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

Just after 4p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to Westport and Broadway on a reported accident. The call was updated to a shooting,&nbsp; according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

First responders located a shooting victim in a vehicle near 43rd and Broadway unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. EMS responded and transported the victim to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary information indicates an argument took place inside of a business. The argument continued as both the adult male victim and an adult male suspect walked outside of the business. The argument then escalated to gunfire. 

The victim left the area in a vehicle before coming to a stop near 43rd and Broadway. Initial responding officers located a man at Westport and Broadway that had been involved in an accident when the victim was driving out of the area and subsequently struck his vehicle.

&nbsp;This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Just before 9p.m. Friday police reported they had taken a suspect into custody.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748052749455.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 4p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to Westport and Broadway on a reported accident. The call was updated to a shooting,&nbsp; according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748052715240.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located a shooting victim in a vehicle near 43rd and Broadway unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. EMS responded and transported the victim to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary information indicates an argument took place inside of a business. The argument continued as both the adult male victim and an adult male suspect walked outside of the business. The argument then escalated to gunfire. The victim left the area in a vehicle before coming to a stop near 43rd and Broadway. Initial responding officers located a man at Westport and Broadway that had been involved in an accident when the victim was driving out of the area and subsequently struck his vehicle.&nbsp;This incident is being investigated as a homicide. Just before 9p.m. Friday police reported they had taken a suspect into custody.&nbsp;

KCPD: Homicide victim involved in crash driving from shooting

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple sex allegations.

Just after 1 p.m. Thursday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrested 22-year-old Quo-Jon Paul Tye, of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Tye was arrested on a five count Jackson County District Court warrant. The warrant was issued in reference to a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office investigation. The alleged crimes were reported to the Sheriff’s Office in November of 2024. 

The warrant consists of three counts of rape and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a minor. Tye was booked into and remains in the Jackson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748010128802.png" alt="Tye-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Tye-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple sex allegations.Just after 1 p.m. Thursday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Detectives arrested 22-year-old Quo-Jon Paul Tye, of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Tye was arrested on a five count Jackson County District Court warrant. The warrant was issued in reference to a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office investigation. The alleged crimes were reported to the Sheriff’s Office in November of 2024. The warrant consists of three counts of rape and two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a minor. Tye was booked into and remains in the Jackson County Jail.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of child sex crimes

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City man was sentenced to seven years in prison for an ice cream shop burglary that occurred last year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="mailto:Media%20Contact:%20%20%20Jazzlyn%20Johnson%20%20Director%20of%20Communications%20%20%20Jackson%20County%20Prosecutor%E2%80%99s%20Office%20%20%20415%20E%2012th%20Street%20%20Kansas%20City,%20MO%20-%2064106%20%20(816)%20929-1289%20%20%20jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org%20%20%20https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com">John Heckman</a>, 78,&nbsp;received a seven-year prison sentence after pleading guilty yesterday to 2nd Degree Burglary and a concurrent four-year sentence for 1st Degree Property Damage.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2623/Heckman-John-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched on October 13, 2024, to Betty Rae’s Ice Cream on a burglary. Officers observed a broken glass door, and the reporting party said a black safe with nearly $2,000 in cash was taken.&nbsp;

Surveillance footage of the incident showed an older male, later identified as Heckman, throw a rock into the window and enter the business. He walked to the back of the store where the safe is located and carries it out of the business.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The reporting party said the glass door was $1,700 to fix and the safe was $2,000 to replace.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police, joined by Kansas City, Kan. officers, located the Heckman in a Kansas City, Kan., residence. Detectives said he told them he spent the money on dope and the casinos.

Heckman's criminal record includes multiple prior convictions for burglary and stealing across the Kansas City metro.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729717963316.png" alt="Heckman from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Heckman from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City man was sentenced to seven years in prison for an ice cream shop burglary that occurred last year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="mailto:Media%20Contact:%20%20%20Jazzlyn%20Johnson%20%20Director%20of%20Communications%20%20%20Jackson%20County%20Prosecutor%E2%80%99s%20Office%20%20%20415%20E%2012th%20Street%20%20Kansas%20City,%20MO%20-%2064106%20%20(816)%20929-1289%20%20%20jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org%20%20%20https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com">John Heckman</a>, 78,&nbsp;received a seven-year prison sentence after pleading guilty yesterday to 2nd Degree Burglary and a concurrent four-year sentence for 1st Degree Property Damage.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2623/Heckman-John-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched on October 13, 2024, to Betty Rae’s Ice Cream on a burglary. Officers observed a broken glass door, and the reporting party said a black safe with nearly $2,000 in cash was taken.&nbsp;Surveillance footage of the incident showed an older male, later identified as Heckman, throw a rock into the window and enter the business. He walked to the back of the store where the safe is located and carries it out of the business.&nbsp;&nbsp;The reporting party said the glass door was $1,700 to fix and the safe was $2,000 to replace.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police, joined by Kansas City, Kan. officers, located the Heckman in a Kansas City, Kan., residence. Detectives said he told them he spent the money on dope and the casinos.Heckman's criminal record includes multiple prior convictions for burglary and stealing across the Kansas City metro.

Suspect arrested in Kan. for ice cream shop burglary is going to prison

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 —&nbsp;A federal judge cleared the way Thursday for CoreCivic to reopen its Leavenworth prison as an immigration detention center, saying he lacks jurisdiction to hear the case.

The city has not yet decided whether it will appeal the decision to the Tenth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Denver.&nbsp;

“We need to confer with our attorneys,” said Scott Peterson, Leavenworth city manager. “We will probably discuss it with the city commission sometime next week.”

Peterson said he didn’t know whether further court action could occur before June 1, when CoreCivic officials had indicated they may begin receiving detainees.

“We may have further negotiations with CoreCivic themselves about this,” Peterson said.&nbsp;

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse dismissed the case, saying the city failed to establish subject-matter jurisdiction. During a Tuesday hearing, Crouse repeatedly questioned whether he had any basis to act, saying the city had not adequately outlined that issue.

Crouse, appointed to the bench in 2020 by President Donald Trump, highlighted two pending motions before him, including Leavenworth’s request for an injunction that would have stopped CoreCivic from reopening until it could be determined whether the company had to go through the city’s development process. CoreCivic had asked for a dismissal of the case.

Joseph Hatley, attorney for Leavenworth,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/20/federal-judge-questions-leavenworths-attempt-to-block-corecivic-immigration-detention-center/">said in court Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that CoreCivic had agreed not to take detainees until June 1 while the case was decided.

After the hearing, Hatley said in an interview there were concerns that if detainees were housed in the prison before the legal disputes were resolved, the federal government could refuse to move the detainees regardless of the outcome of the case.

“The City asserts that Core Civic should be enjoined from operating its detention facility without the proper permit,” Crouse wrote in his ruling Thursday. “But it has not pled facts to establish that subject-matter jurisdiction exists in federal court to consider that claim. Accordingly, this action is dismissed, and the parties’ motions are denied as moot.”

CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin said the company was pleased with the decision.&nbsp;

“We remain focused on ensuring the Midwest Regional Reception Center is prepared to meet the needs of our federal partner,” he said.

Gustin did not answer questions about whether CoreCivic intended to begin housing ICE detainees in June.&nbsp;

Activists who have spoken out against reopening the facility are hopeful the city will appeal.&nbsp;

“We hope the city will explore all of its options as the concerns of the lawsuit since its filing in February — CoreCivic’s disregard for the city’s governance and its rush to fill the facility without accountability — have only grown more urgent,” Esmie Tseng, spokeswoman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said in an email.

Tseng also said the judge’s decision held hope with regard to whether CoreCivic would have to follow Leavenworth development codes requiring the company to apply for a special use permit.&nbsp;

“It’s also worth noting that in the dismissal, the court agreed that when CoreCivic ceased operation for 12 months, it lost its non-conforming status and that its initial application for the special use permit appeared to be a recognition of this fact,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CoreCivic was grandfathered into the city’s development codes when it was open and operating as the Leavenworth Detention Facility from 1992 to 2021. The codes were passed in 2012.&nbsp;

City officials, as laid out in the lawsuit, have told CoreCivic it must apply for a special use permit.

CoreCivic’s reopening of the Leavenworth facility, which closed in 2021 at the end of its federal contract and under numerous accusations of inhuman treatment at the facility, is part of the company’s plan to reopen nine idle facilities.

In its May earnings report, CoreCivic announced total revenue of $488.6 million, with net income of $25.1 million.

“2025 is off to a strong start for CoreCivic. First quarter occupancy in CoreCivic facilities reached 77% of available capacity, an increase from 75.2% in the first quarter of last year,” said CEO Damon T. Hininger in a press release. “Based on cost management and increased bed utilization, particularly from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), we exceeded our internal expectations for the first quarter. Additionally, we have begun to re-activate three previously idle facilities under multiple agreements with ICE.”

In Security and Exchange Commission filings, CoreCivic said it had nine idle facilities, including the Leavenworth facility, renamed the Midwest Regional Reception Center.

“CoreCivic anticipates additional contracting activity as 2025 progresses,” Hininger said. “In addition to the facilities we are currently activating, we are making preparatory investments in many of our other idle facilities so that they will be available quickly, as our partners’ needs require and as their budgets allow.”

CoreCivic SEC filings and a press release said they signed a letter of agreement with ICE at the beginning of March to reopen the Leavenworth facility, which would house 1,033 detainees. As a result, ICE paid CoreCivic $5 million with a maximum of $22.6 million set over a six-month period to cover start-up expenses while the two hash out a long-term contract.&nbsp;

In its quarterly report, filed May 8 with the SEC, CoreCivic noted that Leavenworth filed a lawsuit.

“CoreCivic plans to vigorously defend this matter on the basis that the (special use permit) is not applicable under existing statute,” the filing said. “CoreCivic has agreed with the City of Leavenworth to not accept detainees prior to June 1, 2025 while this matter is deliberated. The Company can provide no assurance that it will obtain a favorable ruling in this matter or that ICE and the Company will ultimately enter into a long-term contract for the utilization of the Company’s Midwest Regional Reception Center.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748014998232.png" alt=" Members of Kansas Interfaith action protest the reopening of the Leavenworth CoreCivic prison outside a Tuesday hearing at the U.S. District Court in Topeka. The case was dismissed on Thursday. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Members of Kansas Interfaith action protest the reopening of the Leavenworth CoreCivic prison outside a Tuesday hearing at the U.S. District Court in Topeka. The case was dismissed on Thursday. (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 —&nbsp;A federal judge cleared the way Thursday for CoreCivic to reopen its Leavenworth prison as an immigration detention center, saying he lacks jurisdiction to hear the case.The city has not yet decided whether it will appeal the decision to the Tenth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Denver.&nbsp;“We need to confer with our attorneys,” said Scott Peterson, Leavenworth city manager. “We will probably discuss it with the city commission sometime next week.”Peterson said he didn’t know whether further court action could occur before June 1, when CoreCivic officials had indicated they may begin receiving detainees.“We may have further negotiations with CoreCivic themselves about this,” Peterson said.&nbsp;U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse dismissed the case, saying the city failed to establish subject-matter jurisdiction. During a Tuesday hearing, Crouse repeatedly questioned whether he had any basis to act, saying the city had not adequately outlined that issue.Crouse, appointed to the bench in 2020 by President Donald Trump, highlighted two pending motions before him, including Leavenworth’s request for an injunction that would have stopped CoreCivic from reopening until it could be determined whether the company had to go through the city’s development process. CoreCivic had asked for a dismissal of the case.Joseph Hatley, attorney for Leavenworth,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/20/federal-judge-questions-leavenworths-attempt-to-block-corecivic-immigration-detention-center/">said in court Tuesday</a>&nbsp;that CoreCivic had agreed not to take detainees until June 1 while the case was decided.After the hearing, Hatley said in an interview there were concerns that if detainees were housed in the prison before the legal disputes were resolved, the federal government could refuse to move the detainees regardless of the outcome of the case.“The City asserts that Core Civic should be enjoined from operating its detention facility without the proper permit,” Crouse wrote in his ruling Thursday. “But it has not pled facts to establish that subject-matter jurisdiction exists in federal court to consider that claim. Accordingly, this action is dismissed, and the parties’ motions are denied as moot.”CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin said the company was pleased with the decision.&nbsp;“We remain focused on ensuring the Midwest Regional Reception Center is prepared to meet the needs of our federal partner,” he said.Gustin did not answer questions about whether CoreCivic intended to begin housing ICE detainees in June.&nbsp;<h2>Move forward</h2>Activists who have spoken out against reopening the facility are hopeful the city will appeal.&nbsp;“We hope the city will explore all of its options as the concerns of the lawsuit since its filing in February — CoreCivic’s disregard for the city’s governance and its rush to fill the facility without accountability — have only grown more urgent,” Esmie Tseng, spokeswoman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said in an email.Tseng also said the judge’s decision held hope with regard to whether CoreCivic would have to follow Leavenworth development codes requiring the company to apply for a special use permit.&nbsp;“It’s also worth noting that in the dismissal, the court agreed that when CoreCivic ceased operation for 12 months, it lost its non-conforming status and that its initial application for the special use permit appeared to be a recognition of this fact,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;CoreCivic was grandfathered into the city’s development codes when it was open and operating as the Leavenworth Detention Facility from 1992 to 2021. The codes were passed in 2012.&nbsp;City officials, as laid out in the lawsuit, have told CoreCivic it must apply for a special use permit.<h2>‘Great start’</h2>CoreCivic’s reopening of the Leavenworth facility, which closed in 2021 at the end of its federal contract and under numerous accusations of inhuman treatment at the facility, is part of the company’s plan to reopen nine idle facilities.In its May earnings report, CoreCivic announced total revenue of $488.6 million, with net income of $25.1 million.“2025 is off to a strong start for CoreCivic. First quarter occupancy in CoreCivic facilities reached 77% of available capacity, an increase from 75.2% in the first quarter of last year,” said CEO Damon T. Hininger in a press release. “Based on cost management and increased bed utilization, particularly from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), we exceeded our internal expectations for the first quarter. Additionally, we have begun to re-activate three previously idle facilities under multiple agreements with ICE.”In Security and Exchange Commission filings, CoreCivic said it had nine idle facilities, including the Leavenworth facility, renamed the Midwest Regional Reception Center.“CoreCivic anticipates additional contracting activity as 2025 progresses,” Hininger said. “In addition to the facilities we are currently activating, we are making preparatory investments in many of our other idle facilities so that they will be available quickly, as our partners’ needs require and as their budgets allow.”<h2>Leavenworth contract</h2>CoreCivic SEC filings and a press release said they signed a letter of agreement with ICE at the beginning of March to reopen the Leavenworth facility, which would house 1,033 detainees. As a result, ICE paid CoreCivic $5 million with a maximum of $22.6 million set over a six-month period to cover start-up expenses while the two hash out a long-term contract.&nbsp;In its quarterly report, filed May 8 with the SEC, CoreCivic noted that Leavenworth filed a lawsuit.“CoreCivic plans to vigorously defend this matter on the basis that the (special use permit) is not applicable under existing statute,” the filing said. “CoreCivic has agreed with the City of Leavenworth to not accept detainees prior to June 1, 2025 while this matter is deliberated. The Company can provide no assurance that it will obtain a favorable ruling in this matter or that ICE and the Company will ultimately enter into a long-term contract for the utilization of the Company’s Midwest Regional Reception Center.”

Judge sides with CoreCivic in dispute over reopening Kansas prison for detained immigrants

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged violent sex crimes.

Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of rape, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual battery, kidnapping, blackmail and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp; A 34-year-old woman was listed as a victim.

Just after 11p.m. Thursday police arrested 33-year-old Henrry Mendrano Tellez of Manhattan in the 1000 block of Westloop Place. 

Mendrano Tellez is being held on a $500,000 bond on requested charges of rape, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual battery, kidnapping, blackmail and aggravated endangering a child.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged violent sex crimes.Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of rape, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual battery, kidnapping, blackmail and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp; A 34-year-old woman was listed as a victim.Just after 11p.m. Thursday police arrested 33-year-old Henrry Mendrano Tellez of Manhattan in the 1000 block of Westloop Place. Mendrano Tellez is being held on a $500,000 bond on requested charges of rape, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual battery, kidnapping, blackmail and aggravated endangering a child.

RCPD: Kansas man accused of rape, endangering a child

TOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday morning in Topeka, Kansas.

On Thursday, May 22, at around 11:54 p.m., the TPD was dispatched to investigate a domestic disturbance. Officers went to the residence at 1500 SW 24 St. to make contact with a man identified as Dustin C. Kuney, 33, of Topeka, according to a media release.

Officers attempted to communicate with Kuney, who was alone in the residence, and at 12:54 a.m., Kuney fired shots from the doorway of the residence. Three TPD officers returned fire in response. The gunfire ended and Kuney surrendered to officers at the scene. No law enforcement officers or citizens were injured in this incident.

Kuney was arrested on requested charges of aggravated domestic battery and aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, and was booked into Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Topeka.

Just after 11:45p.m Thursday, police responded to investigate a call for of a domestic disturbance at a home in the 1500 block of SW 24th Street in Topeka, according to police spokesman Daniel Garrett.

Just before 1a.m. Friday, police attempted to make contact with the suspect. Officers announced their presence, and the individual reportedly began shooting from the home. The officers then discharged their weapons in response. The suspect, an adult male, then surrendered to officers at the scene, and was taken into custody. The suspect was not injured, and a firearm was found at the scene.&nbsp;

TPD requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to investigate the incident.&nbsp; Per policy, the involved Topeka officers have been placed on administrative leave.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747995528776.png" alt="Police near the scene of the officer-involved shooting -photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the officer-involved shooting -photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday morning in Topeka, Kansas.On Thursday, May 22, at around 11:54 p.m., the TPD was dispatched to investigate a domestic disturbance. Officers went to the residence at 1500 SW 24 St. to make contact with a man identified as Dustin C. Kuney, 33, of Topeka, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748016178787.png" alt="Kuney photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kuney photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers attempted to communicate with Kuney, who was alone in the residence, and at 12:54 a.m., Kuney fired shots from the doorway of the residence. Three TPD officers returned fire in response. The gunfire ended and Kuney surrendered to officers at the scene. No law enforcement officers or citizens were injured in this incident.Kuney was arrested on requested charges of aggravated domestic battery and aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, and was booked into Shawnee County Department of Corrections.---------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Topeka.Just after 11:45p.m Thursday, police responded to investigate a call for of a domestic disturbance at a home in the 1500 block of SW 24th Street in Topeka, according to police spokesman Daniel Garrett.Just before 1a.m. Friday, police attempted to make contact with the suspect. Officers announced their presence, and the individual reportedly began shooting from the home. The officers then discharged their weapons in response. The suspect, an adult male, then surrendered to officers at the scene, and was taken into custody. The suspect was not injured, and a firearm was found at the scene.&nbsp;TPD requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to investigate the incident.&nbsp; Per policy, the involved Topeka officers have been placed on administrative leave.

Police ID man jailed after gunfight with officers at Kansas home

TOPEKA —President Donald Trump&nbsp;has granted&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly’s&nbsp;request for a federal disaster declaration for the state due to damages caused by severe winter storm, straight-line winds, flooding, and wildfires during the period of March 14-19, 2025. Multiple counties sustained damage to utility infrastructure, roads, bridges, and some government-owned buildings.

“I am grateful that this request for federal assistance has been approved,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said. “These federal funds will go a long way in supporting the restoration work by those in counties impacted by the storms.”

The declaration allows state and local levels of government, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations that provide vital and essential services, such as rural electric cooperatives, to apply for Public Assistance funds for emergency and permanent work for the repair or replacement of infrastructure damaged by the disaster.

Counties named in the declaration are Barton, Chautauqua, Edwards, Elk, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Gray, Greeley, Hodgeman, Jewell, Lincoln, Logan, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stafford, Wallace, and Woodson Counties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748009830400.png" alt="KHP dash cam video of the dust storm on I-70 during the storm in March" />
 <figcaption>KHP dash cam video of the dust storm on I-70 during the storm in March</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —President Donald Trump&nbsp;has granted&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly’s&nbsp;request for a federal disaster declaration for the state due to damages caused by severe winter storm, straight-line winds, flooding, and wildfires during the period of March 14-19, 2025. Multiple counties sustained damage to utility infrastructure, roads, bridges, and some government-owned buildings.“I am grateful that this request for federal assistance has been approved,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said. “These federal funds will go a long way in supporting the restoration work by those in counties impacted by the storms.”The declaration allows state and local levels of government, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations that provide vital and essential services, such as rural electric cooperatives, to apply for Public Assistance funds for emergency and permanent work for the repair or replacement of infrastructure damaged by the disaster.Counties named in the declaration are Barton, Chautauqua, Edwards, Elk, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Gray, Greeley, Hodgeman, Jewell, Lincoln, Logan, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stafford, Wallace, and Woodson Counties.

President OKs federal disaster declaration for March storms in Kansas

KANSAS CITY—Friends have created an online fundraiser to assist the family of a 4-year-old who drowned last Friday.

Just after 4p.m. May 16, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call of a missing 4-year old boy in the rural Kansas City suburb of Belton, according to a media release. For several hours, dozens of first responders searched the area of 187th Street and Y Highway.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/fub8d-support-rjs-family-in-their-time-of-loss">Click here to view</a>&nbsp;the online fundraiser

Members of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, along with several other agencies searched nearby waterways, roads and wooded areas.&nbsp; Search crews used drones, boats and a Kansas City Police Department helicopter. 

Just before 10:30 p.m., first responders recovered the body of&nbsp;Raymond O'Keefe Jr., in a nearby pond.

According to the fundraiser, "RJ brought light and love into every moment of his short life. Whether it was through his infectious giggles, boundless curiosity, or the way he hugged with his whole heart, he made an unforgettable impact on everyone who had the blessing of knowing him."

"As we face the unimaginable pain of this loss, we are also faced with unexpected and overwhelming funeral and burial expenses. We are humbly asking for help togive RJ the peaceful and beautiful goodbye he deserves."

"Every donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward covering the costs of the service, burial, and any additional support for the family during this incredibly difficult time.

The Cass County sheriff appreciated the vigilance of community members who were concerned during the search and thanked the many agencies who also assisted: The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Belton Fire Department, Belton Police Department, Belton Emergency Management, South Metro Fire Protection District, Kansas City Police Department, Taking It To The Streets, Western Cass Fire Protection District, Dolan West Dolan Fire Protection District, West Peculiar Fire Protection, District Lee’s Summit Fire Department, Lee’s Summit Underwater Search and Rescue and the Overland Park Fire Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747996583391.png" alt="First responders at the scene -photo Cass Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene -photo Cass Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Friends have created an online fundraiser to assist the family of a 4-year-old who drowned last Friday.Just after 4p.m. May 16, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call of a missing 4-year old boy in the rural Kansas City suburb of Belton, according to a media release. For several hours, dozens of first responders searched the area of 187th Street and Y Highway.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747996667753.png" alt="R.J. O'Keefe photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>R.J. O'Keefe photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/fub8d-support-rjs-family-in-their-time-of-loss">Click here to view</a>&nbsp;the online fundraiserMembers of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, along with several other agencies searched nearby waterways, roads and wooded areas.&nbsp; Search crews used drones, boats and a Kansas City Police Department helicopter. Just before 10:30 p.m., first responders recovered the body of&nbsp;Raymond O'Keefe Jr., in a nearby pond.According to the fundraiser, "RJ brought light and love into every moment of his short life. Whether it was through his infectious giggles, boundless curiosity, or the way he hugged with his whole heart, he made an unforgettable impact on everyone who had the blessing of knowing him.""As we face the unimaginable pain of this loss, we are also faced with unexpected and overwhelming funeral and burial expenses. We are humbly asking for help togive RJ the peaceful and beautiful goodbye he deserves.""Every donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward covering the costs of the service, burial, and any additional support for the family during this incredibly difficult time.The Cass County sheriff appreciated the vigilance of community members who were concerned during the search and thanked the many agencies who also assisted: The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Belton Fire Department, Belton Police Department, Belton Emergency Management, South Metro Fire Protection District, Kansas City Police Department, Taking It To The Streets, Western Cass Fire Protection District, Dolan West Dolan Fire Protection District, West Peculiar Fire Protection, District Lee’s Summit Fire Department, Lee’s Summit Underwater Search and Rescue and the Overland Park Fire Department.

Friends assisting family after 4-year-old drowns in KC area pond

&nbsp;A controversial report released&nbsp; Thursday on American health and wellness from Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WH-The-MAHA-Report-Assessment.pdf">Click here to read the full</a> report

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748002472470.png" alt="President Trump looks on as RFK, Jr. shares details during the MAHA report press conference Thursday-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump looks on as RFK, Jr. shares details during the MAHA report press conference Thursday-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;A controversial report released&nbsp; Thursday on American health and wellness from Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy Jr.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WH-The-MAHA-Report-Assessment.pdf">Click here to read the full</a> report<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🎥LIVE NOW: MAHA Commission Event<a href="https://t.co/grqwvw5rHx">https://t.co/grqwvw5rHx</a>&mdash; HHS.gov (@HHSGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHSGov/status/1925643966659150060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It was a privilege to join President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> at the White House, representing our farmers and ranchers. America’s farmers are the original conservationists and champions of Making America Healthy Again. None of this would be possible without their dedication to taking… <a href="https://t.co/AdWRkZzZMn">pic.twitter.com/AdWRkZzZMn</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1925660292987420816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The MAHA Report ➡️ Poor Diet <a href="https://t.co/xYpxpeHP17">pic.twitter.com/xYpxpeHP17</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1925655978810159427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The MAHA Report ➡️ Environmental Chemical Exposure <a href="https://t.co/SN8S76QsSA">pic.twitter.com/SN8S76QsSA</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1925656335460270145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The MAHA Report ➡️ Environmental Chemical Exposure <a href="https://t.co/SN8S76QsSA">pic.twitter.com/SN8S76QsSA</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1925656335460270145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The MAHA Report ➡️ The Path Forward <a href="https://t.co/qeUvIm6L57">pic.twitter.com/qeUvIm6L57</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1925658277771083911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Read RFK Jr.'s MAHA report: A dark picture of U.S. children's health

COWLEY COUNTY —The Cowley County Sheriff’s Office continues the search for missing 81-year-old Jerry McConnell. Her car was located in rural Cowley County, Kansas earlier this week. Volunteers a searching a large ranch on foot or by air.  The Sheriff’s Office is requesting volunteers to assist with a full grid-search on Friday.

The ranch is located in the 4000 block of 327th Road and parking will be difficult and mainly on the dirt road.  The area to be searched does have rough terrain. We will have a check in point and you will be put into groups and given instructions.&nbsp;

This is private property and we have set some rules that all volunteers must follow.&nbsp;

I have read that several people want to bring horses, drones ect.&nbsp; This area has been extensively searched by helicopters, drones, horses, side by sides, four wheelers, trackers, specialized dog teams, and water rescue units.&nbsp; Please follow the following rules.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement searching for a missing 81-year-old woman have located her vehicle.

Late Tuesday, the Cowley County Sheriff's office in south central Kansas contacted Overland Park Police to report they had found Jerry McConnell's 2009 Honda Accord., according to Officer John Lacy. Authorities continue to search that area for her.

On Saturday, the Overland Park Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for McConnell of Overland Park.

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

McConnell was believed to be driving a grey 2009 Honda Accord bearing Texas license plate RFP836. McConnell also may have been near Severy, Kansas on May 15.

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>COWLEY COUNTY —The Cowley County Sheriff’s Office continues the search for missing 81-year-old Jerry McConnell. Her car was located in rural Cowley County, Kansas earlier this week. Volunteers a searching a large ranch on foot or by air. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting volunteers to assist with a full grid-search on Friday.The ranch is located in the 4000 block of 327th Road and parking will be difficult and mainly on the dirt road. The area to be searched does have rough terrain. We will have a check in point and you will be put into groups and given instructions.&nbsp;This is private property and we have set some rules that all volunteers must follow.&nbsp;I have read that several people want to bring horses, drones ect.&nbsp; This area has been extensively searched by helicopters, drones, horses, side by sides, four wheelers, trackers, specialized dog teams, and water rescue units.&nbsp; Please follow the following rules.<ol>
 <li>A staging area has been set up at the Kansas Department of Transportation strip just west of 303rd&nbsp;Road on the north side of US 160, you will need to park there and then ride to the search area by bus.</li><li>We will turn any non-first responders around and direct them to the staging area described in number 1. if volunteers try to drive to the ranch on their own.</li><li>This is strictly a walking search, so no horses side by sides or four wheelers on the property</li><li>Once you are transported to the ranch you will be required to check in and give your personal information</li><li>Bring your own water, snacks, sunscreen and bug repellent.</li><li>Please take your trash with you</li><li>Any gate that is opened must be closed behind you.&nbsp; These properties have cattle on them so please do not try to have contact or try to pet the cattle</li><li>The time to meet at the KDOT strip is 10:00 am.&nbsp; There is no way to gauge how many volunteers we will have, and although we are grateful for their service we may have to limit the numbers to a controllable number.</li><li>Please be patient</li><li>The landowners have requested that the media not come onto the ranch and video, again this is private property</li><li>Lastly, when you are assigned, an area please search only that area.&nbsp; All outbuildings and residences, tank batteries have already been searched by first responders and are clear</li>
 </ol>-----------JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement searching for a missing 81-year-old woman have located her vehicle.Late Tuesday, the Cowley County Sheriff's office in south central Kansas contacted Overland Park Police to report they had found Jerry McConnell's 2009 Honda Accord., according to Officer John Lacy. Authorities continue to search that area for her.On Saturday, the Overland Park Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue a statewide Silver Alert for McConnell of Overland Park.McConnell was last seen on Wednesday afternoon in Harrisonville, Missouri and was driving to her residence in Overland Park, Kansas. McConnell was believed to be driving a grey 2009 Honda Accord bearing Texas license plate RFP836. McConnell also may have been near Severy, Kansas on May 15.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.

Volunteers continue search on rural ranch for missing Kansas woman

TOPEKA – A Kansas woman made her initial appearance in federal court this week after a grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging her with distributing child sexual abuse materials, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Addilynn Jean Onuffer, 21, of Haysville is charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography for alleged actions that took place between June 2024 and July 2024.

The defendant made her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks Severson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.

The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (ICAC) and Wichita Police Department are investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747746472133.png" alt="Onuffer photo Butler County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Onuffer photo Butler County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – A Kansas woman made her initial appearance in federal court this week after a grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging her with distributing child sexual abuse materials, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Addilynn Jean Onuffer, 21, of Haysville is charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography for alleged actions that took place between June 2024 and July 2024.The defendant made her initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks Severson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce (ICAC) and Wichita Police Department are investigating the case.

Kan. woman accused of distributing child sex abuse materials

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744677178521.png" alt="Harvard President Alan Garber- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Harvard President Alan Garber- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus. It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments… <a href="https://t.co/12hJWd1J86">pic.twitter.com/12hJWd1J86</a>&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/1925612991703052733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
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Read the DHS letter to Harvard banning enrollment of foreign students

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a shooting have a suspect in custody.

Just after 2:00 p.m. on Monday, police received a report of a shooting in the 800 block of S.W. Tyler Street in Topeka, according to Police Spokesman Daniel Garrett.

First responders found one victim with a gunshot wound who is being treating for non-life-threatening injuries. Nearby schools went on secure campus for a short amount of time due to the shooting. One suspect was taken into custody.

On Wednesday police reported the suspect in this case identified as 48-year-old Maleek Lashann Hughes is in custody for attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. He is being held on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747857462450.png" alt="Hughes photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hughes photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a shooting have a suspect in custody.Just after 2:00 p.m. on Monday, police received a report of a shooting in the 800 block of S.W. Tyler Street in Topeka, according to Police Spokesman Daniel Garrett.First responders found one victim with a gunshot wound who is being treating for non-life-threatening injuries. Nearby schools went on secure campus for a short amount of time due to the shooting. One suspect was taken into custody.On Wednesday police reported the suspect in this case identified as 48-year-old Maleek Lashann Hughes is in custody for attempted 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. He is being held on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

Suspect jailed for shooting that forced Kan. school lockdown

Missouri is still waiting for President Donald Trump to approve federal assistance for damage left by three sets of storms in March and April that killed 19 people in the state

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caraanthony/">Cara Anthony</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/bramsablesmith/">Bram Sable-Smith</a>&nbsp;

ST. LOUIS — Kevin Hines has been living in a house without a roof in the days since a tornado devastated his community. He has seen some of his neighbors sleeping in their cars. A different man has spent untold hours on a bench.

In the aftermath of the May 16 tornado, Hines, 60, has a blue tarp covering his home. Still, rain came in three days later — an expected problem in a house without a roof. But he didn’t think wildlife would be an issue. Then a bird landed on his television. He spotted a squirrel on the sofa.

He already has enough to handle. He’s not sure when his home will be repaired. A toppled tree destroyed the purple Jeep he bought only months ago. His job told employees not to come into work because the building was damaged.

The tornado cut a 23-mile-long path, touching down in the affluent suburb of Clayton before ripping through the north side of the city of St. Louis then across the Mississippi River through communities in western Illinois. At least five people were killed, 38 more were injured, and about 5,000 structures were damaged, according to St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. The twister caused more than&nbsp;<a href="https://southernillinoisnow.com/2025/05/20/tornado-damage-in-st-louis-is-estimated-to-be-over-1-6-billion-in-property-damage/" target="_blank">$1.6 billion</a>&nbsp;in estimated property damage.

While the impact was felt throughout the area, it will take some neighborhoods longer than others to recover. Kayla Reed, a community activist who runs the&nbsp;<a href="https://actionstl.org/" target="_blank">Action St. Louis</a>&nbsp;nonprofit, which is coordinating help for storm victims, said residents in the predominantly Black area known as North City especially face a long set of challenges in the days ahead.

“A natural disaster met a created one and a systemic one,” Reed said. “They’ve sort of been in a long-term storm all of their lives. If you live in this footprint, you know this is where infant mortality is highest. This is where incarceration rates are highest. This is where poverty rates are highest.”

Food and water aid provide some relief, Reed said, but the community needs more than that. “I can’t put into words how long it’s going to take to stabilize some of these families and how much trauma they are navigating,” she said.

A possible source of major aid is the federal government, which can unlock resources at the president’s discretion. But Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-requests-federal-disaster-declaration-barry-greene-lawrence" target="_blank">is already waiting</a>&nbsp;for President Donald Trump to approve federal assistance for damage left by three sets of storms in March and April that killed 19 people in the state. Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2025/04/25/trump-denies-disaster-aid-tells-states-to-do-more/" target="_blank">denied major disaster requests</a>&nbsp;from West Virginia and Washington this year, and initially denied one for storm and tornado damage in Arkansas before&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/briefs/arkansas-request-for-federal-disaster-assistance-approved-after-initial-denial/" target="_blank">reversing course</a>&nbsp;and approving the request May 13.

Black families here in North St. Louis are worried that their community will not be prioritized.

On May 19, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-provides-update-may-16-severe-storms-and-tornadoes" target="_blank">requested that Trump issue</a>&nbsp;a federal emergency declaration, which would authorize about $5 million in federal assistance for cleanup efforts. Kehoe also requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency conduct a preliminary damage assessment, a necessary step to securing a “major disaster declaration,” which would provide federal resources for homeowners and renters, reimburse local government efforts, and pay for damaged public infrastructure.

FEMA was on the ground two days later helping conduct damage assessments. But a disaster declaration could take weeks, if it comes.

“Bringing FEMA in, it’s my understanding, is not going to be a quick process,” the mayor said at a May 21 press conference. “All elected officials at every level here are doing everything they can to make that process as quick as possible.”

That includes Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, who asked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during an oversight hearing May 20 to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HawleyMO/status/1924849498645200936" target="_blank">help expedite</a>&nbsp;the pending aid requests from Missouri’s three previous storms and for the recent tornado. “Yes, absolutely,” she responded.

While the city waits, thousands of volunteers have shown up to the parking lot of the YMCA’s O’Fallon Park Rec Complex in North St. Louis in what they are calling the “<a href="https://actionstl.org/tornado" target="_blank">People’s Response</a>” to help residents in need. So far, they’ve helped more than 5,000 families. Volunteers have collected more than 17,280 pounds of food, according to Action St. Louis.

The last time such an outpouring occurred around here, according to locals, was in 2014 after the&nbsp;<a href="https://afas.wustl.edu/racism-reform-rebellion-ferguson-uprising-rise-black-lives-matter" target="_blank">police killing of Michael Brown</a>&nbsp;in nearby Ferguson.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/representation/profile.cfm?id=1559" target="_blank">Rasheen Aldridge</a>, an alderman who represents part of the storm-affected area, said some of the same activists who showed up then made it a point to help now.

Hines, too, looked for ways to help his neighbors. He became an unofficial traffic director at the YMCA as thousands of cars streamed into the area to get help — or provide it.

“It’s not about me,” Hines said. “I’m staying until no one is here because there’s nothing to do at my house. I have no power.”

Residents in North City described the moments after the storm as chaos: trees down everywhere; power lines damaged; limited cellphone service, making it hard to connect with loved ones. Then the sun went down, cloaking corners of the city in complete darkness.

Five days after the tornado, people still needed candles, flashlights, and batteries to make it through the night. Piles of debris filled street corners. Exterior walls were ripped off homes, exposing the inside of closets, bedrooms, and living rooms to passersby on the street. Some buildings were leveled. The downed trees in the tornado’s path&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/100058215092209/posts/1095143795769447/?mibextid=wwXIfr&amp;rdid=gV5sflo1ShqKSh6c" target="_blank">left a scar</a>&nbsp;in the city’s canopy visible from miles away.

The tornado flipped a semitrailer outside a new gas station and strip mall that had been scheduled to open this fall. One evening, Charles Stanford, a security guard for the property, sat in the parking lot to make sure no one tried to enter what remained of the building. Stanford said the project had been nearly complete. Now, it is surrounded by rubble and debris.

A giant tree crashed into the house of one of Hines’ neighbors. He said the woman recently had heart surgery and had been recovering at home. But then she went back to the hospital, and he thinks stress after the tornado may be why. Hines was planning to bring her a few Hershey’s Kisses, her favorite candy, to lift her spirits.

Shannette BoClair, 52, said she found her infirm father, Albert Noble, on the floor in the fetal position after the tornado passed her parents’ home. A window had imploded and strong winds knocked him down. BoClair called 911 but, she said, first responders were overwhelmed by calls for help and tree-blocked streets. Her father needed medical attention right away, she said, so his family helped him hobble a mile to his grandson, who drove him to a triage station that had been set up for tornado victims.

They learned he had broken his hip, she said. He had surgery within days.

BoClair, who works as a health and wellness director at the YMCA, said she’s helping care for her mother, who remained at home after the storm. BoClair is depending on meals provided by volunteers and staffers at the YMCA but said she had also spent about $500 on DoorDash meals to feed her family since the tornado hit.

As far as federal aid goes, BoClair said she hopes it comes soon. The community needs dumpsters for the debris, reconstruction, and more.

But the outpouring of support from volunteers amazed her. The People’s Response drew so many volunteers that lines of cars snaked outside of the YMCA parking lot in North City. The smell of barbecue wafted through the air as residents without electricity grilled food for one another before it spoiled.

“I’m so proud of our community,” BoClair said. “They say we don’t care. We do care.”

Reed said volunteers would be stationed in the YMCA’s parking lot for a few more days. But, she said, that doesn’t mean the job ends there. The community will need more help to rebuild.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/saint-st-louis-missouri-tornado-disaster-recovery-fema-community-volunteers/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/" target="_blank">KFF Health News</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747958505443.png" alt=" To help residents recover from the storm damage, volunteers distribute supplies from the parking lot of the YMCA’s O’Fallon Park Rec Complex in North St. Louis (Cara Anthony/KFF News)." />
 <figcaption> To help residents recover from the storm damage, volunteers distribute supplies from the parking lot of the YMCA’s O’Fallon Park Rec Complex in North St. Louis (Cara Anthony/KFF News).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Missouri is still waiting for President Donald Trump to approve federal assistance for damage left by three sets of storms in March and April that killed 19 people in the state</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caraanthony/">Cara Anthony</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/bramsablesmith/">Bram Sable-Smith</a>&nbsp;ST. LOUIS — Kevin Hines has been living in a house without a roof in the days since a tornado devastated his community. He has seen some of his neighbors sleeping in their cars. A different man has spent untold hours on a bench.In the aftermath of the May 16 tornado, Hines, 60, has a blue tarp covering his home. Still, rain came in three days later — an expected problem in a house without a roof. But he didn’t think wildlife would be an issue. Then a bird landed on his television. He spotted a squirrel on the sofa.He already has enough to handle. He’s not sure when his home will be repaired. A toppled tree destroyed the purple Jeep he bought only months ago. His job told employees not to come into work because the building was damaged.The tornado cut a 23-mile-long path, touching down in the affluent suburb of Clayton before ripping through the north side of the city of St. Louis then across the Mississippi River through communities in western Illinois. At least five people were killed, 38 more were injured, and about 5,000 structures were damaged, according to St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. The twister caused more than&nbsp;<a href="https://southernillinoisnow.com/2025/05/20/tornado-damage-in-st-louis-is-estimated-to-be-over-1-6-billion-in-property-damage/" target="_blank">$1.6 billion</a>&nbsp;in estimated property damage.While the impact was felt throughout the area, it will take some neighborhoods longer than others to recover. Kayla Reed, a community activist who runs the&nbsp;<a href="https://actionstl.org/" target="_blank">Action St. Louis</a>&nbsp;nonprofit, which is coordinating help for storm victims, said residents in the predominantly Black area known as North City especially face a long set of challenges in the days ahead.“A natural disaster met a created one and a systemic one,” Reed said. “They’ve sort of been in a long-term storm all of their lives. If you live in this footprint, you know this is where infant mortality is highest. This is where incarceration rates are highest. This is where poverty rates are highest.”Food and water aid provide some relief, Reed said, but the community needs more than that. “I can’t put into words how long it’s going to take to stabilize some of these families and how much trauma they are navigating,” she said.A possible source of major aid is the federal government, which can unlock resources at the president’s discretion. But Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-requests-federal-disaster-declaration-barry-greene-lawrence" target="_blank">is already waiting</a>&nbsp;for President Donald Trump to approve federal assistance for damage left by three sets of storms in March and April that killed 19 people in the state. Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2025/04/25/trump-denies-disaster-aid-tells-states-to-do-more/" target="_blank">denied major disaster requests</a>&nbsp;from West Virginia and Washington this year, and initially denied one for storm and tornado damage in Arkansas before&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/briefs/arkansas-request-for-federal-disaster-assistance-approved-after-initial-denial/" target="_blank">reversing course</a>&nbsp;and approving the request May 13.Black families here in North St. Louis are worried that their community will not be prioritized.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747958463807.png" alt=" Wreckage of a car on Natural Bridge Avenue in St. Louis after a tornado hit last week (Cara Anthony/KFF Health News)." />
 <figcaption> Wreckage of a car on Natural Bridge Avenue in St. Louis after a tornado hit last week (Cara Anthony/KFF Health News).</figcaption>
 </figure>On May 19, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-kehoe-provides-update-may-16-severe-storms-and-tornadoes" target="_blank">requested that Trump issue</a>&nbsp;a federal emergency declaration, which would authorize about $5 million in federal assistance for cleanup efforts. Kehoe also requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency conduct a preliminary damage assessment, a necessary step to securing a “major disaster declaration,” which would provide federal resources for homeowners and renters, reimburse local government efforts, and pay for damaged public infrastructure.FEMA was on the ground two days later helping conduct damage assessments. But a disaster declaration could take weeks, if it comes.“Bringing FEMA in, it’s my understanding, is not going to be a quick process,” the mayor said at a May 21 press conference. “All elected officials at every level here are doing everything they can to make that process as quick as possible.”That includes Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, who asked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during an oversight hearing May 20 to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HawleyMO/status/1924849498645200936" target="_blank">help expedite</a>&nbsp;the pending aid requests from Missouri’s three previous storms and for the recent tornado. “Yes, absolutely,” she responded.While the city waits, thousands of volunteers have shown up to the parking lot of the YMCA’s O’Fallon Park Rec Complex in North St. Louis in what they are calling the “<a href="https://actionstl.org/tornado" target="_blank">People’s Response</a>” to help residents in need. So far, they’ve helped more than 5,000 families. Volunteers have collected more than 17,280 pounds of food, according to Action St. Louis.The last time such an outpouring occurred around here, according to locals, was in 2014 after the&nbsp;<a href="https://afas.wustl.edu/racism-reform-rebellion-ferguson-uprising-rise-black-lives-matter" target="_blank">police killing of Michael Brown</a>&nbsp;in nearby Ferguson.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/aldermen/representation/profile.cfm?id=1559" target="_blank">Rasheen Aldridge</a>, an alderman who represents part of the storm-affected area, said some of the same activists who showed up then made it a point to help now.Hines, too, looked for ways to help his neighbors. He became an unofficial traffic director at the YMCA as thousands of cars streamed into the area to get help — or provide it.“It’s not about me,” Hines said. “I’m staying until no one is here because there’s nothing to do at my house. I have no power.”Residents in North City described the moments after the storm as chaos: trees down everywhere; power lines damaged; limited cellphone service, making it hard to connect with loved ones. Then the sun went down, cloaking corners of the city in complete darkness.Five days after the tornado, people still needed candles, flashlights, and batteries to make it through the night. Piles of debris filled street corners. Exterior walls were ripped off homes, exposing the inside of closets, bedrooms, and living rooms to passersby on the street. Some buildings were leveled. The downed trees in the tornado’s path&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/100058215092209/posts/1095143795769447/?mibextid=wwXIfr&amp;rdid=gV5sflo1ShqKSh6c" target="_blank">left a scar</a>&nbsp;in the city’s canopy visible from miles away.The tornado flipped a semitrailer outside a new gas station and strip mall that had been scheduled to open this fall. One evening, Charles Stanford, a security guard for the property, sat in the parking lot to make sure no one tried to enter what remained of the building. Stanford said the project had been nearly complete. Now, it is surrounded by rubble and debris.A giant tree crashed into the house of one of Hines’ neighbors. He said the woman recently had heart surgery and had been recovering at home. But then she went back to the hospital, and he thinks stress after the tornado may be why. Hines was planning to bring her a few Hershey’s Kisses, her favorite candy, to lift her spirits.Shannette BoClair, 52, said she found her infirm father, Albert Noble, on the floor in the fetal position after the tornado passed her parents’ home. A window had imploded and strong winds knocked him down. BoClair called 911 but, she said, first responders were overwhelmed by calls for help and tree-blocked streets. Her father needed medical attention right away, she said, so his family helped him hobble a mile to his grandson, who drove him to a triage station that had been set up for tornado victims.They learned he had broken his hip, she said. He had surgery within days.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747958426639.png" alt=" Thousands of volunteers have shown up there in what they are calling the “People’s Response” to help residents in need (Cara Anthony/KFF News)." />
 <figcaption> Thousands of volunteers have shown up there in what they are calling the “People’s Response” to help residents in need (Cara Anthony/KFF News).</figcaption>
 </figure>BoClair, who works as a health and wellness director at the YMCA, said she’s helping care for her mother, who remained at home after the storm. BoClair is depending on meals provided by volunteers and staffers at the YMCA but said she had also spent about $500 on DoorDash meals to feed her family since the tornado hit.As far as federal aid goes, BoClair said she hopes it comes soon. The community needs dumpsters for the debris, reconstruction, and more.But the outpouring of support from volunteers amazed her. The People’s Response drew so many volunteers that lines of cars snaked outside of the YMCA parking lot in North City. The smell of barbecue wafted through the air as residents without electricity grilled food for one another before it spoiled.“I’m so proud of our community,” BoClair said. “They say we don’t care. We do care.”Reed said volunteers would be stationed in the YMCA’s parking lot for a few more days. But, she said, that doesn’t mean the job ends there. The community will need more help to rebuild.This&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/saint-st-louis-missouri-tornado-disaster-recovery-fema-community-volunteers/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/" target="_blank">KFF Health News</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Volunteers help tornado-hit St. Louis amid wait for federal aid

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education must temporarily reinstate the hundreds of employees laid off earlier this year and cannot follow through on an executive order from President Donald Trump seeking to dismantle the agency, a federal judge in Massachusetts ruled Thursday.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.282419/gov.uscourts.mad.282419.45.0.pdf" target="_blank">ruling</a>&nbsp;stems from a pair of March lawsuits — one from a slew of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-attorneys-general-sue-trump-over-us-education-department-layoffs" target="_blank">Democratic attorneys general</a>, another from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/two-teachers-unions-parents-advocates-sue-over-trump-dismantling-department-education" target="_blank">coalition of advocacy and labor groups</a>&nbsp;— and blocks three Trump initiatives, marking a major blow to the president’s education agenda as his administration seeks to dramatically reshape the federal role in education.

The lawsuits challenge some of the administration’s most consequential education initiatives so far: a reduction in force effort at the agency that gutted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-cut-hundreds-staff-members" target="_blank">more than 1,300 employees</a>, Trump’s executive order calling on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-sign-order-directing-education-secretary-shut-down-her-own-department" target="_blank">facilitate the closure</a>&nbsp;of her own department and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-rehouse-student-loans-other-programs-amid-push-close-education-department" target="_blank">Trump’s proposal</a>&nbsp;to rehouse the student loan portfolio in the Small Business Administration and special education services in the Department of Health and Human Services.

“A department without enough employees to perform statutorily mandated functions is not a department at all,” U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun wrote in his 88-page memorandum and order granting a preliminary injunction.

“This court cannot be asked to cover its eyes while the Department’s employees are continuously fired and units are transferred out until the Department becomes a shell of itself,” wrote Joun, whom former President Joe Biden appointed.

Joun’s preliminary injunction took effect immediately and will remain until the merits of the consolidated case are decided.

A department spokesperson said the administration would immediately appeal the ruling. The agency has since&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.281941/gov.uscourts.mad.281941.130.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">filed an appeal</a>.

One of the cases comes from a coalition of Democratic attorneys general in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state and Wisconsin.

The other lawsuit was brought by the American Federation of Teachers, its Massachusetts chapter, AFSCME Council 93, the American Association of University Professors, the Service Employees International Union and two school districts in Massachusetts.

The department’s reduction in force plan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/advocates-brace-trump-cuts-education-department-step-toward-elimination" target="_blank">prompted concerns from education advocates and leaders</a>&nbsp;over how the agency would be able to carry out its core responsibilities after roughly halving its workforce, including major cuts to key units including the Office of Federal Student Aid, Office for Civil Rights and the Institute of Education Sciences.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, celebrated the ruling in a Thursday statement.

“Today, the court rightly rejected one of the administration’s very first illegal, and consequential, acts: abolishing the federal role in education,” Weingarten said.

“This decision is a first step to reverse this war on knowledge and the undermining of broad-based opportunity. For America to build a brighter future, we must all take more responsibility, not less, for the success of our children.”

Joun’s order also bars the agency from carrying out the president’s directive to transfer the student loan portfolio and special education services out of the agency.

Trump announced the proposal, which had no accompanying executive order, at the opening of an Oval Office appearance with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The department had told States Newsroom earlier this week that it had nothing new to share at this time regarding the proposed transfer.&nbsp;

Madi Biedermann, a spokesperson for the department, said the agency “will immediately challenge this on an emergency basis.”

“Once again, a far-left Judge has dramatically overstepped his authority, based on a complaint from biased plaintiffs, and issued an injunction against the obviously lawful efforts to make the Department of Education more efficient and functional for the American people,” she said in a statement shared with States Newsroom.

“President Trump and the Senate-confirmed Secretary of Education clearly have the authority to make decisions about agency reorganization efforts, not an unelected Judge with a political axe to grind. This ruling is not in the best interest of American students or families.”

Thursday’s ruling came just a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-us-house-spending-panel-grill-education-secretary-mcmahon-over-planned-cuts" target="_blank">McMahon took a grilling</a>&nbsp;from U.S. House Democrats over the drastic cuts and proposed changes at her department during a hearing in a panel of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations.

McMahon appeared before the lawmakers to outline Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget request, which calls for $12 billion in spending cuts at the department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742573578411.png" alt="In March, President Trump shown with Education Secretary Linda McMahon, signed an Executive Order to Dismantle Department of Education" />
 <figcaption>In March, President Trump shown with Education Secretary Linda McMahon, signed an Executive Order to Dismantle Department of Education</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">Shauneen Miranda</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education must temporarily reinstate the hundreds of employees laid off earlier this year and cannot follow through on an executive order from President Donald Trump seeking to dismantle the agency, a federal judge in Massachusetts ruled Thursday.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.282419/gov.uscourts.mad.282419.45.0.pdf" target="_blank">ruling</a>&nbsp;stems from a pair of March lawsuits — one from a slew of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-attorneys-general-sue-trump-over-us-education-department-layoffs" target="_blank">Democratic attorneys general</a>, another from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/two-teachers-unions-parents-advocates-sue-over-trump-dismantling-department-education" target="_blank">coalition of advocacy and labor groups</a>&nbsp;— and blocks three Trump initiatives, marking a major blow to the president’s education agenda as his administration seeks to dramatically reshape the federal role in education.The lawsuits challenge some of the administration’s most consequential education initiatives so far: a reduction in force effort at the agency that gutted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-education-department-cut-hundreds-staff-members" target="_blank">more than 1,300 employees</a>, Trump’s executive order calling on Education Secretary Linda McMahon to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-sign-order-directing-education-secretary-shut-down-her-own-department" target="_blank">facilitate the closure</a>&nbsp;of her own department and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-rehouse-student-loans-other-programs-amid-push-close-education-department" target="_blank">Trump’s proposal</a>&nbsp;to rehouse the student loan portfolio in the Small Business Administration and special education services in the Department of Health and Human Services.“A department without enough employees to perform statutorily mandated functions is not a department at all,” U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun wrote in his 88-page memorandum and order granting a preliminary injunction.“This court cannot be asked to cover its eyes while the Department’s employees are continuously fired and units are transferred out until the Department becomes a shell of itself,” wrote Joun, whom former President Joe Biden appointed.Joun’s preliminary injunction took effect immediately and will remain until the merits of the consolidated case are decided.A department spokesperson said the administration would immediately appeal the ruling. The agency has since&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.281941/gov.uscourts.mad.281941.130.0_1.pdf" target="_blank">filed an appeal</a>.<h2>Win for Democratic states</h2>One of the cases comes from a coalition of Democratic attorneys general in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state and Wisconsin.The other lawsuit was brought by the American Federation of Teachers, its Massachusetts chapter, AFSCME Council 93, the American Association of University Professors, the Service Employees International Union and two school districts in Massachusetts.The department’s reduction in force plan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/advocates-brace-trump-cuts-education-department-step-toward-elimination" target="_blank">prompted concerns from education advocates and leaders</a>&nbsp;over how the agency would be able to carry out its core responsibilities after roughly halving its workforce, including major cuts to key units including the Office of Federal Student Aid, Office for Civil Rights and the Institute of Education Sciences.Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the largest teachers unions in the country, celebrated the ruling in a Thursday statement.“Today, the court rightly rejected one of the administration’s very first illegal, and consequential, acts: abolishing the federal role in education,” Weingarten said.“This decision is a first step to reverse this war on knowledge and the undermining of broad-based opportunity. For America to build a brighter future, we must all take more responsibility, not less, for the success of our children.”Joun’s order also bars the agency from carrying out the president’s directive to transfer the student loan portfolio and special education services out of the agency.Trump announced the proposal, which had no accompanying executive order, at the opening of an Oval Office appearance with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The department had told States Newsroom earlier this week that it had nothing new to share at this time regarding the proposed transfer.&nbsp;<h2>Judge ‘dramatically overstepped’</h2>Madi Biedermann, a spokesperson for the department, said the agency “will immediately challenge this on an emergency basis.”“Once again, a far-left Judge has dramatically overstepped his authority, based on a complaint from biased plaintiffs, and issued an injunction against the obviously lawful efforts to make the Department of Education more efficient and functional for the American people,” she said in a statement shared with States Newsroom.“President Trump and the Senate-confirmed Secretary of Education clearly have the authority to make decisions about agency reorganization efforts, not an unelected Judge with a political axe to grind. This ruling is not in the best interest of American students or families.”Thursday’s ruling came just a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-us-house-spending-panel-grill-education-secretary-mcmahon-over-planned-cuts" target="_blank">McMahon took a grilling</a>&nbsp;from U.S. House Democrats over the drastic cuts and proposed changes at her department during a hearing in a panel of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations.McMahon appeared before the lawmakers to outline Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget request, which calls for $12 billion in spending cuts at the department.

Court order blocks Trump from eliminating U.S. Education Department

WASHINGTON — A woman killed in a terrorist shooting in Washington Wednesday night was from Overland Park, Kansas. Sarah Milgrim graduated from the University of Kansas in 2021, according to online profile. She and&nbsp;Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, died in the shooting.

WASHINGTON — A woman killed in a terrorist shooting in Washington Wednesday night was from Overland Park, Kansas. Sarah Milgrim graduated from the University of Kansas in 2021, according to online profile. She and&nbsp;Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, died in the shooting.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">All of Kansas joins in prayer for Overland Park native Sarah Milgrim and her soon-to-be fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky — victims of an unspeakable murder in Washington, DC. Our hearts are with their families and friends, the Overland Park community, and the entire Israeli Embassy…&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1925565902843502910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My heart goes out to the family of Sarah Milgrim, an Overland Park native and KU alumna, who was killed last evening along with her companion, in an antisemitic attack in our nation’s capital. People in our area know the pain of religious-based violence. We pray for its end.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1925553929644867739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives. This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC. The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words… <a href="https://t.co/2HytKDp8Fr">pic.twitter.com/2HytKDp8Fr</a>&mdash; Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelinUSA/status/1925447599164702743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Woman killed in terrorist shooting in D.C. was from Kansas

&nbsp;TANEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5a.m. Wednesday in Taney County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chrysler 200 driven by a 74-year-old Branson woman was northbound on U. S. 65 near Branson Hills Parkway.

The car rear-ended a bicycle ridden by a 68-year-old Kansas City, Missouri, man. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; The driver of the car was properly restrained and not injured. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

&nbsp;TANEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5a.m. Wednesday in Taney County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Chrysler 200 driven by a 74-year-old Branson woman was northbound on U. S. 65 near Branson Hills Parkway.The car rear-ended a bicycle ridden by a 68-year-old Kansas City, Missouri, man. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; The driver of the car was properly restrained and not injured. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Bicyclist from Kansas City struck by car and killed

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House early Thursday approved the “big, beautiful bill” that Republican leaders spent months negotiating with centrists and far-right members of the party — two distinct factions that hold vastly different policy goals — over intense opposition from Democrats.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025145" target="_blank">215-214 vote</a>&nbsp;ships the package to the Senate, where GOP lawmakers are expected to rewrite much of it, before sending it back across the Capitol for final approval, a process likely to stretch through the summer.

President Donald Trump, who said he backed the House version, would then need to sign the legislation, which under the complicated process being used by Republicans can pass with just a majority vote in the GOP-controlled Senate.

Speaker Mike Johnson said minutes before the vote that he expects lawmakers to give the measure final approval before the Fourth of July.

“Now, look, we’re accomplishing a big thing here today, but we know this isn’t the end of the road just yet,” Johnson, R-La., said. “We’ve been working closely with leader (John) Thune and our Senate colleagues, the Senate Republicans, to get this done and delivered to the President’s desk by our Independence Day. That’s July 4. Today proves that we can do that, and we will do that.”

Ohio’s Warren Davidson and Kentucky’s Thomas Massie were the only Republicans to vote against passing the bill, which members debated throughout the night prior to the vote just after daylight in the nation’s capital. All Democrats, who dubbed it “one big ugly bill,” were opposed. Maryland GOP Rep. Andy Harris, chairman of the Freedom Caucus, voted “present.”

Massie spoke against the bill overnight, calling it “a debt bomb ticking.”

“I’d love to stand here and tell the American people: We can cut your taxes and we can increase spending, and everything’s going to be just fine. But I can’t do that because I’m here to deliver a dose of reality,” Massie said. “This bill dramatically increases deficits in the near term, but promises our government will be fiscally responsible five years from now. Where have we heard that before? How do you bind a future Congress to these promises?”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text?s=6&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22H.R.+1%22%7D" target="_blank">1,116-page package</a>&nbsp;combines 11 bills that GOP lawmakers debated and reported out of committee during the last several weeks.

The bill would make deep cuts to Medicaid spending, reducing the program by $625 billion over 10 years under the latest estimate by the Congressional Budget Office.

The budget measure would also raise the debt limit by $4 trillion.

<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/cbo-analysis-shows-us-house-gop-budget-measure-tilted-toward-upper-income-taxpayers" target="_blank">A new Congressional Budget Office analysis</a>&nbsp;released late Tuesday showed the package tilted toward the wealthy, projecting it would decrease resources for low-income families over the next decade while increasing resources for top earners.

Republicans hold especially thin majorities in the House and Senate, meaning that nearly every GOP lawmaker — ranging from centrists who barely won their general elections to far-right members who are more at risk of losing a primary challenge — needed to support the bill.

Balancing the demands of hundreds of lawmakers led to nearly constant talks during the last few days as Johnson struggled to secure the votes to pass the bill before his Memorial Day deadline.

Any deal Johnson made with far-right members of the party risked alienating centrist GOP lawmakers and vice versa.

An agreement finally came together Wednesday evening when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-speaker-predicts-vote-soon-giant-budget-bill-stalled-hard-right-objections" target="_blank">GOP leaders released a 42-page amendment</a>&nbsp;that made changes to various sections of the package, including the state and local tax deduction, or SALT, and Medicaid work requirements and nixed the potential sale of some public lands.&nbsp;

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. House early Thursday approved the “big, beautiful bill” that Republican leaders spent months negotiating with centrists and far-right members of the party — two distinct factions that hold vastly different policy goals — over intense opposition from Democrats.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PASSED: THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT. House Republicans just passed this HISTORIC piece of legislation FOR YOU. <a href="https://t.co/keVGJstR6c">pic.twitter.com/keVGJstR6c</a>&mdash; House Republicans (@HouseGOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP/status/1925505923822260229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025145" target="_blank">215-214 vote</a>&nbsp;ships the package to the Senate, where GOP lawmakers are expected to rewrite much of it, before sending it back across the Capitol for final approval, a process likely to stretch through the summer.President Donald Trump, who said he backed the House version, would then need to sign the legislation, which under the complicated process being used by Republicans can pass with just a majority vote in the GOP-controlled Senate.Speaker Mike Johnson said minutes before the vote that he expects lawmakers to give the measure final approval before the Fourth of July.“Now, look, we’re accomplishing a big thing here today, but we know this isn’t the end of the road just yet,” Johnson, R-La., said. “We’ve been working closely with leader (John) Thune and our Senate colleagues, the Senate Republicans, to get this done and delivered to the President’s desk by our Independence Day. That’s July 4. Today proves that we can do that, and we will do that.”Ohio’s Warren Davidson and Kentucky’s Thomas Massie were the only Republicans to vote against passing the bill, which members debated throughout the night prior to the vote just after daylight in the nation’s capital. All Democrats, who dubbed it “one big ugly bill,” were opposed. Maryland GOP Rep. Andy Harris, chairman of the Freedom Caucus, voted “present.”Massie spoke against the bill overnight, calling it “a debt bomb ticking.”“I’d love to stand here and tell the American people: We can cut your taxes and we can increase spending, and everything’s going to be just fine. But I can’t do that because I’m here to deliver a dose of reality,” Massie said. “This bill dramatically increases deficits in the near term, but promises our government will be fiscally responsible five years from now. Where have we heard that before? How do you bind a future Congress to these promises?”The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text?s=6&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22H.R.+1%22%7D" target="_blank">1,116-page package</a>&nbsp;combines 11 bills that GOP lawmakers debated and reported out of committee during the last several weeks.The legislation would:<ul>
 <li>Extend the 2017 tax law, including tax cuts for businesses and individuals;</li><li>Bolster spending on border security and defense by hundreds of billions of dollars;</li><li>Rework energy permitting;</li><li>Restructure higher education aid such as student loans and Pell Grants;</li><li>Shift some of the cost of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food aid program for low income Americans to state governments; and</li><li>Overhaul Medicaid, the nation’s program for health care for low income people and some people with disabilities.</li>
 </ul>The bill would make deep cuts to Medicaid spending, reducing the program by $625 billion over 10 years under the latest estimate by the Congressional Budget Office.The budget measure would also raise the debt limit by $4 trillion.<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/cbo-analysis-shows-us-house-gop-budget-measure-tilted-toward-upper-income-taxpayers" target="_blank">A new Congressional Budget Office analysis</a>&nbsp;released late Tuesday showed the package tilted toward the wealthy, projecting it would decrease resources for low-income families over the next decade while increasing resources for top earners.Republicans hold especially thin majorities in the House and Senate, meaning that nearly every GOP lawmaker — ranging from centrists who barely won their general elections to far-right members who are more at risk of losing a primary challenge — needed to support the bill.Balancing the demands of hundreds of lawmakers led to nearly constant talks during the last few days as Johnson struggled to secure the votes to pass the bill before his Memorial Day deadline.Any deal Johnson made with far-right members of the party risked alienating centrist GOP lawmakers and vice versa.An agreement finally came together Wednesday evening when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-speaker-predicts-vote-soon-giant-budget-bill-stalled-hard-right-objections" target="_blank">GOP leaders released a 42-page amendment</a>&nbsp;that made changes to various sections of the package, including the state and local tax deduction, or SALT, and Medicaid work requirements and nixed the potential sale of some public lands.&nbsp;

US House GOP push through massive tax and spending bill slashing Medicaid

KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement continue their search for a suspect wanted in connection with the December 2024&nbsp;shooting that left two teens dead.

The suspect identified as 19-year-0old Terrell Simpson is described as&nbsp; 5-foot'10, 135 pounds with Black hair and Brown eyes.

He was&nbsp;charged in Jackson County&nbsp;with two counts of accessory to first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747874898831.png" alt="Simpson photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Simpson photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement continue their search for a suspect wanted in connection with the December 2024&nbsp;shooting that left two teens dead.The suspect identified as 19-year-0old Terrell Simpson is described as&nbsp; 5-foot'10, 135 pounds with Black hair and Brown eyes.He was&nbsp;charged in Jackson County&nbsp;with two counts of accessory to first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action.KCPD is asking anyone with information to contact the Greater KC Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477. The award is up to $25,000 for any information that leads to an arrest in this case and you can remain 100% anonymous.