JOHNSON COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 11:30p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Toyota Corolla driven by Jose M. Placensia Castaneda, 17, Lenexa, was southbound on U.S. 69 near 58th Street. The car crossed the raised median, entered the northbound lanes and struck a northbound 2015 Kia Optima driven by Victoria A. Jones, 44, Kansas City, Missouri, head-on.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Castaneda and a passenger in the Toyota Itzel&nbsp;Guerra, 18, Overland Park were pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Jones and a passenger Germara D.&nbsp;Guillory, 41, Kansas City, Missouri, to KU Medical Center. Castaneda and Guerra were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 11:30p.m. Saturday in Johnson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Toyota Corolla driven by Jose M. Placensia Castaneda, 17, Lenexa, was southbound on U.S. 69 near 58th Street. The car crossed the raised median, entered the northbound lanes and struck a northbound 2015 Kia Optima driven by Victoria A. Jones, 44, Kansas City, Missouri, head-on.&nbsp;&nbsp;Castaneda and a passenger in the Toyota Itzel&nbsp;Guerra, 18, Overland Park were pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Jones and a passenger Germara D.&nbsp;Guillory, 41, Kansas City, Missouri, to KU Medical Center. Castaneda and Guerra were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Two Kansas teens dead after head-on crash

Rural Missourians tend to be older and have more chronic health conditions. It makes a consistent primary care provider more important, but rural patients have the least access to them

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/megcunningham/">Meg Cunningham</a>

Communities across the country are suffering from a lack of primary care providers, and Missouri is no exception. In fact, it ranks fourth worst nationwide in terms of its primary care provider shortage.

All but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/charts/5?state=MO" target="_blank">seven</a>&nbsp;Missouri counties have shortages of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/primary-care-health-professional-shortage-areas-hpsas/?currentTimeframe=0&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Total%20Primary%20Care%20HPSA%20Designations%22,%22sort%22:%22desc%22%7D" target="_blank">primary care providers</a>. Those mostly rural counties that lack providers see higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer or kidney problems, as well as higher rates of tobacco usage.

And as those communities age and require more care, rural hospitals are closing. Eighteen hospitals have shut their doors in Missouri since 2014, and 12 of those were in rural areas.

Now, as Missouri looks to make inroads in recruiting and retaining primary care providers, those communities bear the brunt of the shortages. Southeast Missouri sees a higher rate of unmet needs when it comes to primary care. Having a regular primary care provider is associated with higher likelihood of appropriate care for a medical condition, and a regular source of care is linked with better health outcomes overall.

“For a person in a rural area without access to this primary care, it will hasten the impact of that disease process on them,” said Brock Slabach, the chief operating officer at the National Rural Health Association. “Now distance becomes a real variable in terms of care. So what we see is delayed care, then at that point, delayed care can be deadly.”

How rural Missouri fares&nbsp;amid the state’s primary care shortage

The growing shortage isn’t just a problem in Missouri. Nationwide, there is a projected shortage of 87,000 full-time primary care doctors by 2037,&nbsp;<a href="https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/state-of-the-primary-care-workforce-report-2024.pdf" target="_blank">HRSA data show.</a>&nbsp;Falling in line with trends, the shortage is predicted to be the worst in rural areas.

Like the rest of the U.S. population, primary care doctors are beginning to age out of the workforce, Slabach said. Figuring out how to replace those veteran doctors — who may have a different view of work-life balance and the demands of the workplace than the next generation — is a challenge.

“The cliff of those retiring is really just getting alarming,” Slabach said. “Rural communities have, on average, a much older cohort of physicians and advanced practice providers. In fact, they should be retiring. Many are not retiring because the need is so great.”

Hospitals, private practice clinics and health centers are also grappling with the changing expectations of a younger workforce.

“Going into a rural community and working 60, 80 hours a week like doctors did 30 or 40 years ago is not being replaced,” Slabach said. “People are wanting predictable patterns of work-life balance, and they’re insisting on that more and more.”

Primary care providers report higher rates of burnout and low satisfaction with work-life balance and a high load of patients. It’s also a less popular field for incoming medical students due to pay. The average salary for a primary care doctor in the U.S. in 2023 was about $272,000, compared to $558,000 for an orthopedic physician and $423,000 for a general surgeon.

But as the country’s population continues to age, the importance of a longstanding relationship with one’s primary care doctor is coming more into focus.

“We believe firmly in family medicine that continuity is protected and that it is worth striving for and attaining,” said Dr. Laura Morris, a family medicine physician at MU Health Care in Fulton.

For doctors who are getting familiar with a new patient’s medical history, it can be a complicated process.

“It makes it more challenging. It takes more time. It might make you overorder tests, or it might make you fail to recognize certain flags or conditions,” Morris said. “That knowledge and that awareness of the patient’s conditions is helpful from a medical and diagnostic sense.”

It’s a concerning trend as the nation’s population ages.

<a href="https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/programs/2016-11/Missouri.pdf" target="_blank">By 2030</a>, one in five Missourians will be aged 65 or older, an increase of 29% from 2012. In 2020, 16.8% of the nationwide population was 65 or older. By 2040, it’s estimated that will increase to 21.6%.

“We know that in rural counties patients tend to be older. They tend to be sicker. And their outcomes in terms of even basic chronic conditions like heart disease and COPD do not look as good as patients that live in counties where they might have an oversupply of physician access,” Morris said.

How can Missouri address workforce concerns as its population ages?&nbsp;&nbsp;

A November 2024&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2826107" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;analyzed the national supply of primary care doctors focused on patients 65 and older. It found that while the number of geriatric-focused medical doctors is dropping, the supply of geriatric-focused nurse practitioners is on the rise.

The number of medical doctors per capita nationwide decreased by 12.7% from 2010 to 2020, the study found, while the rate of geriatric nurse practitioners increased by 125%. Over the 10 years of data the study analyzed, nearly 64% of small and rural counties had no geriatric physicians or nurse practitioners.

The state is also looking to amp up health care workforce recruitment and retention through training programs and loan repayment plans. One program sends physicians to practice in designated health care professional shortage areas across the state. During the 2022 fiscal year, 14 of the recipients were in rural areas and seven had a family medicine specialty.

That brings other medical professionals, like advanced practice nurses, behavioral health specialists and social workers into the mix.

“I think the solutions lie in team-based care and really pulling in all of the different resources we have available as a health care team,” Morris said. “It is not simply relying upon a doctor to hang out a shingle and provide all-encompassing care for an entire community. That’s not realistic.”

Nurse practitioners in Missouri have been pushing for more reliance on medical providers outside of medical doctors. Missouri is one of 11 states that require nurse practitioners to practice with a collaborating physician. It’s a requirement for nurse practitioners who want to prescribe medicines and treat patients.

<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB392&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">Legislation</a>&nbsp;has been introduced to eliminate some of those requirements after a certain number of hours worked alongside a collaborating physician, but so far it hasn’t gained much traction.

“Maximizing work from nurses, clinic pharmacists and partnering with other organizations to provide wraparound care … is the best way to most efficiently deliver care,” Morris said, “and then alleviate what looks and feels like an overwhelming workload on physician partners.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/04/17/missouri-primary-care-shortage-rural-physicians/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Missouri</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

<h2>Rural Missourians tend to be older and have more chronic health conditions. It makes a consistent primary care provider more important, but rural patients have the least access to them</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/megcunningham/">Meg Cunningham</a>Communities across the country are suffering from a lack of primary care providers, and Missouri is no exception. In fact, it ranks fourth worst nationwide in terms of its primary care provider shortage.All but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/charts/5?state=MO" target="_blank">seven</a>&nbsp;Missouri counties have shortages of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/primary-care-health-professional-shortage-areas-hpsas/?currentTimeframe=0&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Total%20Primary%20Care%20HPSA%20Designations%22,%22sort%22:%22desc%22%7D" target="_blank">primary care providers</a>. Those mostly rural counties that lack providers see higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer or kidney problems, as well as higher rates of tobacco usage.And as those communities age and require more care, rural hospitals are closing. Eighteen hospitals have shut their doors in Missouri since 2014, and 12 of those were in rural areas.Now, as Missouri looks to make inroads in recruiting and retaining primary care providers, those communities bear the brunt of the shortages. Southeast Missouri sees a higher rate of unmet needs when it comes to primary care. Having a regular primary care provider is associated with higher likelihood of appropriate care for a medical condition, and a regular source of care is linked with better health outcomes overall.“For a person in a rural area without access to this primary care, it will hasten the impact of that disease process on them,” said Brock Slabach, the chief operating officer at the National Rural Health Association. “Now distance becomes a real variable in terms of care. So what we see is delayed care, then at that point, delayed care can be deadly.”<h2>How rural Missouri fares&nbsp;amid the state’s primary care shortage</h2>The growing shortage isn’t just a problem in Missouri. Nationwide, there is a projected shortage of 87,000 full-time primary care doctors by 2037,&nbsp;<a href="https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/state-of-the-primary-care-workforce-report-2024.pdf" target="_blank">HRSA data show.</a>&nbsp;Falling in line with trends, the shortage is predicted to be the worst in rural areas.Like the rest of the U.S. population, primary care doctors are beginning to age out of the workforce, Slabach said. Figuring out how to replace those veteran doctors — who may have a different view of work-life balance and the demands of the workplace than the next generation — is a challenge.“The cliff of those retiring is really just getting alarming,” Slabach said. “Rural communities have, on average, a much older cohort of physicians and advanced practice providers. In fact, they should be retiring. Many are not retiring because the need is so great.”Hospitals, private practice clinics and health centers are also grappling with the changing expectations of a younger workforce.“Going into a rural community and working 60, 80 hours a week like doctors did 30 or 40 years ago is not being replaced,” Slabach said. “People are wanting predictable patterns of work-life balance, and they’re insisting on that more and more.”Primary care providers report higher rates of burnout and low satisfaction with work-life balance and a high load of patients. It’s also a less popular field for incoming medical students due to pay. The average salary for a primary care doctor in the U.S. in 2023 was about $272,000, compared to $558,000 for an orthopedic physician and $423,000 for a general surgeon.But as the country’s population continues to age, the importance of a longstanding relationship with one’s primary care doctor is coming more into focus.“We believe firmly in family medicine that continuity is protected and that it is worth striving for and attaining,” said Dr. Laura Morris, a family medicine physician at MU Health Care in Fulton.For doctors who are getting familiar with a new patient’s medical history, it can be a complicated process.“It makes it more challenging. It takes more time. It might make you overorder tests, or it might make you fail to recognize certain flags or conditions,” Morris said. “That knowledge and that awareness of the patient’s conditions is helpful from a medical and diagnostic sense.”It’s a concerning trend as the nation’s population ages.<a href="https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/programs/2016-11/Missouri.pdf" target="_blank">By 2030</a>, one in five Missourians will be aged 65 or older, an increase of 29% from 2012. In 2020, 16.8% of the nationwide population was 65 or older. By 2040, it’s estimated that will increase to 21.6%.“We know that in rural counties patients tend to be older. They tend to be sicker. And their outcomes in terms of even basic chronic conditions like heart disease and COPD do not look as good as patients that live in counties where they might have an oversupply of physician access,” Morris said.<h2>How can Missouri address workforce concerns as its population ages?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>A November 2024&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2826107" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;analyzed the national supply of primary care doctors focused on patients 65 and older. It found that while the number of geriatric-focused medical doctors is dropping, the supply of geriatric-focused nurse practitioners is on the rise.The number of medical doctors per capita nationwide decreased by 12.7% from 2010 to 2020, the study found, while the rate of geriatric nurse practitioners increased by 125%. Over the 10 years of data the study analyzed, nearly 64% of small and rural counties had no geriatric physicians or nurse practitioners.The state is also looking to amp up health care workforce recruitment and retention through training programs and loan repayment plans. One program sends physicians to practice in designated health care professional shortage areas across the state. During the 2022 fiscal year, 14 of the recipients were in rural areas and seven had a family medicine specialty.That brings other medical professionals, like advanced practice nurses, behavioral health specialists and social workers into the mix.“I think the solutions lie in team-based care and really pulling in all of the different resources we have available as a health care team,” Morris said. “It is not simply relying upon a doctor to hang out a shingle and provide all-encompassing care for an entire community. That’s not realistic.”Nurse practitioners in Missouri have been pushing for more reliance on medical providers outside of medical doctors. Missouri is one of 11 states that require nurse practitioners to practice with a collaborating physician. It’s a requirement for nurse practitioners who want to prescribe medicines and treat patients.<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB392&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">Legislation</a>&nbsp;has been introduced to eliminate some of those requirements after a certain number of hours worked alongside a collaborating physician, but so far it hasn’t gained much traction.“Maximizing work from nurses, clinic pharmacists and partnering with other organizations to provide wraparound care … is the best way to most efficiently deliver care,” Morris said, “and then alleviate what looks and feels like an overwhelming workload on physician partners.”This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/04/17/missouri-primary-care-shortage-rural-physicians/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Missouri</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

Primary care shortage has an outsized impact on rural Missouri

KANSAS CITY—A&nbsp; Kansas City father and son face charges in connection with a fatal dog mauling that took place last year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2589/KC24082504--Thibeaux_John-II--Complaint-and-Warrant-Packet-1">John R. Thibeaux II</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2588/KC24082504--Thibeaux_John--Complaint-and-Warrant-Packet-1">John R. Thibeaux I</a>&nbsp;face one count of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter and one count of 2nd Degree Assault each.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2587/KC24082504--Thibeaux_John-II--PC-Statement_redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 3200 block of East 80th Street on Nov. 2, 2024, and found numerous dogs attacking the victim. Officers used sirens and air horns to scare away the dogs and they retreated to Thibeaux II’s yard through holes in a chain-link fence. The fence was improperly installed, allowing the dogs to enter and exit the yard.

The victim, who suffered severe wounds, died days later. Another person was also bitten while trying to stop the attack.

Surveillance video showed the dogs behind the fence in Thibeaux II’s yard before the attack. One of the dogs was outside the fence and began attacking the victim. The other dogs crawled under the chain-link fence and joined in the attack.&nbsp;

Witnesses reported the dogs regularly roamed the neighborhood, had attacked neighbors’ pets, were aggressive toward people, and even bit someone in the neighborhood on two separate occasions. Text messages revealed Thibeaux I knew about the dogs’ behavior.&nbsp;

Detectives also discovered Thibeaux II operated a dog breeding business, as evidenced by social media posts advertising puppies for sale. Thibeaux II also admitted in texts that one of his dogs had bitten him while he tried to break up a fight between his dogs, just months before the fatal attack.&nbsp;

Both defendants are in custody on a $100,000 bond each.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745011329889.png" alt="John R. Thibeaux-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>John R. Thibeaux-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A&nbsp; Kansas City father and son face charges in connection with a fatal dog mauling that took place last year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2589/KC24082504--Thibeaux_John-II--Complaint-and-Warrant-Packet-1">John R. Thibeaux II</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2588/KC24082504--Thibeaux_John--Complaint-and-Warrant-Packet-1">John R. Thibeaux I</a>&nbsp;face one count of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter and one count of 2nd Degree Assault each.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745011303839.png" alt="John R. Thibeaux II photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>John R. Thibeaux II photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2587/KC24082504--Thibeaux_John-II--PC-Statement_redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 3200 block of East 80th Street on Nov. 2, 2024, and found numerous dogs attacking the victim. Officers used sirens and air horns to scare away the dogs and they retreated to Thibeaux II’s yard through holes in a chain-link fence. The fence was improperly installed, allowing the dogs to enter and exit the yard.The victim, who suffered severe wounds, died days later. Another person was also bitten while trying to stop the attack.Surveillance video showed the dogs behind the fence in Thibeaux II’s yard before the attack. One of the dogs was outside the fence and began attacking the victim. The other dogs crawled under the chain-link fence and joined in the attack.&nbsp;Witnesses reported the dogs regularly roamed the neighborhood, had attacked neighbors’ pets, were aggressive toward people, and even bit someone in the neighborhood on two separate occasions. Text messages revealed Thibeaux I knew about the dogs’ behavior.&nbsp;Detectives also discovered Thibeaux II operated a dog breeding business, as evidenced by social media posts advertising puppies for sale. Thibeaux II also admitted in texts that one of his dogs had bitten him while he tried to break up a fight between his dogs, just months before the fatal attack.&nbsp;Both defendants are in custody on a $100,000 bond each.&nbsp;

Kansas City father, son accused in fatal dog mauling

DODGE COUNTY, Nebraska —Authorities are investigating a small plane crash in rural northeast Nebraska that killed three people including a man from Kansas.

The plane crashed just after 8p.m. Friday into the Platte River south of Fremont, according to the Dodge County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;The victims have been identified as 43-year-old Daniel Williams of Moundridge, Kansas, 50-year-old Jeff Bittinger and 48-year-old Randy Amrein both of Fremont, Nebraska, according to the sheriff's office.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are in charge of the investigation. Fremont is located approximately 45 minutes northwest of Omaha.

DODGE COUNTY, Nebraska —Authorities are investigating a small plane crash in rural northeast Nebraska that killed three people including a man from Kansas.The plane crashed just after 8p.m. Friday into the Platte River south of Fremont, according to the Dodge County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;The victims have been identified as 43-year-old Daniel Williams of Moundridge, Kansas, 50-year-old Jeff Bittinger and 48-year-old Randy Amrein both of Fremont, Nebraska, according to the sheriff's office.The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are in charge of the investigation. Fremont is located approximately 45 minutes northwest of Omaha.

Kan. man among 3 dead in small plane crash in Nebraska

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an alleged domestic incident involving a gun.

Just after 1p.m. April 16, police were in the area of the 2000 block of Lane Street in Topeka and witnessed shots being fired, according to Topeka Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

&nbsp;The suspect was believed to have been hiding in a nearby residence but has not been located. The shooting was being investigated as a domestic dispute and there with no imminent threat to the public.&nbsp;

As a result of this investigation police arrested 53-year-old Christopher L. Cowan on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, Aggravated endangering a child, reckless situation to a child &lt;18, Criminal discharge of a firearm, recklessly at occupied vehicle, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon,&nbsp;Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felon warrant service or execution and Parole violation warrant arrest.

&nbsp;U.S. Marshall’s Service assisted Topeka police in the arrest.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744898147600.png" alt="Cowan photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cowan photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an alleged domestic incident involving a gun.Just after 1p.m. April 16, police were in the area of the 2000 block of Lane Street in Topeka and witnessed shots being fired, according to Topeka Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.&nbsp;The suspect was believed to have been hiding in a nearby residence but has not been located. The shooting was being investigated as a domestic dispute and there with no imminent threat to the public.&nbsp;As a result of this investigation police arrested 53-year-old Christopher L. Cowan on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, Aggravated endangering a child, reckless situation to a child &lt;18, Criminal discharge of a firearm, recklessly at occupied vehicle, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon,&nbsp;Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felon warrant service or execution and Parole violation warrant arrest.&nbsp;U.S. Marshall’s Service assisted Topeka police in the arrest.&nbsp;

U.S. Marshals help catch Kansas felon wanted for shooting

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

Just after 6p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;responded to an injury accident in the 3700 block of East 51st&nbsp;Street, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

When officers arrived, they located a man later identified as 50-year-old&nbsp;Terry Lindsey suffering from life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; Lindsey was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.&nbsp;

Originally, Accident Investigation Unit detectives responded to the scene to handle the investigation.&nbsp; However, preliminary findings revealed the Lindsey appeared to have been struck intentionally by a vehicle.&nbsp; Homicide Detectives have taken over the case and this is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp;

A subject of interest was taken into custody a short time later, pending further investigation.&nbsp; Detectives conducted area canvasses for witnesses and surveillance footage.&nbsp; 

Crime Scene responded to the scene and processed all available physical evidence.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 6p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp;responded to an injury accident in the 3700 block of East 51st&nbsp;Street, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.When officers arrived, they located a man later identified as 50-year-old&nbsp;Terry Lindsey suffering from life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; Lindsey was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.&nbsp;Originally, Accident Investigation Unit detectives responded to the scene to handle the investigation.&nbsp; However, preliminary findings revealed the Lindsey appeared to have been struck intentionally by a vehicle.&nbsp; Homicide Detectives have taken over the case and this is being investigated as a homicide.&nbsp;A subject of interest was taken into custody a short time later, pending further investigation.&nbsp; Detectives conducted area canvasses for witnesses and surveillance footage.&nbsp; Crime Scene responded to the scene and processed all available physical evidence.&nbsp;

KCPD: Homicide victim intentionally run over by a vehicle

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has positively identified the body pulled Thursday from the Missouri River&nbsp; as 39-year-old, Brandon Anfinson, according to a statement from the department.

On March 21, Anfinson’s family reported him missing from his home in the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas. Since that time law enforcement, family, friends and the community conducted extensive searches of the area for him. 

On Thursday, the Kansas City, Missouri Police and Fire Departments were called to 7808 E. Levee Road on a report of a body in the Missouri River. The missing persons case has now become an active death investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. 

Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.There is nothing further to report at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745025874467.png" alt="Brandon Anfinson courtesy p hoto" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Anfinson courtesy p hoto</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has positively identified the body pulled Thursday from the Missouri River&nbsp; as 39-year-old, Brandon Anfinson, according to a statement from the department.On March 21, Anfinson’s family reported him missing from his home in the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas. Since that time law enforcement, family, friends and the community conducted extensive searches of the area for him. On Thursday, the Kansas City, Missouri Police and Fire Departments were called to 7808 E. Levee Road on a report of a body in the Missouri River. The missing persons case has now become an active death investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.There is nothing further to report at this time.

Police: Body pulled from river was missing Kansas man

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

Missouri’s first confirmed measles case of the year involves a child in Taney County, the health department announced Friday afternoon.

The child’s vaccination status “has not yet been verified,” according to the press release.

The child, who is not a Missouri resident, was visiting Taney County and was diagnosed “soon after arrival,” Lisa Cox, spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/58f781a5-e996-4c78-918c-07b00af263cf/case-of-measles-confirmed-in-traveler-to-missouri" target="_blank">press release</a>.

Taney County is in southwest Missouri, and its largest city is Branson.&nbsp;

“Exposure is believed to be limited, and known contacts have been identified and contacted,” Cox said, adding that the state is supporting Taney County’s health department to investigate possible exposure.&nbsp;

The case is “associated with recent international travel,” Cox said.

Measles is a highly-contagious virus the country&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/history.html" target="_blank">declared eliminated</a>&nbsp;25 years ago, but that has resurged with falling vaccination rates.&nbsp;

“For those unvaccinated or those unsure of their vaccination status, now is the time to review records and get caught up if needed,” Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist with DHSS, said in the press release.

The percent of Missouri kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella has declined over the last several years, from 95% in the 2019-2020 school year to 91% in the 2023-2024 school year, in public schools, per&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/families/schoolhealth/dashboard.php" target="_blank">DHHS data</a>. In private schools, the drop has been even larger, from 92% to 85% in the same period.

Nationally, there are at least&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html" target="_blank">800 reported cases of measles across 25 states,&nbsp;</a>according to Center for Disease Control data as of Friday. That doesn’t include Missouri’s case, Cox said, because the state received lab test results Thursday night, after the federal reporting deadline for this week.&nbsp;

That is the highest number for a single year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/measles-outbreak-us-map/" target="_blank">since 2019</a>&nbsp;and is still growing.

The majority of measles infections nationally have been reported in a West Texas outbreak. There have been two confirmed deaths, both in Texas.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2314/Measles-Data" target="_blank">Kansas</a>&nbsp;has reported 37 cases,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/health/measles-kansas-ohio-texas.html" target="_blank">possibly linked</a>&nbsp;to the Texas outbreak.

There are outbreaks in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/health/measles-texas-mexico-canada.html" target="_blank">Canada and Mexico</a>, too, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/health/measles-kansas-ohio-texas.html" target="_blank">several states have reported</a>&nbsp;isolated cases as the result of international travel.

At the same time, the federal government has cut grant funding set aside for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to encourage vaccinations,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/health-science-environment/2025-04-16/federal-government-cuts-missouri-vaccine-funds-as-immunizations-dip" target="_blank">according to St. Louis Public Radio.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741908251964.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri’s first confirmed measles case of the year involves a child in Taney County, the health department announced Friday afternoon.The child’s vaccination status “has not yet been verified,” according to the press release.The child, who is not a Missouri resident, was visiting Taney County and was diagnosed “soon after arrival,” Lisa Cox, spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/58f781a5-e996-4c78-918c-07b00af263cf/case-of-measles-confirmed-in-traveler-to-missouri" target="_blank">press release</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Measles has been diagnosed in Missouri for the first time this year. The case is in a child who visited Taney county after traveling internationally. Luckily, there is no evidence of widespread public exposure, so there is no need to panic. <a href="https://t.co/kP0QydyipI">pic.twitter.com/kP0QydyipI</a>&mdash; Missouri Department of Health &amp; Senior Services (@HealthyLivingMo) <a href="https://twitter.com/HealthyLivingMo/status/1913290649522045239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Taney County is in southwest Missouri, and its largest city is Branson.&nbsp;“Exposure is believed to be limited, and known contacts have been identified and contacted,” Cox said, adding that the state is supporting Taney County’s health department to investigate possible exposure.&nbsp;The case is “associated with recent international travel,” Cox said.Measles is a highly-contagious virus the country&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/history.html" target="_blank">declared eliminated</a>&nbsp;25 years ago, but that has resurged with falling vaccination rates.&nbsp;“For those unvaccinated or those unsure of their vaccination status, now is the time to review records and get caught up if needed,” Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist with DHSS, said in the press release.The percent of Missouri kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella has declined over the last several years, from 95% in the 2019-2020 school year to 91% in the 2023-2024 school year, in public schools, per&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/families/schoolhealth/dashboard.php" target="_blank">DHHS data</a>. In private schools, the drop has been even larger, from 92% to 85% in the same period.Nationally, there are at least&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html" target="_blank">800 reported cases of measles across 25 states,&nbsp;</a>according to Center for Disease Control data as of Friday. That doesn’t include Missouri’s case, Cox said, because the state received lab test results Thursday night, after the federal reporting deadline for this week.&nbsp;That is the highest number for a single year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/measles-outbreak-us-map/" target="_blank">since 2019</a>&nbsp;and is still growing.The majority of measles infections nationally have been reported in a West Texas outbreak. There have been two confirmed deaths, both in Texas.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2314/Measles-Data" target="_blank">Kansas</a>&nbsp;has reported 37 cases,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/health/measles-kansas-ohio-texas.html" target="_blank">possibly linked</a>&nbsp;to the Texas outbreak.There are outbreaks in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/17/health/measles-texas-mexico-canada.html" target="_blank">Canada and Mexico</a>, too, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/health/measles-kansas-ohio-texas.html" target="_blank">several states have reported</a>&nbsp;isolated cases as the result of international travel.At the same time, the federal government has cut grant funding set aside for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to encourage vaccinations,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/health-science-environment/2025-04-16/federal-government-cuts-missouri-vaccine-funds-as-immunizations-dip" target="_blank">according to St. Louis Public Radio.</a>

Missouri health department announces first measles case of 2025

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

TOPEKA — Approval of a last-minute addition to Kansas’ state budget took the gambling and sports betting sphere by surprise, leaving the future of the industry in the state uncertain.

The Kansas Legislature Friday passed the&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb125/" target="_blank">state budget bill</a>, which included a provision that bans the Kansas Lottery, the agency that oversees gambling in the state, from spending state money to negotiate any renewals, extensions or new contracts with sports wagering operators until July 2026.

Jeremy Kudon, a lobbyist who had a hand in ushering in gambling’s new era of sports wagering in the United States, took to the social media platform X to assure bettors that their online sports betting operators would remain in Kansas — for now.

“Just want to clarify: None of the leading OSB operators in Kansas will go dark as a result of today’s vote,” Kudon wrote in a post.

Most contracts with the state lottery are valid until 2027, he said.

“But I wouldn’t let the Kansas legislature off so easy. They had no idea when these contracts expired and were willing to take your favorite OSB apps away from Kansans. We’re not going to let that happen,” Kudon wrote.

Kansans over 21 years old can bet on badminton, bull riding and 50 other categories of live and virtual sports. Since 2022, after the passage of&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2022/b2021_22/measures/sb84/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 84</a>, the state recruited six sports wager operators: BetMGM, Caesar’s, DraftKings, ESPNBet, FanDuel and Fanatics. Each of those contracts, which include retail and mobile betting, are set to expire at the same time in August 2027.

Historically, the Kansas Lottery negotiated the contracts and went through an approval process with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

The Legislature’s moratorium, which will apply to fiscal years 2025 and 2026, could open up Kansas’ sports betting market to new regulations or more influence from state lawmakers if they decide to take up the issue in the 2026 session. Among possible changes, one option is an increase in the share of money the state collects from sports wagering revenues. The state currently collects 10% of all revenue from both mobile and retail platforms.&nbsp;

Sports wagering is legal in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Missouri voters narrowly approved in November a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting online, in casinos and in certain districts near major sports arenas. The rollout was scheduled for this summer, but the state has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/24/launch-of-missouri-sports-betting-delayed-until-fall-after-emergency-rules-were-rejected/" target="_blank">delayed it until the fall</a>&nbsp;to allow for time to straighten out licensing rules.

Legalized gambling in Kansas dates back to 1986, when more than 60% of voters approved a constitutional amendment to establish a state-run lottery. A year later, the Legislature passed the Kansas Lottery Act.&nbsp;

The Legislature this year authorized a gaming compact between the governor’s office and the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska to allow sports betting at the Sac &amp; Fox Casino in Powhattan. In 2024, the Legislature approved a sports betting compact for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska’s White Cloud Casino in White Cloud and did the same in 2023 for the Prairie Band Casino Resort in Mayetta, which is owned by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662056609748.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly, who signed a bill in May 2022 legalizing sports betting in Kansas, placed the state's first bet in September of that year on the Kansas City Chiefs.(Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly, who signed a bill in May 2022 legalizing sports betting in Kansas, placed the state's first bet in September of that year on the Kansas City Chiefs.(Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Approval of a last-minute addition to Kansas’ state budget took the gambling and sports betting sphere by surprise, leaving the future of the industry in the state uncertain.The Kansas Legislature Friday passed the&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb125/" target="_blank">state budget bill</a>, which included a provision that bans the Kansas Lottery, the agency that oversees gambling in the state, from spending state money to negotiate any renewals, extensions or new contracts with sports wagering operators until July 2026.Jeremy Kudon, a lobbyist who had a hand in ushering in gambling’s new era of sports wagering in the United States, took to the social media platform X to assure bettors that their online sports betting operators would remain in Kansas — for now.“Just want to clarify: None of the leading OSB operators in Kansas will go dark as a result of today’s vote,” Kudon wrote in a post.Most contracts with the state lottery are valid until 2027, he said.“But I wouldn’t let the Kansas legislature off so easy. They had no idea when these contracts expired and were willing to take your favorite OSB apps away from Kansans. We’re not going to let that happen,” Kudon wrote.Kansans over 21 years old can bet on badminton, bull riding and 50 other categories of live and virtual sports. Since 2022, after the passage of&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2022/b2021_22/measures/sb84/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 84</a>, the state recruited six sports wager operators: BetMGM, Caesar’s, DraftKings, ESPNBet, FanDuel and Fanatics. Each of those contracts, which include retail and mobile betting, are set to expire at the same time in August 2027.Historically, the Kansas Lottery negotiated the contracts and went through an approval process with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.The Legislature’s moratorium, which will apply to fiscal years 2025 and 2026, could open up Kansas’ sports betting market to new regulations or more influence from state lawmakers if they decide to take up the issue in the 2026 session. Among possible changes, one option is an increase in the share of money the state collects from sports wagering revenues. The state currently collects 10% of all revenue from both mobile and retail platforms.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744994370822.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sports wagering is legal in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Missouri voters narrowly approved in November a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting online, in casinos and in certain districts near major sports arenas. The rollout was scheduled for this summer, but the state has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/24/launch-of-missouri-sports-betting-delayed-until-fall-after-emergency-rules-were-rejected/" target="_blank">delayed it until the fall</a>&nbsp;to allow for time to straighten out licensing rules.Legalized gambling in Kansas dates back to 1986, when more than 60% of voters approved a constitutional amendment to establish a state-run lottery. A year later, the Legislature passed the Kansas Lottery Act.&nbsp;The Legislature this year authorized a gaming compact between the governor’s office and the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska to allow sports betting at the Sac &amp; Fox Casino in Powhattan. In 2024, the Legislature approved a sports betting compact for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska’s White Cloud Casino in White Cloud and did the same in 2023 for the Prairie Band Casino Resort in Mayetta, which is owned by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Last-minute moratorium on Kansas sports betting contract negotiations provokes uncertainty

KANSAS CITY—A suspect faces charges in connection with a shooting in a Kansas City suburg.

According to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, 19-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2582/HunleyDeShawn---Complaint-Redacted">De’Shawn Hunley</a>&nbsp;faces one count of 1st Degree Assault and one count of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2581/HunleyDeShawn---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Grain Valley police were dispatched to the 1700 block of Buckner Tarsney Road on April 14 regarding a shooting. Officers located the victim standing near his vehicle with severe trauma from a gunshot wound to his face. He was transported to an area trauma center and was in stable condition.

Based on witness reports and surveillance footage, Hunley shot at the victim who was in his vehicle fleeing after an argument about a potential marijuana sale. Hunley fled from the scene on foot to his residence and hid the gun and his clothes.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for his residence and with the help of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents and an ATF K9, they found the handgun used in the shooting and the clothes the defendant was wearing at the time of the shooting.&nbsp;

Hunley is in custody on a $100,000 cash only bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744834860672.png" alt="Hunley photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hunley photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A suspect faces charges in connection with a shooting in a Kansas City suburg.According to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, 19-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2582/HunleyDeShawn---Complaint-Redacted">De’Shawn Hunley</a>&nbsp;faces one count of 1st Degree Assault and one count of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2581/HunleyDeShawn---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Grain Valley police were dispatched to the 1700 block of Buckner Tarsney Road on April 14 regarding a shooting. Officers located the victim standing near his vehicle with severe trauma from a gunshot wound to his face. He was transported to an area trauma center and was in stable condition.Based on witness reports and surveillance footage, Hunley shot at the victim who was in his vehicle fleeing after an argument about a potential marijuana sale. Hunley fled from the scene on foot to his residence and hid the gun and his clothes.Detectives obtained a search warrant for his residence and with the help of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents and an ATF K9, they found the handgun used in the shooting and the clothes the defendant was wearing at the time of the shooting.&nbsp;Hunley is in custody on a $100,000 cash only bond.&nbsp;

KC man shot victim in the face in dispute over marijuana sale

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop on a bicycle.

Just after 11:30 p.m. April 15, , a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist near NW Taylor Street and NW Lyman Road in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, the deputy found illegal drugs and arrested 49-year-old Donald W. St Clair of Topeka. He was&nbsp; booked into the Shawnee County Department on&nbsp;charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana and the bicycle was not equipped with lamp when in use at night

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744897598539.png" alt="St. Clair photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>St. Clair photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop on a bicycle.Just after 11:30 p.m. April 15, , a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist near NW Taylor Street and NW Lyman Road in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, the deputy found illegal drugs and arrested 49-year-old Donald W. St Clair of Topeka. He was&nbsp; booked into the Shawnee County Department on&nbsp;charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana and the bicycle was not equipped with lamp when in use at night

Kansas bicyclist caught transporting illegal drugs

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</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>

GOP House leader says anyone sounding revenue alarm likely a ‘budget boogeyman’

TOPEKA — A bullish revenue picture for state government in Kansas through the current and next fiscal years couldn’t sugarcoat projections the state budget could end up with a $730 million deficit by 2029 if lawmakers continued spending more than what was collected in revenue.

The new forecast released Thursday by the Consensus Revenue Group, which is responsible for updating financial reports twice each year, indicated the treasury could expect to collect $157 million more in the current fiscal year than projected in November. In addition, the state could receive $219 million more in the 2026 fiscal year than predicted six months ago. The state general fund takes in about $10 billion annually.

The estimating group said the state’s budget ending balance could sit at $2.29 billion at close of the current fiscal year in June, but fall to $1.73 billion in 2026, $903 million in 2027 and $63 million in 2028 before going under water by $730 million in 2029.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the latest revenue estimates from university economists and state financial experts could be viewed as positive news.

“In reality, they underscore the seriousness of the financial predicament ahead,” Kelly said. “The bizarre and irresponsible budget gimmicks used by the Republican-led Legislature spend more than the state takes in by nearly $800 million per year. Ultimately, this will lead to a historically large budget deficit.”

She said the revenue update came one week after GOP House and Senate leaders adjourned the annual legislative session. Traditionally, the Legislature remained in session until the revenue forecast was updated so spending and tax policy could be refined.

“Kansans need to demand their legislators restore fiscal sanity and fairness when they return in January,” Kelly said.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, said the Legislature successfully assumed a more direct approach to developing the new state budget and produced a plan that spent less than recommended by the governor.

He said the Legislature was confident in the wisdom of the three-year, $1.2 billion income tax cut adopted in the 2024 special session and the additional tax relief approved in the 2025 regular session.

“Be wary of those who want to make political hay by invoking the budget boogeyman and screaming that the sky is falling,” Hawkins said. “These positive consensus revenue estimates reaffirm we’re headed down a smart and sustainable path as we continue to monitor all fiscal data as it’s available.”

Adam Proffitt, secretary of the Kansas Department of administration and budget director for the governor, state tax reductions and elevated spending were significant drivers of the state’s financial prospectus.

He said the extended assessment was that state revenue could remain below expenditures during the next four years unless a different approach was taken by state lawmakers.

“We need to get more structurally balanced,” Proffitt said. “This is something we’ve been watching for a couple years. I think the governor’s been pretty consistent in her message that we need to be showing fiscal restraint and making sure we have a good handle on expenditures and don’t grow them unnecessarily.”

Proffitt said the projected $800 million decline in state budget ending balances in fiscal years 2027, 2028 and 2029 would leave the state in dire financial condition. An unknown for forecasters, for a couple more months after close of tax season, was the influence of retroactive income tax cuts approved by the state lawmakers in 2024, he said. In addition, he said, the forecast changes didn’t take into account the influence of tax bills on Kelly’s desk nor possible federal policy shifts.

Shirley Morrow, director of the nonpartisan Kansas Legislative Research Department, said during a news conference at the Capitol the solution to the state’s future budget predicament was obvious.

“To me,” she said, “the simple answer — and this is going to be too simple — is increase revenue and decrease expenditures.”

Morrow said forces that could influence the state’s bottom line were tied to volatility in the U.S. economy. Factors capable of altering the fiscal assessment included persistently elevated inflation, trade policy changes relevant to agriculture exports and aviation manufacturing, shifting unemployment rates, sustained high interest rates, cuts in federal funding to states, monetary policy and geopolitical dynamics, she said.

“The reoccurring theme throughout the forecast cycle is an increased volatility in the state’s economy,” Morrow said.

She said the Kansas inflation rate in 2025 was raised from 2.3% to 2.9% while the estimate for inflation in 2026 was raised from 2.2% to 2.5%. Kansas has added 3,300 jobs over the year, she said.

In terms of agriculture, she said, crop producers continued to struggle with low commodity prices and high input costs. Livestock producers were looking to expand beef herds based on continued escalation in market prices, she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744995015357.png" alt=" Adam Proffitt, state budget director, and Shirley Morrow, director of the Kansas Legislative Research Department, brief reporters on revised state revenue estimates that outline unanticipated growth in revenue this year and next year. They warned of budget problems if the Legislature continued to expend more money than collected in revenue. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Adam Proffitt, state budget director, and Shirley Morrow, director of the Kansas Legislative Research Department, brief reporters on revised state revenue estimates that outline unanticipated growth in revenue this year and next year. They warned of budget problems if the Legislature continued to expend more money than collected in revenue. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</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><h2>GOP House leader says anyone sounding revenue alarm likely a ‘budget boogeyman’</h2>TOPEKA — A bullish revenue picture for state government in Kansas through the current and next fiscal years couldn’t sugarcoat projections the state budget could end up with a $730 million deficit by 2029 if lawmakers continued spending more than what was collected in revenue.The new forecast released Thursday by the Consensus Revenue Group, which is responsible for updating financial reports twice each year, indicated the treasury could expect to collect $157 million more in the current fiscal year than projected in November. In addition, the state could receive $219 million more in the 2026 fiscal year than predicted six months ago. The state general fund takes in about $10 billion annually.The estimating group said the state’s budget ending balance could sit at $2.29 billion at close of the current fiscal year in June, but fall to $1.73 billion in 2026, $903 million in 2027 and $63 million in 2028 before going under water by $730 million in 2029.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said the latest revenue estimates from university economists and state financial experts could be viewed as positive news.“In reality, they underscore the seriousness of the financial predicament ahead,” Kelly said. “The bizarre and irresponsible budget gimmicks used by the Republican-led Legislature spend more than the state takes in by nearly $800 million per year. Ultimately, this will lead to a historically large budget deficit.”She said the revenue update came one week after GOP House and Senate leaders adjourned the annual legislative session. Traditionally, the Legislature remained in session until the revenue forecast was updated so spending and tax policy could be refined.“Kansans need to demand their legislators restore fiscal sanity and fairness when they return in January,” Kelly said.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, said the Legislature successfully assumed a more direct approach to developing the new state budget and produced a plan that spent less than recommended by the governor.He said the Legislature was confident in the wisdom of the three-year, $1.2 billion income tax cut adopted in the 2024 special session and the additional tax relief approved in the 2025 regular session.“Be wary of those who want to make political hay by invoking the budget boogeyman and screaming that the sky is falling,” Hawkins said. “These positive consensus revenue estimates reaffirm we’re headed down a smart and sustainable path as we continue to monitor all fiscal data as it’s available.”<h2>A structural imbalance</h2>Adam Proffitt, secretary of the Kansas Department of administration and budget director for the governor, state tax reductions and elevated spending were significant drivers of the state’s financial prospectus.He said the extended assessment was that state revenue could remain below expenditures during the next four years unless a different approach was taken by state lawmakers.“We need to get more structurally balanced,” Proffitt said. “This is something we’ve been watching for a couple years. I think the governor’s been pretty consistent in her message that we need to be showing fiscal restraint and making sure we have a good handle on expenditures and don’t grow them unnecessarily.”Proffitt said the projected $800 million decline in state budget ending balances in fiscal years 2027, 2028 and 2029 would leave the state in dire financial condition. An unknown for forecasters, for a couple more months after close of tax season, was the influence of retroactive income tax cuts approved by the state lawmakers in 2024, he said. In addition, he said, the forecast changes didn’t take into account the influence of tax bills on Kelly’s desk nor possible federal policy shifts.Shirley Morrow, director of the nonpartisan Kansas Legislative Research Department, said during a news conference at the Capitol the solution to the state’s future budget predicament was obvious.“To me,” she said, “the simple answer — and this is going to be too simple — is increase revenue and decrease expenditures.”Morrow said forces that could influence the state’s bottom line were tied to volatility in the U.S. economy. Factors capable of altering the fiscal assessment included persistently elevated inflation, trade policy changes relevant to agriculture exports and aviation manufacturing, shifting unemployment rates, sustained high interest rates, cuts in federal funding to states, monetary policy and geopolitical dynamics, she said.“The reoccurring theme throughout the forecast cycle is an increased volatility in the state’s economy,” Morrow said.She said the Kansas inflation rate in 2025 was raised from 2.3% to 2.9% while the estimate for inflation in 2026 was raised from 2.2% to 2.5%. Kansas has added 3,300 jobs over the year, she said.In terms of agriculture, she said, crop producers continued to struggle with low commodity prices and high input costs. Livestock producers were looking to expand beef herds based on continued escalation in market prices, she said.

Analysts raise Kansas’ short-term revenue forecast, warn of budget woes on horizon

Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, patrol officers were dispatched to 54th and Euclid on the report of sounds of shots, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

First responders located a man in a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. 

Medics transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.T his is being investigated as homicide. Preliminary information revealed there was a disturbance in the street that led up to the shots being fired. 

Police have not released the name of the victim or reported any suspect information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744942512869.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, patrol officers were dispatched to 54th and Euclid on the report of sounds of shots, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744942490486.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located a man in a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later.T his is being investigated as homicide. Preliminary information revealed there was a disturbance in the street that led up to the shots being fired. Police have not released the name of the victim or reported any suspect information.

Homicide: Man found with gunshot wound in a vehicle in Kansas City

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in a house fire on Friday in Topeka.

Just before 6a.m. Friday, crews responded to report of a house fire a 419 SE Rodgers Street in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.&nbsp; First arriving crews found smoke coming from the home and quickly extinguished the fire. During a search of the home, firefighters found one occupant deceased, according to Stahl. There were no other occupants of the home.

Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire. The name of the victim has not been releases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744990133110.png" alt="Crews on the scene of the Friday morning fire-photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene of the Friday morning fire-photo by Eric Ives courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in a house fire on Friday in Topeka.Just before 6a.m. Friday, crews responded to report of a house fire a 419 SE Rodgers Street in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.&nbsp; First arriving crews found smoke coming from the home and quickly extinguished the fire. During a search of the home, firefighters found one occupant deceased, according to Stahl. There were no other occupants of the home.Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire. The name of the victim has not been releases.

Fire Marshal: One found dead after  fire at a Kansas home

One of the key concerns is potential cuts to federal research funding, such as those from the National Institutes of Health

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/aidenkauffman/">Aiden Kauffman</a>

In response to economic uncertainty, the University of Missouri System is imposing immediate hiring restrictions, purchasing controls and slowing spending.

The cost-saving measures, which aim for a minimum $16 million in savings for fiscal year 2025, were presented Thursday at the Board of Curators meeting in Rolla.

While the system “remains well positioned with a strong balance sheet,” broader pressures on the higher education sector are spurring such cuts, said Ryan Rapp, UM System executive vice president for Finance and Operations.

One of the key concerns is potential cuts to federal research funding, such as those from the National Institutes of Health.

“NIH is the largest funder of university research throughout the United States. And so to replace the level of funding that potentially can be at risk is very significant,” UM System President Mun Choi said. “We will continue to make the case to NIH and other agencies and educate them on the value of our research so that the funds will continue to flow to the University of Missouri.”

Part of the system’s financial strategy, Rapp said, is keeping administrative spending low and maintaining current academic spending.

The system spends just over a quarter of its labor budget on administration, Rapp said, compared to a 38.5% benchmark average. Additionally, 56.8% of its labor budget is allotted to academics, exceeding the 52.5% average at peer institutions.

The University of Missouri has also cut educational expenses per degree awarded by 20% since 2017, according to Rapp’s report. More “moderate” tuition increases are expected, with state appropriations projected to rise by 1.5%. The curators increased tuition by 5% for all undergraduates in May 2024, and will vote on tuition and fee rates for fiscal year 2026 at its May meeting.

Even amid the UM system’s economic stress, Choi boasted increased application rates for fall 2025 at all four universities. First-time college applications showed double-digit increases with MU at 12%, the University of Missouri-Kansas City at 15%, Missouri University of Science and Technology at 15% and the University of Missouri-St. Louis at 5%.

“We are very proud of the work that our faculty, staff and administrators have done to share the message that we provide a very high-quality, affordable education at our universities,” Choi said.

The curators also approved two new degree programs at the meeting: a doctoral program in human development and family science at MU and a masters in geospatial engineering at Missouri S&amp;T.

MU’s Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory building was officially renamed the Dr. Dan Brown Building, in honor of the late veterinarian and former state senator.

Board Chair Todd Graves highlighted recent system milestones, including the April 2 ribbon cutting for a 47,000 square foot addition to the MU’s research reactor and the Wednesday groundbreaking of a 127,000-square-foot Bioplex research hub at Missouri S&amp;T.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/um-system-implementing-hiring-restrictions-spending-slowdown-amid-budget-uncertainty/article_3655a095-ea04-475f-92d3-babda60f2924.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print and online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744984808558.png" alt=" University of Missouri President Mun Y. Choi gave his State of the University Address in March 2022 (photo courtesy of the University of Missouri)." />
 <figcaption> University of Missouri President Mun Y. Choi gave his State of the University Address in March 2022 (photo courtesy of the University of Missouri).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>One of the key concerns is potential cuts to federal research funding, such as those from the National Institutes of Health</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/aidenkauffman/">Aiden Kauffman</a>In response to economic uncertainty, the University of Missouri System is imposing immediate hiring restrictions, purchasing controls and slowing spending.The cost-saving measures, which aim for a minimum $16 million in savings for fiscal year 2025, were presented Thursday at the Board of Curators meeting in Rolla.While the system “remains well positioned with a strong balance sheet,” broader pressures on the higher education sector are spurring such cuts, said Ryan Rapp, UM System executive vice president for Finance and Operations.One of the key concerns is potential cuts to federal research funding, such as those from the National Institutes of Health.“NIH is the largest funder of university research throughout the United States. And so to replace the level of funding that potentially can be at risk is very significant,” UM System President Mun Choi said. “We will continue to make the case to NIH and other agencies and educate them on the value of our research so that the funds will continue to flow to the University of Missouri.”Part of the system’s financial strategy, Rapp said, is keeping administrative spending low and maintaining current academic spending.The system spends just over a quarter of its labor budget on administration, Rapp said, compared to a 38.5% benchmark average. Additionally, 56.8% of its labor budget is allotted to academics, exceeding the 52.5% average at peer institutions.The University of Missouri has also cut educational expenses per degree awarded by 20% since 2017, according to Rapp’s report. More “moderate” tuition increases are expected, with state appropriations projected to rise by 1.5%. The curators increased tuition by 5% for all undergraduates in May 2024, and will vote on tuition and fee rates for fiscal year 2026 at its May meeting.Even amid the UM system’s economic stress, Choi boasted increased application rates for fall 2025 at all four universities. First-time college applications showed double-digit increases with MU at 12%, the University of Missouri-Kansas City at 15%, Missouri University of Science and Technology at 15% and the University of Missouri-St. Louis at 5%.“We are very proud of the work that our faculty, staff and administrators have done to share the message that we provide a very high-quality, affordable education at our universities,” Choi said.The curators also approved two new degree programs at the meeting: a doctoral program in human development and family science at MU and a masters in geospatial engineering at Missouri S&amp;T.MU’s Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory building was officially renamed the Dr. Dan Brown Building, in honor of the late veterinarian and former state senator.Board Chair Todd Graves highlighted recent system milestones, including the April 2 ribbon cutting for a 47,000 square foot addition to the MU’s research reactor and the Wednesday groundbreaking of a 127,000-square-foot Bioplex research hub at Missouri S&amp;T.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/um-system-implementing-hiring-restrictions-spending-slowdown-amid-budget-uncertainty/article_3655a095-ea04-475f-92d3-babda60f2924.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print and online.&nbsp;

University of Missouri System implementing hiring restrictions, spending slowdown

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting at a convenience store in Topeka have identified the victim as 24-year-old&nbsp; Oscar A. Ramirez of Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt.&nbsp;LT Donna Eubanks.

Just after 3:00 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting at the Kwik Shop gas station, 746 NE Wabash Avenue in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Edward Stanley. First responders located Ramirez with life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Medical personnel pronounced him deceased on scene.&nbsp;

As a result of the investigation, Caleb E Brown, 19, Topeka was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and is being held on requested charges of Voluntary manslaughter, Unreasonable belief of justified deadly force, Possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

This is the city’s 4th homicide investigation of 2025, according to Stanley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744941578851.png" alt="Brown photo Shawnee&nbsp; County." />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Shawnee&nbsp; County.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting at a convenience store in Topeka have identified the victim as 24-year-old&nbsp; Oscar A. Ramirez of Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt.&nbsp;LT Donna Eubanks.Just after 3:00 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting at the Kwik Shop gas station, 746 NE Wabash Avenue in Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Edward Stanley. First responders located Ramirez with life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Medical personnel pronounced him deceased on scene.&nbsp;As a result of the investigation, Caleb E Brown, 19, Topeka was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and is being held on requested charges of Voluntary manslaughter, Unreasonable belief of justified deadly force, Possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugsThis is the city’s 4th homicide investigation of 2025, according to Stanley.

Kan. teen accused in deadly shooting while under the influence

JOHNSON COUNTY —Just before 9a.m. Thursday, police responded to Shawnee Mission South High School,&nbsp;5800 W 107th Street in Overland Park regarding a suspicious man on the property, according to Officer John Lacy.

He was described as a white male in his late twenties, with a beard, wearing a tan baseball cap and tan pants.  The man was seen on the north side of the school near a wooded area.  School officials took the appropriate action by conducting a lockdown, bringing all students and staff inside the building. Despite a search by K-9 officers, patrol officers and drone operators, police did not find the person.

The lockdown lasted for sixty minutes. Parents of students who attend Shawnee Mission South were contacted by district office about the incident.&nbsp;

JOHNSON COUNTY —Just before 9a.m. Thursday, police responded to Shawnee Mission South High School,&nbsp;5800 W 107th Street in Overland Park regarding a suspicious man on the property, according to Officer John Lacy.He was described as a white male in his late twenties, with a beard, wearing a tan baseball cap and tan pants. The man was seen on the north side of the school near a wooded area. School officials took the appropriate action by conducting a lockdown, bringing all students and staff inside the building. Despite a search by K-9 officers, patrol officers and drone operators, police did not find the person.The lockdown lasted for sixty minutes. Parents of students who attend Shawnee Mission South were contacted by district office about the incident.&nbsp;

Report of suspicious man near Kan. high school led to lockdown 

Speaker Jon Patterson said he hopes the Senate takes time to consider extending the proposed 12 week exception for survivors of rape and incest

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

The top Republican in the Missouri House said Thursday that a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR73&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">proposed constitutional amendment to ban abortion</a>&nbsp;approved by his GOP colleagues doesn’t go far enough to protect victims of sexual assault.&nbsp;

House Speaker Jon Patterson of Lee’s Summit was the lone Republican to vote against sending the bill to the Senate on Thursday. He didn’t express his concerns about the legislation while it was being debated for four hours on Tuesday or an hour on Thursday, instead saving his remarks for a press conference moments after the bill’s passage.&nbsp;

The proposed amendment, if&nbsp;passed by the Senate and approved by voters, would repeal the reproductive rights amendment known as<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;Amendment 3</a>&nbsp;but allow exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;

In pregnancy, a woman’s first missed period marks four weeks gestation. Patterson, a physician, noted people who are younger or lower income and people who are Black and Hispanic are statistically more likely to learn they are pregnant later into the first trimester.&nbsp;

On top of that, once a survivor learns they’re pregnant, Patterson said, they are dealing with not only the trauma of that attack, but also the logistics of getting in to see a doctor.

“A debate that we should have — and I hope happens in the Senate — is 12 weeks long enough,” Patterson said during the press conference. “ … If you’re going to say it’s OK to (have an abortion) after you’ve been raped, now we’re talking time limits.”&nbsp;

State Rep. Yolanda Young, a Democrat from Kansas City, said during House debate on Thursday that bringing forward such an amendment “desecrated the sanctity of the majority.”&nbsp;

Democrats have accused their colleagues across the aisle of attempting to subvert the will of the people by bringing to a vote a new abortion ban less than six months after Missouri became the first state to overturn a ban by guaranteeing the procedure up until fetal viability.

Patterson, who before the November election suggested the legislature should&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/24/gop-abortion-amendment-3-house-leader-jon-patterson/">respect the will of the voters</a>, said Thursday that “taking something to the voters another time isn’t really subverting the will of the voters.”&nbsp;

“It really is something that I think should be celebrated,” he said, “that we have this process to amend the constitution, going back to the people and letting them have their say.”

But House Democrats remain critical of Republicans’ approach, saying the ballot language — the summary of the amendment that appears on the ballot — is deceptive.&nbsp;

No where does the language mention the amendment would ban elective abortions.

Instead, Missourians would be asked if they want to amend the Missouri constitution to:&nbsp;

If approved by the Senate, it will go to a statewide vote. House Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley, a Republican from Springfield, said in a press release Thursday that voters could see the amendment on their ballots in 2026. The statement did not mention the possibility of the governor calling a special election as soon as this year.

“This is not democracy in action,” said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City. “This is authoritarianism in action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744972096951.png" alt=" Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson speaks to reporters Thursday after being the lone Republican vote against a proposal to reinstate the abortion ban overturned by voters in November (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson speaks to reporters Thursday after being the lone Republican vote against a proposal to reinstate the abortion ban overturned by voters in November (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Speaker Jon Patterson said he hopes the Senate takes time to consider extending the proposed 12 week exception for survivors of rape and incest</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>The top Republican in the Missouri House said Thursday that a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR73&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">proposed constitutional amendment to ban abortion</a>&nbsp;approved by his GOP colleagues doesn’t go far enough to protect victims of sexual assault.&nbsp;House Speaker Jon Patterson of Lee’s Summit was the lone Republican to vote against sending the bill to the Senate on Thursday. He didn’t express his concerns about the legislation while it was being debated for four hours on Tuesday or an hour on Thursday, instead saving his remarks for a press conference moments after the bill’s passage.&nbsp;The proposed amendment, if&nbsp;passed by the Senate and approved by voters, would repeal the reproductive rights amendment known as<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;Amendment 3</a>&nbsp;but allow exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation.&nbsp;In pregnancy, a woman’s first missed period marks four weeks gestation. Patterson, a physician, noted people who are younger or lower income and people who are Black and Hispanic are statistically more likely to learn they are pregnant later into the first trimester.&nbsp;On top of that, once a survivor learns they’re pregnant, Patterson said, they are dealing with not only the trauma of that attack, but also the logistics of getting in to see a doctor.“A debate that we should have — and I hope happens in the Senate — is 12 weeks long enough,” Patterson said during the press conference. “ … If you’re going to say it’s OK to (have an abortion) after you’ve been raped, now we’re talking time limits.”&nbsp;State Rep. Yolanda Young, a Democrat from Kansas City, said during House debate on Thursday that bringing forward such an amendment “desecrated the sanctity of the majority.”&nbsp;Democrats have accused their colleagues across the aisle of attempting to subvert the will of the people by bringing to a vote a new abortion ban less than six months after Missouri became the first state to overturn a ban by guaranteeing the procedure up until fetal viability.Patterson, who before the November election suggested the legislature should&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/24/gop-abortion-amendment-3-house-leader-jon-patterson/">respect the will of the voters</a>, said Thursday that “taking something to the voters another time isn’t really subverting the will of the voters.”&nbsp;“It really is something that I think should be celebrated,” he said, “that we have this process to amend the constitution, going back to the people and letting them have their say.”But House Democrats remain critical of Republicans’ approach, saying the ballot language — the summary of the amendment that appears on the ballot — is deceptive.&nbsp;No where does the language mention the amendment would ban elective abortions.Instead, Missourians would be asked if they want to amend the Missouri constitution to:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>“Guarantee access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages;&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure women’s safety during abortions;&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure parental consent for minors;&nbsp;</li><li>Allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest;&nbsp;</li><li>Require physicians to provide medically accurate information; and&nbsp;</li><li>Protect children from gender transition?”</li>
 </ul>If approved by the Senate, it will go to a statewide vote. House Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley, a Republican from Springfield, said in a press release Thursday that voters could see the amendment on their ballots in 2026. The statement did not mention the possibility of the governor calling a special election as soon as this year.“This is not democracy in action,” said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City. “This is authoritarianism in action.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744972037951.png" alt="Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, center, is surrounded by members the Democratic caucus Thursday at a news conference after the House passed a proposal to reinstate the abortion ban overturned by voters in November (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, center, is surrounded by members the Democratic caucus Thursday at a news conference after the House passed a proposal to reinstate the abortion ban overturned by voters in November (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>As is already in place under&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 3,</a>&nbsp;the legislation would protect women’s access to health care during miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and other medical emergencies. It would also outlaw gender-affirming care for minors, something that is already banned in Missouri.House Democrats took to the floor for an hour Thursday to oppose the legislation, sharing stories of pregnancy and abortion.&nbsp;“What continues to stick out to me is how different and how nuanced each person’s story is because our bodies are complicated and the health care needed to address any number of the situations that we find ourselves in is complicated,” Aune said. “So why do you keep trying to legislate this vital health care out of existence with a one-size-fits-all policy?”&nbsp;State Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican who is carrying the legislation, said the amendment is necessary to protect women and children “by returning to safety standards.”In addition to banning nearly all elective abortions, the amendment would reinstate several targeted regulations on abortion providers, or TRAP laws, that were recently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/14/missouri-judge-blocks-discriminatory-abortion-clinics-rules-blamed-for-lack-of-access/">struck down as unconstitutional</a>&nbsp;by a Missouri judge.“Voters in the past few years were given the choice between two extremes, choices with no middle ground,” Seitz said. “Zero abortions, or what we have now, a landscape that allows for unfettered access.”Despite abortion becoming legal up to the fetal viability — generally considered to be near the end of the second trimester —&nbsp; access remains precarious. Procedural abortions are currently only available in the first trimester at three Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri.&nbsp;Medication abortions&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/28/missouri-rejects-planned-parenthood-medication-abortion-plan/">remain inaccessible.</a>&nbsp;While a number of House Republicans compromised by supporting the inclusion of exceptions for survivors, Democrats stood firmly opposed to any ban on the table.“How many among us could have even an inkling of what it’s like to be trapped physically, financially, emotionally, in a body and a system that does not offer mercy, only mandates,” said state Rep. Kem Smith, a Democrat from Florissant, as she asked her colleagues to imagine themselves in the shoes of a woman in an underfunded, marginalized community who just turned over a positive pregnancy test.&nbsp;She was among several Black women in the House who spoke against the proposal, citing Black maternal mortality rates in Missouri. A 2023 report from the state’s Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review found Black mothers were<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/24/missouri-women-reproductive-health-ranks-commonwealth-fund/">&nbsp;three times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy&nbsp;</a>than white mothers.&nbsp;“When we legislate health care decisions that only women can biologically face without guaranteeing the support systems that make parenting a viable option,” Smith said. “We’re not passing laws, we’re passing judgement.”&nbsp;The proposed amendment approved Thursday is similar to the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/05/abortion-ban-missouri-senate-mike-moon-rape-exceptions/">&nbsp;Senate version</a>&nbsp;approved by a committee earlier this year over objections from one Republican lawmaker who opposes any exception for rape or incest.Any legislation must clear both chambers by May 16, when the session adjourns for the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;