ST.&nbsp;LOUIS– Approximately 3,200 highly-skilled IAM Union members at Boeing facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill. voted on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025 to reject a modified four-year labor agreement with Boeing, according to a media release from the union.

This vote follows members’<a href="https://www.goiam.org/news/iam-district-837-members-in-st-louis-vote-to-reject-boeing-defense-contract/">&nbsp;overwhelming rejection</a>&nbsp;of Boeing’s earlier proposal on Sunday, July 27. A strike will begin at midnight on Monday, Aug 4.

“IAM District 837 members have spoken loud and clear, they deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defense,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with these working families as they fight for fairness and respect on the job.”

“Our union is built on democracy, and our members have every right to demand a contract worthy of their contributions,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;IAM International President Brian Bryant.&nbsp;“We will be there on the picket lines, ensuring Boeing hears the collective power of working people.”

“IAM District 837 members build the aircraft and defense systems that keep our country safe,”&nbsp;said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “They deserve nothing less than a contract that keeps their families secure and recognizes their unmatched expertise.”

“Solidarity is our strength. This vote shows that when workers stand together, they can push back against corporate greed and fight for a better future for themselves and their families,”&nbsp;said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett.&nbsp;“We are proud to back our members every step of the way.”

IAM Members assemble and maintain advanced aircraft and weapons systems, including the F-15, F/A-18, and cutting-edge missile and defense technologies. Their work plays a vital role in safeguarding national security and supporting U.S. and allied defense operations.

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

ST.&nbsp;LOUIS– Approximately 3,200 highly-skilled IAM Union members at Boeing facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill. voted on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025 to reject a modified four-year labor agreement with Boeing, according to a media release from the union.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 STRIKE ALERT: 3,200 highly-skilled IAM Union members at Boeing went on strike at midnight because enough is enough. This is about respect and dignity, not empty promises. <a href="https://t.co/2mRlPkmOMm">https://t.co/2mRlPkmOMm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnionStrong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnionStrong</a>&mdash; IAM Union (@IAM_Union) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAM_Union/status/1952244162931155295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This vote follows members’<a href="https://www.goiam.org/news/iam-district-837-members-in-st-louis-vote-to-reject-boeing-defense-contract/">&nbsp;overwhelming rejection</a>&nbsp;of Boeing’s earlier proposal on Sunday, July 27. A strike will begin at midnight on Monday, Aug 4.“IAM District 837 members have spoken loud and clear, they deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defense,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with these working families as they fight for fairness and respect on the job.”“Our union is built on democracy, and our members have every right to demand a contract worthy of their contributions,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;IAM International President Brian Bryant.&nbsp;“We will be there on the picket lines, ensuring Boeing hears the collective power of working people.”“IAM District 837 members build the aircraft and defense systems that keep our country safe,”&nbsp;said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “They deserve nothing less than a contract that keeps their families secure and recognizes their unmatched expertise.”“Solidarity is our strength. This vote shows that when workers stand together, they can push back against corporate greed and fight for a better future for themselves and their families,”&nbsp;said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett.&nbsp;“We are proud to back our members every step of the way.”IAM Members assemble and maintain advanced aircraft and weapons systems, including the F-15, F/A-18, and cutting-edge missile and defense technologies. Their work plays a vital role in safeguarding national security and supporting U.S. and allied defense operations.The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

Boeing workers who build fighter jets go on strike

KANSAS CITY — A Kansas City woman has been found a guilty of embezzlement, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

“We are proud of last week’s conviction, which is exactly the kind of justice our community deserves,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “In this case, the defendant abused their position of trust to steal from their employer. We will never tolerate these kinds of crimes and pursuing anyone who preys on businesses, whether from the outside or within, remains one of our top priorities.”

During a jury trial,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2690/JUDGMENT---State-v-Kristen-Cannon_FINAL">Kristen Cannon was convicted</a>&nbsp;of one count of Stealing - $750 or more. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 23. Cannon faces up to seven years in prison.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2689/Kristen-Cannon-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Cannon was employed at a business between the dates of May 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023, and had access to business finances. The business owner told detectives that the defendant had used the business card for more than $18,000 in personal expenses not related to the business.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY — A Kansas City woman has been found a guilty of embezzlement, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.“We are proud of last week’s conviction, which is exactly the kind of justice our community deserves,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “In this case, the defendant abused their position of trust to steal from their employer. We will never tolerate these kinds of crimes and pursuing anyone who preys on businesses, whether from the outside or within, remains one of our top priorities.”During a jury trial,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2690/JUDGMENT---State-v-Kristen-Cannon_FINAL">Kristen Cannon was convicted</a>&nbsp;of one count of Stealing - $750 or more. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 23. Cannon faces up to seven years in prison.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753806938329.png" alt="Court record from the Jackson Co. Prosecutor's office" />
 <figcaption>Court record from the Jackson Co. Prosecutor's office</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2689/Kristen-Cannon-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Cannon was employed at a business between the dates of May 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023, and had access to business finances. The business owner told detectives that the defendant had used the business card for more than $18,000 in personal expenses not related to the business.&nbsp;

Embezzlement: KC woman paid her taxes with company credit card

While the crypto machines can be used for legitimate reasons, they’ve become favored by scammers.

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/khardy/">Kevin Hardy</a>

They may resemble other ATMs, but officials are increasingly warning about the potential for fraud with the expanding fleet of cryptocurrency ATMs popping up across the country.

The National Consumers League says the largely unregulated machines have become&nbsp;<a href="https://nclnet.org/ncl-supports-new-legislation-to-combat-crypto-atm-fraud/" target="_blank">favored by scammers</a>&nbsp;for their anonymity and irreversibility — once a user transfers or deposits funds, that money is essentially gone.

While officials say the machines can be used for legitimate purposes, red and blue states are increasingly imposing new regulations to protect consumers: AARP says 11 states have recently passed new laws or regulations of the machines.

“In state after state, AARP found lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and local law enforcement eager to work on commonsense rules that balance innovation and consumer safety,” Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer, said in a news release.

Last year, the FBI reported nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf" target="_blank">11,000 complaints</a>&nbsp;of cryptocurrency ATM fraud. Those cases disproportionately affected older Americans and cost victims $246.7 million.

<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/cryptocurrency" target="_blank">Cryptocurrencies</a>&nbsp;are digital assets, including bitcoin, that offer an alternative payment or method without control of a central bank or government like other currencies.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/investigation-fraud-and-risk/cryptocurrency-atms/" target="_blank">Crypto ATMs</a>, sometimes called crypto kiosks, allow users to insert cash or use debit cards to convert currencies such as U.S. dollars into cryptocurrencies.

The Federal Trade Commission says crypto ATM scams&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money" target="_blank">often start&nbsp;</a>with a call or text message warning of a supposed problem, such as unauthorized bank charges or suspicious activity on an Amazon account.

The FTC says consumers should contact banks or other institutions directly about any account issues. And it warns consumers not to believe anyone who says they must use a crypto ATM to address a financial problem.

“Real businesses and government agencies will never do that — anyone who does is a scammer,” the agency said.

After signing a bill with new regulations, Nebraska Republican Gov. Jim Pillen was clear that the state would continue to welcome cryptocurrency businesses as it aims to become a hub for the industry.

The Nebraska law requires ATM operators to acquire state licensure, warn customers of the potential for criminal exploitation and take “reasonable steps to detect and prevent fraud.” The law also limits transactions to $2,000 per day for new customers and $10,500 for existing customers, and requires operators to issue refunds for properly reported fraudulent transactions.

At least&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/financial-services/cryptocurrency-digital-or-virtual-currency-and-digital-assets-2025-legislation" target="_blank">40 states</a>&nbsp;have introduced legislation regarding cryptocurrency, digital or virtual currencies and other digital assets in the 2025 legislative session, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Those measures include ATM regulations, prohibiting the use of digital currencies by governments and allowing state investment in digital assets.

Federal lawmakers are also taking action on the issue. The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives declared the week of July 14&nbsp;<a href="https://financialservices.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410793" target="_blank">“Crypto Week,”</a>&nbsp;when lawmakers considered several pieces of legislation.

At the end of that week, President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-signs-genius-act-crypto-bill/" target="_blank">signed</a>&nbsp;into law the GENIUS Act, the first major law governing digital currency. It establishes a regulatory framework for the industry.

Trump hopes the bill will instill confidence in the industry that spent heavily to strengthen its legitimacy and political might, The Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-stablecoins-congress-cryptocurrency-94fa3c85e32ec6fd5a55576cf46e58ea" target="_blank">reported</a>.

“This signing is a massive validation of your hard work and your pioneering spirit,” the president told crypto executives.

In state legislatures, new bills regulating crypto ATMS have enjoyed bipartisan support. AARP tracking shows new bills have been approved in Arkansas, Iowa and Oklahoma, as well as in more liberal states such as Maryland and Vermont.

In May, Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs&nbsp;<a href="https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2025/05/governor-katie-hobbs-legislative-action-update-2" target="_blank">signed</a>&nbsp;Republican-sponsored&nbsp;<a href="https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/1r/bills/hb2387h.htm" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that sets daily transaction limits and mandates crypto ATM operators provide customers certain disclosures and warnings.

The legislation followed local news coverage of at least<a href="https://www.azfamily.com/2025/02/07/new-warning-after-arizonans-lose-millions-bitcoin-atm-scams/" target="_blank">&nbsp;two dozen crypto scams</a>, including one that cost an Arizonan $28,000.

Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753716326941.png" alt="Image courtesy Bitcoin Depot" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Bitcoin Depot</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>While the crypto machines can be used for legitimate reasons, they’ve become favored by scammers.</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/khardy/">Kevin Hardy</a>They may resemble other ATMs, but officials are increasingly warning about the potential for fraud with the expanding fleet of cryptocurrency ATMs popping up across the country.The National Consumers League says the largely unregulated machines have become&nbsp;<a href="https://nclnet.org/ncl-supports-new-legislation-to-combat-crypto-atm-fraud/" target="_blank">favored by scammers</a>&nbsp;for their anonymity and irreversibility — once a user transfers or deposits funds, that money is essentially gone.While officials say the machines can be used for legitimate purposes, red and blue states are increasingly imposing new regulations to protect consumers: AARP says 11 states have recently passed new laws or regulations of the machines.“In state after state, AARP found lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and local law enforcement eager to work on commonsense rules that balance innovation and consumer safety,” Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer, said in a news release.Last year, the FBI reported nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf" target="_blank">11,000 complaints</a>&nbsp;of cryptocurrency ATM fraud. Those cases disproportionately affected older Americans and cost victims $246.7 million.<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/cryptocurrency" target="_blank">Cryptocurrencies</a>&nbsp;are digital assets, including bitcoin, that offer an alternative payment or method without control of a central bank or government like other currencies.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/investigation-fraud-and-risk/cryptocurrency-atms/" target="_blank">Crypto ATMs</a>, sometimes called crypto kiosks, allow users to insert cash or use debit cards to convert currencies such as U.S. dollars into cryptocurrencies.The Federal Trade Commission says crypto ATM scams&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money" target="_blank">often start&nbsp;</a>with a call or text message warning of a supposed problem, such as unauthorized bank charges or suspicious activity on an Amazon account.The FTC says consumers should contact banks or other institutions directly about any account issues. And it warns consumers not to believe anyone who says they must use a crypto ATM to address a financial problem.“Real businesses and government agencies will never do that — anyone who does is a scammer,” the agency said.After signing a bill with new regulations, Nebraska Republican Gov. Jim Pillen was clear that the state would continue to welcome cryptocurrency businesses as it aims to become a hub for the industry.The Nebraska law requires ATM operators to acquire state licensure, warn customers of the potential for criminal exploitation and take “reasonable steps to detect and prevent fraud.” The law also limits transactions to $2,000 per day for new customers and $10,500 for existing customers, and requires operators to issue refunds for properly reported fraudulent transactions.At least&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/financial-services/cryptocurrency-digital-or-virtual-currency-and-digital-assets-2025-legislation" target="_blank">40 states</a>&nbsp;have introduced legislation regarding cryptocurrency, digital or virtual currencies and other digital assets in the 2025 legislative session, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Those measures include ATM regulations, prohibiting the use of digital currencies by governments and allowing state investment in digital assets.Federal lawmakers are also taking action on the issue. The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives declared the week of July 14&nbsp;<a href="https://financialservices.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410793" target="_blank">“Crypto Week,”</a>&nbsp;when lawmakers considered several pieces of legislation.At the end of that week, President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-signs-genius-act-crypto-bill/" target="_blank">signed</a>&nbsp;into law the GENIUS Act, the first major law governing digital currency. It establishes a regulatory framework for the industry.Trump hopes the bill will instill confidence in the industry that spent heavily to strengthen its legitimacy and political might, The Associated Press&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-stablecoins-congress-cryptocurrency-94fa3c85e32ec6fd5a55576cf46e58ea" target="_blank">reported</a>.“This signing is a massive validation of your hard work and your pioneering spirit,” the president told crypto executives.In state legislatures, new bills regulating crypto ATMS have enjoyed bipartisan support. AARP tracking shows new bills have been approved in Arkansas, Iowa and Oklahoma, as well as in more liberal states such as Maryland and Vermont.In May, Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs&nbsp;<a href="https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2025/05/governor-katie-hobbs-legislative-action-update-2" target="_blank">signed</a>&nbsp;Republican-sponsored&nbsp;<a href="https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/1r/bills/hb2387h.htm" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that sets daily transaction limits and mandates crypto ATM operators provide customers certain disclosures and warnings.The legislation followed local news coverage of at least<a href="https://www.azfamily.com/2025/02/07/new-warning-after-arizonans-lose-millions-bitcoin-atm-scams/" target="_blank">&nbsp;two dozen crypto scams</a>, including one that cost an Arizonan $28,000.Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>.

Citing potential for fraud, blue and red states pass new crypto ATM laws

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 — Problems linger in a Kansas federal prison holding immigrant detainees, even after altering some practices that a coalition of lawyers, civil rights groups and advocates revealed were harmful to those inside.

The Federal Correction Institution at Leavenworth is one of two places in Kansas where Immigration and Customs Enforcement can detain people long term, and the coalition wrote to the prison warden in June about&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/06/immigrants-detained-in-leavenworth-federal-prison-live-in-squalor-without-sunlight-letters-claim/">unsanitary, inequitable and unhealthy conditions</a>.&nbsp;

Warden Crystal Carter wrote in a June 20 response letter that the prison had eliminated medical fees, added law library resources that ICE failed to provide, implemented new recreation hours and expanded Spanish-language communications.

But concerns about lockdowns and adequate phone call time remain, said Kyle Virgien, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Prison Project.

“We see a lot of problems across ICE’s detention network,” Virgien said. “Detention is difficult. It rips people from their communities. It isolates them from their families. This is a constant.”

Virgien began speaking with people inside Leavenworth in April and continues to monitor conditions.

The coalition wrote in a pair of letters in May that detained immigrants faced unsanitary and crowded living quarters, extended lockdowns, delayed and costly medical treatment, restricted contact with their families, and no access to religious services.

Some had attempted suicide, the letter said.

Carter, the warden, said things have changed.

After reviewing its procedures, the prison eliminated a $2 fee that people in ICE custody were charged for certain health visits. Staff were told to stop those charges and reverse all previous ones. To boost access for medical services, the prison created request slips written in Spanish for ICE detainees, Carter said. However, it is unclear how quickly officials respond to Spanish medical requests.&nbsp;

Carter said capacity concerns did not exist at the time of writing, and, according to the coalition, people inside have said what once were crowded cells have become less so.&nbsp;

According to July data from ICE, estimating average daily populations from the past year, about 35 people are held daily in Leavenworth for immigration reasons. Most pose little to no threat, according to ICE threat level classifications. On average, around 21 people were associated with criminal cases, and 12 were not. All are male and stay an average of 25 days.

During those 25 days, people in ICE custody now are afforded at least one hour of outdoor recreation time daily and a maximum of 300 minutes of phone calls per month, with no call lasting longer than 15 minutes.

People in ICE custody at Leavenworth are subject to the rules and policies of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which oversees operations. Some of the rules and policies are a departure from typical conditions in ICE detention facilities, Virgien said.

He has heard stories of mistreatment from guards and retaliatory lockdowns that punish many for the actions of few, he said. Lockdowns mean people are in cells for 23 hours a day and must “pack all of their life tasks into that one hour outside the cell,” Virgien said, which can include recreation, showers, legal research, religious practices and phone calls.

Carter said one instance of a lockdown has occurred in Leavenworth’s ICE detention unit for 72 hours, and another more than eight hours.

“Except for the limited and infrequent instances, all ICE detainees have time outside of their cell each day and have access to exercise, the electronic law library and phone systems,” Carter said.

The people ICE detains in Leavenworth are imprisoned alongside people awaiting criminal trials or serving criminal sentences.

Benjamin O’Cone, a spokesman for the bureau, said in an emailed statement that it’s the mission of the bureau and Leavenworth to “operate facilities that are safe, secure and humane.”

“We take seriously our duty to protect the individuals entrusted in our custody, as well as maintaining the safety of our employees and the community,” O’Cone said. “Humane treatment of the men and women in our custody is a top priority.”

ICE did not respond to a request for comment. ICE also has not responded to the coalition’s letter, according to ACLU of Kansas spokeswoman Esmie Tseng.

Virgien said the coalition is glad the prison addressed some of the issues they raised, but concerns remain.

“Many of the people at the facility have already won their immigration cases, and ICE is still detaining them,” Virgien said.

The coalition believes ICE should release people as soon as their immigration cases are won.

In at least one case, an immigration judge determined a man could not return to his country of origin without risking torture. Others include people who have spoken out against authoritarian governments in their countries of origin or fled persecution. Some have young children. Many have come from Chicago, and a small number from Kentucky, Virgien said.

When asked about the possibility of pursuing legal action, Virgien said, “all options are on the table.”

Now, with major Congressional budget increases for ICE, Virgien fears problems will only multiply.

Congress approved more than $175 billion for ICE in its most recent budget bill, making it what the Brennan Center for Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/budget-bill-massively-increases-funding-immigration-detention" target="_blank">classified</a>&nbsp;as the largest federal law enforcement agency. The funds expand ICE’s ability to bring people into custody while capping the number of immigration judges in the country.

Also in Leavenworth, private prison company CoreCivic is battling the city government to reopen a shuttered prison to use as its Midwest Regional Reception Center, which would detain as many as 1,000 people. A judge<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/17/judge-again-blocks-corecivic-from-opening-leavenworth-prison-as-court-skirmishes-continue/">&nbsp;temporarily blocked</a>&nbsp;the company in July from housing people at its facility until the matter is worked out in court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754061661114.png" alt=" Leavenworth Federal Correctional Institution, pictured here in 2023, is the subject of criticism from civil rights groups and immigration attorneys who say conditions for immigrants inside are inhumane. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Leavenworth Federal Correctional Institution, pictured here in 2023, is the subject of criticism from civil rights groups and immigration attorneys who say conditions for immigrants inside are inhumane. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</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 — Problems linger in a Kansas federal prison holding immigrant detainees, even after altering some practices that a coalition of lawyers, civil rights groups and advocates revealed were harmful to those inside.The Federal Correction Institution at Leavenworth is one of two places in Kansas where Immigration and Customs Enforcement can detain people long term, and the coalition wrote to the prison warden in June about&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/06/immigrants-detained-in-leavenworth-federal-prison-live-in-squalor-without-sunlight-letters-claim/">unsanitary, inequitable and unhealthy conditions</a>.&nbsp;Warden Crystal Carter wrote in a June 20 response letter that the prison had eliminated medical fees, added law library resources that ICE failed to provide, implemented new recreation hours and expanded Spanish-language communications.But concerns about lockdowns and adequate phone call time remain, said Kyle Virgien, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Prison Project.“We see a lot of problems across ICE’s detention network,” Virgien said. “Detention is difficult. It rips people from their communities. It isolates them from their families. This is a constant.”Virgien began speaking with people inside Leavenworth in April and continues to monitor conditions.What he heard was troubling, he said.The coalition wrote in a pair of letters in May that detained immigrants faced unsanitary and crowded living quarters, extended lockdowns, delayed and costly medical treatment, restricted contact with their families, and no access to religious services.Some had attempted suicide, the letter said.Carter, the warden, said things have changed.After reviewing its procedures, the prison eliminated a $2 fee that people in ICE custody were charged for certain health visits. Staff were told to stop those charges and reverse all previous ones. To boost access for medical services, the prison created request slips written in Spanish for ICE detainees, Carter said. However, it is unclear how quickly officials respond to Spanish medical requests.&nbsp;Carter said capacity concerns did not exist at the time of writing, and, according to the coalition, people inside have said what once were crowded cells have become less so.&nbsp;According to July data from ICE, estimating average daily populations from the past year, about 35 people are held daily in Leavenworth for immigration reasons. Most pose little to no threat, according to ICE threat level classifications. On average, around 21 people were associated with criminal cases, and 12 were not. All are male and stay an average of 25 days.During those 25 days, people in ICE custody now are afforded at least one hour of outdoor recreation time daily and a maximum of 300 minutes of phone calls per month, with no call lasting longer than 15 minutes.People in ICE custody at Leavenworth are subject to the rules and policies of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which oversees operations. Some of the rules and policies are a departure from typical conditions in ICE detention facilities, Virgien said.He has heard stories of mistreatment from guards and retaliatory lockdowns that punish many for the actions of few, he said. Lockdowns mean people are in cells for 23 hours a day and must “pack all of their life tasks into that one hour outside the cell,” Virgien said, which can include recreation, showers, legal research, religious practices and phone calls.Carter said one instance of a lockdown has occurred in Leavenworth’s ICE detention unit for 72 hours, and another more than eight hours.“Except for the limited and infrequent instances, all ICE detainees have time outside of their cell each day and have access to exercise, the electronic law library and phone systems,” Carter said.The people ICE detains in Leavenworth are imprisoned alongside people awaiting criminal trials or serving criminal sentences.Benjamin O’Cone, a spokesman for the bureau, said in an emailed statement that it’s the mission of the bureau and Leavenworth to “operate facilities that are safe, secure and humane.”“We take seriously our duty to protect the individuals entrusted in our custody, as well as maintaining the safety of our employees and the community,” O’Cone said. “Humane treatment of the men and women in our custody is a top priority.”ICE did not respond to a request for comment. ICE also has not responded to the coalition’s letter, according to ACLU of Kansas spokeswoman Esmie Tseng.Virgien said the coalition is glad the prison addressed some of the issues they raised, but concerns remain.“Many of the people at the facility have already won their immigration cases, and ICE is still detaining them,” Virgien said.The coalition believes ICE should release people as soon as their immigration cases are won.In at least one case, an immigration judge determined a man could not return to his country of origin without risking torture. Others include people who have spoken out against authoritarian governments in their countries of origin or fled persecution. Some have young children. Many have come from Chicago, and a small number from Kentucky, Virgien said.When asked about the possibility of pursuing legal action, Virgien said, “all options are on the table.”Now, with major Congressional budget increases for ICE, Virgien fears problems will only multiply.Congress approved more than $175 billion for ICE in its most recent budget bill, making it what the Brennan Center for Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/budget-bill-massively-increases-funding-immigration-detention" target="_blank">classified</a>&nbsp;as the largest federal law enforcement agency. The funds expand ICE’s ability to bring people into custody while capping the number of immigration judges in the country.Also in Leavenworth, private prison company CoreCivic is battling the city government to reopen a shuttered prison to use as its Midwest Regional Reception Center, which would detain as many as 1,000 people. A judge<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/17/judge-again-blocks-corecivic-from-opening-leavenworth-prison-as-court-skirmishes-continue/">&nbsp;temporarily blocked</a>&nbsp;the company in July from housing people at its facility until the matter is worked out in court.

Federal Leavenworth prison modifies conditions for migrants after letters reveal squalor

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 49-year-old Robert Benedict.

Just after 4:30p.m. Friday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Benton on a reported shooting, according to Officer Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they were directed to the intersection of 8th and Benton, just to the east. There they located Benedict suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; KCFD personnel responded and medics pronounced him deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide, and a subject of interest was taken into custody pending further investigation.&nbsp;

 Preliminary information revealed there was an altercation between multiple people that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754100469410.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 49-year-old Robert Benedict.Just after 4:30p.m. Friday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Benton on a reported shooting, according to Officer Phil DiMartino.As officers arrived they were directed to the intersection of 8th and Benton, just to the east. There they located Benedict suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; KCFD personnel responded and medics pronounced him deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide, and a subject of interest was taken into custody pending further investigation.&nbsp; Preliminary information revealed there was an altercation between multiple people that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Police ID victim in KC shooting, suspect taken into custody

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

As officers arrived they were directed to the intersection of 8th and Benton, just to the east. There they located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; KCFD personnel responded and medics pronounced the victim deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide, and a subject of interest was taken into custody pending further investigation.&nbsp;

 Preliminary information revealed there was an altercation between multiple people that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck. Police have not released the name of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754100469410.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 4:30p.m. Friday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Benton on a reported shooting, according to Officer Phil DiMartino.As officers arrived they were directed to the intersection of 8th and Benton, just to the east. There they located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds.&nbsp; KCFD personnel responded and medics pronounced the victim deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide, and a subject of interest was taken into custody pending further investigation.&nbsp; Preliminary information revealed there was an altercation between multiple people that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck. Police have not released the name of the victim.

KCPD: Person of interest in custody after fatal shooting

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754090217869.png" alt=" Erika McEntarfer from her official government portrait" />
 <figcaption> Erika McEntarfer from her official government portrait</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I have been raising concerns for the past year about inaccurate job numbers put out by Dr. Erika McEntarfer. Her cooked-up numbers have misled the American people for too long. Glad President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> is going to clean this up. <a href="https://t.co/cmfcC1w5J3">https://t.co/cmfcC1w5J3</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1951353610295709938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 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 the former Biden-appointed Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics: &quot;You have to have HONEST reports.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/r15Vpiq7kr">pic.twitter.com/r15Vpiq7kr</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1951390584230613146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Legacy media’s wrong on why the BLS chief was fired. It’s not ‘bad numbers’—it’s incompetence. She inflated job numbers by 800K pre-election, then missed by 250K last two months. How can the Fed make sound decisions with such flawed data? Trump was right to act.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1951651037770887487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kan. U.S. Senator glad Trump removed official overseeing jobs data

KANSAS CITY—A man is facing charges for a shooting that took place in south Kansas City neighborhood of Waldo the last week of July.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2698/Bridgewater-Complaint_Redacted">Ivory J. Bridgewater</a>&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Assault and Armed Criminal Action, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson. If convicted, he could face life in prison.&nbsp;

On July 28, a<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2699/Bridgewater-REDACT-PC">ccording to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 7400 block of Wornall Road on a shooting and found the victim with apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. As of Friday afternoon he was listed in critical but stable condition, with six gunshot wounds to his back.&nbsp;

Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the incident, which showed the victim, identified in court records and the boyfriend of Bridgwater's former longtime girlfriend, standing outside a vehicle when a blue Tesla pulled into the parking lot and stopped in front of the vehicle the victim was standing next to. 

The Tesla stays parked there for a few minutes and then the victim turns to walk away from the vehicle. Bridgwater exited the Tesla and began firing shots at the victim and then fled the scene. &nbsp;

Bridgewater was arrested in Tukwila, Washington by the Tukwila Police Department Thursday night and is being transported back to Jackson County, where he will be held without bond.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—A man is facing charges for a shooting that took place in south Kansas City neighborhood of Waldo the last week of July.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2698/Bridgewater-Complaint_Redacted">Ivory J. Bridgewater</a>&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Assault and Armed Criminal Action, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson. If convicted, he could face life in prison.&nbsp;On July 28, a<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2699/Bridgewater-REDACT-PC">ccording to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 7400 block of Wornall Road on a shooting and found the victim with apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. As of Friday afternoon he was listed in critical but stable condition, with six gunshot wounds to his back.&nbsp;Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the incident, which showed the victim, identified in court records and the boyfriend of Bridgwater's former longtime girlfriend, standing outside a vehicle when a blue Tesla pulled into the parking lot and stopped in front of the vehicle the victim was standing next to. The Tesla stays parked there for a few minutes and then the victim turns to walk away from the vehicle. Bridgwater exited the Tesla and began firing shots at the victim and then fled the scene. &nbsp;Bridgewater was arrested in Tukwila, Washington by the Tukwila Police Department Thursday night and is being transported back to Jackson County, where he will be held without bond.&nbsp;

KC suspect who shot ex-girlfriend's boyfriend captured near Seattle

Democrats could lose one of the two seats they currently hold in the eight-member U.S. House delegation. They vow to do what they can to derail a redistricting plan

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

Momentum is building for a special session of the Missouri Legislature to redraw the state’s eight congressional districts with the aim of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">gaining a seat for Republicans</a>.

Democrats will fight it, but a united Republican majority with more than two-thirds of the seats in both chambers can force it through if they wish.

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin,&nbsp;<a href="https://post.futurimedia.com/kssz/playlist/40/listen-15530.html?cb=1754062642.475917" target="_blank">speaking Friday on KSSZ-93.9</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, said it is “likely” that lawmakers will be called in. She was in Jefferson City for discussions about a special session, but she had seen no map proposals and was unsure on the timing.

She first heard that President Donald Trump was urging Republicans to redistrict the state from discussion of social media posts by Republican members of Congress, O’Laughlin said.

“Lots of things run downhill,” O’Laughlin said. “So I thought, ‘well, this will be ending up in our neighborhood here before long.’ And it has.”

Gov. Mike Kehoe would need to convene a special session. His office did not respond to an email inquiry asking for comment on Friday.

In a little more than a week, the idea of redrawing Missouri’s congressional district lines has gained enough momentum to seem inevitable, House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said in an interview with The Independent.

Republican members are “gung-ho,” she said, while Democrats are looking for ways to derail it. The chances of that are slim, she added.

“I’m kind of just waiting, I suppose, but I fully expect it to happen,” Aune said. “Everyone I’ve talked to, especially on my side of the aisle, expects to go down and get steamrolled on the issue during a special session.”

Missouri has eight seats in the U.S. House, six held by Republicans and two held by Democrats — the same total and partisan division it has had since a seat was lost after the 2010 census. Of the eight members, only U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, a St. Louis County Republican, has won with less than 60% support in the two elections since the maps were redrawn to reflect the 2020 census.

Wagner represents the 2nd District, which has portions of St. Louis, St. Charles and adjacent counties.

The target for Republicans is the 5th District, held since 2005 by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat. He won his two most recent elections with 61% in 2022 and 60% last year. The two adjacent districts, the 4th and the 6th, are held by Republican U.S. Reps. Mark Alford and Sam Graves, who each received more than 70% of the vote for the past two elections.

A major hurdle for any special session on redistricting is that it will have a purely partisan intent, to gain an advantage for the Republican Party. This year saw a major break between Republicans and Democrats in the state Senate when&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/16/missouri-senate-bitterness-halts-action-as-lawmakers-prepare-for-final-day-of-chaotic-session/">partisan priorities were slammed through</a>&nbsp;with a motion, rarely used in the upper chamber, to shut off debate.

The previous question, or PQ, was invoked to overturn the voter-passed initiative providing minimum standards for paid sick leave at most businesses and to send voters a constitutional amendment repealing the abortion rights measure approved in November.

It would almost certainly have to be used again to bring a redistricting bill to a vote because, otherwise, Democrats could use the rules that put no limit on how long a member can hold the floor to block it.

After the Senate adjourned at the regular session, Democrats vowed to punish Republicans by clogging up the chamber so little work can be accomplished as a way to prevent a repetition. State Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, forced Republicans to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/29/bipartisan-resistance-building-against-missouri-governors-stadium-funding-plan/">bring 17 senators from their homes</a>&nbsp;in late May for what was supposed to be a largely ceremonial day of final paperwork from the session.

A truce of sorts prevailed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/05/missouri-governor-allows-more-spending-property-tax-cap-as-he-pursues-stadium-deal/">in the Senate during a special session</a>&nbsp;in June that approved stadium financing for professional sports teams and aid to storm victims in St. Louis.&nbsp;

A redistricting special session would&nbsp;

&nbsp;“The point is to discourage future PQs and get us back on track to functioning and working together,” Webber said. “The more times that the process is abused, probably the stronger the correction has to be, which would mean that, for a larger correction, you need more consequence, more intervention.”

Some Republicans aren’t enthusiastic about redistricting now. The only time Missouri lawmakers have revised maps between census-determined allocations was in the 1960s following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that districts must be nearly equal in population.

State Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, in 2022 was an enthusiastic supporter of drawing a map that made it likely Republicans would win seven of the state’s seats. He’s not sure he wants to vote for a bill to do that now.

“I started thinking about, what if the tables were turned and the Democrats had the majority?” Moon said. “If we’re honest with ourselves, I would say that we would not want the tables turned the other way. And you won’t get many people to say that publicly.”

The other danger, House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins of Bowling Green said, is that voters the GOP takes for granted may not be so firm.

“I don’t know that a 7-1 map ever existed,” Perkins said. “I think a 7-1 map is easily a 5-3 map in a year that doesn’t go the way that conservatives want it to go.”

State Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance, said that is not something that worries him. Schroer, the leader of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, said he wants to change district lines on the eastern side of the state as well, to put all of St. Charles County into the 2nd District with portions of St. Louis County.&nbsp;

But cutting off discussion won’t make next year worse, he said.

“It’s politics. You’re going to have fighting no matter what. You’re going to have some strange moments,” Schroer said. “But look, the use of the PQ is not a new thing. I mean, it comes and goes. It’s like a roller coaster.”

Texas lawmakers are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/30/texas-redistricting-congressional-maps-house-republicans/" target="_blank">in special session</a>&nbsp;looking at redrawing districts in that state to give Republicans an additional five seats. Democratic governors in California, Illinois and New Jersey have suggested they would do the same in response.

If Missouri Democrats are upset about a new redistricting plan at home, they should also be saying Democratic states shouldn’t do it, either, Perkins said.

“To someone on the left, your fury and outrage needs to be directed equally to Illinois and California for doing the same thing,” Perkins said

Vice President J.D. Vance, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JDVance/status/1950581570173354396?t=H6fvVOFmopQtBgn5mkcROw&amp;s=03" target="_blank">social media post</a>, attacked the way California is currently drawn.

“The gerrymander in California is outrageous. Of their 52 congressional districts, 9 of them are Republican. That means 17 percent of their delegation is Republican when Republicans regularly win 40 percent of the vote in that state,” Vance wrote. “How can this possibly be allowed?”

In the November election, no&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionResultsStatistics/2024GeneralElection.pdf" target="_blank">Democrat running statewide</a>&nbsp;received less than 37.9% of the vote, and Democrats hold 25% of the U.S. House seats, which would fall to 12.5% if the 5th District became Republican.

Vance’s criticism of California could be applied to Missouri, Perkins said.

“Do I think that it’s ethical to be the same across the board, to have your opinion applied the same to all things?,” he said. “Yeah, I think it probably is right.”

With Republicans holding a slim majority in the U.S. House, Republicans at the state level have a responsibility to their voters to do what they can to shore it up, Schroer said.

“It’d be a disservice to them to not revisit this issue to see if we can make the manual cleaver spot a competitive seat,” Schroer said.

O’Laughlin, in the radio interview, said she understands the criticism from Democrats.

“The biggest concern that people have, first of all, is that the Senate doesn’t like to do something out of the ordinary like that, because it’s viewed as just not listening to the other side, not working with other people,” O’Laughlin said. “And I understand why they would feel that way.”

But with Democratic states preparing to redistrict, she said, Republicans need to rally to protect the Trump presidency and what they view as its achievements.

If Kehoe issues the call, Democrats intend to paint him as Trump’s puppet.

“I don’t think anybody that I’m aware of was talking about redrawing maps in the middle of the census until Trump started pushing it,” Webber said.

In a video&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MoDemParty/status/1951026985099997331?t=HFtPO45CC7JjSZJmOXqZAA&amp;s=19" target="_blank">shared on social media</a>&nbsp;by the Missouri Democratic Party, Webber bluntly assessed the push for redistricting as a distraction from the biggest issue plaguing the president right now, the demands from his supporters to release files on child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

“This entire thing is to make sure there (are) not investigations into the Epstein files,” Webber said. “Because if you’re a pedophile that raped kids on Epstein island, the biggest winner of this would be those people.”

Aune, who said Moon’s comments give her a small hope Republicans will resist Trump’s demands, said Kehoe’s actions will show who he is.

“Who needs a governor,” Aune said, “and even who needs a Republican super-majority legislature, when we have daddy Trump in the White House pulling the strings?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754135953415.png" alt="Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin, R-Shelbina, shown walking into the governor's State of the State address in January 2024. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin, R-Shelbina, shown walking into the governor's State of the State address in January 2024. (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Democrats could lose one of the two seats they currently hold in the eight-member U.S. House delegation. They vow to do what they can to derail a redistricting plan</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Momentum is building for a special session of the Missouri Legislature to redraw the state’s eight congressional districts with the aim of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">gaining a seat for Republicans</a>.Democrats will fight it, but a united Republican majority with more than two-thirds of the seats in both chambers can force it through if they wish.Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin,&nbsp;<a href="https://post.futurimedia.com/kssz/playlist/40/listen-15530.html?cb=1754062642.475917" target="_blank">speaking Friday on KSSZ-93.9</a>&nbsp;in Columbia, said it is “likely” that lawmakers will be called in. She was in Jefferson City for discussions about a special session, but she had seen no map proposals and was unsure on the timing.She first heard that President Donald Trump was urging Republicans to redistrict the state from discussion of social media posts by Republican members of Congress, O’Laughlin said.“Lots of things run downhill,” O’Laughlin said. “So I thought, ‘well, this will be ending up in our neighborhood here before long.’ And it has.”Gov. Mike Kehoe would need to convene a special session. His office did not respond to an email inquiry asking for comment on Friday.In a little more than a week, the idea of redrawing Missouri’s congressional district lines has gained enough momentum to seem inevitable, House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said in an interview with The Independent.Republican members are “gung-ho,” she said, while Democrats are looking for ways to derail it. The chances of that are slim, she added.“I’m kind of just waiting, I suppose, but I fully expect it to happen,” Aune said. “Everyone I’ve talked to, especially on my side of the aisle, expects to go down and get steamrolled on the issue during a special session.”Missouri has eight seats in the U.S. House, six held by Republicans and two held by Democrats — the same total and partisan division it has had since a seat was lost after the 2010 census. Of the eight members, only U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, a St. Louis County Republican, has won with less than 60% support in the two elections since the maps were redrawn to reflect the 2020 census.Wagner represents the 2nd District, which has portions of St. Louis, St. Charles and adjacent counties.The target for Republicans is the 5th District, held since 2005 by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat. He won his two most recent elections with 61% in 2022 and 60% last year. The two adjacent districts, the 4th and the 6th, are held by Republican U.S. Reps. Mark Alford and Sam Graves, who each received more than 70% of the vote for the past two elections.A major hurdle for any special session on redistricting is that it will have a purely partisan intent, to gain an advantage for the Republican Party. This year saw a major break between Republicans and Democrats in the state Senate when&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/16/missouri-senate-bitterness-halts-action-as-lawmakers-prepare-for-final-day-of-chaotic-session/">partisan priorities were slammed through</a>&nbsp;with a motion, rarely used in the upper chamber, to shut off debate.The previous question, or PQ, was invoked to overturn the voter-passed initiative providing minimum standards for paid sick leave at most businesses and to send voters a constitutional amendment repealing the abortion rights measure approved in November.It would almost certainly have to be used again to bring a redistricting bill to a vote because, otherwise, Democrats could use the rules that put no limit on how long a member can hold the floor to block it.After the Senate adjourned at the regular session, Democrats vowed to punish Republicans by clogging up the chamber so little work can be accomplished as a way to prevent a repetition. State Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, forced Republicans to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/29/bipartisan-resistance-building-against-missouri-governors-stadium-funding-plan/">bring 17 senators from their homes</a>&nbsp;in late May for what was supposed to be a largely ceremonial day of final paperwork from the session.A truce of sorts prevailed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/05/missouri-governor-allows-more-spending-property-tax-cap-as-he-pursues-stadium-deal/">in the Senate during a special session</a>&nbsp;in June that approved stadium financing for professional sports teams and aid to storm victims in St. Louis.&nbsp;A redistricting special session would&nbsp;&nbsp;“The point is to discourage future PQs and get us back on track to functioning and working together,” Webber said. “The more times that the process is abused, probably the stronger the correction has to be, which would mean that, for a larger correction, you need more consequence, more intervention.”Some Republicans aren’t enthusiastic about redistricting now. The only time Missouri lawmakers have revised maps between census-determined allocations was in the 1960s following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that districts must be nearly equal in population.State Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, in 2022 was an enthusiastic supporter of drawing a map that made it likely Republicans would win seven of the state’s seats. He’s not sure he wants to vote for a bill to do that now.“I started thinking about, what if the tables were turned and the Democrats had the majority?” Moon said. “If we’re honest with ourselves, I would say that we would not want the tables turned the other way. And you won’t get many people to say that publicly.”The other danger, House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins of Bowling Green said, is that voters the GOP takes for granted may not be so firm.“I don’t know that a 7-1 map ever existed,” Perkins said. “I think a 7-1 map is easily a 5-3 map in a year that doesn’t go the way that conservatives want it to go.”State Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance, said that is not something that worries him. Schroer, the leader of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, said he wants to change district lines on the eastern side of the state as well, to put all of St. Charles County into the 2nd District with portions of St. Louis County.&nbsp;But cutting off discussion won’t make next year worse, he said.“It’s politics. You’re going to have fighting no matter what. You’re going to have some strange moments,” Schroer said. “But look, the use of the PQ is not a new thing. I mean, it comes and goes. It’s like a roller coaster.”Texas lawmakers are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/30/texas-redistricting-congressional-maps-house-republicans/" target="_blank">in special session</a>&nbsp;looking at redrawing districts in that state to give Republicans an additional five seats. Democratic governors in California, Illinois and New Jersey have suggested they would do the same in response.If Missouri Democrats are upset about a new redistricting plan at home, they should also be saying Democratic states shouldn’t do it, either, Perkins said.“To someone on the left, your fury and outrage needs to be directed equally to Illinois and California for doing the same thing,” Perkins saidVice President J.D. Vance, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JDVance/status/1950581570173354396?t=H6fvVOFmopQtBgn5mkcROw&amp;s=03" target="_blank">social media post</a>, attacked the way California is currently drawn.“The gerrymander in California is outrageous. Of their 52 congressional districts, 9 of them are Republican. That means 17 percent of their delegation is Republican when Republicans regularly win 40 percent of the vote in that state,” Vance wrote. “How can this possibly be allowed?”In the November election, no&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/ElectionResultsStatistics/2024GeneralElection.pdf" target="_blank">Democrat running statewide</a>&nbsp;received less than 37.9% of the vote, and Democrats hold 25% of the U.S. House seats, which would fall to 12.5% if the 5th District became Republican.Vance’s criticism of California could be applied to Missouri, Perkins said.“Do I think that it’s ethical to be the same across the board, to have your opinion applied the same to all things?,” he said. “Yeah, I think it probably is right.”With Republicans holding a slim majority in the U.S. House, Republicans at the state level have a responsibility to their voters to do what they can to shore it up, Schroer said.“It’d be a disservice to them to not revisit this issue to see if we can make the manual cleaver spot a competitive seat,” Schroer said.O’Laughlin, in the radio interview, said she understands the criticism from Democrats.“The biggest concern that people have, first of all, is that the Senate doesn’t like to do something out of the ordinary like that, because it’s viewed as just not listening to the other side, not working with other people,” O’Laughlin said. “And I understand why they would feel that way.”But with Democratic states preparing to redistrict, she said, Republicans need to rally to protect the Trump presidency and what they view as its achievements.If Kehoe issues the call, Democrats intend to paint him as Trump’s puppet.“I don’t think anybody that I’m aware of was talking about redrawing maps in the middle of the census until Trump started pushing it,” Webber said.In a video&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MoDemParty/status/1951026985099997331?t=HFtPO45CC7JjSZJmOXqZAA&amp;s=19" target="_blank">shared on social media</a>&nbsp;by the Missouri Democratic Party, Webber bluntly assessed the push for redistricting as a distraction from the biggest issue plaguing the president right now, the demands from his supporters to release files on child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.“This entire thing is to make sure there (are) not investigations into the Epstein files,” Webber said. “Because if you’re a pedophile that raped kids on Epstein island, the biggest winner of this would be those people.”Aune, who said Moon’s comments give her a small hope Republicans will resist Trump’s demands, said Kehoe’s actions will show who he is.“Who needs a governor,” Aune said, “and even who needs a Republican super-majority legislature, when we have daddy Trump in the White House pulling the strings?”

Missouri Senate leader says special session is ‘likely’ to redraw congressional map 

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The hatches opened between the <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Dragon and the space station at 3:46am ET today and the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crew11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crew11</a> quartet joined the Exp 73 crew. <a href="https://t.co/YkICXIdLU0">https://t.co/YkICXIdLU0</a> <a href="https://t.co/NfAgJrnWfD">pic.twitter.com/NfAgJrnWfD</a>&mdash; International Space Station (@Space_Station) <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1951566896987316614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After the members of Crew-11 enter the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>, the full station crew takes part in a welcome ceremony, marking the beginning of Crew-11’s mission aboard the orbital outpost. <a href="https://t.co/PL6AIpw32E">pic.twitter.com/PL6AIpw32E</a>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1951577761446821915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

SpaceX: 4 astronauts arrive at the International Space Station 

GEARY COUNTY—In July, Kansas Game Wardens partnered with Kansas State Park Rangers, Public Lands officers and the Geary County Sheriff’s Office to coordinate a special enforcement selective at Milford Reservoir during an annual, unpermitted, and very large pre-planned event on the water, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens.

Officers stopped 74 vessels throughout the day. They issued 28 charges, 2 warnings and made or assisted with 7 arrests. 

10 Insufficient safety equipment (PFD, fire extinguisher, navigation lights)

6 Boating Under the Influence of Alcohol, Drugs, or both

2 Interference with Law Enforcement1 PBT refusal

1 Operate above no wake speed in a no wake zone

"To those who do everything correctly, every time they are on the water, we thank you."

"We want everyone to be safe while they enjoy their time on Kansas lakes and rivers. Let this be some encouragement to make sure you have all required safety equipment before you hit the water, to care for the safety of your occupants as well as those around you, and to never operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. All charges are currently pending."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754079345596.png" alt="Photo KDWP Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photo KDWP Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—In July, Kansas Game Wardens partnered with Kansas State Park Rangers, Public Lands officers and the Geary County Sheriff’s Office to coordinate a special enforcement selective at Milford Reservoir during an annual, unpermitted, and very large pre-planned event on the water, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens.Officers stopped 74 vessels throughout the day. They issued 28 charges, 2 warnings and made or assisted with 7 arrests. The violations they addressed:10 Insufficient safety equipment (PFD, fire extinguisher, navigation lights)6 Boating Under the Influence of Alcohol, Drugs, or both3 Negligent operation3 Expired or missing vessel registration2 Over capacity2 Interference with Law Enforcement1 PBT refusal1 Operate above no wake speed in a no wake zone1 Minor in consumption1 Criminal restraint"To those who do everything correctly, every time they are on the water, we thank you.""We want everyone to be safe while they enjoy their time on Kansas lakes and rivers. Let this be some encouragement to make sure you have all required safety equipment before you hit the water, to care for the safety of your occupants as well as those around you, and to never operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. All charges are currently pending."

KDWP: Multiple arrests at a large, unpermitted event on Kansas lake

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on repositioning two U.S. nuclear subs: &quot;We had to do that... A threat was made and we didn&#39;t think it was appropriate, so I have to be very careful — I do that on the basis of safety for our people.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/UkMrEFHcph">https://t.co/UkMrEFHcph</a> <a href="https://t.co/IXluSTn294">pic.twitter.com/IXluSTn294</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1951391089174466687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 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/eaTA9I4msW">pic.twitter.com/eaTA9I4msW</a>&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1951327810884178375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

President Trump warns Russia, repositions nuclear submarines

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced Friday that it will begin an orderly wind-down of its operations following the passage of a federal rescissions package and the release of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) appropriations bill, which excludes funding for CPB for the first time in more than five decades, according to a statement on the organization's web site.

The organization distributed funds to National Public Radio stations and PBS television stations nationwide.

"For nearly 60 years, CPB has carried out its Congressional mission to build and sustain a trusted public media system that informs, educates, and serves communities across the country. Through partnerships with local stations and producers, CPB has supported educational content, locally relevant journalism, emergency communications, cultural programming, and essential services for Americans in every community."

“Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations,” said CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. “CPB remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities and supporting our partners through this transition with transparency and care.”

CPB informed its employees Friday that the majority of staff positions will conclude with the close of the fiscal year on September 30, 2025. A small transition team will remain through January 2026 to ensure a responsible and orderly closeout of operations. This team will focus on compliance, final distributions, and resolution of long-term financial obligations, including ensuring continuity for music rights and royalties that remain essential to the public media system.

“Public media has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life, providing educational opportunity, emergency alerts, civil discourse, and cultural connection to every corner of the country,” Harrison said. “We are deeply grateful to our partners across the system for their resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving the American people.”

CPB’s Board of Directors and management are working closely to address the legal, financial, and operational requirements of the closure. CPB will provide regular updates and guidance to stations and producers navigating the profound challenges ahead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754071502049.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced Friday that it will begin an orderly wind-down of its operations following the passage of a federal rescissions package and the release of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) appropriations bill, which excludes funding for CPB for the first time in more than five decades, according to a statement on the organization's web site.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754071475812.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The organization distributed funds to National Public Radio stations and PBS television stations nationwide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752606245570.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"For nearly 60 years, CPB has carried out its Congressional mission to build and sustain a trusted public media system that informs, educates, and serves communities across the country. Through partnerships with local stations and producers, CPB has supported educational content, locally relevant journalism, emergency communications, cultural programming, and essential services for Americans in every community."“Despite the extraordinary efforts of millions of Americans who called, wrote, and petitioned Congress to preserve federal funding for CPB, we now face the difficult reality of closing our operations,” said CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. “CPB remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities and supporting our partners through this transition with transparency and care.”CPB informed its employees Friday that the majority of staff positions will conclude with the close of the fiscal year on September 30, 2025. A small transition team will remain through January 2026 to ensure a responsible and orderly closeout of operations. This team will focus on compliance, final distributions, and resolution of long-term financial obligations, including ensuring continuity for music rights and royalties that remain essential to the public media system.“Public media has been one of the most trusted institutions in American life, providing educational opportunity, emergency alerts, civil discourse, and cultural connection to every corner of the country,” Harrison said. “We are deeply grateful to our partners across the system for their resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving the American people.”CPB’s Board of Directors and management are working closely to address the legal, financial, and operational requirements of the closure. CPB will provide regular updates and guidance to stations and producers navigating the profound challenges ahead.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting, funder of NPR and PBS, to close 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754067765162.png" alt="Image of the astronauts during the launch from NASA video" />
 <figcaption>Image of the astronauts during the launch from NASA video</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">…And off they go! Crew-11 lifted off from <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAKennedy</a> at 11:43am ET (1543 UTC), headed towards the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>. <a href="https://t.co/VmRfLrIOXC">pic.twitter.com/VmRfLrIOXC</a>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1951308608173437367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Launching tomorrow: L-1. Space has been calling my name ever since I returned from my last mission in 2011. Our crew is ready. Let&#39;s do this! Go Falcon, Go Dragon, Go Crew-11! <a href="https://t.co/f91BPiZ6Lt">pic.twitter.com/f91BPiZ6Lt</a>&mdash; Col. Mike Fincke (@AstroIronMike) <a href="https://twitter.com/AstroIronMike/status/1950605368221983051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥4 Astronauts launch to the space station for 6 month mission

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Missouri woman with illegally obtaining controlled narcotics, according to the United State's Attorney

According to court documents, Brooke Haller, 40, of Kansas City, Missouri, is charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance by deception and subterfuge.

Haller, a nurse, allegedly obtained Percocet and Oxycodone through misrepresentation and fraud.

The defendant made her initial court appearance on July 25, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Angel D. Mitchell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra is prosecuting the case

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Missouri woman with illegally obtaining controlled narcotics, according to the United State's AttorneyAccording to court documents, Brooke Haller, 40, of Kansas City, Missouri, is charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance by deception and subterfuge.Haller, a nurse, allegedly obtained Percocet and Oxycodone through misrepresentation and fraud.The defendant made her initial court appearance on July 25, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Angel D. Mitchell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra is prosecuting the case

Mo. nurse indicted for deceptively obtaining painkillers

Former President Joe Biden said Thursday that “these are dark days” in the United States, as he decries Donald Trump and his administration during a speech at the National Bar Association Convention in Chicago.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/former-president-biden-speaks-at-natl-bar-association-gala/663661">Click here to watch the full speech</a>

Former President Joe Biden said Thursday that “these are dark days” in the United States, as he decries Donald Trump and his administration during a speech at the National Bar Association Convention in Chicago.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fmr. Pres. Biden: “There are moments so stark that they divide all that came before and everything that followed. Moments that force us to confront hard truths about ourselves, our institutions and democracy itself. We are in my view at such a moment in American history.” <a href="https://t.co/SHhij2OGPg">pic.twitter.com/SHhij2OGPg</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1951094158438887817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Biden — randomly shouting — claims President Trump is working to &quot;erase&quot; everything his administration did. Correct. <a href="https://t.co/FLHk4ZWn5T">pic.twitter.com/FLHk4ZWn5T</a>&mdash; RNC Research (@RNCResearch) <a href="https://twitter.com/RNCResearch/status/1951102023853650256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Joe Biden says Trump is trying to “dismantle&quot; the Constitution. “I’m being deadly earnest, man.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/uY5sKjwAUj">pic.twitter.com/uY5sKjwAUj</a>&mdash; Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) <a href="https://twitter.com/WesternLensman/status/1951115836716150982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/former-president-biden-speaks-at-natl-bar-association-gala/663661">Click here to watch the full speech</a>

🎥Former President Biden critical of Trump admin. in new speech

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple possible charges after an incident at a Kansas City area home.

Just after 5a.m. Thursday, the&nbsp;Lake Lotawana, Missouri Police Department was dispatched to the 9500 block of S. Main Entrance Drive regarding an armed disturbance, according to a statement from the Jackson County Sheriff's office.

Upon arrival, officers spoke to an Uber driver who indicated he was called to the residence to pick up a woman and a male inside the residence was armed and would not let her leave.

Officers attempted to contact the residents, but after being unsuccessful, they requested assistance from Jackson County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office. Jackson County Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence, and after announcements from the Emergency Response Team, the suspect surrendered without incident and was taken into custody. The woman was treated by EMS at the scene.

"This serves as a strong reminder of the importance of the ‘see something, say something’ principle,” said Sheriff Forté. “In this instance, we are grateful that the Uber driver was alert and observant, recognizing that something was amiss and promptly contacting law enforcement.

Thanks to their vigilance and the swift response of our team, the suspect was safely taken into custody.”

The name of the suspect is currently being withheld pending possible charges. Lake Lotawana is a city in Jackson County located 35 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754015985106.png" alt="Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple possible charges after an incident at a Kansas City area home.Just after 5a.m. Thursday, the&nbsp;Lake Lotawana, Missouri Police Department was dispatched to the 9500 block of S. Main Entrance Drive regarding an armed disturbance, according to a statement from the Jackson County Sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1754015968340.jpeg" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arrival, officers spoke to an Uber driver who indicated he was called to the residence to pick up a woman and a male inside the residence was armed and would not let her leave.Officers attempted to contact the residents, but after being unsuccessful, they requested assistance from Jackson County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office. Jackson County Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence, and after announcements from the Emergency Response Team, the suspect surrendered without incident and was taken into custody. The woman was treated by EMS at the scene."This serves as a strong reminder of the importance of the ‘see something, say something’ principle,” said Sheriff Forté. “In this instance, we are grateful that the Uber driver was alert and observant, recognizing that something was amiss and promptly contacting law enforcement.Thanks to their vigilance and the swift response of our team, the suspect was safely taken into custody.”The name of the suspect is currently being withheld pending possible charges. Lake Lotawana is a city in Jackson County located 35 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City.

Alert Uber driver's report helps save KC woman from violence

Click below to watch President Trump comment on Chiefs' kicker Harrison Butker.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump: &quot;I&#39;m pleased to announce that we&#39;re officially restoring the Presidential Fitness Test and the Presidential Fitness Award.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/QOE5w6trr0">pic.twitter.com/QOE5w6trr0</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1951019288980013239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 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/buttkicker7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@buttkicker7</a>: &quot;I&#39;m excited to do my part to help make America healthy again — to help our youth be healthy and thrive and grow up and be great citizens of this country, be great family members ... I think you have to be strong in mind, in body, and soul.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xHuUM6f1EA">pic.twitter.com/xHuUM6f1EA</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1951021058695270699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Click below to watch President Trump comment on Chiefs' kicker Harrison Butker.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump to Harrison Butker: You&#39;re a handsome guy, by the way. It&#39;s usually not my thing, but he is a good-looking sucker WTF was that??? <a href="https://t.co/5KnQWXeiVi">pic.twitter.com/5KnQWXeiVi</a>&mdash; Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/1951032656017134072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President&#39;s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Chair Bryson DeChambeau (<a href="https://twitter.com/brysondech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brysondech</a>): &quot;We&#39;ve got a great established council with us that we believe that we can change the fabric of our communities and kid&#39;s livelihoods for the future generations that are to come.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/QofssXo2u0">pic.twitter.com/QofssXo2u0</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1951020039655625186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 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/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a> on the Presidential Fitness Test: &quot;We need to re-instill that spirit of competition and that commitment to nutrition and physical fitness — and I&#39;m so grateful to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> for your leadership in bringing this back for our country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/f0KOxlwsdJ">pic.twitter.com/f0KOxlwsdJ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1951020726292545607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Paul &quot;Triple H&quot; Levesque: &quot;I truly appreciate all that everybody is doing for the health and wellness for the entire country... I look forward to the opportunity to help make our youth healthy—help get them engaged in sports and let them learn what it takes to be successful in… <a href="https://t.co/Nw8vPXb05W">pic.twitter.com/Nw8vPXb05W</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1951020063500144962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 President Trump compliments Chiefs' Butker during  White House event

KANSAS CITY—A driver injured in a crash that occurred July 10 in Kansas City has died.

A Subaru Forrester was northbound on Eastern Avenue and entered the intersection at Blue Ridge Boulevard from a stop sign and struck a southbound Dodge Dakota, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

The impact caused the Dodge to rotate, striking the curb and a metal light pole before overturning.&nbsp;The front seat passenger of the Dodge was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Dodge was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries and was pronounced deceased on Thursday afternoon, according to DiMartino.

The driver and rear seat juvenile passenger of the Subaru were uninjured in the collision.&nbsp; The occupants of the pickup were not wearing seat belts, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the names of the victims.

KANSAS CITY—A driver injured in a crash that occurred July 10 in Kansas City has died.A Subaru Forrester was northbound on Eastern Avenue and entered the intersection at Blue Ridge Boulevard from a stop sign and struck a southbound Dodge Dakota, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.The impact caused the Dodge to rotate, striking the curb and a metal light pole before overturning.&nbsp;The front seat passenger of the Dodge was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Dodge was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries and was pronounced deceased on Thursday afternoon, according to DiMartino.The driver and rear seat juvenile passenger of the Subaru were uninjured in the collision.&nbsp; The occupants of the pickup were not wearing seat belts, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the names of the victims.

Driver dies 3 weeks after pickup, SUV crash in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City woman has been charged in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose that occurred earlier this year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2678/Anderson-Caitlin---Warrant-Packet-redacted">Caitlin L. Anderson</a>, 32,&nbsp;faces one count of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2679/Anderson-Caitlin---Probable-Cause_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence in south Kansas City on Feb. 21 on a medical call. Upon arrival, they located the victim deceased. A later autopsy determined the cause of death was combined fentanyl and ethanol use.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753135686290.png" alt="Anderson Photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Anderson Photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City woman has been charged in connection with a fatal fentanyl overdose that occurred earlier this year.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2678/Anderson-Caitlin---Warrant-Packet-redacted">Caitlin L. Anderson</a>, 32,&nbsp;faces one count of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2679/Anderson-Caitlin---Probable-Cause_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence in south Kansas City on Feb. 21 on a medical call. Upon arrival, they located the victim deceased. A later autopsy determined the cause of death was combined fentanyl and ethanol use.&nbsp;Detectives recovered the victim’s cell phone and text messages between Anderson and the victim discussing drug sales. The victim had purchased fentanyl from Anderson two weeks before his death and overdosed. The victim purchased fentanyl from Anderson again on Feb. 21 and overdosed shortly after their meeting.&nbsp;In a text message to the victim, just two and a half hours before he was declared deceased, Anderson asked him to delete their conversation.&nbsp;During an interview with detectives, Anderson admitted to selling the victim the fentanyl on both occasions.&nbsp; She is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.