Click below to watch President Trump comment on Chiefs' kicker Harrison Butker.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump: &quot;I&#39;m pleased to announce that we&#39;re officially restoring the Presidential Fitness Test and the Presidential Fitness Award.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/QOE5w6trr0">pic.twitter.com/QOE5w6trr0</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1951019288980013239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/buttkicker7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@buttkicker7</a>: &quot;I&#39;m excited to do my part to help make America healthy again — to help our youth be healthy and thrive and grow up and be great citizens of this country, be great family members ... I think you have to be strong in mind, in body, and soul.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xHuUM6f1EA">pic.twitter.com/xHuUM6f1EA</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1951021058695270699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Click below to watch President Trump comment on Chiefs' kicker Harrison Butker.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trump to Harrison Butker: You&#39;re a handsome guy, by the way. It&#39;s usually not my thing, but he is a good-looking sucker<br><br>WTF was that??? <a href="https://t.co/5KnQWXeiVi">pic.twitter.com/5KnQWXeiVi</a></p>&mdash; Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/1951032656017134072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President&#39;s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Chair Bryson DeChambeau (<a href="https://twitter.com/brysondech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brysondech</a>): &quot;We&#39;ve got a great established council with us that we believe that we can change the fabric of our communities and kid&#39;s livelihoods for the future generations that are to come.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/QofssXo2u0">pic.twitter.com/QofssXo2u0</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1951020039655625186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> on the Presidential Fitness Test: &quot;We need to re-instill that spirit of competition and that commitment to nutrition and physical fitness — and I&#39;m so grateful to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> for your leadership in bringing this back for our country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/f0KOxlwsdJ">pic.twitter.com/f0KOxlwsdJ</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1951020726292545607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paul &quot;Triple H&quot; Levesque: &quot;I truly appreciate all that everybody is doing for the health and wellness for the entire country... I look forward to the opportunity to help make our youth healthy—help get them engaged in sports and let them learn what it takes to be successful in… <a href="https://t.co/Nw8vPXb05W">pic.twitter.com/Nw8vPXb05W</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1951020063500144962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 President Trump compliments Chiefs' Butker during  White House event

KANSAS CITY—A driver injured in a crash that occurred July 10 in Kansas City has died.

A Subaru Forrester was northbound on Eastern Avenue and entered the intersection at Blue Ridge Boulevard from a stop sign and struck a southbound Dodge Dakota, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

The impact caused the Dodge to rotate, striking the curb and a metal light pole before overturning.&nbsp;The front seat passenger of the Dodge was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Dodge was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries and was pronounced deceased on Thursday afternoon, according to DiMartino.

The driver and rear seat juvenile passenger of the Subaru were uninjured in the collision.&nbsp; The occupants of the pickup were not wearing seat belts, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the names of the victims.

<p>KANSAS CITY—A driver injured in a crash that occurred July 10 in Kansas City has died.</p><p>A Subaru Forrester was northbound on Eastern Avenue and entered the intersection at Blue Ridge Boulevard from a stop sign and struck a southbound Dodge Dakota, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.</p><p>The impact caused the Dodge to rotate, striking the curb and a metal light pole before overturning.&nbsp;The front seat passenger of the Dodge was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Dodge was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries and was pronounced deceased on Thursday afternoon, according to DiMartino.</p><p>The driver and rear seat juvenile passenger of the Subaru were uninjured in the collision.&nbsp; The occupants of the pickup were not wearing seat belts, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the names of the victims.</p>

Driver dies 3 weeks after pickup, SUV crash in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City woman has been charged in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose that occurred earlier this year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2678/Anderson-Caitlin---Warrant-Packet-redacted">Caitlin L. Anderson</a>, 32,&nbsp;faces one count of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2679/Anderson-Caitlin---Probable-Cause_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence in south Kansas City on Feb. 21 on a medical call. Upon arrival, they located the victim deceased. A later autopsy determined the cause of death was combined fentanyl and ethanol use.&nbsp;

Detectives recovered the victim’s cell phone and text messages between Anderson and the victim discussing drug sales. The victim had purchased fentanyl from Anderson two weeks before his death and overdosed. The victim purchased fentanyl from Anderson again on Feb. 21 and overdosed shortly after their meeting.&nbsp;

In a text message to the victim, just two and a half hours before he was declared deceased, Anderson asked him to delete their conversation.&nbsp;

During an interview with detectives, Anderson admitted to selling the victim the fentanyl on both occasions.&nbsp; She is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753135686290.png" alt="Anderson Photo Jackson Co." />
                        <figcaption>Anderson Photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City woman has been charged in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose that occurred earlier this year.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2678/Anderson-Caitlin---Warrant-Packet-redacted">Caitlin L. Anderson</a>, 32,&nbsp;faces one count of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.</p><p><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2679/Anderson-Caitlin---Probable-Cause_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence in south Kansas City on Feb. 21 on a medical call. Upon arrival, they located the victim deceased. A later autopsy determined the cause of death was combined fentanyl and ethanol use.&nbsp;</p><p>Detectives recovered the victim’s cell phone and text messages between Anderson and the victim discussing drug sales. The victim had purchased fentanyl from Anderson two weeks before his death and overdosed. The victim purchased fentanyl from Anderson again on Feb. 21 and overdosed shortly after their meeting.&nbsp;</p><p>In a text message to the victim, just two and a half hours before he was declared deceased, Anderson asked him to delete their conversation.&nbsp;</p><p>During an interview with detectives, Anderson admitted to selling the victim the fentanyl on both occasions.&nbsp; She is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.</p>

KC fentanyl dealer tried to hide text message before deadly overdose

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;— For 150 years, Presidents, Administrations, and White House Staff have longed for a large event space on the White House complex that can hold substantially more guests than currently allowed. 

President Donald J. Trump has expressed his commitment to solving this problem on behalf of future Administrations and the American people.

The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world, yet the White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders and other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance. 

The White House State Ballroom will be a much-needed and exquisite addition of approximately 90,000 total square feet of innately designed and carefully crafted space, with a seated capacity of 650 people — a significant increase from the 200-person seated capacity in the East Room of the White House.

In recent weeks, President Trump has held several meetings with members of the White House Staff, the National Park Service, the White House Military Office, and the United States Secret Service to discuss design features and planning.&nbsp;President Trump has chosen McCrery Architects as lead architect, which is well-known for their classical architectural design and based in our nation’s capital. 

CEO Jim McCrery said: “Presidents in the modern era have faced challenges hosting major events at the White House because it has been untouched since President Harry Truman. I am honored that President Trump has entrusted me to help bring this beautiful and necessary renovation to The People’s House, while preserving the elegance of its classical design and historical importance.”

The construction team will be headed by Clark Construction, and the engineering team will be led by AECOM.&nbsp;The project will begin in September 2025, and it is expected to be completed long before the end of President Trump’s term.&nbsp;

President Trump, and other patriot donors, have generously committed to donating the funds necessary to build this approximately $200 million dollar structure. The United States Secret Service will provide the necessary security enhancements and modifications.&nbsp;

The White House Ballroom will be substantially separated from the main building of the White House, but at the same time, it’s theme and architectural heritage will be almost identical. The site of the new ballroom will be where the small, heavily changed, and reconstructed East Wing currently sits. 

The East Wing was constructed in 1902 and has been renovated and changed many times, with a second story added in 1942.

&nbsp;The White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said the following: “President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail. The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserving the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future Administrations and generations of Americans to come.”&nbsp;

<p>Washington, D.C.&nbsp;— For 150 years, Presidents, Administrations, and White House Staff have longed for a large event space on the White House complex that can hold substantially more guests than currently allowed. </p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a>: &quot;We are proud to announce the construction of the new White House ballroom will begin...The White House state ballroom will be a much needed and exquisite addition of approximately 90,000 total square feet.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Zm548HUNMc">pic.twitter.com/Zm548HUNMc</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1950985304199901450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The White House will continue to provide the American public with updates on this project. <br><br>Check out the renderings below ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/NSILmJDkNi">pic.twitter.com/NSILmJDkNi</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1950988231945629824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>President Donald J. Trump has expressed his commitment to solving this problem on behalf of future Administrations and the American people.</p><p>The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world, yet the White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders and other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance. </p><p>The White House State Ballroom will be a much-needed and exquisite addition of approximately 90,000 total square feet of innately designed and carefully crafted space, with a seated capacity of 650 people — a significant increase from the 200-person seated capacity in the East Room of the White House.</p><p>In recent weeks, President Trump has held several meetings with members of the White House Staff, the National Park Service, the White House Military Office, and the United States Secret Service to discuss design features and planning.&nbsp;President Trump has chosen McCrery Architects as lead architect, which is well-known for their classical architectural design and based in our nation’s capital. </p><p>CEO Jim McCrery said: “Presidents in the modern era have faced challenges hosting major events at the White House because it has been untouched since President Harry Truman. I am honored that President Trump has entrusted me to help bring this beautiful and necessary renovation to The People’s House, while preserving the elegance of its classical design and historical importance.”</p><p>The construction team will be headed by Clark Construction, and the engineering team will be led by AECOM.&nbsp;The project will begin in September 2025, and it is expected to be completed long before the end of President Trump’s term.&nbsp;</p><p>President Trump, and other patriot donors, have generously committed to donating the funds necessary to build this approximately $200 million dollar structure. The United States Secret Service will provide the necessary security enhancements and modifications.&nbsp;</p><p>The White House Ballroom will be substantially separated from the main building of the White House, but at the same time, it’s theme and architectural heritage will be almost identical. The site of the new ballroom will be where the small, heavily changed, and reconstructed East Wing currently sits. </p><p>The East Wing was constructed in 1902 and has been renovated and changed many times, with a second story added in 1942.</p><p>&nbsp;The White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said the following: “President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail. The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserving the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future Administrations and generations of Americans to come.”&nbsp;</p>

See images of White House plans for new $200M ballroom

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

TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers killed diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, practices in all forms of state government, including universities, after slipping a provision into the state&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb125/" target="_blank">budget</a>.

Ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline to abide by the provision, Kansas Secretary of Administration Adam Proffitt confirmed Tuesday that all state agencies, universities and contracts have eliminated positions, mandates, programs, activities, training requirements, grants and contracts related to DEI.

The Kansas Department of Administration examined around 20,000 job titles across all state agencies, searching for key terms including diversity, equity, inclusion and DEI, Proffitt said at a meeting of the State Finance Council, which included Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leaders.

He said he is confident those positions don’t exist. If they did, the people in those positions were reassigned, he said. The department also scoured state training requirements and contracts to ensure DEI was not part of them.

“Now, I want to be crystal clear,” Proffitt said. “That’s not to say that some entities that we contract with don’t also provide DEI services, but the intent of this proviso was to ensure that those weren’t required within contracts with the state of Kansas.”

Proffitt coordinated with Blake Flanders, president of the Kansas Board of Regents, to implement the provisions, including a statewide email signature policy requiring employees to remove “gender identifying pronouns or gender ideology from email signature blocks on state employees’ email accounts and any other form of communication.”

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, requested that Proffitt investigate Kansas State University’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging committee to ensure compliance with the provision. The results of that investigation are expected at the council’s next meeting.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753905089477.png" alt="At a May 10 protest in Shawnee of school district practices, anti-DEI signs line the curb. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Darrin Dressler video)" />
                        <figcaption>At a May 10 protest in Shawnee of school district practices, anti-DEI signs line the curb. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Darrin Dressler video)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a><br><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039"><i>Kansas Reflector</i></a></p><p>TOPEKA — Kansas lawmakers killed diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, practices in all forms of state government, including universities, after slipping a provision into the state&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb125/" target="_blank">budget</a>.</p><p>Ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline to abide by the provision, Kansas Secretary of Administration Adam Proffitt confirmed Tuesday that all state agencies, universities and contracts have eliminated positions, mandates, programs, activities, training requirements, grants and contracts related to DEI.</p><p>The Kansas Department of Administration examined around 20,000 job titles across all state agencies, searching for key terms including diversity, equity, inclusion and DEI, Proffitt said at a meeting of the State Finance Council, which included Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leaders.</p><p>He said he is confident those positions don’t exist. If they did, the people in those positions were reassigned, he said. The department also scoured state training requirements and contracts to ensure DEI was not part of them.</p><p>“Now, I want to be crystal clear,” Proffitt said. “That’s not to say that some entities that we contract with don’t also provide DEI services, but the intent of this proviso was to ensure that those weren’t required within contracts with the state of Kansas.”</p><p>Proffitt coordinated with Blake Flanders, president of the Kansas Board of Regents, to implement the provisions, including a statewide email signature policy requiring employees to remove “gender identifying pronouns or gender ideology from email signature blocks on state employees’ email accounts and any other form of communication.”</p><p>Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, requested that Proffitt investigate Kansas State University’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging committee to ensure compliance with the provision. The results of that investigation are expected at the council’s next meeting.</p>

DEI barred in Kansas government, universities beginning Friday

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a><br><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/"><i>Missouri Independent</i></a>

The possibility of a “whites-only” organization from Arkansas expanding into Missouri has&nbsp;inspired bipartisan outrage from state lawmakers and local officials who decry the group as&nbsp;racist and antisemitic.&nbsp;

The private membership association, called Return to the Land, owns 160 acres in northeast Arkansas, according to its website. Jews and non-whites are explicitly banned from membership.&nbsp;

The group’s leader recently said it is exploring the idea of expanding north and building a new enclave in the Springfield area.&nbsp;

“We have the God-given right to form communities according to whatever values we hold dear,” Eric Orwoll, co-founder of Return to the Land, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Aarvoll_/status/1949540130198638723" target="_blank">recent social media post</a>, “and the government does not have the right to tell free American citizens what values they have to live according to in their own private lives.”

The idea of a segregated community coming to southwest Missouri was greeted with scorn by both Democratic and Republican legislative leaders from the area.&nbsp;

“Racism in any form is evil and reprehensible,” said House Majority Leader Alex Riley, a Springfield Republican. “Groups engaging in racist conduct are not welcome in Springfield.”

State Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, said history has been “very clear on what happens when you stay silent as groups discriminate based on race and discriminate based on whether or not someone is of the Jewish faith. I cannot believe that in 2025 we are retreading this ground.”

In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said racial discrimination “has no place in Missouri.”

“Attorney General Bailey is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens,” the statement said. “The landmark Supreme Court case Shelley v. Kraemer, which originated in St. Louis, made clear that government cannot enforce racially discriminatory housing practices, and Missouri will not tolerate efforts to revive them.”

The Springfield City Council and City Manager David Cameron&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/100064468883501/posts/pfbid02SmVM27qBRFuJSr1wFZvhXBduySM9En7AabQsrdX7Th5gg7cLpmiHt4zeYqhLGpGXl/?app=fbl" target="_blank">issued a joint statement this week</a>&nbsp;declaring that “there is no place in Springfield, or anywhere, for such a divisive and discriminatory vision.”

“While it is improbable that such a project could legally or practically occur within city limits, silence is not an option,” the statement said. “As a regional leader, we will not stand idly by in the face of attempts to revive outdated, harmful ideologies.”

On its website, Return to the Land its mission is to “separate ourselves from a failing modern society, and we will make positive cultural changes in ourselves and in our ancestral communities.”

It also includes a disclaimer that the group does not engage in the sale or rental of real estate.

Orwoll responded to criticism from Springfield elected officials in his social media post, denying that excluding people of color and Jews should be considered racist.&nbsp;

“We are not a hate group,” he said. “We have never expressed hate towards any ethnic group, racial group or religious group.”

He took umbrage with Fogle calling the group racist, saying: “She wants to call us racists because we prefer being among our own people.”

“It’s not a supremacist group. It’s not a hate group. It’s not even a white nationalist group,” he said. “We are white identitarians. We value our identity and want to preserve it. That’s not hate. That is love for your own people.”

Fogle, who was among the first public officials to condemn Return to the Land’s possible expansion to Missouri, said she has been inundated with “pretty horrific messages and pretty horrific responses” on social media.&nbsp;

But she said she has no intention of being silent.&nbsp;

“It’s my job to make sure I’m using my platform to communicate that there’s no place in Springfield, no place in Missouri, no place in this country for a group who is intentionally leaving behind people who have a different skin color or intentionally leaving behind people of the Jewish faith,” she said. “And I would expect every elected official at every level to use their platform to see the same things.”

Across the state line, the group also drew the ire of Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.&nbsp;

The Republican announced his office would open an investigation of the group to ensure its activities didn’t violate state or federal law. That probe, Griffin said in an email to The Independent, has not turned up any illegal activity.&nbsp;

“Racism has no place in a free society,” he said, “but from a legal perspective, we have not seen anything that would indicate any state or federal laws have been broken.”

This story was updated after publication with a quote from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753984763727.png" alt="House Majority Leader Alex Riley speaks April 10 at a news conference in the Missouri House (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
                        <figcaption>House Majority Leader Alex Riley speaks April 10 at a news conference in the Missouri House (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a><br><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/"><i>Missouri Independent</i></a></p><p>The possibility of a “whites-only” organization from Arkansas expanding into Missouri has&nbsp;inspired bipartisan outrage from state lawmakers and local officials who decry the group as&nbsp;racist and antisemitic.&nbsp;</p><p>The private membership association, called Return to the Land, owns 160 acres in northeast Arkansas, according to its website. Jews and non-whites are explicitly banned from membership.&nbsp;</p><p>The group’s leader recently said it is exploring the idea of expanding north and building a new enclave in the Springfield area.&nbsp;</p><p>“We have the God-given right to form communities according to whatever values we hold dear,” Eric Orwoll, co-founder of Return to the Land, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Aarvoll_/status/1949540130198638723" target="_blank">recent social media post</a>, “and the government does not have the right to tell free American citizens what values they have to live according to in their own private lives.”</p><p>The idea of a segregated community coming to southwest Missouri was greeted with scorn by both Democratic and Republican legislative leaders from the area.&nbsp;</p><p>“Racism in any form is evil and reprehensible,” said House Majority Leader Alex Riley, a Springfield Republican. “Groups engaging in racist conduct are not welcome in Springfield.”</p><p>State Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, said history has been “very clear on what happens when you stay silent as groups discriminate based on race and discriminate based on whether or not someone is of the Jewish faith. I cannot believe that in 2025 we are retreading this ground.”</p><p>In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said racial discrimination “has no place in Missouri.”</p><p>“Attorney General Bailey is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens,” the statement said. “The landmark Supreme Court case Shelley v. Kraemer, which originated in St. Louis, made clear that government cannot enforce racially discriminatory housing practices, and Missouri will not tolerate efforts to revive them.”</p><p>The Springfield City Council and City Manager David Cameron&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/100064468883501/posts/pfbid02SmVM27qBRFuJSr1wFZvhXBduySM9En7AabQsrdX7Th5gg7cLpmiHt4zeYqhLGpGXl/?app=fbl" target="_blank">issued a joint statement this week</a>&nbsp;declaring that “there is no place in Springfield, or anywhere, for such a divisive and discriminatory vision.”</p><p>“While it is improbable that such a project could legally or practically occur within city limits, silence is not an option,” the statement said. “As a regional leader, we will not stand idly by in the face of attempts to revive outdated, harmful ideologies.”</p><p>On its website, Return to the Land its mission is to “separate ourselves from a failing modern society, and we will make positive cultural changes in ourselves and in our ancestral communities.”</p><p>It also includes a disclaimer that the group does not engage in the sale or rental of real estate.</p><p>Orwoll responded to criticism from Springfield elected officials in his social media post, denying that excluding people of color and Jews should be considered racist.&nbsp;</p><p>“We are not a hate group,” he said. “We have never expressed hate towards any ethnic group, racial group or religious group.”</p><p>He took umbrage with Fogle calling the group racist, saying: “She wants to call us racists because we prefer being among our own people.”</p><p>“It’s not a supremacist group. It’s not a hate group. It’s not even a white nationalist group,” he said. “We are white identitarians. We value our identity and want to preserve it. That’s not hate. That is love for your own people.”</p><p>Fogle, who was among the first public officials to condemn Return to the Land’s possible expansion to Missouri, said she has been inundated with “pretty horrific messages and pretty horrific responses” on social media.&nbsp;</p><p>But she said she has no intention of being silent.&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s my job to make sure I’m using my platform to communicate that there’s no place in Springfield, no place in Missouri, no place in this country for a group who is intentionally leaving behind people who have a different skin color or intentionally leaving behind people of the Jewish faith,” she said. “And I would expect every elected official at every level to use their platform to see the same things.”</p><p>Across the state line, the group also drew the ire of Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.&nbsp;</p><p>The Republican announced his office would open an investigation of the group to ensure its activities didn’t violate state or federal law. That probe, Griffin said in an email to The Independent, has not turned up any illegal activity.&nbsp;</p><p>“Racism has no place in a free society,” he said, “but from a legal perspective, we have not seen anything that would indicate any state or federal laws have been broken.”</p><p>This story was updated after publication with a quote from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.&nbsp;</p>

‘Whites-only’ group draws bipartisan rebuke over potential move to Missouri 

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a late-night traffic stop.

Around midnight July 27, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway near Columbine Drive on a 2009 Chevy Traverse for multiple alleged traffic infractions, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The traffic stop led to the discovery of illegal drug contraband.  The driver, Darrell Wayne Ralls, 65, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a stolen firearm and criminal use of weapons; possession of firearm by person addicted to or use controlled substance. 

 The passenger, Heather Michelle Ralls, 52, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753727706036.png" alt="Ralls photo Jackson Co." />
                        <figcaption>Ralls photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a late-night traffic stop.</p><p>Around midnight July 27, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway near Columbine Drive on a 2009 Chevy Traverse for multiple alleged traffic infractions, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753727673854.png" alt="Ralls photo Jackson Co." />
                        <figcaption>Ralls photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p> The traffic stop led to the discovery of illegal drug contraband.  The driver, Darrell Wayne Ralls, 65, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a stolen firearm and criminal use of weapons; possession of firearm by person addicted to or use controlled substance. </p><p> The passenger, Heather Michelle Ralls, 52, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.</p>

Sheriff: Kan. couple caught with meth, stolen firearm

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. —One person died in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Toyota Scion driven by a 55-year-old Blue Springs woman was eastbound on Interstate 70 near Oak Grove. The vehicle struck an eastbound 2022 Dodge Ram driven by a 58-year-old Mexico, Missouri, woman.&nbsp; After impact the Toyota traveled off the road, overturned and the driver was ejected.&nbsp; She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Central Jackson County EMS transported two 15-year-old girls in the Toyota to Centerpoint Medical Center.&nbsp; There were no other injuries. The occupants of the Toyota were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. —One person died in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Toyota Scion driven by a 55-year-old Blue Springs woman was eastbound on Interstate 70 near Oak Grove. The vehicle struck an eastbound 2022 Dodge Ram driven by a 58-year-old Mexico, Missouri, woman.&nbsp; After impact the Toyota traveled off the road, overturned and the driver was ejected.&nbsp; She was pronounced dead at the scene.</p><p>Central Jackson County EMS transported two 15-year-old girls in the Toyota to Centerpoint Medical Center.&nbsp; There were no other injuries. The occupants of the Toyota were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

Mo. woman killed, teen passengers injured after I-70 crash

NEOSHO COUNTY&nbsp;–The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Neosho County Sherriff’s Office arrested an Erie, Kansas man for alleged child sex crimes, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just after 7:30a.m. on Wednesday, KBI agents and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office arrested 42-year-old registered sex offender Peter Hawkinson, of Erie.

 Hawkinson was arrested on requested charges that include 24 counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of violating Kansas offender registration after a search warrant was conducted at 22030 Ottawa Road in Erie.

The KBI Child Victims Unit began investigating after a cyber-tip was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in May.

Hawkinson has been listed as a Registered Sex Offender since April of 2016 for two aggravated indecent solicitation of a child convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Following the arrest, Hawkinson was booked into the Neosho County Jail.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The case is expected to be prosecuted by the Neosho County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753912125686.png" alt="Hawkinson has been listed as a Registered Sex Offender since 2016- photo Neosho Co." />
                        <figcaption>Hawkinson has been listed as a Registered Sex Offender since 2016- photo Neosho Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>NEOSHO COUNTY&nbsp;–The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Neosho County Sherriff’s Office arrested an Erie, Kansas man for alleged child sex crimes, according to a media release from the KBI.</p><p>Just after 7:30a.m. on Wednesday, KBI agents and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office arrested 42-year-old registered sex offender Peter Hawkinson, of Erie.</p><p> Hawkinson was arrested on requested charges that include 24 counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of violating Kansas offender registration after a search warrant was conducted at 22030 Ottawa Road in Erie.</p><p>The KBI Child Victims Unit began investigating after a cyber-tip was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in May.</p><p>Hawkinson has been listed as a Registered Sex Offender since April of 2016 for two aggravated indecent solicitation of a child convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</p><p>Following the arrest, Hawkinson was booked into the Neosho County Jail.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;The case is expected to be prosecuted by the Neosho County Attorney’s Office.</p>

Kan. sex offender accused of new child sex crimes

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement have a suspect in custody after a 7-hour standoff.

Just before 2a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a disturbance in the 1100 Block of Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.&nbsp; Police arrived and the victims reported a suspect fired a gun at them as they were walking their dog down the sidewalk.<br>

The suspect then ran back into the building and barricaded himself in his apartment when officers attempted to talk to him. Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, police took him into custody. Police have not released his name or possible charges.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753922133036.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement have a suspect in custody after a 7-hour standoff.</p><p>Just before 2a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a disturbance in the 1100 Block of Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.&nbsp; Police arrived and the victims reported a suspect fired a gun at them as they were walking their dog down the sidewalk.<br></p><p>The suspect then ran back into the building and barricaded himself in his apartment when officers attempted to talk to him. Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, police took him into custody. Police have not released his name or possible charges.</p>

7-hour Kan. standoff after shooting at victim walking a dog

LOWELL, Ark. — Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) have arrested James Andrew McGann, 28, of Springdale, in connection to a&nbsp;double homicide that occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Devil’s Den State Park, according to a media release from the agency.

McGann was taken into custody at 4:57 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at a business in Springdale. He was charged with two counts of Capital Murder.

Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were fatally attacked while hiking with their two daughters. The girls, who are 7 and 9, were not injured and are safe with family members.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following: “No news can heal the enormous harm done to the Brink family in last weekend’s crime, but this announcement is a comfort and reassurance for our State. I am so proud of the Arkansas State Police, Park Rangers, local law enforcement, and others who have worked nonstop since last weekend to&nbsp;capture this suspect. I ask that Arkansans lift up prayers of thanks for the brave men and women of law enforcement – and offer prayers of condolence to the victims of this horrific crime. Let there be no mistake&nbsp;– we do not tolerate violent crime in Arkansas. If you target innocent people, law enforcement will hunt you down and bring you to justice.”

ASP Col. Mike Hagar added, “I’m extremely grateful for the long hours and dedication that our Agents put forward in bringing justice to this family. The collaboration between State Police, other state and local law enforcement agencies, and our federal partners has been second to none. Because of their hard work and investigative skill, we were able to take a monster off the streets, and bring relief to those two precious girls, and the rest of our citizens.”Additional details will be released as they become available.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753957733622.png" alt="McGann photo Arkansas State Police" />
                        <figcaption>McGann photo Arkansas State Police</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>LOWELL, Ark. — Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) have arrested James Andrew McGann, 28, of Springdale, in connection to a&nbsp;double homicide that occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Devil’s Den State Park, according to a media release from the agency.</p><p>McGann was taken into custody at 4:57 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at a business in Springdale. He was charged with two counts of Capital Murder.</p><p>Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were fatally attacked while hiking with their two daughters. The girls, who are 7 and 9, were not injured and are safe with family members.</p><p>Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following: “No news can heal the enormous harm done to the Brink family in last weekend’s crime, but this announcement is a comfort and reassurance for our State. I am so proud of the Arkansas State Police, Park Rangers, local law enforcement, and others who have worked nonstop since last weekend to&nbsp;capture this suspect. I ask that Arkansans lift up prayers of thanks for the brave men and women of law enforcement – and offer prayers of condolence to the victims of this horrific crime. Let there be no mistake&nbsp;– we do not tolerate violent crime in Arkansas. If you target innocent people, law enforcement will hunt you down and bring you to justice.”</p><p>ASP Col. Mike Hagar added, “I’m extremely grateful for the long hours and dedication that our Agents put forward in bringing justice to this family. The collaboration between State Police, other state and local law enforcement agencies, and our federal partners has been second to none. Because of their hard work and investigative skill, we were able to take a monster off the streets, and bring relief to those two precious girls, and the rest of our citizens.”Additional details will be released as they become available.</p>

Suspect arrested in killings of couple hiking with daughters in Arkansas

TOPEKA — Kansas officials stood firm against a July 30 deadline set by the federal government to turn over the personal data of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients.

In a press release Wednesday afternoon, the Department for Children and Families said releasing the requested data could open DCF to liability, depending on the outcome of a lawsuit filed by multiple states.

This is the<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/22/kansas-denies-usda-request-for-personal-data-of-residents-receiving-food-assistance/">&nbsp;second time Kansas has refused</a>&nbsp;to turn over data requested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;

The lawsuit, in which Kansas is not a party, asks the courts to stop the USDA from forcing states to turn over the data, the press release said.&nbsp;

The data includes sensitive personal information about Kansans who lived in households that applied for or received SNAP benefits from Jan. 1, 2020, to July 30, 2025. It includes Social Security numbers, dates of birth and addresses, as well as retailer and business data documenting SNAP usage, the press release said.&nbsp;

“The purpose of the USDA demand is to create a federal database of SNAP participant information that may be disclosed to other federal, state and local agencies,” the release said.

In a letter to Gina Brand, USDA senior policy advisor for integrity, Kansas DCF Secretary Laura Howard said the USDA’s plan to share the data with other agencies to investigate and prosecute violations of the law was part of the reason she would not turn over the data until the lawsuit is resolved.&nbsp;

“The suit argues that the demands for state-held SNAP data is contrary to statute and the Constitution,” Howard said. “Due to the pending litigation, we are forced to deny the USDA’s demand for data at this time. Doing the opposite will place KDCF in a position of potential liability in the event a court finds that the USDA’s demand violates federal law.”

In addition, Howard said the process to gather the requested data would require “significant” time, manpower and expense, and the short July 30 deadline was unreasonable.&nbsp;

“DCF is committed to the security of Kansans’ personal information and maintaining confidentiality consistent with state and federal law,” Howard said in the press release. “This demand for personal information goes beyond the scope of administering the program and puts in jeopardy the privacy of hundreds of thousands of Kansans who depend on SNAP to put food on their tables.”&nbsp;

Howard said DCF will monitor the pending litigation and may re-evaluate its position.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753921871201.png" alt="Copy of the letter sent to USDA" />
                        <figcaption>Copy of the letter sent to USDA</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>TOPEKA — Kansas officials stood firm against a July 30 deadline set by the federal government to turn over the personal data of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753921826184.png" alt=" Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard denied the U.S. Department of Agriculture's request for personal information of Kansas food program recipients. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
                        <figcaption> Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard denied the U.S. Department of Agriculture's request for personal information of Kansas food program recipients. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>In a press release Wednesday afternoon, the Department for Children and Families said releasing the requested data could open DCF to liability, depending on the outcome of a lawsuit filed by multiple states.</p><p>This is the<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/22/kansas-denies-usda-request-for-personal-data-of-residents-receiving-food-assistance/">&nbsp;second time Kansas has refused</a>&nbsp;to turn over data requested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.&nbsp;</p><p>The lawsuit, in which Kansas is not a party, asks the courts to stop the USDA from forcing states to turn over the data, the press release said.&nbsp;</p><p>The data includes sensitive personal information about Kansans who lived in households that applied for or received SNAP benefits from Jan. 1, 2020, to July 30, 2025. It includes Social Security numbers, dates of birth and addresses, as well as retailer and business data documenting SNAP usage, the press release said.&nbsp;</p><p>“The purpose of the USDA demand is to create a federal database of SNAP participant information that may be disclosed to other federal, state and local agencies,” the release said.</p><p>In a letter to Gina Brand, USDA senior policy advisor for integrity, Kansas DCF Secretary Laura Howard said the USDA’s plan to share the data with other agencies to investigate and prosecute violations of the law was part of the reason she would not turn over the data until the lawsuit is resolved.&nbsp;</p><p>“The suit argues that the demands for state-held SNAP data is contrary to statute and the Constitution,” Howard said. “Due to the pending litigation, we are forced to deny the USDA’s demand for data at this time. Doing the opposite will place KDCF in a position of potential liability in the event a court finds that the USDA’s demand violates federal law.”</p><p>In addition, Howard said the process to gather the requested data would require “significant” time, manpower and expense, and the short July 30 deadline was unreasonable.&nbsp;</p><p>“DCF is committed to the security of Kansans’ personal information and maintaining confidentiality consistent with state and federal law,” Howard said in the press release. “This demand for personal information goes beyond the scope of administering the program and puts in jeopardy the privacy of hundreds of thousands of Kansans who depend on SNAP to put food on their tables.”&nbsp;</p><p>Howard said DCF will monitor the pending litigation and may re-evaluate its position.&nbsp;</p>

State officials again refuse to release Kansans’ personal data to USDA

BENTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday in Benton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F450 driven by a 44-year-old Carrollton man was northbound on Route H south of Black Oak Church Road.&nbsp; The truck crossed the center of the road and struck a 2013 Ford Edge driven by a Lincoln, Missouri, woman.

The 44-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Fox Funeral Home. EMS transported the truck driver and an 11-year-old female passenger from the car to Bothwell Regional Health Center. None of those involved were wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>BENTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday in Benton County.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F450 driven by a 44-year-old Carrollton man was northbound on Route H south of Black Oak Church Road.&nbsp; The truck crossed the center of the road and struck a 2013 Ford Edge driven by a Lincoln, Missouri, woman.</p><p>The 44-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Fox Funeral Home. EMS transported the truck driver and an 11-year-old female passenger from the car to Bothwell Regional Health Center. None of those involved were wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

Mo. woman dead, 11-year-old hospitalized after crash

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on the Trump Administration&#39;s new initiative to make electronic patient health records more accessible: &quot;This will allow patients to easily transmit information from one doctor to another, even if they&#39;re on different networks.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UwPJx3qjpE">pic.twitter.com/UwPJx3qjpE</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1950661020181295361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Under the leadership of <a href="https://twitter.com/DrOzCMS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrOzCMS</a>, we&#39;re officially launching the CMS Digital Health Tech Ecosystem to give healthcare providers, insurers and software companies the tools they need to empower Americans with a 21st Century experience on health.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ZtcQIvDInh">pic.twitter.com/ZtcQIvDInh</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1950660471108878411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump Delivers Remarks on Making Health Technology Great Again <a href="https://t.co/B5yRoG5iyO">https://t.co/B5yRoG5iyO</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1950658293401043158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump admin. launches new private health tracking system 

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trump calls Josh Hawley a &quot;second-tier Senator&quot; <a href="https://t.co/QnBJtfOQUz">pic.twitter.com/QnBJtfOQUz</a></p>&mdash; Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) <a href="https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1950655789015900391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump rips ‘second tier’ Sen. Josh Hawley over his Pelosi Act 

&nbsp;Former Vice President&nbsp;Kamala Harris&nbsp;will not run for California governor next year. On social media she explained her decision.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753903327321.png" alt="Former Vice President Kamala Harris image from a video appearance at the Free and Just Storyteller Summit  in June" />
                        <figcaption>Former Vice President Kamala Harris image from a video appearance at the Free and Just Storyteller Summit  in June</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>&nbsp;Former Vice President&nbsp;Kamala Harris&nbsp;will not run for California governor next year. On social media she explained her decision.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My statement on the California governor&#39;s race and the fight ahead. <a href="https://t.co/HYzK1BIlhD">pic.twitter.com/HYzK1BIlhD</a></p>&mdash; Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1950633431945379888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Former VP Kamala Harris explains why she won't run for Calif. governor 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the death of a wanted homicide suspect in Topeka.

Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday, police were&nbsp;notified that an individual wanted in connection to a homicide in Oklahoma City was in Topeka, according to police spokesman Daniel Garrett.

Officers went to the 1200 block of SW. Orleans to take the individual, identified as 51-year-old Carlos Slaughter, into custody.

Upon police arrival, Slaughter barricaded himself inside a home. Around 4:00 a.m., Topeka Police entered the home, to find&nbsp; Slaughter deceased. Topeka Police is investigating this death as a possible suicide.

The lead agency for this investigation is Oklahoma City Police Department, with the FBI and Topeka Police assisting.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753908315672.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the death of a wanted homicide suspect in Topeka.</p><p>Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday, police were&nbsp;notified that an individual wanted in connection to a homicide in Oklahoma City was in Topeka, according to police spokesman Daniel Garrett.</p><p>Officers went to the 1200 block of SW. Orleans to take the individual, identified as 51-year-old Carlos Slaughter, into custody.</p><p>Upon police arrival, Slaughter barricaded himself inside a home. Around 4:00 a.m., Topeka Police entered the home, to find&nbsp; Slaughter deceased. Topeka Police is investigating this death as a possible suicide.</p><p>The lead agency for this investigation is Oklahoma City Police Department, with the FBI and Topeka Police assisting.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.</p>

Suspect wanted for murder in Oklahoma found dead in Kan. home

Kansas U.S. Senators are supporting the introduction of the ROTOR Act led by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas). This legislation addresses oversight gaps in aviation safety, specifically those revealed in the aftermath of the midair collision involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 from Wichita, by strengthening coordination, transparency, and operational safeguards in American airspace.

<a href="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/1C1D2B0A-A5D7-4928-AE34-6A4758A0A883">Click here for a summary of the bill</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738703092495.png" alt="The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, working with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USCGMidAtlantic?__cft__[0]=AZVaKqPNSiwSuKRH01L03JB8k_89iOrQZOlRWtfzOBsAJCt3z8QQvEYQa8XpseNu6lXA2LDrRWcHbQW3Fa1vXPGXU-T_5Dh2wbhpnKG7qo382L0qE0fMgmG5jv5Z_FFWJHRL1dX62558wBmmNSH_sOYY5t0GOUldAsRj2QW9WelwbsHdhaP3oE4VMMl2yUaEBbw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USNavy?__cft__[0]=AZVaKqPNSiwSuKRH01L03JB8k_89iOrQZOlRWtfzOBsAJCt3z8QQvEYQa8XpseNu6lXA2LDrRWcHbQW3Fa1vXPGXU-T_5Dh2wbhpnKG7qo382L0qE0fMgmG5jv5Z_FFWJHRL1dX62558wBmmNSH_sOYY5t0GOUldAsRj2QW9WelwbsHdhaP3oE4VMMl2yUaEBbw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">U.S. Navy</a>&nbsp;Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), began wreckage removal operations at the site of the Potomac River Aviation Incident near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Phoso U.S. Army Corps of Engineers" />
                        <figcaption>The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, working with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USCGMidAtlantic?__cft__[0]=AZVaKqPNSiwSuKRH01L03JB8k_89iOrQZOlRWtfzOBsAJCt3z8QQvEYQa8XpseNu6lXA2LDrRWcHbQW3Fa1vXPGXU-T_5Dh2wbhpnKG7qo382L0qE0fMgmG5jv5Z_FFWJHRL1dX62558wBmmNSH_sOYY5t0GOUldAsRj2QW9WelwbsHdhaP3oE4VMMl2yUaEBbw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/USNavy?__cft__[0]=AZVaKqPNSiwSuKRH01L03JB8k_89iOrQZOlRWtfzOBsAJCt3z8QQvEYQa8XpseNu6lXA2LDrRWcHbQW3Fa1vXPGXU-T_5Dh2wbhpnKG7qo382L0qE0fMgmG5jv5Z_FFWJHRL1dX62558wBmmNSH_sOYY5t0GOUldAsRj2QW9WelwbsHdhaP3oE4VMMl2yUaEBbw&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">U.S. Navy</a>&nbsp;Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), began wreckage removal operations at the site of the Potomac River Aviation Incident near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Phoso U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Kansas U.S. Senators are supporting the introduction of the ROTOR Act led by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas). This legislation addresses oversight gaps in aviation safety, specifically those revealed in the aftermath of the midair collision involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 from Wichita, by strengthening coordination, transparency, and operational safeguards in American airspace.</p><p><a href="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/1C1D2B0A-A5D7-4928-AE34-6A4758A0A883">Click here for a summary of the bill</a></p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0jMgeFF-PP8?si=EhCKxrfTdIysHtFV&amp;start=2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Six months ago, 67 individuals, including 7 from Kansas, tragically lost their lives on American flight 5342.<br><br>I’m proud to support <a href="https://twitter.com/SenTedCruz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenTedCruz</a>’s ROTOR Act to ensure that U.S. skies are the safest in the world and a tragedy like this never happens again. <a href="https://t.co/q7GwFig51U">pic.twitter.com/q7GwFig51U</a></p>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1950266451488887299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today, I joined <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDuffy</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/FAA_Bryan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FAA_Bryan</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JenniferHomendy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JenniferHomendy</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JerryMoran</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/SenTedBuddNC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenTedBuddNC</a> for a press conference unveiling the ROTOR Act.<br><br>Thank you to the family members, like Tim and Sheri Lilley and Doug Lane, whose courage and advocacy for the Flight 5342… <a href="https://t.co/S31lBc4R2Q">pic.twitter.com/S31lBc4R2Q</a></p>&mdash; Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenTedCruz/status/1950257338566238372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Safety is NOT partisan. We will spare no expense to make sure our skies are the SAFEST in the WORLD as we usher in the next generation of aviation 🌎<br><br>Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/SenTedCruz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenTedCruz</a> for pushing this forward. <a href="https://t.co/kNcxYwwBR9">pic.twitter.com/kNcxYwwBR9</a></p>&mdash; Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1950241000036675946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥6 months after fatal crash: Kan. U.S. Senators continue to take action

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend Kansas City homicide have identified the victim as 45-year-old Monroe Mitchell, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just after 7p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the area of 18th and Prospect on a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they located a witness who had summoned them to the area of 18th and Benton advising he heard several gun shots near that location, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Officers responded to 18th and Benton, where they located Mitchell in a grassy area near a convenience store. He was unresponsive, and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS responded to the scene and declared the him deceased at that time.

Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to begin gathering witness statements and collecting any evidence. Several witnesses remained in the area and assisted detectives in making progress on identifying an adult male person of interest. Police have not reported an arrest.

<p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend Kansas City homicide have identified the victim as 45-year-old Monroe Mitchell, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.</p><p>Just after 7p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to the area of 18th and Prospect on a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they located a witness who had summoned them to the area of 18th and Benton advising he heard several gun shots near that location, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.</p><p>Officers responded to 18th and Benton, where they located Mitchell in a grassy area near a convenience store. He was unresponsive, and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS responded to the scene and declared the him deceased at that time.</p><p>Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to begin gathering witness statements and collecting any evidence. Several witnesses remained in the area and assisted detectives in making progress on identifying an adult male person of interest. Police have not reported an arrest.</p>

Police ID man who died after shooting near KC convenience store

The names of MOScholars donors and contribution amounts were once easily available to the public. But the Missouri Treasurer’s Office says that was never supposed to be the case

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a><br><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/"><i>Missouri Independent</i></a>

Who’s funding a state’s tax credit program for private school tuition is no longer available through Missouri’s transparency portal, following a decision by the State Treasurer’s Office to permanently remove the information.

Donors and their contribution amounts were available July 2, 2024, when The Independent accessed the information and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/05/major-corporations-wealthy-donors-fuel-growth-of-missouri-private-school-scholarship/">published a report three days later</a>&nbsp;showing the largest donors to the program at the time were a Fortune 500 health care corporation, a cable company and the founding family of the Kansas City Chiefs.

When the article was released, the State Treasurer’s Office called The Independent to ask how the information was accessed. The office didn’t seem to be aware that the list was available on a&nbsp;<a href="https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/TaxCredits/" target="_blank">state-run website</a>&nbsp;detailing state spending.

According to Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine, donor information was&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240726070150/https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/Map/TaxCredits/Categories/Default.aspx?year=2024" target="_blank">wiped by the end of the month</a>.

Jackson Bailey, chief of staff to Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek, chalked the situation up to a “clerical error,” saying the office never intended the information to be posted in the first place.

The office declined to answer further questions on the removal, including whether or not the information is available upon request.&nbsp;

In 2022, Missouri lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/05/new-missouri-law-shields-nonprofit-donor-identities-allow-llcs-to-give-to-candidates/">passed a law</a>&nbsp;to shield nonprofits from being forced to disclose donor information. And it was quickly used to conceal public records, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/24/donor-privacy-law-being-used-by-missouri-agencies-to-conceal-public-records/">then-Gov. Mike Parson redacting the names of donors and attendees</a>&nbsp;of his holiday gala.

A year later, lawmakers approved a fix to the law&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/19/changes-to-missouri-donor-privacy-law-would-restore-access-to-state-contracts/">clarifying how it should be implemented</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missouri’s tax-credit scholarship program, called MOScholars, is set up using state-approved nonprofits. Donors apply for a tax credit through the State Treasurer’s Office and donate to the nonprofits, which are called educational assistance organizations. At tax time, they are able to deduct the donation amount from their state tax obligations, so long as it’s less than half of their total bill.

Because the program is set up using private nonprofit organizations as an intermediary, the state might be barred, or at least exempt, from disclosing the donation information, according to Dave Roland, director of litigation at the Freedom Center of Missouri.

Programs like MOScholars, Roland said, are “specifically designed to have the funding treated as private money rather than public money.”

“Due to the connection to a government-created program, the government might be able to require public disclosure of the persons donating to these programs (and thus receiving the tax credits), but they are not obligated to make this information public if they don’t want to,” he wrote in an email.

But for those wary about the MOScholars program, less transparency only makes frustrations worse.

Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, has been a vocal critic of MOScholars and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/10/missouri-treasurer-vivek-malek-transparency-moscholars/">has sought clarity from program administrators</a>, including Malek. In 2024, Beck asked for “all the data” the office had compiled on MOScholars and received a screenshot of a webpage with basic demographic information.

“We should have accountability and transparency,” he told The Independent. “We don’t know where the money is coming from. We don’t know how much money it is. How do we know it’s getting where it is supposed to go?”

He pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/CitzSummaryDirect?id=1039" target="_blank">a report from the State Auditor’s Office</a>&nbsp;released earlier this month which called out Malek’s office for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/16/missouri-auditor-says-treasurer-put-35-million-into-wrong-state-fund/">depositing $35 million of general revenue into the wrong fund</a>.

The audit also identified a lack of transparency in the administration of the MOScholars program. The treasurer’s office wasn’t hiring annual audits of the program as required and it missed inconsistencies in quarterly reports from educational assistance organizations.

Trent Blair, director of programs in the State Treasurer’s Office, told The Independent that the office has already rectified this mistake and recently hired an auditing company.

The demand for more oversight of MOScholars has accelerated in recent months, with state lawmakers passing a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/04/new-funding-for-private-school-vouchers-will-set-precedent-for-future-missouri-budgets/">$51 million direct appropriation</a>&nbsp;to the program. A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/01/missouri-educators-sue-state-over-51-million-appropriation-to-private-school-vouchers/">lawsuit filed at the beginning of July</a>&nbsp;is challenging the constitutionality of the funding windfall.

But Blair, when asked if Missourians should feel safe handing over $50 million in the wake of oversight issues, said taxpayers could trust the state.

“There are no fewer accountability issues with this program than any other,” he said in an email. “So Missourians should feel confident about the fiscal responsibility associated with this appropriation.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753891796912.png" alt=" State Treasurer Vivek Malek testifies in a Senate committee in January 2024, fielding questions about the oversight of the MOScholars program (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
                        <figcaption> State Treasurer Vivek Malek testifies in a Senate committee in January 2024, fielding questions about the oversight of the MOScholars program (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>The names of MOScholars donors and contribution amounts were once easily available to the public. But the Missouri Treasurer’s Office says that was never supposed to be the case</h2><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a><br><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/"><i>Missouri Independent</i></a></p><p>Who’s funding a state’s tax credit program for private school tuition is no longer available through Missouri’s transparency portal, following a decision by the State Treasurer’s Office to permanently remove the information.</p><p>Donors and their contribution amounts were available July 2, 2024, when The Independent accessed the information and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/05/major-corporations-wealthy-donors-fuel-growth-of-missouri-private-school-scholarship/">published a report three days later</a>&nbsp;showing the largest donors to the program at the time were a Fortune 500 health care corporation, a cable company and the founding family of the Kansas City Chiefs.</p><p>When the article was released, the State Treasurer’s Office called The Independent to ask how the information was accessed. The office didn’t seem to be aware that the list was available on a&nbsp;<a href="https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/TaxCredits/" target="_blank">state-run website</a>&nbsp;detailing state spending.</p><p>According to Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine, donor information was&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240726070150/https://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/Map/TaxCredits/Categories/Default.aspx?year=2024" target="_blank">wiped by the end of the month</a>.</p><p>Jackson Bailey, chief of staff to Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek, chalked the situation up to a “clerical error,” saying the office never intended the information to be posted in the first place.</p><p>The office declined to answer further questions on the removal, including whether or not the information is available upon request.&nbsp;</p><p>In 2022, Missouri lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/05/new-missouri-law-shields-nonprofit-donor-identities-allow-llcs-to-give-to-candidates/">passed a law</a>&nbsp;to shield nonprofits from being forced to disclose donor information. And it was quickly used to conceal public records, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/24/donor-privacy-law-being-used-by-missouri-agencies-to-conceal-public-records/">then-Gov. Mike Parson redacting the names of donors and attendees</a>&nbsp;of his holiday gala.</p><p>A year later, lawmakers approved a fix to the law&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/19/changes-to-missouri-donor-privacy-law-would-restore-access-to-state-contracts/">clarifying how it should be implemented</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Missouri’s tax-credit scholarship program, called MOScholars, is set up using state-approved nonprofits. Donors apply for a tax credit through the State Treasurer’s Office and donate to the nonprofits, which are called educational assistance organizations. At tax time, they are able to deduct the donation amount from their state tax obligations, so long as it’s less than half of their total bill.</p><p>Because the program is set up using private nonprofit organizations as an intermediary, the state might be barred, or at least exempt, from disclosing the donation information, according to Dave Roland, director of litigation at the Freedom Center of Missouri.</p><p>Programs like MOScholars, Roland said, are “specifically designed to have the funding treated as private money rather than public money.”</p><p>“Due to the connection to a government-created program, the government might be able to require public disclosure of the persons donating to these programs (and thus receiving the tax credits), but they are not obligated to make this information public if they don’t want to,” he wrote in an email.</p><p>But for those wary about the MOScholars program, less transparency only makes frustrations worse.</p><p>Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, has been a vocal critic of MOScholars and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/10/missouri-treasurer-vivek-malek-transparency-moscholars/">has sought clarity from program administrators</a>, including Malek. In 2024, Beck asked for “all the data” the office had compiled on MOScholars and received a screenshot of a webpage with basic demographic information.</p><p>“We should have accountability and transparency,” he told The Independent. “We don’t know where the money is coming from. We don’t know how much money it is. How do we know it’s getting where it is supposed to go?”</p><p>He pointed to&nbsp;<a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/CitzSummaryDirect?id=1039" target="_blank">a report from the State Auditor’s Office</a>&nbsp;released earlier this month which called out Malek’s office for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/16/missouri-auditor-says-treasurer-put-35-million-into-wrong-state-fund/">depositing $35 million of general revenue into the wrong fund</a>.</p><p>The audit also identified a lack of transparency in the administration of the MOScholars program. The treasurer’s office wasn’t hiring annual audits of the program as required and it missed inconsistencies in quarterly reports from educational assistance organizations.</p><p>Trent Blair, director of programs in the State Treasurer’s Office, told The Independent that the office has already rectified this mistake and recently hired an auditing company.</p><p>The demand for more oversight of MOScholars has accelerated in recent months, with state lawmakers passing a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/04/new-funding-for-private-school-vouchers-will-set-precedent-for-future-missouri-budgets/">$51 million direct appropriation</a>&nbsp;to the program. A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/01/missouri-educators-sue-state-over-51-million-appropriation-to-private-school-vouchers/">lawsuit filed at the beginning of July</a>&nbsp;is challenging the constitutionality of the funding windfall.</p><p>But Blair, when asked if Missourians should feel safe handing over $50 million in the wake of oversight issues, said taxpayers could trust the state.</p><p>“There are no fewer accountability issues with this program than any other,” he said in an email. “So Missourians should feel confident about the fiscal responsibility associated with this appropriation.”</p>

Donors to private school voucher program removed from Missouri transparency site

The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a three-day investigative hearing July 30 through Aug. 1 on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA25MA108.aspx">Jan. 29 mid-a​​ir collision</a>&nbsp;betwe​en a PSA Airlines CRJ700 regional jetliner and a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The two pilots, two flight attendants, and 60 passengers aboard the airplane, operated as American Airlines Flight 5342, were killed, along with the helicopter’s three crew members.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.windrosemedia.com/livewebcast/version9/WebcastPortal/webcast.php?webcast_id=406&amp;rpath=/clients/ntsb/public">Click here to watch the hearing</a>

The NTSB conducts investigative hearings to assist in obtaining information necessary to determine the facts and circumstances of transportation accidents or incidents under investigation.&nbsp;

​​​WHAT: An NTSB investigative hearing on the&nbsp;Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky UH-60 Military Helicopter​​.

WHO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/about/board/Pages/default.aspx">NTSB Board members</a>, investigative staff, scheduled witnesses, and parties to the hearing.

WHEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Documents/2025%20Hearing%20Agenda%20-%20DCA%20Midair%20Collision.pdf">July 30-August 1</a>

Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. eastern time (ET)

​Thursday, July 31, 2025, 9&nbsp;a.m. to 7&nbsp;p.m. ET

Friday, August 1, 2025, 9&nbsp;a.m. to 1​&nbsp;p.m. ET

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753879190797.png" alt="Photo courtesy NTSB" />
                        <figcaption>Photo courtesy NTSB</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a three-day investigative hearing July 30 through Aug. 1 on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA25MA108.aspx">Jan. 29 mid-a​​ir collision</a>&nbsp;betwe​en a PSA Airlines CRJ700 regional jetliner and a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The two pilots, two flight attendants, and 60 passengers aboard the airplane, operated as American Airlines Flight 5342, were killed, along with the helicopter’s three crew members.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.windrosemedia.com/livewebcast/version9/WebcastPortal/webcast.php?webcast_id=406&amp;rpath=/clients/ntsb/public">Click here to watch the hearing</a></p><p>The NTSB conducts investigative hearings to assist in obtaining information necessary to determine the facts and circumstances of transportation accidents or incidents under investigation.&nbsp;</p><p>​​​WHAT: An NTSB investigative hearing on the&nbsp;Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky UH-60 Military Helicopter​​.</p><p>WHO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/about/board/Pages/default.aspx">NTSB Board members</a>, investigative staff, scheduled witnesses, and parties to the hearing.</p><p>WHEN:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Documents/2025%20Hearing%20Agenda%20-%20DCA%20Midair%20Collision.pdf">July 30-August 1</a></p><p>Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. eastern time (ET)</p><ul>
                        <li>9-10: Opening Statements</li><li>10-2: Panel 1&nbsp;Overviews of Accidents Helicopter's Air Data Systems and Altimeters</li><li>2-2:45: Lunch Break</li><li>2:45-6:30: Panel 2: Overview of the DCA Class B Airspace and Helicopter Routes</li><li>6:30-7:&nbsp;Closing / Adjourn</li>
                    </ul><p>​Thursday, July 31, 2025, 9&nbsp;a.m. to 7&nbsp;p.m. ET</p><ul>
                        <li>9-10: ​​​Opening Statements</li><li>​10-2:&nbsp;Panel 3 Training, Guidance and Procedures Applicable to DCA Air Traffic Control&nbsp;</li><li>2-2:45: Lunch Break</li><li>2:25-6:30: Panel 4: Overview of Collision Avoidance Technology&nbsp;</li><li>6:30-7: Closing / Adjourn​</li>
                    </ul><p>Friday, August 1, 2025, 9&nbsp;a.m. to 1​&nbsp;p.m. ET</p><ul>
                        <li>​9-9:15:Opening Statements</li><li>9:15-1:30: Panel 5 Safety Data and Safety Managments Systems (SMSs) at the Various Organizations&nbsp;</li><li>1:30-2:00:​​​​​ Closing / Adjourn</li>
                    </ul>

🎥Hearings begin on deadly crash involving passenger jet from Kansas

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753612145888.png" alt="Deputy Elijah Ming courtesy photo" />
                        <figcaption>Deputy Elijah Ming courtesy photo</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwycosheriff%2Fposts%2Fpfbid035gZ3UBmeGE7LGzsJumMuZGjz3Zq9Zh8KAQFTNZ5fviFb24EC6BmuDheUDCwqvJ8bl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="648" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Details on donation sites to help family of fallen Kan. Deputy

NEWTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Tuesday in Newton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 BMW F650 driven by a 22-year-old Joplin man was eastbound on on Aspen Road threemiles southeast of Joplin.

The motorcycle traveled across a T-intersection, struck a fence and overturned. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; The patrol did not report if the rider was wearing a helmet. The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>NEWTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Tuesday in Newton County.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 BMW F650 driven by a 22-year-old Joplin man was eastbound on on Aspen Road threemiles southeast of Joplin.</p><p>The motorcycle traveled across a T-intersection, struck a fence and overturned. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; The patrol did not report if the rider was wearing a helmet. The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

Missouri man killed after motorcycle struck a fence

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.

Just before 12:30p.m. Tuesday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in 7700 block of E. 113th street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. 

Crews reported heavy smoke from a single-story residence on arrival.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear. The occupants were able to self-evacuate. KCFD contained the fire to the kitchen. No injuries were reported at this incident. Red Cross ordered for two adults and one infant.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753815797120.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.</p><p>Just before 12:30p.m. Tuesday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in 7700 block of E. 113th street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. </p><p>Crews reported heavy smoke from a single-story residence on arrival.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear. The occupants were able to self-evacuate. KCFD contained the fire to the kitchen. No injuries were reported at this incident. Red Cross ordered for two adults and one infant.&nbsp;</p>

KCFD: Red Cross assisting 2 adults, infant after house fire

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for the murder of his wife and adult son and for killing a neighbor's dog.

On July 25, Judge Michael P. Joyce sentenced Todd Michael Donovan to a life in prison without parole for 50-years for counts one and two, first degree premeditated murder and 30 days for the count three cruelty to animals, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office..

In&nbsp; April of 2024, Donovan pleaded guilty to the charges of first degree murder and cruelty to animals.

Just before 8:30p.m. Nov. 1, police responded on the report of an armed disturbance at a home in the 7900 block of Hallet in the city of Lenexa, according to a media release. As officers arrived, they heard multiple gunshots coming from the area of the residence.

Lenexa officers spoke on the phone with the individual suspected of firing shots and learned 53-year-old Todd M. Donovan was inside his residence on Hallet.

Donovan refused to comply with officer’s requests to come outside peacefully and the Lenexa Tactical Team and crisis negotiators responded on the barricade operation. Negotiators spoke with Donovan for nearly two hours before he discontinued dialogue.

Just before 2a.m. the next morning, members of the Lenexa Tactical Team entered the residence and took Donovan into custody. He was taken to an area hospital due to a possible overdose.

Officers located two individuals later identified as Donovan's wife 52-year-old Sheila Donovan and his son 22-year-old Tyler Donovan deceased inside the home. The preliminary investigation indicates that both were shot. As part of this investigation, it was also learned that a neighbor's dog was shot and killed around the same time that officers responded on the initial call.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730686002368.png" alt="Donovan photo Johnson County" />
                        <figcaption>Donovan photo Johnson County</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for the murder of his wife and adult son and for killing a neighbor's dog.</p><p>On July 25, Judge Michael P. Joyce sentenced Todd Michael Donovan to a life in prison without parole for 50-years for counts one and two, first degree premeditated murder and 30 days for the count three cruelty to animals, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office..</p><p>In&nbsp; April of 2024, Donovan pleaded guilty to the charges of first degree murder and cruelty to animals.</p><p>Just before 8:30p.m. Nov. 1, police responded on the report of an armed disturbance at a home in the 7900 block of Hallet in the city of Lenexa, according to a media release. As officers arrived, they heard multiple gunshots coming from the area of the residence.</p><p>Lenexa officers spoke on the phone with the individual suspected of firing shots and learned 53-year-old Todd M. Donovan was inside his residence on Hallet.</p><p>Donovan refused to comply with officer’s requests to come outside peacefully and the Lenexa Tactical Team and crisis negotiators responded on the barricade operation. Negotiators spoke with Donovan for nearly two hours before he discontinued dialogue.</p><p>Just before 2a.m. the next morning, members of the Lenexa Tactical Team entered the residence and took Donovan into custody. He was taken to an area hospital due to a possible overdose.</p><p>Officers located two individuals later identified as Donovan's wife 52-year-old Sheila Donovan and his son 22-year-old Tyler Donovan deceased inside the home. The preliminary investigation indicates that both were shot. As part of this investigation, it was also learned that a neighbor's dog was shot and killed around the same time that officers responded on the initial call.</p>