KANSAS CITY —A pedestrian injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. February 23 has died.

The pedestrian was standing/walking in the middle travel lane of eastbound Interstate 70 at Sterling, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

A red Honda Civic struck the pedestrian, knocking the pedestrian to the ground. The driver of the Honda who was uninjured in the collision, stopped and cooperated with the investigation. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

The Jackson County Medical Examiner's office notified police on Wednesday the victim died just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the pedestrian or additional details.

KANSAS CITY —A pedestrian injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. February 23 has died.The pedestrian was standing/walking in the middle travel lane of eastbound Interstate 70 at Sterling, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.A red Honda Civic struck the pedestrian, knocking the pedestrian to the ground. The driver of the Honda who was uninjured in the collision, stopped and cooperated with the investigation. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;The Jackson County Medical Examiner's office notified police on Wednesday the victim died just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the pedestrian or additional details.

Police: Pedestrian dies days after struck by a car on I-70

State Sen. Mike Moon stepped down from a legislative committee because his opposition to rape and incest exceptions would have blocked the bill’s passage

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

A proposed constitutional amendment reinstating Missouri’s abortion ban cleared a Senate committee Wednesday after a GOP lawmaker who opposes the inclusion of rape and incest exceptions asked to be removed from the panel to avoid sinking the bill’s chances.&nbsp;

Sponsored by state Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St Charles,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=186" target="_blank">the proposed amendment&nbsp;</a>would ban abortion but allow exceptions up to 12 weeks gestation for survivors of rape and incest who first reported the assault to police.

Last week, state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, said he opposed any legislation that would leave the door open for abortions not medically necessary during an emergency. Specifically, he pointed to the rape and incest exceptions as unacceptable.&nbsp;

The bill was assigned to the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee, where Republicans hold four of the panel’s six seats. If Moon voted against the measure, it would die on a 3-3 tie.&nbsp;

Moon sent a letter to Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin on Tuesday requesting his removal from the committee, saying that while he understands the need to respond to the legalization of abortion last November, he “cannot support the creation of a subhuman group.”

“Republicans, and some Democrats, profess to be ‘protectors’ of life. I claim to be one of them,” he continued. “Because of this, I cannot support an effort which does not recognize all life as precious and worth saving and protecting.”

O’Laughlin, a Republican from Shelbina, granted Moon’s request. State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, replaced Moon on the committee and the bill was approved Wednesday morning on a party-line vote.&nbsp;

It now heads to the full Senate for debate.&nbsp;

Schnelting on Wednesday said while he agrees with Moon that those conceived in rape are “just as valuable as any other human being,” he believes a ban with an exception for survivors has the best chance of winning at the ballot box.&nbsp;

“So my goal is to maximize human life as much as I possibly can, working pragmatically within that framework,” he said.&nbsp;

Moon could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday, but Schnelting said he believes his colleague stepped down from the committee of his own accord.

“(Moon) gave me his word that he wouldn’t kill the bill,” Schnelting said. “But at the same time he didn’t want to vote for something with exceptions.”&nbsp;

Moon has remained a staunch opponent of any abortion exceptions and has filed legislation to impose criminal penalties on women who end their pregnancies. Last year, he also opposed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/missouri-abortion-legislation-defund-planned-parenthood-defund/">Democrats’ attempted to introduce rape and incest exceptions</a>&nbsp;into what was then a near-total ban on the procedure.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=512" target="_blank">Another proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;approved by the Senate committee on Wednesday was sponsored by Moon that would define a “person” as “every human being with a unique DNA code regardless of age, including every in utero human child at every stage of biological development from the moment of conception until birth.”

<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR54" target="_blank">Legislation similar to Schnelting’s — filed in the House&nbsp;</a>by GOP state Rep. Melanie Stinnett of Springfield — is still&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR54" target="_blank">awaiting a vote in the House Children and Families committee.&nbsp;</a>Both Schnelting and Stinnett’s bills would also ban gender-affirming health care for minors and allow abortions during an ectopic pregnancy.

Schnelting said he doesn’t know how Moon plans to vote once the bill reaches the Senate floor, but noted that the revised legislation that was passed out of committee Wednesday included a severability clause that was suggested by Moon.&nbsp;

The clause could allow the rape and incest exceptions in the amendment to be challenged in federal court as being discriminatory and in violation of the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;

During a press conference last week, Moon said he was open to any abortion bans going before voters.&nbsp;

“There are some other measures that are out there, and I’m hoping that all of them can make it,” Moon said. “So the voters can decide on either one, two or all the ones that are put before them.”

While the GOP-led legislature continues to prioritize abortion access, Planned Parenthood started offering procedural abortions for the first in nearly three years after a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">judge struck down many of the state’s abortion regulations,</a>&nbsp;citing them as discriminatory.&nbsp;

If any of the proposed amendments banning abortion make it to the ballot and are approved by a simple majority of voters, the new law would be in direct conflict with an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">amendment narrowly approved&nbsp;</a>in November that protects the right to reproductive health care, including abortion up to the point of fetal viability.&nbsp;

The first elective abortion to take place in Missouri since 2022 happened in mid-February at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City. On Monday, four more abortions took place, this time at the clinic in Columbia, which hadn’t performed the procedure since 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741261920673.png" alt="State Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, stepped down from the Families, Seniors and Health Committee, saying he didn't want to vote on a bill that included rape exceptions for survivors (photo by Madeline Carter)." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, stepped down from the Families, Seniors and Health Committee, saying he didn't want to vote on a bill that included rape exceptions for survivors (photo by Madeline Carter).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>State Sen. Mike Moon stepped down from a legislative committee because his opposition to rape and incest exceptions would have blocked the bill’s passage</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a> A proposed constitutional amendment reinstating Missouri’s abortion ban cleared a Senate committee Wednesday after a GOP lawmaker who opposes the inclusion of rape and incest exceptions asked to be removed from the panel to avoid sinking the bill’s chances.&nbsp;Sponsored by state Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St Charles,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=186" target="_blank">the proposed amendment&nbsp;</a>would ban abortion but allow exceptions up to 12 weeks gestation for survivors of rape and incest who first reported the assault to police.Last week, state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, said he opposed any legislation that would leave the door open for abortions not medically necessary during an emergency. Specifically, he pointed to the rape and incest exceptions as unacceptable.&nbsp;The bill was assigned to the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee, where Republicans hold four of the panel’s six seats. If Moon voted against the measure, it would die on a 3-3 tie.&nbsp;Moon sent a letter to Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin on Tuesday requesting his removal from the committee, saying that while he understands the need to respond to the legalization of abortion last November, he “cannot support the creation of a subhuman group.”“Republicans, and some Democrats, profess to be ‘protectors’ of life. I claim to be one of them,” he continued. “Because of this, I cannot support an effort which does not recognize all life as precious and worth saving and protecting.”O’Laughlin, a Republican from Shelbina, granted Moon’s request. State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, replaced Moon on the committee and the bill was approved Wednesday morning on a party-line vote.&nbsp;It now heads to the full Senate for debate.&nbsp;Schnelting on Wednesday said while he agrees with Moon that those conceived in rape are “just as valuable as any other human being,” he believes a ban with an exception for survivors has the best chance of winning at the ballot box.&nbsp;“So my goal is to maximize human life as much as I possibly can, working pragmatically within that framework,” he said.&nbsp;Moon could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday, but Schnelting said he believes his colleague stepped down from the committee of his own accord.“(Moon) gave me his word that he wouldn’t kill the bill,” Schnelting said. “But at the same time he didn’t want to vote for something with exceptions.”&nbsp;Moon has remained a staunch opponent of any abortion exceptions and has filed legislation to impose criminal penalties on women who end their pregnancies. Last year, he also opposed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/missouri-abortion-legislation-defund-planned-parenthood-defund/">Democrats’ attempted to introduce rape and incest exceptions</a>&nbsp;into what was then a near-total ban on the procedure.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=512" target="_blank">Another proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;approved by the Senate committee on Wednesday was sponsored by Moon that would define a “person” as “every human being with a unique DNA code regardless of age, including every in utero human child at every stage of biological development from the moment of conception until birth.”<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR54" target="_blank">Legislation similar to Schnelting’s — filed in the House&nbsp;</a>by GOP state Rep. Melanie Stinnett of Springfield — is still&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR54" target="_blank">awaiting a vote in the House Children and Families committee.&nbsp;</a>Both Schnelting and Stinnett’s bills would also ban gender-affirming health care for minors and allow abortions during an ectopic pregnancy.Schnelting said he doesn’t know how Moon plans to vote once the bill reaches the Senate floor, but noted that the revised legislation that was passed out of committee Wednesday included a severability clause that was suggested by Moon.&nbsp;The clause could allow the rape and incest exceptions in the amendment to be challenged in federal court as being discriminatory and in violation of the 14th Amendment.&nbsp;During a press conference last week, Moon said he was open to any abortion bans going before voters.&nbsp;“There are some other measures that are out there, and I’m hoping that all of them can make it,” Moon said. “So the voters can decide on either one, two or all the ones that are put before them.”While the GOP-led legislature continues to prioritize abortion access, Planned Parenthood started offering procedural abortions for the first in nearly three years after a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">judge struck down many of the state’s abortion regulations,</a>&nbsp;citing them as discriminatory.&nbsp;If any of the proposed amendments banning abortion make it to the ballot and are approved by a simple majority of voters, the new law would be in direct conflict with an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">amendment narrowly approved&nbsp;</a>in November that protects the right to reproductive health care, including abortion up to the point of fetal viability.&nbsp;The first elective abortion to take place in Missouri since 2022 happened in mid-February at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Kansas City. On Monday, four more abortions took place, this time at the clinic in Columbia, which hadn’t performed the procedure since 2018.

Abortion ban advances in Missouri Senate after GOP critic of rape exception quits committee

JOHNSON COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.

The two vehicle crash that occurred on northbound Kansas 7 near West 47th Street, according to a statement from Shawnee Police.

Two individuals in one vehicle were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. They were not seriously injured.The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Shawnee Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit.&nbsp; Police did release names of the victims or additional details.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.The two vehicle crash that occurred on northbound Kansas 7 near West 47th Street, according to a statement from Shawnee Police.Two individuals in one vehicle were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. They were not seriously injured.The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Shawnee Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit.&nbsp; Police did release names of the victims or additional details.

Two dead after 2-vehicle Kansas crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.

Just after 5p.m. March 1, police responded to a Topeka hospital after a victim arrived non-life-threatening wounds from an alleged knife attack that occurred in the 600 block of S.W. Taylor Street, according to a media release.

After an investigation, police arrested 29-year-old Nicole Elizabeth Henneke of Topeka and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of aggravated battery; domestic battery; and criminal restraint. She met the requirement of a $100,000 bond and was released from jail Monday night, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741032148850.png" alt="Henneke photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Henneke photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.Just after 5p.m. March 1, police responded to a Topeka hospital after a victim arrived non-life-threatening wounds from an alleged knife attack that occurred in the 600 block of S.W. Taylor Street, according to a media release.After an investigation, police arrested 29-year-old Nicole Elizabeth Henneke of Topeka and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of aggravated battery; domestic battery; and criminal restraint. She met the requirement of a $100,000 bond and was released from jail Monday night, according to online jail records.

Kansas woman accused of violent knife attack

KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced additional charges against a Kansas City man in connection with his infant son’s fatal fentanyl and methamphetamine poisoning that took place on the 2700 block of Quincy Avenue in Kansas City on January 28.&nbsp;

Terry Canady was originally charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the 1st Degree, Abuse or Neglect of a Child, and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.&nbsp;

On Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2521/Canady-Indictment">a grand jury indicted</a>&nbsp;the defendant with Trafficking Drugs in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm—Dangerous Felon/Prior Conviction, and Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

During the defendant’s arrest for the original charges, officers found a gun, fentanyl, and meth in his possession. The defendant was previously convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in 2019.

"We're seeing too many children's lives cut short due to negligence and substance misuse in our community.&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/fentanyl-report-may-2024.pdf">In our state in 2022</a>, 43 children lost their lives due to fentanyl and of those, 20 were under the age of five. The overall number of fentanyl-related child fatalities also nearly doubled,"&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson.&nbsp;"While our office will prosecute each of these cases to the fullest extent of the law, we also recognize and understand the complexities of addiction. My office is committed to balancing accountability and rehabilitation to address the root of the issue to ensure everyone in Jackson County has a chance at a successful life."

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2501/CanadyTerry-PC_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence regarding an infant. The infant was later pronounced deceased. When officers searched the residence, they located a clear plastic torn baggie containing an unknown white substance inside, which later tested positive for meth. Camera footage also captured the defendant throwing away items into trash bins, later determined to be drug equipment with residue that tested positive for fentanyl.&nbsp;

Witnesses told police the defendant uses and sells meth and fentanyl.&nbsp;

The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s report revealed the victim tested positive for fentanyl and meth. &nbsp;

The defendant is being held on no bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739282680424.png" alt="Canady-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Canady-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced additional charges against a Kansas City man in connection with his infant son’s fatal fentanyl and methamphetamine poisoning that took place on the 2700 block of Quincy Avenue in Kansas City on January 28.&nbsp;Terry Canady was originally charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the 1st Degree, Abuse or Neglect of a Child, and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.&nbsp;On Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2521/Canady-Indictment">a grand jury indicted</a>&nbsp;the defendant with Trafficking Drugs in the 2nd Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm—Dangerous Felon/Prior Conviction, and Delivery of a Controlled Substance.During the defendant’s arrest for the original charges, officers found a gun, fentanyl, and meth in his possession. The defendant was previously convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in 2019."We're seeing too many children's lives cut short due to negligence and substance misuse in our community.&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/re/pdf/fentanyl-report-may-2024.pdf">In our state in 2022</a>, 43 children lost their lives due to fentanyl and of those, 20 were under the age of five. The overall number of fentanyl-related child fatalities also nearly doubled,"&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson.&nbsp;"While our office will prosecute each of these cases to the fullest extent of the law, we also recognize and understand the complexities of addiction. My office is committed to balancing accountability and rehabilitation to address the root of the issue to ensure everyone in Jackson County has a chance at a successful life."<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2501/CanadyTerry-PC_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence regarding an infant. The infant was later pronounced deceased. When officers searched the residence, they located a clear plastic torn baggie containing an unknown white substance inside, which later tested positive for meth. Camera footage also captured the defendant throwing away items into trash bins, later determined to be drug equipment with residue that tested positive for fentanyl.&nbsp;Witnesses told police the defendant uses and sells meth and fentanyl.&nbsp;The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s report revealed the victim tested positive for fentanyl and meth. &nbsp;The defendant is being held on no bond.&nbsp;

New charges against alleged KC drug dealer for infant's fentanyl death

The bill’s sponsor says it was inspired by a lawsuit filed by a transgender student against the Blue Springs School District

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

A Republican push to bar transgender Missourians from changing the sex on their birth certificates was briefly debated Wednesday morning by a state Senate committee.

The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit, said birth certificates reflect “facts on the day you were born” and should be unchangeable except in cases of sex development disorders.

Cierpiot filed the same bill in 2023, but it was never debated by the full Senate. He did not file the bill last year.

The bill was inspired, he said, by a lawsuit in his district where a transgender student sued the Blue Springs School District in 2015 after being barred from locker rooms and multi-stall bathrooms. A jury<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/04/missouri-appeals-court-sides-with-transgender-student-in-4-million-discrimination-case/">&nbsp;awarded the student $4 million</a>, but the case was appealed and is currently<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/11/missouri-supreme-court-hears-case-on-transgender-students-use-of-school-bathrooms/">&nbsp;awaiting a Missouri Supreme Court opinion</a>.

“The reason this (bill) is needed is because some courts are making decisions partly because of modified birth certificates,” Cierpiot said.

State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, mentioned that some transgender Missourians have changed their gender marker on their driver’s license. The Department of Revenue<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/19/missouri-agency-quietly-made-it-harder-to-change-gender-marker-on-drivers-licenses/">&nbsp;recently rescinded that policy after pressure from lawmakers</a>.

Cierpiot said he was less worried about driver’s licenses.

“A birth certificate is a historic document,” he said. “If someone wants to change things later in life, this is quiet on that.”

A Senate committee room was full of people waiting to testify on the bill, but the public hearing was cut short after 30 minutes with three speaking in favor and four able to speak in opposition before the committee chair moved to the next bill.

Sharon Dunski Vermont, a pediatrician from the St. Louis area, told committee members that the bill is dangerous for transgender people.

“People have been attacked, bullied and even killed because their documents don’t reflect who they see themselves to be,” she said.

Brattin asked Vermont about the Washington University Transgender Center, which was the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/09/missouri-agencies-launch-investigation-into-health-center-for-transgender-youth/">&nbsp;subject of a whistleblower’s affidavit in 2023</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/washington-university-the-second-missouri-provider-to-stop-transgender-care-for-minors/">&nbsp;closed</a>&nbsp;after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-restrictions-for-trans-athletes/">&nbsp;state law made gender-affirming care illegal</a>&nbsp;for minors.

Brattin criticized the center, calling treatments “detrimental to (children’s) health.”

Dunski Vermont, who worked there, said the allegations were untrue.

“I don’t tell you how to be a senator, and I would appreciate if you don’t tell me how to be a doctor,” she said, as Brattin interrupted.

Keith Rose, who is a legal advocate with nonprofit law firm Center for Growing Justice, said he has assisted people changing their birth certificates as part of his work.

He called birth certificates “living documents,” instead of historic.

“It is common sense that birth records should reflect your lived reality,” he said.

Few judges are willing to issue court orders to change birth certificates, Rose said, and it has grown more difficult in the past three years.

The committee did not take action on the bill Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741205823256.png" alt=" State Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Lee's Summit Republican, stands at his desk in the Missouri Senate chamber. Cierpiot filed legislation this year seeking to bar transgender Missourians from changing their sex on their birth certificates (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Lee's Summit Republican, stands at his desk in the Missouri Senate chamber. Cierpiot filed legislation this year seeking to bar transgender Missourians from changing their sex on their birth certificates (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The bill’s sponsor says it was inspired by a lawsuit filed by a transgender student against the Blue Springs School District</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>A Republican push to bar transgender Missourians from changing the sex on their birth certificates was briefly debated Wednesday morning by a state Senate committee.The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit, said birth certificates reflect “facts on the day you were born” and should be unchangeable except in cases of sex development disorders.Cierpiot filed the same bill in 2023, but it was never debated by the full Senate. He did not file the bill last year.The bill was inspired, he said, by a lawsuit in his district where a transgender student sued the Blue Springs School District in 2015 after being barred from locker rooms and multi-stall bathrooms. A jury<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/04/missouri-appeals-court-sides-with-transgender-student-in-4-million-discrimination-case/">&nbsp;awarded the student $4 million</a>, but the case was appealed and is currently<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/11/missouri-supreme-court-hears-case-on-transgender-students-use-of-school-bathrooms/">&nbsp;awaiting a Missouri Supreme Court opinion</a>.“The reason this (bill) is needed is because some courts are making decisions partly because of modified birth certificates,” Cierpiot said.State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, mentioned that some transgender Missourians have changed their gender marker on their driver’s license. The Department of Revenue<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/19/missouri-agency-quietly-made-it-harder-to-change-gender-marker-on-drivers-licenses/">&nbsp;recently rescinded that policy after pressure from lawmakers</a>.Cierpiot said he was less worried about driver’s licenses.“A birth certificate is a historic document,” he said. “If someone wants to change things later in life, this is quiet on that.”A Senate committee room was full of people waiting to testify on the bill, but the public hearing was cut short after 30 minutes with three speaking in favor and four able to speak in opposition before the committee chair moved to the next bill.Sharon Dunski Vermont, a pediatrician from the St. Louis area, told committee members that the bill is dangerous for transgender people.“People have been attacked, bullied and even killed because their documents don’t reflect who they see themselves to be,” she said.Brattin asked Vermont about the Washington University Transgender Center, which was the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/09/missouri-agencies-launch-investigation-into-health-center-for-transgender-youth/">&nbsp;subject of a whistleblower’s affidavit in 2023</a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/washington-university-the-second-missouri-provider-to-stop-transgender-care-for-minors/">&nbsp;closed</a>&nbsp;after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-restrictions-for-trans-athletes/">&nbsp;state law made gender-affirming care illegal</a>&nbsp;for minors.Brattin criticized the center, calling treatments “detrimental to (children’s) health.”Dunski Vermont, who worked there, said the allegations were untrue.“I don’t tell you how to be a senator, and I would appreciate if you don’t tell me how to be a doctor,” she said, as Brattin interrupted.Keith Rose, who is a legal advocate with nonprofit law firm Center for Growing Justice, said he has assisted people changing their birth certificates as part of his work.He called birth certificates “living documents,” instead of historic.“It is common sense that birth records should reflect your lived reality,” he said.Few judges are willing to issue court orders to change birth certificates, Rose said, and it has grown more difficult in the past three years.The committee did not take action on the bill Wednesday.

Legislation would prohibit transgender Missourians from changing birth certificates

BOONE COUNTY —One person was injured in a violent crash that occurred just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday in Boone County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Kenworth semi driven by a 45-year-old from Tennessee was westbound on Interstate 70 at the Route O&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntsdale,_Missouri">Huntsdale</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrisburg,_Missouri">Harrisburg</a>&nbsp;exit.

The Kenworth struck the right side of a 2020 Freightliner semi driven by a 62-year-old Union, Missouri man. After impact the Kenworth traveled off the road and collided with a ditch and trees.

EMS transported the 45-year-old driver to University Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

BOONE COUNTY —Troopers are investigating semi crash on westbound Interstate 70 at Route O in Boone County.

EMS transported the driver to University Hospital with minor injuries.

The patrol advised drivers to be careful when traveling the area as workers cleanup.&nbsp; The patrol released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741206052908.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOONE COUNTY —One person was injured in a violent crash that occurred just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday in Boone County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Kenworth semi driven by a 45-year-old from Tennessee was westbound on Interstate 70 at the Route O&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntsdale,_Missouri">Huntsdale</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrisburg,_Missouri">Harrisburg</a>&nbsp;exit.The Kenworth struck the right side of a 2020 Freightliner semi driven by a 62-year-old Union, Missouri man. After impact the Kenworth traveled off the road and collided with a ditch and trees.EMS transported the 45-year-old driver to University Hospital. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.-------------------BOONE COUNTY —Troopers are investigating semi crash on westbound Interstate 70 at Route O in Boone County.EMS transported the driver to University Hospital with minor injuries.The patrol advised drivers to be careful when traveling the area as workers cleanup.&nbsp; The patrol released no additional details.

Driver hospitalized after violent semi crash on Mo. highway

TOPEKA —On Tuesday,&nbsp; Kansans gathered at the Statehouse to celebrate Equality Day. The rotunda was packed for the event.

"Kansas has a long tradition of standing on the right side of history, Governor Laura Kelly wrote on her social media account. "We must ensure our state remains a place that embraces everyone and protects the dignity and rights of all people."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741114448017.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly at Equality Day at the Kansas Statehouse" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly at Equality Day at the Kansas Statehouse</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —On Tuesday,&nbsp; Kansans gathered at the Statehouse to celebrate Equality Day. The rotunda was packed for the event.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEqualityKansas%2Fvideos%2F1822755748264207%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=40" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Packed rotunda for <a href="https://twitter.com/EqualityKansas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EqualityKansas</a> Equality Day in Topeka 🏳️‍🌈 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://t.co/Girv6ZNNqT">pic.twitter.com/Girv6ZNNqT</a>&mdash; Kansas House Democrats (@KSHouseDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSHouseDems/status/1896958501395828893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Kansas has a long tradition of standing on the right side of history, Governor Laura Kelly wrote on her social media account. "We must ensure our state remains a place that embraces everyone and protects the dignity and rights of all people."

🎥Governor attends Equality Day event at the Kansas Statehouse

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

Just before 4p.m. Tuesday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 6800 block of North Madison on a check the welfare call for service, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Officers were directed to a home on North Madison and located an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. &nbsp;They also located an adult female victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Both parties were pronounced deceased on scene.

This is being investigated as a homicide, according to DiMartino

 Detectives are not looking for any suspects at this time. Investigators and crime scene personnel are working to determine what led up to the shooting.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just before 4p.m. Tuesday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 6800 block of North Madison on a check the welfare call for service, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Officers were directed to a home on North Madison and located an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. &nbsp;They also located an adult female victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Both parties were pronounced deceased on scene.This is being investigated as a homicide, according to DiMartino Detectives are not looking for any suspects at this time. Investigators and crime scene personnel are working to determine what led up to the shooting.

Homicide: Man and woman found dead in Kansas City home

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/anna-liz-nichols/">ANNA LIZ NICHOLS</a>

U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin used Democrats’ response to President Donald Trump’s congressional address Tuesday the way she campaigned into a swing state win: By seeking middle ground and urging people to get involved.

Slotkin, a freshman senator from Michigan called a “rising star” by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, represented a party still coming to grips with the blitz that has been the second Trump administration. She spoke from the city of Wyandotte, just south of Detroit and across the border from Canada, pointing out that she won there in November just like Trump.

“It might not seem like it, but plenty of places like this still exist across the United States,” Slotkin said. “Places where people believe that if you work hard, play by the rules, you should do well, and your kids should do better.”

But from the middle ground, Slotkin kept her 10-minute message focused on just how Trump’s rapid-fire transformation of the federal government during his first six weeks in office — raising tariffs on economic allies and unprecedented deportation operations, among the actions — will hurt the people who elected him.

Tuesday night’s speeches follow the start of Trump’s sweeping, 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Trump asserts the taxes on imported goods will bolster the economy, but&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2025/02/03/michigan-braces-for-fallout-as-trump-tariffs-target-states-top-3-trading-partners/" target="_blank">economists warn they will ignite a trade war</a>&nbsp;that forces Americans to pay higher prices for food, housing and vehicles – a particularly dour prediction in Michigan, home to the American auto industry.

The economy is not separated from a nation’s higher ideals, though, said Slotkin, who served three tours in Iraq as an analyst for the CIA, then worked in national security roles in both Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama’s presidential administrations.

In her time working for the U.S. government in other countries, Slotkin said she’s seen democracies “flicker out” when a government is “rigged” towards leaders helping out their billionaire friends.

Immigrants, Slotkin said, are also an important part of the U.S. economy. Democrats want a secure border, too, but not the way Trump says the nation will achieve it.

“America is a nation of immigrants. We need a functional system keyed to the needs of our economy that allows vetted people to come and work here legally. So I look forward to the President’s plan on that,” Slotkin said.

In his marathon speech that lasted more than an hour-and-a-half, Trump touted his array of executive orders including his ban on transgender women and girls from competing in sports that match their gender, as well as his order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies within the federal government.

The House floor was split in half as Trump’s Republican supporters rose from their seats and cheered as he rattled off the actions of his early days in office, and Democrats largely sat solemnly, holding signs decrying his speech as false.

Democracy is at risk when the president pits Americans against Americans, Slotkin said, when he “demonizes” individuals for being different and tells his followers some people should not be included.

“Generations have fought and died to secure the fundamental rights that define us. Those rights and the fight for them make us who we are. We’re a nation of strivers, risk takers, innovators, and we are never satisfied,” Slotkin said “That is America’s super power.”

Slotkin&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/11/06/by-a-whisker-slotkin-keeps-michigans-u-s-senate-seat-in-democratic-hands/" target="_blank">narrowly won her Senate seat in November&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;against Republican and former Rep. Mike Rogers as the GOP was eager to fill the seat that former Democratic U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow had held since 2001 before&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/01/05/stabenow-announces-she-wont-run-again-in-2024-sets-off-speculation-on-possible-successors/" target="_blank">retiring</a>. Slotkin at 48 is the youngest Democratic woman elected to the U.S. Senate. She previously served three terms representing Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives starting in 2018 when she&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2021/08/12/why-arent-dems-targeting-any-michigan-u-s-reps-in-2022/" target="_blank">flipped a congressional district that had been historically Republican</a>.

Ending her speech, she used that relative youth to engage in a time of constant connection on smart phones. Don’t doomscroll, she said, but get involved with a causes that motivate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Thank you tonight for caring about your country, just by watching you qualify as engaged citizens,” Slotkin said. “I promise that I and my fellow Democrats will do everything in our power to be the principled leaders that you deserve.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741168407482.png" alt="Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) image from video of her speech&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) image from video of her speech&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/anna-liz-nichols/">ANNA LIZ NICHOLS</a>U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin used Democrats’ response to President Donald Trump’s congressional address Tuesday the way she campaigned into a swing state win: By seeking middle ground and urging people to get involved.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH: Complete Democratic Response from Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin <a href="https://t.co/luPxKm02DB">pic.twitter.com/luPxKm02DB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897154192327761952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Slotkin, a freshman senator from Michigan called a “rising star” by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, represented a party still coming to grips with the blitz that has been the second Trump administration. She spoke from the city of Wyandotte, just south of Detroit and across the border from Canada, pointing out that she won there in November just like Trump.“It might not seem like it, but plenty of places like this still exist across the United States,” Slotkin said. “Places where people believe that if you work hard, play by the rules, you should do well, and your kids should do better.”But from the middle ground, Slotkin kept her 10-minute message focused on just how Trump’s rapid-fire transformation of the federal government during his first six weeks in office — raising tariffs on economic allies and unprecedented deportation operations, among the actions — will hurt the people who elected him.Tuesday night’s speeches follow the start of Trump’s sweeping, 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Trump asserts the taxes on imported goods will bolster the economy, but&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2025/02/03/michigan-braces-for-fallout-as-trump-tariffs-target-states-top-3-trading-partners/" target="_blank">economists warn they will ignite a trade war</a>&nbsp;that forces Americans to pay higher prices for food, housing and vehicles – a particularly dour prediction in Michigan, home to the American auto industry.The economy is not separated from a nation’s higher ideals, though, said Slotkin, who served three tours in Iraq as an analyst for the CIA, then worked in national security roles in both Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama’s presidential administrations.In her time working for the U.S. government in other countries, Slotkin said she’s seen democracies “flicker out” when a government is “rigged” towards leaders helping out their billionaire friends.Immigrants, Slotkin said, are also an important part of the U.S. economy. Democrats want a secure border, too, but not the way Trump says the nation will achieve it.“America is a nation of immigrants. We need a functional system keyed to the needs of our economy that allows vetted people to come and work here legally. So I look forward to the President’s plan on that,” Slotkin said.In his marathon speech that lasted more than an hour-and-a-half, Trump touted his array of executive orders including his ban on transgender women and girls from competing in sports that match their gender, as well as his order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies within the federal government.The House floor was split in half as Trump’s Republican supporters rose from their seats and cheered as he rattled off the actions of his early days in office, and Democrats largely sat solemnly, holding signs decrying his speech as false.Democracy is at risk when the president pits Americans against Americans, Slotkin said, when he “demonizes” individuals for being different and tells his followers some people should not be included.“Generations have fought and died to secure the fundamental rights that define us. Those rights and the fight for them make us who we are. We’re a nation of strivers, risk takers, innovators, and we are never satisfied,” Slotkin said “That is America’s super power.”Slotkin&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/11/06/by-a-whisker-slotkin-keeps-michigans-u-s-senate-seat-in-democratic-hands/" target="_blank">narrowly won her Senate seat in November&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;against Republican and former Rep. Mike Rogers as the GOP was eager to fill the seat that former Democratic U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow had held since 2001 before&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/01/05/stabenow-announces-she-wont-run-again-in-2024-sets-off-speculation-on-possible-successors/" target="_blank">retiring</a>. Slotkin at 48 is the youngest Democratic woman elected to the U.S. Senate. She previously served three terms representing Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives starting in 2018 when she&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2021/08/12/why-arent-dems-targeting-any-michigan-u-s-reps-in-2022/" target="_blank">flipped a congressional district that had been historically Republican</a>.Ending her speech, she used that relative youth to engage in a time of constant connection on smart phones. Don’t doomscroll, she said, but get involved with a causes that motivate.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thank you tonight for caring about your country, just by watching you qualify as engaged citizens,” Slotkin said. “I promise that I and my fellow Democrats will do everything in our power to be the principled leaders that you deserve.”

US Sen. Slotkin urges engagement, not doomscrolling, in Dems’ response to Trump

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741138448346.png" alt="President Trump and the First lady leave the White House for the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump and the First lady leave the White House for the Capitol-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Trump Addresses Joint Session of Congress, March 4, 2025 <a href="https://t.co/5NSLncn9nK">https://t.co/5NSLncn9nK</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1897105699085410663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump depart White House for Joint Session to Congress. <a href="https://t.co/wZB3z6yGyb">pic.twitter.com/wZB3z6yGyb</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897098872415019263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First Lady <a href="https://twitter.com/MELANIATRUMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MELANIATRUMP</a> arrives in U.S. House Chamber. <a href="https://t.co/RmVFSqPvWZ">pic.twitter.com/RmVFSqPvWZ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897105948726198755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A Democrats holds a sign reading &quot;This is NOT Normal.&quot; A Republican grabs and thrown the sign. <a href="https://t.co/n37tjET1Zn">pic.twitter.com/n37tjET1Zn</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897109504283525182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;America is back!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/eegvl8fz8A">pic.twitter.com/eegvl8fz8A</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897110908947566936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepAlGreen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepAlGreen</a> (D-TX) is removed from the Joint Session of Congress. <a href="https://t.co/GJVHJpZHGc">pic.twitter.com/GJVHJpZHGc</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897112970221531409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">House Democrats holding up signs during President Trump&#39;s address to a Joint Session of Congress. <a href="https://t.co/eR0PfYJIN5">pic.twitter.com/eR0PfYJIN5</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897114510177325511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepAlGreen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepAlGreen</a> after being removed from Joint Session of Congress: &quot;I&#39;ll accept the punishment. It&#39;s worth it to let people know that there&#39;s some of us who are going to stand up to against this president&#39;s desire to cut Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/T32rj1OitB">pic.twitter.com/T32rj1OitB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897117558500700644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump recognizes Elon Musk and DOGE. <a href="https://t.co/pGoqQmKRac">pic.twitter.com/pGoqQmKRac</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897118244370059487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;The media and our friends in the Democrat Party kept saying we needed new legislation, we must have have legislation to secure the border. But it turned that all we really needed was a new president.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/BO5mGN13ml">pic.twitter.com/BO5mGN13ml</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897124950768595086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;Tonight, DJ, we&#39;re going to do you the biggest honor of them all. I am asking our new Secret Service Director Sean Curran to officially make you an agent of the United State Secret Service.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/LcTssvyJRk">pic.twitter.com/LcTssvyJRk</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1897130318110310608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Some highlights from President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two Indiana men on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Shortly before 9p.m. Feb. 28, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2016 Ford F-150 pickup for a traffic infraction near 134th on U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kameron Lee Chapman, 25, of South Bend, Indiana. &nbsp;The passenger was identified as Sean Austin Rader, 26, of Mishawaka, Indiana. Following a probable cause search of the vehicle both subjects were arrested.

&nbsp;Chapman was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia. Rader was arrested, and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741005658928.png" alt="Rader photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rader photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two Indiana men on drug allegations.&nbsp;Shortly before 9p.m. Feb. 28, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2016 Ford F-150 pickup for a traffic infraction near 134th on U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741005617784.png" alt="Chapman photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Chapman photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kameron Lee Chapman, 25, of South Bend, Indiana. &nbsp;The passenger was identified as Sean Austin Rader, 26, of Mishawaka, Indiana. Following a probable cause search of the vehicle both subjects were arrested.&nbsp;Chapman was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia. Rader was arrested, and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Two from Indiana caught transporting illegal drugs in Kansas

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

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas students are grappling with the decision to end gender-inclusive housing assignments at a campus scholarship hall.

Grace Pearson residents and other KU students protested last week outside of Strong Hall with signs that read “We’re All Jayhawks” and “Keep Inclusivity Affordable.” The group also launched a petition against the change in policy, and decorated windows with Post-its and signs that the university&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansan.com/news/grace-pearson-residents-ordered-to-take-down-decorations-supporting-gender-inclusion/article_bcb6088c-f57f-11ef-b35d-7327303c6ace.html" target="_blank">requested they remove.</a>&nbsp;

KU notified residents of Grace Pearson Hall on Feb. 5 that floors will be segregated by gender in the next school year. That means transgender and nonbinary students who want a gender-inclusive assignment, or GIA, will need to relocate.

“There’s stuff going on on campus like this. Usually you can go home and feel better about it or distract yourself. But with this, it’s like we’re living in this space where it’s happening. There is no escape,” said five-year resident Rhoswyn Hicks. “Seeing a community that really had trans joy within student housing falling apart has been really difficult.”

On Monday, students spoke at the Higher Learning Commission accreditation during an open forum for students to voice their concerns.&nbsp;

“The university has a responsibility to respect and care for students regardless of their gender identity,” Hicks said. “We would be happy to see the other students in this room take up arms with us and help us in our cause.”

In the initial email sent to residents, KU Housing said communal bathrooms would become gender-segregated and that gender-inclusive housing assignments would no longer be available. Residents were given two options: either stay and select living on a male or female floor, or request GIA housing elsewhere. Other options include living in the Rainbow Community, which offers suites that are significantly more expensive than scholarship halls. K.K. Amani Hall would have “some” GIA rooms available, according to KU Housing.

Residents were given five days to make the decision.&nbsp;

“It feels like there’s no space for me,” said resident Simon Davis. “It feels as though they don’t care that I’m here because I am nonbinary. I don’t like being assigned or shoved into a category, which is kind of what I have to deal with. I don’t like being categorized as a woman, but I care a lot about GP’s community, so I will stay. It sucks though.”

On Feb. 13, KU Housing sent a follow-up email to residents to clarify reasons for the changes. According to the email sent by Sarah Waters, executive director of Housing and Residence Life, multi-stalled bathrooms in residential dormitory buildings are required by&nbsp;<a href="https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2018/chapter-29-plumbing-systems" target="_blank">International Building Code</a>&nbsp;to have separate facilities based on sex.

“We understand the impact this change has on the community,” Waters said in the email. “We will continue to support our residents in navigating this change to meet their housing needs.”

The email goes on to say that residents who observe other residents using the incorrect bathroom or housing assignment should report the issue. Residents were recommended to apply for GIA housing at K.K. Amani Hall, which costs $518 more per academic year.

Directors at Grace Pearson and Amani halls did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Resident assistant Anthony Alvarez has lived in Grace Pearson for three years and been an RA for two. He became an RA to be a friend to those throughout the hall. He said he intended not to enforce the changes with his residents to the best of his ability.&nbsp;

“If you were a staff member, you would be looking to enforce that and we don’t know what that looks like,” said Alvarez. “The most they told us would be an incident report and policy. If you get a certain amount of incident reports, you could get kicked out. However, your job as an RA ties you to the building, your housing and your job. If they fire you, you don’t have a place to live.”

Residents of Grace Pearson plan to continue spreading awareness to fellow students.&nbsp;

“It looks like outreach getting more people to know about what’s going on,” Hicks said. “I guess if housing continues to not respond, likely more protests where we feel we will reach the best audience, or larger audience for this issue.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741134701079.png" alt="Residents of the Grace Pearson scholarship hall and other students protest Feb. 26, 2025, outside of Strong Hall in support of gender-inclusive housing. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Residents of the Grace Pearson scholarship hall and other students protest Feb. 26, 2025, outside of Strong Hall in support of gender-inclusive housing. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">MAYA SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a> LAWRENCE — University of Kansas students are grappling with the decision to end gender-inclusive housing assignments at a campus scholarship hall.Grace Pearson residents and other KU students protested last week outside of Strong Hall with signs that read “We’re All Jayhawks” and “Keep Inclusivity Affordable.” The group also launched a petition against the change in policy, and decorated windows with Post-its and signs that the university&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansan.com/news/grace-pearson-residents-ordered-to-take-down-decorations-supporting-gender-inclusion/article_bcb6088c-f57f-11ef-b35d-7327303c6ace.html" target="_blank">requested they remove.</a>&nbsp;KU notified residents of Grace Pearson Hall on Feb. 5 that floors will be segregated by gender in the next school year. That means transgender and nonbinary students who want a gender-inclusive assignment, or GIA, will need to relocate.“There’s stuff going on on campus like this. Usually you can go home and feel better about it or distract yourself. But with this, it’s like we’re living in this space where it’s happening. There is no escape,” said five-year resident Rhoswyn Hicks. “Seeing a community that really had trans joy within student housing falling apart has been really difficult.”On Monday, students spoke at the Higher Learning Commission accreditation during an open forum for students to voice their concerns.&nbsp;“The university has a responsibility to respect and care for students regardless of their gender identity,” Hicks said. “We would be happy to see the other students in this room take up arms with us and help us in our cause.”In the initial email sent to residents, KU Housing said communal bathrooms would become gender-segregated and that gender-inclusive housing assignments would no longer be available. Residents were given two options: either stay and select living on a male or female floor, or request GIA housing elsewhere. Other options include living in the Rainbow Community, which offers suites that are significantly more expensive than scholarship halls. K.K. Amani Hall would have “some” GIA rooms available, according to KU Housing.Residents were given five days to make the decision.&nbsp;“It feels like there’s no space for me,” said resident Simon Davis. “It feels as though they don’t care that I’m here because I am nonbinary. I don’t like being assigned or shoved into a category, which is kind of what I have to deal with. I don’t like being categorized as a woman, but I care a lot about GP’s community, so I will stay. It sucks though.”On Feb. 13, KU Housing sent a follow-up email to residents to clarify reasons for the changes. According to the email sent by Sarah Waters, executive director of Housing and Residence Life, multi-stalled bathrooms in residential dormitory buildings are required by&nbsp;<a href="https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2018/chapter-29-plumbing-systems" target="_blank">International Building Code</a>&nbsp;to have separate facilities based on sex.“We understand the impact this change has on the community,” Waters said in the email. “We will continue to support our residents in navigating this change to meet their housing needs.”The email goes on to say that residents who observe other residents using the incorrect bathroom or housing assignment should report the issue. Residents were recommended to apply for GIA housing at K.K. Amani Hall, which costs $518 more per academic year.Directors at Grace Pearson and Amani halls did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;Resident assistant Anthony Alvarez has lived in Grace Pearson for three years and been an RA for two. He became an RA to be a friend to those throughout the hall. He said he intended not to enforce the changes with his residents to the best of his ability.&nbsp;“If you were a staff member, you would be looking to enforce that and we don’t know what that looks like,” said Alvarez. “The most they told us would be an incident report and policy. If you get a certain amount of incident reports, you could get kicked out. However, your job as an RA ties you to the building, your housing and your job. If they fire you, you don’t have a place to live.”Residents of Grace Pearson plan to continue spreading awareness to fellow students.&nbsp;“It looks like outreach getting more people to know about what’s going on,” Hicks said. “I guess if housing continues to not respond, likely more protests where we feel we will reach the best audience, or larger audience for this issue.”

University of Kansas students protest decision to end gender-inclusive housing in scholarship hall

BUTLER COUNTY—Friends have established an online fundraiser the assist the family of two boys who died Saturday in a house explosion and fire in rural Butler County Missouri.&nbsp; The home was a total loss.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-aid-for-young-boys-lost-in-fire?attribution_id=sl%3A69ab4617-59e3-4b8e-bdbf-d4e80ca7a7cd&amp;lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&amp;utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t1&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=native_options&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawIyqAJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcEiuidldQtwvkh_JpRNp97VPeAJVkmgfSROrEqVGGHlaT04WqIVV76nRg_aem_M1RMug4iKV-hzOu1a1N8Kg">Click here to view</a> the online fundraiser

Authorities continue investigating the cause of the fatal home explosion and fire.

Just after 11:30p.m. Saturday, deputies responded to a 911 call of a home explosion and fire, according to the Bates County Sheriff’s Office.

First responders were met with a fully engulfed home. Five people were reported to be living at the residence.&nbsp; Three of the five occupants were able to make it out of the house. Two children both age 2 were not able to be immediately rescued. 

Fire units arrived on scene and requested assistance from additional agencies. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful due to the heavy fire in the residence. 

 Both children were eventually pronounced deceased by the Bates County Coroner on scene.   The three people that were able to make it out of the house were transported to the hospital for treatment.   The fire is being investigated by the Bates County Sheriffs Office and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740963768094.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY—Friends have established an online fundraiser the assist the family of two boys who died Saturday in a house explosion and fire in rural Butler County Missouri.&nbsp; The home was a total loss.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-aid-for-young-boys-lost-in-fire?attribution_id=sl%3A69ab4617-59e3-4b8e-bdbf-d4e80ca7a7cd&amp;lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&amp;utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t1&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=native_options&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawIyqAJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcEiuidldQtwvkh_JpRNp97VPeAJVkmgfSROrEqVGGHlaT04WqIVV76nRg_aem_M1RMug4iKV-hzOu1a1N8Kg">Click here to view</a> the online fundraiser<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741038954219.png" alt="Photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities continue investigating the cause of the fatal home explosion and fire.Just after 11:30p.m. Saturday, deputies responded to a 911 call of a home explosion and fire, according to the Bates County Sheriff’s Office.First responders were met with a fully engulfed home. Five people were reported to be living at the residence.&nbsp; Three of the five occupants were able to make it out of the house. Two children both age 2 were not able to be immediately rescued. Fire units arrived on scene and requested assistance from additional agencies. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful due to the heavy fire in the residence. Both children were eventually pronounced deceased by the Bates County Coroner on scene. The three people that were able to make it out of the house were transported to the hospital for treatment. The fire is being investigated by the Bates County Sheriffs Office and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Online fundraiser after 2 boys killed in house explosion, fire

FRANKLIN COUNTY —A police officer was forced to shoot a dog during an incident on Monday in Ottawa.

Just after 2p.m. Monday&nbsp;a citizen reported a Pitbull running loose and being aggressive in the 700 block of S. Cypress Street in Ottawa, according to a media release from police.

Responding officers arrived and located the canine and it charged at them. Officers attempted to catch the dog but could not due to the aggressive behavior of the canine, and requested a unit with a tranquilizer gun respond. 

 Prior to the officer arriving with the tranquilizer gun the dog charged another officer who discharged their duty weapon striking the canine.  The dog retreated to a fenced in pen with another dog that was aggressive, which delayed medical treatment.  Officers were able to retrieve the injured canine, and it was immediately transported to a local veterinarian for emergency treatment.

No officers or citizens were injured during the incident.

Police issued citations to 61-year-old Floyd Atchison, a 61-year-old of Ottawa on following charges:  Keeping Vicious Animal; Animal At Large; Keeping Prohibited Pit Bull; No City Animal Registration and No Current Rabies Vaccination.

FRANKLIN COUNTY —A police officer was forced to shoot a dog during an incident on Monday in Ottawa.Just after 2p.m. Monday&nbsp;a citizen reported a Pitbull running loose and being aggressive in the 700 block of S. Cypress Street in Ottawa, according to a media release from police.Responding officers arrived and located the canine and it charged at them. Officers attempted to catch the dog but could not due to the aggressive behavior of the canine, and requested a unit with a tranquilizer gun respond. Prior to the officer arriving with the tranquilizer gun the dog charged another officer who discharged their duty weapon striking the canine. The dog retreated to a fenced in pen with another dog that was aggressive, which delayed medical treatment. Officers were able to retrieve the injured canine, and it was immediately transported to a local veterinarian for emergency treatment.No officers or citizens were injured during the incident.Police issued citations to 61-year-old Floyd Atchison, a 61-year-old of Ottawa on following charges: Keeping Vicious Animal; Animal At Large; Keeping Prohibited Pit Bull; No City Animal Registration and No Current Rabies Vaccination.

Kan. man issued citations after police respond, shoot aggressive dog

‘I hope people really feel how meaningful this is,’ said Dr. Iman Alsaden, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Plains who on Monday performed the first abortions in years at the Columbia clinic

COLUMBIA — The doors of the only Planned Parenthood clinic in mid-Missouri opened up on Monday morning just like they have since 1970.&nbsp;

But for the first time since 2018, pregnant women from central Missouri received an abortion at their local clinic instead of traveling across state lines.

By 10 a.m., the first two patients had received ultrasounds to confirm gestational age and were provided with educational materials in preparation for their abortions.&nbsp;By day’s end, a total of four women received dilation and curettage procedures in which the embryo or fetus (depending on the gestational age) is removed from the uterus using suction.

“I hope people really feel how meaningful this is,” said Dr. Iman Alsaden, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which runs the Columbia clinic.

Missouri’s first elective abortion since voters in November enshrined reproductive rights into the state constitution was performed last month in Kansas City. But Monday’s procedures mark a turning point as the first time abortion has been available outside the major metro areas of the state since well before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal abortion protections.

Even a year ago, as they were helping gather signatures and advocate for the abortion-rights amendment, Alsadan said the idea of restoring access in in Columbia was “completely unbelievable.”&nbsp;

Alsadan is one of five physicians at Planned Parenthood Great Plains who perform abortions across their Kansas and Missouri clinics. On Monday, they drove in from Kansas City to help re-start the procedure and re-train staff in Columbia who for the past several years have only been providing family planning services, STI testing and treatment and cancer screenings.

So did Macy Thompson, a registered nurse based in the Overland Park, Kansas, clinic who made the trek to assist Columbia staff Monday. Her job was to help prepare patients before the procedure and then provide them with the information they needed once it was completed.&nbsp;

Her bright pink hair matched her scrubs as she sat at a desk inside the two-person recovery room Monday morning. She had recently told the first patients about what medication was available to them ahead of the procedure. Then Thompson informed them of common symptoms post-procedure, like cramping and some bleeding.

Beside her were “goody bags” for the patients: pads, underwear, a heat pack and “a big handful of condoms, just in case.” In the corner a speaker played music. She usually takes requests from patients.&nbsp;

“It’s not the fanciest,” Thompson said. “But we try to do a lot for comfort.”

Thompson considers herself more than a nurse. She also described her role as “a receiver of narratives.”&nbsp;

Many of the patients are having a bad day, she said. But not every story is sad, and she often reminds patients that they don’t have to justify their decision.

Her last parting gift to patients before they head home?

“I’m a big hugger,” Thompson said. “That’s the final step of the abortion process. Or a high-five.”

By late afternoon, the inside of the clinic was quiet. In the waiting room, at least 100 colorfully wrapped condoms sat in a plastic tub. Pamphlets on puberty, sex education, birth control, HIV and syphilis lined a wall.&nbsp;

Health center manager Krissy Lincoln sat at the front desk. Purple earrings with the words “Pro Choice AF” dangled above her shoulders.&nbsp;

“It’s a normal doctor’s office clinic,” she said. “It’s nothing that is unusual. It’s just a scary word — abortion — that people don’t like.”

The only obvious difference was a computer screen with a live video stream of the entrance to the clinic, including a view of some of the protesters gathered outside.&nbsp;

Protesters, or sidewalk counselors, aren’t uncommon outside the Columbia clinic. On Monday, about 20 people gathered outside the clinic’s tall fence in rotations. Many have been coming to pray outside the clinic for years.&nbsp;

“You have another choice,” one said through the fence to a patient walking into the clinic beside a volunteer Planned Parenthood clinic escort who shielded them from view with an umbrella.&nbsp;

Some cars honked in support. Others blared angry blasts as passengers shouted out windows at the small crowd.

“Get a life,” a passerby yelled as Connie Gerling, a longtime volunteer with 40 Days for Life, bowed her head and prayed.

She repeated one verse to herself on several occasions Monday: “Everything is possible with God.”&nbsp;

“Who decides when a baby is a baby?” she asked. “God made that decision.”&nbsp;

Bonnie Lee, a retired registered nurse who has been taking up residence outside the Columbia clinic since 2009, felt the heaviness of the day as she stood beside a rotation of about 20 other anti-abortion volunteers who rotated in and out Monday, watching as staff members walked in and out of the building.

“I pray for them because they cannot comprehend what they’re bringing down on themselves,” she said. “Whether it’s in this life or afterwards.”&nbsp;

Lee remains confident that abortion won’t remain legal for long.&nbsp;

“I believe a referendum on truth is out there,” she said, emphasizing her belief that a judge’s recent ruling dissolved all oversight of Planned Parenthood clinics.&nbsp;

Last month, Jackson County judge Jerri Zhang&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">struck down the final few regulations for Missouri abortion providers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">calling them “unnecessary” and “discriminatory.”</a>&nbsp;This order opened the door for abortions to resume at every clinic in Missouri, though&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/planned-parenthood-abortion-appointments-columbia-kansas-city/">only the clinics in Kansas City and Columbia have re-started the procedure.&nbsp;</a>

The state previously imposed licensing laws on Planned Parenthood clinics that the organization cited as so burdensome that they weren’t able to continue offering the procedure at most of their Missouri clinics even before abortion was outlawed in 2022.&nbsp;

This included a mandatory 72-hour waiting period between seeing a provider and having the same provider perform the abortion and a requirement that physicians performing the procedure have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.&nbsp;

Abortion opponents, including Lee, often cite a 2018 state health inspection report at the Columbia clinic that found tubing used in procedural abortions contained “black mold and bodily fluid.” Planned Parenthood officials have disputed the characterization of the inspection and later said the equipment had been replaced and the issue resolved.

When Vicki Casey started at Planned Parenthood’s Columbia clinic in 2005, she said state inspections weren’t nearly as “politicized” or “weaponized.”&nbsp;

Now director of centralized operations for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Casey said the two-decade difference is stark. A few years into the job, she noticed more protesters gathering outside, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Inspection reports were “a little more over the top.” Each year, the job got harder as abortion regulations approved by the anti-abortion legislature piled on.&nbsp;

Patients took the brunt of the burden, Casey said.&nbsp;

Suddenly patients had to scramble to take off work twice, get child care twice, find funds to travel to the clinic twice. In 2018 the clinic ended abortions because it could no longer meet a state requirement that doctors performing abortions have admitting privileges at a hospital no more than 15 minutes from the clinic and the clinic’s license expired.&nbsp;

Casey called the decision “devastating.”&nbsp;

Their goal is to get patients in and out in two hours. Prior to 2018, Casey said it took between four and six hours to get a patient through for an abortion procedure, pointing to the consent laws that slowed the process.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741103208726.png" alt="Dr. Iman Alsaden, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, stands outside a procedure room on Monday after performing the first elective abortion in Columbia since 2018 (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Iman Alsaden, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, stands outside a procedure room on Monday after performing the first elective abortion in Columbia since 2018 (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘I hope people really feel how meaningful this is,’ said Dr. Iman Alsaden, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Plains who on Monday performed the first abortions in years at the Columbia clinic</h2>COLUMBIA — The doors of the only Planned Parenthood clinic in mid-Missouri opened up on Monday morning just like they have since 1970.&nbsp;But for the first time since 2018, pregnant women from central Missouri received an abortion at their local clinic instead of traveling across state lines.By 10 a.m., the first two patients had received ultrasounds to confirm gestational age and were provided with educational materials in preparation for their abortions.&nbsp;By day’s end, a total of four women received dilation and curettage procedures in which the embryo or fetus (depending on the gestational age) is removed from the uterus using suction.“I hope people really feel how meaningful this is,” said Dr. Iman Alsaden, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which runs the Columbia clinic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741103177243.png" alt=" An abortion procedure room pictured on Monday at Planned Parenthood in Columbia, Missouri (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> An abortion procedure room pictured on Monday at Planned Parenthood in Columbia, Missouri (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri’s first elective abortion since voters in November enshrined reproductive rights into the state constitution was performed last month in Kansas City. But Monday’s procedures mark a turning point as the first time abortion has been available outside the major metro areas of the state since well before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down federal abortion protections.Even a year ago, as they were helping gather signatures and advocate for the abortion-rights amendment, Alsadan said the idea of restoring access in in Columbia was “completely unbelievable.”&nbsp;Alsadan is one of five physicians at Planned Parenthood Great Plains who perform abortions across their Kansas and Missouri clinics. On Monday, they drove in from Kansas City to help re-start the procedure and re-train staff in Columbia who for the past several years have only been providing family planning services, STI testing and treatment and cancer screenings.So did Macy Thompson, a registered nurse based in the Overland Park, Kansas, clinic who made the trek to assist Columbia staff Monday. Her job was to help prepare patients before the procedure and then provide them with the information they needed once it was completed.&nbsp;Her bright pink hair matched her scrubs as she sat at a desk inside the two-person recovery room Monday morning. She had recently told the first patients about what medication was available to them ahead of the procedure. Then Thompson informed them of common symptoms post-procedure, like cramping and some bleeding.Beside her were “goody bags” for the patients: pads, underwear, a heat pack and “a big handful of condoms, just in case.” In the corner a speaker played music. She usually takes requests from patients.&nbsp;“It’s not the fanciest,” Thompson said. “But we try to do a lot for comfort.”Thompson considers herself more than a nurse. She also described her role as “a receiver of narratives.”&nbsp;Many of the patients are having a bad day, she said. But not every story is sad, and she often reminds patients that they don’t have to justify their decision.Her last parting gift to patients before they head home?“I’m a big hugger,” Thompson said. “That’s the final step of the abortion process. Or a high-five.”By late afternoon, the inside of the clinic was quiet. In the waiting room, at least 100 colorfully wrapped condoms sat in a plastic tub. Pamphlets on puberty, sex education, birth control, HIV and syphilis lined a wall.&nbsp;Health center manager Krissy Lincoln sat at the front desk. Purple earrings with the words “Pro Choice AF” dangled above her shoulders.&nbsp;“It’s a normal doctor’s office clinic,” she said. “It’s nothing that is unusual. It’s just a scary word — abortion — that people don’t like.”The only obvious difference was a computer screen with a live video stream of the entrance to the clinic, including a view of some of the protesters gathered outside.&nbsp;Protesters, or sidewalk counselors, aren’t uncommon outside the Columbia clinic. On Monday, about 20 people gathered outside the clinic’s tall fence in rotations. Many have been coming to pray outside the clinic for years.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741103135177.png" alt="Connie Gerling, with 40 Days for Life, prays as she stands outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic on Monday. A sign beside her reads: “We Care. We can Help” (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Connie Gerling, with 40 Days for Life, prays as she stands outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic on Monday. A sign beside her reads: “We Care. We can Help” (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>“You have another choice,” one said through the fence to a patient walking into the clinic beside a volunteer Planned Parenthood clinic escort who shielded them from view with an umbrella.&nbsp;Some cars honked in support. Others blared angry blasts as passengers shouted out windows at the small crowd.“Get a life,” a passerby yelled as Connie Gerling, a longtime volunteer with 40 Days for Life, bowed her head and prayed.She repeated one verse to herself on several occasions Monday: “Everything is possible with God.”&nbsp;“Who decides when a baby is a baby?” she asked. “God made that decision.”&nbsp;Bonnie Lee, a retired registered nurse who has been taking up residence outside the Columbia clinic since 2009, felt the heaviness of the day as she stood beside a rotation of about 20 other anti-abortion volunteers who rotated in and out Monday, watching as staff members walked in and out of the building.“I pray for them because they cannot comprehend what they’re bringing down on themselves,” she said. “Whether it’s in this life or afterwards.”&nbsp;Lee remains confident that abortion won’t remain legal for long.&nbsp;“I believe a referendum on truth is out there,” she said, emphasizing her belief that a judge’s recent ruling dissolved all oversight of Planned Parenthood clinics.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741103083728.png" alt=" Longtime anti-abortion activist Bonnie Lee stands outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic on Monday. “At the same time that I get so frustrated, I have to remember the judgement they’re calling down on themselves,” she said of those involved with abortions inside the clinic (Anna Spoerre/Missouri" />
 <figcaption> Longtime anti-abortion activist Bonnie Lee stands outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic on Monday. “At the same time that I get so frustrated, I have to remember the judgement they’re calling down on themselves,” she said of those involved with abortions inside the clinic (Anna Spoerre/Missouri</figcaption>
 </figure>Last month, Jackson County judge Jerri Zhang&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">struck down the final few regulations for Missouri abortion providers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">calling them “unnecessary” and “discriminatory.”</a>&nbsp;This order opened the door for abortions to resume at every clinic in Missouri, though&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/planned-parenthood-abortion-appointments-columbia-kansas-city/">only the clinics in Kansas City and Columbia have re-started the procedure.&nbsp;</a>The state previously imposed licensing laws on Planned Parenthood clinics that the organization cited as so burdensome that they weren’t able to continue offering the procedure at most of their Missouri clinics even before abortion was outlawed in 2022.&nbsp;This included a mandatory 72-hour waiting period between seeing a provider and having the same provider perform the abortion and a requirement that physicians performing the procedure have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.&nbsp;Abortion opponents, including Lee, often cite a 2018 state health inspection report at the Columbia clinic that found tubing used in procedural abortions contained “black mold and bodily fluid.” Planned Parenthood officials have disputed the characterization of the inspection and later said the equipment had been replaced and the issue resolved.When Vicki Casey started at Planned Parenthood’s Columbia clinic in 2005, she said state inspections weren’t nearly as “politicized” or “weaponized.”&nbsp;Now director of centralized operations for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Casey said the two-decade difference is stark. A few years into the job, she noticed more protesters gathering outside, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Inspection reports were “a little more over the top.” Each year, the job got harder as abortion regulations approved by the anti-abortion legislature piled on.&nbsp;Patients took the brunt of the burden, Casey said.&nbsp;Suddenly patients had to scramble to take off work twice, get child care twice, find funds to travel to the clinic twice. In 2018 the clinic ended abortions because it could no longer meet a state requirement that doctors performing abortions have admitting privileges at a hospital no more than 15 minutes from the clinic and the clinic’s license expired.&nbsp;Casey called the decision “devastating.”&nbsp;Monday was anything but for her.&nbsp;Their goal is to get patients in and out in two hours. Prior to 2018, Casey said it took between four and six hours to get a patient through for an abortion procedure, pointing to the consent laws that slowed the process.&nbsp;She’s stuck it out for two decades despite the near-constant changes.&nbsp;“You have to believe in what you do,” Casey said. “I believe that abortion is health care and that there’s no difference between that and the other things that we do here.”&nbsp;When Emily Wales, now CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, started at the organization nearly eight years ago, she recalled a patient who lived about 30 minutes outside Columbia calling to push her appointment to later in the day after her child care plans fell through. The clinic adjusted her appointment time, and the woman came in later that day for her abortion before making it home in time to pick her kids up again.&nbsp;“It’s the best example of why care has to be close,” Wales said, adding that for the first time in years, mid-Missourians are among the growing number of people who have reasonable access to an abortion clinic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741103037580.png" alt="Emily Wales, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains (right) takes a shift as a clinic escort with Vicki Casey director of centralized operations, on March 3, 2025, outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Columbia (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Emily Wales, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains (right) takes a shift as a clinic escort with Vicki Casey director of centralized operations, on March 3, 2025, outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Columbia (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Zhang’s ruling, Wales said, put Planned Parenthood clinics on the same playing field as private OBGYN offices rather than holding them to similar standards as hospitals.&nbsp;She said while the clinic itself is no longer licensed by the state, the physicians and nurses inside the building are, and they are instructed by oversight boards. She said the clinic also has to abide by requirements in order to keep its lab license, as well as municipal building codes.&nbsp;“We’re just like going to your normal doctor’s office without an additional level of state oversight,” she said, adding that their equipment is inspected on a regular basis through an infection control process.&nbsp;It’s a bit hard to believe abortion has returned to the clinic, Wales said, though the fight is far from over.&nbsp;Planned Parenthood is still waiting on the state to approve or reject a complication plan for medication abortions, the most common type of abortion and the method preferred by most patients still in their first trimester.She’s also closely watching the state’s elected officials.&nbsp;This legislative session, dozens of bills have been filed seeking to restrict abortion rights. This includes multiple proposed constitutional amendments seeking to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/05/missouri-abortion-ban-constitutional-amendment-stinnett-rape-incest-exception/">put an abortion ban on the ballot as soon as this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>Wales oversees the Planned Parenthood affiliate where in 2009 Dr. George Tiller, an abortion doctor in Kansas, was shot and killed while attending church. She worries about the anti-abortion rhetoric she hears on a regular basis.“When you have the state’s attorney general saying that Planned Parenthood should be eradicated or eliminated,” Wales said. “That kind of language does incite others potentially to violence.”