WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run have identified the victim as 66-year-old Jeffrey Leigh of Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 8:30a.m. April 1, police were dispatched to report of an accident in the 4300 block of State Line Road, according to a statement from KCK Officer Jovanna Cheatum.

When officers arrived on scene, they located a pedestrian later identified as Leigh deceased in the roadway. The initial investigation revealed a large construction dump truck struck Leigh and left the scene. Police&nbsp;located the driver of the vehicle, according to Cheatum. They are cooperating with detectives.&nbsp; An autopsy on the victim helped police identify him.

This remains incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743534048942.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run have identified the victim as 66-year-old Jeffrey Leigh of Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 8:30a.m. April 1, police were dispatched to report of an accident in the 4300 block of State Line Road, according to a statement from KCK Officer Jovanna Cheatum.When officers arrived on scene, they located a pedestrian later identified as Leigh deceased in the roadway. The initial investigation revealed a large construction dump truck struck Leigh and left the scene. Police&nbsp;located the driver of the vehicle, according to Cheatum. They are cooperating with detectives.&nbsp; An autopsy on the victim helped police identify him.This remains incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division.

Police ID victim in fatal dump truck, pedestrian hit-and-run

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office have positively identified human remains that were found near Garnett, Kansas in April of 1973, providing answers to a family after 52 years.

On April 18, 1973, the decomposing remains of an unidentified male were located three miles southeast of Garnett, Kansas, off 1550 Road. He was found wearing a brown corduroy jacket, a green long-sleeved buttoned shirt, jeans, a black leather belt with a large belt buckle, brown hiking boots, and a navy blue stocking cap. He was also wearing two gold rings with crosses, a ring with the number “78” and a silver chain with a large cross.

During the autopsy in 1973, the coroner ruled the man’s manner of death a homicide due to signs of trauma. It was determined the man was around 20-years-old and believed to have brown hair and a slender build. Over the years, many attempts were made to identify the remains and learn what happened to the man.

In 2024, DNA was extracted from the remains so that a DNA profile could be utilized for forensic genetic genealogy testing. This advanced testing, conducted by Othram, attempts to uncover family relationships in order to identify any living relatives of the person who is unidentified. The funding to conduct the testing was provided by the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), administered by the National Institute of Justice, and managed through a contract with Research Triangle Institute International.

In early 2025, KBI learned the testing had identified relatives of the unknown man. After further investigation, KBI agents and the Anderson County Sheriff's Office located the man’s siblings. They conducted interviews and collected DNA from a sibling for comparison. The unidentified person was then positively identified as Jimmy Allen Dollison.

Jimmy Dollison had been living in Kansas City, Kansas when he went missing. He disappeared sometime in October or November of 1972, when he was 16-years-old. According to family members, he was reported missing by his parents, but the family never learned what happened to Jimmy.

The KBI and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the circumstances of Dollison’s death. Anyone who has information about the disappearance or murder of Jimmy Dollison is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or report tips online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kbi.ks.gov%2Fsar%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019616f0254d-ff9985bf-4b8c-4d01-bc48-88282324d6fb-000000/tIjY96t5nUzkLaJWYi5w37hsskU2VE0j-PuUqXq3654=400">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744141977526.png" alt="Jimmy Dollison courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jimmy Dollison courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office have positively identified human remains that were found near Garnett, Kansas in April of 1973, providing answers to a family after 52 years.On April 18, 1973, the decomposing remains of an unidentified male were located three miles southeast of Garnett, Kansas, off 1550 Road. He was found wearing a brown corduroy jacket, a green long-sleeved buttoned shirt, jeans, a black leather belt with a large belt buckle, brown hiking boots, and a navy blue stocking cap. He was also wearing two gold rings with crosses, a ring with the number “78” and a silver chain with a large cross.During the autopsy in 1973, the coroner ruled the man’s manner of death a homicide due to signs of trauma. It was determined the man was around 20-years-old and believed to have brown hair and a slender build. Over the years, many attempts were made to identify the remains and learn what happened to the man.In 2024, DNA was extracted from the remains so that a DNA profile could be utilized for forensic genetic genealogy testing. This advanced testing, conducted by Othram, attempts to uncover family relationships in order to identify any living relatives of the person who is unidentified. The funding to conduct the testing was provided by the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), administered by the National Institute of Justice, and managed through a contract with Research Triangle Institute International.In early 2025, KBI learned the testing had identified relatives of the unknown man. After further investigation, KBI agents and the Anderson County Sheriff's Office located the man’s siblings. They conducted interviews and collected DNA from a sibling for comparison. The unidentified person was then positively identified as Jimmy Allen Dollison.Jimmy Dollison had been living in Kansas City, Kansas when he went missing. He disappeared sometime in October or November of 1972, when he was 16-years-old. According to family members, he was reported missing by his parents, but the family never learned what happened to Jimmy.The KBI and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the circumstances of Dollison’s death. Anyone who has information about the disappearance or murder of Jimmy Dollison is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME, or report tips online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kbi.ks.gov%2Fsar%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019616f0254d-ff9985bf-4b8c-4d01-bc48-88282324d6fb-000000/tIjY96t5nUzkLaJWYi5w37hsskU2VE0j-PuUqXq3654=400">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>.

KBI: Remains found in 1973 positively identified as Kansas teen

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop in Shawnee County.

Just after 9a.m. April 4, a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a black 2006 Audi A6 with an expired license plate that did not belong to that vehicle near South Kansas Avenue and SE 15th Street, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.

The driver, David R. Adams, 51, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Vehicles; operate a vehicle without registration or with an expired tag and&nbsp;Vehicle liability insurance

A passenger, Raven A. Coats, 42, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body,

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744146541300.png" alt="Adams photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Adams photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations after a traffic stop in Shawnee County.Just after 9a.m. April 4, a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a black 2006 Audi A6 with an expired license plate that did not belong to that vehicle near South Kansas Avenue and SE 15th Street, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744146523383.png" alt="Coats photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Coats photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver, David R. Adams, 51, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Vehicles; operate a vehicle without registration or with an expired tag and&nbsp;Vehicle liability insuranceA passenger, Raven A. Coats, 42, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body,

Sheriff: Stolen license plate led to Kan. traffic stop drug bust

RILEY COUNTY —Fire crews continue to monitor hot spots after a controlled burn traveled beyond a boundary and consumed hundreds of acres in Riley County.

On Monday afternoon, Riley County Fire District #1 was&nbsp; to reports of a grass/brush fire near the intersection of Harmony Road and Dial Road in the extreme northeastern corner of Riley County, according to&nbsp; Vivienne Leyva, Riley County Public Information Officer.

 The fire began after a permitted prescribed burn spread out of control, according to the initial 911 report.&nbsp;Upon arrival, volunteer firefighters found approximately 20 acres actively burning.

Riley County Commissioners issued a disaster emergency declaration due to the fire's size and potential impact. Mutual aid was requested, and firefighting resources from Pottawatomie, Marshall, and Nemaha counties responded. The State of Kansas also deployed contracted aircraft to assist with water drops and the Dickinson County Wildland Task Force. A total of 66 personnel, 40 vehicles/apparatus, 2 planes, and 11 fire stations responded to this fire.&nbsp;

“After sunset, winds died down and firefighters were able to get a handle on the head fires in the riverbed,” said RCFD#1 Deputy Chief Doug Russell. “We’ve learned over the last few years to aggressively attack any fires in this area, requesting resources immediately. Thanks to everyone’s quick response and a favorable wind change, we were able to conduct back burns and get this fire under control.”An estimated 650 acres were burned in the Harmony Road Fire. 

No injuries were reported and no livestock were lost. In addition, no structures were threatened by the fire and no evacuations were necessary.&nbsp;Today, crews RCFD#1 crews will continue to monitor conditions and watch for areas of flare up.&nbsp;Crews from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are also in the area working with heavy equipment to move and consolidate piles of burning brush to isolate any remaining hot spots and prevent further spread.&nbsp;“We are incredibly grateful for the assistance from neighboring counties, the State of Kansas, and our dedicated volunteer firefighters,” said Russel Stukey, Fire Chief of Riley County Fire District #1 and Director of Riley County Emergency Management. “Their quick action kept a bad situation from getting worse.”Responding Agencies include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744145631095.png" alt="Image from video of Kansas Forest Service crews working in Riley County Tuesday" />
 <figcaption>Image from video of Kansas Forest Service crews working in Riley County Tuesday</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Fire crews continue to monitor hot spots after a controlled burn traveled beyond a boundary and consumed hundreds of acres in Riley County.On Monday afternoon, Riley County Fire District #1 was&nbsp; to reports of a grass/brush fire near the intersection of Harmony Road and Dial Road in the extreme northeastern corner of Riley County, according to&nbsp; Vivienne Leyva, Riley County Public Information Officer. The fire began after a permitted prescribed burn spread out of control, according to the initial 911 report.&nbsp;Upon arrival, volunteer firefighters found approximately 20 acres actively burning.Riley County Commissioners issued a disaster emergency declaration due to the fire's size and potential impact. Mutual aid was requested, and firefighting resources from Pottawatomie, Marshall, and Nemaha counties responded. The State of Kansas also deployed contracted aircraft to assist with water drops and the Dickinson County Wildland Task Force. A total of 66 personnel, 40 vehicles/apparatus, 2 planes, and 11 fire stations responded to this fire.&nbsp;“After sunset, winds died down and firefighters were able to get a handle on the head fires in the riverbed,” said RCFD#1 Deputy Chief Doug Russell. “We’ve learned over the last few years to aggressively attack any fires in this area, requesting resources immediately. Thanks to everyone’s quick response and a favorable wind change, we were able to conduct back burns and get this fire under control.”An estimated 650 acres were burned in the Harmony Road Fire. No injuries were reported and no livestock were lost. In addition, no structures were threatened by the fire and no evacuations were necessary.&nbsp;Today, crews RCFD#1 crews will continue to monitor conditions and watch for areas of flare up.&nbsp;Crews from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are also in the area working with heavy equipment to move and consolidate piles of burning brush to isolate any remaining hot spots and prevent further spread.&nbsp;“We are incredibly grateful for the assistance from neighboring counties, the State of Kansas, and our dedicated volunteer firefighters,” said Russel Stukey, Fire Chief of Riley County Fire District #1 and Director of Riley County Emergency Management. “Their quick action kept a bad situation from getting worse.”Responding Agencies include:<ul>
 <li>Blue Rapids Fire District #7</li><li>Dickinson County Wildland Task Force</li><li>Marshall County Emergency Management</li><li>Nemaha County Emergency Management</li><li>Nemaha County Fire District #3</li><li>Pottawatomie County Consolidated Fire District #1</li><li>Riley County Emergency Management</li><li>Riley County Fire District #1</li><li>State of Kansas Agencies</li>
 </ul>

Out of control: Permitted burn consumed 650 Kansas acres

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

WASHINGTON — The IRS and Department of Homeland Security reached an agreement Monday to share tax information of immigrants who have final orders of removal to help immigration agents find and deport the immigrants, according to documents filed in court.

No information between the two agencies has been shared yet, according&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147.30.1_1.pdf" target="_blank">to the filings</a>&nbsp;in federal court in the District of Columbia, but the partnership would impact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/removal-system-united-states-overview" target="_blank">more than 1 million immigrants</a>&nbsp;with final removal orders, as the Trump administration carries out mass deportations of immigrants without permanent legal status.

According to a memorandum of understanding signed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and submitted to the court, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials can ask the IRS to provide information about immigrants with orders of removal or immigrants involved in criminal investigations.

Some of that tax information includes sensitive details such as current addresses and information about child tax dependents.

It would be the first time the IRS shared sensitive tax information to carry out immigration enforcement.

In 2023, immigrants in the country without legal authority paid more than $89 billion in taxes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/topics/tax-contributions" target="_blank">according to the left-leaning think tank the American Immigration Council.</a>

In order to file taxes without a social security number, someone who is not a U.S. citizen would use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or an&nbsp;ITIN. As of 2022, there were more than 5.8 million active&nbsp;ITINs,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tigta.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2024-11/2024400012fr.pdf" target="_blank">according to a report by the Treasury Department Inspect General</a>.

The government filed the document in a case brought by immigration rights groups the Centro de Trabajadores Unidos and Immigrant Solidarity DuPage. The groups are trying to block the IRS from sharing tax records with DHS for immigration enforcement, arguing that such sharing violates IRS disclosure laws.

The Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147.31.0.pdf" target="_blank">moved Monday</a>&nbsp;to dismiss the suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing that “providing information to assist criminal investigations—is lawful.”

A hearing on a preliminary injunction to block such information sharing between IRS and DHS is set for April 16 before federal Judge&nbsp;Dabney L. Friedrich, whom President Donald Trump appointed in 2017.

Friedrich ruled against the groups last month, when they asked for a temporary restraining order following a story by The Washington Post that the agencies were considering sharing information in order to find immigrants to deport.

“A single news report about future cooperation between the IRS and DHS does not establish that the plaintiffs’ members are facing imminent injury,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147.16.0.pdf" target="_blank">March 19 order.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744140809307.png" alt="&nbsp;Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ahead of&nbsp; raid in Arizona Tuesday" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ahead of&nbsp; raid in Arizona Tuesday</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — The IRS and Department of Homeland Security reached an agreement Monday to share tax information of immigrants who have final orders of removal to help immigration agents find and deport the immigrants, according to documents filed in court.No information between the two agencies has been shared yet, according&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147.30.1_1.pdf" target="_blank">to the filings</a>&nbsp;in federal court in the District of Columbia, but the partnership would impact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/removal-system-united-states-overview" target="_blank">more than 1 million immigrants</a>&nbsp;with final removal orders, as the Trump administration carries out mass deportations of immigrants without permanent legal status.According to a memorandum of understanding signed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and submitted to the court, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials can ask the IRS to provide information about immigrants with orders of removal or immigrants involved in criminal investigations.Some of that tax information includes sensitive details such as current addresses and information about child tax dependents.It would be the first time the IRS shared sensitive tax information to carry out immigration enforcement.In 2023, immigrants in the country without legal authority paid more than $89 billion in taxes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/topics/tax-contributions" target="_blank">according to the left-leaning think tank the American Immigration Council.</a>In order to file taxes without a social security number, someone who is not a U.S. citizen would use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or an&nbsp;ITIN. As of 2022, there were more than 5.8 million active&nbsp;ITINs,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tigta.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2024-11/2024400012fr.pdf" target="_blank">according to a report by the Treasury Department Inspect General</a>.<h2>Groups challenging information sharing</h2>The government filed the document in a case brought by immigration rights groups the Centro de Trabajadores Unidos and Immigrant Solidarity DuPage. The groups are trying to block the IRS from sharing tax records with DHS for immigration enforcement, arguing that such sharing violates IRS disclosure laws.The Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147.31.0.pdf" target="_blank">moved Monday</a>&nbsp;to dismiss the suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing that “providing information to assist criminal investigations—is lawful.”A hearing on a preliminary injunction to block such information sharing between IRS and DHS is set for April 16 before federal Judge&nbsp;Dabney L. Friedrich, whom President Donald Trump appointed in 2017.Friedrich ruled against the groups last month, when they asked for a temporary restraining order following a story by The Washington Post that the agencies were considering sharing information in order to find immigrants to deport.“A single news report about future cooperation between the IRS and DHS does not establish that the plaintiffs’ members are facing imminent injury,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147/gov.uscourts.dcd.278147.16.0.pdf" target="_blank">March 19 order.&nbsp;</a>Last updated 1:17 p.m., Apr. 8, 2025

IRS to share immigrants’ tax info with DHS

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>

Some worry the anti-discrimination legislation could be used against protesters on college campuses

The Missouri House gave initial approval Monday to a bill that seeks to prevent antisemitism in public schools and colleges, with some raising concerns it could punish those who speak out against Israel.

The bill would require the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Department of Higher Education to assign a staff member to monitor “antisemetic discrimination and harassment” and investigate whether schools have responsibility for incidents. It also encourages schools to teach pieces of Jewish-American heritage.

State Rep. George Hruza, a Republican from Huntleigh, said the bill was inspired by his mother, a Holocaust survivor who had frequent nightmares about her time in a concentration camp.

“It was not until we arrived in the United States that the nightmares went away and she started speaking about her experience and embraced her Jewish heritage,” Hruza said. “She felt safe in the United States. On Oct. 7, 2023, that all changed.”

That day, Hamas attacked Israel and started the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant groups. The conflict spurred the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adl.org/resources/press-release/over-10000-antisemitic-incidents-recorded-us-oct-7-2023-according-adl" target="_blank">highest number of antisemetic incidents</a>&nbsp;in a year recorded by the Anti-Defamation League.

Hruza hopes the legislation can cut back on these incidents, citing a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.firstalert4.com/2025/03/13/affton-school-district-responds-another-racist-graffiti-incident-police-release-surveillance-video-suspect/" target="_blank">recent case in Affton</a>&nbsp;where a man spray-painted Nazi and white supremecist graffiti on school buildings.

Dissent for the bill stems from the use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism" target="_blank">International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism</a>. The definition has been adopted by a majority of U.S. states and included in&nbsp;<a href="https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-combating-anti-semitism/" target="_blank">orders at the federal level</a>&nbsp;— though the lead drafter of the definition has spoken against its application “as a tool to target or chill speech on a college campus.”

Alongside the IHRA definition are examples of antisemitism, which the bill adopts. The list includes “claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor” and applying double standards to Israel as discriminatory. Both Hruza’s bill and the IHRA say criticism of Israel is okay when it is “similar to criticism toward any other country.”

When a House committee debated the bill earlier this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/testimony/witnesses-hb937.pdf?c=61595" target="_blank">some argued</a>&nbsp;the legislation was an “attempt to silence criticism of Israel on college campuses.”

State Rep. Stephanie Hein, a Springfield Democrat, voted “present” in committee on the bill and struggled to weigh the good pieces against controversial elements.

“There is a lot of emotion behind this subject…&nbsp; and there are a lot of good things in this bill,” she said Monday. “The area of contention is the definition that is used.”

State Rep. Wick Thomas, a Kansas City Democrat, asked Hruza if the bill “might also be about ending critiques of Israel and the Palestinian conflict.”

“The bill is intended to keep the Jewish students safe on campus. It really is not taking sides or some kind of position on the conflict in the Middle East,” Hruza said.

Although the bulk of the bill’s pushback came from Democrats, positions were not clearly split by party lines.

State Rep. Ian Mackey, a Democrat from St. Louis, said he didn’t think the legislation would impede free-speech rights.

“The First Amendment has always confined speech to a reasonable time, place and manner,” he said. “You do not have the right to do that on a college campus in front of students who are simply trying to get to class.”

Republican Rep. Darin Chappell, of Rogersville, told Hruza he had concerns.

He has argued in the past against recognizing minority groups in state law, Chappell said, “to be lionized and set above on a pedestal.”

He can’t set those convictions aside, Chappell said, simply because&nbsp; “it is one of my colleagues on this side of the aisle that is presenting (this bill).”

The House approved the bill with an amendment from Democratic state Rep. Raychel Proudie of Ferguson that bans schools from discriminating against textured hair and protective styles, like locks and braids. The legislation is often dubbed the CROWN Act and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/22/black-lawmakers-ask-missouri-house-committee-to-ban-discrimination-based-on-natural-hair/">has been proposed by Missouri lawmakers</a>&nbsp;since 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744116184957.png" alt="State Rep. George Hruza speaks, a Republican from Huntleigh, speaks during House debate (Tim Bommel/House Communications)." />
 <figcaption>State Rep. George Hruza speaks, a Republican from Huntleigh, speaks during House debate (Tim Bommel/House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>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><h2>Some worry the anti-discrimination legislation could be used against protesters on college campuses</h2>The Missouri House gave initial approval Monday to a bill that seeks to prevent antisemitism in public schools and colleges, with some raising concerns it could punish those who speak out against Israel.The bill would require the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Department of Higher Education to assign a staff member to monitor “antisemetic discrimination and harassment” and investigate whether schools have responsibility for incidents. It also encourages schools to teach pieces of Jewish-American heritage.State Rep. George Hruza, a Republican from Huntleigh, said the bill was inspired by his mother, a Holocaust survivor who had frequent nightmares about her time in a concentration camp.“It was not until we arrived in the United States that the nightmares went away and she started speaking about her experience and embraced her Jewish heritage,” Hruza said. “She felt safe in the United States. On Oct. 7, 2023, that all changed.”That day, Hamas attacked Israel and started the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant groups. The conflict spurred the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adl.org/resources/press-release/over-10000-antisemitic-incidents-recorded-us-oct-7-2023-according-adl" target="_blank">highest number of antisemetic incidents</a>&nbsp;in a year recorded by the Anti-Defamation League.Hruza hopes the legislation can cut back on these incidents, citing a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.firstalert4.com/2025/03/13/affton-school-district-responds-another-racist-graffiti-incident-police-release-surveillance-video-suspect/" target="_blank">recent case in Affton</a>&nbsp;where a man spray-painted Nazi and white supremecist graffiti on school buildings.Dissent for the bill stems from the use of the&nbsp;<a href="https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism" target="_blank">International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism</a>. The definition has been adopted by a majority of U.S. states and included in&nbsp;<a href="https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-combating-anti-semitism/" target="_blank">orders at the federal level</a>&nbsp;— though the lead drafter of the definition has spoken against its application “as a tool to target or chill speech on a college campus.”Alongside the IHRA definition are examples of antisemitism, which the bill adopts. The list includes “claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor” and applying double standards to Israel as discriminatory. Both Hruza’s bill and the IHRA say criticism of Israel is okay when it is “similar to criticism toward any other country.”When a House committee debated the bill earlier this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/testimony/witnesses-hb937.pdf?c=61595" target="_blank">some argued</a>&nbsp;the legislation was an “attempt to silence criticism of Israel on college campuses.”State Rep. Stephanie Hein, a Springfield Democrat, voted “present” in committee on the bill and struggled to weigh the good pieces against controversial elements.“There is a lot of emotion behind this subject…&nbsp; and there are a lot of good things in this bill,” she said Monday. “The area of contention is the definition that is used.”State Rep. Wick Thomas, a Kansas City Democrat, asked Hruza if the bill “might also be about ending critiques of Israel and the Palestinian conflict.”“The bill is intended to keep the Jewish students safe on campus. It really is not taking sides or some kind of position on the conflict in the Middle East,” Hruza said.Although the bulk of the bill’s pushback came from Democrats, positions were not clearly split by party lines.State Rep. Ian Mackey, a Democrat from St. Louis, said he didn’t think the legislation would impede free-speech rights.“The First Amendment has always confined speech to a reasonable time, place and manner,” he said. “You do not have the right to do that on a college campus in front of students who are simply trying to get to class.”Republican Rep. Darin Chappell, of Rogersville, told Hruza he had concerns.He has argued in the past against recognizing minority groups in state law, Chappell said, “to be lionized and set above on a pedestal.”He can’t set those convictions aside, Chappell said, simply because&nbsp; “it is one of my colleagues on this side of the aisle that is presenting (this bill).”The House approved the bill with an amendment from Democratic state Rep. Raychel Proudie of Ferguson that bans schools from discriminating against textured hair and protective styles, like locks and braids. The legislation is often dubbed the CROWN Act and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/22/black-lawmakers-ask-missouri-house-committee-to-ban-discrimination-based-on-natural-hair/">has been proposed by Missouri lawmakers</a>&nbsp;since 2020.

Missouri House advances bill targeting antisemitism despite free-speech concerns

SHAWNE COUNTY—The Topeka Rescue Mission reported on Monday a staff member was injured during a “tragic incident” outside of the mission.

According to a statement from the mission, the incident occurred Friday.

“Our entire TRM team is devastated by this event,” said CEO, La Manda Cunningham. “Each of our employees is precious to our team and our mission, so when one of us is injured in any way it has a significant and far-reaching impact.  Due to this being a personnel issue coupled with our desire to respect our employee’s privacy we are unable to share much information at this time."

The employee remains in stable but critical condition, according to the statement.

The mission is working closely with and fully cooperating with the Topeka Police Department in their investigation.

"The mission will continue to provide support to our injured employee, all affected employees, family members, and guests staying with us at the mission, as well as those unsheltered neighbors who are also impacted by the occurrence."

“Each of our staff members is precious to us, not just as employees but also as loved members of God's family.  We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff, and we will be working closely with authorities to understand this event while also praying for the suspect who was apprehended immediately,” added Mrs. Cunningham.&nbsp; The mission is "providing spiritual support to all employees who are struggling with the emotional impact of this incident."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744109113316.png" alt="Photo courtesy Topeka Rescue Mission" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Topeka Rescue Mission</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNE COUNTY—The Topeka Rescue Mission reported on Monday a staff member was injured during a “tragic incident” outside of the mission.According to a statement from the mission, the incident occurred Friday.“Our entire TRM team is devastated by this event,” said CEO, La Manda Cunningham. “Each of our employees is precious to our team and our mission, so when one of us is injured in any way it has a significant and far-reaching impact. Due to this being a personnel issue coupled with our desire to respect our employee’s privacy we are unable to share much information at this time."The employee remains in stable but critical condition, according to the statement.The mission is working closely with and fully cooperating with the Topeka Police Department in their investigation."The mission will continue to provide support to our injured employee, all affected employees, family members, and guests staying with us at the mission, as well as those unsheltered neighbors who are also impacted by the occurrence."“Each of our staff members is precious to us, not just as employees but also as loved members of God's family. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff, and we will be working closely with authorities to understand this event while also praying for the suspect who was apprehended immediately,” added Mrs. Cunningham.&nbsp; The mission is "providing spiritual support to all employees who are struggling with the emotional impact of this incident."

Police investigate after Rescue Mission staff member critically injured

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee,&nbsp; introduced bipartisan legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy, according to a statement from the senator's office.

Kansas U. S. Senator Jerry Moran joined a dozen other Senators to co-sponsored the bill. Kansas Junior Senator Roger Marshall and the Senators from Missouri are have not signed on to support the bill.

The Trade Review Act of 2025, modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973, would reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress.

“Trade wars can be as devastating, which is why the Founding Fathers gave Congress the clear Constitutional authority over war and trade. This bill reasserts Congress’s role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public. Arbitrary tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses,”&nbsp;Sen. Cantwell said.&nbsp;“As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm.”

The bill restores Congress’ authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president’s power to impose tariffs:

The full bill text is available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/04032025_trade_review_act.pdf">HERE</a>.

On Monday, Cantwell announced that the National Retail Federation (NRF) sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/download/national-retail-federation-letter-of-support-for-trade-review-act">letter</a>&nbsp;endorsing the bipartisan Trade Review Act.

The NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association. In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/download/national-retail-federation-letter-of-support-for-trade-review-act">letter</a>, David French, the NRF’s Executive Vice President, Government Relations, writes:

“The Trade Review Act of 2025 will provide Congress with the opportunity to review and vote on whether to keep announced tariff actions in place. Requiring an explanation as well as an assessment of the tariff actions from the administration is critical. We have seen that the recently announced ‘reciprocal’ tariffs will have a significant negative impact on businesses, especially small retailers. One estimate indicates these tariffs could lead to a $2,100 tax increase per household. The increased tariffs are not sustainable for small businesses that have to pay the tax. Many are concerned about their ability to stay in business as a result.”

“We applaud you for introducing such important legislation to reassert Congress’s role in setting trade and tariff policy. We strongly urge the Senate to quickly support and pass the bill.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743626000304.png" alt="President Trump announcing his tariffs on Wednesday- White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Trump announcing his tariffs on Wednesday- White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee,&nbsp; introduced bipartisan legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy, according to a statement from the senator's office.Kansas U. S. Senator Jerry Moran joined a dozen other Senators to co-sponsored the bill. Kansas Junior Senator Roger Marshall and the Senators from Missouri are have not signed on to support the bill.The Trade Review Act of 2025, modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973, would reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress.“Trade wars can be as devastating, which is why the Founding Fathers gave Congress the clear Constitutional authority over war and trade. This bill reasserts Congress’s role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public. Arbitrary tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses,”&nbsp;Sen. Cantwell said.&nbsp;“As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm.”The bill restores Congress’ authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president’s power to impose tariffs:<ul>
 <li>To enact a new tariff, the president must notify Congress of the imposition of (or increase in) the tariff within 48 hours.</li><li>The Congressional notification must include an explanation of the president’s reasoning for imposing or raising the tariff, and</li><li>Provide analysis of potential impact on American businesses and consumers.</li><li>Within 60 days, Congress must pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff, otherwise all new tariffs on imports expire after that deadline.</li><li>Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.</li><li>Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded.</li>
 </ul>The full bill text is available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/04032025_trade_review_act.pdf">HERE</a>.On Monday, Cantwell announced that the National Retail Federation (NRF) sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/download/national-retail-federation-letter-of-support-for-trade-review-act">letter</a>&nbsp;endorsing the bipartisan Trade Review Act.The NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association. In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/download/national-retail-federation-letter-of-support-for-trade-review-act">letter</a>, David French, the NRF’s Executive Vice President, Government Relations, writes:“The Trade Review Act of 2025 will provide Congress with the opportunity to review and vote on whether to keep announced tariff actions in place. Requiring an explanation as well as an assessment of the tariff actions from the administration is critical. We have seen that the recently announced ‘reciprocal’ tariffs will have a significant negative impact on businesses, especially small retailers. One estimate indicates these tariffs could lead to a $2,100 tax increase per household. The increased tariffs are not sustainable for small businesses that have to pay the tax. Many are concerned about their ability to stay in business as a result.”“We applaud you for introducing such important legislation to reassert Congress’s role in setting trade and tariff policy. We strongly urge the Senate to quickly support and pass the bill.”

One Kansas U.S. Senator co-sponsors bill to give Congress oversight of tariffs

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a Kansas City area house fire on Monday.

Just after 12:30a.m., crews were dispatched to a house fire on N. Cottage Avenue in Independence, according to a social media report.

  First arriving companies reported moderate smoke showing from the back of the home and went on an aggressive interior fire attack.  During the primary search, firefighters found a woman and removed her from the residence. 

 She was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.  The fire was extinguished, and the origin and cause are under investigation by IFD and the Missouri Fire Marshals Office.

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a Kansas City area house fire on Monday.Just after 12:30a.m., crews were dispatched to a house fire on N. Cottage Avenue in Independence, according to a social media report. First arriving companies reported moderate smoke showing from the back of the home and went on an aggressive interior fire attack. During the primary search, firefighters found a woman and removed her from the residence. She was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The fire was extinguished, and the origin and cause are under investigation by IFD and the Missouri Fire Marshals Office.

Woman critically injured in KC area house fire

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide last month in Kansas City, Missouri have identified a possible suspecxt.

Just after 8:30p.m. March 28, patrol officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Park in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. 

First responders found a man, later identified as 53-year-old Chad&nbsp;Doberstein lying in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics responded and pronounced him deceased.  Police have not reported an arrest in this case.

Detectives have identified as subject of interest in the case, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina and the case is progressing as detectives work collaboratively with prosecutors

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide last month in Kansas City, Missouri have identified a possible suspecxt.Just after 8:30p.m. March 28, patrol officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Park in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. First responders found a man, later identified as 53-year-old Chad&nbsp;Doberstein lying in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics responded and pronounced him deceased. Police have not reported an arrest in this case.Detectives have identified as subject of interest in the case, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina and the case is progressing as detectives work collaboratively with prosecutors

Police ID suspect in murder of 53-year-old Kansas City man

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend accident that occurred just before 1:30a.m. Saturday in Shawnee County have identified the victim as 33-year-old Tramayne N. Smith of Topeka, according to Police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

A&nbsp; vehicle driven by Smith was traveling on a portion of Interstate 70 that was blocked off and under construction. The vehicle traveled off the Interstate overpass near 2nd and S. Kansas Avenue.

Medical personnel pronounced Smith deceased on scene. No other vehicles were involved, and Smith was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend accident that occurred just before 1:30a.m. Saturday in Shawnee County have identified the victim as 33-year-old Tramayne N. Smith of Topeka, according to Police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.A&nbsp; vehicle driven by Smith was traveling on a portion of Interstate 70 that was blocked off and under construction. The vehicle traveled off the Interstate overpass near 2nd and S. Kansas Avenue.Medical personnel pronounced Smith deceased on scene. No other vehicles were involved, and Smith was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Police ID driver who died after car traveled off I-70 overpass

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a brutal beating that sent a man to the hospital.

Just before 11:00 p.m. Friday, police responded to the 600 Block of North Kansas, on a report of a person on the ground who had been battered, according to Topeka. Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

Officers located a man with life-threatening injuries caused by blunt force trauma. American Medical Response transported the victim to an area hospital.

As a result of the investigation Xavian M. Locke, 25, of Topeka was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 1st degree, Kidnapping; in the flight or commission of any crime and Aggravated battery; knowingly use weapon to cause great bodily harm/disfigure/death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743863768095.png" alt="Locke-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Locke-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a brutal beating that sent a man to the hospital.Just before 11:00 p.m. Friday, police responded to the 600 Block of North Kansas, on a report of a person on the ground who had been battered, according to Topeka. Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.Officers located a man with life-threatening injuries caused by blunt force trauma. American Medical Response transported the victim to an area hospital.As a result of the investigation Xavian M. Locke, 25, of Topeka was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 1st degree, Kidnapping; in the flight or commission of any crime and Aggravated battery; knowingly use weapon to cause great bodily harm/disfigure/death.

Kansas man found beaten, left on the ground

Top elections job to be open due to Scott Schwab’s plan to run for governor

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>

TOPEKA — Rep. Pat Proctor, a retired U.S. Army officer who entered the Kansas Legislature in 2020, launched a campaign for the Republican nomination for secretary of state.

Proctor, of Leavenworth, serves as chairman of the Kansas House elections committee. If elected in November 2026, he would become the state’s top election administrator. The position would be open assuming Secretary of State Scott Schwab continued with a plan to seek the GOP nomination for governor.

Proctor has been among the Legislature’s advocates for election reform bills associated with President Donald Trump’s unproven assertion his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden was fraudulent. Schwab has generally welcomed modernization of state election law, but maintained Kansas elections were fair and secure.

Proctor, 53, announced his candidacy Thursday during an event at a restaurant in Leavenworth.

“Voter confidence that the results of our elections reflect their will is at the core of our form of government and our way of life,” Proctor said. “The best way to restore that confidence is to increase transparency and ensure that only citizens vote in Kansas’ elections.”

Proctor said he played a role in the process of making Kansas “the gold standard for safe and secure elections,” and would continue that work as secretary of state.

During the 2025 legislation session, he supported a bill eliminating the state’s three-day grace period for advance mail-in ballots. Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the bill, because she felt it was important to count ballots postmarked by Election Day that arrived up to three days late through the U.S. Postal Service. Proctor was part of the House supermajority that voted to override the Democratic governor.

The voting rights organization&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/14/in-private-video-house-elections-chair-says-he-wants-to-end-early-voting-grace-period-in-kansas/">Loud Light Civic Action recently released video of a private Zoom meeting</a>&nbsp;last year in which Proctor vowed to push through a bill dropping the three-day grace period.

On the same call organized by House Majority Leader Chris Croft with Johnson County Republicans and invite-only guests, Proctor said he would prefer Kansas ended the practice of advance voting.

Proctor has taken a central role among Republicans as the Legislature worked to limit authority of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission to engage in inquiries of campaign finance violations and election misconduct. That legislative push coincided with the commission’s complex investigation of Republican legislators and campaign workers.

He endorsed Senate Bill 105, which became law without the Kelly’s signature, requiring a Kansas governor to appoint a person to fill vacancies in the offices of U.S. senator, state treasurer and commissioner of insurance from a&nbsp;list of names recommended by the Legislature. The power grab by the Legislature was crafted to prevent Kelly from appointing a Democrat to a vacancy after resignation of a Republican.

Proctor said Kelly unexpectedly signed Senate Bill 6 to forbid the state to take part in ranked-choice voting, which would allow voters to list their candidate preferences in order on the ballot. The process involved tabulating votes in multiple rounds with the elimination of the lowest vote-receiving candidate after each round until a candidate received a majority.

“I am pleasantly surprised that the governor signed SB6, a bill I carried to passage on the House floor to ban ranked-choice voting, into law,” Proctor said. “Nothing is more corrosive to voter confidence than a voting method that requires a two-page explainer to explain to voters.”

In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/07/kansas-state-representative-calls-rainbow-drawings-proof-of-indoctrination-at-leavenworth-school/">Proctor was criticized</a>&nbsp;by a Leavenworth family for publishing without permission in his political newsletter a photograph of an elementary school student’s drawing of a rainbow flag. Proctor alleged the drawing was evidence educators in schools were indoctrinating children on LGBTQ politics. Proctor asserted the artwork was part of a “radical, woke agenda.”

Proctor retired from the U.S. Army as a colonel following 25 years of military service that coincided with wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In Afghanistan, he was a planning chief for the transition of that war to security forces ahead of the withdrawal of most American forces. During 2009, he deployed to Iraq as an operations officer for an infantry battalion. He worked in Iraq in 2007 on a strategic communication plan for a U.S. troop surge.

He wrote the 2020 book “Lessons Unlearned: The U.S. Army’s Role in Creating the Forever Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

While serving in the Legislature, Proctor has taught at Wichita State University. He received a doctorate in history from Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744033378913.jpeg" alt=" Rep. Pat Proctor, R-Leavenworth, said he would seek the Republican Party’s nomination in 2026 for secretary of state. The job would be vacant assuming Secretary of State Scott Schwab runs for the GOP nomination for governor. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Pat Proctor, R-Leavenworth, said he would seek the Republican Party’s nomination in 2026 for secretary of state. The job would be vacant assuming Secretary of State Scott Schwab runs for the GOP nomination for governor. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Top elections job to be open due to Scott Schwab’s plan to run for governor</h2>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>TOPEKA — Rep. Pat Proctor, a retired U.S. Army officer who entered the Kansas Legislature in 2020, launched a campaign for the Republican nomination for secretary of state.Proctor, of Leavenworth, serves as chairman of the Kansas House elections committee. If elected in November 2026, he would become the state’s top election administrator. The position would be open assuming Secretary of State Scott Schwab continued with a plan to seek the GOP nomination for governor.Proctor has been among the Legislature’s advocates for election reform bills associated with President Donald Trump’s unproven assertion his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden was fraudulent. Schwab has generally welcomed modernization of state election law, but maintained Kansas elections were fair and secure.Proctor, 53, announced his candidacy Thursday during an event at a restaurant in Leavenworth.“Voter confidence that the results of our elections reflect their will is at the core of our form of government and our way of life,” Proctor said. “The best way to restore that confidence is to increase transparency and ensure that only citizens vote in Kansas’ elections.”Proctor said he played a role in the process of making Kansas “the gold standard for safe and secure elections,” and would continue that work as secretary of state.During the 2025 legislation session, he supported a bill eliminating the state’s three-day grace period for advance mail-in ballots. Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the bill, because she felt it was important to count ballots postmarked by Election Day that arrived up to three days late through the U.S. Postal Service. Proctor was part of the House supermajority that voted to override the Democratic governor.The voting rights organization&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/14/in-private-video-house-elections-chair-says-he-wants-to-end-early-voting-grace-period-in-kansas/">Loud Light Civic Action recently released video of a private Zoom meeting</a>&nbsp;last year in which Proctor vowed to push through a bill dropping the three-day grace period.On the same call organized by House Majority Leader Chris Croft with Johnson County Republicans and invite-only guests, Proctor said he would prefer Kansas ended the practice of advance voting.Proctor has taken a central role among Republicans as the Legislature worked to limit authority of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission to engage in inquiries of campaign finance violations and election misconduct. That legislative push coincided with the commission’s complex investigation of Republican legislators and campaign workers.He endorsed Senate Bill 105, which became law without the Kelly’s signature, requiring a Kansas governor to appoint a person to fill vacancies in the offices of U.S. senator, state treasurer and commissioner of insurance from a&nbsp;list of names recommended by the Legislature. The power grab by the Legislature was crafted to prevent Kelly from appointing a Democrat to a vacancy after resignation of a Republican.Proctor said Kelly unexpectedly signed Senate Bill 6 to forbid the state to take part in ranked-choice voting, which would allow voters to list their candidate preferences in order on the ballot. The process involved tabulating votes in multiple rounds with the elimination of the lowest vote-receiving candidate after each round until a candidate received a majority.“I am pleasantly surprised that the governor signed SB6, a bill I carried to passage on the House floor to ban ranked-choice voting, into law,” Proctor said. “Nothing is more corrosive to voter confidence than a voting method that requires a two-page explainer to explain to voters.”In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/07/kansas-state-representative-calls-rainbow-drawings-proof-of-indoctrination-at-leavenworth-school/">Proctor was criticized</a>&nbsp;by a Leavenworth family for publishing without permission in his political newsletter a photograph of an elementary school student’s drawing of a rainbow flag. Proctor alleged the drawing was evidence educators in schools were indoctrinating children on LGBTQ politics. Proctor asserted the artwork was part of a “radical, woke agenda.”Proctor retired from the U.S. Army as a colonel following 25 years of military service that coincided with wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.In Afghanistan, he was a planning chief for the transition of that war to security forces ahead of the withdrawal of most American forces. During 2009, he deployed to Iraq as an operations officer for an infantry battalion. He worked in Iraq in 2007 on a strategic communication plan for a U.S. troop surge.He wrote the 2020 book “Lessons Unlearned: The U.S. Army’s Role in Creating the Forever Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.”While serving in the Legislature, Proctor has taught at Wichita State University. He received a doctorate in history from Kansas State University.

Leavenworth House member first Republican to declare as 2026 candidate for secretary of state

SMITH COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal fire in Smith County have yet to release additional information in the case.

Just after 5a.m. March 25, first responders were alerted to a fire at the Home on the Rang Lodging Motel on East Highway 36 in Smith Center, according to Sheriff Travis Conway.

First responders pulled a unresponsive person from the structure who was pronounced dead at the scene. The Smith County Sheriff'f office, investigators from the Kansas State Fire Marshal and a K9 from Sedgwick County Fire are working together to investigate.&nbsp; No foul play is suspected.&nbsp; Despite repeated requests, authorities have not released the name of the victim, the cause of the fire or a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742953737241.png" alt="Photo Kansas Fire Marshal&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Fire Marshal&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SMITH COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal fire in Smith County have yet to release additional information in the case.Just after 5a.m. March 25, first responders were alerted to a fire at the Home on the Rang Lodging Motel on East Highway 36 in Smith Center, according to Sheriff Travis Conway.First responders pulled a unresponsive person from the structure who was pronounced dead at the scene. The Smith County Sheriff'f office, investigators from the Kansas State Fire Marshal and a K9 from Sedgwick County Fire are working together to investigate.&nbsp; No foul play is suspected.&nbsp; Despite repeated requests, authorities have not released the name of the victim, the cause of the fire or a damage estimate.

Cause of fatal Kansas motel fire still under investigation

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 34-year-old Jeanette M. Johnson, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 9a.m. Friday, Police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6300 block of E. 102 Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri.

Neighbors in the area heard the sound of shots and looked outside and saw a victim down in the street. On arrival officers located Johnson down in the street near a vehicle in front of a residence. Officers called for EMS who responded and transported her to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital, medical staff pronounced her deceased. 

Preliminary information indicates that the victim was in front of the residence near a vehicle when she had an interaction with an unknown suspect(s) in the street that led to shots being fired striking her.

Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743787952762.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte"" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte"</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 34-year-old Jeanette M. Johnson, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just after 9a.m. Friday, Police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6300 block of E. 102 Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri.Neighbors in the area heard the sound of shots and looked outside and saw a victim down in the street. On arrival officers located Johnson down in the street near a vehicle in front of a residence. Officers called for EMS who responded and transported her to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital, medical staff pronounced her deceased. Preliminary information indicates that the victim was in front of the residence near a vehicle when she had an interaction with an unknown suspect(s) in the street that led to shots being fired striking her.Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Homicide: Police ID woman found on KC street

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a kidnapping on Sunday reported they located victim and and the vehicle.

Just after 4p.m. Sunday police issued an attempt to locate in connection to an armed kidnapping, according to a social media report from Raytown Police.

Police were looking for a 2019 White Dodge Journey in connection with the crime. The vehicle left Quik Trip, 9323 E 350 Highway, Raytown, Missouri at 4:06p.m. and was last seen southbound towards Maple Drive then continued westbound. 

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, red Chicago Bulls hat, red V-neck t-shirt, black pants, white high-top shoes, black backpack, and is armed with a handgun.  

The victim was an Asian female, possibly middle aged or older. Unknown clothing description. 

According to a witness, the suspect entered the backseat of the Dodge Journey, putting the female at gunpoint, vehicle intially left southbound with their hazards on, then headed west. It unknown if the two parties know each other. 

Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a kidnapping on Sunday reported they located victim and and the vehicle.Just after 4p.m. Sunday police issued an attempt to locate in connection to an armed kidnapping, according to a social media report from Raytown Police.Police were looking for a 2019 White Dodge Journey in connection with the crime. The vehicle left Quik Trip, 9323 E 350 Highway, Raytown, Missouri at 4:06p.m. and was last seen southbound towards Maple Drive then continued westbound. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, red Chicago Bulls hat, red V-neck t-shirt, black pants, white high-top shoes, black backpack, and is armed with a handgun. The victim was an Asian female, possibly middle aged or older. Unknown clothing description. According to a witness, the suspect entered the backseat of the Dodge Journey, putting the female at gunpoint, vehicle intially left southbound with their hazards on, then headed west. It unknown if the two parties know each other. Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

Police: Woman in KC area kidnapping found safe

CEDAR COUNTY —A Missouri man drowned just after 2:30p.m. Sunday in Cedar County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 78-year-old Pleasant Hope man was fishing off a 2014 Phoenix 921 Pro XP when he fell into the water and drowned.&nbsp;

He was transported to Bland Brumback Funeral Home in Stockton.&nbsp; He was not wearing a life jacket, according to the MSHP. The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CEDAR COUNTY —A Missouri man drowned just after 2:30p.m. Sunday in Cedar County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 78-year-old Pleasant Hope man was fishing off a 2014 Phoenix 921 Pro XP when he fell into the water and drowned.&nbsp;He was transported to Bland Brumback Funeral Home in Stockton.&nbsp; He was not wearing a life jacket, according to the MSHP. The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri fisherman drowns after fall from boat

KANSAS CITY — A juvenile was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Sunday in Kansas City.

According to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina, a 10-year-old girl was riding an ATV on a vacant lot at 55th and Myrtle.

 As the ATV traveled uphill, she accelerated and flipped the ATV causing her to fall.&nbsp; Her mother transported her to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY — A juvenile was injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Sunday in Kansas City.According to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina, a 10-year-old girl was riding an ATV on a vacant lot at 55th and Myrtle. As the ATV traveled uphill, she accelerated and flipped the ATV causing her to fall.&nbsp; Her mother transported her to an area hospital for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

10-year-old KC girl hospitalized after ATV accident

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man pleaded guilty in federal court last week for possessing and transferring three machine gun conversion devices, according to the United State's Attorney.

Demetrius Harris, also known as “Meech,” 24, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill A. Morris, to one count of illegally possessing machine guns – an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber firearm with an AR-type machine gun conversion device and two AR-type machine gun conversion devices.

On Jan. 24, 2024, Harris sold an AR-style firearm containing an auto sear, two additional auto sears, and ammunition to an undercover agent for $1,060.

Machine gun conversion devices, also known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are used to convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns that fire multiple shots automatically through a single pull of the trigger, enabling more rapid and often less accurate gunfire. Whether or not they are attached to a firearm, these devices constitute machine guns under federal law. It is therefore illegal to possess, sell, or use machine gun conversion devices.

Under federal statutes, Harris is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man pleaded guilty in federal court last week for possessing and transferring three machine gun conversion devices, according to the United State's Attorney.Demetrius Harris, also known as “Meech,” 24, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill A. Morris, to one count of illegally possessing machine guns – an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber firearm with an AR-type machine gun conversion device and two AR-type machine gun conversion devices.On Jan. 24, 2024, Harris sold an AR-style firearm containing an auto sear, two additional auto sears, and ammunition to an undercover agent for $1,060.Machine gun conversion devices, also known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are used to convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns that fire multiple shots automatically through a single pull of the trigger, enabling more rapid and often less accurate gunfire. Whether or not they are attached to a firearm, these devices constitute machine guns under federal law. It is therefore illegal to possess, sell, or use machine gun conversion devices.Under federal statutes, Harris is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

KC area man sold machine guns to undercover agent

ST. LOUIS – A medical doctor from the Kansas City, Kansas area on Friday admitted accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to order medically unnecessary health care for thousands of patients, according to the United State's Attorney.

Dr. Scott Taggart Roethle, 47, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of health care fraud. He admitted that from 2017 until 2020, he conspired with health care companies and others to order medically unnecessary durable medical equipment, pain creams and genetic tests for thousands of patients in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks.

Dr. Roethle contracted with multiple health care companies as a telemedicine doctor. Using electronic portals to review patient information and documents, Dr. Roethle ordered health care services for patients without evaluating them or their actual medical needs. He did not have a prior doctor-patient relationship with the telemedicine patients and admitted providing no follow-up care after ordering the health care services.

Dr. Roethle was typically paid about $30 for each of his fraudulent orders. He admitted receiving payments of $674,000 from five companies. He also admitted that Medicare paid out at least $1.5 million while relying on his fraudulent orders. At the time of Dr. Roethle’s sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will argue that the total loss due to the health care fraud is between $7 million and $9.5 million.

Dr. Roethle was licensed to practice in 22 states during the time of his crime and worked primarily as an anesthesiologist.

The trial of Dr. Roethle, of Leawood, was scheduled to begin Monday. His sentencing is set for July 17.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman and Justin Ladendorf are prosecuting the case.

ST. LOUIS – A medical doctor from the Kansas City, Kansas area on Friday admitted accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to order medically unnecessary health care for thousands of patients, according to the United State's Attorney.Dr. Scott Taggart Roethle, 47, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of health care fraud. He admitted that from 2017 until 2020, he conspired with health care companies and others to order medically unnecessary durable medical equipment, pain creams and genetic tests for thousands of patients in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks.Dr. Roethle contracted with multiple health care companies as a telemedicine doctor. Using electronic portals to review patient information and documents, Dr. Roethle ordered health care services for patients without evaluating them or their actual medical needs. He did not have a prior doctor-patient relationship with the telemedicine patients and admitted providing no follow-up care after ordering the health care services.Dr. Roethle was typically paid about $30 for each of his fraudulent orders. He admitted receiving payments of $674,000 from five companies. He also admitted that Medicare paid out at least $1.5 million while relying on his fraudulent orders. At the time of Dr. Roethle’s sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will argue that the total loss due to the health care fraud is between $7 million and $9.5 million.Dr. Roethle was licensed to practice in 22 states during the time of his crime and worked primarily as an anesthesiologist.The trial of Dr. Roethle, of Leawood, was scheduled to begin Monday. His sentencing is set for July 17.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman and Justin Ladendorf are prosecuting the case.

Kansas doctor admits accepting kickbacks to commit healthcare fraud

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —One of the victims from the triple shooting that took place on March 26, in the 1600 block of Ridge Ave. has died of his injuries, according to a statement from police.

Anderson Murcia-Cartagena, 18,, a resident of Kansas City, Kan., died Wednesday at an area hospital.

Just before 9p.m. March 26, police were dispatched to the intersection of 16th and Ridge Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. on a call of shots fired. 

First responders discovered three victims. One man was inside a vehicle and two other men were in the street. All were victims of apparent gunshot wounds. All three were transported to an area hospital with potentially life threatening injuries. Suspects fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

The two other shooting victims remain hospitalized, according to police.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —One of the victims from the triple shooting that took place on March 26, in the 1600 block of Ridge Ave. has died of his injuries, according to a statement from police.Anderson Murcia-Cartagena, 18,, a resident of Kansas City, Kan., died Wednesday at an area hospital.Just before 9p.m. March 26, police were dispatched to the intersection of 16th and Ridge Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. on a call of shots fired. First responders discovered three victims. One man was inside a vehicle and two other men were in the street. All were victims of apparent gunshot wounds. All three were transported to an area hospital with potentially life threatening injuries. Suspects fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.The two other shooting victims remain hospitalized, according to police.

Kan. teen wounded in triple-shooting dies a week after incident

TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas reintroduced federal legislation to set aside $50 million annually for transportation infrastructure projects in support of cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2028 Summer Olympic Games and 2034 Winter Olympic Games.

Moran’s primary interest was a section of the bill earmarking funding to 11 U.S. cities, including Kansas City, selected to host Men’s World Cup competition next year.

“It was a tremendous feat to secure a spot as a host city during the 2026 World Cup, and I have no doubt that Kansas City will be a welcoming community for hundreds of thousands of soccer fans from around the world,” the Republican senator said. “Preparations are already underway for the games and this legislation will support local community and agency efforts to improve infrastructure to connect fans with businesses, hotels, the airport and other host cities during the World Cup.”

Other cities hosting World Cup competition are&nbsp;Seattle, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and New Jersey, Philadelphia and the San Francisco Bay area.

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat and a member with Moran on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said the proposed federal funding would help communities safely and efficiently coordinate transportation for fans, workers and goods during World Cup and Olympic events.

“With less than 500 days until Seattle hosts its first 2026 World Cup game, we need the Department of Transportation to get in the game and support host cities as they work to showcase the best of American innovation and hospitality,” she said.

Under the Senate bill, host cities and surrounding communities would be eligible for grants to build roads, expand light rail, purchase buses, create bicycle lanes, improve existing roads and upgrade airport terminals for the World Cup as well as the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2034 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Text of the bill indicated funding also could be used for Paralympics, Special Olympics and women’s World Cup events.

Financial aid funneled through the U.S. transportation agency could be spread among host cities, states and tribes within 100 miles of the sports venues, the bill said.

“We are pleased to see this important transportation assistance legislation introduced in support of Kansas City’s World Cup efforts,” said Pam Kramer, chief executive officer of KC2026. “These investments and support will help us create sustained and lasting impact beyond the World Cup, improving mobility in the region well beyond 2026.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743966581063.png" alt="Moran met with&nbsp;FIFA World Cup 26 Kansas City CEO Pam Kramer in early December- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Moran met with&nbsp;FIFA World Cup 26 Kansas City CEO Pam Kramer in early December- courtesy photo</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>TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas reintroduced federal legislation to set aside $50 million annually for transportation infrastructure projects in support of cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2028 Summer Olympic Games and 2034 Winter Olympic Games.Moran’s primary interest was a section of the bill earmarking funding to 11 U.S. cities, including Kansas City, selected to host Men’s World Cup competition next year.“It was a tremendous feat to secure a spot as a host city during the 2026 World Cup, and I have no doubt that Kansas City will be a welcoming community for hundreds of thousands of soccer fans from around the world,” the Republican senator said. “Preparations are already underway for the games and this legislation will support local community and agency efforts to improve infrastructure to connect fans with businesses, hotels, the airport and other host cities during the World Cup.”Other cities hosting World Cup competition are&nbsp;Seattle, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and New Jersey, Philadelphia and the San Francisco Bay area.U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat and a member with Moran on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said the proposed federal funding would help communities safely and efficiently coordinate transportation for fans, workers and goods during World Cup and Olympic events.“With less than 500 days until Seattle hosts its first 2026 World Cup game, we need the Department of Transportation to get in the game and support host cities as they work to showcase the best of American innovation and hospitality,” she said.Under the Senate bill, host cities and surrounding communities would be eligible for grants to build roads, expand light rail, purchase buses, create bicycle lanes, improve existing roads and upgrade airport terminals for the World Cup as well as the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2034 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Text of the bill indicated funding also could be used for Paralympics, Special Olympics and women’s World Cup events.Financial aid funneled through the U.S. transportation agency could be spread among host cities, states and tribes within 100 miles of the sports venues, the bill said.“We are pleased to see this important transportation assistance legislation introduced in support of Kansas City’s World Cup efforts,” said Pam Kramer, chief executive officer of KC2026. “These investments and support will help us create sustained and lasting impact beyond the World Cup, improving mobility in the region well beyond 2026.”