State Rep. Cecelie Williams said the messages resurfaced trauma from past abuse as lawmakers voted 138–10 to punish Dean

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The text messages were brief, but state Rep. Cecelie Williams told the Missouri House on Thursday that they carried her backward in time.

She thought she had worked through the feelings of fear, self-doubt and the instinct to shrink and stay quiet. Last year, she publicly shared her history of domestic abuse for the first time, hoping it would give purpose to her pain.

But those feelings came rushing back, she said, when she looked at her phone during a September special legislative session and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-democrat-faces-ethics-inquiry-loses-committee-seats-over-obscene-text/">found messages</a>&nbsp;from Democratic state Rep. Jeremy Dean.

“I live with PTSD from abuse I endured,” Williams said. “And this situation has intensified those triggers for me for more than four months.”

Williams’ speech preceded a 138-10 House vote to sanction Dean for sending her obscene and unwanted text messages, a decision that followed a bipartisan ethics investigation but stopped short of expulsion.

All 10 “no” votes came from Democratic lawmakers.

Williams voted in support of the punishment — which includes removal from committees, mandatory sexual harassment training and a requirement that Dean remain at least 50 feet away from her — but made clear she believed expulsion was warranted.

“We are held to a higher standard, one that should exceed any corporate or private workplace,” Williams said. “Because, let us be honest, at any other job, a message like that would be grounds for immediate termination, no questions asked. We cannot excuse behavior in the Capitol that would never be tolerated anywhere else.”

As Williams spoke, Dean sat silently at his desk. He voted “present” on the ethics report and left the chamber shortly after the vote. Dean has publicly apologized for the messages but told The Independent earlier this month that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/08/bipartisan-missouri-house-ethics-panel-seeks-sanctions-for-obscene-text-sent-by-democrat/">the ethics complaint was politically motivated</a>.

On Sept. 4, while engaged in a sit-in protest on the House floor, Dean sent a text message to Williams, a Republican from Dittmer, while she was participating in a House Elections Committee hearing.

At the time, the committee was taking testimony on a proposal to change how majorities are counted for constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition.

The message included a graphic reference to an oral sex act involving the president and questioned how Republicans could speak while engaged in it. According to the ethics report, Dean was watching a livestream of the hearing and sent a second message after seeing Williams’ reaction.

Williams said a second message arrived roughly 20 minutes after the first, following a colleague’s photo of her phone displaying the original text. That message, she said, read: “Make sure it isn’t blurry.”

Dean told investigators that he recognized the messages were “inappropriate and unprofessional” and said he regretted sending them. He denied any intent to disrupt the legislative process, intimidate Williams or improperly influence her participation in the hearing.

The House Ethics Committee — the only House committee with equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats and a minority-party vice chair — unanimously approved the sanctions.

After the messages became public, Williams said the scrutiny shifted quickly toward her rather than the sender. She was asked what she sent first, whether she provoked the exchange and why she told anyone at all.

“I have heard those questions before,” she told the chamber. “Just in another chapter of my life.”

Earlier in the year, during a freshman orientation, Williams said she spoke openly in a small group about surviving abuse and how it shaped her life. Dean was present, she said, and already knew her story — a fact that made the messages feel more calculated.

Williams rejected the notion that Dean apologized to her, describing an unsigned email she said amounted to little more than: “I’m sorry you were offended.”

“That is not an apology,” she said. “It is deflection.”

The most painful moment, she said, came when her 13-year-old daughter learned about the messages after seeing a newspaper while checking the mail.

“She cried,” Williams said. “Only knowing that something had hurt her mom.”

Williams said she felt embarrassed and ashamed, despite knowing she had done nothing wrong — a reaction she recognized as a coping mechanism shaped by earlier trauma. She began moving through the Capitol differently, she said, more guarded and more cautious.

“I wish this had never happened,” Williams told the House. “But I cannot undo the text that was sent.”

What she could do, she said, was refuse to remain silent.

“Silence may have been my survival once,” Williams said. “But today, my voice is my defense.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769113918663.png" alt="State Rep. Cecelie Williams, R-Dittmer, speaks in 2025 during Missouri House debate (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)" />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Cecelie Williams, R-Dittmer, speaks in 2025 during Missouri House debate (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>State Rep. Cecelie Williams said the messages resurfaced trauma from past abuse as lawmakers voted 138–10 to punish Dean</h2>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The text messages were brief, but state Rep. Cecelie Williams told the Missouri House on Thursday that they carried her backward in time.She thought she had worked through the feelings of fear, self-doubt and the instinct to shrink and stay quiet. Last year, she publicly shared her history of domestic abuse for the first time, hoping it would give purpose to her pain.But those feelings came rushing back, she said, when she looked at her phone during a September special legislative session and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-democrat-faces-ethics-inquiry-loses-committee-seats-over-obscene-text/">found messages</a>&nbsp;from Democratic state Rep. Jeremy Dean.“I live with PTSD from abuse I endured,” Williams said. “And this situation has intensified those triggers for me for more than four months.”Williams’ speech preceded a 138-10 House vote to sanction Dean for sending her obscene and unwanted text messages, a decision that followed a bipartisan ethics investigation but stopped short of expulsion.All 10 “no” votes came from Democratic lawmakers.Williams voted in support of the punishment — which includes removal from committees, mandatory sexual harassment training and a requirement that Dean remain at least 50 feet away from her — but made clear she believed expulsion was warranted.“We are held to a higher standard, one that should exceed any corporate or private workplace,” Williams said. “Because, let us be honest, at any other job, a message like that would be grounds for immediate termination, no questions asked. We cannot excuse behavior in the Capitol that would never be tolerated anywhere else.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769113880895.png" alt="Democratic state Rep. Jeremy Dean, left, listens on Thursday as GOP Rep. Cecelie Williams discusses the obscene text message he sent her, which became the focus of an ethics complaint (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Democratic state Rep. Jeremy Dean, left, listens on Thursday as GOP Rep. Cecelie Williams discusses the obscene text message he sent her, which became the focus of an ethics complaint (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>As Williams spoke, Dean sat silently at his desk. He voted “present” on the ethics report and left the chamber shortly after the vote. Dean has publicly apologized for the messages but told The Independent earlier this month that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/08/bipartisan-missouri-house-ethics-panel-seeks-sanctions-for-obscene-text-sent-by-democrat/">the ethics complaint was politically motivated</a>.On Sept. 4, while engaged in a sit-in protest on the House floor, Dean sent a text message to Williams, a Republican from Dittmer, while she was participating in a House Elections Committee hearing.At the time, the committee was taking testimony on a proposal to change how majorities are counted for constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition.The message included a graphic reference to an oral sex act involving the president and questioned how Republicans could speak while engaged in it. According to the ethics report, Dean was watching a livestream of the hearing and sent a second message after seeing Williams’ reaction.Williams said a second message arrived roughly 20 minutes after the first, following a colleague’s photo of her phone displaying the original text. That message, she said, read: “Make sure it isn’t blurry.”Dean told investigators that he recognized the messages were “inappropriate and unprofessional” and said he regretted sending them. He denied any intent to disrupt the legislative process, intimidate Williams or improperly influence her participation in the hearing.The House Ethics Committee — the only House committee with equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats and a minority-party vice chair — unanimously approved the sanctions.After the messages became public, Williams said the scrutiny shifted quickly toward her rather than the sender. She was asked what she sent first, whether she provoked the exchange and why she told anyone at all.“I have heard those questions before,” she told the chamber. “Just in another chapter of my life.”Earlier in the year, during a freshman orientation, Williams said she spoke openly in a small group about surviving abuse and how it shaped her life. Dean was present, she said, and already knew her story — a fact that made the messages feel more calculated.Williams rejected the notion that Dean apologized to her, describing an unsigned email she said amounted to little more than: “I’m sorry you were offended.”“That is not an apology,” she said. “It is deflection.”The most painful moment, she said, came when her 13-year-old daughter learned about the messages after seeing a newspaper while checking the mail.“She cried,” Williams said. “Only knowing that something had hurt her mom.”Williams said she felt embarrassed and ashamed, despite knowing she had done nothing wrong — a reaction she recognized as a coping mechanism shaped by earlier trauma. She began moving through the Capitol differently, she said, more guarded and more cautious.“I wish this had never happened,” Williams told the House. “But I cannot undo the text that was sent.”What she could do, she said, was refuse to remain silent.“Silence may have been my survival once,” Williams said. “But today, my voice is my defense.”

Missouri House sanctions Democratic Rep. Jeremy Dean over obscene texts to colleague

Topeka&nbsp;– On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. officially filed for re-election in the 2026 midterm elections, according to a statement from his office.

Senator Marshall&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114826039777950636">has received</a>&nbsp;the “full and total endorsement” of President Donald Trump.

“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve Kansas in the Senate,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“And I promise to continue protecting our Kansas values and working with President Trump to restore the American Dream for future generations.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769106396743.png" alt="Last week, President Trump signed Marshall's Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>Last week, President Trump signed Marshall's Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka&nbsp;– On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. officially filed for re-election in the 2026 midterm elections, according to a statement from his office.Senator Marshall&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114826039777950636">has received</a>&nbsp;the “full and total endorsement” of President Donald Trump.“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve Kansas in the Senate,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“And I promise to continue protecting our Kansas values and working with President Trump to restore the American Dream for future generations.”

Senator Roger Marshall files for re-election 

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas City Chiefs attorney told legislators Wednesday that projections show STAR bonds financing the team’s stadium deal will be paid off 10 to 15 years earlier than the expected 30-year term, upping economic benefits for the state.

Korb Maxwell, a Chiefs attorney, told legislators the planned $3 billion domed stadium and mixed-use development in Wyandotte County, and a $300 million Chiefs headquarters and training facility in Johnson County, will add to the state coffers earlier than expected.

He addressed a joint meeting of the Senate and House commerce committees, where legislators put him on the hot seat for an hour as they attempted to clear up “confusion” and answer constituent concerns about the deal.

Most of the questions, couched from different angles, came down to the dollars — how do the economics of the deal work for Kansas, how will Kansans living in the western part of the state benefit and is the estimated $1 billion economic impact realistic?

While many specifics of the plan are still in planning stages, Maxwell said, the STAR bonds — or sales tax and revenue bonds — are projected to pay off early, which will then push the revenue to the state’s treasury years ahead of time.

The Chiefs project will be funded through a 60-40 public-private partnership, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Project-Monitor-2.0-STAR-Bond-Agreement-Execution-Version.pdf" target="_blank">terms posted online</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The state’s 60% of funding will come from a mix of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/" target="_blank">STAR bonds</a>&nbsp;and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund, which is revenue from iLottery and sports betting. STAR bonds also will be repaid with 100% of liquor sales tax collected in the district.

Aside from expected benefits of 20,000 construction jobs and $4 billion in investment during the building phase, Maxwell touted long-term effects.

“This is also about 4,000 permanent careers, hundreds of millions of dollars in annual payroll once the team starts playing,” he said. “It also includes visiting team payroll, broadcaster payroll, concerts, major national events, Republican or Democratic conventions that could be hosted.”

Sen. Kenny Titus, a Wamego Republican, wasn’t convinced about the economic benefits.

“I do appreciate the optimism that this will be one of the first stadiums to pay for itself in new growth, so it will be interesting to watch that play out,” he said, adding that he’d like to know what happens if in 30 years the Chiefs moved again, leaving an empty stadium.

Maxwell answered by explaining the level of investment being made by the team showed their commitment to the stadium project, and also pointed out the team has been at its current location for more than 60 years.

“We absolutely plan to be there for the very long term,” he said.&nbsp;

Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell who chairs the House commerce committee, asked Maxwell about information he hears repeatedly that all emails, contracts and other aspects of the deal would be kept private until 2029.

Maxwell said he didn’t know where that idea came from because his understanding was that Kansas open records and open meetings laws wouldn’t allow that to happen.

However, the reference to a July 1, 2029, deadline comes directly from the 2024 special session law that allows the Kansas Department of Commerce to negotiate a deal to move the Chiefs or the Royals to the state.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2024s/b2023_24/measures/HB2001/" target="_blank">House Bill 2001</a>&nbsp;says negotiations and documentation around sports team deals would not be subject to open records requests and would remain confidential until July 1, 2029.&nbsp;

The intent of the Commerce Department is to maintain transparency, which is why the terms sheet and other documentation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-media-kit/" target="_blank">were made public</a>&nbsp;on the agency’s website when the announcement was made in December, according to Rachel Willis, director of legislative affairs for the Commerce Department.

After the legislative hearing, she affirmed that even though that language is in HB 2001, the agency will only hold back sensitive information for short periods of time, such as maintaining confidentiality that may affect issuing the STAR bonds. Otherwise, transparency on this deal is important, she said.

Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park, questioned the use of other tax incentives programs, such as a Community Improvement District, which would put a special tax on a designated area that would go to pay off the STAR bonds.

“This is the first I’d heard about it, so I am curious to know, do we know where that CID would be, and would it only apply to things that are built after the formation of the district?” she said. “I don’t like CIDs in general, when they include places where people have to shop. We have to get gas. We have to go to the grocery store. I don’t mind economic development incentives when there’s choice involved.”

Maxwell said the CID would be for the development the Chiefs are building and new developments around the stadium. Adding a CID is part of the reason the STAR bonds are projected to pay off more quickly than the 30-year term.

Sawyer Clayton also confirmed with Maxwell that labor used to build the stadium would be primarily union workers.

Legislators peppered Maxwell with questions, including whether work is being done to address needed infrastructure changes in the area where the stadium will be located next to the Kansas Speedway, whether local governments were partnering with the state on the project and how the future looks for economic development around the stadium.

Although Maxwell said many of the items were in early stages and emphasized the Chiefs and Commerce Department are working with local entities, he said the Chiefs are already in discussion with developers interested in being part of the mixed-use development.

“Our phone has been ringing off the hook since the moment that we announced in Kansas on Dec. 22, and we are considering all of those possibilities and looking at, is that right to go in Olathe? Is that right to go in Wyandotte County?” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769097385844.png" alt=" Korb Maxwell, an attorney for the Chiefs, answered questions Wednesday about the deal to move build a domed stadium and team headquarters in Kansas. He told a legislative committee he expects the STAR bonds issued for the project to pay off early, based on projections. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Korb Maxwell, an attorney for the Chiefs, answered questions Wednesday about the deal to move build a domed stadium and team headquarters in Kansas. He told a legislative committee he expects the STAR bonds issued for the project to pay off early, based on projections. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Kansas City Chiefs attorney told legislators Wednesday that projections show STAR bonds financing the team’s stadium deal will be paid off 10 to 15 years earlier than the expected 30-year term, upping economic benefits for the state.Korb Maxwell, a Chiefs attorney, told legislators the planned $3 billion domed stadium and mixed-use development in Wyandotte County, and a $300 million Chiefs headquarters and training facility in Johnson County, will add to the state coffers earlier than expected.He addressed a joint meeting of the Senate and House commerce committees, where legislators put him on the hot seat for an hour as they attempted to clear up “confusion” and answer constituent concerns about the deal.Most of the questions, couched from different angles, came down to the dollars — how do the economics of the deal work for Kansas, how will Kansans living in the western part of the state benefit and is the estimated $1 billion economic impact realistic?While many specifics of the plan are still in planning stages, Maxwell said, the STAR bonds — or sales tax and revenue bonds — are projected to pay off early, which will then push the revenue to the state’s treasury years ahead of time.The Chiefs project will be funded through a 60-40 public-private partnership, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Project-Monitor-2.0-STAR-Bond-Agreement-Execution-Version.pdf" target="_blank">terms posted online</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The state’s 60% of funding will come from a mix of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/" target="_blank">STAR bonds</a>&nbsp;and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund, which is revenue from iLottery and sports betting. STAR bonds also will be repaid with 100% of liquor sales tax collected in the district.Aside from expected benefits of 20,000 construction jobs and $4 billion in investment during the building phase, Maxwell touted long-term effects.“This is also about 4,000 permanent careers, hundreds of millions of dollars in annual payroll once the team starts playing,” he said. “It also includes visiting team payroll, broadcaster payroll, concerts, major national events, Republican or Democratic conventions that could be hosted.”Sen. Kenny Titus, a Wamego Republican, wasn’t convinced about the economic benefits.“I do appreciate the optimism that this will be one of the first stadiums to pay for itself in new growth, so it will be interesting to watch that play out,” he said, adding that he’d like to know what happens if in 30 years the Chiefs moved again, leaving an empty stadium.Maxwell answered by explaining the level of investment being made by the team showed their commitment to the stadium project, and also pointed out the team has been at its current location for more than 60 years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769097338594.png" alt="Sen. Kenny Titus questioned what would happen if the Chiefs moved, leaving an empty stadium behind, during a Wednesday joint meeting of the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development and Senate Commerce committees. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Kenny Titus questioned what would happen if the Chiefs moved, leaving an empty stadium behind, during a Wednesday joint meeting of the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development and Senate Commerce committees. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We absolutely plan to be there for the very long term,” he said.&nbsp;Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell who chairs the House commerce committee, asked Maxwell about information he hears repeatedly that all emails, contracts and other aspects of the deal would be kept private until 2029.Maxwell said he didn’t know where that idea came from because his understanding was that Kansas open records and open meetings laws wouldn’t allow that to happen.However, the reference to a July 1, 2029, deadline comes directly from the 2024 special session law that allows the Kansas Department of Commerce to negotiate a deal to move the Chiefs or the Royals to the state.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2024s/b2023_24/measures/HB2001/" target="_blank">House Bill 2001</a>&nbsp;says negotiations and documentation around sports team deals would not be subject to open records requests and would remain confidential until July 1, 2029.&nbsp;The intent of the Commerce Department is to maintain transparency, which is why the terms sheet and other documentation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-media-kit/" target="_blank">were made public</a>&nbsp;on the agency’s website when the announcement was made in December, according to Rachel Willis, director of legislative affairs for the Commerce Department.After the legislative hearing, she affirmed that even though that language is in HB 2001, the agency will only hold back sensitive information for short periods of time, such as maintaining confidentiality that may affect issuing the STAR bonds. Otherwise, transparency on this deal is important, she said.Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park, questioned the use of other tax incentives programs, such as a Community Improvement District, which would put a special tax on a designated area that would go to pay off the STAR bonds.“This is the first I’d heard about it, so I am curious to know, do we know where that CID would be, and would it only apply to things that are built after the formation of the district?” she said. “I don’t like CIDs in general, when they include places where people have to shop. We have to get gas. We have to go to the grocery store. I don’t mind economic development incentives when there’s choice involved.”Maxwell said the CID would be for the development the Chiefs are building and new developments around the stadium. Adding a CID is part of the reason the STAR bonds are projected to pay off more quickly than the 30-year term.Sawyer Clayton also confirmed with Maxwell that labor used to build the stadium would be primarily union workers.Legislators peppered Maxwell with questions, including whether work is being done to address needed infrastructure changes in the area where the stadium will be located next to the Kansas Speedway, whether local governments were partnering with the state on the project and how the future looks for economic development around the stadium.Although Maxwell said many of the items were in early stages and emphasized the Chiefs and Commerce Department are working with local entities, he said the Chiefs are already in discussion with developers interested in being part of the mixed-use development.“Our phone has been ringing off the hook since the moment that we announced in Kansas on Dec. 22, and we are considering all of those possibilities and looking at, is that right to go in Olathe? Is that right to go in Wyandotte County?” he said.

Kansas legislators grill Chiefs' attorney on economics behind deal to bring team across state line

State Sen. Barbara Anne Washington said her bill would keep money in Missourians’ pockets, bolstering maternal and infant health.

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

Baby bottles, baby wipes and breast pump supplies would be exempt from state and local sales taxes under a bill discussed by a Missouri Senate committee Wednesday.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=633" target="_blank">bill</a>, sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Barbara Anne Washington of Kansas City, would eliminate what she described as a “parenting tax” on the items.

“Anything we can do for mothers and to help the families is what I think we should all be down here doing,” Washington told The Independent.

Washington said the bill complements a law passed by the General Assembly last year that excluded&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/01/missouri-eliminates-luxury-tax-diapers-period-products/">diapers and feminine hygiene products</a>&nbsp;from the state sales tax, and state lawmakers in the Senate Committee on Economic and Workforce Development expressed support. But Washington said she anticipates her bill will face opposition this year.&nbsp;

The bill comes as Gov. Mike Kehoe calls for the elimination of Missouri’s individual income tax and state lawmakers consider increases in sales taxes to help replace revenue the state would lose.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/6727H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;introduced on Jan. 13, the day of Kehoe’s annual State of the State address, would allow lawmakers to raise state and local sales taxes “for the purpose of reducing and eliminating the state individual income tax.”

Though Kehoe said in his speech that he would not tax agriculture, health care or real estate, the proposed amendment, if passed by Missouri voters, would authorize state lawmakers to tax “transactions involving any goods and services.”

Kehoe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/missouri-revenue-surplus-nearly-gone-as-gov-mike-kehoe-unveils-his-budget-plan/">budget plan</a>&nbsp;proposes cutting $600 million in general revenue expenditures in fiscal year 2027, and the governor in his speech warned lawmakers against reversing his recommended cuts or introducing new spending items.

Washington said she doesn’t think Missouri’s dwindling revenues and diminishing surplus should rule out measures to help families in need.

“If we can let rich people not pay taxes on capital gains, why can’t we let the working people have a benefit as well?” Washington said.

State lawmakers last year repealed Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-becomes-first-state-to-repeal-capital-gains-tax-at-an-estimated-625m-cost/">capital gains tax</a>&nbsp;despite&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/07/missouri-lawmakers-set-to-pass-capital-gains-tax-cut-with-questions-about-its-total-cost/">concerns at the time</a>&nbsp;that revenue losses projected by the state for the measure were inaccurate. The state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/missouri-faces-budget-crunch-as-capital-gains-tax-cut-hits-harder-than-expected/">now anticipates</a>&nbsp;that the tax cut will cost about $500 million in revenue during the current fiscal year and then $360 million annually —more than triple the original estimates.

Parents spend an average of $60 to $150 on baby bottles during a child’s first year, according to an estimate from the state’s revenue department. Though most insurance companies cover the cost of a basic breast pump, according to that estimate, 40% to 55% of parents pay an additional $70 to $200 to purchase an upgraded pump.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2026-1/5416S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal note</a>&nbsp;for Washington’s bill indicates it could cost the state roughly $1.8 million in fiscal year 2027 and then $2.4 million annually.

State lawmakers praised Washington’s proposed legislation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=384" target="_blank">another bill</a>&nbsp;sponsored by state Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, that would give a $2,400 tax exemption to taxpayers during the year of their child’s birth.

State Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St. Charles, voiced support for Washington’s bill.

“Anytime I can get on board with reducing or eliminating taxes and encouraging a higher birth rate and encouraging families to grow, I think it’s a good bill,” Schnelting said.

Ryan DeBoef, testifying on behalf of Cross-Lines Community Outreach, which runs Diaper Bank of the Ozarks, described the bill as “a nice resource…to make these kind of products more accessible for our neediest.”

While the bill in its current form would exempt infant care products from state and local sales taxes, Washington said she is open to an amendment leaving local taxes intact.

Washington said that for mothers struggling to make ends meet, the bill is “more than the pennies and the dimes that they’ll save.”

“It keeps more money in the pockets of Missourians, especially as we are challenging affordability at this time,” Washington said. “It reduces the toxic stress that leads to poor health for the mother, which in turn leads to [poor health for] the baby.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769091988992.png" alt=" State Sen. Barbara Anne Washington said the bill would tell mothers, "We see you. We want to lower all the barriers...that come along with being a new parent" (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Barbara Anne Washington said the bill would tell mothers, "We see you. We want to lower all the barriers...that come along with being a new parent" (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>State Sen. Barbara Anne Washington said her bill would keep money in Missourians’ pockets, bolstering maternal and infant health.</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Baby bottles, baby wipes and breast pump supplies would be exempt from state and local sales taxes under a bill discussed by a Missouri Senate committee Wednesday.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=633" target="_blank">bill</a>, sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Barbara Anne Washington of Kansas City, would eliminate what she described as a “parenting tax” on the items.“Anything we can do for mothers and to help the families is what I think we should all be down here doing,” Washington told The Independent.Washington said the bill complements a law passed by the General Assembly last year that excluded&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/01/missouri-eliminates-luxury-tax-diapers-period-products/">diapers and feminine hygiene products</a>&nbsp;from the state sales tax, and state lawmakers in the Senate Committee on Economic and Workforce Development expressed support. But Washington said she anticipates her bill will face opposition this year.&nbsp;The bill comes as Gov. Mike Kehoe calls for the elimination of Missouri’s individual income tax and state lawmakers consider increases in sales taxes to help replace revenue the state would lose.A&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/6727H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;introduced on Jan. 13, the day of Kehoe’s annual State of the State address, would allow lawmakers to raise state and local sales taxes “for the purpose of reducing and eliminating the state individual income tax.”Though Kehoe said in his speech that he would not tax agriculture, health care or real estate, the proposed amendment, if passed by Missouri voters, would authorize state lawmakers to tax “transactions involving any goods and services.”Kehoe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/missouri-revenue-surplus-nearly-gone-as-gov-mike-kehoe-unveils-his-budget-plan/">budget plan</a>&nbsp;proposes cutting $600 million in general revenue expenditures in fiscal year 2027, and the governor in his speech warned lawmakers against reversing his recommended cuts or introducing new spending items.Washington said she doesn’t think Missouri’s dwindling revenues and diminishing surplus should rule out measures to help families in need.“If we can let rich people not pay taxes on capital gains, why can’t we let the working people have a benefit as well?” Washington said.State lawmakers last year repealed Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-becomes-first-state-to-repeal-capital-gains-tax-at-an-estimated-625m-cost/">capital gains tax</a>&nbsp;despite&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/07/missouri-lawmakers-set-to-pass-capital-gains-tax-cut-with-questions-about-its-total-cost/">concerns at the time</a>&nbsp;that revenue losses projected by the state for the measure were inaccurate. The state&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/missouri-faces-budget-crunch-as-capital-gains-tax-cut-hits-harder-than-expected/">now anticipates</a>&nbsp;that the tax cut will cost about $500 million in revenue during the current fiscal year and then $360 million annually —more than triple the original estimates.Parents spend an average of $60 to $150 on baby bottles during a child’s first year, according to an estimate from the state’s revenue department. Though most insurance companies cover the cost of a basic breast pump, according to that estimate, 40% to 55% of parents pay an additional $70 to $200 to purchase an upgraded pump.The&nbsp;<a href="https://senate.mo.gov/FiscalNotes/2026-1/5416S.01I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal note</a>&nbsp;for Washington’s bill indicates it could cost the state roughly $1.8 million in fiscal year 2027 and then $2.4 million annually.State lawmakers praised Washington’s proposed legislation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=384" target="_blank">another bill</a>&nbsp;sponsored by state Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, that would give a $2,400 tax exemption to taxpayers during the year of their child’s birth.State Sen. Adam Schnelting, a Republican from St. Charles, voiced support for Washington’s bill.“Anytime I can get on board with reducing or eliminating taxes and encouraging a higher birth rate and encouraging families to grow, I think it’s a good bill,” Schnelting said.Ryan DeBoef, testifying on behalf of Cross-Lines Community Outreach, which runs Diaper Bank of the Ozarks, described the bill as “a nice resource…to make these kind of products more accessible for our neediest.”While the bill in its current form would exempt infant care products from state and local sales taxes, Washington said she is open to an amendment leaving local taxes intact.Washington said that for mothers struggling to make ends meet, the bill is “more than the pennies and the dimes that they’ll save.”“It keeps more money in the pockets of Missourians, especially as we are challenging affordability at this time,” Washington said. “It reduces the toxic stress that leads to poor health for the mother, which in turn leads to [poor health for] the baby.”

Missouri lawmakers debate eliminating sales tax on infant care items

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769089086118.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump Participates in the Board of Peace Charter Announcement <a href="https://t.co/CJz0CmePJq">https://t.co/CJz0CmePJq</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2014279910278225942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> arrives for the signing ceremony of the Board of Peace! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/X5mXCxT9NT">pic.twitter.com/X5mXCxT9NT</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2014283215075246426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Board of Peace signing ceremony! 🕊️ <a href="https://t.co/w92RRIGYnM">pic.twitter.com/w92RRIGYnM</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2014287123759747504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump thanks each Board of Peace member 🕊️ <a href="https://t.co/2ePy4XkCR7">pic.twitter.com/2ePy4XkCR7</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2014304577105866883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“We are here today because of President Trump’s vision” <a href="https://twitter.com/SecRubio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecRubio</a> 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/qXnkbuN2Fn">pic.twitter.com/qXnkbuN2Fn</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2014305225574580385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2026</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/jaredkushner?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jaredkushner</a> thanks President Trump for his leadership 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ncYhJ2SbtP">pic.twitter.com/ncYhJ2SbtP</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2014308526416396558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;This board has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created.&quot; - Board of Peace Chairman, President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/xo7AwSDdeV">pic.twitter.com/xo7AwSDdeV</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2014299643723543021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President Trump signs his Gaza 'Board of Peace' into being

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Firefighters rescued three pets from a fire at a Kansas home on Tuesday.

Just before 5:30p.m. crew&nbsp;responded to a house fire at 868 SE Rice Road, according to a media release.. Upon arrival, crews encountered a single-story home with heavy smoke and visible flames on the exterior of the residence.

Firefighters initiated both exterior and interior fire attack operations and were able to successfully extinguish the fire.

Three occupants self-evacuated from the residence prior to firefighter entry. During search operations, firefighters rescued and revived two dogs and one cat from inside the home.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and related to cooking activity in the kitchen. The home had&nbsp; no working smoke detectors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769030268688.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Firefighters rescued three pets from a fire at a Kansas home on Tuesday.Just before 5:30p.m. crew&nbsp;responded to a house fire at 868 SE Rice Road, according to a media release.. Upon arrival, crews encountered a single-story home with heavy smoke and visible flames on the exterior of the residence.Firefighters initiated both exterior and interior fire attack operations and were able to successfully extinguish the fire.Three occupants self-evacuated from the residence prior to firefighter entry. During search operations, firefighters rescued and revived two dogs and one cat from inside the home.The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and related to cooking activity in the kitchen. The home had&nbsp; no working smoke detectors.

Crews rescue three pets after fire at Kansas home

KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced Wednesday that after a thorough review, criminal charges could not be ethically or legally filed against a Kansas City police officer involved in a 2023 shooting that killed two people and injured another.

“Based on the available facts, applicable laws, and legal principles concerning an officer’s use of force, we are unable to criminally charge the officer,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said.&nbsp;“We recognize that this determination may be deeply painful, and we extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the victims’ families and to a community that continues to grapple with this tragedy.”

On June 9, 2023, a Kansas City police officer was stopped at a red light at the East 31st Street and Van Brunt Boulevard intersection when he observed occupants of a white truck exit the vehicle.

 One of the occupants appeared to be armed but went back inside the vehicle and started to drive away when they noticed the officer. It appeared the occupants of the white truck, located in the right lane, directly in front of the officer, were in a dispute with two vehicles beside them in the left lane.&nbsp;

As the officer pulled up alongside a white minivan involved in the dispute, the front passenger fired a gun at the white truck. The officer fired at the passenger 16 times, killing him and the driver, and injuring a rear passenger.&nbsp;

The Prosecutor’s Office determined the officer used permissible force in defense of others, responding to the front passenger who was firing at the truck. Under Missouri law regarding transferred intent, a person cannot be held criminally liable when they unintentionally strike a third party while defending themselves or others. Dash cam footage shows the officer fired continuously at the front passenger, his intended target, and additional evidence supports that he was unaware anyone was in the back seat.&nbsp;

“To be clear, this Office remains concerned about the circumstances of this shooting. Two parents and spouses were killed, and a young man was hurt,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said. “Our determination that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges should not be construed as an endorsement of the officer’s conduct or a conclusion that the risks to human life were appropriately weighed or managed.”

In her decision letter, Prosecutor Johnson expressed serious concern about the officer’s pattern of behavior and its potential impact on other pending cases he’s involved in. She communicated those issues, including concerns about his continued employment, directly to KCPD leadership.&nbsp;

“While employment decisions are addressed solely with KCPD and the Board of Police Commissioners, we trust their leadership will give our concerns serious consideration,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769051482631.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced Wednesday that after a thorough review, criminal charges could not be ethically or legally filed against a Kansas City police officer involved in a 2023 shooting that killed two people and injured another.“Based on the available facts, applicable laws, and legal principles concerning an officer’s use of force, we are unable to criminally charge the officer,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said.&nbsp;“We recognize that this determination may be deeply painful, and we extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the victims’ families and to a community that continues to grapple with this tragedy.”On June 9, 2023, a Kansas City police officer was stopped at a red light at the East 31st Street and Van Brunt Boulevard intersection when he observed occupants of a white truck exit the vehicle. One of the occupants appeared to be armed but went back inside the vehicle and started to drive away when they noticed the officer. It appeared the occupants of the white truck, located in the right lane, directly in front of the officer, were in a dispute with two vehicles beside them in the left lane.&nbsp;As the officer pulled up alongside a white minivan involved in the dispute, the front passenger fired a gun at the white truck. The officer fired at the passenger 16 times, killing him and the driver, and injuring a rear passenger.&nbsp;The Prosecutor’s Office determined the officer used permissible force in defense of others, responding to the front passenger who was firing at the truck. Under Missouri law regarding transferred intent, a person cannot be held criminally liable when they unintentionally strike a third party while defending themselves or others. Dash cam footage shows the officer fired continuously at the front passenger, his intended target, and additional evidence supports that he was unaware anyone was in the back seat.&nbsp;“To be clear, this Office remains concerned about the circumstances of this shooting. Two parents and spouses were killed, and a young man was hurt,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said. “Our determination that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges should not be construed as an endorsement of the officer’s conduct or a conclusion that the risks to human life were appropriately weighed or managed.”In her decision letter, Prosecutor Johnson expressed serious concern about the officer’s pattern of behavior and its potential impact on other pending cases he’s involved in. She communicated those issues, including concerns about his continued employment, directly to KCPD leadership.&nbsp;“While employment decisions are addressed solely with KCPD and the Board of Police Commissioners, we trust their leadership will give our concerns serious consideration,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said.&nbsp;

KCPD officer in double-fatal shooting will face no charges

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an RV fire&nbsp; in Kansas City on Thursday.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday, Kansas Fire Department crews&nbsp;responded to a reported car fire in the 700 block of Lewis in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 On arrival crews reported an RV on fire in the the driveway next to a single-story occupied home with minor extension in to the home. The first arriving company upgraded the call to a house fire due to the extension. 

Companies began interior operations on both the RV and the house. Upon entry into the RV,&nbsp; a woman in her mid 50s was discovered and removed. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. A second victim, a man in his mid to late 50s was discovered in the rear of the RV. He was pronounced deceased, according to Hopkins. 

Due to the significant injury and fatality, Bomb and Arson has been requested and will conduct the investigation.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an RV fire&nbsp; in Kansas City on Thursday.Just after 4p.m. Thursday, Kansas Fire Department crews&nbsp;responded to a reported car fire in the 700 block of Lewis in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. On arrival crews reported an RV on fire in the the driveway next to a single-story occupied home with minor extension in to the home. The first arriving company upgraded the call to a house fire due to the extension. Companies began interior operations on both the RV and the house. Upon entry into the RV,&nbsp; a woman in her mid 50s was discovered and removed. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. A second victim, a man in his mid to late 50s was discovered in the rear of the RV. He was pronounced deceased, according to Hopkins. Due to the significant injury and fatality, Bomb and Arson has been requested and will conduct the investigation.

Man dead, woman critically injured after RV fire in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a homicide in Kansas City and asking the public for help with information to locate a suspect.

At 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police were called to Linwood and Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

While en route officers were advised there was a person possibly shot inside a vehicle there.&nbsp;On arrival officers were directed to a vehicle near the intersection where they located a male shooting victim unresponsive alone inside the vehicle. 

Officers called for EMS who responded for treatment of the victim. EMS subsequently transported the victim to the hospital where he was ultimately declared deceased by medical personnel.This case is being investigated as a homicide, according to Becchina. 

Preliminary information from callers and people at the scene when officers arrived indicates the victim was inside the vehicle when another vehicle pulled along side his vehicle and shots appear to have been fired from that vehicle into the victim vehicle striking the victim.

This is a heavily traveled area with vehicle and foot traffic at this time of day, detectives are optimistic that there could be multiple very valuable witnesses.

 If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768791564663.png" alt="File photo by Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>File photo by Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a homicide in Kansas City and asking the public for help with information to locate a suspect.At 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police were called to Linwood and Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.While en route officers were advised there was a person possibly shot inside a vehicle there.&nbsp;On arrival officers were directed to a vehicle near the intersection where they located a male shooting victim unresponsive alone inside the vehicle. Officers called for EMS who responded for treatment of the victim. EMS subsequently transported the victim to the hospital where he was ultimately declared deceased by medical personnel.This case is being investigated as a homicide, according to Becchina. Preliminary information from callers and people at the scene when officers arrived indicates the victim was inside the vehicle when another vehicle pulled along side his vehicle and shots appear to have been fired from that vehicle into the victim vehicle striking the victim.This is a heavily traveled area with vehicle and foot traffic at this time of day, detectives are optimistic that there could be multiple very valuable witnesses. If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline

Police asking for information in fatal KC drive-by shooting

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating five suspects on multiple drug allegations after a drug bust in southeast Kansas.

On January 17, sheriff's deputies executed a narcotics search warrant at a home located at 630 E. 9th Street in Cherryvale, Kansas, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade.

Deputies made contact with the homeowner, identified as 37-year-old Rae Rash, and conducted a search of the residence. During the search, deputies located five additional individuals inside the residence, including one juvenile. All individuals were detained while the search was conducted.

As a result of the search, deputies located and seized approximately 172 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 280 grams of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

The following adult subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where they were booked on the listed charges:

Rae Rash is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a child

Jeffrey Mayberry, Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Aggravated endangering a child, Possession of marijuana and Interference with a law enforcement officer.

Clayton Harper, Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of methamphetamine, Distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school,&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated endangering a child, Interference with a law enforcement officer and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Brandy Barnett is jailed on requested charges of Cherryvale on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, Aggravated endangering a child , Interference with a law enforcement officer and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brandi Welch of Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school,&nbsp; Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp; Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a child.

The juvenile located inside the residence was taken into protective custody for their safety.

Sheriff Ron Wade stated, “Drug distribution, especially in close proximity to schools and involving children, will not be tolerated in Montgomery County. Our deputies will continue to work diligently to protect our communities and ensure the safety of our children.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768961029824.png" alt="Welch-photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Welch-photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating five suspects on multiple drug allegations after a drug bust in southeast Kansas.On January 17, sheriff's deputies executed a narcotics search warrant at a home located at 630 E. 9th Street in Cherryvale, Kansas, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade.Deputies made contact with the homeowner, identified as 37-year-old Rae Rash, and conducted a search of the residence. During the search, deputies located five additional individuals inside the residence, including one juvenile. All individuals were detained while the search was conducted.As a result of the search, deputies located and seized approximately 172 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 280 grams of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.The following adult subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections, where they were booked on the listed charges:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768960992542.png" alt="Rash photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Rash photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Rae Rash is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a child<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768961172607.png" alt="Mayberry photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Mayberry photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Jeffrey Mayberry, Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Aggravated endangering a child, Possession of marijuana and Interference with a law enforcement officer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768961126724.png" alt="Harper photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Harper photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Clayton Harper, Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of methamphetamine, Distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school,&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggravated endangering a child, Interference with a law enforcement officer and Possession of drug paraphernalia<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768961071258.png" alt="Barnett-photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Barnett-photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Brandy Barnett is jailed on requested charges of Cherryvale on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, Aggravated endangering a child , Interference with a law enforcement officer and Possession of drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768961029824.png" alt="Welch-photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Welch-photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Brandi Welch of Cherryvale, is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school,&nbsp; Distribution of methamphetamine,&nbsp; Distribution of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated endangering a child.The juvenile located inside the residence was taken into protective custody for their safety.Sheriff Ron Wade stated, “Drug distribution, especially in close proximity to schools and involving children, will not be tolerated in Montgomery County. Our deputies will continue to work diligently to protect our communities and ensure the safety of our children.”

Sheriff: Suspects were selling drugs from Kan. home where children lived

JACKSON ON COUNTY—On person died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 BMW X3 driven by a 28-year-old Independence, Mo. man was&nbsp; eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Woods Chapel Road.

The car rear-ended a 2020 Volvo semi driven by a California man.&nbsp; The BMW driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the medical examiner's office. The semi driver was not injured. The MSHP did not have complete seat belt usage details. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

JACKSON ON COUNTY—On person died in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 BMW X3 driven by a 28-year-old Independence, Mo. man was&nbsp; eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Woods Chapel Road.The car rear-ended a 2020 Volvo semi driven by a California man.&nbsp; The BMW driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the medical examiner's office. The semi driver was not injured. The MSHP did not have complete seat belt usage details. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man dies after rear-end crash with a semi

Kansas lawmakers were updated by representatives of the Kansas City Chiefs on the team's move into the state with a new stadium set to be built in 2031. 

Attorney Korb Maxwell led the Chiefs' presentation, highlighting the agreement made without raising taxes on Kansas taxpayers. The STAR bonds package, authorized for 30 years, may be paid off earlier due to development generated by the new stadium being built in Wyandotte County and the team headquarters and practice facility in Olathe. 

Potential developers have shown interest in opportunities near the proposed locations, with unique entertainment opportunities wanting to associate with the NFL and the Chiefs. Opportunities for the metro area and beyond are expected to arise from the move as well.

(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766434608613.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>(By MATT PIKE)Kansas lawmakers were updated by representatives of the Kansas City Chiefs on the team's move into the state with a new stadium set to be built in 2031. Attorney Korb Maxwell led the Chiefs' presentation, highlighting the agreement made without raising taxes on Kansas taxpayers. The STAR bonds package, authorized for 30 years, may be paid off earlier due to development generated by the new stadium being built in Wyandotte County and the team headquarters and practice facility in Olathe. Potential developers have shown interest in opportunities near the proposed locations, with unique entertainment opportunities wanting to associate with the NFL and the Chiefs. Opportunities for the metro area and beyond are expected to arise from the move as well.(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

Kansas lawmakers updated by Chiefs on stadium move

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

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced in a social media post Wednesday that he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte brokered a possible agreement on Greenland, though Trump provided few details or a timeline.&nbsp;

Trump’s comments came just hours after he took his case for acquiring the Arctic island to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, urging European leaders to begin negotiations while appearing to rule out a military takeover.&nbsp;

A few hours later, Trump wrote after meeting one-on-one with Rutte that the two “have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region.”&nbsp;

“This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations,” Trump wrote. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st.”

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-people-will-find-out-how-far-hes-willing-go-acquire-greenland" target="_blank">threatened over the weekend</a>&nbsp;to place a 10% tariff on goods coming into the United States from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom if they continued to oppose his attempts to acquire Greenland. Trump wrote he would increase the tariffs to 25% in June if a deal hadn’t been brokered before then.

Trump wrote in his most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115934734335579278" target="_blank">social media post</a>&nbsp;that further negotiations about Greenland will be handled by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and several other officials.&nbsp;

“Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland,” Trump wrote, referring to a possible missile defense system. “Further information will be made available as discussions progress.”

Asked by reporters if the framework includes U.S. ownership of Greenland, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-comments-on-reported-greenland-deal/672046" target="_blank">declined to say directly</a>.

“It’s a long-term deal. It’s the ultimate long-term deal. And I think it puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and minerals and everything else,” Trump said, later adding it would last “forever.”&nbsp;

Trump insisted during the 75-minute, wide-ranging speech he gave a few hours before his announcement that Greenland represents “a core national security interest” that “would greatly enhance the security of the entire” NATO alliance if it were fully controlled by the United States.&nbsp;

“I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States,” Trump said. “Just as we have acquired many other territories throughout our history, as many of the European nations have … there’s nothing wrong with it.”

Trump signaled he will likely not use the U.S. military to take over Greenland, saying, “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”

But he indicated any European country that objects to the U.S. making Greenland part of the country will face repercussions.

“You can say ‘yes,’ and we will be very appreciative, or you can say ‘no’ and we will remember,” Trump said.&nbsp;

Greenland would become the site of a missile defense system that Trump refers to as the Golden Dome, which he said could “keep our very energetic and dangerous potential enemies at bay” if the island becomes part of the United States.&nbsp;

Trump repeatedly criticized the other NATO countries during his speech, falsely claiming more than once the United States has never benefited from the military alliance formed following World War II.&nbsp;

“What we have gotten out of NATO is nothing, except to protect Europe from the Soviet Union and now Russia,” Trump said. “I mean, we’ve helped them for so many years.”

The United States is the only country in the history of the alliance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/nato-has-invoked-article-5-only-once-in-its-history" target="_blank">to invoke Article 5</a>, which says that an attack against one is an attack against all.

That led NATO countries to send their military members to fight alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan following the 2001 terrorist attacks. More than 1,000 of those NATO troops died,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.911memorial.org/learn/resources/digital-exhibitions/digital-exhibition-revealed-hunt-bin-laden/international-community-responds" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.&nbsp;

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte sought to reassure Trump of NATO’s security commitment to all of its member countries later in the day, when the two met one-on-one during the forum.&nbsp;

“Let me tell you, they will. And they did in Afghanistan, as you know,” Rutte said, according to audio of the exchange shared by the White House pool.

Rutte noted that for “every two Americans who paid the ultimate price, there was one soldier from another NATO country” or Australia.&nbsp;

“So you can be assured, absolutely, if ever the U.S. will be under attack, your allies will be with you. Absolutely. There’s an absolute guarantee,” Rutte said. “I really want to tell you this, because this is important. It pains me if you think it is not.”

Trump told reporters ahead of his meeting with Rutte that he “could see” paying a price for Greenland, though he did not elaborate. He said he had “no idea” when he might speak directly with leaders of Denmark about trying to acquire Greenland. He said he believes Rutte is “frankly more important.”

Trump focused some of his speech in Davos on domestic issues, talking briefly about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/01/stopping-wall-street-from-competing-with-main-street-homebuyers/" target="_blank">an executive order</a>&nbsp;he signed this week focused on the availability of housing within the United States.&nbsp;

“I have signed an executive order banning large institutional investors from buying single-family homes. It’s just not fair to the public. They’re not able to buy a house,” Trump said. “And I’m calling on Congress to pass that ban into permanent law, and I think they will.”

Trump said he wanted to take steps to help Americans afford homes, but that he didn’t want those actions to reduce the value of homes people already own. He didn’t elaborate on how that would work.&nbsp;

“I am very protective of people that already own a house, of which we have millions and millions and millions. And because we have had such a good run, the house values have gone up tremendously, and these people have become wealthy. They weren’t wealthy. They become wealthy because of their house,” he said. “And every time you make it more and more and more affordable for somebody to buy a house cheaply, you’re actually hurting the value of those houses, obviously, because the one thing works in tandem with the other.”

Trump said if he wanted to, he could “really crush the housing market” and decrease housing prices, though he didn’t say how exactly he would go about doing that if he wanted to.&nbsp;

Trump said he’s ordered “government-backed institutions to purchase up to $200 billion in mortgage bonds,” and that he expects to announce a new Federal Reserve chairman “in the not-too-distant future,” who he believes will decrease interest rates. Trump has been feuding over interest rates with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/people/jerome-h-powell" target="_blank">Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell</a>, whose term as chair ends in May although Powell can remain as a governor.&nbsp;

Trump also called on Congress to approve legislation that would prevent credit card companies from hiking their interest rates above 10% for one year, saying that would help people save some money that they could use for buying a house.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769004214648.png" alt="President Trump speaking Wednesday at Davos-Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President" />
 <figcaption>President Trump speaking Wednesday at Davos-Photo by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced in a social media post Wednesday that he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte brokered a possible agreement on Greenland, though Trump provided few details or a timeline.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on Greenland: &quot;The deal is going to be put out pretty soon... it gets us everything we needed to get.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/S3X95XCm1S">pic.twitter.com/S3X95XCm1S</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2014069502615466111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</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/3FM8el4RAe">pic.twitter.com/3FM8el4RAe</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2014057541215408154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</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 Greenland: &quot;Well, we have a concept of a deal. I think it’s going to be a very good deal for the United States, also for them, and we&#39;re going to work together on something having to do with the arctic as a whole... it has to do with the security — great security.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/hpCQNmcAjV">pic.twitter.com/hpCQNmcAjV</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2014071312797278380?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump’s comments came just hours after he took his case for acquiring the Arctic island to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, urging European leaders to begin negotiations while appearing to rule out a military takeover.&nbsp;A few hours later, Trump wrote after meeting one-on-one with Rutte that the two “have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region.”&nbsp;“This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations,” Trump wrote. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st.”Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-people-will-find-out-how-far-hes-willing-go-acquire-greenland" target="_blank">threatened over the weekend</a>&nbsp;to place a 10% tariff on goods coming into the United States from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom if they continued to oppose his attempts to acquire Greenland. Trump wrote he would increase the tariffs to 25% in June if a deal hadn’t been brokered before then.Trump wrote in his most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115934734335579278" target="_blank">social media post</a>&nbsp;that further negotiations about Greenland will be handled by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and several other officials.&nbsp;“Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland,” Trump wrote, referring to a possible missile defense system. “Further information will be made available as discussions progress.”Asked by reporters if the framework includes U.S. ownership of Greenland, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-comments-on-reported-greenland-deal/672046" target="_blank">declined to say directly</a>.“It’s a long-term deal. It’s the ultimate long-term deal. And I think it puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and minerals and everything else,” Trump said, later adding it would last “forever.”&nbsp;<h2>‘I don’t have to use force’</h2>Trump insisted during the 75-minute, wide-ranging speech he gave a few hours before his announcement that Greenland represents “a core national security interest” that “would greatly enhance the security of the entire” NATO alliance if it were fully controlled by the United States.&nbsp;“I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States,” Trump said. “Just as we have acquired many other territories throughout our history, as many of the European nations have … there’s nothing wrong with it.”Trump signaled he will likely not use the U.S. military to take over Greenland, saying, “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”But he indicated any European country that objects to the U.S. making Greenland part of the country will face repercussions.“You can say ‘yes,’ and we will be very appreciative, or you can say ‘no’ and we will remember,” Trump said.&nbsp;Greenland would become the site of a missile defense system that Trump refers to as the Golden Dome, which he said could “keep our very energetic and dangerous potential enemies at bay” if the island becomes part of the United States.&nbsp;<h2>Trump bashes NATO</h2>Trump repeatedly criticized the other NATO countries during his speech, falsely claiming more than once the United States has never benefited from the military alliance formed following World War II.&nbsp;“What we have gotten out of NATO is nothing, except to protect Europe from the Soviet Union and now Russia,” Trump said. “I mean, we’ve helped them for so many years.”The United States is the only country in the history of the alliance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/nato-has-invoked-article-5-only-once-in-its-history" target="_blank">to invoke Article 5</a>, which says that an attack against one is an attack against all.That led NATO countries to send their military members to fight alongside U.S. troops in Afghanistan following the 2001 terrorist attacks. More than 1,000 of those NATO troops died,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.911memorial.org/learn/resources/digital-exhibitions/digital-exhibition-revealed-hunt-bin-laden/international-community-responds" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.&nbsp;NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte sought to reassure Trump of NATO’s security commitment to all of its member countries later in the day, when the two met one-on-one during the forum.&nbsp;“Let me tell you, they will. And they did in Afghanistan, as you know,” Rutte said, according to audio of the exchange shared by the White House pool.Rutte noted that for “every two Americans who paid the ultimate price, there was one soldier from another NATO country” or Australia.&nbsp;“So you can be assured, absolutely, if ever the U.S. will be under attack, your allies will be with you. Absolutely. There’s an absolute guarantee,” Rutte said. “I really want to tell you this, because this is important. It pains me if you think it is not.”Trump told reporters ahead of his meeting with Rutte that he “could see” paying a price for Greenland, though he did not elaborate. He said he had “no idea” when he might speak directly with leaders of Denmark about trying to acquire Greenland. He said he believes Rutte is “frankly more important.”<h2>Investors and single-family homes</h2>Trump focused some of his speech in Davos on domestic issues, talking briefly about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/01/stopping-wall-street-from-competing-with-main-street-homebuyers/" target="_blank">an executive order</a>&nbsp;he signed this week focused on the availability of housing within the United States.&nbsp;“I have signed an executive order banning large institutional investors from buying single-family homes. It’s just not fair to the public. They’re not able to buy a house,” Trump said. “And I’m calling on Congress to pass that ban into permanent law, and I think they will.”Trump said he wanted to take steps to help Americans afford homes, but that he didn’t want those actions to reduce the value of homes people already own. He didn’t elaborate on how that would work.&nbsp;“I am very protective of people that already own a house, of which we have millions and millions and millions. And because we have had such a good run, the house values have gone up tremendously, and these people have become wealthy. They weren’t wealthy. They become wealthy because of their house,” he said. “And every time you make it more and more and more affordable for somebody to buy a house cheaply, you’re actually hurting the value of those houses, obviously, because the one thing works in tandem with the other.”Trump said if he wanted to, he could “really crush the housing market” and decrease housing prices, though he didn’t say how exactly he would go about doing that if he wanted to.&nbsp;Trump said he’s ordered “government-backed institutions to purchase up to $200 billion in mortgage bonds,” and that he expects to announce a new Federal Reserve chairman “in the not-too-distant future,” who he believes will decrease interest rates. Trump has been feuding over interest rates with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/people/jerome-h-powell" target="_blank">Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell</a>, whose term as chair ends in May although Powell can remain as a governor.&nbsp;Trump also called on Congress to approve legislation that would prevent credit card companies from hiking their interest rates above 10% for one year, saying that would help people save some money that they could use for buying a house.&nbsp;

Trump announces ‘framework of a deal’ on Greenland, relents on 8-nation tariffs

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City and working to determine how the victim died.

Just after&nbsp;9pm Tuesday, police responded to an apartment in the 2500 block of Benton in Kansas City, Missouri, on an EMS call.

The caller saw a person in a neighboring apartment who appeared to be injured and needed medical attention. On arrival officers were led to an apartment inside the building where they located a man unresponsive with unknown injuries. Officers called for EMS who responded and rendered aid before ultimately declaring the victim deceased at the scene.

Based on the preliminary circumstances Detectives are investigating this case as a homicide. They will be working with crime scene investigators to gather evidence and canvass for any witnesses

Detectives will also work with medical examiners to determine cause and manner of death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769002460203.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City and working to determine how the victim died.Just after&nbsp;9pm Tuesday, police responded to an apartment in the 2500 block of Benton in Kansas City, Missouri, on an EMS call.The caller saw a person in a neighboring apartment who appeared to be injured and needed medical attention. On arrival officers were led to an apartment inside the building where they located a man unresponsive with unknown injuries. Officers called for EMS who responded and rendered aid before ultimately declaring the victim deceased at the scene.Based on the preliminary circumstances Detectives are investigating this case as a homicide. They will be working with crime scene investigators to gather evidence and canvass for any witnessesDetectives will also work with medical examiners to determine cause and manner of death.

Homicide: KCPD working to determine man's cause of death

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kelcie-moseley-morris/">Kelcie Moseley-Morris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">Anna Spoerre</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Two Missouri women who had abortions 50 years ago testified Tuesday to mental health effects they suffered from the procedure

KANSAS CITY — The first slate of witnesses from the Missouri Attorney General’s office in the fight to uphold statewide abortion regulations offered testimony that professionals and scientific studies have long disputed, including claims about mental health outcomes and abortion medication.&nbsp;

It’s the second week of a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/09/missouri-abortion-regulations-trial-access-trap-laws/">10-day bench trial&nbsp;</a>that will be decided by Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang. Missouri’s Planned Parenthood affiliates, along with the ACLU of Missouri, filed the lawsuit over Missouri’s few dozen&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/12/missouri-abortion-rights-trial-focuses-on-two-decades-of-state-restrictions/">Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers, or TRAP, laws,</a>&nbsp;claiming they are now unconstitutional under the state’s reproductive rights amendment approved by voters in 2024.

Advocates say those laws made abortion almost completely inaccessible in the years leading up to 2022, when a near-total ban was implemented across the state.&nbsp;

The state constitution now prohibits the state from denying, delaying or interfering with abortion access unless it demonstrates “a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”

A majority of the testimony on Tuesday focused on mental health, including two women who took the stand to talk about their own abortions more than 50 years ago.&nbsp;

Linda Raymond, who grew up in St. Louis, said she had an abortion when she was 18 after pressure from her mother, who she said was embarrassed and angry that her daughter had gotten pregnant. Raymond testified that her mother beat her when she discovered she was pregnant.

The nurse and doctors at the Planned Parenthood she went to in 1976 didn’t inform her about the risks or potential complications of abortion, she said, or about the alternatives of adoption or parenting.

“If I had those things in front of me, I would have reconsidered,” Raymond said. “I would have pushed back on my mother.”

Since then, Raymond has become an anti-abortion activist, testifying that she has prayed outside of a Planned Parenthood Great Rivers clinic and tries to talk to people going inside.&nbsp;

“I don’t want other women and families to make the choice that I ultimately made,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769022321846.png" alt=" Connie Gerling, with 40 Days for Life, prays outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic on March 3, 2025 as the clinic restarted procedural abortions for the first time in years. A sign beside her reads: "We Care. We can Help" (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Connie Gerling, with 40 Days for Life, prays outside the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic on March 3, 2025 as the clinic restarted procedural abortions for the first time in years. A sign beside her reads: "We Care. We can Help" (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kelcie-moseley-morris/">Kelcie Moseley-Morris</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">Anna Spoerre</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>Two Missouri women who had abortions 50 years ago testified Tuesday to mental health effects they suffered from the procedure</h2>KANSAS CITY — The first slate of witnesses from the Missouri Attorney General’s office in the fight to uphold statewide abortion regulations offered testimony that professionals and scientific studies have long disputed, including claims about mental health outcomes and abortion medication.&nbsp;It’s the second week of a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/09/missouri-abortion-regulations-trial-access-trap-laws/">10-day bench trial&nbsp;</a>that will be decided by Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang. Missouri’s Planned Parenthood affiliates, along with the ACLU of Missouri, filed the lawsuit over Missouri’s few dozen&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/12/missouri-abortion-rights-trial-focuses-on-two-decades-of-state-restrictions/">Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers, or TRAP, laws,</a>&nbsp;claiming they are now unconstitutional under the state’s reproductive rights amendment approved by voters in 2024.Advocates say those laws made abortion almost completely inaccessible in the years leading up to 2022, when a near-total ban was implemented across the state.&nbsp;The state constitution now prohibits the state from denying, delaying or interfering with abortion access unless it demonstrates “a compelling governmental interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”A majority of the testimony on Tuesday focused on mental health, including two women who took the stand to talk about their own abortions more than 50 years ago.&nbsp;Linda Raymond, who grew up in St. Louis, said she had an abortion when she was 18 after pressure from her mother, who she said was embarrassed and angry that her daughter had gotten pregnant. Raymond testified that her mother beat her when she discovered she was pregnant.The nurse and doctors at the Planned Parenthood she went to in 1976 didn’t inform her about the risks or potential complications of abortion, she said, or about the alternatives of adoption or parenting.“If I had those things in front of me, I would have reconsidered,” Raymond said. “I would have pushed back on my mother.”Since then, Raymond has become an anti-abortion activist, testifying that she has prayed outside of a Planned Parenthood Great Rivers clinic and tries to talk to people going inside.&nbsp;“I don’t want other women and families to make the choice that I ultimately made,” she said.One of the laws at issue requires patients to be given a copy of Missouri’s informed consent booklet prior to an abortion — a<a href="https://health.mo.gov/living/families/womenshealth/pregnancyassistance/pdf/Mo.InformedConsentBooklet-Revisedpgs.12-15August2019jkOGCReviewed.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;26-page pamphlet</a>&nbsp;that begins with a statement that human life begins at conception and “abortion will terminate the life of a separate, unique, living human being.”&nbsp;It also includes information about fetal pain beginning at 16 weeks or earlier, even though the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that a multitude of studies have established that fetuses cannot feel pain until<a href="https://www.acog.org/advocacy/facts-are-important/gestational-development-capacity-for-pain" target="_blank">&nbsp;closer to viability</a>, around 24 weeks of pregnancy.The law also mandates a 72-hour waiting period between an initial appointment and the procedure, when a doctor or other qualified professional must inform the patient of the “immediate and long-term medical risks to her and possible adverse psychological effects associated with the abortion.”&nbsp;Attorneys for the state have previously emphasized the need for a “reflection period” for women before they move forward with an abortion. Those who testified for Planned Parenthood last week said it put a huge burden on patients, especially those who had to take time off work, arrange child care or travel long distances to get to the clinic.&nbsp;Having a wanted abortion isn’t linked to mental health issues, but being denied a wanted abortion is, according to the<a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/09/news-facts-abortion-mental-health" target="_blank">&nbsp;American Psychological Institute.</a>&nbsp;Dr. Daniel Grossman, who was called to testify last week by Planned Parenthood’s attorneys, told the court he regularly reviews literature on abortion and mental health and hasn’t seen any evidence of abortion increasing the risk of mental health problems.But more recent studies, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ansirh.org/research/ongoing/turnaway-study" target="_blank">Turnaway Study,</a>&nbsp;paint a better reality, he said. That study, led by one of Grossman’s colleagues at University of California San Francisco, where he serves as ​​director of Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, focused on 1,000 women who sought abortions between 2008 and 2010 years, and then followed them for five years after they either received an abortion or were unable to get one, including because of state laws banning or limiting abortion.This study, Grossman testified, found anxiety rates were higher among women who had just been denied abortions. But after five years, he said, there was no difference in the mental health of the groups who had abortions versus those turned away. Grossman is also a liaison to Planned Parenthood’s National Medical Committee.According to Missouri public records, post-abortion complication reports from 2018 to 2022 show no patients with a diagnosable psychiatric condition listed as a complication.Stephanie Jacobson, who was a Missouri resident until about four years ago, had an abortion when she was 16 in 1978, and another when she was 18. Jacobson went on to have five children, but testified Tuesday that the abortions “ravaged” her and left her with depression and anxiety that lingered until she went through an abortion recovery program less than a decade ago.Now Jacobson is a coach for an abortion recovery hotline, though she said that has exacerbated her mental health issues.&nbsp;During her testimony, she recounted one “intense” call from a woman who was panicked and screaming after having a medication abortion at home. Jacobson said while she was trying to talk the woman through what she could do with the fetal remains that were sitting on a cloth on the counter, the woman said her cat started eating them.Attorneys for the plaintiff immediately objected to Jacobson’s testimony as hearsay, and Zhang agreed to strike it from the record. However, the state opted to bring Jacobson back to the stand later in the afternoon to tell the same story again with more detail “on proffer,” which means it won’t be considered as evidence in this trial but could be considered on appeal.The state also called Dr. Monique Wubbenhorst, who practiced as an OBGYN for more than 30 years but has never performed an abortion and is against abortion in all circumstances except to save the pregnant patient’s life. Her testimony included many of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/19/abortion-safety-missouri-amendment-trial-jackson-county/">same arguments</a>&nbsp;that were already discussed in the first week of the trial, such as the safety of medication abortion.Wubbenhorst’s testimony will conclude Wednesday morning, and the trial is expected to end on Monday.