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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catholic organizations circulated petitions and urged legislators to step in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It is the conviction of the Catholic Church presented in its doctrinal teachings that the Consecrated Hosts and Wine are in fact the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, present under the form of bread and wine,” the lawsuit read.

Catholic teachings outline specific rituals for the handling of sacramental objects. The suit alleges Stewart and his vice president aren’t qualified to handle such objects.

Naumann provided no evidence to show that archdiocesan property had been stolen.&nbsp;

Stewart said he “would think this whole thing was hilarious” if it weren’t for the Legislature changing state policy to address a single event.

“I think it’s because they’re afraid,” Stewart said.

Naumann demanded the lawsuit be resolved through a civil jury trial. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Thursday. No criminal charges had been filed against Stewart or other members of the Satanic Grotto as of Tuesday afternoon, according to court records.&nbsp;

The Satanic Grotto has changed its plans in response to Kelly’s decree and intends to demonstrate outside, as she prescribed, with the expectation that Catholic groups will be there to counter-protest. Stewart initially promised to enter the building, defying the governor in “a peaceful act of civil disobedience.”

Even with the policy changes, the lawsuit, which Stewart expects will be thrown out, and a statement from legislators condemning the event, Stewart is resolute.&nbsp;

“I will go to the capitol on March 28,” he said.

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee held an impromptu hearing Tuesday on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hr6016/" target="_blank">House Resolution 6016</a>, which denounces the planned event as “a despicable, blasphemous and offensive sacrilege to not only Catholics but all people of goodwill.”

The hearing, which only included testimony from the resolution’s supporters, also provoked discussions over legislators’ religious beliefs and whether lawmakers were considering First Amendment protections.

Rep. Dan Osman, an Overland Park Democrat, attributed the proponent-only testimony to the fact that the committee met outside of its scheduled time and parties were given less than 24 hours of notice to participate. He wanted to discuss the resolution at a later date, but a majority of committee members voted to advance it.&nbsp;

Osman called the resolution “shortsighted” because no one knows what will happen on March 28.

Other legislators questioned why they were spending time and resources to give the Satanic Grotto attention. Some supported the resolution as a way to stand up to the planned black mass and what some saw as anti-Catholic bigotry. Others voted against it to avoid treating one religion differently than others.

The resolution is not law and has no legal teeth.

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

Kansas legislators, archbishop take action against satanists and their planned black mass

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

Just after 11p.m. Tuesday, police were called to the 3400 block of Harrison Street on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

First responders located two shooting victims unresponsive in the street.

Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over treatment. EMS transported both victims to the hospital where they were both men were pronounced deceased.

There is no suspect information at this time as detectives work to determine the events leading up to the shooting.

Detectives are also canvassing for witnesses and crime scene investigators are processing the scene for evidence.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a double-homicide in Kansas City.Just after 11p.m. Tuesday, police were called to the 3400 block of Harrison Street on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.First responders located two shooting victims unresponsive in the street.Officers rendered aid until EMS arrived and took over treatment. EMS transported both victims to the hospital where they were both men were pronounced deceased.There is no suspect information at this time as detectives work to determine the events leading up to the shooting.Detectives are also canvassing for witnesses and crime scene investigators are processing the scene for evidence.

Double-homicide: Police found 2 shooting victims on KC street

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, the Kansas City police department helicopter was following a vehicle which fled from law enforcement in Kansas and Missouri, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp; With information provided by the helicopter, KCPD officers on the ground contacted the suspect vehicle in a parking lot in 1600 block of Jefferson Street just west of the downtown loop of Interstate 35 and Interstate 670.

Officers exited their vehicle and began giving the driver commands. The driver drove his vehicle in the direction of the officers and struck the patrol car. One officer fired his duty weapon at the driver striking him.&nbsp; As the suspect vehicle stopped, the driver was taken into custody and later transported to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp; The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the shooting investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742379426063.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, the Kansas City police department helicopter was following a vehicle which fled from law enforcement in Kansas and Missouri, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp; With information provided by the helicopter, KCPD officers on the ground contacted the suspect vehicle in a parking lot in 1600 block of Jefferson Street just west of the downtown loop of Interstate 35 and Interstate 670.Officers exited their vehicle and began giving the driver commands. The driver drove his vehicle in the direction of the officers and struck the patrol car. One officer fired his duty weapon at the driver striking him.&nbsp; As the suspect vehicle stopped, the driver was taken into custody and later transported to a local hospital for treatment.&nbsp; The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the shooting investigation.

Officer shot driver who rammed KCPD vehicle

KANSAS CITY —The cause of a fire at a Tesla dealership in Kansas City is under investigation.

Just after 11p.m. Monday, Kansas City Missouri Fire crews responded to a reported fire at the Tesla car lot, 10111 Stateline Avenue, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Crews found two Tesla Cyber Trucks on fire. KCFD sent an additional company for additional water and a Battalion Chief.

The fire was brought under control and the vehicles were covered with a fire blanket to prevent reignition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742305766866.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The cause of a fire at a Tesla dealership in Kansas City is under investigation.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FBI Kansas City has released the following statement alongside <a href="https://twitter.com/ATFKansasCity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATFKansasCity</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/kcpolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kcpolice</a> regarding an overnight incident in South Kansas City. <a href="https://t.co/M2SZS6iWeQ">pic.twitter.com/M2SZS6iWeQ</a>&mdash; FBI Kansas City (@FBIKansasCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIKansasCity/status/1902048654795432263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Just after 11p.m. Monday, Kansas City Missouri Fire crews responded to a reported fire at the Tesla car lot, 10111 Stateline Avenue, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.Crews found two Tesla Cyber Trucks on fire. KCFD sent an additional company for additional water and a Battalion Chief.The fire was brought under control and the vehicles were covered with a fire blanket to prevent reignition.

Cybertruck fires at KC Tesla dealership under federal investigation 

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man faces felony charges in connection with an attempted kidnapping, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2546/KEITH-COMPLAINT-REDACTED">Jeromy Keith, 47, Independence, Mo., faces</a>&nbsp;one count of 1st Degree Attempted Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2547/keithjeromy---pc-statement">According to court records</a>, Independence police responded to a disturbance call where victims reported Keith had threatened to kidnap his wife and murder another person. Officers later arrested Keith and an individual who was with him, and discovered packing tape, a mask, a container of bleach, detergent, a striking baton, and a specialized view camera in their vehicle.&nbsp;

Witnesses told police they overheard the defendant planning to pay someone to help kidnap his wife and murder another victim.&nbsp;

Officers were told Keith had a history of domestic abuse, causing his wife to often relocate to avoid him. Keith had also been sending threatening messages to his wife, which made her fear for her safety.&nbsp;

Keith is being held on a $200,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742232326673.png" alt="Keith photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Keith photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man faces felony charges in connection with an attempted kidnapping, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2546/KEITH-COMPLAINT-REDACTED">Jeromy Keith, 47, Independence, Mo., faces</a>&nbsp;one count of 1st Degree Attempted Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2547/keithjeromy---pc-statement">According to court records</a>, Independence police responded to a disturbance call where victims reported Keith had threatened to kidnap his wife and murder another person. Officers later arrested Keith and an individual who was with him, and discovered packing tape, a mask, a container of bleach, detergent, a striking baton, and a specialized view camera in their vehicle.&nbsp;Witnesses told police they overheard the defendant planning to pay someone to help kidnap his wife and murder another victim.&nbsp;Officers were told Keith had a history of domestic abuse, causing his wife to often relocate to avoid him. Keith had also been sending threatening messages to his wife, which made her fear for her safety.&nbsp;Keith is being held on a $200,000 bond.&nbsp;

Prosecutor: KC area man planned to pay for his wife's kidnapping

MANHATTAN, KS – Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of live country music as Rock The Plains 2025 makes its highly anticipated debut at Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan, Kansas.

 The festival is set for Friday, August 8, and Saturday, August 9, and will feature an all-star lineup of Red Dirt, Texas Country, and independent country artists.

The full lineup has officially been revealed, with country music heavyweights headlining each night. Friday, August 8, will be led by the Randy Rogers Band, with additional performances from Aaron Watson, Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Curtis Grimes, Jenna Paulette, Clay Aery, and DJ DU.

Saturday, August 9, will keep the energy high with Casey Donahew headlining the night, alongside performances from Josh Abbott Band, Pat Green, Logan Mize, Adam Hood, Kat Hasty, Clay Aery, and DJ DU.

Tuttle Creek State Park provides the perfect backdrop for an immersive festival experience, complete with on-site camping, allowing fans to enjoy two days of incredible music, scenic views, and great vibes.

Tickets for Rock The Plains 2025 are on-sale now at <a href="https://www.rocktheplains.com/">www.rocktheplains.com</a>. Early ticket purchases are encouraged, as this event is expected to sell out as capacity is being capped!

For more information, including ticket details, camping reservations, and festival updates, visit <a href="https://www.rocktheplains.com/">www.rocktheplains.com</a> and follow Rock The Plains on social media.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742332870380.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rock the PlainsMANHATTAN, KS – Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of live country music as Rock The Plains 2025 makes its highly anticipated debut at Tuttle Creek State Park in Manhattan, Kansas. The festival is set for Friday, August 8, and Saturday, August 9, and will feature an all-star lineup of Red Dirt, Texas Country, and independent country artists.The full lineup has officially been revealed, with country music heavyweights headlining each night. Friday, August 8, will be led by the Randy Rogers Band, with additional performances from Aaron Watson, Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Curtis Grimes, Jenna Paulette, Clay Aery, and DJ DU.Saturday, August 9, will keep the energy high with Casey Donahew headlining the night, alongside performances from Josh Abbott Band, Pat Green, Logan Mize, Adam Hood, Kat Hasty, Clay Aery, and DJ DU.Tuttle Creek State Park provides the perfect backdrop for an immersive festival experience, complete with on-site camping, allowing fans to enjoy two days of incredible music, scenic views, and great vibes.Tickets for Rock The Plains 2025 are on-sale now at <a href="https://www.rocktheplains.com/">www.rocktheplains.com</a>. Early ticket purchases are encouraged, as this event is expected to sell out as capacity is being capped!For more information, including ticket details, camping reservations, and festival updates, visit <a href="https://www.rocktheplains.com/">www.rocktheplains.com</a> and follow Rock The Plains on social media.

Lineup announced for new country music event in Manhattan

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Tuesday released their preliminary report on the incident that led to the gas line explosion and fire on Feb. 22. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/PLD25FR003.aspx" target="_blank">Click here to read the full preliminary report&nbsp;</a>

In the first portion of the report, the NTSB states that an underline gas leak resulted in a commercial building explosion which destroyed the building and caused an evacuation of the surrounding community. &nbsp;&nbsp;

No injuries or deaths occurred and the NTSB states that the damages are to be approximately $975,000. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The report states that the Reno County dispatch received a gas odor report from the public at approximately 9:26 a.m., and that Hutchinson Fire Department arrived on the scene approximately seven minutes later at 9:33 a.m. &nbsp;

After the explosion ONE Gas, the parent company of Kansas Gas Service, excavated the area exposing approximately 120-feet of the ten-inch steel gas main. &nbsp;During the excavation, a leak was found at a girth weld, which is where two gas pipes are welded along their circumference. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The NTSB while on scene conducted a visual examination of the pipeline, collected physical evidence and conducted interviews. &nbsp;A portion of the gas line was later transported to the NTSB Materials Laboratory in Washington DC for evaluation and testing. &nbsp;&nbsp;Currently the investigation by the NTSB is ongoing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The report says that future investigative activity will focus on previous failures and the leak history of the pipeline as well as aspects o ONE Gas’s integrity management program and state regulatory oversite; ONE Gas emergency response training and ONE Gas’s leak response, safety management system program and isolation planning tool. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742323605763.png" alt="Photo NTSB report" />
 <figcaption>Photo NTSB report</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Tuesday released their preliminary report on the incident that led to the gas line explosion and fire on Feb. 22. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/PLD25FR003.aspx" target="_blank">Click here to read the full preliminary report&nbsp;</a>In the first portion of the report, the NTSB states that an underline gas leak resulted in a commercial building explosion which destroyed the building and caused an evacuation of the surrounding community. &nbsp;&nbsp;No injuries or deaths occurred and the NTSB states that the damages are to be approximately $975,000. &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740255614106.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department (file photo)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department (file photo)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The report states that the Reno County dispatch received a gas odor report from the public at approximately 9:26 a.m., and that Hutchinson Fire Department arrived on the scene approximately seven minutes later at 9:33 a.m. &nbsp;After the explosion ONE Gas, the parent company of Kansas Gas Service, excavated the area exposing approximately 120-feet of the ten-inch steel gas main. &nbsp;During the excavation, a leak was found at a girth weld, which is where two gas pipes are welded along their circumference. &nbsp;&nbsp;The NTSB while on scene conducted a visual examination of the pipeline, collected physical evidence and conducted interviews. &nbsp;A portion of the gas line was later transported to the NTSB Materials Laboratory in Washington DC for evaluation and testing. &nbsp;&nbsp;Currently the investigation by the NTSB is ongoing. &nbsp;&nbsp;The report says that future investigative activity will focus on previous failures and the leak history of the pipeline as well as aspects o ONE Gas’s integrity management program and state regulatory oversite; ONE Gas emergency response training and ONE Gas’s leak response, safety management system program and isolation planning tool. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Read the NTSB preliminary report on the gas explosion in Hutchinson

WASHINGTON— President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a high-stakes phone call Tuesday on the Ukraine-Russia war.

Shortly after the call, the White House released a brief summary of the conversation. It is below.

&nbsp;Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia.

The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.
 
This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts.

The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace.

These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East. 
 
The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application.

The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel. 
 
The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742207940676.png" alt="File photo President Trump discussed calling Putin during a flight from Florida to Washington on Sunday-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo President Trump discussed calling Putin during a flight from Florida to Washington on Sunday-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a high-stakes phone call Tuesday on the Ukraine-Russia war.Shortly after the call, the White House released a brief summary of the conversation. It is below.&nbsp;Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.
 
This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East. 
 
The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application. The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel. 
 
The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved.

See the readout : Trump and Putin discuss Ukraine-Russia ceasefire deal 

A Kansas City man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting that took place at a West Side gas station in Kansas on July 4, 2024, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2535/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet-JONES-REDACTED">Orlando Smith, 22,&nbsp;</a>is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2534/Orlando-Smith-PC-Statement-Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a gas station on and observed a female victim in her vehicle with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.&nbsp;

Detectives reviewed surveillance video in the area showing a man, who detectives later identified as Smith armed with a pistol and walking toward a light pole near the gas station. An unknown man is also seen near the light pole. As the victim’s vehicle is pulling into the gas station parking lot, a muzzle flash is seen coming from where the defendant is standing.

Witnesses reported Smith got into an argument with a homeless man, fired a shot in the air, and then attacked the man. One witness stated the defendant could not control his firearm as it continued firing until he removed his finger from the trigger.&nbsp;

Detectives interviewed Smith and he admitted to shooting a Glock 22 with an extended magazine after getting into an argument with an unknown man. He said he thought he shot twice into the ground and was not aware anyone was killed.&nbsp;

The defendant is being held without bond. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741966273012.png" alt="Smith photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A Kansas City man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting that took place at a West Side gas station in Kansas on July 4, 2024, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2535/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet-JONES-REDACTED">Orlando Smith, 22,&nbsp;</a>is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2534/Orlando-Smith-PC-Statement-Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a gas station on and observed a female victim in her vehicle with a fatal gunshot wound to the head.&nbsp;Detectives reviewed surveillance video in the area showing a man, who detectives later identified as Smith armed with a pistol and walking toward a light pole near the gas station. An unknown man is also seen near the light pole. As the victim’s vehicle is pulling into the gas station parking lot, a muzzle flash is seen coming from where the defendant is standing.Witnesses reported Smith got into an argument with a homeless man, fired a shot in the air, and then attacked the man. One witness stated the defendant could not control his firearm as it continued firing until he removed his finger from the trigger.&nbsp;Detectives interviewed Smith and he admitted to shooting a Glock 22 with an extended magazine after getting into an argument with an unknown man. He said he thought he shot twice into the ground and was not aware anyone was killed.&nbsp;The defendant is being held without bond. &nbsp;

Double-homicide: KC suspect told police he was unaware anyone died

Crews found two Tesla Cyber Trucks on fire. KCFD sent an additional company for additional water and a Battalion Chief. 

The fire was brought under control and the vehicles were covered with a fire blanket to prevent reignition. 

Kansas City Fire officials ordered Bomb and Arson officials to investigate. The Kansas City Police Department will assist withe the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742306039181.png" alt="Image courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The cause of a fire at a Tesla dealership in Kansas City is under investigation.Just after 11p.m. Monday, Kansas City Missouri Fire crews responded to a reported fire at the Tesla car lot, 10111 Stateline Avenue, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742305766866.png" alt="Image courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>Crews found two Tesla Cyber Trucks on fire. KCFD sent an additional company for additional water and a Battalion Chief. The fire was brought under control and the vehicles were covered with a fire blanket to prevent reignition. Kansas City Fire officials ordered Bomb and Arson officials to investigate. The Kansas City Police Department will assist withe the investigation.

Arson investigation: Tesla Cyber trucks burn at KC dealership

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement continues to investigate weekend vandalism at a church in Wichita. On Monday while meeting with the media during a tour of the&nbsp;Kennedy Center, President Trump was asked about the crime.

Police in Wichita arrested a 23-year-old Saline County man identified as Michael Angel Gonzalez, according to Sedgwick County booking records, for the vandalism.

Just after 8:30 Saturday, police responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located in the 2000 block of N. Arkansas Street in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.

Officers discovered significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.

Recognizing the severity of this crime, Wichita Police and investigators—alongside federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full-scale investigation. The Wichita Police dedicated Crime Scene Investigation team worked diligently to analyze evidence, leading to the swift identification of a suspect.

Officers from the Wichita Police Field Community Response Teams were provided with critical intelligence and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:20 a.m. Sunday, officers located and arrested Gonzalez in the 2800 block of N. Hillside in Wichita without incident.

Gonzalez is being held in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of over $500,000 on requested charges of Burglary, Criminal Desecration, and Criminal Damage to Property. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney and federal prosecutors for formal charging considerations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742206082557.png" alt="GONZALEZ-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>GONZALEZ-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement continues to investigate weekend vandalism at a church in Wichita. On Monday while meeting with the media during a tour of the&nbsp;Kennedy Center, President Trump was asked about the crime.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump says he will investigate the anti-Catholic hate crime at a Wichita, Kansas, parish. “I love Wichita.” Follow: <a href="https://twitter.com/AFpost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AFpost</a> <a href="https://t.co/b1fi33Kbb3">pic.twitter.com/b1fi33Kbb3</a>&mdash; AF Post (@AFpost) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFpost/status/1901820931577622552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Police in Wichita arrested a 23-year-old Saline County man identified as Michael Angel Gonzalez, according to Sedgwick County booking records, for the vandalism.Just after 8:30 Saturday, police responded to a reported burglary at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located in the 2000 block of N. Arkansas Street in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Brad Wright.Officers discovered significant vandalism, including hate speech and damage to items such as statues, candles, and glass. Notably, a United States flag had been burned.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkscathconf%2Fposts%2Fpfbid026gaY1WkRdEDQ7e1i3rT7xskofNW44E13p9ojGNiKWSSxZknV9o4WsWap6oMhDA3Ll&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="819" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Recognizing the severity of this crime, Wichita Police and investigators—alongside federal law enforcement partners including the FBI and ATF—immediately launched a full-scale investigation. The Wichita Police dedicated Crime Scene Investigation team worked diligently to analyze evidence, leading to the swift identification of a suspect.Officers from the Wichita Police Field Community Response Teams were provided with critical intelligence and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:20 a.m. Sunday, officers located and arrested Gonzalez in the 2800 block of N. Hillside in Wichita without incident.Gonzalez is being held in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of over $500,000 on requested charges of Burglary, Criminal Desecration, and Criminal Damage to Property. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney and federal prosecutors for formal charging considerations.

🎥President Trump comments on church vandalism arrest in Kansas

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Mo.—One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Monday in Douglas County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Focus driven by a 15-year-old Ava, Missouri boy was westbound on County Road 500 one mile west of Ava.&nbsp;

The car struck a 16-year-old Ava boy who fell from the hood of the car. The boy was pronounced dead at Cox Hospital, according to the Patrol. There were no other injuries. The driver was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Mo.—One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Monday in Douglas County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Focus driven by a 15-year-old Ava, Missouri boy was westbound on County Road 500 one mile west of Ava.&nbsp;The car struck a 16-year-old Ava boy who fell from the hood of the car. The boy was pronounced dead at Cox Hospital, according to the Patrol. There were no other injuries. The driver was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

16-year-old Missouri boy dies after fall from hood of car

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating two deaths at a home northeast of Kansas City have identified the victims as 33-year-old Dare M. Kinney and 31-year-old Chad D. Wooten, according to a statement from police.

Just after 8:30p.m. March 10, Excelsior Springs police received a 911 call requesting a welfare check for a home in the 200 Block of Woods Avenue, according to media release.&nbsp; A family member of the residents requested the check.

First responders found the residence was secure and a family member then asked officers to force entry into the home to check on the residents. Police found the two men deceased.

Police have not released a possible cause of death but indicated the victims died of unnatural causes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating two deaths at a home northeast of Kansas City have identified the victims as 33-year-old Dare M. Kinney and 31-year-old Chad D. Wooten, according to a statement from police.Just after 8:30p.m. March 10, Excelsior Springs police received a 911 call requesting a welfare check for a home in the 200 Block of Woods Avenue, according to media release.&nbsp; A family member of the residents requested the check.First responders found the residence was secure and a family member then asked officers to force entry into the home to check on the residents. Police found the two men deceased.Police have not released a possible cause of death but indicated the victims died of unnatural causes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police: ID 2 found dead in Kansas City area home

During Kim Evans’ tenure, the department faced criticism from state lawmakers, the federal government and advocacy organizations over its administration of public benefits

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

The head of the Missouri agency that for years has struggled to administer public benefit programs like food assistance and Medicaid announced her retirement on Friday afternoon, effective immediately.

Kim Evans had served as director of the Family Support Division within the Missouri Department of Social Services since 2020. She spent over two decades working for the department, including as a program eligibility specialist, manager and deputy director.

“(The Department of Social Services) is grateful for her service and wishes her the best in the next chapter,” Baylee Watts, the department’s spokeswoman, said in an email.

The interim director will be Mandi Adams, who is currently one of the division’s deputy directors.

Evans’ departure last week is the latest in a series of leadership changes underway at Missouri’s embattled social services agency since Gov. Mike Kehoe was elected in November. A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/mike-kehoe-appoints-new-leader-for-missouri-social-services-agency/">new department director</a>, Jessica Bax, began in January, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-social-services-agency-appoints-new-child-welfare-director/">new director for the child welfare division</a>, Sara Smith, was named last week.&nbsp;

During Evans’ tenure, the department faced criticism from state lawmakers, the federal government and advocacy organizations over its administration of public benefits — which affect the lives of millions of Missourians.&nbsp;

A federal judge last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/09/federal-court-rules-missourians-were-illegally-denied-food-aid-by-the-state/">ruled</a>&nbsp;Missourians were illegally denied food aid by the state due to hours-long call center wait times for participants to receive a required interview.&nbsp;

Those delays — which leadership has largely&nbsp;blamed&nbsp;on call center&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">staffing issues&nbsp;</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">—&nbsp;</a>translate to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/02/broken-system-call-center-backlogs-impede-missouri-families-seeking-food-assistance/">families struggling to feed their young children</a>&nbsp;while rearranging their days to wait on hold, Missourians with disabilities who can’t understand the application forms being unable to get help and some subsisting on little food while using up prepaid phone minutes on hold.

“While call wait times fluctuate and have shown some improvement, the record demonstrates too little progress,” the judge in that case, U.S. District Court Judge M. Douglas Harpool, wrote last year. “Consequently, Missourians who suffer food insecurity have been forced to either go hungry or seek alternative sources of food when their applications are denied.”

The state has been required to submit monthly reports as part of the lawsuit.&nbsp;The average wait time for the interview line for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was 45 minutes in January, the&nbsp;<a href="https://legacy.www.documentcloud.org/documents/25589928-2-18-25-status-report-dss-snap-lawsuit/" target="_blank">most recent monthly data</a>&nbsp;states.&nbsp;

The average wait time for the general call line, which handles all other inquiries — for programs including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and non-interview related SNAP queries — was just under one hour in January.

That&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63105919/holmes-v-knodell/?order_by=desc" target="_blank">case is still ongoing</a>, and the parties are in mediation.

The department in its budget request to the state legislature asked for $11 million to hire 220 new staff in the Family Support Division to help ensure the agency complies with federal and state rules on timely processing, and “maintains a reasonable wait time in the call centers,” the budget&nbsp;<a href="https://oa.mo.gov/sites/default/files/FY26_DSS_Appropriation_Book.pdf" target="_blank">request</a>&nbsp;stated. The governor recommended only 55 new positions.&nbsp;

Asked about the call center issues in a Senate appropriations committee hearing last month, Bax was candid about the ongoing problems, stating that over 10,000 applications for SNAP were rejected solely due to failure to interview in January.

Bax told the committee the agency is looking at “overall efficiencies” including trying to get a shortened and condensed SNAP interview approved, and specializing some of the call center staff.&nbsp;

“So that is where the plan is: to really kind of take back those specialized teams and then have an ability to condense that interview so that we can free up the phone lines,” Bax said.

Democratic state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern of Kansas City said she continues to hear from constituents about their issues accessing aid to which they’re entitled.

“This is one of the things that I continue to have very grave concerns about,” Nurrenbern said at last months’s appropriations committee hearing. “How long people are waiting online for essential services, and hear a lot of frustration from constituents reaching out and saying, ‘I’ve been waiting online all day and nobody’s getting back to us.’

“So I really hope that this is something that this committee can put some emphasis on and making sure that we are being as efficient as possible with these services,” she added.&nbsp;

Bax replied that she “could not agree more.”&nbsp;

Bax’s testimony differed from prior testimony of Evans, who typically&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">downplayed</a>&nbsp;issues with wait times to legislators.&nbsp;At one hearing in late 2023, Evans told lawmakers she was “excited” the wait time was only a few minutes the morning of a hearing, though&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">records obtained by The Independent would later show the average that month was actually over an hour.&nbsp;</a>

There have also been years-long problems with Medicaid application processing, leading to issues like&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/23/perfect-storm-missouri-advocates-decry-medicaid-application-delays-coverage-losses/">pregnant Missourians going without prenatal care</a>.

Last summer, the federal Medicaid agency&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/17/feds-to-scrutinize-missouris-worst-in-the-nation-medicaid-application-delays/">announced</a>&nbsp;it was intervening to help bring the state back into compliance with timely processing.

Bax said last month, regarding some Medicaid cases, “we’re about three months behind on the applications.”

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/fsd_mhdmr/0125-family-support-mohealthnet-report.pdf" target="_blank">data for January</a>, the average time to process Medicaid applications for aged, blind and disabled applications was 107 days. The federal limit is 90 days for those applications. The average for the other category of Medicaid applications was 29 days, climbing in recent months but still below the 45-day standard. Bax also said last month the department is looking at using contractors to help with annual Medicaid renewals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742250970378.png" alt=" Kim Evans, center, announced Friday she was retiring from her position as director of the Family Support Division. She's pictured here speaking to the media in Jefferson City on March 28, 2023, about Medicaid renewals, alongside MO HealthNet director Todd Richardson, right, and former department director, Robert Knodell (Clara Bates/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Kim Evans, center, announced Friday she was retiring from her position as director of the Family Support Division. She's pictured here speaking to the media in Jefferson City on March 28, 2023, about Medicaid renewals, alongside MO HealthNet director Todd Richardson, right, and former department director, Robert Knodell (Clara Bates/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>During Kim Evans’ tenure, the department faced criticism from state lawmakers, the federal government and advocacy organizations over its administration of public benefits</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>The head of the Missouri agency that for years has struggled to administer public benefit programs like food assistance and Medicaid announced her retirement on Friday afternoon, effective immediately.Kim Evans had served as director of the Family Support Division within the Missouri Department of Social Services since 2020. She spent over two decades working for the department, including as a program eligibility specialist, manager and deputy director.“(The Department of Social Services) is grateful for her service and wishes her the best in the next chapter,” Baylee Watts, the department’s spokeswoman, said in an email.The interim director will be Mandi Adams, who is currently one of the division’s deputy directors.Evans’ departure last week is the latest in a series of leadership changes underway at Missouri’s embattled social services agency since Gov. Mike Kehoe was elected in November. A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/mike-kehoe-appoints-new-leader-for-missouri-social-services-agency/">new department director</a>, Jessica Bax, began in January, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-social-services-agency-appoints-new-child-welfare-director/">new director for the child welfare division</a>, Sara Smith, was named last week.&nbsp;During Evans’ tenure, the department faced criticism from state lawmakers, the federal government and advocacy organizations over its administration of public benefits — which affect the lives of millions of Missourians.&nbsp;A federal judge last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/09/federal-court-rules-missourians-were-illegally-denied-food-aid-by-the-state/">ruled</a>&nbsp;Missourians were illegally denied food aid by the state due to hours-long call center wait times for participants to receive a required interview.&nbsp;Those delays — which leadership has largely&nbsp;blamed&nbsp;on call center&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">staffing issues&nbsp;</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">—&nbsp;</a>translate to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/02/broken-system-call-center-backlogs-impede-missouri-families-seeking-food-assistance/">families struggling to feed their young children</a>&nbsp;while rearranging their days to wait on hold, Missourians with disabilities who can’t understand the application forms being unable to get help and some subsisting on little food while using up prepaid phone minutes on hold.“While call wait times fluctuate and have shown some improvement, the record demonstrates too little progress,” the judge in that case, U.S. District Court Judge M. Douglas Harpool, wrote last year. “Consequently, Missourians who suffer food insecurity have been forced to either go hungry or seek alternative sources of food when their applications are denied.”The state has been required to submit monthly reports as part of the lawsuit.&nbsp;The average wait time for the interview line for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was 45 minutes in January, the&nbsp;<a href="https://legacy.www.documentcloud.org/documents/25589928-2-18-25-status-report-dss-snap-lawsuit/" target="_blank">most recent monthly data</a>&nbsp;states.&nbsp;The average wait time for the general call line, which handles all other inquiries — for programs including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and non-interview related SNAP queries — was just under one hour in January.That&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63105919/holmes-v-knodell/?order_by=desc" target="_blank">case is still ongoing</a>, and the parties are in mediation.The department in its budget request to the state legislature asked for $11 million to hire 220 new staff in the Family Support Division to help ensure the agency complies with federal and state rules on timely processing, and “maintains a reasonable wait time in the call centers,” the budget&nbsp;<a href="https://oa.mo.gov/sites/default/files/FY26_DSS_Appropriation_Book.pdf" target="_blank">request</a>&nbsp;stated. The governor recommended only 55 new positions.&nbsp;Asked about the call center issues in a Senate appropriations committee hearing last month, Bax was candid about the ongoing problems, stating that over 10,000 applications for SNAP were rejected solely due to failure to interview in January.Bax told the committee the agency is looking at “overall efficiencies” including trying to get a shortened and condensed SNAP interview approved, and specializing some of the call center staff.&nbsp;“So that is where the plan is: to really kind of take back those specialized teams and then have an ability to condense that interview so that we can free up the phone lines,” Bax said.Democratic state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern of Kansas City said she continues to hear from constituents about their issues accessing aid to which they’re entitled.“This is one of the things that I continue to have very grave concerns about,” Nurrenbern said at last months’s appropriations committee hearing. “How long people are waiting online for essential services, and hear a lot of frustration from constituents reaching out and saying, ‘I’ve been waiting online all day and nobody’s getting back to us.’“So I really hope that this is something that this committee can put some emphasis on and making sure that we are being as efficient as possible with these services,” she added.&nbsp;Bax replied that she “could not agree more.”&nbsp;Bax’s testimony differed from prior testimony of Evans, who typically&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">downplayed</a>&nbsp;issues with wait times to legislators.&nbsp;At one hearing in late 2023, Evans told lawmakers she was “excited” the wait time was only a few minutes the morning of a hearing, though&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/records-show-call-center-wait-times-for-missouri-medicaid-food-assistance-on-the-rise/">records obtained by The Independent would later show the average that month was actually over an hour.&nbsp;</a>There have also been years-long problems with Medicaid application processing, leading to issues like&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/23/perfect-storm-missouri-advocates-decry-medicaid-application-delays-coverage-losses/">pregnant Missourians going without prenatal care</a>.Last summer, the federal Medicaid agency&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/17/feds-to-scrutinize-missouris-worst-in-the-nation-medicaid-application-delays/">announced</a>&nbsp;it was intervening to help bring the state back into compliance with timely processing.Bax said last month, regarding some Medicaid cases, “we’re about three months behind on the applications.”According to&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/fsd_mhdmr/0125-family-support-mohealthnet-report.pdf" target="_blank">data for January</a>, the average time to process Medicaid applications for aged, blind and disabled applications was 107 days. The federal limit is 90 days for those applications. The average for the other category of Medicaid applications was 29 days, climbing in recent months but still below the 45-day standard. Bax also said last month the department is looking at using contractors to help with annual Medicaid renewals.

Director of Missouri’s long-troubled public assistance agency announces retirement

GEARY COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol has identified the woman trapped in her car overnight after a crash that occurred just after 11:30p.m. Sunday on Interstate 70 in Geary County.

According to the Patrol, a 2023 Ford Edge driven by Rhonda L. Moore, 65, Wise, Virginia, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Humboldt Creek Road.

The SUV traveled off the road into the north ditch and rolled onto on its top.&nbsp; A passing motorist finally saw the SUV just before 8a.m. Monday and called for help. EMS transported Moore to Stormont Vail for treatment of serious injuries. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a single-vehicle crash that critically injured a woman in Geary County.

Early Monday, a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper responded to the serious rollover crash on Interstate 70, where the driver had been trapped in her wrecked vehicle overnight—injured, alone, and waiting for help, according to a social media report from the patrol.

The KHP is working to determine exactly when the crash occurred.&nbsp; First responders were notified just after 8a.m. Monday.

"Geary County first responders were first on the scene, quickly working to assess the situation, provide medical care, and begin the initial response."

"As daylight broke, the wreckage finally became visible to a passing motorist, who made the call that set everything into motion. With EMS, fire crews, and KHP working together, Life Star was called in to airlift the woman to a hospital."

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742224877114.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol has identified the woman trapped in her car overnight after a crash that occurred just after 11:30p.m. Sunday on Interstate 70 in Geary County.According to the Patrol, a 2023 Ford Edge driven by Rhonda L. Moore, 65, Wise, Virginia, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of Humboldt Creek Road.The SUV traveled off the road into the north ditch and rolled onto on its top.&nbsp; A passing motorist finally saw the SUV just before 8a.m. Monday and called for help. EMS transported Moore to Stormont Vail for treatment of serious injuries. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.-----------GEARY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a single-vehicle crash that critically injured a woman in Geary County.Early Monday, a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper responded to the serious rollover crash on Interstate 70, where the driver had been trapped in her wrecked vehicle overnight—injured, alone, and waiting for help, according to a social media report from the patrol.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742224855150.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>The KHP is working to determine exactly when the crash occurred.&nbsp; First responders were notified just after 8a.m. Monday."Geary County first responders were first on the scene, quickly working to assess the situation, provide medical care, and begin the initial response.""As daylight broke, the wreckage finally became visible to a passing motorist, who made the call that set everything into motion. With EMS, fire crews, and KHP working together, Life Star was called in to airlift the woman to a hospital."Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KHP IDs woman trapped in SUV overnight after crash on I-70

"It was a beautiful day at the Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade. Sláinte, Kansans, and celebrate safely."

"It was a beautiful day at the Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade. Sláinte, Kansans, and celebrate safely."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">It was a beautiful day at the Kansas City St. Patrick&#39;s Day Parade. Sláinte, Kansans, and celebrate safely. 🍀 <a href="https://t.co/2gpnwiLODg">pic.twitter.com/2gpnwiLODg</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1901713841970393423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Gov. Kelly attends the Kansas City St. Patrick's Day parade

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

Just after 2:15p.m. Sunday, police were called to a shooting at an apartment building in the 400 block of E. Armour Blvd. in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Officers were directed inside the building to an apartment upstairs where they located 43-year-old Terrance Frost unresponsive just outside one of the apartment units.

Officers summoned EMS to the scene who pronounced Frost deceased.

Responding officers detained an adult female for further investigation at the scene. Detectives spoke with numerous people who were at the scene when officers arrived and canvassed for any additional witnesses.

Detectives are not looking for any additional suspects at this time, according to Becchina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742169098246.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City.Just after 2:15p.m. Sunday, police were called to a shooting at an apartment building in the 400 block of E. Armour Blvd. in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742169069097.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Officers were directed inside the building to an apartment upstairs where they located 43-year-old Terrance Frost unresponsive just outside one of the apartment units.Officers summoned EMS to the scene who pronounced Frost deceased.Responding officers detained an adult female for further investigation at the scene. Detectives spoke with numerous people who were at the scene when officers arrived and canvassed for any additional witnesses.Detectives are not looking for any additional suspects at this time, according to Becchina.

KCPD: Woman detained at scene of homicide

A U.S. airstrike in Iraq last week killed the Islamic State terror network's No. 2 leader, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

&nbsp;On March 13, U.S. Central Command forces, in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, that killed the Global ISIS #2 leader, chief of operations and the Delegated Committee Emir – Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, alias “Abu Khadijah”, and one other ISIS operative.

As the Emir of ISIS’ most senior decision-making body, Abu Khadijah maintained responsibility for operations, logistics, and planning conducted by ISIS globally, and directs a significant portion of finance for the group’s global organization.

After the strike, CENTCOM and Iraqi forces moved to the strike site and found both dead ISIS operatives. Both terrorists were wearing unexploded “suicide vests” and had multiple weapons. CENTCOM and Iraqi forces were able to identify Abu Khadijah through a DNA match from DNA collected on a previous raid where Abu Khadijah narrowly escaped.

“Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization. We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and U.S., allied and partner personnel in the region and beyond,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

A U.S. airstrike in Iraq last week killed the Islamic State terror network's No. 2 leader, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.&nbsp;On March 13, U.S. Central Command forces, in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, that killed the Global ISIS #2 leader, chief of operations and the Delegated Committee Emir – Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rifai, alias “Abu Khadijah”, and one other ISIS operative.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CENTCOM Forces Kill ISIS Chief of Global Operations Who Also Served as ISIS #2 On March 13, U.S. Central Command forces, in cooperation with Iraqi Intelligence and Security Forces, conducted a precision airstrike in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, that killed the Global ISIS #2 leader,… <a href="https://t.co/rWeEoUY7Lw">pic.twitter.com/rWeEoUY7Lw</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1900737395915440260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>As the Emir of ISIS’ most senior decision-making body, Abu Khadijah maintained responsibility for operations, logistics, and planning conducted by ISIS globally, and directs a significant portion of finance for the group’s global organization.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Today the fugitive leader of ISIS in Iraq was killed. He was relentlessly hunted down by our intrepid warfighters. His miserable life was terminated, along with another member of ISIS, in coordination with the Iraqi Government and the Kurdish Regional Government. PEACE THROUGH… <a href="https://t.co/gB68jMpd64">pic.twitter.com/gB68jMpd64</a>&mdash; President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1900741103424286723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After the strike, CENTCOM and Iraqi forces moved to the strike site and found both dead ISIS operatives. Both terrorists were wearing unexploded “suicide vests” and had multiple weapons. CENTCOM and Iraqi forces were able to identify Abu Khadijah through a DNA match from DNA collected on a previous raid where Abu Khadijah narrowly escaped.“Abu Khadijah was one of the most important ISIS members in the entire global ISIS organization. We will continue to kill terrorists and dismantle their organizations that threaten our homeland and U.S., allied and partner personnel in the region and beyond,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

🎥Trump: ISIS leader’s 'miserable life' ended in US strike in Iraq

KANSAS CITY —While working on a fire at the Batliner Recycling facility on Saturday, the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department placed its remote-controlled tracked robot into service for the first time.

Just before 7a.m., crews responded to a reported fire at 2501 Front Street&nbsp; crews reported a large fire on the east end of the property, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. The fire involved several semi trailers along with large piles of recyclable materials. Multiple companies were dispatched to get the fire under control.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742050660259.png" alt="Image KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Image KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —While working on a fire at the Batliner Recycling facility on Saturday, the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department placed its remote-controlled tracked robot into service for the first time.Just before 7a.m., crews responded to a reported fire at 2501 Front Street&nbsp; crews reported a large fire on the east end of the property, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. The fire involved several semi trailers along with large piles of recyclable materials. Multiple companies were dispatched to get the fire under control. The railroad lines had to be shut down in order to run water supply lines across the tracks. In a historical moment for KCFD, a remote operated tracked robot capable of supplying 2500 gallons of water per minute was placed in service for the first time. The fire was brought under control around 9:00 a.m. The robot apparatus is equipped with multiple cameras, including thermal imaging, a front mounted blade for debris, tracked mobility for ease of operation and accessibility, and is supplied by multiple supply lines producing upwards of 2500 gallons per minute of water for fire suppression.The apparatus can be used in various applications in both offensive and defensive operations to include large commercial structures, subterranean operations such as commercial caves, which Kansas City has many. It can also be used in defensive operations where placing firefighters would come at great risk, along with other various suppression activities.This technology continues to keep the Kansas City Fire Department on the cutting edge of the fire&nbsp;service and adds to our storied history of leading the way in the industry.