KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri, have identified the victim as 18-year-old Deon W. Porter, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to 75th Street and Bruce R Watkins Drive in Kansas City, Missouri on an ambulance in route, medical nature unknown call, according to DiMartino.

Passing motorists observed an individual lying in the roadway, on Bruce R Watkins Drive and called 911. 

First responders observed a victim, later identified as Porter, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers began performing life saving measures and KCFD EMS was ordered to the scene. Medics transported the Porter to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.

This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to Porter being shot. Police have not reported an arrest.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri, have identified the victim as 18-year-old Deon W. Porter, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, patrol officers were dispatched to 75th Street and Bruce R Watkins Drive in Kansas City, Missouri on an ambulance in route, medical nature unknown call, according to DiMartino.Passing motorists observed an individual lying in the roadway, on Bruce R Watkins Drive and called 911. First responders observed a victim, later identified as Porter, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers began performing life saving measures and KCFD EMS was ordered to the scene. Medics transported the Porter to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to Porter being shot. Police have not reported an arrest.

KCPD: Shooting victim drivers saw lying in the road was just a teen

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

TOPEKA — The Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile electric transmission line to be built through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The awards were made to Quanta Services of Houston and Kiewit Energy Group Inc. of Omaha. Grain Belt Express&nbsp;is an Invenergy project expected to add 5,000 megawatts of U.S. energy delivery capacity, according to an Invenergy press release. It’s also expected to provide $52 billion in energy cost savings to Americans over 15 years.

“Quanta Services and Kiewit have strong local presences and expect to source raw materials locally in Kansas and Missouri when possible, including concrete, aggregate, civil materials, conduit, and piping,” the press release said. “Main construction, engineering, and procurement offices for Grain Belt Express Phase 1 will be based out of Overland Park&nbsp;and Lenexa, Kansas.”

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said the Grain Belt Express is a multimillion dollar investment that will pay off for Kansans.

“The selection of contractors and suppliers with a local presence is just one of the many sizable economic benefits Grain Belt Express brings, in addition to greater energy cost savings and reliability,” he said.

In April, the Kansas Corporation Commission modified the route for one of two transmission lines that will connect wind and solar farms to the Grain Belt Express that was originally planned to run for 46 miles through parts of Ford, Meade and Gray counties.&nbsp;

“The new route reduces the length of the line by 12 miles and avoids 24 parcels of land resulting in fewer landowners being impacted,” a KCC press release said. “The 16-mile Bucklin-Dodge City Line remains unchanged.”

A map showing the new route of the Meade-Dodge City line can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Festar.kcc.ks.gov%252Festar%252FViewFile.aspx%252F20250410102317546.pdf%253FId%3D4560a87d-6cc2-410a-8239-5d3ecc7f61a3%2526utm_medium%3Demail%2526utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%2F1%2F01010196213afb39-3f6c80b3-910d-4f31-92a2-13acace51784-000000%2FLHVZJwat2a5Nhd9oAkr8cg4njDiZ1rTO40QiouMd54I%3D400&amp;data=05%7C02%7CLinda.Berry%40ks.gov%7Ccaa38d20bf6c491cbd6708dd7868088d%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638799110678140200%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=0tU8QIj0qToSrbld3FPpCscXv2cGIa6HbZUCkKu6CvU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.

The Invenergy press release said 1,500 agreements have been executed with landowners for easement rights. More than $105 million is part of executed easement agreements, including $19 million already paid to landowners and an additional $86 million due at construction, the company said. More than 95% of Grain Belt Express Phase 1 main line land acquisition is complete.

“Kansans working to balance household budgets and run businesses want energy that’s affordable and reliable, and that’s what we are getting with Grain Belt Express, all without ratepayers being forced to pay for it,” said Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746648653179.png" alt=" The Grain Belt Express announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday to build a transmission line through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption> The Grain Belt Express announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday to build a transmission line through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile electric transmission line to be built through Kansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards on Wednesday.&nbsp;The awards were made to Quanta Services of Houston and Kiewit Energy Group Inc. of Omaha. Grain Belt Express&nbsp;is an Invenergy project expected to add 5,000 megawatts of U.S. energy delivery capacity, according to an Invenergy press release. It’s also expected to provide $52 billion in energy cost savings to Americans over 15 years.“Quanta Services and Kiewit have strong local presences and expect to source raw materials locally in Kansas and Missouri when possible, including concrete, aggregate, civil materials, conduit, and piping,” the press release said. “Main construction, engineering, and procurement offices for Grain Belt Express Phase 1 will be based out of Overland Park&nbsp;and Lenexa, Kansas.”Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said the Grain Belt Express is a multimillion dollar investment that will pay off for Kansans.“The selection of contractors and suppliers with a local presence is just one of the many sizable economic benefits Grain Belt Express brings, in addition to greater energy cost savings and reliability,” he said.In April, the Kansas Corporation Commission modified the route for one of two transmission lines that will connect wind and solar farms to the Grain Belt Express that was originally planned to run for 46 miles through parts of Ford, Meade and Gray counties.&nbsp;“The new route reduces the length of the line by 12 miles and avoids 24 parcels of land resulting in fewer landowners being impacted,” a KCC press release said. “The 16-mile Bucklin-Dodge City Line remains unchanged.”A map showing the new route of the Meade-Dodge City line can be viewed&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Festar.kcc.ks.gov%252Festar%252FViewFile.aspx%252F20250410102317546.pdf%253FId%3D4560a87d-6cc2-410a-8239-5d3ecc7f61a3%2526utm_medium%3Demail%2526utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%2F1%2F01010196213afb39-3f6c80b3-910d-4f31-92a2-13acace51784-000000%2FLHVZJwat2a5Nhd9oAkr8cg4njDiZ1rTO40QiouMd54I%3D400&amp;data=05%7C02%7CLinda.Berry%40ks.gov%7Ccaa38d20bf6c491cbd6708dd7868088d%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638799110678140200%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=0tU8QIj0qToSrbld3FPpCscXv2cGIa6HbZUCkKu6CvU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">here</a>.The Invenergy press release said 1,500 agreements have been executed with landowners for easement rights. More than $105 million is part of executed easement agreements, including $19 million already paid to landowners and an additional $86 million due at construction, the company said. More than 95% of Grain Belt Express Phase 1 main line land acquisition is complete.“Kansans working to balance household budgets and run businesses want energy that’s affordable and reliable, and that’s what we are getting with Grain Belt Express, all without ratepayers being forced to pay for it,” said Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins.

Grain Belt Express awards $1.7B in contracts for transmission line through Kansas, other states

SALINE COUNTY —A jury found a Salina man guilty for a shooting death in 2021.

A Saline County jury found 38-year-old Juan Doroteo Morales guilty of first-degree, premeditated murder, aggravated assault and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon in the death of 25-year-old Camilo Renaldo Ramirez of Salina, according to the Kansas Attorney General's office.

In August 2021,&nbsp;Ramirez and his dog were shot near the intersection of Front Street and E. Iron Avenue. Police, who were dispatched to the area for the report of gunshots, found Ramirez in the street.&nbsp; He later died at a hospital.

According to information from police, surveillance videos near the shooting scene showed a vehicle circling the area. It then stopped and two people got out and began shooting.

A front window at Fresh Market, 511 E. Iron Avenue, and a nearby CityGo bus stop sign sustained damage from bullets during the shooting.

As part of the investigation, detectives learned that Ramirez was lured to the location by Morales and co-defendants&nbsp;Jaime Leos, Jacob Leos, and Kiera Stewart. Investigators found firearms used in the shooting in a drainage system a few blocks from a residence associated with the crime.

“Everyone involved in Camilo Ramirez’s murder has now been held accountable for their actions. I am pleased that justice was served,” Jessica Domme, Deputy Attorney General, said.

Stewart entered guilty pleas to intentional murder in the second Degree, attempted aggravated robbery, and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery on Oct. 18, 2022.&nbsp; Stewart testified during Morales’ trial.

Jaime Leos entered guilty pleas to voluntary manslaughter and conspiracy to commit murder in the second degree on July 29, 2024.

Jacob Leos entered guilty pleas to intentional murder in the second degree, conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, and aggravated assault on May 2, 2024.

Stewart and Jaime Leos are scheduled to be sentenced on May 16. Jacob Leos is scheduled to be sentenced May 20.&nbsp;Morales will be sentenced in Saline County District Court on August 15th.

The Salina Police Department with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746639820085.png" alt="Morales -Saline County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Morales -Saline County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —A jury found a Salina man guilty for a shooting death in 2021.A Saline County jury found 38-year-old Juan Doroteo Morales guilty of first-degree, premeditated murder, aggravated assault and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon in the death of 25-year-old Camilo Renaldo Ramirez of Salina, according to the Kansas Attorney General's office.In August 2021,&nbsp;Ramirez and his dog were shot near the intersection of Front Street and E. Iron Avenue. Police, who were dispatched to the area for the report of gunshots, found Ramirez in the street.&nbsp; He later died at a hospital.According to information from police, surveillance videos near the shooting scene showed a vehicle circling the area. It then stopped and two people got out and began shooting.A front window at Fresh Market, 511 E. Iron Avenue, and a nearby CityGo bus stop sign sustained damage from bullets during the shooting.As part of the investigation, detectives learned that Ramirez was lured to the location by Morales and co-defendants&nbsp;Jaime Leos, Jacob Leos, and Kiera Stewart. Investigators found firearms used in the shooting in a drainage system a few blocks from a residence associated with the crime.“Everyone involved in Camilo Ramirez’s murder has now been held accountable for their actions. I am pleased that justice was served,” Jessica Domme, Deputy Attorney General, said.Stewart entered guilty pleas to intentional murder in the second Degree, attempted aggravated robbery, and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery on Oct. 18, 2022.&nbsp; Stewart testified during Morales’ trial.Jaime Leos entered guilty pleas to voluntary manslaughter and conspiracy to commit murder in the second degree on July 29, 2024.Jacob Leos entered guilty pleas to intentional murder in the second degree, conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, and aggravated assault on May 2, 2024.Stewart and Jaime Leos are scheduled to be sentenced on May 16. Jacob Leos is scheduled to be sentenced May 20.&nbsp;Morales will be sentenced in Saline County District Court on August 15th.The Salina Police Department with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.

Jury: 4th suspect guilty of luring Kansas man to his death

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/tierneykugel/">Tierney Kugel</a>

The fallout from the failed contract negotiations between University of Missouri Health Care and Anthem is rippling far beyond Columbia — reaching counties more than 100 miles away.

As of April 1, more than 90,000 MU Health Care patients were left out of network after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement. MU Health Care serves patients in each of Missouri’s 114 counties. While the effects are immediate for patients in Columbia and nearby areas who use the health care system, the disruption is statewide, driving up care costs for employees across the state.

The Ozarks Schools Benefits Association, or OSBA, is a self-funded cooperative consortium for health care purposes. It provides employee benefits to public school districts across Missouri. It offers a range of insurance options including medical, dental, vision and life coverage at competitive rates by pooling resources from member districts.

OSBA, which represents more than 120 school districts across Missouri, could face future challenges as a result of the failed negotiations between MU Health Care and Anthem. Tim Ryan, OSBA president and superintendent of the Dallas County R-I School District in Buffalo, Missouri, explained how the breakdown may affect the association moving forward.

“Ultimately all of those (medical) bills that are paid out come from a self-funded plan,” Ryan said. “So even though my district doesn’t necessarily … use that system, overall we share the same funds in our health care plan.”

The failed negotiations will impact rates in the future, Ryan said.

“As we look to future years, we might have higher rate increases just based on this negotiation between Anthem and MU,” he said. “Because ultimately it comes down to what we have in our reserves, and what is our anticipated cost for the upcoming year. So we might have larger increases in the future which would be the biggest piece that has an impact on all 120 school districts in our association.”

Some Anthem members receiving intensive or ongoing treatment may still qualify for in-network rates at MU Health Care through a continuity-of-care plan, which provides a minimum 90-day window to apply.

“Ultimately it’s going to cost our association more for any individual that receives health care through the MU Health Care system,” Ryan said.

Ryan is confident that Anthem and MU Health Care will reach an agreement eventually.

“It’s a bottom line issue,” he said. “We all share the funds, so ultimately there will be some sort of a rate increase in the future due to this more than likely, unless we can find other ways to reduce costs.”

MU Health Care spokesperson Eric Maze said the health care system does not expect an agreement with Anthem in the future.

“We are not optimistic that we will reach an agreement with Anthem in the foreseeable future,” Maze said. “The most recent proposal we received from Anthem doesn’t differ meaningfully from what they offered in fall 2024 or from the terms of the agreement that ended in March.”

“More specifically, it doesn’t address the increases in expenses that MU Health Care and other health systems are experiencing, parity with the rates paid by other managed care companies in the region or parity with the rates Anthem pays other academic health systems,” he added.

Maze pointed to rising premiums over the past decade as evidence of a growing disconnect between what employers pay and what providers receive.

He explained in regard to employee benefit increases, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance’s 2023 Health Insurance Market Report outlined how Anthem and its peers increased annual premiums to employer groups by as much as 37% over the last decade, but they did not pass on those rate increases to health care providers.

In addition to the financial impact to the OSBA, Ryan believes the failed negotiations will also impact trust for employees who use the health care system.

“I know most other people are probably like me when you find a doctor or physician that you really like seeing on a regular basis, it’s very difficult to change. Especially if it’s your primary care,” he said. “So there’s going to be a lack of trust there with MU.”

MU Health Care maintains contract agreements with other major insurers including UnitedHealthcare.

“We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for many of our patients with Anthem insurance and our goal remains to come to an agreement,” Maze said. “It’s important to note that MU Health Care remains in network with most major insurers.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/mu-health-care-anthem-negotiations-have-far-reaching-impact-on-employee-benefits/article_4efaaee7-2497-4c19-bbcb-51915802d83e.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732056018557.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/tierneykugel/">Tierney Kugel</a>The fallout from the failed contract negotiations between University of Missouri Health Care and Anthem is rippling far beyond Columbia — reaching counties more than 100 miles away.As of April 1, more than 90,000 MU Health Care patients were left out of network after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement. MU Health Care serves patients in each of Missouri’s 114 counties. While the effects are immediate for patients in Columbia and nearby areas who use the health care system, the disruption is statewide, driving up care costs for employees across the state.The Ozarks Schools Benefits Association, or OSBA, is a self-funded cooperative consortium for health care purposes. It provides employee benefits to public school districts across Missouri. It offers a range of insurance options including medical, dental, vision and life coverage at competitive rates by pooling resources from member districts.OSBA, which represents more than 120 school districts across Missouri, could face future challenges as a result of the failed negotiations between MU Health Care and Anthem. Tim Ryan, OSBA president and superintendent of the Dallas County R-I School District in Buffalo, Missouri, explained how the breakdown may affect the association moving forward.“Ultimately all of those (medical) bills that are paid out come from a self-funded plan,” Ryan said. “So even though my district doesn’t necessarily … use that system, overall we share the same funds in our health care plan.”The failed negotiations will impact rates in the future, Ryan said.“As we look to future years, we might have higher rate increases just based on this negotiation between Anthem and MU,” he said. “Because ultimately it comes down to what we have in our reserves, and what is our anticipated cost for the upcoming year. So we might have larger increases in the future which would be the biggest piece that has an impact on all 120 school districts in our association.”Some Anthem members receiving intensive or ongoing treatment may still qualify for in-network rates at MU Health Care through a continuity-of-care plan, which provides a minimum 90-day window to apply.“Ultimately it’s going to cost our association more for any individual that receives health care through the MU Health Care system,” Ryan said.Ryan is confident that Anthem and MU Health Care will reach an agreement eventually.“It’s a bottom line issue,” he said. “We all share the funds, so ultimately there will be some sort of a rate increase in the future due to this more than likely, unless we can find other ways to reduce costs.”MU Health Care spokesperson Eric Maze said the health care system does not expect an agreement with Anthem in the future.“We are not optimistic that we will reach an agreement with Anthem in the foreseeable future,” Maze said. “The most recent proposal we received from Anthem doesn’t differ meaningfully from what they offered in fall 2024 or from the terms of the agreement that ended in March.”“More specifically, it doesn’t address the increases in expenses that MU Health Care and other health systems are experiencing, parity with the rates paid by other managed care companies in the region or parity with the rates Anthem pays other academic health systems,” he added.Maze pointed to rising premiums over the past decade as evidence of a growing disconnect between what employers pay and what providers receive.He explained in regard to employee benefit increases, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance’s 2023 Health Insurance Market Report outlined how Anthem and its peers increased annual premiums to employer groups by as much as 37% over the last decade, but they did not pass on those rate increases to health care providers.In addition to the financial impact to the OSBA, Ryan believes the failed negotiations will also impact trust for employees who use the health care system.“I know most other people are probably like me when you find a doctor or physician that you really like seeing on a regular basis, it’s very difficult to change. Especially if it’s your primary care,” he said. “So there’s going to be a lack of trust there with MU.”MU Health Care maintains contract agreements with other major insurers including UnitedHealthcare.“We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for many of our patients with Anthem insurance and our goal remains to come to an agreement,” Maze said. “It’s important to note that MU Health Care remains in network with most major insurers.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/mu-health-care-anthem-negotiations-have-far-reaching-impact-on-employee-benefits/article_4efaaee7-2497-4c19-bbcb-51915802d83e.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.

University of Missouri Health Care, Anthem negotiations have far reaching impact

SEDGWICK&nbsp; COUNTY —A case of measles has been confirmed in Sedgwick County&nbsp;in an unvaccinated child between the ages of 5 and 10 years old, the county health department reported on its website Wednesday.

Sedgwick County officials are working to identify the source of exposure and notify anyone who may have been exposed. The health department urged residents to review their vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they have symptoms.

Meanwhile, the Kansas Department of Health on Wednesday reported three new case of measles over the past week in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp; The state's updated report did not include the case just announced in Sedgwick County.

Kansas has 49 cases in eight counties in the southwest part of the state as of Wednesday, including Morton Stevens, Haskell, Kiowa, Grant, Finney, Ford and Gray counties. One person remains hospitalized, according to the KDHE.

North Dakota is the 11th state in the U.S. with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">measles outbreak</a>, logging its first cases since 2011.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles case</a>&nbsp;count is 935, more than triple the amount seen in all of 2024. The three-month outbreak in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">Texas</a>&nbsp;accounts for the vast majority of cases, with 702 confirmed as of Tuesday. The outbreak has also spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas.</a>

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">Two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;died from measles-related illnesses in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">the epicenter in West Texas,</a>&nbsp;and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">adult in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;who was not vaccinated died of a measles-related illness.

Other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">states with active outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— which the CDC defines as three or more related cases — include Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

North America has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mexico-canada-ontario-0956a30c043b030ae79bc9f67c6ce89c">two other ongoing outbreaks</a>. One in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/M/24/measles-ontario-epi-summary.pdf?rev=323859266e21469b8b97a294d6c6f98e&amp;sc_lang=en">1,243 cases</a>&nbsp;from mid-October through April 29. And the Mexican state of Chihuahua had 922 measles cases and one death as of Tuesday, according to data from the state health ministry. Health officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON561">Mexico</a>&nbsp;and the U.S. say all three outbreaks are of the same measles strain.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-vaccines-autism-measles-obesity-food-dye-f26089856550e978d28fd25b653d8103">preventable through vaccines</a>, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.

As the virus takes hold in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">U.S. communities with low vaccination rates</a>, health experts fear that spread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">could stretch on for a year</a>. Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a>

What do you need to know about the MMR vaccine?

The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.

Getting another MMR shot is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says. People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said.

People who have documentation that they had measles are immune and those born before 1957 generally don’t need the shots because most children back then had measles and now have “presumptive immunity.”

In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called “herd immunity.”

But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots. The U.S. saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-cdc-outbreak-chicago-mmr-vaccine-7ecdfef41e6dbd659c7ac8b80d5de38f">a rise in measles cases in 2024</a>, including an outbreak in Chicago that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60.</a>

Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.

The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.

Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.

There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741908329913.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK&nbsp; COUNTY —A case of measles has been confirmed in Sedgwick County&nbsp;in an unvaccinated child between the ages of 5 and 10 years old, the county health department reported on its website Wednesday.Sedgwick County officials are working to identify the source of exposure and notify anyone who may have been exposed. The health department urged residents to review their vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they have symptoms.Meanwhile, the Kansas Department of Health on Wednesday reported three new case of measles over the past week in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp; The state's updated report did not include the case just announced in Sedgwick County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746639344474.png" alt="KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas has 49 cases in eight counties in the southwest part of the state as of Wednesday, including Morton Stevens, Haskell, Kiowa, Grant, Finney, Ford and Gray counties. One person remains hospitalized, according to the KDHE.North Dakota is the 11th state in the U.S. with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">measles outbreak</a>, logging its first cases since 2011.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's confirmed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles case</a>&nbsp;count is 935, more than triple the amount seen in all of 2024. The three-month outbreak in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">Texas</a>&nbsp;accounts for the vast majority of cases, with 702 confirmed as of Tuesday. The outbreak has also spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas.</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">Two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;died from measles-related illnesses in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">the epicenter in West Texas,</a>&nbsp;and an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">adult in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;who was not vaccinated died of a measles-related illness.Other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">states with active outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— which the CDC defines as three or more related cases — include Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.North America has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-mexico-canada-ontario-0956a30c043b030ae79bc9f67c6ce89c">two other ongoing outbreaks</a>. One in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/M/24/measles-ontario-epi-summary.pdf?rev=323859266e21469b8b97a294d6c6f98e&amp;sc_lang=en">1,243 cases</a>&nbsp;from mid-October through April 29. And the Mexican state of Chihuahua had 922 measles cases and one death as of Tuesday, according to data from the state health ministry. Health officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON561">Mexico</a>&nbsp;and the U.S. say all three outbreaks are of the same measles strain.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-vaccines-autism-measles-obesity-food-dye-f26089856550e978d28fd25b653d8103">preventable through vaccines</a>, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.As the virus takes hold in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">U.S. communities with low vaccination rates</a>, health experts fear that spread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">could stretch on for a year</a>. Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a><h2>What do you need to know about the MMR vaccine?</h2>The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.Getting another MMR shot is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says. People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need to be revaccinated, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said.People who have documentation that they had measles are immune and those born before 1957 generally don’t need the shots because most children back then had measles and now have “presumptive immunity.”In communities with high vaccination rates — above 95% — diseases like measles have a harder time spreading through communities. This is called “herd immunity.”But childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots. The U.S. saw&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-cdc-outbreak-chicago-mmr-vaccine-7ecdfef41e6dbd659c7ac8b80d5de38f">a rise in measles cases in 2024</a>, including an outbreak in Chicago that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-chicago-migrant-shelter-cdc-e58517c830f73e42266d45d45983c12b">sickened more than 60.</a><h2>What are the symptoms of measles?</h2>Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html">dangerous complications</a>&nbsp;such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and death.<h2>How can you treat measles?</h2>There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.<ul>
 <li>People who are at risk for measles infection are those who have not been vaccinated.</li><li>Babies 6 to 11 months old in Sedgwick County can now receive the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine ahead of schedule&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1493" target="_blank">per KDHE</a>. Children should then follow the recommended vaccination schedule as they get older.</li><li>If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure, call your healthcare provider or the Sedgwick County Health Department at&nbsp;316-660-7300&nbsp;to schedule a MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination.</li>
 </ul>

Measles outbreak continues to grow in Kansas 

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a road rage incident in Manhattan.

Just after noon Tuesday, officers filed a report of aggravated assault near the intersection of 68th Avenue and Deer Trail Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 A 61-year-old man reported that a 59-year-old woman armed herself with a handgun and discharged it during a road rage incident. No persons were injured during the event. 

Just before 2p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 59-year-old Tracey Meredith of Manhattan in the 2700 block of Brookhollow Court on requested charges aggravated assault. Meredith met the requirement of $5000 bond and is no longer in custody.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a road rage incident in Manhattan.Just after noon Tuesday, officers filed a report of aggravated assault near the intersection of 68th Avenue and Deer Trail Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 61-year-old man reported that a 59-year-old woman armed herself with a handgun and discharged it during a road rage incident. No persons were injured during the event. Just before 2p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 59-year-old Tracey Meredith of Manhattan in the 2700 block of Brookhollow Court on requested charges aggravated assault. Meredith met the requirement of $5000 bond and is no longer in custody.

Road Rage: Kan. woman accused of firing handgun at man

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement across the Kansas City metro conducted a violent crimes initiative over the past week. Officers from the KCPD Special Investigations Division worked with the FBI, ATF, DEA, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Missouri Probation and Parole.

Officers arrested 96 people&nbsp; across federal, state, and city charges/warrants, according to a statement from the Kansas City Police Department. This included four homicide suspects.

The officers also recovered 24 handguns and issued 89 new charges. Officers recovered meth, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, and other drugs.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement across the Kansas City metro conducted a violent crimes initiative over the past week. Officers from the KCPD Special Investigations Division worked with the FBI, ATF, DEA, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Missouri Probation and Parole.Officers arrested 96 people&nbsp; across federal, state, and city charges/warrants, according to a statement from the Kansas City Police Department. This included four homicide suspects.The officers also recovered 24 handguns and issued 89 new charges. Officers recovered meth, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, and other drugs.

4 homicide suspects among 96 arrested in KC violent crime bust

Lawmakers have until Friday to finish work on state spending for the coming year. They must find agreement on school funding, child care subsidies and more than 300 new earmarked items

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A provision quietly tucked into the state budget last week to allow the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.casino.org/news/lottery-courier-lotto-com-celebrates-2m-customer-milestone/" target="_blank">bulk online purchase of lottery tickets</a>&nbsp;has set off a flurry of lobbying on both sides of the issue as lawmakers finalize their work this week on Missouri’s $49.5 billion spending plan.&nbsp;

The change, which was added by the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee without any public debate, would open the door for lottery courier services — companies that charge fees to buy lottery tickets on behalf of customers. The business model has proven controversial in other states, even sparking a criminal investigation in Texas.&nbsp;

The Senate finished debating the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/30/missouri-senate-approves-budget-plan-with-boost-for-schools-child-care/">state operating budget</a>&nbsp;about midnight on Tuesday of last week and by Thursday, lobbyists were bending the ears of lawmakers with seats on the conference committee that will decide the provision’s fate.

Lobbyists working for casinos and the bill to allow&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/31/bill-regulating-video-gambling-faces-hazy-future-with-weeks-left-in-missouris-legislative-session/">video lottery games</a>&nbsp;— groups generally at odds — are opposing it. The major lottery courier companies like Jackpocket and Lotto.com have hired veteran Jefferson City lobbyists to push for their interests in Missouri.

“I had six or seven people come pull me off the (House) floor to talk about that language specifically,” said state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee. “They are concerned with doing it through the budget and making the argument that we’re legislating through the budget and that should be a statutory conversation.”

All budget decisions must be made before this week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++25&amp;bid=31765&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">6 p.m. Friday constitutional deadline</a>. Conference committees on 13 spending bills making up the operating budget must settle differences on hundreds of items, including the lottery language, and close the $1.6 billion gap between the House and Senate on total spending.

The lottery provision in the Senate budget — about 125 words in all — directs the Missouri Lottery to launch a three-year pilot program “allowing the digital delivery of lottery tickets by lottery couriers through a brick and mortar licensed retailer to adults physically present in Missouri at the time of order.”

The language also exempts the sales from lottery rules barring retailers from altering the price of tickets. Courier services typically add a 15% to 25% surcharge on the cost of tickets.

That is far more than licensed lottery retailers make selling tickets. Lottery retailers are paid a 5% commission on the tickets they sell and 2% for cashing tickets up to $600.

“It doesn’t say that our Missouri lottery has to utilize this,” said Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, a Springfield Republican. “It just kind of opens it up for them to use it if they wanted to.”

There are 45 states that have lotteries, but only nine allow lottery courier services. Some allow courier services to deliver their tickets anywhere in the world, while others, like the provision in the Missouri budget, only allow it for residents of their state.

Questions raised about courier operations led the Texas Lottery Commission last week to ban ticket sales through couriers,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tpr.org/economy-and-labor/2025-04-29/texas-lottery-commission-passes-ban-on-purchasing-lotto-tickets-through-online-courier-services" target="_blank">Texas Public Radio reported</a>. The issues being confronted in Texas included an April 2023 drawing won by a consortium led by London-based trader Bernard Marantelli, which bought&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/29/us-news/inside-the-scheme-to-buy-25m-tickets-and-win-the-texas-lottery/" target="_blank">all 25.8 million possible number combinations</a>&nbsp;to win a $92 million prize.

Lottery sales in Missouri fell by $50 million in the most recent fiscal year and transfers from sales to education programs are down 15% in the current year. The lottery provides about 4% of the state’s total education funding.

The Missouri Lottery, through a spokeswoman, declined to comment on the proposal.

Hough said he did not know about the issues in Texas when he added the language and the lottery director was indifferent to the idea.

“My guess is it probably comes out,” Hough said.

In the four months leading up to last week’s debate, Hough met with a parade of visitors to his office where they discussed budget requests in private.

Almost every change made by the Senate committee to the House’s version of the budget was done by Hough directing the decision. He made cuts, stated the new sections for earmarks and the other 12 members generally were silent.

In all,&nbsp; the Senate put 169 earmarked items into the operating budget while cutting 57 of 105 House earmarks.

New state Sen. Joe Nicola, a Republican from Independence, complained at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/30/missouri-senate-approves-budget-plan-with-boost-for-schools-child-care/">end of the budget debate</a>&nbsp;that the Senate should have more than five hours to debate the budget because of its complexity of the budget and the often-obscure language used to identify the target of earmarks.The lottery courier language that appeared in the budget for the first time in the Senate Appropriations Committee is an example of the issue he has with the process, Nicola said.

“The whole chairmanship and the whole committee, and the way senators have to ask for budget items, all of that is bogus,” Nicola said. “It’s all deal making, bogus stuff.”

Hough defended the Senate budget process as transparent because each budget item, as proposed by the governor, was aired in a public hearing and the changes were announced in public.

“We run as open and transparent a budget process as there is in this business,” Hough said. “We go through requests from not just specific senators but also representatives and stakeholders and advocacy groups all over the state in a very open way.”

Nicola visited him to ask for budget items, Hough noted at a news conference Thursday.

“I visited with Senator Nicola a number of times on a number of specific items that I will more than gladly remind him are actually in the budget now, per his request,” Hough said. “So, in my opinion, I think it probably worked pretty well for him.”

Senate leadership from both parties said they are comfortable with that process and back Hough.

“I give credit to Sen. Hough, who’s run a good process there,” said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck , a Democrat fromAffton. “Everybody has their say in it.”

What to some may appear to be mysterious is actually hundreds of hours of work and attention to detail that should be admired, O’Laughlin said.

“We’re in a strong position heading into conference with the House, and I’m confident that we’ll finish with the budget that Missourians can be proud of,” O’Laughlin said.

The biggest change needed in the budget process, Nicola said, is for the public to easily know which lawmaker or stakeholder asked for an earmark.

In the U.S. Congress, members put their earmark requests on their web sites. U.S. Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, has six projects costing $21 million&nbsp;<a href="https://cleaver.house.gov/constituent-services/member-designated-transportation-infrastructure-project-disclosure" target="_blank">on his infrastructure list</a>, while U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, a Republican from Tarkio, has $322 million on&nbsp;<a href="https://graves.house.gov/services/community-project-funding-requests" target="_blank">his list for the current fiscal year</a>.&nbsp;

The legislature should also publish the name of the lawmaker or entity requesting money, Nicola said.

“As much transparency as we can have, I am completely for,” Nicola said. “Transparency to our constituents and to everybody else of what’s going on here.”

Missouri is sitting on an historically high surplus of general revenue, with $3.8 billion on hand at the end of April as well as another $1.4 billion that can be spent like general revenue.

Both the Senate and the House spending plans would reduce that surplus. The Senate would spend $15.7 billion on operations, the House would spend $14.4 billion and both are well above the $13.6 billion estimated as general revenue receipts for the coming year.

But with current revenues almost 2% from last year, the call on the surplus could grow. Based on revenues through Friday, that difference could be as much as $100 million.

Before the conference committees meet, Hough and House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton will meet privately to find agreement on as many items as possible and present those decisions at the meeting, which has yet to be scheduled.

The biggest issues that must be resolved are $300 million the Senate added money for public schools, plus $107 million for child care that the House did not approve. The Senate also spent more on state employee pay raises and higher education.

The House approved $50 million to expand a tuition scholarship program for private schools that the Senate omitted.

Democrats, who hold fewer than one-third of the seats in the General Assembly, are generally pleased with the budget, preferring the Senate version on several items. But House Democrats feel their negotiating position on two of the biggest — foundation formula funding and money for private school tuition scholarships — was undermined when House Speaker Jon Patterson rejected some of their selections for the negotiations.

During a news conference last week, Democrats said most of their caucus supports the Senate spending proposals on public schools and child care and opposes the scholarship funding.

But the party did not get its preferred representatives on the 13 conference committees — one for each spending bill — because instead of including the ranking Democrat from appropriations subcommittees, as recommended, Patterson chose another member.

The biggest surprise was the selection of state Rep. Marlene Terry, a St. Louis Democrat who does not sit on the Budget Committee but has sided with Republicans on school choice bills.

“To come down to the very end of this process and feel disrespected at the end is a huge disappointment to me,” said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City. “It’s a huge disappointment to our budget team, and to say that I am a little frustrated by it would be probably an understatement.”

Patterson said he appointed Terry because she is his Democratic appointment to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/23/missouri-governors-school-funding-task-force-assembles-slowly/">a school funding task force</a>&nbsp;created by Gov. Mike Kehoe and a long-time school board member. She also supports the scholarship funding, he noted.

“I want Rep. Terry to fight for school kids in the best way that she knows how. I think she is supportive of that,” Patterson said.

The conferees must also determine the fate of earmarked spending — items delivering money to a specific location or program at the request of individual lawmakers, state institutions or lobbying interests.

“I wouldn’t anticipate that all investments for our local nonprofits and for communities back home will see themselves across the finish line,” Fogle said.”But we as Democrats will be at the table to try to make sure that we’re making the fiscally responsible investments in our nonprofits, in our communities back home, whether it be an infrastructure investment or an investment with a nonprofit whose whose goal is to provide pathos out of poverty for families.”

Defending the earmarks at a news conference Thursday, Hough said that many provide only a portion of the money needed for a project and require local and private matching funds to spend the state funds.

“This invests,” Hough said, “in apprenticeship programs, workforce development programs, infrastructure projects all over the state.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746614239543.png" alt=" Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, right, and Vice Chairman Rusty Black speak with state budget director Dan Haug April 16 during a break in committee work (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, right, and Vice Chairman Rusty Black speak with state budget director Dan Haug April 16 during a break in committee work (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lawmakers have until Friday to finish work on state spending for the coming year. They must find agreement on school funding, child care subsidies and more than 300 new earmarked items</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A provision quietly tucked into the state budget last week to allow the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.casino.org/news/lottery-courier-lotto-com-celebrates-2m-customer-milestone/" target="_blank">bulk online purchase of lottery tickets</a>&nbsp;has set off a flurry of lobbying on both sides of the issue as lawmakers finalize their work this week on Missouri’s $49.5 billion spending plan.&nbsp;The change, which was added by the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee without any public debate, would open the door for lottery courier services — companies that charge fees to buy lottery tickets on behalf of customers. The business model has proven controversial in other states, even sparking a criminal investigation in Texas.&nbsp;The Senate finished debating the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/30/missouri-senate-approves-budget-plan-with-boost-for-schools-child-care/">state operating budget</a>&nbsp;about midnight on Tuesday of last week and by Thursday, lobbyists were bending the ears of lawmakers with seats on the conference committee that will decide the provision’s fate.Lobbyists working for casinos and the bill to allow&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/31/bill-regulating-video-gambling-faces-hazy-future-with-weeks-left-in-missouris-legislative-session/">video lottery games</a>&nbsp;— groups generally at odds — are opposing it. The major lottery courier companies like Jackpocket and Lotto.com have hired veteran Jefferson City lobbyists to push for their interests in Missouri.“I had six or seven people come pull me off the (House) floor to talk about that language specifically,” said state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee. “They are concerned with doing it through the budget and making the argument that we’re legislating through the budget and that should be a statutory conversation.”All budget decisions must be made before this week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++25&amp;bid=31765&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">6 p.m. Friday constitutional deadline</a>. Conference committees on 13 spending bills making up the operating budget must settle differences on hundreds of items, including the lottery language, and close the $1.6 billion gap between the House and Senate on total spending.The lottery provision in the Senate budget — about 125 words in all — directs the Missouri Lottery to launch a three-year pilot program “allowing the digital delivery of lottery tickets by lottery couriers through a brick and mortar licensed retailer to adults physically present in Missouri at the time of order.”The language also exempts the sales from lottery rules barring retailers from altering the price of tickets. Courier services typically add a 15% to 25% surcharge on the cost of tickets.That is far more than licensed lottery retailers make selling tickets. Lottery retailers are paid a 5% commission on the tickets they sell and 2% for cashing tickets up to $600.“It doesn’t say that our Missouri lottery has to utilize this,” said Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, a Springfield Republican. “It just kind of opens it up for them to use it if they wanted to.”There are 45 states that have lotteries, but only nine allow lottery courier services. Some allow courier services to deliver their tickets anywhere in the world, while others, like the provision in the Missouri budget, only allow it for residents of their state.Questions raised about courier operations led the Texas Lottery Commission last week to ban ticket sales through couriers,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tpr.org/economy-and-labor/2025-04-29/texas-lottery-commission-passes-ban-on-purchasing-lotto-tickets-through-online-courier-services" target="_blank">Texas Public Radio reported</a>. The issues being confronted in Texas included an April 2023 drawing won by a consortium led by London-based trader Bernard Marantelli, which bought&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/29/us-news/inside-the-scheme-to-buy-25m-tickets-and-win-the-texas-lottery/" target="_blank">all 25.8 million possible number combinations</a>&nbsp;to win a $92 million prize.Lottery sales in Missouri fell by $50 million in the most recent fiscal year and transfers from sales to education programs are down 15% in the current year. The lottery provides about 4% of the state’s total education funding.The Missouri Lottery, through a spokeswoman, declined to comment on the proposal.Hough said he did not know about the issues in Texas when he added the language and the lottery director was indifferent to the idea.“My guess is it probably comes out,” Hough said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746614204610.png" alt=" State Sen. Joe Nicola laughs during his introduction to the Missouri Senate on the first day of the 2025 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Joe Nicola laughs during his introduction to the Missouri Senate on the first day of the 2025 legislative session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Transparency complaints</h2>In the four months leading up to last week’s debate, Hough met with a parade of visitors to his office where they discussed budget requests in private.Almost every change made by the Senate committee to the House’s version of the budget was done by Hough directing the decision. He made cuts, stated the new sections for earmarks and the other 12 members generally were silent.In all,&nbsp; the Senate put 169 earmarked items into the operating budget while cutting 57 of 105 House earmarks.New state Sen. Joe Nicola, a Republican from Independence, complained at the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/30/missouri-senate-approves-budget-plan-with-boost-for-schools-child-care/">end of the budget debate</a>&nbsp;that the Senate should have more than five hours to debate the budget because of its complexity of the budget and the often-obscure language used to identify the target of earmarks.The lottery courier language that appeared in the budget for the first time in the Senate Appropriations Committee is an example of the issue he has with the process, Nicola said.“The whole chairmanship and the whole committee, and the way senators have to ask for budget items, all of that is bogus,” Nicola said. “It’s all deal making, bogus stuff.”Hough defended the Senate budget process as transparent because each budget item, as proposed by the governor, was aired in a public hearing and the changes were announced in public.“We run as open and transparent a budget process as there is in this business,” Hough said. “We go through requests from not just specific senators but also representatives and stakeholders and advocacy groups all over the state in a very open way.”Nicola visited him to ask for budget items, Hough noted at a news conference Thursday.“I visited with Senator Nicola a number of times on a number of specific items that I will more than gladly remind him are actually in the budget now, per his request,” Hough said. “So, in my opinion, I think it probably worked pretty well for him.”Senate leadership from both parties said they are comfortable with that process and back Hough.“I give credit to Sen. Hough, who’s run a good process there,” said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck , a Democrat fromAffton. “Everybody has their say in it.”What to some may appear to be mysterious is actually hundreds of hours of work and attention to detail that should be admired, O’Laughlin said.“We’re in a strong position heading into conference with the House, and I’m confident that we’ll finish with the budget that Missourians can be proud of,” O’Laughlin said.The biggest change needed in the budget process, Nicola said, is for the public to easily know which lawmaker or stakeholder asked for an earmark.In the U.S. Congress, members put their earmark requests on their web sites. U.S. Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, has six projects costing $21 million&nbsp;<a href="https://cleaver.house.gov/constituent-services/member-designated-transportation-infrastructure-project-disclosure" target="_blank">on his infrastructure list</a>, while U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, a Republican from Tarkio, has $322 million on&nbsp;<a href="https://graves.house.gov/services/community-project-funding-requests" target="_blank">his list for the current fiscal year</a>.&nbsp;The legislature should also publish the name of the lawmaker or entity requesting money, Nicola said.“As much transparency as we can have, I am completely for,” Nicola said. “Transparency to our constituents and to everybody else of what’s going on here.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746614170062.png" alt=" Missouri House Democratic Leader Ashley Aune of Kansas City makes a point Thursday during a news conference with other Democratic lawmakers (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)," />
 <figcaption> Missouri House Democratic Leader Ashley Aune of Kansas City makes a point Thursday during a news conference with other Democratic lawmakers (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent),</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Conference questions</h2>Missouri is sitting on an historically high surplus of general revenue, with $3.8 billion on hand at the end of April as well as another $1.4 billion that can be spent like general revenue.Both the Senate and the House spending plans would reduce that surplus. The Senate would spend $15.7 billion on operations, the House would spend $14.4 billion and both are well above the $13.6 billion estimated as general revenue receipts for the coming year.But with current revenues almost 2% from last year, the call on the surplus could grow. Based on revenues through Friday, that difference could be as much as $100 million.Before the conference committees meet, Hough and House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton will meet privately to find agreement on as many items as possible and present those decisions at the meeting, which has yet to be scheduled.The biggest issues that must be resolved are $300 million the Senate added money for public schools, plus $107 million for child care that the House did not approve. The Senate also spent more on state employee pay raises and higher education.The House approved $50 million to expand a tuition scholarship program for private schools that the Senate omitted.Democrats, who hold fewer than one-third of the seats in the General Assembly, are generally pleased with the budget, preferring the Senate version on several items. But House Democrats feel their negotiating position on two of the biggest — foundation formula funding and money for private school tuition scholarships — was undermined when House Speaker Jon Patterson rejected some of their selections for the negotiations.During a news conference last week, Democrats said most of their caucus supports the Senate spending proposals on public schools and child care and opposes the scholarship funding.But the party did not get its preferred representatives on the 13 conference committees — one for each spending bill — because instead of including the ranking Democrat from appropriations subcommittees, as recommended, Patterson chose another member.The biggest surprise was the selection of state Rep. Marlene Terry, a St. Louis Democrat who does not sit on the Budget Committee but has sided with Republicans on school choice bills.“To come down to the very end of this process and feel disrespected at the end is a huge disappointment to me,” said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City. “It’s a huge disappointment to our budget team, and to say that I am a little frustrated by it would be probably an understatement.”Patterson said he appointed Terry because she is his Democratic appointment to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/23/missouri-governors-school-funding-task-force-assembles-slowly/">a school funding task force</a>&nbsp;created by Gov. Mike Kehoe and a long-time school board member. She also supports the scholarship funding, he noted.“I want Rep. Terry to fight for school kids in the best way that she knows how. I think she is supportive of that,” Patterson said.The conferees must also determine the fate of earmarked spending — items delivering money to a specific location or program at the request of individual lawmakers, state institutions or lobbying interests.“I wouldn’t anticipate that all investments for our local nonprofits and for communities back home will see themselves across the finish line,” Fogle said.”But we as Democrats will be at the table to try to make sure that we’re making the fiscally responsible investments in our nonprofits, in our communities back home, whether it be an infrastructure investment or an investment with a nonprofit whose whose goal is to provide pathos out of poverty for families.”Defending the earmarks at a news conference Thursday, Hough said that many provide only a portion of the money needed for a project and require local and private matching funds to spend the state funds.“This invests,” Hough said, “in apprenticeship programs, workforce development programs, infrastructure projects all over the state.”&nbsp;

Push to allow online lottery ticket sales in Missouri adds new issue to budget talks

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Monday in Kansas City.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 TaoTao 50 Moped driven by a 29-year-old Kansas City man was westbound on East Gregory Boulevard just west of Evanston Avenue in Raytown.

The vehicle crossed the center of the road and into the path of an eastbound 2013 Lexus RX450 driven by a 41-year-old Kansas City woman.&nbsp; The moped side-swiped the car.

EMS transported the moped driver to Research Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; He was wearing a helmet. The Patrol has not released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Monday in Kansas City.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 TaoTao 50 Moped driven by a 29-year-old Kansas City man was westbound on East Gregory Boulevard just west of Evanston Avenue in Raytown.The vehicle crossed the center of the road and into the path of an eastbound 2013 Lexus RX450 driven by a 41-year-old Kansas City woman.&nbsp; The moped side-swiped the car.EMS transported the moped driver to Research Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; He was wearing a helmet. The Patrol has not released the name of the victim.

Kansas City man dies after moped side-swipes a car

Vietti Food Group of Nashville, TN is recalling 4,515 cases of its Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans (15 oz.) due to the presence of undeclared soy. Individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled product was distributed through retailers in Kansas, Missouri and 21 other states including Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi,&nbsp; New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.&nbsp; The beans were sold at Walmart, Hy-Vee, Meijer and other retailers.

The product can be identified by its Lot Code: Best if Used By Feb 17, 2028. The code is printed on the bottom of each can.

To date, no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746612539735.png" alt="FDA courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>FDA courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>Vietti Food Group of Nashville, TN is recalling 4,515 cases of its Yellowstone Brown Sugar Molasses Baked Beans (15 oz.) due to the presence of undeclared soy. Individuals with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.The recalled product was distributed through retailers in Kansas, Missouri and 21 other states including Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi,&nbsp; New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.&nbsp; The beans were sold at Walmart, Hy-Vee, Meijer and other retailers.The product can be identified by its Lot Code: Best if Used By Feb 17, 2028. The code is printed on the bottom of each can.To date, no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Baked beans sold in Kansas and Missouri recalled

WASHINGTON — Four Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in the United States have been charged for their roles in an international human smuggling conspiracy that illegally brought aliens across the Canadian border to the United States for profit, according to the United State's Attorney.

Edgar Sanchez-Solis, 23, unlawfully residing in Kansas City, Kansas; Ignacio Diaz-Perez, 35, unlawfully residing in Oakwood, Georgia; Samuel Diaz-Perez, 26, unlawfully residing in Dublin, Ohio; and Salvador Diaz-Diaz, 32, unlawfully residing in Columbus, Ohio, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States and 25 counts of bringing aliens illegally to the United States for profit. The defendants were arrested at multiple locations throughout the United States and are currently detained. Ignacio Diaz-Perez and Salvador Diaz-Diaz had been previously removed from the United States.

“As alleged, these defendants illegally entered this country and then sought to smuggle hundreds of aliens per week to the United States from Mexico, Central America, and South America through the Canadian border,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendants instructed smuggled aliens to make testimonial videos touting the enterprise’s services. In reality, the defendants imperiled their human cargo and innocent American lives when they repeatedly engaged in life-threatening conduct, including multiple high-speed getaways from law enforcement.”

“This case demonstrates our relentless efforts to secure our northern border against the criminal organizations profiting from human smuggling and other illegal activities,” said U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “We are grateful for our partnership with Joint Task Force Alpha as we work to dismantle these transnational criminal organizations and make our North Country communities safer.”

According to court documents, the four defendants were part of an alien smuggling organization that has been operating for the last two years in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The four defendants, in exchange for money, conspired with others to smuggle hundreds of aliens per week from Mexico, Central America, and South America through Canada, into northern New York, including Franklin and Clinton Counties, as alleged in court documents. The aliens or their family members paid thousands of dollars to be smuggled into the United States. The defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly facilitated the illegal travel of the aliens from Mexico to Canada and then across the northern border, where they were picked up and driven farther into the United States.

On multiple occasions members of the alien smuggling organization led local and federal law enforcement officers on high-speed vehicle chases along the U.S. northern border, creating a grave public safety risk, according to court documents. For example, in April 2023, smugglers allegedly fled the Burke Border Patrol Station’s sector at a high rate of speed after setting off a border sensor. Border Patrol successfully stopped the vehicle and apprehended the smugglers, who were transporting seven adult aliens and three minors. In another incident, in May 2023, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office used a tire deflation device to stop a van carrying aliens after it allegedly failed to yield to both federal and state law enforcement. The smugglers and aliens allegedly fled on foot after the vehicle was disabled. As additionally alleged, in August 2023, a vehicle carrying aliens that was fleeing from Border Patrol drove into Plattsburgh, New York, where it drove erratically, passed vehicles in a congested traffic area, ran a red light, and struck a motorist at an intersection. The driver and six illegal aliens fled the accident scene on foot but eventually were apprehended.

“These individuals acted in blatant disregard of our nation’s laws, allegedly smuggling hundreds of aliens into the United States for thousands of dollars each,” said Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo. “They’re alleged to have repeatedly put the public at risk through dangerous vehicle chases with law enforcement further demonstrating their contempt for the law and safety of others. We work every day with our partners in the U.S. Border Patrol and are proud to support the security of our borders and uphold public safety in our communities.”

“These charges are a testament to the hard work of the men and women of the United States Border Patrol and its partner agencies,” said Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector. “The days of catch-and-release are over, and the reality is clear; if you attempt to enter the United States illegally, if you attempt to smuggle or traffic human beings, you will be apprehended and you will face severe consequences.”

The investigation and arrests of the defendants were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 360 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 330 U.S. convictions; more than 275 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

Mr. Galeotti expressed his gratitude to Joint Task Force Alpha, which is focused on combatting human smuggling organizations, and its partners in this case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and HSI. HSI Rouses Point and U.S. Border Patrol Burke Station led U.S. investigative efforts, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

Trial Attorney Jenna Reed of the Criminal Division’s HRSP and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746215404230.png" alt="SANCHEZ-SOLIS photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>SANCHEZ-SOLIS photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — Four Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in the United States have been charged for their roles in an international human smuggling conspiracy that illegally brought aliens across the Canadian border to the United States for profit, according to the United State's Attorney.Edgar Sanchez-Solis, 23, unlawfully residing in Kansas City, Kansas; Ignacio Diaz-Perez, 35, unlawfully residing in Oakwood, Georgia; Samuel Diaz-Perez, 26, unlawfully residing in Dublin, Ohio; and Salvador Diaz-Diaz, 32, unlawfully residing in Columbus, Ohio, were charged by indictment with conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States and 25 counts of bringing aliens illegally to the United States for profit. The defendants were arrested at multiple locations throughout the United States and are currently detained. Ignacio Diaz-Perez and Salvador Diaz-Diaz had been previously removed from the United States.“As alleged, these defendants illegally entered this country and then sought to smuggle hundreds of aliens per week to the United States from Mexico, Central America, and South America through the Canadian border,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendants instructed smuggled aliens to make testimonial videos touting the enterprise’s services. In reality, the defendants imperiled their human cargo and innocent American lives when they repeatedly engaged in life-threatening conduct, including multiple high-speed getaways from law enforcement.”“This case demonstrates our relentless efforts to secure our northern border against the criminal organizations profiting from human smuggling and other illegal activities,” said U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “We are grateful for our partnership with Joint Task Force Alpha as we work to dismantle these transnational criminal organizations and make our North Country communities safer.”According to court documents, the four defendants were part of an alien smuggling organization that has been operating for the last two years in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The four defendants, in exchange for money, conspired with others to smuggle hundreds of aliens per week from Mexico, Central America, and South America through Canada, into northern New York, including Franklin and Clinton Counties, as alleged in court documents. The aliens or their family members paid thousands of dollars to be smuggled into the United States. The defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly facilitated the illegal travel of the aliens from Mexico to Canada and then across the northern border, where they were picked up and driven farther into the United States.On multiple occasions members of the alien smuggling organization led local and federal law enforcement officers on high-speed vehicle chases along the U.S. northern border, creating a grave public safety risk, according to court documents. For example, in April 2023, smugglers allegedly fled the Burke Border Patrol Station’s sector at a high rate of speed after setting off a border sensor. Border Patrol successfully stopped the vehicle and apprehended the smugglers, who were transporting seven adult aliens and three minors. In another incident, in May 2023, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office used a tire deflation device to stop a van carrying aliens after it allegedly failed to yield to both federal and state law enforcement. The smugglers and aliens allegedly fled on foot after the vehicle was disabled. As additionally alleged, in August 2023, a vehicle carrying aliens that was fleeing from Border Patrol drove into Plattsburgh, New York, where it drove erratically, passed vehicles in a congested traffic area, ran a red light, and struck a motorist at an intersection. The driver and six illegal aliens fled the accident scene on foot but eventually were apprehended.“These individuals acted in blatant disregard of our nation’s laws, allegedly smuggling hundreds of aliens into the United States for thousands of dollars each,” said Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo. “They’re alleged to have repeatedly put the public at risk through dangerous vehicle chases with law enforcement further demonstrating their contempt for the law and safety of others. We work every day with our partners in the U.S. Border Patrol and are proud to support the security of our borders and uphold public safety in our communities.”“These charges are a testament to the hard work of the men and women of the United States Border Patrol and its partner agencies,” said Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector. “The days of catch-and-release are over, and the reality is clear; if you attempt to enter the United States illegally, if you attempt to smuggle or traffic human beings, you will be apprehended and you will face severe consequences.”The investigation and arrests of the defendants were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 360 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 330 U.S. convictions; more than 275 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.Mr. Galeotti expressed his gratitude to Joint Task Force Alpha, which is focused on combatting human smuggling organizations, and its partners in this case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and HSI. HSI Rouses Point and U.S. Border Patrol Burke Station led U.S. investigative efforts, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.Trial Attorney Jenna Reed of the Criminal Division’s HRSP and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Illegal alien in Kansas accused of human smuggling 

Eastern District Court of Appeals says Planned Parenthood must produce ‘de-identified’ medical records or otherwise cite exemptions

&nbsp;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>

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers must turn over documents about gender-affirming care to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, an appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=220339" target="_blank">ruled Tuesday morning</a>.

Bailey has been looking into the use of cross-sex hormones, puberty blockers and gender-transition surgeries for minors in the state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/09/missouri-agencies-launch-investigation-into-health-center-for-transgender-youth/">since March 2023</a>, when a former case worker at the Washington University Transgender Center claimed the center rushed children into treatment.

As part of his probe into Washington University and “other providers,” Bailey’s office sent civil investigative demands to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Washington University in St. Louis and the state’s two branches of Planned Parenthood — all of which have fought to protect patient information.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, which oversees clinics in St. Louis and southwest Missouri, refused to turn over documents to Bailey, challenging his request as a misuse of Missouri’s consumer protection law and a violation of federal patient privacy law.

A St. Louis Circuit Court judge ruled last year that the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act allows the attorney general to investigate deceptive medical practices but doesn’t supersede HIPAA.

HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, protects patients from providers disclosing their personally identifiable health information.

For Bailey to get certain records from Planned Parenthood, Circuit Court Judge Michael F. Stelzer ruled in April of last year, patients would have to sign away their HIPAA rights.

But Tuesday’s judgment, written by Judge Rebeca Navarro-McKelvey of Missouri’s Eastern District Court of Appeals, said HIPAA doesn’t prevent Planned Parenthood from providing de-identified records. Additionally, Planned Parenthood didn’t provide the attorney general a privilege log, or a list of exceptions to Bailey’s requests, to assess each claim.

A Western District Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=219594" target="_blank">ruling filed in April</a>&nbsp;against Missouri’s other Planned Parenthood affiliate also took issue with the lack of a privilege log.

In both cases, the appellate courts rejected the notion that Planned Parenthood was exempt from the entire investigative demand, but further court proceedings can assess whether some of the attorney general’s 54 requests are protected from disclosure.

“Crucially, a blanket HIPAA-based objection does not make the CID unenforceable,” Navarro-McKelvey wrote in Tuesday’s ruling. “As the burden is on (Planned Parenthood Great Rivers) as the covered entity to comply with HIPAA when responding to subpoenas.”

Planned Parenthood’s attorney, Matthew Eddy, argued the opposite&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/18/planned-parenthood-vows-to-fight-missouri-ag-push-for-transgender-youth-medical-records/">in a circuit court hearing last June</a>, saying the Attorney General’s Office must prove exceptions to HIPAA in its request.

The Eastern District Court of Appeals will soon hear patient-privacy arguments in a separate lawsuit between Bailey and Washington University. The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/08/judge-rules-missouri-ag-has-no-right-to-medical-records-of-transgender-minors-at-wash-u/">case’s arguments in circuit court</a>&nbsp;established that unredacted patient information was exempt from Bailey’s demands and some data was irrelevant to his search.

Among his requests to Washington University, Bailey’s office asked for “access to all electronic health records of clients.”

Bailey&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Appellants%20Brief.PDF?courtCode=EA&amp;di=513469" target="_blank">appealed that decision</a>, saying his access to the information was “inevitable” under state law.

“While we are disappointed with the court’s decision, we are evaluating our next steps as this is just another political attack against the bodily autonomy and rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming Missourians,” said Margot Riphagen, president and CEO Planned Parenthood Great Rivers. “As a trusted health care provider, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers will continue to support our gender affirming care patients across the St. Louis region and Missouri Ozarks while ensuring our patients’ health information remains secure and protected.”

<h2>Eastern District Court of Appeals says Planned Parenthood must produce ‘de-identified’ medical records or otherwise cite exemptions</h2>&nbsp;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>Planned Parenthood Great Rivers must turn over documents about gender-affirming care to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, an appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=220339" target="_blank">ruled Tuesday morning</a>.Bailey has been looking into the use of cross-sex hormones, puberty blockers and gender-transition surgeries for minors in the state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/09/missouri-agencies-launch-investigation-into-health-center-for-transgender-youth/">since March 2023</a>, when a former case worker at the Washington University Transgender Center claimed the center rushed children into treatment.As part of his probe into Washington University and “other providers,” Bailey’s office sent civil investigative demands to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Washington University in St. Louis and the state’s two branches of Planned Parenthood — all of which have fought to protect patient information.&nbsp;Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, which oversees clinics in St. Louis and southwest Missouri, refused to turn over documents to Bailey, challenging his request as a misuse of Missouri’s consumer protection law and a violation of federal patient privacy law.A St. Louis Circuit Court judge ruled last year that the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act allows the attorney general to investigate deceptive medical practices but doesn’t supersede HIPAA.HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, protects patients from providers disclosing their personally identifiable health information.For Bailey to get certain records from Planned Parenthood, Circuit Court Judge Michael F. Stelzer ruled in April of last year, patients would have to sign away their HIPAA rights.But Tuesday’s judgment, written by Judge Rebeca Navarro-McKelvey of Missouri’s Eastern District Court of Appeals, said HIPAA doesn’t prevent Planned Parenthood from providing de-identified records. Additionally, Planned Parenthood didn’t provide the attorney general a privilege log, or a list of exceptions to Bailey’s requests, to assess each claim.A Western District Court of Appeals&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=219594" target="_blank">ruling filed in April</a>&nbsp;against Missouri’s other Planned Parenthood affiliate also took issue with the lack of a privilege log.In both cases, the appellate courts rejected the notion that Planned Parenthood was exempt from the entire investigative demand, but further court proceedings can assess whether some of the attorney general’s 54 requests are protected from disclosure.“Crucially, a blanket HIPAA-based objection does not make the CID unenforceable,” Navarro-McKelvey wrote in Tuesday’s ruling. “As the burden is on (Planned Parenthood Great Rivers) as the covered entity to comply with HIPAA when responding to subpoenas.”Planned Parenthood’s attorney, Matthew Eddy, argued the opposite&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/18/planned-parenthood-vows-to-fight-missouri-ag-push-for-transgender-youth-medical-records/">in a circuit court hearing last June</a>, saying the Attorney General’s Office must prove exceptions to HIPAA in its request.The Eastern District Court of Appeals will soon hear patient-privacy arguments in a separate lawsuit between Bailey and Washington University. The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/08/judge-rules-missouri-ag-has-no-right-to-medical-records-of-transgender-minors-at-wash-u/">case’s arguments in circuit court</a>&nbsp;established that unredacted patient information was exempt from Bailey’s demands and some data was irrelevant to his search.Among his requests to Washington University, Bailey’s office asked for “access to all electronic health records of clients.”Bailey&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Appellants%20Brief.PDF?courtCode=EA&amp;di=513469" target="_blank">appealed that decision</a>, saying his access to the information was “inevitable” under state law.“While we are disappointed with the court’s decision, we are evaluating our next steps as this is just another political attack against the bodily autonomy and rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming Missourians,” said Margot Riphagen, president and CEO Planned Parenthood Great Rivers. “As a trusted health care provider, Planned Parenthood Great Rivers will continue to support our gender affirming care patients across the St. Louis region and Missouri Ozarks while ensuring our patients’ health information remains secure and protected.”

Planned Parenthood must comply with Missouri AG request for patient records, court rules

Measles has now been diagnosed in Missouri for the second time this year, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

 The case is in an out-of-state resident who visited the St. Louis Aquarium between 1-6 p.m. on April 30. Additionally, the individual ate at a restaurant in St. Louis that day, but details are limited.

Because measles is highly contagious, those who may have had exposures at the St. Louis Aquarium during the time the person visited and who are unvaccinated or are immunocompromised should consider post-exposure prophylaxis.

This is usually only an effective preventive treatment within six days of exposure (by May 6), which means you need to contact your doctor or your local public health agency now to receive help before the treatment's efficacy cut-off, which is tomorrow.

With the first case of measles we had in the state, there was no evidence of widespread public exposure, so we said there was no need to panic. You still do not need to panic even though this instance took place in a much more populated area.

If you do the right things to protect your family, there is generally no reason to be concerned. People who aren't vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) should contact their doctor about getting the best protection possible against this potentially deadly disease.

<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/measles/">Click here for more information</a> about measles and county-level MMR vaccination rates

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746564681045.png" alt="Image&nbsp; Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services." />
 <figcaption>Image&nbsp; Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.</figcaption>
 </figure>Measles has now been diagnosed in Missouri for the second time this year, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The case is in an out-of-state resident who visited the St. Louis Aquarium between 1-6 p.m. on April 30. Additionally, the individual ate at a restaurant in St. Louis that day, but details are limited.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743085628490.png" alt="Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.png" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Because measles is highly contagious, those who may have had exposures at the St. Louis Aquarium during the time the person visited and who are unvaccinated or are immunocompromised should consider post-exposure prophylaxis.This is usually only an effective preventive treatment within six days of exposure (by May 6), which means you need to contact your doctor or your local public health agency now to receive help before the treatment's efficacy cut-off, which is tomorrow.With the first case of measles we had in the state, there was no evidence of widespread public exposure, so we said there was no need to panic. You still do not need to panic even though this instance took place in a much more populated area.If you do the right things to protect your family, there is generally no reason to be concerned. People who aren't vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) should contact their doctor about getting the best protection possible against this potentially deadly disease.<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/measles/">Click here for more information</a> about measles and county-level MMR vaccination rates