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

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

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

🎥Governor attends Equality Day event at the Kansas Statehouse

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

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

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

This is being investigated as a homicide, according to DiMartino

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

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

Homicide: Man and woman found dead in Kansas City home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two from Indiana caught transporting illegal drugs in Kansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Online fundraiser after 2 boys killed in house explosion, fire

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

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

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

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

No officers or citizens were injured during the incident.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her last parting gift to patients before they head home?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Casey called the decision “devastating.”&nbsp;

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

She’s stuck it out for two decades despite the near-constant changes.&nbsp;

“You have to believe in what you do,” Casey said. “I believe that abortion is health care and that there’s no difference between that and the other things that we do here.”&nbsp;

When Emily Wales, now CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, started at the organization nearly eight years ago, she recalled a patient who lived about 30 minutes outside Columbia calling to push her appointment to later in the day after her child care plans fell through. The clinic adjusted her appointment time, and the woman came in later that day for her abortion before making it home in time to pick her kids up again.&nbsp;

“It’s the best example of why care has to be close,” Wales said, adding that for the first time in years, mid-Missourians are among the growing number of people who have reasonable access to an abortion clinic.

Zhang’s ruling, Wales said, put Planned Parenthood clinics on the same playing field as private OBGYN offices rather than holding them to similar standards as hospitals.&nbsp;

She said while the clinic itself is no longer licensed by the state, the physicians and nurses inside the building are, and they are instructed by oversight boards. She said the clinic also has to abide by requirements in order to keep its lab license, as well as municipal building codes.&nbsp;

“We’re just like going to your normal doctor’s office without an additional level of state oversight,” she said, adding that their equipment is inspected on a regular basis through an infection control process.&nbsp;

It’s a bit hard to believe abortion has returned to the clinic, Wales said, though the fight is far from over.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood is still waiting on the state to approve or reject a complication plan for medication abortions, the most common type of abortion and the method preferred by most patients still in their first trimester.

She’s also closely watching the state’s elected officials.&nbsp;

This legislative session, dozens of bills have been filed seeking to restrict abortion rights. This includes multiple proposed constitutional amendments seeking to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/05/missouri-abortion-ban-constitutional-amendment-stinnett-rape-incest-exception/">put an abortion ban on the ballot as soon as this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Wales oversees the Planned Parenthood affiliate where in 2009 Dr. George Tiller, an abortion doctor in Kansas, was shot and killed while attending church. She worries about the anti-abortion rhetoric she hears on a regular basis.

“When you have the state’s attorney general saying that Planned Parenthood should be eradicated or eliminated,” Wales said. “That kind of language does incite others potentially to violence.”

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

Abortion returns to Columbia, opening access for mid-Missouri for first time since 2018

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating reported package thefts and asking the public for help to identify suspects

Security cameras show an individual involved in several package thefts from front porches in the Overland Park area..  These incidents occurred north of 75th Street near Marty, between January 31, and February 3, according to Officer John Lacy

Security footage shows the suspect walking through the neighborhood carrying a large bag. The individual is observed placing the packages into the bag and continuing down the street checking porches along the way. 

If you have any information regarding the identity of the pictured individual, you are asked to contact the Overland Park Police Department at 913-890-1374 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.Officer John Lacy #653Police Public Information Officer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741032613259.png" alt="Photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating reported package thefts and asking the public for help to identify suspectsSecurity cameras show an individual involved in several package thefts from front porches in the Overland Park area.. These incidents occurred north of 75th Street near Marty, between January 31, and February 3, according to Officer John LacySecurity footage shows the suspect walking through the neighborhood carrying a large bag. The individual is observed placing the packages into the bag and continuing down the street checking porches along the way. If you have any information regarding the identity of the pictured individual, you are asked to contact the Overland Park Police Department at 913-890-1374 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.Officer John Lacy #653Police Public Information Officer

Police ask for help to ID Kansas porch pirate

CAMENDEN COUNTY —A 2-year-old drowned Monday at Lake of the Ozarks.

At 4:47 p.m., the Missouri State Highway Patrol was asked to assist in the search for the missing girl from a residence off Tenney Road in Camden County.

At 8:13 p.m., she was found deceased next to a dock in Bollinger Creek Cove&nbsp;at the 44 mile mark.&nbsp; Investigators do not know how she entered the water. The Patrol released no additional details.&nbsp;&nbsp;

CAMENDEN COUNTY —A 2-year-old drowned Monday at Lake of the Ozarks.At 4:47 p.m., the Missouri State Highway Patrol was asked to assist in the search for the missing girl from a residence off Tenney Road in Camden County.At 8:13 p.m., she was found deceased next to a dock in Bollinger Creek Cove&nbsp;at the 44 mile mark.&nbsp; Investigators do not know how she entered the water. The Patrol released no additional details.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missing two-year-old girl drowns at Lake of the Ozarks

KANSAS CITY —On Wednesday February 26, while attempting to conduct an annual inspection of the Cloverleaf Apartments, 14554 US-71 Highway, Kansas City, Missouri, the Kansas City Fire Department learned that there was no longer a property management team in place, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Multiple fire violations were found in all of the buildings along with deplorable and unsustainable living conditions. Appropriate leadership within the fire department and the city was notified along with members of Leumas, an agency operating on behalf of HUD. A decision was made to shut the complex down and tenants were given 48 hours, Friday 5:00 p.m., to be relocated.

Tenants were given Saturday and Sunday to continue to move household items. Leumas/HUD had 76 individuals on their list of legal tenants and worked to relocate them to temporary and in some cases permanent housing. Other individuals staying at the property either legally or illegally were provided with resources through the city to relocate. Many chose to relocate on their own.

On Monday, members of the Kansas City Police Department did a building by-building sweep of the property to ensure every unit, and every building was empty. At which time, a contractor provided by the city began boarding up each building. All utilities to the property have been shut off and the property is considered closed and uninhabitable.

The decision to close the property for fire code violations along with health concerns is not a decision the Kansas City Fire Department took lightly, but one that was made with compassion and life safety as the driving force. The unfortunate and tragic situation the residences found themselves living in was no fault of their own, but that of a negligent property owner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741038734676.png" alt="Image courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —On Wednesday February 26, while attempting to conduct an annual inspection of the Cloverleaf Apartments, 14554 US-71 Highway, Kansas City, Missouri, the Kansas City Fire Department learned that there was no longer a property management team in place, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.Multiple fire violations were found in all of the buildings along with deplorable and unsustainable living conditions. Appropriate leadership within the fire department and the city was notified along with members of Leumas, an agency operating on behalf of HUD. A decision was made to shut the complex down and tenants were given 48 hours, Friday 5:00 p.m., to be relocated.Tenants were given Saturday and Sunday to continue to move household items. Leumas/HUD had 76 individuals on their list of legal tenants and worked to relocate them to temporary and in some cases permanent housing. Other individuals staying at the property either legally or illegally were provided with resources through the city to relocate. Many chose to relocate on their own.On Monday, members of the Kansas City Police Department did a building by-building sweep of the property to ensure every unit, and every building was empty. At which time, a contractor provided by the city began boarding up each building. All utilities to the property have been shut off and the property is considered closed and uninhabitable.The decision to close the property for fire code violations along with health concerns is not a decision the Kansas City Fire Department took lightly, but one that was made with compassion and life safety as the driving force. The unfortunate and tragic situation the residences found themselves living in was no fault of their own, but that of a negligent property owner.

Renters ordered to move out of Kansas City apartment complex

WILSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Wilson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Explorer driven byHeather I. Vanleeuwen, 33,&nbsp;Savonburg, Kansas, was eastbound on Kansas 39 Highway in central Wilson County.

The SUV traveled into the westbound lane and struck the front driver corner of a 2022 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; Ruslan&nbsp;Shcherbakov 34, Cary, Illinois.&nbsp; After impact the SUV traveled off the road and overturned.

Vanleeuwen died of her injuries and was transported to&nbsp;Wickham Funeral Home in Chanute. Shcherbakov was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

WILSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8p.m. Monday in Wilson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Explorer driven byHeather I. Vanleeuwen, 33,&nbsp;Savonburg, Kansas, was eastbound on Kansas 39 Highway in central Wilson County.The SUV traveled into the westbound lane and struck the front driver corner of a 2022 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; Ruslan&nbsp;Shcherbakov 34, Cary, Illinois.&nbsp; After impact the SUV traveled off the road and overturned.Vanleeuwen died of her injuries and was transported to&nbsp;Wickham Funeral Home in Chanute. Shcherbakov was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after SUV, semi crash

KANSAS CITY —A man on parole after being convicted in Kansas of Involuntary Manslaughter for killing his father in 2019.  was convicted this week for a felony related to threatening two people with a knife,&nbsp; according to Jackson County prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

A Jackson County<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2518/Arnold-Redacted-Complaint-1">&nbsp;jury convicted</a>&nbsp;27-year-old&nbsp;Zachary Arnold, Independence, Mo. of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, a Class E felony. The range of punishment for a Class E felony is imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not to exceed four years.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2517/Arnold-Probable-Cause-1">According to court records</a>, Independence police responded to a park regarding an assault and contacted two victims who said Arnold was living at their residence and made several threats to harm them. The victims moved out of their residence as the defendant’s behavior became more erratic. When the victims visited their residence to feed their animals, the Arnold brandished a large silver bladed knife and pointed it at the victims.&nbsp;

“This verdict sends a clear message that Jackson County will not tolerate violent behavior, especially for those who were given a second chance and released early through the parole system,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “Let this also be a reminder that threatening someone with any weapon—even a knife—is a serious crime that can result in prison time. Our office remains committed to holding violent offenders accountable and keeping our community safe.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740844298888.png" alt="Arnold photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Arnold photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A man on parole after being convicted in Kansas of Involuntary Manslaughter for killing his father in 2019. was convicted this week for a felony related to threatening two people with a knife,&nbsp; according to Jackson County prosecutor Melesa Johnson.A Jackson County<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2518/Arnold-Redacted-Complaint-1">&nbsp;jury convicted</a>&nbsp;27-year-old&nbsp;Zachary Arnold, Independence, Mo. of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, a Class E felony. The range of punishment for a Class E felony is imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not to exceed four years.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2517/Arnold-Probable-Cause-1">According to court records</a>, Independence police responded to a park regarding an assault and contacted two victims who said Arnold was living at their residence and made several threats to harm them. The victims moved out of their residence as the defendant’s behavior became more erratic. When the victims visited their residence to feed their animals, the Arnold brandished a large silver bladed knife and pointed it at the victims.&nbsp;“This verdict sends a clear message that Jackson County will not tolerate violent behavior, especially for those who were given a second chance and released early through the parole system,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “Let this also be a reminder that threatening someone with any weapon—even a knife—is a serious crime that can result in prison time. Our office remains committed to holding violent offenders accountable and keeping our community safe.”

Man on parole for killing his father found guilty of new crime

OKLAHOMA CITY —A State Trooper impounded a Ferrari on Sunday for Taxes Due to the State, according to a social media post from the Oklahoma Highway Paterol

The tag on the car expired in June of 2024. The driver was traveling 106mph through traffic on the Kilpatrick Turnpike in the Oklahoma City area.&nbsp; The driver was given citations for Reckless Driving and Taxes Due to the State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741009404611.png" alt="Photo Oklahoma Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Oklahoma Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY —A State Trooper impounded a Ferrari on Sunday for Taxes Due to the State, according to a social media post from the Oklahoma Highway PaterolThe tag on the car expired in June of 2024. The driver was traveling 106mph through traffic on the Kilpatrick Turnpike in the Oklahoma City area.&nbsp; The driver was given citations for Reckless Driving and Taxes Due to the State.

State Trooper impounds Ferrari that was traveling 106mph in traffic

WASHINGTON—After a weekend off social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall returned to the online platform Monday. Marshall commented on a post from President Donald Trump suggesting "paid troublemakers" are attending town hall meetings.

&nbsp;Marshall hosted a town hall to visit with voters on Saturday morning at the Logan County Hospital in Oakley.&nbsp; Many in attendance said Marshall left the meeting before they were finished asking questions.&nbsp; On Monday morning, NBC's TODAY Show&nbsp; featured a clip of Marshall telling those at the the meeting he would leave if they were rude to him.

The Senator did answered questions on budget cuts, layoffs and funding freezes from the somewhat hostile crowd and according to a video taken by Colin McRoberts, Marshall left the event before it was finished.

Marshall did not use social media to promote the town hall in Oakley or livestream the event. On Sunday, a member of Marshall's staff used social media to explain what happened to those who believed he left the town hall meeting early.

Marshall is back in Washington to vote for Linda  McMahon to run President Trump's Education Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740919102880.png" alt="Image from the video by Colin McRoberts went viral" />
 <figcaption>Image from the video by Colin McRoberts went viral</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON—After a weekend off social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall returned to the online platform Monday. Marshall commented on a post from President Donald Trump suggesting "paid troublemakers" are attending town hall meetings.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Can confirm. <a href="https://t.co/Ru9qbspeOY">pic.twitter.com/Ru9qbspeOY</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1896583775557243254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The REAL Oakley, KS. <a href="https://t.co/JfQBqvycQf">pic.twitter.com/JfQBqvycQf</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1896641733808795946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Marshall hosted a town hall to visit with voters on Saturday morning at the Logan County Hospital in Oakley.&nbsp; Many in attendance said Marshall left the meeting before they were finished asking questions.&nbsp; On Monday morning, NBC's TODAY Show&nbsp; featured a clip of Marshall telling those at the the meeting he would leave if they were rude to him.The Senator did answered questions on budget cuts, layoffs and funding freezes from the somewhat hostile crowd and according to a video taken by Colin McRoberts, Marshall left the event before it was finished.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kansas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kansas</a> Sen. Roger Marshall town hall in far western Kansas. Really far. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ksleg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ksleg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/senate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#senate</a> <a href="https://t.co/C2SjdAX8Os">pic.twitter.com/C2SjdAX8Os</a>&mdash; sam zeff (@samzeff) <a href="https://twitter.com/samzeff/status/1895932702429159626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Marshall did not use social media to promote the town hall in Oakley or livestream the event. On Sunday, a member of Marshall's staff used social media to explain what happened to those who believed he left the town hall meeting early.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Brent Robertson, Chief of Staff to Senator Roger Marshall, released the following statement in response to the town hall hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a> in Oakley, KS today: <a href="https://t.co/JPQfDLh54N">pic.twitter.com/JPQfDLh54N</a>&mdash; Emily Flower (@_emily_flower) <a href="https://twitter.com/_emily_flower/status/1896043930598412594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Marshall is back in Washington to vote for Linda McMahon to run President Trump's Education Department.

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator's town hall mentioned on network TV morning show

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. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas said President Donald Trump’s administration shouldn’t cancel a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon and transfer work on the Federal Aviation Administration’s traffic control system to presidential adviser Elon Musk’s own company.

Davids, the 3rd District Democrat who serves on the aviation subcommittee of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the potential deal with Musk raised conflict-of-interest issues.

Starlink is part of Musk’s SpaceX satellite and rocket company — a business rival of Verizon. Musk also was hired by Trump to lead an effort to reduce federal government spending, including at the FAA.

“Elon Musk’s reported interference in a competitively awarded FAA contract is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about conflicts of interest,” Davids said. “Aviation safety — not private gain — must be the priority in our air traffic control system.”

Verizon was issued a 15-year contract in 2023 to integrate fiber-optic cables into the network allowing FAA facilities to communicate. The current federal air traffic control system is the responsibility of L3Harris, not Verizon, but Musk has repeatedly blamed Verizon for technology shortcomings.

“The administration must ensure federal contracts are awarded through a fair and transparent process, not at the whim of a billionaire with political ties to those in power,” Davids said.

In the past week, The New York Times, CNN and other news outlets reported Musk was interested in deploying his own company, Starlink, to operate the federal air traffic control system. The Trump administration has allowed Starlink equipment to be tested at at least two airports.

The issue of aviation safety was brought into focus for the Kansas congressional delegation Jan. 29 when American Airlines Flight 5342 originating from Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita collided mid-air with a U.S. Army helicopter while over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.

All 67 people aboard the aircraft, including Kansans, were killed in the first major U.S. commercial passenger flight crash in more than 15 years.

In aftermath of the accident, members of the Kansas congressional delegation shared empathy for victims and their families and vowed to make certain the crash was thoroughly investigated. Five of the six members of the delegation took part in a moment of silence on the U.S. House chamber.

“Together, we commit to finding answers, and to working to ensure another tragedy like this doesn’t happen again,” said U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican serving the 4th District centered on Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741033089425.png" alt=" Kansas Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, left, said the suggestion from billionaire Elon Musk, a budget adviser to President Donald Trump, to cancel Verizon’s $2.4 billion, 15-year contract with FAA and hand that work to his own company Starlink created a conflict of interest. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, left, said the suggestion from billionaire Elon Musk, a budget adviser to President Donald Trump, to cancel Verizon’s $2.4 billion, 15-year contract with FAA and hand that work to his own company Starlink created a conflict of interest. (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>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas said President Donald Trump’s administration shouldn’t cancel a $2.4 billion contract with Verizon and transfer work on the Federal Aviation Administration’s traffic control system to presidential adviser Elon Musk’s own company.Davids, the 3rd District Democrat who serves on the aviation subcommittee of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the potential deal with Musk raised conflict-of-interest issues.Starlink is part of Musk’s SpaceX satellite and rocket company — a business rival of Verizon. Musk also was hired by Trump to lead an effort to reduce federal government spending, including at the FAA.“Elon Musk’s reported interference in a competitively awarded FAA contract is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about conflicts of interest,” Davids said. “Aviation safety — not private gain — must be the priority in our air traffic control system.”Verizon was issued a 15-year contract in 2023 to integrate fiber-optic cables into the network allowing FAA facilities to communicate. The current federal air traffic control system is the responsibility of L3Harris, not Verizon, but Musk has repeatedly blamed Verizon for technology shortcomings.“The administration must ensure federal contracts are awarded through a fair and transparent process, not at the whim of a billionaire with political ties to those in power,” Davids said.In the past week, The New York Times, CNN and other news outlets reported Musk was interested in deploying his own company, Starlink, to operate the federal air traffic control system. The Trump administration has allowed Starlink equipment to be tested at at least two airports.The issue of aviation safety was brought into focus for the Kansas congressional delegation Jan. 29 when American Airlines Flight 5342 originating from Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita collided mid-air with a U.S. Army helicopter while over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.All 67 people aboard the aircraft, including Kansans, were killed in the first major U.S. commercial passenger flight crash in more than 15 years.In aftermath of the accident, members of the Kansas congressional delegation shared empathy for victims and their families and vowed to make certain the crash was thoroughly investigated. Five of the six members of the delegation took part in a moment of silence on the U.S. House chamber.“Together, we commit to finding answers, and to working to ensure another tragedy like this doesn’t happen again,” said U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican serving the 4th District centered on Wichita.

Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids objects to Musk’s call for cancellation of $2.4 billion FAA contract

BUTLER COUNTY, MO—Authorities are investigating a fatal home explosion and fire that left two children dead in rural Butler, Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740963768094.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY, MO—Authorities are investigating a fatal home explosion and fire that left two children dead in rural Butler, Missouri.Just after 11:30p.m. Saturday, deputies responded to a 911 call of a home explosion and fire, according to the Bates County Sheriff’s Office.First responders were met with a fully engulfed home. Five people were reported to be living at the residence.&nbsp; Three of the five occupants were able to make it out of the house. Two children both age 2 were not able to be immediately rescued. Fire units arrived on scene and requested assistance from additional agencies. Rescue efforts were unsuccessful due to the heavy fire in the residence. Both children were eventually pronounced deceased by the Bates County Coroner on scene. The three people that were able to make it out of the house were transported to the hospital for treatment. The fire is being investigated by the Bates County Sheriffs Office and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office. &nbsp;

Two children dead after rural Missouri home explosion, fire

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces continue to battle terrorist activity in the Middle East.

On Feb. 23, U.S. Central Command forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria, targeting and killing Muhammed Yusuf Ziya Talay, the senior military leader of the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. On March 1, the U.S. released video of the airstrike.

The airstrike is part of CENTCOM's ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.

“As we have said in the past, we will continue to relentlessly pursue these terrorists in order to defend our homeland, and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces continue to battle terrorist activity in the Middle East.On Feb. 23, U.S. Central Command forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria, targeting and killing Muhammed Yusuf Ziya Talay, the senior military leader of the terrorist organization Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. On March 1, the U.S. released video of the airstrike.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CENTCOM Forces Kill the Senior Military Leader of Al-Qaeda Affiliate Hurras al-Din (HaD) in Syria On Feb. 23, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a precision airstrike in Northwest Syria, targeting and killing Muhammed Yusuf Ziya Talay, the senior military leader of… <a href="https://t.co/trhDvgdgne">pic.twitter.com/trhDvgdgne</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1895859285600452987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The airstrike is part of CENTCOM's ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.“As we have said in the past, we will continue to relentlessly pursue these terrorists in order to defend our homeland, and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

🎥U.S. releases video of deadly airstrike on leader of terrorist organization

KANSAS CITY —A jury found a Kansas City man guilty of multiple felonies stemming from a confrontation with officers last year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

Otis W. Brown, 49, was convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm—Dangerous Felon, Property Damage, and Interference with Legal Process. The jury also found that the Brown had two prior felonies, one of which was for a dangerous felony, increasing the range of punishment to ten to thirty years or life imprisonment.

Brown was previously identified as a target for SAVE KC, a focused deterrence program that targets those involved in or at risk-of becoming involved in violent crime. SAVE KC offers resources and support for participants to leave behind a life of crime, while making it clear that continued participation in crime will result in swift and certain consequences.&nbsp;

“SAVE KC gives those involved in violence a choice: either accept help and give up your life of crime, or face the full weight of prosecution,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “Unfortunately, the defendant in this case chose to continue participating in criminal behavior, despite SAVE KC offering valuable services and clear warnings about the consequences.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740759587497.png" alt="Brown photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Brown photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A jury found a Kansas City man guilty of multiple felonies stemming from a confrontation with officers last year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.Otis W. Brown, 49, was convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm—Dangerous Felon, Property Damage, and Interference with Legal Process. The jury also found that the Brown had two prior felonies, one of which was for a dangerous felony, increasing the range of punishment to ten to thirty years or life imprisonment.Brown was previously identified as a target for SAVE KC, a focused deterrence program that targets those involved in or at risk-of becoming involved in violent crime. SAVE KC offers resources and support for participants to leave behind a life of crime, while making it clear that continued participation in crime will result in swift and certain consequences.&nbsp;“SAVE KC gives those involved in violence a choice: either accept help and give up your life of crime, or face the full weight of prosecution,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “Unfortunately, the defendant in this case chose to continue participating in criminal behavior, despite SAVE KC offering valuable services and clear warnings about the consequences.”&nbsp;

KC man faces possible life in prison for series of violent crimes

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740692339815.png" alt="Strube photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Strube photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY–Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just after 10a.m. Feb. 28, sheriff's deputies executed a a narcotics search warrant on the residence located at 215 Dakota Avenue in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.During the search, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and firearms were recovered.&nbsp; The two occupants of the residence, Scott Allen Strube, 55, of Holton and Sindee Lynn Holcomb, 59, of Holton were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740692396381.png" alt="Holcomb photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Holcomb photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Scott Allen Strube was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp;possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal possession of a firearm.Sindee Lynn Holcomb was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.The Holton Police Department assisted with the incident.