By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/juanvassallo/">Juan Vassallo</a>-

Soybeans sit in storage, farm bankruptcies are rising, and total farm debt continues to climb. By nearly every measure, American farmers are struggling.

Experts say financial pressures are expected to continue mounting.

Due to rising costs, low crop prices and the effects of the trade war, economists project that growers could see roughly $44 billion in net cash income losses from their 2025–26 crops.

At a September&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagofed.org/events/2025/midwest-agriculture-conference" target="_blank">conference</a>&nbsp;on agriculture and trade uncertainty hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank, Shawn Arita, professor at North Dakota State University and former senior economist with the USDA, presented projections showing losses across nine major crops.

With production costs far outpacing revenue, Arita and his team at the NDSU Agricultural Risk Policy Center estimate losses of about $20 billion for corn, $10 billion for soybeans and $8.5 billion for wheat — with peanuts, cotton, barley, oats, grain sorghum and rice adding another $6 billion combined.

Since 2023, U.S. farmers have struggled with high input costs and weak commodity prices, a squeeze economists attribute partly to the Russia-Ukraine war.

But this squeeze is made worse by the loss of key export markets — particularly China.

“The tariffs are creating challenges, but it’s not fair to say they are the main culprit,” Arita said. “Certainly, they are exacerbating the issue.”

Arita also noted that the crop sector tends to follow trade cycles more closely than inflation trends. “[China is] not going to start buying soybeans until they get something out of these negotiations,” he said during his presentation.

Still, the main problem remains high costs across the board — tractors, machinery, fertilizers and other inputs, many of which are imported. Although it’s too early to determine whether President Trump’s tariffs will have an effect on these prices, Arita said it’s “simple economics”: higher taxes on these products inevitably lead to higher production costs.

While some farmers are expected to receive financial assistance through the Big Beautiful Bill, that support isn’t set to arrive until October 2026.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2025/10/28/us-farmers-face-44-billion-in-losses-as-costs-rise-and-markets-shrink/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762051424365.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/juanvassallo/">Juan Vassallo</a>-Soybeans sit in storage, farm bankruptcies are rising, and total farm debt continues to climb. By nearly every measure, American farmers are struggling.Experts say financial pressures are expected to continue mounting.Due to rising costs, low crop prices and the effects of the trade war, economists project that growers could see roughly $44 billion in net cash income losses from their 2025–26 crops.At a September&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagofed.org/events/2025/midwest-agriculture-conference" target="_blank">conference</a>&nbsp;on agriculture and trade uncertainty hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank, Shawn Arita, professor at North Dakota State University and former senior economist with the USDA, presented projections showing losses across nine major crops.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762051269695.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With production costs far outpacing revenue, Arita and his team at the NDSU Agricultural Risk Policy Center estimate losses of about $20 billion for corn, $10 billion for soybeans and $8.5 billion for wheat — with peanuts, cotton, barley, oats, grain sorghum and rice adding another $6 billion combined.Since 2023, U.S. farmers have struggled with high input costs and weak commodity prices, a squeeze economists attribute partly to the Russia-Ukraine war.But this squeeze is made worse by the loss of key export markets — particularly China.“The tariffs are creating challenges, but it’s not fair to say they are the main culprit,” Arita said. “Certainly, they are exacerbating the issue.”Arita also noted that the crop sector tends to follow trade cycles more closely than inflation trends. “[China is] not going to start buying soybeans until they get something out of these negotiations,” he said during his presentation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762051344746.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Still, the main problem remains high costs across the board — tractors, machinery, fertilizers and other inputs, many of which are imported. Although it’s too early to determine whether President Trump’s tariffs will have an effect on these prices, Arita said it’s “simple economics”: higher taxes on these products inevitably lead to higher production costs.While some farmers are expected to receive financial assistance through the Big Beautiful Bill, that support isn’t set to arrive until October 2026.This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2025/10/28/us-farmers-face-44-billion-in-losses-as-costs-rise-and-markets-shrink/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

US farmers face $44 billion in losses as costs rise and markets shrink

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

Legislature expanded office’s powers to examine social welfare programs

TOPEKA — The first audit under expanded powers from the Kansas inspector general’s office identified more than a dozen problems within organizations providing health care through Kansas’ Medicaid program.

The audit is just the beginning of a campaign to weed out fraud and inefficiencies within social welfare programs, following the 2025 Legislature’s approval of broadening the office’s authority to encompass oversight of cash, food&nbsp;and health assistance.

Steven Anderson, the state inspector general, presented 17 findings with accompanying recommendations based on hospital complaints about delays, discrepancies and a potential conflict of interest. He spoke to the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency at an Oct. 21 hearing.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/24654/638950012792900000" target="_blank">audit</a>&nbsp;analyzed hospital complaints from 2023 to determine whether organizations prolonged reviews, manipulated patient statuses and lacked consistency in determining post-visit levels of care. The audit also identified a potential conflict of interest within United Healthcare, one of three managed care organizations that have offered services under KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas.

The inspector general’s office, which is housed within the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, interviewed staff at six Kansas hospitals, representatives from the three KanCare managed care organizations at the time of the report, staff from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and representatives from the Kansas Hospital Association. KDHE agreed with most, but not all, of the audit’s recommendations.

The audit found that managed care organizations refused to reimburse claims that involved returns to a hospital within 30 days of the initial visit, even if the visits were unrelated.

The hospitals typically eat those costs, Anderson said.

“It’s probably incalculable how much money is lost through all this,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican.

The percentage of denied claims for hospital services across the organizations averaged 6% in 2023. However, the value of hospital service claim denials makes up a disproportionate amount of all denials.

One organization denied $1.8 billion in claims in 2023. Hospital claim denials made up 70%, or $1.3 billion, of those denials. Another denied $1.02 billion in claims, and hospital denials accounted for 69%, or $707 million. The third organization denied $1.8 billion in claims, and hospital denials accounted for 62% or $1.1 million.

Anderson said the amounts have grown larger every year.

“The reality is, if I’m going to deny claims, I’m going to look for the higher-dollar ones,” he said. “We can draw some conclusions, maybe, that they were approving the smaller-dollar ones, but the big money ones were oftentimes denied.”

The audit also found that United Healthcare used its proprietary health care criteria and billing system to judge its own claims.

“So they own the process from front to back,” Anderson said.

He said the organization “controls so much of the narrative,” and United Healthcare’s use of a system owned by one of its subsidiaries “looks bad on the surface.”

However, he acknowledged his office cannot prove United Healthcare uses its system inappropriately. KDHE said in a response in the audit that state Medicaid programs must follow certain conflict of interest provisions, “but to date, United acquiring billing and other health care companies and continuing to use those products is not a conflict per the current standards.”

The tools were used by all three contracted organizations at the time, KDHE said. Trying to restrict United Healthcare’s use of the systems and allowing other organizations to continue would create “additional dynamics.”

“These tools are widely used and accepted by healthcare providers across the nation to make medical decisions and validate claims,” KDHE said.

A spokesperson for the company said in an emailed statement: “We remain committed to transparency and accountability and will address these recommendations with our state partners, including clarifying that Change Healthcare is a division of Optum. UnitedHealthcare and Optum are separate entities and subsidiary businesses of UnitedHealth Group, which maintains strict governance policies and compliance standards to ensure that each subsidiary operates independently and in the best interest of its clients and members.”

Anderson said his office, the managed care organizations and KDHE are scheduling a meeting to discuss the audit’s findings.

“I’m thrilled to hear that,” said Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican and chairwoman of the committee.

The best solution, she said, is to get stakeholders together to sort out their differences.

“I always say, if you want the Legislature to do it, no one’s going to be happy with that fix,” she said, “so I’d rather the entities get together and work it out.”

Ultimately, the audit poses the question of whether the state’s contracts reflect what Kansans need, Erickson said.

Upcoming audits span government assistance programs, according to Anderson. One examines data sharing between the state agencies that oversee KanCare and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to verify eligibility for those programs based on comparing residency, household composition and income reporting. Anderson promoted another audit that will look at what he called the pregnant women program to identify whether those accessing it qualify.

The state facilitates the Special Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children, often called WIC, which would fall under Anderson’s purview.

He said his office also plans to release audits of Kansas’ waiver programs, which assist elderly and disabled Kansans through Medicaid, and the pharmaceutical drug program, which is also operated through Medicaid.

Sen. Michael Murphy, a Republican from Sylvia in Reno County, commended Anderson’s work.

“I’m a simple guy,” Murphy said, “and I think when you find you have a hole in the fence, you shouldn’t be surprised when the cows get out.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762029006382.png" alt="Kansas inspector general Steven Anderson, who spoke on Oct. 21, 2025, to the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, earned expanded authority from the 2025 Legislature to scrutinize public health, food and cash assistance programs. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature video)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas inspector general Steven Anderson, who spoke on Oct. 21, 2025, to the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, earned expanded authority from the 2025 Legislature to scrutinize public health, food and cash assistance programs. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature video)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Legislature expanded office’s powers to examine social welfare programs</h2>TOPEKA — The first audit under expanded powers from the Kansas inspector general’s office identified more than a dozen problems within organizations providing health care through Kansas’ Medicaid program.The audit is just the beginning of a campaign to weed out fraud and inefficiencies within social welfare programs, following the 2025 Legislature’s approval of broadening the office’s authority to encompass oversight of cash, food&nbsp;and health assistance.Steven Anderson, the state inspector general, presented 17 findings with accompanying recommendations based on hospital complaints about delays, discrepancies and a potential conflict of interest. He spoke to the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency at an Oct. 21 hearing.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/24654/638950012792900000" target="_blank">audit</a>&nbsp;analyzed hospital complaints from 2023 to determine whether organizations prolonged reviews, manipulated patient statuses and lacked consistency in determining post-visit levels of care. The audit also identified a potential conflict of interest within United Healthcare, one of three managed care organizations that have offered services under KanCare, as Medicaid is known in Kansas.The inspector general’s office, which is housed within the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, interviewed staff at six Kansas hospitals, representatives from the three KanCare managed care organizations at the time of the report, staff from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and representatives from the Kansas Hospital Association. KDHE agreed with most, but not all, of the audit’s recommendations.The audit found that managed care organizations refused to reimburse claims that involved returns to a hospital within 30 days of the initial visit, even if the visits were unrelated.The hospitals typically eat those costs, Anderson said.“It’s probably incalculable how much money is lost through all this,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican.The percentage of denied claims for hospital services across the organizations averaged 6% in 2023. However, the value of hospital service claim denials makes up a disproportionate amount of all denials.One organization denied $1.8 billion in claims in 2023. Hospital claim denials made up 70%, or $1.3 billion, of those denials. Another denied $1.02 billion in claims, and hospital denials accounted for 69%, or $707 million. The third organization denied $1.8 billion in claims, and hospital denials accounted for 62% or $1.1 million.Anderson said the amounts have grown larger every year.“The reality is, if I’m going to deny claims, I’m going to look for the higher-dollar ones,” he said. “We can draw some conclusions, maybe, that they were approving the smaller-dollar ones, but the big money ones were oftentimes denied.”The audit also found that United Healthcare used its proprietary health care criteria and billing system to judge its own claims.“So they own the process from front to back,” Anderson said.He said the organization “controls so much of the narrative,” and United Healthcare’s use of a system owned by one of its subsidiaries “looks bad on the surface.”However, he acknowledged his office cannot prove United Healthcare uses its system inappropriately. KDHE said in a response in the audit that state Medicaid programs must follow certain conflict of interest provisions, “but to date, United acquiring billing and other health care companies and continuing to use those products is not a conflict per the current standards.”The tools were used by all three contracted organizations at the time, KDHE said. Trying to restrict United Healthcare’s use of the systems and allowing other organizations to continue would create “additional dynamics.”“These tools are widely used and accepted by healthcare providers across the nation to make medical decisions and validate claims,” KDHE said.A spokesperson for the company said in an emailed statement: “We remain committed to transparency and accountability and will address these recommendations with our state partners, including clarifying that Change Healthcare is a division of Optum. UnitedHealthcare and Optum are separate entities and subsidiary businesses of UnitedHealth Group, which maintains strict governance policies and compliance standards to ensure that each subsidiary operates independently and in the best interest of its clients and members.”Anderson said his office, the managed care organizations and KDHE are scheduling a meeting to discuss the audit’s findings.“I’m thrilled to hear that,” said Sen. Renee Erickson, a Wichita Republican and chairwoman of the committee.The best solution, she said, is to get stakeholders together to sort out their differences.“I always say, if you want the Legislature to do it, no one’s going to be happy with that fix,” she said, “so I’d rather the entities get together and work it out.”Ultimately, the audit poses the question of whether the state’s contracts reflect what Kansans need, Erickson said.Upcoming audits span government assistance programs, according to Anderson. One examines data sharing between the state agencies that oversee KanCare and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to verify eligibility for those programs based on comparing residency, household composition and income reporting. Anderson promoted another audit that will look at what he called the pregnant women program to identify whether those accessing it qualify.The state facilitates the Special Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children, often called WIC, which would fall under Anderson’s purview.He said his office also plans to release audits of Kansas’ waiver programs, which assist elderly and disabled Kansans through Medicaid, and the pharmaceutical drug program, which is also operated through Medicaid.Sen. Michael Murphy, a Republican from Sylvia in Reno County, commended Anderson’s work.“I’m a simple guy,” Murphy said, “and I think when you find you have a hole in the fence, you shouldn’t be surprised when the cows get out.”

Kansas inspector general digs into KanCare provider organizations

JEFFERSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Saturday in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Taurus driven by&nbsp;Stewart, Loretta L.&nbsp;Stewart, 67, Nortonville, was southbound in the northbound lane of Kansas 4 Highway just north of 62nd Street. The car struck a northbound 2019 Dodge Journey driven by Phillip A. Webster, 27, Fort Riley, head-on.

Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene and ws transported to Barnett Family Funeral Home. EMS transported Webster and passengers in the SUV including Shianne K,&nbsp;Webster, 28, and a 2-month-old girl to Stormont Vail. EMS transported a 6-month-girl in the SUV to Children's Mercy. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

JEFFERSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Saturday in Jefferson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Taurus driven by&nbsp;Stewart, Loretta L.&nbsp;Stewart, 67, Nortonville, was southbound in the northbound lane of Kansas 4 Highway just north of 62nd Street. The car struck a northbound 2019 Dodge Journey driven by Phillip A. Webster, 27, Fort Riley, head-on.Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene and ws transported to Barnett Family Funeral Home. EMS transported Webster and passengers in the SUV including Shianne K,&nbsp;Webster, 28, and a 2-month-old girl to Stormont Vail. EMS transported a 6-month-girl in the SUV to Children's Mercy. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman dead, 2 adults and 3 children injured in head-on crash

CHAUTAUQA COUNTY, Kan.—One person died in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Saturday in&nbsp;Chautauqua County, Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy Silverado driven by Floyd E. Hull, 68, Sedan was southbound on Kansas Highway 99 approximately three miles south of Sedan.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield at U.S. 166. The pickup struck a westbound 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Gregory L.&nbsp;Hopper, 57, Myrtle, Missouri.

Hull was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Dickens Funeral Home. Hopper was not injured. Hull was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

CHAUTAUQA COUNTY, Kan.—One person died in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Saturday in&nbsp;Chautauqua County, Kansas.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy Silverado driven by Floyd E. Hull, 68, Sedan was southbound on Kansas Highway 99 approximately three miles south of Sedan.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield at U.S. 166. The pickup struck a westbound 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Gregory L.&nbsp;Hopper, 57, Myrtle, Missouri.Hull was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported Dickens Funeral Home. Hopper was not injured. Hull was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Missouri driver involved in fatal pickup, semi crash

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement arrested 79 people, including five related to homicides and 15 child predators during a citywide enforcement operation last week with federal partners, according to. social media report from the Kansas City office of the FBI. The child predators have been charged.

Efforts also targeted gang members and others related to violent crime.

In total, 79 arrests, 98 federal/state/municipal warrants cleared, 69 new charges issued, plus narcotics and cash seized.

Members of KCPD’s Special Investigations Division, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Gang Enforcement Squad, Illegal Firearms Squad, Crime Gun Intelligence Center, and SWAT teams were involved.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement arrested 79 people, including five related to homicides and 15 child predators during a citywide enforcement operation last week with federal partners, according to. social media report from the Kansas City office of the FBI. The child predators have been charged.Efforts also targeted gang members and others related to violent crime.In total, 79 arrests, 98 federal/state/municipal warrants cleared, 69 new charges issued, plus narcotics and cash seized.Members of KCPD’s Special Investigations Division, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Gang Enforcement Squad, Illegal Firearms Squad, Crime Gun Intelligence Center, and SWAT teams were involved.

FBI Kansas City operation resulted in more than 6 dozen arrests

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Friday evening issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

The Court also found that if the contingency fund cannot fully fund the program in November, then the federal government must consider other additional funding sources. The USDA has until the end of the day on Monday to let the Court know whether their plan is to partially or fully fund the SNAP program.

“The Court’s decision today makes clear that the Trump Administration has acted unlawfully in its attempt to withhold November SNAP benefits from millions of Americans, including nearly 188,000 Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program so Kansans can continue to feed themselves and their families. While this ruling is a step forward, I urge the USDA to act swiftly to comply with this order and issue November benefits to prevent 42 million Americans from going hungry.”

The order comes after&nbsp;Governor Kelly joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general, two governors, and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump Administration for suspending SNAP benefits in a manner that is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Friday's order makes clear that USDA must use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits. The USDA must present a plan to the court by Monday, November 3, to begin issuing SNAP benefits (full or partial).

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly on Friday evening issued the following statement after a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) contingency funds to fund the program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Court also found that if the contingency fund cannot fully fund the program in November, then the federal government must consider other additional funding sources. The USDA has until the end of the day on Monday to let the Court know whether their plan is to partially or fully fund the SNAP program.“The Court’s decision today makes clear that the Trump Administration has acted unlawfully in its attempt to withhold November SNAP benefits from millions of Americans, including nearly 188,000 Kansans,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The federal government has a legal and moral responsibility to fund this program so Kansans can continue to feed themselves and their families. While this ruling is a step forward, I urge the USDA to act swiftly to comply with this order and issue November benefits to prevent 42 million Americans from going hungry.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/GaXZbasg6U">pic.twitter.com/GaXZbasg6U</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984383011937534409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The order comes after&nbsp;Governor Kelly joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general, two governors, and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump Administration for suspending SNAP benefits in a manner that is both contrary to law and arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.Friday's order makes clear that USDA must use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits. The USDA must present a plan to the court by Monday, November 3, to begin issuing SNAP benefits (full or partial).

Kan. governor comments on judge's order in SNAP benefits case

Two administrative law judges, one fired and another who had salary withheld, sued to be reinstated and fully paid. Neither prevailed in the Cole County decision.

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

An administrative law judge fired last year won’t be reinstated and another who took a pay cut while on active military duty won’t win back his lost salary, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3705777" target="_blank">Cole County judge decided</a>.

In a ruling issued Oct. 23, Circuit Judge Cotton Walker said administrative law judges, who work in the&nbsp;<a href="https://labor.mo.gov/dwc/units" target="_blank">Division of Workers’ Compensation</a>&nbsp;and hear disputes over claims, are not entitled to any more job or pay protections than any other state employee.

The decision means former state Rep. Gina Mitten of Richmond Heights, who was appointed as an administrative law judge in 2021 and fired in May 2024, will not get her job back. And Ryan Asbridge, appointed in 2019 but on active duty with the Air Force since 2021, will receive only three weeks of pay each year while away from his state duties.

Mitten and Asbridge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/administrative-law-judges-sue-missouri-governor-for-wrongful-termination-withheld-salary/">filed the lawsuit in August 2024</a>. Andy Hirth, the attorney for Mitten and Asbridge, said they will appeal the decision.

“We basically think that the courts found in favor of the state contrary to the plain language of Missouri statutes,” Hirth said.

In the lawsuit, Mitten argued that&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=287.610&amp;bid=15119&amp;hl=" target="_blank">state law is clear</a>&nbsp;that administrative law judges can only be discharged or removed if three of&nbsp;<a href="https://boards.mo.gov/userpages/Board.aspx?35" target="_blank">five members on a review committee</a>&nbsp;vote no confidence after two successive performance audits two years apart.

Walker disagreed, pointing to&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=36.025&amp;bid=35373&amp;hl=" target="_blank">another state law</a>&nbsp;that states employees of the executive branch “may be discharged for no reason or any reason not prohibited by law.”

The law for biennial performance reviews, Walker said, “does not limit the executive branch’s appointing authority by prohibiting the unilateral termination of employment of an ALJ with or without cause.”

Around the same time division Director Pamela Lewis fired Mitten, she informed Asbridge that the department would no longer pay his entire salary of approximately $120,000 a year while he was deployed with the Air Force. Asbridge had received approximately $335,000 in pay while away from his state duties.

Asbridge received no other payments after he received a new deployment in June 2024 until after Oct. 1, 2024, the start of the federal fiscal year, when the state paid him salary for three weeks.

In the lawsuit, Asbridge argued that because his salary is set by statute, the state must pay him regardless of hours worked. The lawsuit cited an attorney general’s opinion from 1998.&nbsp;

Walker, however, ruled that Asbridge’s pay status is&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=105.270&amp;bid=5552&amp;hl=" target="_blank">governed by a law</a>&nbsp;that allows 120 hours of pay for employees and officers of the state on leave to perform active duty with the National Guard or other armed forces.

“Asbridge is entitled to 120 hours, or three weeks’ pay, per federal fiscal year during his&nbsp;leave of absence for military duties,” Walker wrote. The department “could pay him more, up to his full salary, but the law does not require this of (the department).”

Mitten, a Democrat, was a member of the Missouri House from 2013 to 2021. She is seeking nomination for the state Senate in the 4th District in 2026.

Asbridge, who is listed among the&nbsp;<a href="https://labor.mo.gov/dwc/injured-workers/administrative-law-judges" target="_blank">26 administrative law judges</a>, remains on active duty and has received orders extending his service to at least August 2026, Hirth said.

The decision, if it stands, has implications for every executive branch employee, he said.

“The language of that ruling is so broad,” Hirth said, “that if that is right, then the governor of Missouri can fire any employee from any commission including the Missouri Ethics Commission, Administrative Hearing Commission or anywhere.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1759143619646.jpeg" alt="-The Cole County Courthouse in downtown Jefferson City&nbsp;(Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>-The Cole County Courthouse in downtown Jefferson City&nbsp;(Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Two administrative law judges, one fired and another who had salary withheld, sued to be reinstated and fully paid. Neither prevailed in the Cole County decision.</h2>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">Rudi Keller</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>An administrative law judge fired last year won’t be reinstated and another who took a pay cut while on active military duty won’t win back his lost salary, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3705777" target="_blank">Cole County judge decided</a>.In a ruling issued Oct. 23, Circuit Judge Cotton Walker said administrative law judges, who work in the&nbsp;<a href="https://labor.mo.gov/dwc/units" target="_blank">Division of Workers’ Compensation</a>&nbsp;and hear disputes over claims, are not entitled to any more job or pay protections than any other state employee.The decision means former state Rep. Gina Mitten of Richmond Heights, who was appointed as an administrative law judge in 2021 and fired in May 2024, will not get her job back. And Ryan Asbridge, appointed in 2019 but on active duty with the Air Force since 2021, will receive only three weeks of pay each year while away from his state duties.Mitten and Asbridge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/administrative-law-judges-sue-missouri-governor-for-wrongful-termination-withheld-salary/">filed the lawsuit in August 2024</a>. Andy Hirth, the attorney for Mitten and Asbridge, said they will appeal the decision.“We basically think that the courts found in favor of the state contrary to the plain language of Missouri statutes,” Hirth said.In the lawsuit, Mitten argued that&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=287.610&amp;bid=15119&amp;hl=" target="_blank">state law is clear</a>&nbsp;that administrative law judges can only be discharged or removed if three of&nbsp;<a href="https://boards.mo.gov/userpages/Board.aspx?35" target="_blank">five members on a review committee</a>&nbsp;vote no confidence after two successive performance audits two years apart.Walker disagreed, pointing to&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=36.025&amp;bid=35373&amp;hl=" target="_blank">another state law</a>&nbsp;that states employees of the executive branch “may be discharged for no reason or any reason not prohibited by law.”The law for biennial performance reviews, Walker said, “does not limit the executive branch’s appointing authority by prohibiting the unilateral termination of employment of an ALJ with or without cause.”Around the same time division Director Pamela Lewis fired Mitten, she informed Asbridge that the department would no longer pay his entire salary of approximately $120,000 a year while he was deployed with the Air Force. Asbridge had received approximately $335,000 in pay while away from his state duties.Asbridge received no other payments after he received a new deployment in June 2024 until after Oct. 1, 2024, the start of the federal fiscal year, when the state paid him salary for three weeks.In the lawsuit, Asbridge argued that because his salary is set by statute, the state must pay him regardless of hours worked. The lawsuit cited an attorney general’s opinion from 1998.&nbsp;Walker, however, ruled that Asbridge’s pay status is&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=105.270&amp;bid=5552&amp;hl=" target="_blank">governed by a law</a>&nbsp;that allows 120 hours of pay for employees and officers of the state on leave to perform active duty with the National Guard or other armed forces.“Asbridge is entitled to 120 hours, or three weeks’ pay, per federal fiscal year during his&nbsp;leave of absence for military duties,” Walker wrote. The department “could pay him more, up to his full salary, but the law does not require this of (the department).”Mitten, a Democrat, was a member of the Missouri House from 2013 to 2021. She is seeking nomination for the state Senate in the 4th District in 2026.Mitten could not be reached for comment.Asbridge, who is listed among the&nbsp;<a href="https://labor.mo.gov/dwc/injured-workers/administrative-law-judges" target="_blank">26 administrative law judges</a>, remains on active duty and has received orders extending his service to at least August 2026, Hirth said.The decision, if it stands, has implications for every executive branch employee, he said.“The language of that ruling is so broad,” Hirth said, “that if that is right, then the governor of Missouri can fire any employee from any commission including the Missouri Ethics Commission, Administrative Hearing Commission or anywhere.”

Court rules Missouri can fire workers’ compensation judges like other state employees

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law weekend, an off duty Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper reported a possible drunk driver, according to a social media report from the KHP.

 Master Trooper Bales located the vehicle near 10th and Laurel in Independence. While he was observing the vehicle he heard a possible gunshot. Master Trooper Bales and Independence Police pulled in behind the vehicle. The driver had negligently discharged the pistol while trying to unload it.

 He was also found to be under the influence of alcohol (.151 almost twice the legal limit if he was 21) and in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He also trafficked contraband into the Montgomery County Jail, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761856484453.png" alt="Photos KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photos KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law weekend, an off duty Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper reported a possible drunk driver, according to a social media report from the KHP. Master Trooper Bales located the vehicle near 10th and Laurel in Independence. While he was observing the vehicle he heard a possible gunshot. Master Trooper Bales and Independence Police pulled in behind the vehicle. The driver had negligently discharged the pistol while trying to unload it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761856440954.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> He was also found to be under the influence of alcohol (.151 almost twice the legal limit if he was 21) and in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He also trafficked contraband into the Montgomery County Jail, according to the KHP.

KHP: Drunken driver fired gun just before traffic stop 

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a business burglary and asking the public for help&nbsp;to identify the suspects shown on security cameras, according KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

The burglary occurred just after 2:30p.m. October 19,&nbsp; in the area of 12th Street and Broadway Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri.

If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Central Patrol Property Crimes Section at 816- 413-3430 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761947486285.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a business burglary and asking the public for help&nbsp;to identify the suspects shown on security cameras, according KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.The burglary occurred just after 2:30p.m. October 19,&nbsp; in the area of 12th Street and Broadway Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri.If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Central Patrol Property Crimes Section at 816- 413-3430 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Police ask for help to ID Kansas City burglary suspects

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761957209962.png" alt="President Trump spoke to reporters upon arrival Palm Beach, Florida on Friday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Trump spoke to reporters upon arrival Palm Beach, Florida on Friday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/GaXZbasg6U">pic.twitter.com/GaXZbasg6U</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984383011937534409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Trump: It will be my honor to fund SNAP if ....

HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office has received confirmation as to the identity of human remains found in southeastern Harvey County on Oct. 1, according to a media release.

The individual was identified as Robert F. Williams, 35, of Wichita.

Williams’ identity was confirmed through DNA testing with living relatives conducted by the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center. The Ninth District Coroner’s Office assisted in the investigation.

Human remains later attributed to Williams were discovered in a hay field by a farmer in the 3000 block of South Hillside Road on Oct. 1. Information identifying Williams was not found at the scene.

The farmstead is southeast of Newton. It is unknown why Williams was in the area where he was found. It is suspected he died in the summer. No foul play is suspected in Williams’ death. No further investigation is anticipated.

HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office has begun an investigation after human remains were found southeast of Newton.

Emergency personnel were dispatched around noon to the 3000 block of South Hillside Road after a farmer discovered the remains in a hay field.

The cause of death nor the identity of the individual have been determined. The Harvey County Coroner’s Office is assisting in the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1759358345093.png" alt="Google Map" />
 <figcaption>Google Map</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office has received confirmation as to the identity of human remains found in southeastern Harvey County on Oct. 1, according to a media release.The individual was identified as Robert F. Williams, 35, of Wichita.Williams’ identity was confirmed through DNA testing with living relatives conducted by the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center. The Ninth District Coroner’s Office assisted in the investigation.Human remains later attributed to Williams were discovered in a hay field by a farmer in the 3000 block of South Hillside Road on Oct. 1. Information identifying Williams was not found at the scene.The farmstead is southeast of Newton. It is unknown why Williams was in the area where he was found. It is suspected he died in the summer. No foul play is suspected in Williams’ death. No further investigation is anticipated.-----------------HARVEY COUNTY —The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office has begun an investigation after human remains were found southeast of Newton.Emergency personnel were dispatched around noon to the 3000 block of South Hillside Road after a farmer discovered the remains in a hay field.The cause of death nor the identity of the individual have been determined. The Harvey County Coroner’s Office is assisting in the investigation.

Sheriff confirms identity of body found in rural Kan. hay field

By:<a href="https://stateline.org/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>

WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Boston ruled Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal — but gave the Trump administration until Monday to respond to her finding before she decides on a motion to force the benefits be paid despite the ongoing government shutdown.

At nearly the same time Friday, a Rhode Island federal judge in a similar case brought by cities and nonprofit groups ordered USDA to continue payments and granted a request for a temporary restraining order.

In Massachusetts, in a Friday afternoon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71783393/26/commonwealth-of-massachusetts-v-united-states-department-of-agriculture/" target="_blank">order</a>, District Court of Massachusetts Judge Indira Talwani said she would continue to take “under advisement” a coalition of Democratic states’ request to force the release of funds from a contingency account holding about $6 billion.

Her ruling came a day before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-double-whammy-snap-food-benefits-ending-and-federal-workers-go-unpaid" target="_blank">a cutoff of&nbsp;</a>Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to low-income households.

Because Congress is locked in a stalemate over a stopgap spending bill and did not appropriate money for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, administration officials say the program cannot provide federal funds beginning Saturday. In states, SNAP benefits are loaded onto cards on varying dates, but the cutoff would be effective for November benefits.

Talwani, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, called the administration’s conclusion it can’t provide SNAP funding “erroneous,” and said the reserve fund was sufficient for SNAP benefits to flow to states and the vendors that add money to debit-like cards issued to the program’s beneficiaries that are used to purchase groceries.&nbsp;

The law creating the program mandated that benefits continue, she said.

“Defendants are statutorily mandated to use the previously appropriated SNAP contingency reserve when necessary and also have discretion to use other previously appropriated funds,” Talwani wrote.

Talwani ordered the administration to say by Monday whether it would provide at least partial benefits for November.

The 25 states that sued were Massachusetts, California, Arizona, Minnesota, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state, Wisconsin Kansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The District of Columbia also sued.&nbsp;

In Rhode Island, where the judge granted a temporary restraining order, the advocacy group Democracy Forward, which was among those bringing the suit, praised the move.

“A federal court today granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump-Vance administration’s unlawful effort to halt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown,” the group said. &nbsp;“The decision ensures that millions of children, seniors, veterans, and families will continue to receive essential food assistance while the case proceeds.”

The judge in that case, John James McConnell Jr., said the administration’s actions violated a key federal administrative law against arbitrary and capricious executive action and federal spending laws “by disregarding Congress’s direction that SNAP must continue operating,” Democracy Forward said.

By:<a href="https://stateline.org/author/jacob-fischler/">Jacob Fischler</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Boston ruled Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to pause a food assistance program for 42 million people was illegal — but gave the Trump administration until Monday to respond to her finding before she decides on a motion to force the benefits be paid despite the ongoing government shutdown.At nearly the same time Friday, a Rhode Island federal judge in a similar case brought by cities and nonprofit groups ordered USDA to continue payments and granted a request for a temporary restraining order.In Massachusetts, in a Friday afternoon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71783393/26/commonwealth-of-massachusetts-v-united-states-department-of-agriculture/" target="_blank">order</a>, District Court of Massachusetts Judge Indira Talwani said she would continue to take “under advisement” a coalition of Democratic states’ request to force the release of funds from a contingency account holding about $6 billion.Her ruling came a day before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shutdown-double-whammy-snap-food-benefits-ending-and-federal-workers-go-unpaid" target="_blank">a cutoff of&nbsp;</a>Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to low-income households.Because Congress is locked in a stalemate over a stopgap spending bill and did not appropriate money for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, administration officials say the program cannot provide federal funds beginning Saturday. In states, SNAP benefits are loaded onto cards on varying dates, but the cutoff would be effective for November benefits.Talwani, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, called the administration’s conclusion it can’t provide SNAP funding “erroneous,” and said the reserve fund was sufficient for SNAP benefits to flow to states and the vendors that add money to debit-like cards issued to the program’s beneficiaries that are used to purchase groceries.&nbsp;The law creating the program mandated that benefits continue, she said.“Defendants are statutorily mandated to use the previously appropriated SNAP contingency reserve when necessary and also have discretion to use other previously appropriated funds,” Talwani wrote.Talwani ordered the administration to say by Monday whether it would provide at least partial benefits for November.The 25 states that sued were Massachusetts, California, Arizona, Minnesota, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state, Wisconsin Kansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The District of Columbia also sued.&nbsp;In Rhode Island, where the judge granted a temporary restraining order, the advocacy group Democracy Forward, which was among those bringing the suit, praised the move.“A federal court today granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump-Vance administration’s unlawful effort to halt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown,” the group said. &nbsp;“The decision ensures that millions of children, seniors, veterans, and families will continue to receive essential food assistance while the case proceeds.”The judge in that case, John James McConnell Jr., said the administration’s actions violated a key federal administrative law against arbitrary and capricious executive action and federal spending laws “by disregarding Congress’s direction that SNAP must continue operating,” Democracy Forward said.McConnell also was appointed by Obama.

Trump admin. blocked from cutting off SNAP benefits as two judges issue orders

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

TOPEKA — State and local leaders gathered Thursday at the new Robert B. Docking State Office Building to celebrate completion of the three-year, $120 million project.

It took more than a decade for the state to determine what to do with the Docking building, as historical preservationists fought to keep the original 14-story facility, built in 1954. In the end, the state Legislature approved demolition and construction of a new three-story building.

“The opening of the new Docking State Office Building represents what we can accomplish when we work together to reimagine something from the past to meet the needs of today and the future,” said Gov. Laura Kelly in a news release.&nbsp;

The new building reuses significant materials from the original Docking building, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://admin.ks.gov/offices/facilities-property-management/docking-state-office-building-reconstruction" target="_blank">a state website&nbsp;</a>that tracks construction progress. More than 50,000 square feet of limestone was reclaimed and reused, as were granite, greenstone and multiple historical features.&nbsp;

“One of the goals for the new Docking Building was to create one of the most efficient, modern, and beautiful buildings in the country, and for this facility to be a ‘front door’ to the state government for visitors to the capitol,” said Kansas Department of Administration Secretary Adam Proffitt in the&nbsp; release.&nbsp;

Last week, Kansas Department of Administration Deputy Secretary Frank Burnam received the Innovation in State Government Award from the National Association of State Chief Administrators for his work on the project, the news release said.

“With 98% of the materials of the old building incorporated into the body of the new building, Kansas has integrated continuity and environmental efficiency into the Docking State Office Building,” said Brian Docking, grandson of Gov. Robert Docking. “Today I represent my great grandparents, my grandparents, and my father and uncle and the future of our family to say we are humbled by this honor.”

The total cost of the project was just under $140 million, with $60 million appropriated from the state general fund and the remaining balance paid through American Rescue Plan Act dollars, said Steven Wu, senior fiscal analyst at the Kansas Legislative Research Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761913836640.png" alt=" Governor Laura Kelly spoke Oct. 30, 2025, at the ribbon-cutting for the Robert B. Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption> Governor Laura Kelly spoke Oct. 30, 2025, at the ribbon-cutting for the Robert B. Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — State and local leaders gathered Thursday at the new Robert B. Docking State Office Building to celebrate completion of the three-year, $120 million project.It took more than a decade for the state to determine what to do with the Docking building, as historical preservationists fought to keep the original 14-story facility, built in 1954. In the end, the state Legislature approved demolition and construction of a new three-story building.“The opening of the new Docking State Office Building represents what we can accomplish when we work together to reimagine something from the past to meet the needs of today and the future,” said Gov. Laura Kelly in a news release.&nbsp;The new building reuses significant materials from the original Docking building, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://admin.ks.gov/offices/facilities-property-management/docking-state-office-building-reconstruction" target="_blank">a state website&nbsp;</a>that tracks construction progress. More than 50,000 square feet of limestone was reclaimed and reused, as were granite, greenstone and multiple historical features.&nbsp;“One of the goals for the new Docking Building was to create one of the most efficient, modern, and beautiful buildings in the country, and for this facility to be a ‘front door’ to the state government for visitors to the capitol,” said Kansas Department of Administration Secretary Adam Proffitt in the&nbsp; release.&nbsp;Last week, Kansas Department of Administration Deputy Secretary Frank Burnam received the Innovation in State Government Award from the National Association of State Chief Administrators for his work on the project, the news release said.“With 98% of the materials of the old building incorporated into the body of the new building, Kansas has integrated continuity and environmental efficiency into the Docking State Office Building,” said Brian Docking, grandson of Gov. Robert Docking. “Today I represent my great grandparents, my grandparents, and my father and uncle and the future of our family to say we are humbled by this honor.”The total cost of the project was just under $140 million, with $60 million appropriated from the state general fund and the remaining balance paid through American Rescue Plan Act dollars, said Steven Wu, senior fiscal analyst at the Kansas Legislative Research Department.

Kansas leaders honor new ‘front door’ to state government at Docking State Office Building

SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident early Friday in Saline County.

According to Saline County Sheriff, Roger Soldan a 2000 Saturn Vue driven by an 18-year-old woman was doing donuts in the parking lot of Kenwood Hall,&nbsp;900 Greeley Avenue in Salina. The driver lost control of the SUV. It struck a dumpster and continued into the south wall of Kenwood Hall.

There were bathrooms in the area of where the crash happened which caused a flood in the building.

EMS transported a 17-year old female passenger to Salina Regional Health Center for a wrist injury. The 18-year old driver was cited for Reckless Driving. The sheriff's office released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761924629686.jpeg" alt="Photos Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident early Friday in Saline County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761924611986.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to Saline County Sheriff, Roger Soldan a 2000 Saturn Vue driven by an 18-year-old woman was doing donuts in the parking lot of Kenwood Hall,&nbsp;900 Greeley Avenue in Salina. The driver lost control of the SUV. It struck a dumpster and continued into the south wall of Kenwood Hall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761924693319.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There were bathrooms in the area of where the crash happened which caused a flood in the building.EMS transported a 17-year old female passenger to Salina Regional Health Center for a wrist injury. The 18-year old driver was cited for Reckless Driving. The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Kan. driver doing donuts crashed into building, bathrooms

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 44-year-old&nbsp;Terrell Bullock, according to KCPD&nbsp;Captain Jake Becchina.

Just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a residence in the 3000 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.

Officers were led inside the residence where they located Bullock unresponsive. Officers called for EMS who responded to the scene and transported him to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary information indicates the shooting appears to have taken place inside or near the front of the residence there. There is no known suspect information at this time, according to Becchina.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761775636955.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 44-year-old&nbsp;Terrell Bullock, according to KCPD&nbsp;Captain Jake Becchina.Just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a residence in the 3000 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Becchina.Officers were led inside the residence where they located Bullock unresponsive. Officers called for EMS who responded to the scene and transported him to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary information indicates the shooting appears to have taken place inside or near the front of the residence there. There is no known suspect information at this time, according to Becchina.&nbsp;

Police ID 44-year-old homicide victim found near front of KC home

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;Naqwan Antonio Lucas, 18, of the District of Columbia, has been charged in a 16-count indictment for the June 30 murder of 21-year-old&nbsp; Eric Tarpinian-Jachym and charged in a second indictment for the July 4 murder of 17-year-old Zoey Kelley, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Eric&nbsp;Tarpinian-Jachym was a congressional intern in the office of Kansas 4th District Representative Ron Estes.

Lucas, aka “Qwan,” appeared before Judge Dana Dayson Thursday afternoon in D.C. Superior Court for his arraignment on both indictments. Lucas pleaded not guilty and Judge Dayson held Lucas until a status hearing with his co-defendants scheduled for November 7.

“These were predictable homicides based upon the behavior of these individuals and the records that everyone knew about, yet the D.C. Council is interested in protecting not the victims but the criminals under the guise of protecting the innocence of youth,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “It’s time for them to start protecting the citizens of the District.”

Lucas was arrested Wednesday night in Montgomery Village, Maryland, by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, MPD, and U.S. Marshals.

On June 30, Tarpinian, a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, was an innocent bystander when three armed suspects exited a stolen vehicle and began firing shots at two young men near the intersection of 7th and M Street NW. Tarpinian, of Granby, Massachusetts, was shot four times and died the next day. Five other people also were assaulted or injured.

Kelvin Thomas, Jr., 17, and Naqwan Lucas’ brother Jailen Lucas, 17, were arrested September 5 and charged as adults on counts of first-degree murder while armed in connection with Tarpinian’s slaying.

On July 4, MPD officers were flagged down about 5:20 p.m.&nbsp;on the 1700 block of Benning Road NE. The officers followed two witnesses into an apartment and found Zoey Kelly, 17, dead of a gunshot wound to the head inside of a storage container wrapped in bedding in the bedroom closet.

Last week, the MPD and FBI announced a $75,000 reward for information leading to Lucas’ arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761862535029.png" alt="Image DC Police" />
 <figcaption>Image DC Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON –&nbsp;Naqwan Antonio Lucas, 18, of the District of Columbia, has been charged in a 16-count indictment for the June 30 murder of 21-year-old&nbsp; Eric Tarpinian-Jachym and charged in a second indictment for the July 4 murder of 17-year-old Zoey Kelley, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Eric&nbsp;Tarpinian-Jachym was a congressional intern in the office of Kansas 4th District Representative Ron Estes.Lucas, aka “Qwan,” appeared before Judge Dana Dayson Thursday afternoon in D.C. Superior Court for his arraignment on both indictments. Lucas pleaded not guilty and Judge Dayson held Lucas until a status hearing with his co-defendants scheduled for November 7.“These were predictable homicides based upon the behavior of these individuals and the records that everyone knew about, yet the D.C. Council is interested in protecting not the victims but the criminals under the guise of protecting the innocence of youth,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “It’s time for them to start protecting the citizens of the District.”Lucas was arrested Wednesday night in Montgomery Village, Maryland, by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, MPD, and U.S. Marshals.On June 30, Tarpinian, a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, was an innocent bystander when three armed suspects exited a stolen vehicle and began firing shots at two young men near the intersection of 7th and M Street NW. Tarpinian, of Granby, Massachusetts, was shot four times and died the next day. Five other people also were assaulted or injured.Kelvin Thomas, Jr., 17, and Naqwan Lucas’ brother Jailen Lucas, 17, were arrested September 5 and charged as adults on counts of first-degree murder while armed in connection with Tarpinian’s slaying.On July 4, MPD officers were flagged down about 5:20 p.m.&nbsp;on the 1700 block of Benning Road NE. The officers followed two witnesses into an apartment and found Zoey Kelly, 17, dead of a gunshot wound to the head inside of a storage container wrapped in bedding in the bedroom closet.Last week, the MPD and FBI announced a $75,000 reward for information leading to Lucas’ arrest.

3rd suspect charged in DC slaying of intern for Kan. congressman

President Trump arrived home from his trip to Asia in time to join FIrst Lady Melania Trump and hand out candy to children during a Halloween event at the White House on Thursday evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761872548675.png" alt="image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>President Trump arrived home from his trip to Asia in time to join FIrst Lady Melania Trump and hand out candy to children during a Halloween event at the White House on Thursday evening.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Halloween at the White House 2025 🍁🍂🎃 <a href="https://t.co/8ouTBcLuVk">pic.twitter.com/8ouTBcLuVk</a>&mdash; Office of the First Lady (@FirstLadyOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/FirstLadyOffice/status/1984258805233025096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump and the First Lady Participate in Halloween at The White House <a href="https://t.co/AnezkesE8L">https://t.co/AnezkesE8L</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1984014953540362675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> host Halloween trick-or-treating at the White House 🎃 <a href="https://t.co/7S1CFTtSt3">pic.twitter.com/7S1CFTtSt3</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984015930272485702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump, former McDonald&#39;s worker himself, greets new Drive-Thru employees at the White House <a href="https://t.co/99KwxiH7wM">pic.twitter.com/99KwxiH7wM</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984024039850197436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> strikes again! 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/mjzufQiAut">https://t.co/mjzufQiAut</a> <a href="https://t.co/98J3vfTMfg">pic.twitter.com/98J3vfTMfg</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984026442494279730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a> brings her son trick-or-treating at the White House with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a> 🧡🖤💛 <a href="https://t.co/tzW4PL3Syt">pic.twitter.com/tzW4PL3Syt</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984017034141950458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> hugs trick-or-treaters at the White House ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/QdY8EsicA4">pic.twitter.com/QdY8EsicA4</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1984022682506293310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Kids&#39; Halloween costumes at White House with President Trump and First Lady <a href="https://t.co/qOToLC5x5z">pic.twitter.com/qOToLC5x5z</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1984063387467387053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President, First Lady host trick-or-treaters at the White House

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)</a>&nbsp;has provided details about three separate recalls for prazosin hydrochloride, a medication used to treat patients with hypertension, due to safety concerns. These are all Class II recalls. According to the FDA, this means taking the drug could lead to “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” or a small possibility of “serious adverse health consequences.”&nbsp;

Prazosin hydrochloride is sold by Pfizer under the brand name Minipress. The drug included in these recalls, however, is a generic version sold by New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA.

Teva Pharmaceuticals is recalling more than 580,000 bottles of the drug. The voluntary recalls were put in place due to high levels of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C, a potential carcinogen. Test results confirmed that the levels exceeded what the FDA allows according to its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/spotlight-cder-science/determining-recommended-acceptable-intake-limits-n-nitrosamine-impurities-pharmaceuticals" target="_blank">Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach</a>.

These recalls were first initiated on Oct. 7. The FDA classified them as Class II incidents on Oct. 24.

In addition to being used as a hypertension treatment, prazosin hydrochloride has been associated with key benefits when prescribed to treat PTSD-related nightmares.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)</a>&nbsp;has provided details about three separate recalls for prazosin hydrochloride, a medication used to treat patients with hypertension, due to safety concerns. These are all Class II recalls. According to the FDA, this means taking the drug could lead to “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” or a small possibility of “serious adverse health consequences.”&nbsp;Prazosin hydrochloride is sold by Pfizer under the brand name Minipress. The drug included in these recalls, however, is a generic version sold by New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA.Teva Pharmaceuticals is recalling more than 580,000 bottles of the drug. The voluntary recalls were put in place due to high levels of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C, a potential carcinogen. Test results confirmed that the levels exceeded what the FDA allows according to its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/spotlight-cder-science/determining-recommended-acceptable-intake-limits-n-nitrosamine-impurities-pharmaceuticals" target="_blank">Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach</a>.These recalls were first initiated on Oct. 7. The FDA classified them as Class II incidents on Oct. 24.In addition to being used as a hypertension treatment, prazosin hydrochloride has been associated with key benefits when prescribed to treat PTSD-related nightmares.

FDA announces nationwide recall of tainted blood pressure medicine

KANSAS CITY —A man already serving time in the Kansas Department of corrections is facing new charges in connection with two fatal fentanyl overdoses that took place in 2023.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2750/Esparza-Redacted-Complaint-1">Angel B. Esparza</a>, 32,&nbsp;faces one count of 2nd Degree Felony Murder, one count of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, and one count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2749/Esparza-Redacted-Probable-Cause-2">According to court records</a>, two coworkers died from fentanyl overdoses in October 2023—one in their Lee’s Summit residence and another in their Belton residence.&nbsp;

The Jackson County Drug Task Force has led the investigation of the deaths over the past couple years, leading to the identification of Esparza.

Detectives found paraphernalia at the first victim’s home which tested positive for fentanyl. &nbsp;They also found messages between the victims indicating the use of fentanyl.

In 2024, detectives found Facebook messages and Cash App records indicating the defendant sold fentanyl to the second victim the night before the first victim’s death. Additional Facebook messages revealed the defendant had sold drugs, including fentanyl, to other individuals as well.&nbsp;

The defendant is currently serving a prison sentence in the Kansas Department of Corrections for an unrelated conviction. Esparza has seven previous convictions in Kansas. His bond has been set at $250,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761594937474.png" alt="Esparza photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Esparza photo Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A man already serving time in the Kansas Department of corrections is facing new charges in connection with two fatal fentanyl overdoses that took place in 2023.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2750/Esparza-Redacted-Complaint-1">Angel B. Esparza</a>, 32,&nbsp;faces one count of 2nd Degree Felony Murder, one count of 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, and one count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2749/Esparza-Redacted-Probable-Cause-2">According to court records</a>, two coworkers died from fentanyl overdoses in October 2023—one in their Lee’s Summit residence and another in their Belton residence.&nbsp;The Jackson County Drug Task Force has led the investigation of the deaths over the past couple years, leading to the identification of Esparza.Detectives found paraphernalia at the first victim’s home which tested positive for fentanyl. &nbsp;They also found messages between the victims indicating the use of fentanyl.In 2024, detectives found Facebook messages and Cash App records indicating the defendant sold fentanyl to the second victim the night before the first victim’s death. Additional Facebook messages revealed the defendant had sold drugs, including fentanyl, to other individuals as well.&nbsp;The defendant is currently serving a prison sentence in the Kansas Department of Corrections for an unrelated conviction. Esparza has seven previous convictions in Kansas. His bond has been set at $250,000.

Man in Kansas prison accused of fentanyl deaths in 2023

TOPEKA —Canyon Anthony Amarys, 28, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, was arrested on October 28 in connection with his indictment for the attempted violation of the Export Control Reform Act, according to the United State's Attorney's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;Amarys was scheduled to make his initial appearance Thursday in federal court in the District of Kansas.

According to the indictment, in February 2025, at an in-person meeting between Amarys and someone he believed to be a Russian intelligence agent, Amarys signed a one-page agreement in order to confirm his covert relationship with a Russian intelligence service.&nbsp; In addition, as part of that relationship, Amarys agreed to photograph a military installation on Fort Riley, Kansas, and to procure a helicopter radio for use by the Russian military.

In March 2025, after purchasing the helicopter radio, Amarys traveled to Kansas in order to retrieve the radio and export it to a purported recipient in Romania.&nbsp; In doing so, Amarys communicated with a person he believed to be a Russian intelligence agent, and confirmed his understanding that the radio would in fact be illegally diverted to Russia.

Pursuant to a court-authorized search, investigators recovered the radio that Amarys had sought to illegally export to Russia.&nbsp; Under U.S. export laws and regulations, the export of this controlled item without a license from the U.S. Department of Commerce was unlawful.&nbsp; Amarys understood that his shipment of the radio abroad was illegal, and told the person he believed to be a Russian intelligence agent that he had researched export regulations in anticipation of their meeting in February 2025.&nbsp;

The FBI Kansas City field office is investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, the Kansas National Guard, the Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney David Ryan of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761854610305.png" alt="Amarys photo Wyandotte County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Amarys photo Wyandotte County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Canyon Anthony Amarys, 28, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, was arrested on October 28 in connection with his indictment for the attempted violation of the Export Control Reform Act, according to the United State's Attorney's office.&nbsp; &nbsp;Amarys was scheduled to make his initial appearance Thursday in federal court in the District of Kansas.According to the indictment, in February 2025, at an in-person meeting between Amarys and someone he believed to be a Russian intelligence agent, Amarys signed a one-page agreement in order to confirm his covert relationship with a Russian intelligence service.&nbsp; In addition, as part of that relationship, Amarys agreed to photograph a military installation on Fort Riley, Kansas, and to procure a helicopter radio for use by the Russian military.In March 2025, after purchasing the helicopter radio, Amarys traveled to Kansas in order to retrieve the radio and export it to a purported recipient in Romania.&nbsp; In doing so, Amarys communicated with a person he believed to be a Russian intelligence agent, and confirmed his understanding that the radio would in fact be illegally diverted to Russia.Pursuant to a court-authorized search, investigators recovered the radio that Amarys had sought to illegally export to Russia.&nbsp; Under U.S. export laws and regulations, the export of this controlled item without a license from the U.S. Department of Commerce was unlawful.&nbsp; Amarys understood that his shipment of the radio abroad was illegal, and told the person he believed to be a Russian intelligence agent that he had researched export regulations in anticipation of their meeting in February 2025.&nbsp;The FBI Kansas City field office is investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, the Kansas National Guard, the Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask of the District of Kansas and Trial Attorney David Ryan of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

National guardsman agreed to take photos at Fort Riley for 'Russian agent'

KANSAS CITY — A Kansas City area teen is facing charges for bringing a loaded gun to a school.

On Tuesday, a Belton Police Department School Resource Officer received information regarding a student bringing a firearm to night courses, according to a media release from Belton Police. The school resource officer team developed a plan to stop the student before he could enter the Scott School, 310 S Scott Avenue, in Belton for his night classes. 

 At 4p.m., a School Resource Officer observed this student identified as 18-year-old Cameron Kopfer of Belton arriving at the school and heading toward the entrance.  Officers stopped him without incident before he could enter the school, at which time he was detained for further investigation.   The investigation revealed a loaded pistol in the student’s backpack. 

Kopfer was arrested and placed on a 24-hour investigative hold. On Wednesday, the Cass County Prosecutor's Office charged Kopfer with one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class E Felony) with a cash only bond of $10,000.

The Belton School District and the Belton Police Department place the safety of our students, teachers and school staff as our highest priority.  We are grateful for the courage of an individual to report a tip in hopes of preventing a more tragic outcome. This tip directly resulted in keeping a firearm out of a public school.If you see something......SAY SOMETHING!!!!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761840189479.png" alt="Kopfer photo Belton Police" />
 <figcaption>Kopfer photo Belton Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A Kansas City area teen is facing charges for bringing a loaded gun to a school.On Tuesday, a Belton Police Department School Resource Officer received information regarding a student bringing a firearm to night courses, according to a media release from Belton Police. The school resource officer team developed a plan to stop the student before he could enter the Scott School, 310 S Scott Avenue, in Belton for his night classes. At 4p.m., a School Resource Officer observed this student identified as 18-year-old Cameron Kopfer of Belton arriving at the school and heading toward the entrance. Officers stopped him without incident before he could enter the school, at which time he was detained for further investigation. The investigation revealed a loaded pistol in the student’s backpack. Kopfer was arrested and placed on a 24-hour investigative hold. On Wednesday, the Cass County Prosecutor's Office charged Kopfer with one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class E Felony) with a cash only bond of $10,000.The Belton School District and the Belton Police Department place the safety of our students, teachers and school staff as our highest priority. We are grateful for the courage of an individual to report a tip in hopes of preventing a more tragic outcome. This tip directly resulted in keeping a firearm out of a public school.If you see something......SAY SOMETHING!!!!

Student arrested after classmate reports loaded gun at school

KANSAS CITY—Authorities investigating the death of an inmate in Jackson County, Missouri have released his name.&nbsp;

On October 21, the Sheriff’s Office was notified that 44-year-old Billy Joe Hercules, who had been transported to a local hospital on October 19, had died, according to a statement from Sheriff Daryl Forte'. Hercules is from Independence, Missouri.

Preliminary findings continue to indicate that no physical interaction occurred between Hercules and corrections officers prior to his death.

The cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office, which has not yet issued its official report. Hercules was being held for the Johnson County Kansas sheriff's office, according to online jail records. Authorities releas

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761782026243.png" alt="Hercules photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hercules photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Authorities investigating the death of an inmate in Jackson County, Missouri have released his name.&nbsp;On October 21, the Sheriff’s Office was notified that 44-year-old Billy Joe Hercules, who had been transported to a local hospital on October 19, had died, according to a statement from Sheriff Daryl Forte'. Hercules is from Independence, Missouri.Preliminary findings continue to indicate that no physical interaction occurred between Hercules and corrections officers prior to his death.The cause and manner of death remain under investigation by the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office, which has not yet issued its official report. Hercules was being held for the Johnson County Kansas sheriff's office, according to online jail records. Authorities releas