and saw a person down in the street.&nbsp; First responders found a shooting victim later identified as 20-year-old Layla A. Freemanin the street unresponsive. Officers rendered aid and summoned EMS to the scene for treatment. EMS declared the victim deceased at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746790386685.png" alt="Police near the parking garage investigation- photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police near the parking garage investigation- photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating five homicides in Kansas City, Missouri over the past week.Just after 2:30a.m. May 9, patrol officers were dispatched to 11th and Wyandotte on the report of a dead body, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Security guards were conducting patrol rounds when they located an adult male victim in a nearby parking garage. Officers were directed to the upper floor of the parking garage and located the victim later identified as 22-year-old Russell Mason suffering from obvious bodily trauma.KCFD EMS responded and medics pronounced the Mason deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to the incident and what caused the victim’s fatal injuries.&nbsp;Just after 2p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 8400 block of East 63rd street on a reported shooting, according to Sergeant Phil DiMartino. As officers arrived they were directed to the parking lot of a convenience store.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746924246378.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>There they located a victim identified Thursday morning as 17-year-old&nbsp;Matim Nunley suffering from gun shot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics transported Nunley to a local hospital where he died a short time later.&nbsp; Preliminary investigation revealed there was an altercation in the parking lot that led to shots being fired and Nunley being struck. Police released no additional details.Just after 8p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 9300 block of Cleveland on a reported shooting, according to Sergeant DiMartino.As officers arrived they were directed to an apartment building.&nbsp; There they located a man later identified as 20-year-old Morgan William suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers began performing lifesaving measures until KCFD EMS arrived. Medics took over and transported William to a local hospital where he died a short time later.Preliminary information revealed an argument occurred in the parking lot that led to shots being fired and William being struck.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not reported an arrest from the weekend violence.Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1600 block of Topping in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.First responding officers were led to an alleyway next to a residence, where they located an adult female shooting victim later identified as 29-year-old Carissa Perryman unresponsive.Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS transported Perryman to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. She was pronounced&nbsp;deceased at the hospital a short time later.Responding officers detained one subject of interest, an adult female, for further investigation. Detectives were talking to people who were at the scene when officers arrived and are looking for witnesses.Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim and the subject of interest had an interaction next to the house that escalated and shots were fired that struck the victim.&nbsp; Police have released no additional detials.Jusst before 10p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting call at 37th and Pennsylvania, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Callers reported hearing the sound of gunfire and looked out and saw a person down in the street.&nbsp; First responders found a shooting victim later identified as 20-year-old Layla A. Freemanin the street unresponsive. Officers rendered aid and summoned EMS to the scene for treatment. EMS declared the victim deceased at the scene.

5 more homicides in Kansas City over the past week

TOPEKA — Rep. Patrick Penn, a Wichita Republican elected to the House in 2020, sent a letter to the Sedgwick County Republican Party and state officials announcing plans to resign.

John Whitmer, chairman of the county’s GOP organization, said he received the letter, in which Penn wrote he would leave office in June. The notice dated Wednesday did not explain why Penn would exit the Legislature six months after winning reelection to a two-year term.

“I’m aware of the reasons, but I will let him announce that when he chooses to do so,” Whitmer said.

The bulk of Penn’s 85th District is in Sedgwick County, including parts of the cities of Wichita, Bel Aire and Kechi, as well as a small portion of Butler County.

Contents of his resignation letter sent to Secretary of State Scott Schwab indicated that his vision for a prosperous Kansas and his family’s values of faith, family and service would continue to guide him,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article306503771.html" target="_blank">according to the Wichita Eagle</a>. In addition, the letter said he would work with the next representative to serve the district, and intended to remain “engaged in our community’s future.”

A precinct election was scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 28 to nominate a person to serve the remainder of the conservative Republican’s term.

“Anyone who wants to run for the seat is allowed to do so if they happen to be a resident of the district,” Whitmer said. “I know of at least two or three people who have expressed an interest.”

The person selected to replace Penn would remain a representative-elect until sworn into office after Penn’s resignation was complete. That individual would be eligible to complete Penn’s current term in the House, which would end in January 2027.

Penn, a former U.S. Army officer who deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, sought the House seat and defeated Rep. Michael Capps in the August 2020 primary. Capps was politically damaged by reports that he conspired with other Sedgwick County Republicans to damage the reputation of the Wichita mayor and engaged in a recorded conversation about how to conceal their involvement.

Penn was a persistent advocate for the Second Amendment right to bear arms and sought passage of legislation that introduced firearm training to elementary students.

He was combative with some statehouse reporters and provoked controversy this year by discussing on the House floor with Rep. Kyler Sweely, R-Hutchinson, the hypothetical idea of instigating an act of violence against former Democratic Rep. Jason Probst. Sweely defeated Probst by less than 300 votes in the 2024 election.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747409260206.png" alt=" Rep. Patrick Penn, R-Wichita, shown here at the Statehouse in 2024, announced Thursday that he will resign in June. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Patrick Penn, R-Wichita, shown here at the Statehouse in 2024, announced Thursday that he will resign in June. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Rep. Patrick Penn, a Wichita Republican elected to the House in 2020, sent a letter to the Sedgwick County Republican Party and state officials announcing plans to resign.John Whitmer, chairman of the county’s GOP organization, said he received the letter, in which Penn wrote he would leave office in June. The notice dated Wednesday did not explain why Penn would exit the Legislature six months after winning reelection to a two-year term.“I’m aware of the reasons, but I will let him announce that when he chooses to do so,” Whitmer said.The bulk of Penn’s 85th District is in Sedgwick County, including parts of the cities of Wichita, Bel Aire and Kechi, as well as a small portion of Butler County.Contents of his resignation letter sent to Secretary of State Scott Schwab indicated that his vision for a prosperous Kansas and his family’s values of faith, family and service would continue to guide him,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article306503771.html" target="_blank">according to the Wichita Eagle</a>. In addition, the letter said he would work with the next representative to serve the district, and intended to remain “engaged in our community’s future.”A precinct election was scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 28 to nominate a person to serve the remainder of the conservative Republican’s term.“Anyone who wants to run for the seat is allowed to do so if they happen to be a resident of the district,” Whitmer said. “I know of at least two or three people who have expressed an interest.”The person selected to replace Penn would remain a representative-elect until sworn into office after Penn’s resignation was complete. That individual would be eligible to complete Penn’s current term in the House, which would end in January 2027.Penn, a former U.S. Army officer who deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, sought the House seat and defeated Rep. Michael Capps in the August 2020 primary. Capps was politically damaged by reports that he conspired with other Sedgwick County Republicans to damage the reputation of the Wichita mayor and engaged in a recorded conversation about how to conceal their involvement.Penn was a persistent advocate for the Second Amendment right to bear arms and sought passage of legislation that introduced firearm training to elementary students.He was combative with some statehouse reporters and provoked controversy this year by discussing on the House floor with Rep. Kyler Sweely, R-Hutchinson, the hypothetical idea of instigating an act of violence against former Democratic Rep. Jason Probst. Sweely defeated Probst by less than 300 votes in the 2024 election.

Kansas Republican state Rep. Patrick Penn of Wichita plans to quit House

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — As the “one big, beautiful” budget reconciliation bill soon heads to the Senate, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri is pushing to significantly expand the child tax credit beyond what House Republican tax writers offered.

Hawley, who’s getting a cool reception so far from the GOP colleagues steering tax policy, would claim it as a win for working families in a tax package that critics say is now tilted toward wealthy parents.

Hawley proposes to increase the child tax credit to $5,000 per child, way up from the $2,000 set in Republicans’ 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the temporary $2,500 approved Wednesday by a House panel.

Additionally, the senator is proposing that parents begin accruing the credit from the first dollar of income earned, meaning that the credit would phase in faster.

Hawley also wants the credit to kick in during pregnancy and to be distributed to families in installments throughout the year, rather than in one sum during tax season.

Under current law, parents only begin to earn the credit at a rate of 15 cents on every dollar of income once they exceed $2,500 in pay. The credit accrues one child at a time, rather than per child simultaneously.

“I think we need to give as much tax relief as we can to working people,” Hawley told States Newsroom Thursday,&nbsp; outside the Senate chamber.

For Hawley, expanding the child tax credit is about combating the “decline of the American family,” as he said on the Senate floor in January.

“There’s something fundamentally wrong with an economy where the working people, who power that economy, cannot afford to have children that they want,” Hawley said.

Reelected in 2024, Hawley has served in the Senate since 2019 — after defeating Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill — and is a former Missouri attorney general considered to be strongly conservative.

‘30 proposals on the child tax credit’

Hawley, who is not a member of Senate Republican leadership and does not sit on the committee with tax jurisdiction, said he’s in communication with fellow senators about the proposal.

A spokesperson for Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, said the leader of the tax writing committee is not currently commenting on any specific provisions under consideration.

“Senator Crapo continues to support the child tax credit and has always been open to modifications that provide additional tax relief to working families,” Mandi Critchfield, Crapo’s communications director, said in an emailed statement Thursday.

When asked about the prospects for Hawley’s proposal, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, said there’s a lot of “dials and ideas” swirling around the child tax credit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663850243179.png" alt="File photo Missouri Senator Josh Hawley -courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>File photo Missouri Senator Josh Hawley -courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — As the “one big, beautiful” budget reconciliation bill soon heads to the Senate, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri is pushing to significantly expand the child tax credit beyond what House Republican tax writers offered.Hawley, who’s getting a cool reception so far from the GOP colleagues steering tax policy, would claim it as a win for working families in a tax package that critics say is now tilted toward wealthy parents.Hawley proposes to increase the child tax credit to $5,000 per child, way up from the $2,000 set in Republicans’ 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the temporary $2,500 approved Wednesday by a House panel.Additionally, the senator is proposing that parents begin accruing the credit from the first dollar of income earned, meaning that the credit would phase in faster.Hawley also wants the credit to kick in during pregnancy and to be distributed to families in installments throughout the year, rather than in one sum during tax season.Under current law, parents only begin to earn the credit at a rate of 15 cents on every dollar of income once they exceed $2,500 in pay. The credit accrues one child at a time, rather than per child simultaneously.“I think we need to give as much tax relief as we can to working people,” Hawley told States Newsroom Thursday,&nbsp; outside the Senate chamber.For Hawley, expanding the child tax credit is about combating the “decline of the American family,” as he said on the Senate floor in January.“There’s something fundamentally wrong with an economy where the working people, who power that economy, cannot afford to have children that they want,” Hawley said.Reelected in 2024, Hawley has served in the Senate since 2019 — after defeating Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill — and is a former Missouri attorney general considered to be strongly conservative.<h2>‘30 proposals on the child tax credit’</h2>Hawley, who is not a member of Senate Republican leadership and does not sit on the committee with tax jurisdiction, said he’s in communication with fellow senators about the proposal.A spokesperson for Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, said the leader of the tax writing committee is not currently commenting on any specific provisions under consideration.“Senator Crapo continues to support the child tax credit and has always been open to modifications that provide additional tax relief to working families,” Mandi Critchfield, Crapo’s communications director, said in an emailed statement Thursday.When asked about the prospects for Hawley’s proposal, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, said there’s a lot of “dials and ideas” swirling around the child tax credit.“There are about 30 proposals on the child tax credit right now, so I’m not going to pick any one of them because there are so many different options and things that can be tweaked out on that. I don’t want to see it slashed in half by letting everything expire,” Lankford told States Newsroom on Capitol Hill Thursday.The child tax credit was $1,000 before the 2017 tax law, which expires at the end of the year.<h2>Spending cuts paying for tax cuts</h2>A major priority for President Donald Trump is extending and expanding his 2017 tax law, the cost of which adds nearly $4 trillion to the nation’s deficit.How to pay for the massive tax extension has been a heated debate among Republicans, who ultimately advanced a bill that cuts billions from Medicaid, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-panel-passes-gop-plan-cuts-medicaid-625b-adds-work-requirement" target="_blank">health care</a>&nbsp;program for low-income people and some Americans with disabilities. Hawley in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/12/opinion/josh-hawley-dont-cut-medicaid.html" target="_blank">a New York Times op-ed&nbsp;</a>on Monday called such cuts “morally wrong and politically suicidal.”Republicans also have targeted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/states-hook-billions-under-us-house-gop-bill-making-them-help-pay-snap" target="_blank">food</a>&nbsp;programs for low-income people as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/no-tax-tips-child-tax-credit-and-business-tax-cuts-survive-big-house-gop-bill" target="_blank">clean energy and manufacturing</a>&nbsp;tax credits, all to offset the cost of keeping lower individual tax rates and business tax cuts.In one concession to a demand for a more generous child tax credit, House Republican tax writers on Thursday advanced language that included a temporary $500 increase for it. The short-term hike to $2,500, up from $2,000, would last until 2028. Then the credit reverts back to $2,000.The credit would still phase in at 15 cents on the dollar, one child at a time, for every dollar earned after $2,500 in income, as it does currently.The bill also leaves intact a “refundability cap,” which limits how much parents can receive as a tax refund after they pay the federal taxes they owe. The cap was installed as part of the 2017 tax law.Under a new requirement in the bill, each parent would have to have a Social Security number to access the credit, a change from only requiring Social Security numbers for children.The tax bill, which will eventually be combined with 10 other funding bills to create the reconciliation package, has received criticism for not doing enough to help low-income families.According to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 20 million children in low-income families with a median income of roughly $23,000 will not be eligible for the full tax credit.Kris Cox, director of federal tax policy at the left-leaning CBPP, wrote on social media Tuesday: “Think about who gets helped (and) who doesn’t. A married couple with 2 children earning $400,000 would have their<a href="https://bsky.app/hashtag/CTC" target="_blank">&nbsp;#CTC</a>&nbsp;go up by $1000. A single parent with two children who earns $24,000 as a child care worker would get nothing, $0, from this proposal.”<h2>Earlier deal faltered</h2>The current debate about the child tax credit comes after Senate Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2024/03/21/expanded-child-tax-credit-stranded-in-u-s-senate-by-gop-comparisons-to-welfare/" target="_blank">killed</a>&nbsp;a significantly more generous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/child-tax-credit-expanded-business-tax-breaks-get-new-life-bill-passed-us-house%C2%A0" target="_blank">bipartisan proposal</a>&nbsp;in 2024.Under an agreement struck by Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, then chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and Missouri Republican Rep. Jason Smith, chair of House Committee on Ways and Means, parents would have been able to receive the credit at a faster pace.Among the provisions in the deal was an agreement to allow the credit to phase in per child simultaneously — so 15 cents on the dollar per child simultaneously.In January 2024, 169 House Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202430?Page=2" target="_blank">voted</a>&nbsp;in favor of the bill. The bill&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1182/vote_118_2_00230.htm" target="_blank">failed</a>&nbsp;on a procedural vote in the Senate. Hawley was one of three Republicans to vote in favor.&nbsp;