KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City area man faced charges for a fatal stabbing over a sweatshirt the victim was wearing.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2728/Complaint-Packet---ParkerTrey">Trey C. Parker</a>, 23,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2729/Parker-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, police were dispatched to a car wash in Independence on Sept. 19 and located the victim with a stab wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at a hospital.&nbsp;

Based on witness reports and surveillance footage, an argument started after a garage sale.&nbsp; Parker, who was friends with the victim were fighting about a sweatshirt, according to the<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2729/Parker-PC-Statement_Redacted"> probable cause statement.</a> The victim was wearing a sweatshirt which belonged to Parker.

Parker stabbed the victim, and the victim entered the front passenger seat of a nearby vehicle, which drove away.&nbsp;

The defendant is being held on a $250,000 cash only bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758742456559.png" alt="Parker photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Parker photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City area man faced charges for a fatal stabbing over a sweatshirt the victim was wearing.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2728/Complaint-Packet---ParkerTrey">Trey C. Parker</a>, 23,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2729/Parker-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, police were dispatched to a car wash in Independence on Sept. 19 and located the victim with a stab wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at a hospital.&nbsp;Based on witness reports and surveillance footage, an argument started after a garage sale.&nbsp; Parker, who was friends with the victim were fighting about a sweatshirt, according to the<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2729/Parker-PC-Statement_Redacted"> probable cause statement.</a> The victim was wearing a sweatshirt which belonged to Parker.Parker stabbed the victim, and the victim entered the front passenger seat of a nearby vehicle, which drove away.&nbsp;The defendant is being held on a $250,000 cash only bond.&nbsp;

Murder: KC area man stabbed friend during fight over sweatshirt

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home.

On September 21, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a narcotics related search warrant in the 2500 block of SW Western Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Chrisstian.

During the investigation, illegal narcotics, two firearms, drug paraphernalia and a stolen motorcycle were located.

Scott L. Kemble, 54, of Shawnee, Kan., was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Possession of THC, Possession of stolen property and Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance

The Topeka Police Department (TPD) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assisted with this search warrant.&nbsp; Kemble is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758657316065.png" alt="Kemble photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kemble photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home.On September 21, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a narcotics related search warrant in the 2500 block of SW Western Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Chrisstian.During the investigation, illegal narcotics, two firearms, drug paraphernalia and a stolen motorcycle were located.Scott L. Kemble, 54, of Shawnee, Kan., was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Possession of THC, Possession of stolen property and Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substanceThe Topeka Police Department (TPD) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assisted with this search warrant.&nbsp; Kemble is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Sheriff: Alleged Kan. drug dealer had stolen motorcycle

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo.—Three students and the driver were injured in a school bus accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Jackson County.

A Blue Springs School District bus struck a building at the intersection of 7 Highway and 40 Highway, according to a social media report from Blue Springs Police.

The bus driver and three students were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. At this time, their injuries do not appear to be serious.

Based on witness statements and driver accounts, the police investigation&nbsp; revealed that the bus had the right of way at the intersection. A vehicle approaching a yield sign failed to yield to the school bus, resulting in the accident, according to Blue Springs Police.

 The accident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758809652290.png" alt="photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Mo.—Three students and the driver were injured in a school bus accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Jackson County.A Blue Springs School District bus struck a building at the intersection of 7 Highway and 40 Highway, according to a social media report from Blue Springs Police.The bus driver and three students were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. At this time, their injuries do not appear to be serious.Based on witness statements and driver accounts, the police investigation&nbsp; revealed that the bus had the right of way at the intersection. A vehicle approaching a yield sign failed to yield to the school bus, resulting in the accident, according to Blue Springs Police. The accident remains under investigation.

Police determine cause of KC bus crash that injured students, driver 

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on TikTok: &quot;We have American investors taking it over, running it — highly sophisticated... Oracle is going to play a very big role.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Y6Vj7WbM7s">pic.twitter.com/Y6Vj7WbM7s</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971311489337446627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">REPORTER: On the TikTok algorithm, are you satisfied that there&#39;s no security concerns?<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Yeah, I am... It&#39;s owned by Americans, and very sophisticated Americans — and people that love the country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/5RteAf4JT6">pic.twitter.com/5RteAf4JT6</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971312021602992190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PRESIDENT TRUMP SAVES TIKTOK! <a href="https://t.co/GBntfhCKrQ">pic.twitter.com/GBntfhCKrQ</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1971311657034146020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 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/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on what saving TikTok will mean for small businesses: &quot;Small businesses have become very successful because of TikTok... they use it virtually as an advertising tool, and without it, they wouldn&#39;t have anything... So, it&#39;s a very important thing for small business.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JHZ3GhLCSy">pic.twitter.com/JHZ3GhLCSy</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971314356056174722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 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/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> on the TikTok deal: &quot;This deal really does mean that Americans can use TikTok, but actually use it with more confidence than they had in the past because their data&#39;s going to be secure and it&#39;s not going to be used as a propaganda weapon against our fellow citizens.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/4sqqOd5B0t">pic.twitter.com/4sqqOd5B0t</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1971311739556987048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump signs executive order to save TikTok, says China on board

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another fatal hit-and-and run incident in Kansas City.

Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, a bicyclist was eastbound on Independence Avenue and as he entered the intersection at Hardesty Avenue in Kansas City Missouri. He changed lanes and entered the westbound lane, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. A westbound pickup truck&nbsp; on Independence struck the bicyclist head-on. 

The pickup driver fled the scene in an unknown direction. EMS arrived and pronounced the bicyclist deceased.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the name of the bicyclist.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another fatal hit-and-and run incident in Kansas City.Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, a bicyclist was eastbound on Independence Avenue and as he entered the intersection at Hardesty Avenue in Kansas City Missouri. He changed lanes and entered the westbound lane, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. A westbound pickup truck&nbsp; on Independence struck the bicyclist head-on. The pickup driver fled the scene in an unknown direction. EMS arrived and pronounced the bicyclist deceased.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the name of the bicyclist.

KCPD: Bicyclist killed after head-on crash with a pickup

New survey shows rise in problem gambling

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

TOPEKA — Kansas legislators are considering changes to the way the state taxes sports gambling after receiving less than a 1% cut on more than $2.7 billion in bets in the past fiscal year.

As the expiration dates for contracts between the state and sports wager operators draw nearer, Kansas is confronting an increasingly complex and more profitable gambling climate than when it first legalized sports betting in 2022.

During the 2025 session, the Legislature implemented&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/17/last-minute-moratorium-on-kansas-sports-betting-contract-negotiations-provokes-uncertainty/">a last-minute moratorium</a>&nbsp;on the state approving any contract renewals for online sportsbooks. A hearing Monday was the first public discussion of potential changes to Kansas’ sportsbook market since then.

Legislators toyed with the idea of rejiggering the formula that dictates the allocation of sports betting revenues at a Monday hearing in Topeka. Of the $2.7 billion in wagering revenue in fiscal year 2025, which began in July 2024 and ended in June, Kansas retained about $17 million, or 0.6%, according to state data.

Lawmakers also considered changing the way book operators reach customers.

John Pappas, the state advocacy director for iDevelopment and Economic Association, a national trade group for mobile sportsbook operators and technology providers, said during the hearing that Kansas’ model is a success story.

But Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a Republican from St. Marys, said he struggled to accept that notion.

“I guess we represent different people, right?” he said to Pappas. “ You have your clients. I have the people of my district. The people of Kansas.”

In ranking sports wagering tax revenue per $1 million wagered since inception, Kansas ranks 29 out of 33 states.

“This is absolute failure from my perspective,” Awerkamp said.

“What am I not seeing?” he added. “How can you say that this is a success story when we’re basically one of the worst states in the country?”

Pappas said the answer is simple. Success is based on the size of Kansas’ market. For a small population, Kansas’ sports betting revenues are disproportionately large. In Awerkamp’s eyes, the problem is that the revenues are only taxed at 10%.

Six states and Washington, D.C., set different tax rates for online and retail sports betting. Kansas is one of 11 states that tax online and retail sports betting at the same rate of 10% or less. New Hampshire, New York, Oregon and Rhode Island have the highest tax rates at 51%.

Kansans over the age of 21 can bet on more than 50 categories of live and virtual sports, from bull riding to baseball to chess. Casinos in Kansas are allowed to contract with sportsbook operators, of which there are currently six: BetMGM, Caesar’s, DraftKings, ESPNBet, FanDuel and Fanatics.

The 5-year contracts, which include retail and mobile betting, are set to expire around the same time in August 2027. Other states run their own books, or contract directly with book operators.

Existing sportsbook operators and Kansas casinos opposed a change to Kansas’ model. Some cautioned lawmakers about modifying business in Kansas while sportsbooks are expected to begin operating in neighboring states, including Missouri later this year.

Aaron Gomes, president of the parent company to Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg, said in written testimony, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The casino works with three book operators: Caesars, Fanatics and BetMGM.

“Untethering sports wagering from casinos would not only disrupt these partnerships — it would risk undermining the very institutions that have delivered economic value to Kansas,” said Gomes, who is the chief operating officer of the casino’s owner, Peninsula Pacific Entertainment.

Earlier in the hearing, in discussion with another casino representative, Awerkamp said the sole purpose of the Kansas Lottery is to generate revenue for the state to offset burdens on taxpayers.

“From my perspective, what’s happened is certain organizations have recognized a tremendous opportunity of essentially a constitutionally protected monopoly and tried to get in the process and take a cut,” he said.

The Kansas Lottery was established for the good of the people, Awerkamp said, not the good of the casinos.

Kansans’ attitudes toward gambling have evolved since the state legalized sports wagering, and problem gambling behaviors have escalated, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_spc_2025_on_fed_and_st_aff_1/documents/testimony/20250922_12.pdf" target="_blank">2025 study</a>&nbsp;that surveyed more than 1,600 Kansas adults.

It was the first time the survey was conducted since 2017, and it recommended enhancing problem gambling messaging, improving state-funded treatment and gambling screening, regulating gambling advertising, and conducting statewide surveys more frequently.

Around 70% of survey respondents reported gambling, and 34% of respondents said they had gambled in the past month, an increase from 19% who reported gambling in 2017.

“The number of Kansans at moderate or high risk for problem gambling has more than tripled since 2017,” the survey found.

Almost everyone surveyed who was classified as high risk acknowledged they had a gambling problem. Many said gambling caused health, financial and relational problems. Substance use and mental health struggles were more likely for those in the high-risk category than those in the moderate and low-risk categories, the study said. Kansans are also less likely to use a gambling hotline than they were eight years ago.

More Kansans are citing their motivation for gambling as paying bills and escaping everyday problems. In 2017, 18% of survey respondents said they gamble to pay bills and 16% said they want to escape their problems. In 2025, those percentages rose to 38% and 35%. Still, between the two surveys, the top motivations remained entertainment and fun, to win money and excitement and challenge.

Around 37% of respondents reported placing a sports wager in 2025. Fewer than half of those surveyed viewed sports betting as entertainment that allows for reasonable gambling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758822367620.png" alt="Photo Kansas Star Casino" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Star Casino</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>New survey shows rise in problem gambling</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas legislators are considering changes to the way the state taxes sports gambling after receiving less than a 1% cut on more than $2.7 billion in bets in the past fiscal year.As the expiration dates for contracts between the state and sports wager operators draw nearer, Kansas is confronting an increasingly complex and more profitable gambling climate than when it first legalized sports betting in 2022.During the 2025 session, the Legislature implemented&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/17/last-minute-moratorium-on-kansas-sports-betting-contract-negotiations-provokes-uncertainty/">a last-minute moratorium</a>&nbsp;on the state approving any contract renewals for online sportsbooks. A hearing Monday was the first public discussion of potential changes to Kansas’ sportsbook market since then.Legislators toyed with the idea of rejiggering the formula that dictates the allocation of sports betting revenues at a Monday hearing in Topeka. Of the $2.7 billion in wagering revenue in fiscal year 2025, which began in July 2024 and ended in June, Kansas retained about $17 million, or 0.6%, according to state data.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758822343321.png" alt="Photo Boot Hill Casino" />
 <figcaption>Photo Boot Hill Casino</figcaption>
 </figure>Lawmakers also considered changing the way book operators reach customers.John Pappas, the state advocacy director for iDevelopment and Economic Association, a national trade group for mobile sportsbook operators and technology providers, said during the hearing that Kansas’ model is a success story.But Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a Republican from St. Marys, said he struggled to accept that notion.“I guess we represent different people, right?” he said to Pappas. “ You have your clients. I have the people of my district. The people of Kansas.”In ranking sports wagering tax revenue per $1 million wagered since inception, Kansas ranks 29 out of 33 states.“This is absolute failure from my perspective,” Awerkamp said.“What am I not seeing?” he added. “How can you say that this is a success story when we’re basically one of the worst states in the country?”Pappas said the answer is simple. Success is based on the size of Kansas’ market. For a small population, Kansas’ sports betting revenues are disproportionately large. In Awerkamp’s eyes, the problem is that the revenues are only taxed at 10%.Six states and Washington, D.C., set different tax rates for online and retail sports betting. Kansas is one of 11 states that tax online and retail sports betting at the same rate of 10% or less. New Hampshire, New York, Oregon and Rhode Island have the highest tax rates at 51%.Kansans over the age of 21 can bet on more than 50 categories of live and virtual sports, from bull riding to baseball to chess. Casinos in Kansas are allowed to contract with sportsbook operators, of which there are currently six: BetMGM, Caesar’s, DraftKings, ESPNBet, FanDuel and Fanatics.The 5-year contracts, which include retail and mobile betting, are set to expire around the same time in August 2027. Other states run their own books, or contract directly with book operators.Existing sportsbook operators and Kansas casinos opposed a change to Kansas’ model. Some cautioned lawmakers about modifying business in Kansas while sportsbooks are expected to begin operating in neighboring states, including Missouri later this year.Aaron Gomes, president of the parent company to Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg, said in written testimony, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”The casino works with three book operators: Caesars, Fanatics and BetMGM.“Untethering sports wagering from casinos would not only disrupt these partnerships — it would risk undermining the very institutions that have delivered economic value to Kansas,” said Gomes, who is the chief operating officer of the casino’s owner, Peninsula Pacific Entertainment.Earlier in the hearing, in discussion with another casino representative, Awerkamp said the sole purpose of the Kansas Lottery is to generate revenue for the state to offset burdens on taxpayers.“From my perspective, what’s happened is certain organizations have recognized a tremendous opportunity of essentially a constitutionally protected monopoly and tried to get in the process and take a cut,” he said.The Kansas Lottery was established for the good of the people, Awerkamp said, not the good of the casinos.<h2>Raising the stakes</h2>Kansans’ attitudes toward gambling have evolved since the state legalized sports wagering, and problem gambling behaviors have escalated, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_spc_2025_on_fed_and_st_aff_1/documents/testimony/20250922_12.pdf" target="_blank">2025 study</a>&nbsp;that surveyed more than 1,600 Kansas adults.It was the first time the survey was conducted since 2017, and it recommended enhancing problem gambling messaging, improving state-funded treatment and gambling screening, regulating gambling advertising, and conducting statewide surveys more frequently.Around 70% of survey respondents reported gambling, and 34% of respondents said they had gambled in the past month, an increase from 19% who reported gambling in 2017.“The number of Kansans at moderate or high risk for problem gambling has more than tripled since 2017,” the survey found.Almost everyone surveyed who was classified as high risk acknowledged they had a gambling problem. Many said gambling caused health, financial and relational problems. Substance use and mental health struggles were more likely for those in the high-risk category than those in the moderate and low-risk categories, the study said. Kansans are also less likely to use a gambling hotline than they were eight years ago.More Kansans are citing their motivation for gambling as paying bills and escaping everyday problems. In 2017, 18% of survey respondents said they gamble to pay bills and 16% said they want to escape their problems. In 2025, those percentages rose to 38% and 35%. Still, between the two surveys, the top motivations remained entertainment and fun, to win money and excitement and challenge.Around 37% of respondents reported placing a sports wager in 2025. Fewer than half of those surveyed viewed sports betting as entertainment that allows for reasonable gambling.

Kansas legislators look for bigger payout from sportsbooks with contracts set to expire

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The White House has sent guidance to departments and agencies, telling them that if a shutdown begins Wednesday, they’re expected to institute mass firings and layoffs.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26157388-omb-lapse-email/" target="_blank">two-page memo</a>, shared with States Newsroom by a Trump administration official, says any programs that received funding in the “big, beautiful” law will “continue uninterrupted.”

But the vast majority of federal departments and agencies need Congress to approve an annual funding bill or a stopgap spending bill before the start of the new fiscal year to keep running.&nbsp;

The memo says the employees who run those programs may receive a Reduction in Force notice if lawmakers don’t broker an agreement before the Oct. 1 deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those reductions will apply to programs, projects, or activities that are “not consistent with the President’s priorities,” according to the memo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“RIF notices will be in addition to any furlough notices provided due to the lapse in appropriation,” the memo states. “RIF notices should be issued to all employees working on the relevant (programs, projects, or activities), regardless of whether the employee is excepted or furloughed during the lapse in appropriations.”

Once lawmakers reach a deal and the government reopens, the memo says agencies should rework their reduction in force plans “to retain the minimal number of employees necessary to carry out statutory functions.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote in a statement the memo represents “an attempt at intimidation.”

“Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one—not to govern, but to scare. This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government,” Schumer wrote. “These unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back, just like they did as recently as today.”

American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley wrote in a statement the memo shows that White House budget director Russ Vought intends “to pursue another DOGE-like round of illegal mass firings in the event of a shutdown, adding to the chaos.”&nbsp;

“The truth is simple: Republicans cannot fund the government without Democratic votes. That means the only path forward is compromise,” Kelley wrote. “The president and congressional leaders must sit down and negotiate in good faith to keep the lights on for the American people. Nothing less is acceptable.”

Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen wrote in a statement that “Trump is engaged in mafia-style blackmail, with his threats ultimately harming the American people.”&nbsp;

“He is threatening to double down on the failed actions of Elon Musk and his chainsaw — going after patriotic civil servants that provide Americans with critical services — despite having to rehire many of these workers after Americans experienced the negative impact of those cuts,” Van Hollen wrote. “These dedicated workers have nothing to do with the ongoing political and policy disputes that have brought us to the brink of a shutdown.”

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">voted mostly along party lines</a>&nbsp;to approve a seven-week stopgap spending bill last week before leaving town. GOP leaders were supposed to bring lawmakers in that chamber back to Capitol Hill on Monday, but extended their break and won’t return until after the shutdown deadline.&nbsp;

The move was largely seen as a way to jam the Senate, specifically Democrats, with the short-term government funding bill that they largely oppose because GOP lawmakers wrote it behind closed doors without bipartisan negotiations.&nbsp;

The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">tried to advance</a>&nbsp;the House-passed Republican stopgap bill but didn’t have the necessary 60 votes to move the legislation toward final passage.&nbsp;

Democrats have maintained for weeks that if Republican leaders want their support on a short-term spending bill, they should have negotiated with party leaders on key issues, including an extension of the enhanced tax credits for people who buy their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.

Those tax credits are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-dems-push-gop-extension-expiring-health-care-subsidies" target="_blank">set to expire</a>&nbsp;at the end of the year but Americans who rely on the marketplace for their health insurance will begin purchasing their plans for next year on Nov. 1.&nbsp;

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said he views negotiations on those tax credits as an issue for December, not this month, despite the open enrollment period ending on Dec. 15.&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has said repeatedly he views the issue as separate from government funding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609336731287.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — The White House has sent guidance to departments and agencies, telling them that if a shutdown begins Wednesday, they’re expected to institute mass firings and layoffs.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758805389171.png" alt="Memo from OMB" />
 <figcaption>Memo from OMB</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26157388-omb-lapse-email/" target="_blank">two-page memo</a>, shared with States Newsroom by a Trump administration official, says any programs that received funding in the “big, beautiful” law will “continue uninterrupted.”But the vast majority of federal departments and agencies need Congress to approve an annual funding bill or a stopgap spending bill before the start of the new fiscal year to keep running.&nbsp;The memo says the employees who run those programs may receive a Reduction in Force notice if lawmakers don’t broker an agreement before the Oct. 1 deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those reductions will apply to programs, projects, or activities that are “not consistent with the President’s priorities,” according to the memo.&nbsp;&nbsp;“RIF notices will be in addition to any furlough notices provided due to the lapse in appropriation,” the memo states. “RIF notices should be issued to all employees working on the relevant (programs, projects, or activities), regardless of whether the employee is excepted or furloughed during the lapse in appropriations.”Once lawmakers reach a deal and the government reopens, the memo says agencies should rework their reduction in force plans “to retain the minimal number of employees necessary to carry out statutory functions.”<h2>Employee union urges compromise</h2>Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote in a statement the memo represents “an attempt at intimidation.”“Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one—not to govern, but to scare. This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government,” Schumer wrote. “These unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back, just like they did as recently as today.”American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley wrote in a statement the memo shows that White House budget director Russ Vought intends “to pursue another DOGE-like round of illegal mass firings in the event of a shutdown, adding to the chaos.”&nbsp;“The truth is simple: Republicans cannot fund the government without Democratic votes. That means the only path forward is compromise,” Kelley wrote. “The president and congressional leaders must sit down and negotiate in good faith to keep the lights on for the American people. Nothing less is acceptable.”Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen wrote in a statement that “Trump is engaged in mafia-style blackmail, with his threats ultimately harming the American people.”&nbsp;“He is threatening to double down on the failed actions of Elon Musk and his chainsaw — going after patriotic civil servants that provide Americans with critical services — despite having to rehire many of these workers after Americans experienced the negative impact of those cuts,” Van Hollen wrote. “These dedicated workers have nothing to do with the ongoing political and policy disputes that have brought us to the brink of a shutdown.”<h2>House GOP departs until after Oct. 1</h2>The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">voted mostly along party lines</a>&nbsp;to approve a seven-week stopgap spending bill last week before leaving town. GOP leaders were supposed to bring lawmakers in that chamber back to Capitol Hill on Monday, but extended their break and won’t return until after the shutdown deadline.&nbsp;The move was largely seen as a way to jam the Senate, specifically Democrats, with the short-term government funding bill that they largely oppose because GOP lawmakers wrote it behind closed doors without bipartisan negotiations.&nbsp;The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">tried to advance</a>&nbsp;the House-passed Republican stopgap bill but didn’t have the necessary 60 votes to move the legislation toward final passage.&nbsp;Democrats have maintained for weeks that if Republican leaders want their support on a short-term spending bill, they should have negotiated with party leaders on key issues, including an extension of the enhanced tax credits for people who buy their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.Those tax credits are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-dems-push-gop-extension-expiring-health-care-subsidies" target="_blank">set to expire</a>&nbsp;at the end of the year but Americans who rely on the marketplace for their health insurance will begin purchasing their plans for next year on Nov. 1.&nbsp;Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said he views negotiations on those tax credits as an issue for December, not this month, despite the open enrollment period ending on Dec. 15.&nbsp;Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has said repeatedly he views the issue as separate from government funding.

Trump threatens mass firings of federal employees in a government shutdown

KANSAS CITY —Homicide detectives investigating a fatal fire in Kansas City have released the name of the victim as 44-year-old Robert Hill, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Just before 1a.m. September 19, the Kansas City Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment fire in the 4400 Block of Independence in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

Crews discovered a victim, later identified as Hill and removed him from the apartment. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Fire crews notified Kansas City, Missouri police of the death. Detectives from Violent Crimes Division and Bomb and Arson then responded to the scene for a death investigation, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

&nbsp;Based on some of the evidence located at the scene the, medical examiner and detectives determined that Hill's death may not have been the result of natural causes or fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758311035022.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Homicide detectives investigating a fatal fire in Kansas City have released the name of the victim as 44-year-old Robert Hill, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.Just before 1a.m. September 19, the Kansas City Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment fire in the 4400 Block of Independence in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.Crews discovered a victim, later identified as Hill and removed him from the apartment. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Fire crews notified Kansas City, Missouri police of the death. Detectives from Violent Crimes Division and Bomb and Arson then responded to the scene for a death investigation, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.&nbsp;Based on some of the evidence located at the scene the, medical examiner and detectives determined that Hill's death may not have been the result of natural causes or fire.

Homicide: KCPD releases name of victim found in apartment fire

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run accident in Kansas City.

Just after 3a.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City, Missouri fire department&nbsp;responded to a reported car into a building at 4601 Independence Avenue, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders&nbsp; found that a pickup truck had struck the business that house a dental practice. The occupants of the truck fled the scene. 

KCFD remained on the scene until a board up crew could arrive and secure the building due to a large hole in the front of the building. No injuries were reported.&nbsp; Law enforcement reported no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758741525524.png" alt="Photo KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run accident in Kansas City.Just after 3a.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City, Missouri fire department&nbsp;responded to a reported car into a building at 4601 Independence Avenue, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders&nbsp; found that a pickup truck had struck the business that house a dental practice. The occupants of the truck fled the scene. KCFD remained on the scene until a board up crew could arrive and secure the building due to a large hole in the front of the building. No injuries were reported.&nbsp; Law enforcement reported no additional details.

Hit-and-run: Pickup struck dental office in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man faced charges following a major drug trafficking investigation led by the Jackson County Drug Task Force.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2726/Clarke-Redacted-Complaint-1">Dewayne C. Clarke</a>, 47,&nbsp;faces one count of 2nd Degree Trafficking Drugs, five counts of Delivering a Controlled Substance Except 35 Grams or Less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to Jackson County Attorney Melesa Johnson.

 If convicted on the trafficking charge, he could serve up to 15 years in prison. The other charges carry up to 10 years each.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2727/CLarkeRedacted-Probable-Cause-2">According to court records</a>, the Jackson County Drug Task Force became aware of Clarke, a major distributor, who distributes crack-cocaine in large quantities. During the investigation, the Task Force was able to obtain a search warrant for the defendant’s residence and located multiple firearms, about 1,650 grams of cocaine, Methamphetamine, and more than $60,000 in cash.&nbsp;

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are anticipated.

The defendant is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

The Jackson County Drug Task Force brings together detectives from multiple county police departments and sheriff’s offices with federal, state, and local agencies to target drug dealers across the metro.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758656175455.png" alt="Clarke photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Clarke photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man faced charges following a major drug trafficking investigation led by the Jackson County Drug Task Force.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2726/Clarke-Redacted-Complaint-1">Dewayne C. Clarke</a>, 47,&nbsp;faces one count of 2nd Degree Trafficking Drugs, five counts of Delivering a Controlled Substance Except 35 Grams or Less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to Jackson County Attorney Melesa Johnson. If convicted on the trafficking charge, he could serve up to 15 years in prison. The other charges carry up to 10 years each.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2727/CLarkeRedacted-Probable-Cause-2">According to court records</a>, the Jackson County Drug Task Force became aware of Clarke, a major distributor, who distributes crack-cocaine in large quantities. During the investigation, the Task Force was able to obtain a search warrant for the defendant’s residence and located multiple firearms, about 1,650 grams of cocaine, Methamphetamine, and more than $60,000 in cash.&nbsp;The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are anticipated.The defendant is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;The Jackson County Drug Task Force brings together detectives from multiple county police departments and sheriff’s offices with federal, state, and local agencies to target drug dealers across the metro.

Task force captures major Kansas City area cocaine dealer 

President Trump on Wednesday unveiled the new Presidential Wall of Fame at the White House. Joe Biden’s portrait is an AUTO-PEN&nbsp;

President Trump on Wednesday unveiled the new Presidential Wall of Fame at the White House. Joe Biden’s portrait is an AUTO-PEN&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758735968499.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🤣🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/MSERUFrlyH">https://t.co/MSERUFrlyH</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1970899696227942480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 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://t.co/jE2Vm7UdjL">https://t.co/jE2Vm7UdjL</a> <a href="https://t.co/CJ3yQBtPGQ">pic.twitter.com/CJ3yQBtPGQ</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1970902690474647786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Surprise portrait in new White House Presidential Walk of Fame

The Missouri Supreme Court hears an appeal seeking to reverse the state’s gender-affirming care ban Wednesday

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Attorneys representing transgender minors, their loved ones and physicians who provide gender-affirming care say a circuit court judge’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/25/missouri-judge-upholds-state-ban-on-transgender-health-care-for-minors/">decision to uphold</a>&nbsp;the state’s gender-affirming-care restrictions was “permeated by legal and factual errors.”

In oral arguments in the Missouri Supreme Court Wednesday morning, Lambda Legal attorney Nora Huppert said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/JUDGMENT.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3366224" target="_blank">November judgment</a>&nbsp;“relies on evidence that was expressly excluded for its truth, and it draws conclusions from testimony that are the opposite of what that testimony says.”&nbsp;

For that reason, and others, Huppert argues the decision should be reversed.

But the Missouri Attorney General’s office, represented Wednesday by Solicitor General Lou Capozzi, rejects the notion that the law is discriminatory in nature.

“Appellants have no evidence for their allegation that this could be only motivated by animus when the state presented a mountain of evidence that it is concerned about the health and safety of children,” he told the judges.

The law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44407" target="_blank">passed in 2023</a>, bars health care providers from prescribing or administering cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs, or performing gender-transition surgeries, for anyone under 18. Provisions barring gender-affirming hormones and puberty blockers are set to expire on Aug. 28, 2027, though lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/04/missouri-republicans-push-to-make-laws-restricting-transgender-minors-permanent/">have shown intentions to remove the sunset</a>.

In his November ruling, Wright County Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter determined that the restrictions weren’t discriminatory and could only be subject to rational basis review. This is the most lenient standard, requiring challengers to prove that there is no basis that the law can stand.

The legal standard for reviewing the law is a key part of the case. Statutes that violate Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?constit=y&amp;section=I%20%202" target="_blank">equal protection clause</a>, which says everyone is entitled to “equal rights and opportunity,” are subject to heightened scrutiny.

Attorneys from Lambda Legal, a civil rights law firm focused on LGBTQ+ litigation, and the ACLU of Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=11170" target="_blank">argue heightened scrutiny should be applied</a>&nbsp;because the law “classifies based on sex and transgender status.”

Evidence — and the quality of it — is also a point of contention.

Huppert said Carter’s judgment “adopted largely verbatim” the state’s proposed findings of fact, which was filed at the conclusion of trial and before the court’s transcript was complete. The filings confirm Carter’s findings of fact outright mirror the state’s, adopting the same subheadings and copying paragraphs verbatim.

This makes the judgment deeply flawed, appellants’ brief argues, because these findings misconstrued testimony from the trial and refer to exhibits that were not allowed into the court record.

During the two-week trial last year, the attorney general’s office employed a tactic of questioning witnesses using articles and studies not accepted into the court record.

Capozzi pointed to a section of the judgment which expanded on testimony from medical ethicist Dr. Farr Curlin as proof the two documents were not 100% identical.

“The trial court was not just copying and pasting,” he said. “And the implication that the trial court was lazy or didn’t do its job is not proper.”

Carter’s judgment acknowledges the overwhelming amount of evidence presented during the extensive trial, describing “binders of evidentiary documents that were piled so high on the bench that (his) was at times obscured.”

“This was a very lengthy and complex case,” he wrote. “It would be impossible for the court to make factual findings for each witness. The court reporter’s transcript in this case is several thousand pages.”

A clear look at the evidence, Huppert argued, would show the law is unconstitutional no matter what level of scrutiny is applied.

“The record reflects that the care ban for minors actually harms minors rather than protects them, and for that reason, the law is wholly irrational as well,” she told the judges.

Interpreting the evidence in this case is not straightforward. From the beginning, the law’s challengers and the state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/20/lawsuit-seeking-to-block-missouri-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-heads-to-trial/">have not agreed on the factual background of the case</a>&nbsp;and those disagreements continued Wednesday.

For example, Capozzi opened his argument by describing the law as “bipartisan,” misconstruing a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/23/missouri-senate-advances-bill-banning-transgender-care-for-minors/">compromise</a>&nbsp;that led Senate Democrats to end a filibuster. But no Democrats in either the House or Senate voted in favor of the legislation.

The state’s argument also rejects claims that gender-affirming hormone therapy and puberty blockers treat gender dysphoria, a condition describing distress that occurs when someone’s sex as assigned at birth misaligns with their gender identity.

In the trial, experts largely spoke about the effectiveness of treatments as it relates to adolescents. But part of the challenged law bans the state’s Medicaid program from covering gender-affirming care for minors and adults.

Carter upheld the Medicaid restrictions, saying challengers “failed to develop any argument specifically tailored to challenging the Medicaid provision.”

Huppert said that argument was “throughout” filings. Appellants included Medicaid ban as part of “the act” in filings, challengers’ brief said, but the state claims the argument wasn’t explicit.

Judges had almost no questions during the arguments Wednesday, apart from a question from Judge Ginger Gooch asking how the case differs from a challenge of Arkansas’ gender-affirming-care ban. A federal appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2025/08/12/appeals-court-upholds-arkansas-ban-on-transgender-minors-health-care-after-scotus-ruling/" target="_blank">upheld Arkansas’ ban</a>&nbsp;in August.

The states’ statutes have some differences, Huppert said, and Missouri’s equal protection clause is more extensive than the federal protections relied upon in that case.

Capozzi said the statutes are “almost identical,” also pointing to similarities in Tennessee’s gender-affirming-care restrictions which&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/06/18/u-s-supreme-court-upholds-tennessee-prohibition-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors/" target="_blank">the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in June</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748383294803.png" alt=" The Missouri Supreme Court building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> The Missouri Supreme Court building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Missouri Supreme Court hears an appeal seeking to reverse the state’s gender-affirming care ban Wednesday</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Attorneys representing transgender minors, their loved ones and physicians who provide gender-affirming care say a circuit court judge’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/25/missouri-judge-upholds-state-ban-on-transgender-health-care-for-minors/">decision to uphold</a>&nbsp;the state’s gender-affirming-care restrictions was “permeated by legal and factual errors.”In oral arguments in the Missouri Supreme Court Wednesday morning, Lambda Legal attorney Nora Huppert said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/JUDGMENT.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3366224" target="_blank">November judgment</a>&nbsp;“relies on evidence that was expressly excluded for its truth, and it draws conclusions from testimony that are the opposite of what that testimony says.”&nbsp;For that reason, and others, Huppert argues the decision should be reversed.But the Missouri Attorney General’s office, represented Wednesday by Solicitor General Lou Capozzi, rejects the notion that the law is discriminatory in nature.“Appellants have no evidence for their allegation that this could be only motivated by animus when the state presented a mountain of evidence that it is concerned about the health and safety of children,” he told the judges.The law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/23info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=44407" target="_blank">passed in 2023</a>, bars health care providers from prescribing or administering cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs, or performing gender-transition surgeries, for anyone under 18. Provisions barring gender-affirming hormones and puberty blockers are set to expire on Aug. 28, 2027, though lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/04/missouri-republicans-push-to-make-laws-restricting-transgender-minors-permanent/">have shown intentions to remove the sunset</a>.In his November ruling, Wright County Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter determined that the restrictions weren’t discriminatory and could only be subject to rational basis review. This is the most lenient standard, requiring challengers to prove that there is no basis that the law can stand.The legal standard for reviewing the law is a key part of the case. Statutes that violate Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?constit=y&amp;section=I%20%202" target="_blank">equal protection clause</a>, which says everyone is entitled to “equal rights and opportunity,” are subject to heightened scrutiny.Attorneys from Lambda Legal, a civil rights law firm focused on LGBTQ+ litigation, and the ACLU of Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=11170" target="_blank">argue heightened scrutiny should be applied</a>&nbsp;because the law “classifies based on sex and transgender status.”Evidence — and the quality of it — is also a point of contention.Huppert said Carter’s judgment “adopted largely verbatim” the state’s proposed findings of fact, which was filed at the conclusion of trial and before the court’s transcript was complete. The filings confirm Carter’s findings of fact outright mirror the state’s, adopting the same subheadings and copying paragraphs verbatim.This makes the judgment deeply flawed, appellants’ brief argues, because these findings misconstrued testimony from the trial and refer to exhibits that were not allowed into the court record.During the two-week trial last year, the attorney general’s office employed a tactic of questioning witnesses using articles and studies not accepted into the court record.Capozzi pointed to a section of the judgment which expanded on testimony from medical ethicist Dr. Farr Curlin as proof the two documents were not 100% identical.“The trial court was not just copying and pasting,” he said. “And the implication that the trial court was lazy or didn’t do its job is not proper.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758737034936.png" alt="Judge Craig Carter, a Wright County judge serving in Cole County for Missouri’s gender-affirming care trial, listens to a nurse practitioner testify during the September 2024 trial (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Judge Craig Carter, a Wright County judge serving in Cole County for Missouri’s gender-affirming care trial, listens to a nurse practitioner testify during the September 2024 trial (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Carter’s judgment acknowledges the overwhelming amount of evidence presented during the extensive trial, describing “binders of evidentiary documents that were piled so high on the bench that (his) was at times obscured.”“This was a very lengthy and complex case,” he wrote. “It would be impossible for the court to make factual findings for each witness. The court reporter’s transcript in this case is several thousand pages.”A clear look at the evidence, Huppert argued, would show the law is unconstitutional no matter what level of scrutiny is applied.“The record reflects that the care ban for minors actually harms minors rather than protects them, and for that reason, the law is wholly irrational as well,” she told the judges.Interpreting the evidence in this case is not straightforward. From the beginning, the law’s challengers and the state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/20/lawsuit-seeking-to-block-missouri-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-heads-to-trial/">have not agreed on the factual background of the case</a>&nbsp;and those disagreements continued Wednesday.For example, Capozzi opened his argument by describing the law as “bipartisan,” misconstruing a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/23/missouri-senate-advances-bill-banning-transgender-care-for-minors/">compromise</a>&nbsp;that led Senate Democrats to end a filibuster. But no Democrats in either the House or Senate voted in favor of the legislation.The state’s argument also rejects claims that gender-affirming hormone therapy and puberty blockers treat gender dysphoria, a condition describing distress that occurs when someone’s sex as assigned at birth misaligns with their gender identity.In the trial, experts largely spoke about the effectiveness of treatments as it relates to adolescents. But part of the challenged law bans the state’s Medicaid program from covering gender-affirming care for minors and adults.Carter upheld the Medicaid restrictions, saying challengers “failed to develop any argument specifically tailored to challenging the Medicaid provision.”Huppert said that argument was “throughout” filings. Appellants included Medicaid ban as part of “the act” in filings, challengers’ brief said, but the state claims the argument wasn’t explicit.Judges had almost no questions during the arguments Wednesday, apart from a question from Judge Ginger Gooch asking how the case differs from a challenge of Arkansas’ gender-affirming-care ban. A federal appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://arkansasadvocate.com/2025/08/12/appeals-court-upholds-arkansas-ban-on-transgender-minors-health-care-after-scotus-ruling/" target="_blank">upheld Arkansas’ ban</a>&nbsp;in August.The states’ statutes have some differences, Huppert said, and Missouri’s equal protection clause is more extensive than the federal protections relied upon in that case.Capozzi said the statutes are “almost identical,” also pointing to similarities in Tennessee’s gender-affirming-care restrictions which&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/06/18/u-s-supreme-court-upholds-tennessee-prohibition-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors/" target="_blank">the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in June</a>.

Ruling upholding Missouri transgender care ban had ‘factual errors,’ attorneys argue

RILEY COUNTY–&nbsp;Law enforcement in Manhattan have made two arrests this week after a lengthy investigation into multiple vehicle burglaries during the last two months.

Just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested Jessup McClelland, 25, of Manhattan, in the 1100 block of Freemont Avenue in Manhattan. He is being held o a $12,000 bond on requested charges that include three counts of criminal use of a financial card.&nbsp;&nbsp;McClelland has previous convictions for burglary, obstruction and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Just after 12:30p.m. Monday,&nbsp; police arrested Adyson Westgate, 19, of Wamego in the 1800 block of Hayes Drive. He was jailed on two counts of criminal use of a financial card and one count of burglary to a vehicle. 

Westgate met the requirement of a $10,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

The RCPD thanked the community for sharing camera footage that assisted in this ongoing investigation and encourage anyone who may have been a victim of vehicle burglaries and has not yet reported it, to contact the RCPD at (785) 537-2112.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758726089427.png" alt="McClelland photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>McClelland photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY–&nbsp;Law enforcement in Manhattan have made two arrests this week after a lengthy investigation into multiple vehicle burglaries during the last two months.Just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested Jessup McClelland, 25, of Manhattan, in the 1100 block of Freemont Avenue in Manhattan. He is being held o a $12,000 bond on requested charges that include three counts of criminal use of a financial card.&nbsp;&nbsp;McClelland has previous convictions for burglary, obstruction and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Just after 12:30p.m. Monday,&nbsp; police arrested Adyson Westgate, 19, of Wamego in the 1800 block of Hayes Drive. He was jailed on two counts of criminal use of a financial card and one count of burglary to a vehicle. Westgate met the requirement of a $10,000 bond and is no longer in custody.The RCPD thanked the community for sharing camera footage that assisted in this ongoing investigation and encourage anyone who may have been a victim of vehicle burglaries and has not yet reported it, to contact the RCPD at (785) 537-2112.

Security camera image helped catch Kan. burglary suspects

Officials said the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and no ICE personnel were among the victims. FBI Director Kash Patel said an anti-ICE message was found on an unspent shell casing.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/uriel-j-garcia/">Uriel J. García</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/colleen-deguzman/">Colleen DeGuzman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/nicholas-gutteridge/">Nicholas Gutteridge</a> <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/">Texas Tribune</a>

A shooter killed one person and injured two others at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday morning, Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said at a news conference.

The shooter, whose identity has not been released by authorities, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

Police didn’t provide any other details about the victims but emphasized they didn’t include any law enforcement officers. Still, R. Joseph Rothrock, the special agent in charge of the Dallas office, said that ammunition found near the shooter’s body “contain messages that are anti-ICE in nature.”

“I'm not going to be identifying victims at this time,” Rothrock said. “The only thing I will confirm at this time is, no law enforcement was injured.”

Law enforcement officials at the news conference provided few additional details, but urged the public to tone down the political rhetoric toward immigration officers.

“This needs to stop. Violence is wrong. Politically motivated violence is wrong,” Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said at the news conference. “We should not be putting language out there that inspires madmen.”

FBI Director Kash Patel shared a photo on social media depicting “five unspent shell casings” on the ground, with “ANTI ICE” written on one of them.

Patel, who has been criticized for releasing incorrect information about the assassination of conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk, said that even though the Dallas shooting is still under investigation, the “initial review of the evidence shows an idealogical motive behind this attack.”

In a<a href="https://x.com/DallasPD/status/1970842592418914725">&nbsp;statement</a>, the Dallas Police Department said the preliminary investigation “determined that a suspect opened fire at a government building from an adjacent building.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a<a href="https://x.com/sec_noem/status/1970837092742664662?s=46&amp;t=ht96GmWRAfUT8sq2SWwBMA">&nbsp;post on X</a>&nbsp;that the motive is unclear.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs in the Department of Homeland Security, told Fox News that the victims included detainees. She added that no federal agents were shot.

Vice President JD Vance said on X that “the obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop.”

Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X that the shooting “will NOT slow our arrest, detention, &amp; deportation of illegal immigrants. We will work with ICE &amp; the Dallas Police Dept. to get to the bottom of the assassin’s motive. We will offer ICE additional support to assist their operations.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also weighed in on X, saying: “We will continue to do everything in our power to combat the alarming increase of targeted attacks against ICE and all law enforcement by evil, twisted individuals.”

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called the incident “horrific,” and said his office is making sure that “all resources are brought to bear in the investigation.”

House Speaker Dustin Burrows echoed that sentiment.

The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors.&nbsp;<a href="https://mediakit.texastribune.org/">Become one</a>.

“All acts of violence and intimidation simply cannot be tolerated within our society, whether it be against law enforcement personnel, political figures, or innocent individuals,” he wrote on X. “I am grateful to the law enforcement officers who quickly responded to the shooting in Dallas this morning and continue to work to ensure the safety of everyone at the ICE field office.”

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, posted on X: "My team and I are closely monitoring the situation at the ICE Detention Facility in Dallas. We are praying for the swift recovery of those injured, and we are deeply grateful to the brave first responders who rushed to the scene."

Officials said the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and no ICE personnel were among the victims. FBI Director Kash Patel said an anti-ICE message was found on an unspent shell casing.By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/uriel-j-garcia/">Uriel J. García</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/colleen-deguzman/">Colleen DeGuzman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/nicholas-gutteridge/">Nicholas Gutteridge</a> <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/">Texas Tribune</a><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This morning just before 7am local time, an individual fired multiple rounds at a Dallas, Texas ICE facility, killing one, wounding several others, before taking his own life. FBI, DHS, ATF are on the ground with Dallas PD and state authorities. While the investigation is… <a href="https://t.co/SMOyxiKLqA">pic.twitter.com/SMOyxiKLqA</a>&mdash; FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1970877754221498599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A shooter killed one person and injured two others at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday morning, Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said at a news conference.The shooter, whose identity has not been released by authorities, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.Police didn’t provide any other details about the victims but emphasized they didn’t include any law enforcement officers. Still, R. Joseph Rothrock, the special agent in charge of the Dallas office, said that ammunition found near the shooter’s body “contain messages that are anti-ICE in nature.”“I'm not going to be identifying victims at this time,” Rothrock said. “The only thing I will confirm at this time is, no law enforcement was injured.”Law enforcement officials at the news conference provided few additional details, but urged the public to tone down the political rhetoric toward immigration officers.“This needs to stop. Violence is wrong. Politically motivated violence is wrong,” Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said at the news conference. “We should not be putting language out there that inspires madmen.”FBI Director Kash Patel shared a photo on social media depicting “five unspent shell casings” on the ground, with “ANTI ICE” written on one of them.Patel, who has been criticized for releasing incorrect information about the assassination of conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk, said that even though the Dallas shooting is still under investigation, the “initial review of the evidence shows an idealogical motive behind this attack.”In a<a href="https://x.com/DallasPD/status/1970842592418914725">&nbsp;statement</a>, the Dallas Police Department said the preliminary investigation “determined that a suspect opened fire at a government building from an adjacent building.”Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a<a href="https://x.com/sec_noem/status/1970837092742664662?s=46&amp;t=ht96GmWRAfUT8sq2SWwBMA">&nbsp;post on X</a>&nbsp;that the motive is unclear.Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs in the Department of Homeland Security, told Fox News that the victims included detainees. She added that no federal agents were shot.Vice President JD Vance said on X that “the obsessive attack on law enforcement, particularly ICE, must stop.”Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X that the shooting “will NOT slow our arrest, detention, &amp; deportation of illegal immigrants. We will work with ICE &amp; the Dallas Police Dept. to get to the bottom of the assassin’s motive. We will offer ICE additional support to assist their operations.”Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also weighed in on X, saying: “We will continue to do everything in our power to combat the alarming increase of targeted attacks against ICE and all law enforcement by evil, twisted individuals.”U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called the incident “horrific,” and said his office is making sure that “all resources are brought to bear in the investigation.”House Speaker Dustin Burrows echoed that sentiment.The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors.&nbsp;<a href="https://mediakit.texastribune.org/">Become one</a>.“All acts of violence and intimidation simply cannot be tolerated within our society, whether it be against law enforcement personnel, political figures, or innocent individuals,” he wrote on X. “I am grateful to the law enforcement officers who quickly responded to the shooting in Dallas this morning and continue to work to ensure the safety of everyone at the ICE field office.”U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, posted on X: "My team and I are closely monitoring the situation at the ICE Detention Facility in Dallas. We are praying for the swift recovery of those injured, and we are deeply grateful to the brave first responders who rushed to the scene."

FBI: At least two dead after shooting at ICE facility

TOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Snap Inc., the parent company of social media platform Snapchat, accusing the app’s creators of harming teenagers.

He said the company designed the social media platform “with manipulative features that prey on the mental health of our children.” He said Snapchat has been marketed as safe for teens.

He added:&nbsp;“They have prioritized profit over safety, and our lawsuit holds them accountable for the devastating harm caused to Kansas families.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=24644&amp;t=638942182987324433" target="_blank">40-page lawsuit</a>, filed in Washington County on Kansas’ northern border, contains redactions and compiles information from internal Snap reports, news interviews and content from the app to build its case.

It alleges Snap violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. Those violations are based on the app’s age rating in app stores, around 12 years old and up, and app store disclaimers citing infrequent or mild profanity, mature and suggestive themes, sexual content, nudity and substance use or references.

“In reality, content in all of those categories appears frequently and is intense on Snapchat,” the lawsuit reads.

The lawsuit references the death of a teenage boy from Shawnee, who died in 2021of fentanyl poisoning after reportedly purchasing from a drug dealer on Snapchat.

“Numerous young people, including young people in Washington County, Kansas, have been exposed to drug dealers on Snapchat offering illicit or regulated drugs for sale,” the lawsuit said. “Such content on Snapchat includes posts featuring lists of drugs and prices.”

That was the only mention of Washington County residents, of whom there are around 5,500, in the lawsuit.&nbsp;

A Snap spokesperson said in a statement that the safety of users is a top priority. The company didn’t directly address the lawsuit but said it has incorporated privacy and safety features into the app since its inception.

“Unfortunately, the reality is this — there is no single safety feature or policy that can eliminate every potential threat online or in the world around us,” the statement said. “This is why we continually adapt our strategies to fight against bad actors, who change their tactics to exploit online platforms for their nefarious ends, and this will remain a crucial part of our efforts to help keep Snapchatters safe.”

For the past three years, the company has commissioned research into the experiences of Gen Z teens and young adults from six countries, including the United States, on online platforms.

The 2024 surveys asked more than 9,000 people — around 3,000 teens, 3,000 young adults ages 18-24 and 3,000 parents of teenage children — about online risks, digital wellbeing, defense against online threats and sextortion.

The survey found that online risk was at a three-year high for Gen Z users in 2024. Misinformation, hate speech and bullying, sexual risks, threats of violence, impersonation, extremist content and self-harm were all perceived as more prevalent than in previous years.

Of the Gen Z teens and young adults surveyed, 80% reported experiencing some online risk, a two percentage point increase from 2023. Forty-seven percent of Gen Z respondents said they had some interaction with intimate or sexual imagery.

Of those, 39% received such imagery, 35% were asked for imagery of themselves and 17% shared or distributed content depicting someone else.

Joseph Sciarrotta, the attorney general’s chief deputy who was hired last month, said the office investigated Snap, finding its features “are intentionally designed to exploit the vulnerabilities of young minds.”

“From Snapstreaks that create immense social pressure to an infinite scroll that eliminates natural stopping points, the platform is a digital trap for children,” Sciarrotta said. “This action alleges that the company made deceptive and misleading claims about safety and parental controls that have contributed to an unacceptable mental health crisis among our youth.”

The lawsuit asks for a judge to find Snap in violation of state law, prohibit the company from continuing the violations and force Snap to pay fines, fees and court costs. The attorney general’s office enlisted Washington, D.C.-based firm Cooper and Kirk to help argue its case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758745585926.png" alt="Snapchat logo" />
 <figcaption>Snapchat logo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Snap Inc., the parent company of social media platform Snapchat, accusing the app’s creators of harming teenagers.He said the company designed the social media platform “with manipulative features that prey on the mental health of our children.” He said Snapchat has been marketed as safe for teens.“We allege it is not,” Kobach said.He added:&nbsp;“They have prioritized profit over safety, and our lawsuit holds them accountable for the devastating harm caused to Kansas families.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showdocument?id=24644&amp;t=638942182987324433" target="_blank">40-page lawsuit</a>, filed in Washington County on Kansas’ northern border, contains redactions and compiles information from internal Snap reports, news interviews and content from the app to build its case.It alleges Snap violated the Kansas Consumer Protection Act. Those violations are based on the app’s age rating in app stores, around 12 years old and up, and app store disclaimers citing infrequent or mild profanity, mature and suggestive themes, sexual content, nudity and substance use or references.“In reality, content in all of those categories appears frequently and is intense on Snapchat,” the lawsuit reads.The lawsuit references the death of a teenage boy from Shawnee, who died in 2021of fentanyl poisoning after reportedly purchasing from a drug dealer on Snapchat.“Numerous young people, including young people in Washington County, Kansas, have been exposed to drug dealers on Snapchat offering illicit or regulated drugs for sale,” the lawsuit said. “Such content on Snapchat includes posts featuring lists of drugs and prices.”That was the only mention of Washington County residents, of whom there are around 5,500, in the lawsuit.&nbsp;A Snap spokesperson said in a statement that the safety of users is a top priority. The company didn’t directly address the lawsuit but said it has incorporated privacy and safety features into the app since its inception.“Unfortunately, the reality is this — there is no single safety feature or policy that can eliminate every potential threat online or in the world around us,” the statement said. “This is why we continually adapt our strategies to fight against bad actors, who change their tactics to exploit online platforms for their nefarious ends, and this will remain a crucial part of our efforts to help keep Snapchatters safe.”For the past three years, the company has commissioned research into the experiences of Gen Z teens and young adults from six countries, including the United States, on online platforms.The 2024 surveys asked more than 9,000 people — around 3,000 teens, 3,000 young adults ages 18-24 and 3,000 parents of teenage children — about online risks, digital wellbeing, defense against online threats and sextortion.The survey found that online risk was at a three-year high for Gen Z users in 2024. Misinformation, hate speech and bullying, sexual risks, threats of violence, impersonation, extremist content and self-harm were all perceived as more prevalent than in previous years.Of the Gen Z teens and young adults surveyed, 80% reported experiencing some online risk, a two percentage point increase from 2023. Forty-seven percent of Gen Z respondents said they had some interaction with intimate or sexual imagery.Of those, 39% received such imagery, 35% were asked for imagery of themselves and 17% shared or distributed content depicting someone else.Joseph Sciarrotta, the attorney general’s chief deputy who was hired last month, said the office investigated Snap, finding its features “are intentionally designed to exploit the vulnerabilities of young minds.”“From Snapstreaks that create immense social pressure to an infinite scroll that eliminates natural stopping points, the platform is a digital trap for children,” Sciarrotta said. “This action alleges that the company made deceptive and misleading claims about safety and parental controls that have contributed to an unacceptable mental health crisis among our youth.”The lawsuit asks for a judge to find Snap in violation of state law, prohibit the company from continuing the violations and force Snap to pay fines, fees and court costs. The attorney general’s office enlisted Washington, D.C.-based firm Cooper and Kirk to help argue its case.

Kan. sues social media app Snapchat for harming teenagers’ mental health

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are searching for suspects who committed bank crimes in Salina.

On Monday, employees from Solomon State Bank, 605 E. Magnolia in Salina, reported that unknown suspect(s) gained access to their ATM and removed the hard drive from it, according to a statement from Salina Police.

The suspect(s) allegedly stole the hard drive valued at $1,500 for the purpose of attempting to download malware onto it for "jackpotting" attacks, which would force&nbsp;the machine to dispense large amounts of cash.

Before the crime, there was a report on Sunday, September 21st about a&nbsp;black Honda Fit&nbsp;that was in the area of the 600 block of E. Magnolia. A witness stated there were&nbsp;two men, wearing masks&nbsp;and taking pictures of the area.

Later that same day, another report stated there were 'several people messing with an ATM' at the Bank of the Plains on the 1900 block of S. Ohio. Afterwards, these suspects drove to Exchange Bank, 1720 S. Ohio Street.

Police have not reported exactly what the suspects committed at Exchange Bank.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758722708367.png" alt="The drive through at Solomon State bank in Salina -Google image" />
 <figcaption>The drive through at Solomon State bank in Salina -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are searching for suspects who committed bank crimes in Salina.On Monday, employees from Solomon State Bank, 605 E. Magnolia in Salina, reported that unknown suspect(s) gained access to their ATM and removed the hard drive from it, according to a statement from Salina Police.The suspect(s) allegedly stole the hard drive valued at $1,500 for the purpose of attempting to download malware onto it for "jackpotting" attacks, which would force&nbsp;the machine to dispense large amounts of cash.Before the crime, there was a report on Sunday, September 21st about a&nbsp;black Honda Fit&nbsp;that was in the area of the 600 block of E. Magnolia. A witness stated there were&nbsp;two men, wearing masks&nbsp;and taking pictures of the area.Later that same day, another report stated there were 'several people messing with an ATM' at the Bank of the Plains on the 1900 block of S. Ohio. Afterwards, these suspects drove to Exchange Bank, 1720 S. Ohio Street.Police have not reported exactly what the suspects committed at Exchange Bank.