KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson recently highlighted several felony cases involving road rage incidents to warn residents about the severe legal consequences that can result from momentary anger on roadways.&nbsp;

Since 2022, the Prosecutor’s Office received approximately 19 cases involving road rage incidents that escalated to assaults, vehicular injuries, or the use of firearms. So far this year, the Prosecutor’s Office has received and charged four cases already involving road rage.&nbsp;

Nationwide, road rage incidents involving firearms&nbsp;<a href="https://everytownresearch.org/road-rage-shootings-remain-alarmingly-high/">doubled from 2018 to 2023</a>, with hundreds of people killed or wounded every year.&nbsp;

“What begins as a temporary traffic annoyance can escalate into tragedy in seconds,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “Driving behaviors like someone cutting another vehicle off, driving slowly in a passing lane, swerving to avoid something in the road, or forgetting to use a turn signal, can trigger potentially deadly responses.&nbsp;

“We are urging all drivers to remember that a moment of rage is not worth a lifetime of consequences or your freedom. If you encounter an aggressive driver, do not engage. If you feel threatened, call 911, or drive to the nearest police station, hospital, or fire station.”

Prosecutors are handling several serious road rage cases this year:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746194817276.png" alt="Adam Burnett photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Adam Burnett photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson recently highlighted several felony cases involving road rage incidents to warn residents about the severe legal consequences that can result from momentary anger on roadways.&nbsp;Since 2022, the Prosecutor’s Office received approximately 19 cases involving road rage incidents that escalated to assaults, vehicular injuries, or the use of firearms. So far this year, the Prosecutor’s Office has received and charged four cases already involving road rage.&nbsp;Nationwide, road rage incidents involving firearms&nbsp;<a href="https://everytownresearch.org/road-rage-shootings-remain-alarmingly-high/">doubled from 2018 to 2023</a>, with hundreds of people killed or wounded every year.&nbsp;“What begins as a temporary traffic annoyance can escalate into tragedy in seconds,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “Driving behaviors like someone cutting another vehicle off, driving slowly in a passing lane, swerving to avoid something in the road, or forgetting to use a turn signal, can trigger potentially deadly responses.&nbsp;“We are urging all drivers to remember that a moment of rage is not worth a lifetime of consequences or your freedom. If you encounter an aggressive driver, do not engage. If you feel threatened, call 911, or drive to the nearest police station, hospital, or fire station.”Prosecutors are handling several serious road rage cases this year:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Adam Burnett was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Armed Criminal Action after allegedly chasing and firing at a vehicle that cut him off on March 23. He could face five to 15 years in prison.</li><li>Christian Eubanks was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Armed Criminal Action, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child after he allegedly fired at another vehicle while his toddler was in his car on March 21.&nbsp;</li><li>Joshwa Pearman was charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Armed Criminal Action after he allegedly fired at another vehicle during a road rage incident on Jan. 22.</li><li>Brian K. Watson was charged with 1st Degree Assault and Leaving the Scene of an Accident after he allegedly struck a pedestrian with his car and fled the scene on Jan. 18. The defendant has a history of road rage incidents.&nbsp;</li><li>And Isaiah Francis was charged this week of 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action in connection with a fatal road rage incident that took place on Nov. 8, 2024.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Prosecutor warns about legal consequences from road rage 

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 — The American dream Maranda Kealy was promised as a kid is nowhere to be found, she said at a rally Thursday in Topeka attended by hundreds in a display of collective action against President Donald Trump’s second term.

“It’s not the one any of us were promised,” she said.

Kealy, a 22-year-old from the small town of Harveyville about 45 minutes southwest of Topeka, held a sign that read, “Dude: This is so not the American dream.”

“We were promised freedom and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Kealy said, “but the administration has taken that to mean life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for some people, not all.”

The political grassroots group 50501 organized the event in honor of International Workers’ Day, celebrated on May 1 along with the European holiday May Day. The same group convened weeks before on April 5 at the state Capitol for a day of action,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/07/kansans-flood-streets-across-the-state-to-condemn-d-c-cartel-if-you-can-nows-the-time-to-speak/">drawing a crowd of thousands</a>. Thursday’s protest was more modest, with a crowd of around 300.

Kealy works for the U.S. Postal Service, and she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Both were impetuses for her presence on the Statehouse grounds.

“Every American deserves due process. Every American deserves a chance to live the American dream, and every person deserves a chance to have their voice heard,” Kealy said.

A mishmash of anti-Trump, pro-Ukraine, anti-Putin, pro-democracy, anti-Elon Musk signs and American flags — both upside down and right side up — speckled the south lawn of the Kansas Statehouse as the event’s speakers railed against the Trump administration and the president’s supporters.

The event’s speakers included 50501 organizers, Overland Park Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher, the vice president of chapter 66 of the National Treasury Employees Union in Kansas City, Daniel Scharpenburg, and the Rev. Nori Rost, a Unitarian Universalist minister in Lawrence and social justice advocate.

Scharpenburg’s union represents roughly 6,000 employees of the Internal Revenue Service.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard,” he said to the crowd, “but we are not OK.”

The IRS’s Kansas City office is facing the possibility of being halved, Scharpenburg said. He lobbed critiques at the Trump administration’s moves to clamp down on unions.

“I have to say, if they were not afraid of working people, they would not try to union bust, right?” he said.

The American Federation of Laborers and Congress of Industrial Organizations, an international federation of more than 60 unions, said May 1 is “the day the world celebrates the bravery of workers throughout history who have sacrificed for safety, dignity and justice on the job.”

“Our solidarity is our strength,” the AFL-CIO said in a Thursday message. “We take pride in knowing that we are a global movement standing up to the billionaires who are threatening our rights and freedoms.”

Holscher reminded the crowd of the president’s promise to lower prices at the grocery store. The crowd laughed.

“It is quite apparent, however, in these first 100 days of the Trump administration, we have been sold a bill of goods,” Holscher said.

She criticized state Republican leaders, referring to them as MAGA extremists, for a handful of their decisions during the 2025 legislative session, including&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/07/let-kansans-live-free-leaked-emails-to-efficiency-portal-call-for-abortion-rights-school-funding/">the creation of the Committee on Government Efficiency</a>&nbsp;and their “assault” on public education funding.

She warned of Republicans sending Kansas “back to the deficit days of the Brownback administration.”

The rally was 61-year-old Army veteran David Beck’s first time participating in something like it.

“This is not where I want to be,” he said.

He lives about 90 miles from Topeka and was born and raised in southeast Kansas. Everything is at stake, he said.

“What hasn’t he harmed?” he asked, referring to Trump.

Tina Hallenbeck, of Alma, celebrated her birthday by protesting the “scary, scary things” she sees happening under the Trump administration.

She said she was especially concerned for her husband, a retired active duty Army Gulf War veteran and a federal employee with a year left to retire.

Hallenbeck appeared at the Capitol dressed in the red uniform of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood about a near-future dystopia where women are forcibly assigned to produce children.

“It feels like it makes a statement. Somebody’s going to see this,” Hallenbeck said. “Today, May Day, it’s my birthday, I’m 58 years old, and this is what I’m doing today, and it’s a shame that I have to be, but I have to be. We have to be vigilant. We can’t have 1930s Germany in the United States.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746189500700.png" alt=" Kansans rally on May 1, 2025, at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of a 50501 event in honor of International Workers’ Day. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansans rally on May 1, 2025, at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of a 50501 event in honor of International Workers’ Day. (Sherman Smith/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 — The American dream Maranda Kealy was promised as a kid is nowhere to be found, she said at a rally Thursday in Topeka attended by hundreds in a display of collective action against President Donald Trump’s second term.“It’s not the one any of us were promised,” she said.Kealy, a 22-year-old from the small town of Harveyville about 45 minutes southwest of Topeka, held a sign that read, “Dude: This is so not the American dream.”“We were promised freedom and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Kealy said, “but the administration has taken that to mean life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for some people, not all.”The political grassroots group 50501 organized the event in honor of International Workers’ Day, celebrated on May 1 along with the European holiday May Day. The same group convened weeks before on April 5 at the state Capitol for a day of action,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/07/kansans-flood-streets-across-the-state-to-condemn-d-c-cartel-if-you-can-nows-the-time-to-speak/">drawing a crowd of thousands</a>. Thursday’s protest was more modest, with a crowd of around 300.Kealy works for the U.S. Postal Service, and she is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Both were impetuses for her presence on the Statehouse grounds.“Every American deserves due process. Every American deserves a chance to live the American dream, and every person deserves a chance to have their voice heard,” Kealy said.A mishmash of anti-Trump, pro-Ukraine, anti-Putin, pro-democracy, anti-Elon Musk signs and American flags — both upside down and right side up — speckled the south lawn of the Kansas Statehouse as the event’s speakers railed against the Trump administration and the president’s supporters.The event’s speakers included 50501 organizers, Overland Park Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher, the vice president of chapter 66 of the National Treasury Employees Union in Kansas City, Daniel Scharpenburg, and the Rev. Nori Rost, a Unitarian Universalist minister in Lawrence and social justice advocate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746189553917.png" alt="The Rev. Nori Rost appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Rev. Nori Rost appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Scharpenburg’s union represents roughly 6,000 employees of the Internal Revenue Service.“I don’t know if you’ve heard,” he said to the crowd, “but we are not OK.”The IRS’s Kansas City office is facing the possibility of being halved, Scharpenburg said. He lobbed critiques at the Trump administration’s moves to clamp down on unions.“I have to say, if they were not afraid of working people, they would not try to union bust, right?” he said.The American Federation of Laborers and Congress of Industrial Organizations, an international federation of more than 60 unions, said May 1 is “the day the world celebrates the bravery of workers throughout history who have sacrificed for safety, dignity and justice on the job.”“Our solidarity is our strength,” the AFL-CIO said in a Thursday message. “We take pride in knowing that we are a global movement standing up to the billionaires who are threatening our rights and freedoms.”<h2>‘Not where I want to be’</h2>Holscher reminded the crowd of the president’s promise to lower prices at the grocery store. The crowd laughed.“It is quite apparent, however, in these first 100 days of the Trump administration, we have been sold a bill of goods,” Holscher said.She criticized state Republican leaders, referring to them as MAGA extremists, for a handful of their decisions during the 2025 legislative session, including&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/07/let-kansans-live-free-leaked-emails-to-efficiency-portal-call-for-abortion-rights-school-funding/">the creation of the Committee on Government Efficiency</a>&nbsp;and their “assault” on public education funding.She warned of Republicans sending Kansas “back to the deficit days of the Brownback administration.”The rally was 61-year-old Army veteran David Beck’s first time participating in something like it.“This is not where I want to be,” he said.He lives about 90 miles from Topeka and was born and raised in southeast Kansas. Everything is at stake, he said.“What hasn’t he harmed?” he asked, referring to Trump.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746189594733.png" alt=" Tina Hallenbeck, of Alma, rallies at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Tina Hallenbeck, of Alma, rallies at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Tina Hallenbeck, of Alma, celebrated her birthday by protesting the “scary, scary things” she sees happening under the Trump administration.She said she was especially concerned for her husband, a retired active duty Army Gulf War veteran and a federal employee with a year left to retire.Hallenbeck appeared at the Capitol dressed in the red uniform of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood about a near-future dystopia where women are forcibly assigned to produce children.“It feels like it makes a statement. Somebody’s going to see this,” Hallenbeck said. “Today, May Day, it’s my birthday, I’m 58 years old, and this is what I’m doing today, and it’s a shame that I have to be, but I have to be. We have to be vigilant. We can’t have 1930s Germany in the United States.”

May Day rally draws hundreds to Kansas Capitol to protest Trump administration

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Firefighter/paramedic Graham Hoffman’s Funeral will be held on Friday, May 2, at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. A public visitation will take place from 11a.m.-1p.m. followed by the funeral service and procession. The procession will begin at approximately 3 p.m.

Firefighter Hoffman will be cremated so there will not be a graveside service.

Early Sunday, while transporting a patient to the hospital, the patient stabbed Hoffman in the chest.&nbsp;Hoffman was transported to North Kansas City Hospital in critical condition and later died.&nbsp;Hoffman, 29, was a member of the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department for three years.&nbsp;

Clay County prosecutors have charged the suspect in the attack.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746182319192.png" alt="-The procession will travel south on Interstate 35 just after 3 p.m., through the Interstate 29 interchange and proceed over the Christopher Bond Bridge. It will continue onto U.S. 71 Highway South and exit at Bannister Road, head east and then turn south at Hillcrest Road&nbsp;traveling past KCFD Station 42 at 6006 E. Red Bridge Road. It will then go north on Blue Ridge Boulevard to Bannister Road, travel north on Interstate 435 back north of the Missouri River and exit at Pleasant Valley Road and conclude after driving west to the White Chapel Funeral Home." />
 <figcaption>-The procession will travel south on Interstate 35 just after 3 p.m., through the Interstate 29 interchange and proceed over the Christopher Bond Bridge. It will continue onto U.S. 71 Highway South and exit at Bannister Road, head east and then turn south at Hillcrest Road&nbsp;traveling past KCFD Station 42 at 6006 E. Red Bridge Road. It will then go north on Blue Ridge Boulevard to Bannister Road, travel north on Interstate 435 back north of the Missouri River and exit at Pleasant Valley Road and conclude after driving west to the White Chapel Funeral Home.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Firefighter/paramedic Graham Hoffman’s Funeral will be held on Friday, May 2, at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. A public visitation will take place from 11a.m.-1p.m. followed by the funeral service and procession. The procession will begin at approximately 3 p.m.Firefighter Hoffman will be cremated so there will not be a graveside service.Early Sunday, while transporting a patient to the hospital, the patient stabbed Hoffman in the chest.&nbsp;Hoffman was transported to North Kansas City Hospital in critical condition and later died.&nbsp;Hoffman, 29, was a member of the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department for three years.&nbsp;Clay County prosecutors have charged the suspect in the attack.

Funeral procession details for KC paramedic killed in the line of dutiy

JOHNSON COUNTY —Police are&nbsp;conducting a homicide investigation in Olathe.

Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of North Persimmon Drive in Olathe to check the welfare of a woman, according to&nbsp;Officer Sean Wilkes.

At the home, first responders found a 75-year-old woman deceased inside the residence. The circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation. Police have not reported the name of the victim or other details.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Police are&nbsp;conducting a homicide investigation in Olathe.Just after 11a.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of North Persimmon Drive in Olathe to check the welfare of a woman, according to&nbsp;Officer Sean Wilkes.At the home, first responders found a 75-year-old woman deceased inside the residence. The circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation. Police have not reported the name of the victim or other details.

Homicide: 75-year-old Kansas woman found dead in her home

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’s voter-approved paid sick leave law officially went into effect Thursday, allowing thousands of qualified employees to begin accruing paid time off.

“No Missourian should have to choose between a day’s pay and their family’s well-being,” said Caitlyn Adams, executive director of Missouri Jobs with Justice, which led the campaign for the law, in a press release. “Tens of thousands of Missourians who work full-time do not get any paid sick days, but that changes today.”

But while advocates for the policy celebrated Thursday’s milestone, the new law remains at risk of being overturned by the GOP-dominated Missouri legislature.&nbsp;

Republicans have vowed to pass legislation rolling back the paid sick leave and modifying an accompanying boost to the minimum wage. That bill has stalled in the face of Democratic opposition, and the legislative session ends May 16.&nbsp;

Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, a Republican from Shelbina, has been a particularly loud voice urging repeal of the law.

“Our side of the aisle has great concern for the burden that this would place on businesses,” she told reporters Thursday, “and if we’re going to promote economic growth and jobs, we need to really be cognizant of that.”

Proposition A passed with nearly 58% of the vote in November, garnering support from unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights groups, as well as over 500 business owners. The measure expanded access to paid sick time for many employees, effective Thursday. It also increased the minimum wage to $15 this year, which went into effect in January, to be adjusted for inflation thereafter.&nbsp;

Under the law, employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year must now provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours.

“I’m a single mother of four, and I am now able to start earning paid sick for the first time in my life,” said Andi Phillips, a server in Springfield, in the press release.

“I can’t explain how huge of a relief it is that I can now earn time off to better take care of my family and give my kids a better future,” Phillips said. “I never wanted a handout, just an opportunity to be the best version of myself for my kids and now I have that.”&nbsp;

The Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/29/missouri-supreme-court-upholds-voter-approved-paid-sick-leave-law/">upheld the law earlier this week</a>, dealing a blow to a coalition of business groups who argued the measure violated the single-subject and clear title requirements for ballot measures, and that the fiscal summary was misleading. The Supreme Court found the election results valid.&nbsp;

The Missouri House passed legislation that would repeal the paid sick leave part of the law and remove the requirement that the minimum wage be indexed to inflation. That bill awaits action in the Senate.&nbsp;

The Senate Democrats have been in negotiations with Republicans for weeks to modify the bill, in what they’ve said is an effort to maintain the will of the voters in expanding paid sick leave rather than gut it entirely, as well as make it easier for businesses to comply.&nbsp;

The Republicans could also force the bill through in a rarely-used procedural maneuver known as the previous question, or PQ. That requires the signatures of 10 members of the 34-member Senate and must be approved by a similar majority to shut down debate. It’s use to end a filibuster is seen as a last-resort option by Senate leadership, and the last time the chamber deployed it was eight years ago.&nbsp;

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, told reporters Thursday he doesn’t know whether the two sides will come to an agreement.&nbsp;

“I would like to see us come to some sort of conclusion, because the law is in effect,” he said. “People are earning sick time, and anything we do at this point could be taking away from people…I’m just saying, I am in good faith negotiations with the other side of the aisle on this and welcome to having those conversations as we continue on. Whether or not we come to a conclusion, I don’t know.”

Speaker of the House Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, told reporters Thursday that modifying the law remains a priority and that he sees action on Prop A as necessary before the legislature can make progress on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/article_e5c05ad9-c2d0-4609-ab75-3a02f13960b0.html" target="_blank">a bill that seeks to bring businesses to downtown St. Louis.&nbsp;</a>

“For me, Prop A has to be addressed before we do anything like that,” Patterson said, referring to the bill that seeks to revitalize downtown St. Louis. “…There’s no point to try to attract businesses when you’re telling them with Prop A that it’s going to be very difficult for you, you have these sick leave provisions that can lead to criminal penalties.”

That is an “absurd way to look at Proposition A,” state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, responded to Patterson’s comments. When Missouri workers are successful, she said, businesses will be, too.

“The idea that providing workers with more protections is a business killer is wild,” she said.&nbsp;“…To try to make this seem like this is something that will kill business, that will keep businesses from opening, I think it’s absurd, and I think it’s quite disappointing, and I think it sends absolutely the wrong message.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746181702741.png" alt=" Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin said it is a priority of her party to roll back a paid sick leave expansion that was approved by voters in November (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin said it is a priority of her party to roll back a paid sick leave expansion that was approved by voters in November (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>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’s voter-approved paid sick leave law officially went into effect Thursday, allowing thousands of qualified employees to begin accruing paid time off.“No Missourian should have to choose between a day’s pay and their family’s well-being,” said Caitlyn Adams, executive director of Missouri Jobs with Justice, which led the campaign for the law, in a press release. “Tens of thousands of Missourians who work full-time do not get any paid sick days, but that changes today.”But while advocates for the policy celebrated Thursday’s milestone, the new law remains at risk of being overturned by the GOP-dominated Missouri legislature.&nbsp;Republicans have vowed to pass legislation rolling back the paid sick leave and modifying an accompanying boost to the minimum wage. That bill has stalled in the face of Democratic opposition, and the legislative session ends May 16.&nbsp;Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, a Republican from Shelbina, has been a particularly loud voice urging repeal of the law.“Our side of the aisle has great concern for the burden that this would place on businesses,” she told reporters Thursday, “and if we’re going to promote economic growth and jobs, we need to really be cognizant of that.”Proposition A passed with nearly 58% of the vote in November, garnering support from unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights groups, as well as over 500 business owners. The measure expanded access to paid sick time for many employees, effective Thursday. It also increased the minimum wage to $15 this year, which went into effect in January, to be adjusted for inflation thereafter.&nbsp;Under the law, employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year must now provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours.“I’m a single mother of four, and I am now able to start earning paid sick for the first time in my life,” said Andi Phillips, a server in Springfield, in the press release.“I can’t explain how huge of a relief it is that I can now earn time off to better take care of my family and give my kids a better future,” Phillips said. “I never wanted a handout, just an opportunity to be the best version of myself for my kids and now I have that.”&nbsp;The Missouri Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/29/missouri-supreme-court-upholds-voter-approved-paid-sick-leave-law/">upheld the law earlier this week</a>, dealing a blow to a coalition of business groups who argued the measure violated the single-subject and clear title requirements for ballot measures, and that the fiscal summary was misleading. The Supreme Court found the election results valid.&nbsp;The Missouri House passed legislation that would repeal the paid sick leave part of the law and remove the requirement that the minimum wage be indexed to inflation. That bill awaits action in the Senate.&nbsp;The Senate Democrats have been in negotiations with Republicans for weeks to modify the bill, in what they’ve said is an effort to maintain the will of the voters in expanding paid sick leave rather than gut it entirely, as well as make it easier for businesses to comply.&nbsp;The Republicans could also force the bill through in a rarely-used procedural maneuver known as the previous question, or PQ. That requires the signatures of 10 members of the 34-member Senate and must be approved by a similar majority to shut down debate. It’s use to end a filibuster is seen as a last-resort option by Senate leadership, and the last time the chamber deployed it was eight years ago.&nbsp;Senate Minority Leader Sen. Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, told reporters Thursday he doesn’t know whether the two sides will come to an agreement.&nbsp;“I would like to see us come to some sort of conclusion, because the law is in effect,” he said. “People are earning sick time, and anything we do at this point could be taking away from people…I’m just saying, I am in good faith negotiations with the other side of the aisle on this and welcome to having those conversations as we continue on. Whether or not we come to a conclusion, I don’t know.”Speaker of the House Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, told reporters Thursday that modifying the law remains a priority and that he sees action on Prop A as necessary before the legislature can make progress on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/article_e5c05ad9-c2d0-4609-ab75-3a02f13960b0.html" target="_blank">a bill that seeks to bring businesses to downtown St. Louis.&nbsp;</a>“For me, Prop A has to be addressed before we do anything like that,” Patterson said, referring to the bill that seeks to revitalize downtown St. Louis. “…There’s no point to try to attract businesses when you’re telling them with Prop A that it’s going to be very difficult for you, you have these sick leave provisions that can lead to criminal penalties.”That is an “absurd way to look at Proposition A,” state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, responded to Patterson’s comments. When Missouri workers are successful, she said, businesses will be, too.“The idea that providing workers with more protections is a business killer is wild,” she said.&nbsp;“…To try to make this seem like this is something that will kill business, that will keep businesses from opening, I think it’s absurd, and I think it’s quite disappointing, and I think it sends absolutely the wrong message.”

Missouri paid sick leave law now in effect, though legislative challenges still loom

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a woman on drug allegations.

Just before 1:30a.m. April 27, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Corolla on U.S. Highway 75 near 134th Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Police arrested the back seat passenger, Summer Rose Kennedy-Webb, 27, of Olathe. She was booked into jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745845658403.png" alt="Kennedy-Webb -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Kennedy-Webb -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a woman on drug allegations. Just before 1:30a.m. April 27, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Corolla on U.S. Highway 75 near 134th Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Police arrested the back seat passenger, Summer Rose Kennedy-Webb, 27, of Olathe. She was booked into jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Back seat passenger jailed after Kansas traffic stop

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/sterlingsewell/">Sterling Sewell</a>&nbsp;-

A Senate bill allowing homeschooled student participation in public and charter school activities and athletics passed the Missouri House on Wednesday.

Sponsored by state Sen. Ben Brown, a Republican from Washington, the bill would prohibit public and charter schools from banning homeschooled or full-time virtual students from taking part in school athletics and activities.

A similar bill proposed by Brown in the last session stalled in the House. This year, Brown’s bill passed unanimously out of the Senate and passed the House Wednesday on a 91-53 vote.

Because the House made minor changes, the bill is headed to a conference committee to work out differences between the two chambers. The legislative session adjourns May 16.

State law allows public school districts to ban or restrict the participation of homeschoolers in athletics. The policy of the Missouri State High School Activities Association, which many schools follow, is to allow homeschoolers to participate in sports if they are enrolled in one credit hour of coursework at a public school.

State Rep. Ben Baker, a Republican from Neosho, said the bill “ensures that every child has access to opportunities that add to and foster their academic, social and personal growth.”

Baker, whose children have been homeschooled, argued that homeschoolers’ parents who pay taxes should be able to send their children to programs in publicly funded schools.

State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia and former teacher, said she was sympathetic to the bill’s intent, but expressed concerns that the passage could lead to an unfunded mandate.

State funding for education is partially determined by the level of enrollment in a school. Steinhoff’s concern is that potential homeschoolers who take part in public school programs or utilize school resources would not be considered in enrollment counts.

“(Schools) will not be getting state money to support these students participating in these activities,” Steinhoff said.

Baker said the strain brought by increased participation would likely be minimal, as few homeschoolers would be likely to participate in each school.

Several Democrats also expressed concerns that the bill could be unfair to public school students as homeschoolers may not have to meet the same standards as public school students. Steinhoff pointed specifically to grade and attendance requirements for some athletic programs in schools.

“There’s also some requirements and conditions in accessing the privileges provided by our schools,” Steinhoff said. “Often you have to keep your grades up, you have to keep your attendance up, you have to maintain positive relationships with peers and adults.”

Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, spoke to the long history of this legislation, beginning with its first proposal in 2014 by former House Speaker Elijah Haahr. Deaton, along with other legislators, have taken up the bill unsuccessfully since then.

Deaton also pointed out a provision of the bill which allows schools to require homeschoolers to attend courses, rehearsals or practices related to their participation in school activities.

“For example, if you’re going to be involved in a band, and there’s a band class directly related to that, you absolutely should have to play in that band class,” Deaton said.

Another concern, voiced by Rep. Michael Burton, a Democrat from Lakeshire, involved vaccine requirements.

Missouri public school students are required to have several vaccines to attend school. Burton said he worries that unvaccinated homeschoolers participating in school activities could put public school students at risk.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/homeschoolers-participation-nears-in-public-school-athletics-activities/article_d1b30f94-e9db-4491-9326-b04fe2c40eca.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

This story was updated at 12:45 p.m. to reflect that the bill is on its way to a conference committee.

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/sterlingsewell/">Sterling Sewell</a>&nbsp;-A Senate bill allowing homeschooled student participation in public and charter school activities and athletics passed the Missouri House on Wednesday.Sponsored by state Sen. Ben Brown, a Republican from Washington, the bill would prohibit public and charter schools from banning homeschooled or full-time virtual students from taking part in school athletics and activities.A similar bill proposed by Brown in the last session stalled in the House. This year, Brown’s bill passed unanimously out of the Senate and passed the House Wednesday on a 91-53 vote.Because the House made minor changes, the bill is headed to a conference committee to work out differences between the two chambers. The legislative session adjourns May 16.State law allows public school districts to ban or restrict the participation of homeschoolers in athletics. The policy of the Missouri State High School Activities Association, which many schools follow, is to allow homeschoolers to participate in sports if they are enrolled in one credit hour of coursework at a public school.State Rep. Ben Baker, a Republican from Neosho, said the bill “ensures that every child has access to opportunities that add to and foster their academic, social and personal growth.”Baker, whose children have been homeschooled, argued that homeschoolers’ parents who pay taxes should be able to send their children to programs in publicly funded schools.State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia and former teacher, said she was sympathetic to the bill’s intent, but expressed concerns that the passage could lead to an unfunded mandate.State funding for education is partially determined by the level of enrollment in a school. Steinhoff’s concern is that potential homeschoolers who take part in public school programs or utilize school resources would not be considered in enrollment counts.“(Schools) will not be getting state money to support these students participating in these activities,” Steinhoff said.Baker said the strain brought by increased participation would likely be minimal, as few homeschoolers would be likely to participate in each school.Several Democrats also expressed concerns that the bill could be unfair to public school students as homeschoolers may not have to meet the same standards as public school students. Steinhoff pointed specifically to grade and attendance requirements for some athletic programs in schools.“There’s also some requirements and conditions in accessing the privileges provided by our schools,” Steinhoff said. “Often you have to keep your grades up, you have to keep your attendance up, you have to maintain positive relationships with peers and adults.”Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, spoke to the long history of this legislation, beginning with its first proposal in 2014 by former House Speaker Elijah Haahr. Deaton, along with other legislators, have taken up the bill unsuccessfully since then.Deaton also pointed out a provision of the bill which allows schools to require homeschoolers to attend courses, rehearsals or practices related to their participation in school activities.“For example, if you’re going to be involved in a band, and there’s a band class directly related to that, you absolutely should have to play in that band class,” Deaton said.Another concern, voiced by Rep. Michael Burton, a Democrat from Lakeshire, involved vaccine requirements.Missouri public school students are required to have several vaccines to attend school. Burton said he worries that unvaccinated homeschoolers participating in school activities could put public school students at risk.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/homeschoolers-participation-nears-in-public-school-athletics-activities/article_d1b30f94-e9db-4491-9326-b04fe2c40eca.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;This story was updated at 12:45 p.m. to reflect that the bill is on its way to a conference committee.

Missouri bill allowing homeschoolers to participate in school sports nears passage

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement and USD 473 staff are investigating an alleged threat at the middle school in Chapman.

On Wednesday, an officer with Chapman Police was notified of a potential harmful event that may occur at a later date at the Chapman Middle School, 624 Marshall Ave, Chapman, according to a social media report from the Chapman Police Department.

Chapman police immediately made contact with USD 473 staff and contacted the Dickinson Co. Sheriff’s Office and an investigation began immediately.

After the investigation, the officials feel that there is no credible threat. The investigation isn’t complete.  An official statement will be released on Friday.  Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement and USD 473 staff are investigating an alleged threat at the middle school in Chapman.On Wednesday, an officer with Chapman Police was notified of a potential harmful event that may occur at a later date at the Chapman Middle School, 624 Marshall Ave, Chapman, according to a social media report from the Chapman Police Department.Chapman police immediately made contact with USD 473 staff and contacted the Dickinson Co. Sheriff’s Office and an investigation began immediately.After the investigation, the officials feel that there is no credible threat. The investigation isn’t complete. An official statement will be released on Friday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Police investigating alleged threat at Kansas middle school

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating gunfire in Topeka have made an arrest.

Just before 6 p.m., Monday, police responded to the area of SW Huntoon and Lincoln in Topeka on the report of gunshots being fired in the area, according to Police Lt. John Trimble.

 Officers arrived to the area shortly after being dispatched. They located multiple witnesses and victims and took a subject into custody identified&nbsp; as 23-year-old Rajhgerio Guruda Smith.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault,&nbsp;Criminal Discharge of Firearm at Occupied Vehicle, felon in Possession of Firearm, Felony Criminal Damage and Misdemeanor Criminal Damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745952487931.png" alt="Smith photo Shawnee XCounty" />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Shawnee XCounty</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating gunfire in Topeka have made an arrest.Just before 6 p.m., Monday, police responded to the area of SW Huntoon and Lincoln in Topeka on the report of gunshots being fired in the area, according to Police Lt. John Trimble. Officers arrived to the area shortly after being dispatched. They located multiple witnesses and victims and took a subject into custody identified&nbsp; as 23-year-old Rajhgerio Guruda Smith.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault,&nbsp;Criminal Discharge of Firearm at Occupied Vehicle, felon in Possession of Firearm, Felony Criminal Damage and Misdemeanor Criminal Damage.

Kansas man accused of shooting at vehicle

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

TOPEKA — Former Kansas foster care leaders accused of defrauding their old employer of millions of dollars indicated in court that they plan to change their not guilty pleas, avoiding a trial.

William Whymark, the former IT director for the regional foster care provider Saint Francis Ministries, is expected to change his plea later this year as attorneys continue to negotiate a deal. His co-defendant and former Saint Francis CEO Robert Smith is also “actively engaged in plea negotiations,” Smith’s attorney said at a Wednesday hearing.

Smith faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering amounting to $4.7 million in damages. Whymark faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 10 counts of wire fraud.&nbsp;A federal grand jury indicted the two in November 2022.

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse set a May 28 hearing for Smith, whose attorney expressed concern Wednesday with some of the case’s numbers and calculations for alleged fraud. Whymark is expected to change his plea at a Sept. 3 hearing.

The two defendants were not present at Wednesday’s status conference. Whymark’s attorney said Whymark was in the emergency room the night before and is scheduled to receive additional treatment. Smith, who lives in Tennessee, waived his right to appear.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/27/former-leaders-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-negotiating-plea-deal-in-federal-fraud-case/">A court filing from Feb. 25</a>&nbsp;showed Whymark and Smith are “presently involved in plea negotiations and anticipate resolving this case without a trial.” They face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, plus fines and restitution.

Court documents allege that Smith used Saint Francis Ministries’ credit cards for personal expenses and that “materially false invoices” paid Whymark’s IT company more than $10 million. Court documents say Saint Francis Ministries had to spend an estimated $3.2 million to repair Whymark’s “grossly deficient and overpriced” work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746113559446.png" alt=" A routine court hearing for two former Saint Francis Ministries executives accused of defrauding the foster care provider took place on April 30, 2025, at the Kansas federal courthouse in Topeka. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> A routine court hearing for two former Saint Francis Ministries executives accused of defrauding the foster care provider took place on April 30, 2025, at the Kansas federal courthouse in Topeka. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Former Kansas foster care leaders accused of defrauding their old employer of millions of dollars indicated in court that they plan to change their not guilty pleas, avoiding a trial.William Whymark, the former IT director for the regional foster care provider Saint Francis Ministries, is expected to change his plea later this year as attorneys continue to negotiate a deal. His co-defendant and former Saint Francis CEO Robert Smith is also “actively engaged in plea negotiations,” Smith’s attorney said at a Wednesday hearing.Smith faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering amounting to $4.7 million in damages. Whymark faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 10 counts of wire fraud.&nbsp;A federal grand jury indicted the two in November 2022.U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse set a May 28 hearing for Smith, whose attorney expressed concern Wednesday with some of the case’s numbers and calculations for alleged fraud. Whymark is expected to change his plea at a Sept. 3 hearing.The two defendants were not present at Wednesday’s status conference. Whymark’s attorney said Whymark was in the emergency room the night before and is scheduled to receive additional treatment. Smith, who lives in Tennessee, waived his right to appear.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/27/former-leaders-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-negotiating-plea-deal-in-federal-fraud-case/">A court filing from Feb. 25</a>&nbsp;showed Whymark and Smith are “presently involved in plea negotiations and anticipate resolving this case without a trial.” They face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, plus fines and restitution.Court documents allege that Smith used Saint Francis Ministries’ credit cards for personal expenses and that “materially false invoices” paid Whymark’s IT company more than $10 million. Court documents say Saint Francis Ministries had to spend an estimated $3.2 million to repair Whymark’s “grossly deficient and overpriced” work.

Kansas foster care leaders accused of swindling millions want to change not guilty pleas 

WASHINGTON—&nbsp;Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Donald Trump in her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/fmr-vice-president-kamala-harris-delivers-remarks-at-emerge-gala/659258">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the full speech

"Instead of an administration working to advance America's highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals," she said&nbsp; during her speech at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco.

Harris is considering another presidential campaign or a run for California governor.

WASHINGTON—&nbsp;Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Donald Trump in her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/fmr-vice-president-kamala-harris-delivers-remarks-at-emerge-gala/659258">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;the full speech<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Kamala Harris: &quot;Instead of an administration working to advance America&#39;s highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals.&quot; She advocates for resistance to the &quot;fear&quot; spread by Trump agenda, saying &quot;Courage is contagious&quot; full: <a href="https://t.co/OSO98guAMS">https://t.co/OSO98guAMS</a> <a href="https://t.co/rBugxnkEej">pic.twitter.com/rBugxnkEej</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1917869623480881625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Instead of an administration working to advance America's highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals," she said&nbsp; during her speech at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco.Harris is considering another presidential campaign or a run for California governor.

🎥Harris gives fiery comeback speech in response to Trump's 100 days in office

JEWELL COUNTY— Law enforcement and animal rescue agencies assisted Jewell County Sheriff's Deputies seize multiple dogs at a residence in the rural community of Esbon April 25, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Authorities found the dogs in "unimaginable conditions," according to the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Dozes of other animals were already dead.&nbsp; The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City took in 40 of the dogs.&nbsp; The Hutchinson Animal Shelter also took dogs.&nbsp; Authorities have not reported possible charges in the case.

The sheriff's office encouraged the public to help.&nbsp; If you would like to make a donation to help support the shelter in getting food and proper equipment for the animals that they hold, please send to:

Hutchison Animal Shelter, 1501 S. Severance Stteet, Hutchison, KS 67501

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746065749869.png" alt="Photo Humane Society of Greater Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Photo Humane Society of Greater Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>JEWELL COUNTY— Law enforcement and animal rescue agencies assisted Jewell County Sheriff's Deputies seize multiple dogs at a residence in the rural community of Esbon April 25, according to a social media report from the sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities found the dogs in "unimaginable conditions," according to the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Dozes of other animals were already dead.&nbsp; The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City took in 40 of the dogs.&nbsp; The Hutchinson Animal Shelter also took dogs.&nbsp; Authorities have not reported possible charges in the case.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHSGKCOfficial%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02sgHgkRrWqcTnLAds33qmnwgQeQZj6H3rhXVvqiQ8414EHo6FPme68jSHDVSeNhMil&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="931" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The sheriff's office encouraged the public to help.&nbsp; If you would like to make a donation to help support the shelter in getting food and proper equipment for the animals that they hold, please send to:Hutchison Animal Shelter, 1501 S. Severance Stteet, Hutchison, KS 67501

Dogs rescued, more found dead in north-central Kansas 

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Fire Department is investigating the cause of a building fire at 1716 East 8th Street.

Just after 7p.m., crews from fire station 10 noticed a column of smoke one block to the north in the area of 8th&nbsp;and Woodland, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

They responded and on arrival they reported heavy fire from a two-story vacant building and requested a working fire response. 

Interior operations were initiated but crews quickly had to evacuate and assume defensive operations and continued working to get the fire completely under control.&nbsp; Determining the cause of the fire will be difficult due to the amount of damage, according to Hopkins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746009155201.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Fire Department is investigating the cause of a building fire at 1716 East 8th Street.Just after 7p.m., crews from fire station 10 noticed a column of smoke one block to the north in the area of 8th&nbsp;and Woodland, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.They responded and on arrival they reported heavy fire from a two-story vacant building and requested a working fire response. Interior operations were initiated but crews quickly had to evacuate and assume defensive operations and continued working to get the fire completely under control.&nbsp; Determining the cause of the fire will be difficult due to the amount of damage, according to Hopkins.

Crews work large building fire in downtown Kansas City

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Wednesday in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Honda Civic driven by&nbsp;Kaiden Jimenez, 18, Lawrence, was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 near the Service Area in Leavenworth County on the Kansas Turnpike. 

The Honda traveled off the road to the left,&nbsp;bounced off two drain tubes, continued eastbound through the ditch, entered westbound Interstate 70&nbsp; crossed over both lanes and struck a 2023 Mercedes-Benz van driven by Jonathan Brown, 34, Kansas City, Missouri, head-on.

After impact the Honda rotated and rolled into the south ditch. The van continued westbound after rotating and slid backwards through the ditch.&nbsp; struck a slight embankment and overturned onto the driver's side.

A passenger in the van identified as Shane Greiner, 28, Kansas City, Kansas, was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Brown to Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Jimenez to Stormont Vail in Topeka. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Wednesday in Leavenworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Honda Civic driven by&nbsp;Kaiden Jimenez, 18, Lawrence, was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 near the Service Area in Leavenworth County on the Kansas Turnpike. The Honda traveled off the road to the left,&nbsp;bounced off two drain tubes, continued eastbound through the ditch, entered westbound Interstate 70&nbsp; crossed over both lanes and struck a 2023 Mercedes-Benz van driven by Jonathan Brown, 34, Kansas City, Missouri, head-on.After impact the Honda rotated and rolled into the south ditch. The van continued westbound after rotating and slid backwards through the ditch.&nbsp; struck a slight embankment and overturned onto the driver's side.A passenger in the van identified as Shane Greiner, 28, Kansas City, Kansas, was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Brown to Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Jimenez to Stormont Vail in Topeka. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after I-70 head-on crash

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been been sentenced to life in prison without parole for his involvement in a fatal shooting that killed two people in northeast Kansas City in 2021.&nbsp;

Earl Dunn III, 21,&nbsp; was convicted of two counts of 1st Degree Murder, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and three counts of Armed Criminal Action in January, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor's office.

Last week, a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2608/Earl-Dunn-Judgement-21cr4744_Redacted_FINAL">sentenced</a>&nbsp;Dunn to life without parole for the two murder charges, 30 years for Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and 10 years on each count of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2606/DunnEarl---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of Anderson and Norton avenues on March 11, 2021, and found a vehicle on fire with two victims inside. There were several spent shell casings on the street two blocks west of the accident and gunshot damage to the vehicle. &nbsp;

Detectives collected footage from area surveillance cameras, which captured another vehicle pursuing the victims in the neighborhood shortly before the victims’ vehicle crashed.

Information recovered from cell tower and mapping tools revealed the Dunn to be in contact with one of the victims and in the same area of the crime scene during the same time of the crime. The DNA profile from a cigar butt inside the suspect vehicle also matched Dunn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634213429981.png" alt="Dunn photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Dunn photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been been sentenced to life in prison without parole for his involvement in a fatal shooting that killed two people in northeast Kansas City in 2021.&nbsp;Earl Dunn III, 21,&nbsp; was convicted of two counts of 1st Degree Murder, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and three counts of Armed Criminal Action in January, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor's office.Last week, a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2608/Earl-Dunn-Judgement-21cr4744_Redacted_FINAL">sentenced</a>&nbsp;Dunn to life without parole for the two murder charges, 30 years for Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and 10 years on each count of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2606/DunnEarl---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of Anderson and Norton avenues on March 11, 2021, and found a vehicle on fire with two victims inside. There were several spent shell casings on the street two blocks west of the accident and gunshot damage to the vehicle. &nbsp;Detectives collected footage from area surveillance cameras, which captured another vehicle pursuing the victims in the neighborhood shortly before the victims’ vehicle crashed.Information recovered from cell tower and mapping tools revealed the Dunn to be in contact with one of the victims and in the same area of the crime scene during the same time of the crime. The DNA profile from a cigar butt inside the suspect vehicle also matched Dunn.

Life in prison: Victims in Kansas City found shot, left in burning car

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a registered violent offender for new alleged crimes.

Just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 41-year-old Lamarques Channel of Topeka on requested charges of criminal sodomy and rape, according to the Riley County Police Department activity Department. The arrest stems from the investigation of an incident that occurred on October 25, 2019. Channel is being held on a total bond of $150,000.

Channel has previous convictions for reckless involuntary manslaughter and drug crimes, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

He has been listed as a registered offender since 2015, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746031761825.png" alt="Channel -photo KBI Offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Channel -photo KBI Offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a registered violent offender for new alleged crimes.Just before 9:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 41-year-old Lamarques Channel of Topeka on requested charges of criminal sodomy and rape, according to the Riley County Police Department activity Department. The arrest stems from the investigation of an incident that occurred on October 25, 2019. Channel is being held on a total bond of $150,000.Channel has previous convictions for reckless involuntary manslaughter and drug crimes, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.He has been listed as a registered offender since 2015, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas registered offender accused of sex crimes

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;On Wednesday, the United States and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish the&nbsp;United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, according to a media release from the Department of Treasury. 

In recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, this economic partnership positions our two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the Treasury Department and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work together with the Government of Ukraine to finalize program governance and advance this important partnership.

“Thanks to President Trump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund,” said&nbsp;U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war. This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term. President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine. And to be clear, no state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine.”&nbsp;

Both the United States and the Government of Ukraine look forward to quickly operationalizing this historic economic partnership for both the Ukrainian and American people.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745670044084.png" alt="President Trump met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City Saturday morning." />
 <figcaption>President Trump met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City Saturday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —&nbsp;On Wednesday, the United States and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish the&nbsp;United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, according to a media release from the Department of Treasury. In recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, this economic partnership positions our two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to help… <a href="https://t.co/N1jPa35DYh">pic.twitter.com/N1jPa35DYh</a>&mdash; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecScottBessent/status/1917697018551754802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the Treasury Department and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work together with the Government of Ukraine to finalize program governance and advance this important partnership.“Thanks to President Trump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund,” said&nbsp;U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war. This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term. President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine. And to be clear, no state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine.”&nbsp;Both the United States and the Government of Ukraine look forward to quickly operationalizing this historic economic partnership for both the Ukrainian and American people.&nbsp;

 🎥Ukraine signs deal to give US access to rare minerals

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Three Kansas juveniles are facing multiple allegations after a chase involving a reported stolen SUV.

Just before 5p.m. Monday, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a report that a vehicle was stolen from the Casey’s parking lot located at 8715 East Highway 24, Manhattan, Pottawatomie County, according to a media release.

 The vehicle was described as a 2011 black&nbsp; Hyundai Tucson.  At about the same time , the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a reckless vehicle on Highway 24 near Blue Run Road. It was also reported that an occupant of the reckless vehicle had pointed a firearm at another vehicle on the highway.

Deputies responded to the area and were able to locate the reckless vehicle. Deputies attempted to pull the vehicle over and they pursued the vehicle eastbound before it came to a stop off of the roadway, just east of Belvue. 

Law enforcement officers took into custody 3 juvenile males and are continuing to investigate the incident. The reckless vehicle was the vehicle reported stolen from Casey's earlier. 

All three boys were taken to a Juvenile Detention Facility and the face requested charges of&nbsp;of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Fleeing and Eluding and Theft 

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Three Kansas juveniles are facing multiple allegations after a chase involving a reported stolen SUV.Just before 5p.m. Monday, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a report that a vehicle was stolen from the Casey’s parking lot located at 8715 East Highway 24, Manhattan, Pottawatomie County, according to a media release. The vehicle was described as a 2011 black&nbsp; Hyundai Tucson. At about the same time , the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a reckless vehicle on Highway 24 near Blue Run Road. It was also reported that an occupant of the reckless vehicle had pointed a firearm at another vehicle on the highway.Deputies responded to the area and were able to locate the reckless vehicle. Deputies attempted to pull the vehicle over and they pursued the vehicle eastbound before it came to a stop off of the roadway, just east of Belvue. Law enforcement officers took into custody 3 juvenile males and are continuing to investigate the incident. The reckless vehicle was the vehicle reported stolen from Casey's earlier. All three boys were taken to a Juvenile Detention Facility and the face requested charges of&nbsp;of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Fleeing and Eluding and Theft

Sheriff: 3 Kansas boys in stolen SUV pointed gun at driver

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

Right By You, a nonprofit that advocates for youth reproductive health care access, argues the state’s parental consent laws for minors seeking abortion are unconstitutional

A reproductive health care nonprofit filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to overturn Missouri’s law requiring minors to get parental approval before getting an abortion.

The lawsuit contends the consent law is unconstitutional after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">voters passed an abortion rights amendment last year.</a>&nbsp;Right By You, a nonprofit that helps young people navigate pregnancy decisions, including by increasing access to and awareness around contraceptives, prenatal care, abortion, parenting and adoption, filed the lawsuit in Jackson County Circuit Court

Missouri’s parental consent law, which remains on the books, requires that a minor attempting to access abortion receive at least one parent’s consent. The other parent must also be notified. If that’s not possible, they can also seek out a judicial bypass process.

<a href="https://www.rightbyyou.org/" target="_blank">Right By You</a>&nbsp;is also challenging Missouri’s ban on aiding or assisting a minor seeking an abortion.&nbsp;

“The laws bully pregnant young people without parental support into giving birth and threaten legal action against and undermine the core activities of Good Samaritans who seek to help young people effectuate their own decisions about their pregnancies with dignity,” the lawsuit reads.

Missourians in November narrowly voted to enshrine the right to reproductive health care, including abortion, in the state constitution. That language, known during the election as&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3,</a>&nbsp;includes a provision that prohibits the government from discriminating “against persons providing or obtaining reproductive health care or assisting another person in doing so.”&nbsp;

The amendment does allow the government to legislate abortion access if compelling governmental interest exists.&nbsp;

The current parental consent requirements and ban on assisting minors seeking an abortion “enhance the information, guidance or support (young people) receive,” but does “disregard, burden and punish young people’s decision to end a pregnancy,” the lawsuit reads.

Stephanie Kraft Sheley, founder of Right By You, said most young people do involve a parent or trusted adult in conversations about abortion. It’s those who can’t whom she worries most about.

“It makes sense that folks that are in healthy relationships with their children have this instinct that they would want their children to come to them, but a law that forces that to happen in every case is not the solution to that problem, because it’s not possible for a law to legislate a healthy family dynamic.” she said.&nbsp;

The impact of the law, Kraft Sheley said, is “not actually on the young person that you’re imagining who has a good relationship with their parent, it’s on a young person who’s very safety and well being would be compromised by having this conversation with a parent.”

Right By You is asking the court to strike down the parental consent law and to allow the group to begin funding and arranging logistics for minors seeking abortions, including transportation, hotel and child care costs.&nbsp;

“Young people are shooting this really narrow gap, and then they’re navigating this obstacle course that’s just traumatic and harmful and doesn’t provide any corresponding benefit to them,” Kraft Sheley said. “I see it play out with a lot of confusion, a lot of turmoil, and in some cases, I see young people not able to access care.”

The state of Missouri and Attorney General Andrew Bailey are named as defendants in the lawsuit, as is the Jackson County prosecutor, who is being sued as a representative of the prosecutors across Missouri.&nbsp;

“This is a shameful and dangerous attempt by radicals hell-bent on the destruction of innocent life to undermine not only parental rights but also the health and safety of young women, Bailey’s office said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. “Trafficking minors for dangerous procedures without parental consent is and should remain illegal.”

A separate lawsuit challenging several of Missouri’s other laws regulating abortion is also playing out in Jackson County. The day after the November election, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri sued the same defendants on similar grounds, arguing current targeted regulation of abortion provider laws were unconstitutional under Amendment 3.&nbsp;

A judge temporarily struck down most of the TRAP laws, allowing some abortions to resume in Missouri. The full trial is set for early 2026.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Bailey is also suing&nbsp;Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which oversees clinics in Kansas City and Columbia, over allegations that the organization is transporting minors out of state for abortions.&nbsp;

The lawsuit is based on a video filmed more than a year ago at the Kansas City clinic. In the recording, a man secretly taped an interaction for Project Veritas in which he&nbsp;pretended to be the uncle of a 13-year-old in need of an abortion whose parents couldn’t know.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood staff then directed him to their affiliate clinics in Kansas where they said he could “bypass” parental consent. When the man asked how often girls go out of state for abortions, the Planned Parenthood employee said it happens “every day.”

During a court hearing on Monday in Cole County, attorneys for Planned Parenthood argued the lawsuit should be dropped on the grounds that the video was “hypothetical” and that abortion is now legal.&nbsp;

“I find that the right to reproductive freedom initiative does not address the issue of parental consent,”&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/29/attorney-general-andrew-bailey-demands-records-from-missouri-abortion-nonprofit/">Boone County Judge J. Hasbrouck Jacobs said Monday.</a>&nbsp;“And because of that, I’m going to deny the motion to dismiss.”

Kraft Sheley is also a co-founder of What’s Next, an Amendment 3 accountability group made up of organizers and activists who previously called for a constitutional amendment to appear on the Missouri ballot with no restrictions on abortion.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746045648026.png" alt=" Stephanie Kraft Sheley, founder of Right By You, poses for a portrait in April 2025. Her organization is suing Missouri, arguing the state's parental consent laws for minors seeking abortions are unconstitutional (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Stephanie Kraft Sheley, founder of Right By You, poses for a portrait in April 2025. Her organization is suing Missouri, arguing the state's parental consent laws for minors seeking abortions are unconstitutional (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>Right By You, a nonprofit that advocates for youth reproductive health care access, argues the state’s parental consent laws for minors seeking abortion are unconstitutional</h2>A reproductive health care nonprofit filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to overturn Missouri’s law requiring minors to get parental approval before getting an abortion.The lawsuit contends the consent law is unconstitutional after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">voters passed an abortion rights amendment last year.</a>&nbsp;Right By You, a nonprofit that helps young people navigate pregnancy decisions, including by increasing access to and awareness around contraceptives, prenatal care, abortion, parenting and adoption, filed the lawsuit in Jackson County Circuit CourtMissouri’s parental consent law, which remains on the books, requires that a minor attempting to access abortion receive at least one parent’s consent. The other parent must also be notified. If that’s not possible, they can also seek out a judicial bypass process.<a href="https://www.rightbyyou.org/" target="_blank">Right By You</a>&nbsp;is also challenging Missouri’s ban on aiding or assisting a minor seeking an abortion.&nbsp;“The laws bully pregnant young people without parental support into giving birth and threaten legal action against and undermine the core activities of Good Samaritans who seek to help young people effectuate their own decisions about their pregnancies with dignity,” the lawsuit reads.Missourians in November narrowly voted to enshrine the right to reproductive health care, including abortion, in the state constitution. That language, known during the election as&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3,</a>&nbsp;includes a provision that prohibits the government from discriminating “against persons providing or obtaining reproductive health care or assisting another person in doing so.”&nbsp;The amendment does allow the government to legislate abortion access if compelling governmental interest exists.&nbsp;The current parental consent requirements and ban on assisting minors seeking an abortion “enhance the information, guidance or support (young people) receive,” but does “disregard, burden and punish young people’s decision to end a pregnancy,” the lawsuit reads.Stephanie Kraft Sheley, founder of Right By You, said most young people do involve a parent or trusted adult in conversations about abortion. It’s those who can’t whom she worries most about.“It makes sense that folks that are in healthy relationships with their children have this instinct that they would want their children to come to them, but a law that forces that to happen in every case is not the solution to that problem, because it’s not possible for a law to legislate a healthy family dynamic.” she said.&nbsp;The impact of the law, Kraft Sheley said, is “not actually on the young person that you’re imagining who has a good relationship with their parent, it’s on a young person who’s very safety and well being would be compromised by having this conversation with a parent.”Right By You is asking the court to strike down the parental consent law and to allow the group to begin funding and arranging logistics for minors seeking abortions, including transportation, hotel and child care costs.&nbsp;“Young people are shooting this really narrow gap, and then they’re navigating this obstacle course that’s just traumatic and harmful and doesn’t provide any corresponding benefit to them,” Kraft Sheley said. “I see it play out with a lot of confusion, a lot of turmoil, and in some cases, I see young people not able to access care.”The state of Missouri and Attorney General Andrew Bailey are named as defendants in the lawsuit, as is the Jackson County prosecutor, who is being sued as a representative of the prosecutors across Missouri.&nbsp;“This is a shameful and dangerous attempt by radicals hell-bent on the destruction of innocent life to undermine not only parental rights but also the health and safety of young women, Bailey’s office said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. “Trafficking minors for dangerous procedures without parental consent is and should remain illegal.”A separate lawsuit challenging several of Missouri’s other laws regulating abortion is also playing out in Jackson County. The day after the November election, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Missouri sued the same defendants on similar grounds, arguing current targeted regulation of abortion provider laws were unconstitutional under Amendment 3.&nbsp;A judge temporarily struck down most of the TRAP laws, allowing some abortions to resume in Missouri. The full trial is set for early 2026.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Bailey is also suing&nbsp;Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which oversees clinics in Kansas City and Columbia, over allegations that the organization is transporting minors out of state for abortions.&nbsp;The lawsuit is based on a video filmed more than a year ago at the Kansas City clinic. In the recording, a man secretly taped an interaction for Project Veritas in which he&nbsp;pretended to be the uncle of a 13-year-old in need of an abortion whose parents couldn’t know.&nbsp;Planned Parenthood staff then directed him to their affiliate clinics in Kansas where they said he could “bypass” parental consent. When the man asked how often girls go out of state for abortions, the Planned Parenthood employee said it happens “every day.”During a court hearing on Monday in Cole County, attorneys for Planned Parenthood argued the lawsuit should be dropped on the grounds that the video was “hypothetical” and that abortion is now legal.&nbsp;“I find that the right to reproductive freedom initiative does not address the issue of parental consent,”&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/29/attorney-general-andrew-bailey-demands-records-from-missouri-abortion-nonprofit/">Boone County Judge J. Hasbrouck Jacobs said Monday.</a>&nbsp;“And because of that, I’m going to deny the motion to dismiss.”Kraft Sheley is also a co-founder of What’s Next, an Amendment 3 accountability group made up of organizers and activists who previously called for a constitutional amendment to appear on the Missouri ballot with no restrictions on abortion.&nbsp;Immediately after Amendment 3 was approved by voters, the coalition started calling on the state’s major reproductive rights groups<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/25/reproductive-justice-whats-next-abortion-amendment-3-missouri/">&nbsp;to challenge Missouri’s parental consent law.&nbsp;</a>“They haven’t done so,” Kraft Sheley said. “And we can’t sit and watch those people be left behind.”The lawsuit also notes that current policy does not clearly state how or if minors in state custody or in the foster care system can access abortion through the current parental consent law.The Independent recently published a story detailing the journey of a young teenager in foster care who was denied an abortion in 2024 at the age of 15. After the state said abortion wasn’t an option, she spent her pregnancy and postpartum in constant fear of the state removing her baby, despite providing her with practically no resources to help her parent.&nbsp;“My fear is we’ll see more cases like (this one,)” which Kraft Sheley described as “my literal fear of what will become of young people who are forced to continue pregnancies. That’s what is proposed by these criminal involvement laws, and that is what this constitutional amendment explicitly disallows.”