KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City area elementary school teacher has been indicted by a federal grand jury for additional child pornography offenses, acording to the United State's Attorney.

Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 28, was charged in a seven-count federal indictment in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Hernandez was previously charged in a three-count criminal complaint with transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Today’s indictment includes those charges and four additional counts of production and attempted production of child pornography. The offenses charged in the indictment are alleged to have occurred between August 2022 and August 2025.

The FBI is seeking to identify potential victims of Hernandez. If you or your child believes they were a victim of Hernandez, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI. If you are under the age of 18, please have your parent/guardian call on your behalf. Your responses are voluntary. Based on your responses, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755908167779.png" alt="Hernandez photo FBI" />
                        <figcaption>Hernandez photo FBI</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City area elementary school teacher has been indicted by a federal grand jury for additional child pornography offenses, acording to the United State's Attorney.</p><p>Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 28, was charged in a seven-count federal indictment in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. Hernandez was previously charged in a three-count criminal complaint with transportation of child pornography, production and attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Today’s indictment includes those charges and four additional counts of production and attempted production of child pornography. The offenses charged in the indictment are alleged to have occurred between August 2022 and August 2025.</p><p>The FBI is seeking to identify potential victims of Hernandez. If you or your child believes they were a victim of Hernandez, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI. If you are under the age of 18, please have your parent/guardian call on your behalf. Your responses are voluntary. Based on your responses, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.</p><p>The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law.</p>

KC area elementary teacher faces additional child porn charges

A Special Initiative Roundtable on Catholic Principles, Human Costs, and Pastoral Challenges

This summer, the United States has witnessed families torn apart, communities full of fear, and people afraid to go to church and work because of the threats and realities of deportations on a wide scale. Catholic leaders have been on the frontlines speaking out and standing in solidarity with immigrants, united in a belief in the God-given dignity of all people, and faced with one of the most dramatic disruptions of the U.S. Church’s life in recent decades.

Pope Francis reminded the U.S. Catholic bishops in February 2025 that the “common good is promoted when society and government, with creativity and strict respect for the rights of all… welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates the most fragile, unprotected and vulnerable.”&nbsp;And in recent weeks, Pope Leo XIV has encouraged us to see migrants as “messengers of hope” in a world darkened by ongoing violence and war—a stark contrast to the rhetoric and fear stoked by many politicians.&nbsp;

As bishops and other Catholic leaders uphold these teachings through their public witness, policymakers and the rest of us must seek the common good, find paths to unity and solidarity, and remember that a just society defends the rights and interests of its most vulnerable members. This urgent dialogue brought together Catholic bishops, academic and policy experts, and community leaders to explore how the principles of Catholic social teaching can help us seek a better way forward.&nbsp;

Kim Daniels, director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, moderated the dialogue.

<p><i>Georgetown University</i></p><p>A Special Initiative Roundtable on Catholic Principles, Human Costs, and Pastoral Challenges</p><p>This summer, the United States has witnessed families torn apart, communities full of fear, and people afraid to go to church and work because of the threats and realities of deportations on a wide scale. Catholic leaders have been on the frontlines speaking out and standing in solidarity with immigrants, united in a belief in the God-given dignity of all people, and faced with one of the most dramatic disruptions of the U.S. Church’s life in recent decades.</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mt_J7S38sPU?si=PsgqLQbKSK3o3tan&amp;start=5" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><p>Pope Francis reminded the U.S. Catholic bishops in February 2025 that the “common good is promoted when society and government, with creativity and strict respect for the rights of all… welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates the most fragile, unprotected and vulnerable.”&nbsp;And in recent weeks, Pope Leo XIV has encouraged us to see migrants as “messengers of hope” in a world darkened by ongoing violence and war—a stark contrast to the rhetoric and fear stoked by many politicians.&nbsp;</p><p>As bishops and other Catholic leaders uphold these teachings through their public witness, policymakers and the rest of us must seek the common good, find paths to unity and solidarity, and remember that a just society defends the rights and interests of its most vulnerable members. This urgent dialogue brought together Catholic bishops, academic and policy experts, and community leaders to explore how the principles of Catholic social teaching can help us seek a better way forward.&nbsp;</p><p>Kim Daniels, director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, moderated the dialogue.</p>

🎥US Catholic bishops decry immigration raids upending church life

KANSAS CITY —Worlds of Fun was evacuated Saturday night on the opening of their Halloween Haunt event.

Just before 9:30pm. Saturday, Law enforcement and the Kansas City Fire Department responded to a reported shots fired call at Worlds of Fun, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 After a thorough investigation and patient assessment only one individual was transported for an unrelated medical issue. KCFD is unaware of the circumstances leading up to the call only that no injuries related to the shots fired call were reported.

Kansas City police are in charge of the investigation. KCPD Along with Worlds of Fun security evacuated and cleared the park in an extremely short period of time, according to Hopkins.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757850599425.png" alt="Photo by Ryan Hennessy courtesy KCTV" />
                        <figcaption>Photo by Ryan Hennessy courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Worlds of Fun was evacuated Saturday night on the opening of their Halloween Haunt event.</p><p>Just before 9:30pm. Saturday, Law enforcement and the Kansas City Fire Department responded to a reported shots fired call at Worlds of Fun, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757850922894.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p> After a thorough investigation and patient assessment only one individual was transported for an unrelated medical issue. KCFD is unaware of the circumstances leading up to the call only that no injuries related to the shots fired call were reported.</p><p>Kansas City police are in charge of the investigation. KCPD Along with Worlds of Fun security evacuated and cleared the park in an extremely short period of time, according to Hopkins.</p>

Worlds of Fun evacuated after report of gunfire

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/hrV8gVIacd">pic.twitter.com/hrV8gVIacd</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1966905599847002299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A LETTER SENT BY PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP TO ALL NATO NATIONS AND, THE WORLD: <a href="https://t.co/x5CrJjPgLr">pic.twitter.com/x5CrJjPgLr</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1966846399355732034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Read Trump's letter to NATO nations on ‘major sanctions’ for Russia 

KANSAS CITY —Nine people were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a white SUV was eastbound on Linwood Boulevard above the speed limit, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMaratino. The SUV ran the red traffic light and collided with a school bus.. 

The driver of the school bus and seven children were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the white SUV was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The accident remains under investigation

<p>KANSAS CITY —Nine people were injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Friday in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>A preliminary investigation revealed that a white SUV was eastbound on Linwood Boulevard above the speed limit, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMaratino. The SUV ran the red traffic light and collided with a school bus.. </p><p>The driver of the school bus and seven children were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the white SUV was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The accident remains under investigation</p><p>---------------</p>

KCPD: SUV driver in school bus crash was traveling above speed limit

KANSAS CITY– A member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club pleaded guilty this week before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays for his involvement in an assault against a member of a rival motorcycle club, according to the United State's Attorney.

Mark A. Crump, also known as “Navajo,” 55, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., pleaded guilty today to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering.

On July 20, 2023, Crump, Jarrid A. Hammer, and another member of the Pagan’s assaulted a lone rival motorcycle gang member at a bar &amp; grill in North Kansas City, Mo.&nbsp; Hammer told the victim that they were there to shut the victim’s club down, then flipped a table over knocking the victim to the ground.&nbsp; Once on the ground, Hammer, Crump and the other Pagan’s member began stomping, kicking and punching the victim.&nbsp; The victim later told law enforcement that those who assaulted him were wearing steel-toed boots.&nbsp; Crump, Hammer and the other Pagan’s member fled the bar &amp; grill before any law enforcement arrived.&nbsp; The victim was later transported by ambulance to a local hospital, suffering from a head contusion (bruise on the brain), rib fracture, hemothorax (accumulation of blood in the area between the chest wall and lungs), a left pulmonary contusion (bruising of the lung), pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and a traumatic brain injury.

Hammer pleaded guilty to the assault on June 18, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing.

Under federal statutes, Crump is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723844162274.png" alt="courtesy image" />
                        <figcaption>courtesy image</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY– A member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club pleaded guilty this week before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays for his involvement in an assault against a member of a rival motorcycle club, according to the United State's Attorney.</p><p>Mark A. Crump, also known as “Navajo,” 55, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., pleaded guilty today to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering.</p><p>On July 20, 2023, Crump, Jarrid A. Hammer, and another member of the Pagan’s assaulted a lone rival motorcycle gang member at a bar &amp; grill in North Kansas City, Mo.&nbsp; Hammer told the victim that they were there to shut the victim’s club down, then flipped a table over knocking the victim to the ground.&nbsp; Once on the ground, Hammer, Crump and the other Pagan’s member began stomping, kicking and punching the victim.&nbsp; The victim later told law enforcement that those who assaulted him were wearing steel-toed boots.&nbsp; Crump, Hammer and the other Pagan’s member fled the bar &amp; grill before any law enforcement arrived.&nbsp; The victim was later transported by ambulance to a local hospital, suffering from a head contusion (bruise on the brain), rib fracture, hemothorax (accumulation of blood in the area between the chest wall and lungs), a left pulmonary contusion (bruising of the lung), pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and a traumatic brain injury.</p><p>Hammer pleaded guilty to the assault on June 18, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing.</p><p>Under federal statutes, Crump is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.</p><p>This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.</p>

Member of KC area motorcycle club enters plea for attack on rival club member

HOWARD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Howard County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Arctic Cat driven by a 41-year-old New Franklin man was traveling on Route P north north of County Road 451. The vehicle left the right side of the road, overturned and the driver was ejected.&nbsp; 

He was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>HOWARD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10p.m. Friday in Howard County.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Arctic Cat driven by a 41-year-old New Franklin man was traveling on Route P north north of County Road 451. The vehicle left the right side of the road, overturned and the driver was ejected.&nbsp; </p><p>He was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

Missouri man dies after ejected when ATV overturns

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration announced sweeping reforms to rein in misleading direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertisements.

The FDA is sending thousands of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/188616/download?attachment">letters</a>&nbsp;warning pharmaceutical companies to remove misleading ads and issuing approximately 100 cease-and-desist letters to companies with deceptive ads.&nbsp;In addition to enforcing existing law, the FDA is initiating rulemaking to close the “adequate provision” loophole created in 1997, which drug companies have used to conceal critical safety risks in broadcast and digital ads, fueling inappropriate drug use and eroding public trust.&nbsp;“Pharmaceutical ads hooked this country on prescription drugs,”&nbsp;

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said.&nbsp;“We will shut down that pipeline of deception and require drug companies to disclose all critical safety facts in their advertising. Only radical transparency will break the cycle of overmedicalization that drives America’s chronic disease epidemic.”The FDA is concerned patients are not seeing a fair balance of information about drug products. This concern is magnified when serious risks are not clearly presented, or the information is too difficult for seniors to read or hear.&nbsp;

“For far too long, the FDA has permitted misleading drug advertisements, distorting the doctor-patient relationship and creating increased demand for medications regardless of clinical appropriateness,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H.&nbsp;“Drug companies spend up to 25% of their budget on advertising. Those billions of dollars would be better spent on lowering drug prices for everyday Americans.”

Americans also live in a new era of social media. An increasing reliance on digital and social media channels, including undisclosed paid influencer promotion, has blurred the lines among editorial content, user-generated media and pharmaceutical advertising, making it increasingly difficult for patients to distinguish between evidence-based information and promotional material.&nbsp;

A 2024 review in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research reveals that while 100% of pharmaceutical social media posts highlight drug benefits, only 33% mention potential harms. Moreover, 88% of advertisements for top-selling drugs are posted by individuals and organizations that fail to adhere to the FDA fair balance guidelines.

The stakes surrounding prescription drug ads are high. While these ads can raise awareness of disease states and beneficial therapies, they must also disclose important risks and limitations. Current law requires that advertisements present a fair balance between a product’s risks and benefits; avoid exaggerating benefits; not create a misleading overall impression; properly disclose financial relationships; and include information regarding major side effects and contraindications.&nbsp;

Despite widespread violations, the FDA has been increasingly lax and reactive in its enforcement approach over the last few decades. The FDA used to send more than a hundred warning letters each year, and misleading ads were rare. But over time, enforcement waned and the number of warning letters sent to pharmaceutical companies dropped to one in 2023 and zero in 2024.

The FDA will no longer tolerate such deceptive practices. Going forward, the agency will aggressively deploy its available enforcement tools. The FDA is already implementing AI and other tech-enabled tools to proactively surveil and review drug ads.

The Trump Administration and HHS Secretary Kennedy are committed to restoring transparency, accountability, and trust in health care. By closing loopholes and stepping up enforcement, the FDA will protect patients, safeguard public health and hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable.

<p>The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration announced sweeping reforms to rein in misleading direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertisements.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757549003301.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The FDA is sending thousands of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/188616/download?attachment">letters</a>&nbsp;warning pharmaceutical companies to remove misleading ads and issuing approximately 100 cease-and-desist letters to companies with deceptive ads.&nbsp;In addition to enforcing existing law, the FDA is initiating rulemaking to close the “adequate provision” loophole created in 1997, which drug companies have used to conceal critical safety risks in broadcast and digital ads, fueling inappropriate drug use and eroding public trust.&nbsp;“Pharmaceutical ads hooked this country on prescription drugs,”&nbsp;</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;The President just signed an executive order that&#39;s an historic change in the way that pharmaceutical advertising is done on television,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecKennedy</a>.<br><br>Watch him explain the historic order: <a href="https://t.co/e2VJwUFv3M">pic.twitter.com/e2VJwUFv3M</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1965551393726714155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said.&nbsp;“We will shut down that pipeline of deception and require drug companies to disclose all critical safety facts in their advertising. Only radical transparency will break the cycle of overmedicalization that drives America’s chronic disease epidemic.”The FDA is concerned patients are not seeing a fair balance of information about drug products. This concern is magnified when serious risks are not clearly presented, or the information is too difficult for seniors to read or hear.&nbsp;</p><p>“For far too long, the FDA has permitted misleading drug advertisements, distorting the doctor-patient relationship and creating increased demand for medications regardless of clinical appropriateness,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H.&nbsp;“Drug companies spend up to 25% of their budget on advertising. Those billions of dollars would be better spent on lowering drug prices for everyday Americans.”</p><p>Americans also live in a new era of social media. An increasing reliance on digital and social media channels, including undisclosed paid influencer promotion, has blurred the lines among editorial content, user-generated media and pharmaceutical advertising, making it increasingly difficult for patients to distinguish between evidence-based information and promotional material.&nbsp;</p><p>A 2024 review in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research reveals that while 100% of pharmaceutical social media posts highlight drug benefits, only 33% mention potential harms. Moreover, 88% of advertisements for top-selling drugs are posted by individuals and organizations that fail to adhere to the FDA fair balance guidelines.</p><p>The stakes surrounding prescription drug ads are high. While these ads can raise awareness of disease states and beneficial therapies, they must also disclose important risks and limitations. Current law requires that advertisements present a fair balance between a product’s risks and benefits; avoid exaggerating benefits; not create a misleading overall impression; properly disclose financial relationships; and include information regarding major side effects and contraindications.&nbsp;</p><p>Despite widespread violations, the FDA has been increasingly lax and reactive in its enforcement approach over the last few decades. The FDA used to send more than a hundred warning letters each year, and misleading ads were rare. But over time, enforcement waned and the number of warning letters sent to pharmaceutical companies dropped to one in 2023 and zero in 2024.</p><p>The FDA will no longer tolerate such deceptive practices. Going forward, the agency will aggressively deploy its available enforcement tools. The FDA is already implementing AI and other tech-enabled tools to proactively surveil and review drug ads.</p><p>The Trump Administration and HHS Secretary Kennedy are committed to restoring transparency, accountability, and trust in health care. By closing loopholes and stepping up enforcement, the FDA will protect patients, safeguard public health and hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable.</p>

Read the warning letter FDA sent drugmakers on deceptive TV ads

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">Cami Koons</a>

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it had improved and expanded its Farm to School Grant program and would invest up to $18 million to connect locally grown food to child nutrition programs.&nbsp;

The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants program was initiated in 2013, but according to a news release, the fiscal year 2026 investment represents the “largest total amount” the department has offered in a given year.&nbsp;

The Farm to School Grant announcement was made alongside U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/09/repub/rfk-jr-lists-100-recommendations-to-make-america-healthy-again/" target="_blank">Make America Healthy Again report</a>, which called for more whole, unprocessed foods in children’s diets.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the grants are “one of the best ways we can deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to children, while also strengthening local agriculture.”&nbsp;

“These grants will open new doors for small family farms, expand access to healthy food in schools, and inspire the next generation of Great American Farmers,” Rollins said in the news release.&nbsp;

State agencies, tribal organizations, child nutrition programs, nonprofits, agricultural producers and groups of producers can apply for grants from $100,000 to $500,000 to support new and existing farm to school projects, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/grant/f2s/fy26?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">grant website</a>.&nbsp;

Eligible projects are those that: incorporate more unprocessed and locally produced foods in school meals, encourage the consumption of fresh foods, train producers on food safety and procurement requirements or educate students on agriculture and nutrition.

The release from USDA said updates to the program will also streamline the application process, remove barriers to innovation and emphasize partnerships.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is proud to streamline this program, so it works better for families, farmers, and communities across our nation,” Rollins said in the release. “Putting America’s Farmers First starts with putting our children first.”

According to USDA’s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://farmtoschoolcensus.fns.usda.gov/census-results/states/ia" target="_blank">Farm to School Census</a>, more than 440 Iowa school food authorities, the entities that manage school food service, have participated in the program.

The grants can also be used to support agriculture education at schools through things like ag and nutrition classes, or school gardening programs. According to the census, nearly 50% of Iowa school food authorities had classroom programs and slightly more than 15% of Iowa school food authorities had edible gardens.&nbsp;

According to USDA, Farm to School Grant awards totaled $100 million since 2013.&nbsp;

The millions in Farm to School Grant dollars are significantly less than the billions of dollars that schools and food banks used under a pandemic-era program to support local food purchases.&nbsp;

These programs, Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance, were&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/03/11/usda-cuts-programs-bringing-local-food-into-schools-food-banks/" target="_blank">canceled in March</a>&nbsp;after USDA announced in October 2024 over a $1 billion in funds to continue the programs across the country.&nbsp;

Tommy Hexter, the policy director for Iowa Farmers Union, said the new investment from USDA is positive, but said it doesn’t make up for the loss of programs that provided “vital government support” to food farmers and players in the local food system.

Hexter said the canceled programs created relationships between farmers, food hubs, the state department of agriculture, schools and community, that are “fundamental to our food system in Iowa.”

“The first and foremost thing with this announcement is like, yes, let’s see how we can take advantage of this new announcement and make these programs come to Iowa,” Hexter said. “But we also are acknowledging that this investment does not replace the major loss of funding that happened earlier this year.”

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/11/usda-to-invest-up-to-18-m-in-farm-to-school-grants/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Kansas Reflector, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757765534936.png" alt="USDA announced funding for its Farm to School Grant program. (Photo by Brandon O’Connor, NRCS/USDA )" />
                        <figcaption>USDA announced funding for its Farm to School Grant program. (Photo by Brandon O’Connor, NRCS/USDA )</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">Cami Koons</a></p><p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it had improved and expanded its Farm to School Grant program and would invest up to $18 million to connect locally grown food to child nutrition programs.&nbsp;</p><p>The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants program was initiated in 2013, but according to a news release, the fiscal year 2026 investment represents the “largest total amount” the department has offered in a given year.&nbsp;</p><p>The Farm to School Grant announcement was made alongside U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/09/repub/rfk-jr-lists-100-recommendations-to-make-america-healthy-again/" target="_blank">Make America Healthy Again report</a>, which called for more whole, unprocessed foods in children’s diets.</p><p>USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the grants are “one of the best ways we can deliver nutritious, high-quality meals to children, while also strengthening local agriculture.”&nbsp;</p><p>“These grants will open new doors for small family farms, expand access to healthy food in schools, and inspire the next generation of Great American Farmers,” Rollins said in the news release.&nbsp;</p><p>State agencies, tribal organizations, child nutrition programs, nonprofits, agricultural producers and groups of producers can apply for grants from $100,000 to $500,000 to support new and existing farm to school projects, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/grant/f2s/fy26?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery" target="_blank">grant website</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Eligible projects are those that: incorporate more unprocessed and locally produced foods in school meals, encourage the consumption of fresh foods, train producers on food safety and procurement requirements or educate students on agriculture and nutrition.</p><p>The release from USDA said updates to the program will also streamline the application process, remove barriers to innovation and emphasize partnerships.</p><p>“Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is proud to streamline this program, so it works better for families, farmers, and communities across our nation,” Rollins said in the release. “Putting America’s Farmers First starts with putting our children first.”</p><p>According to USDA’s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://farmtoschoolcensus.fns.usda.gov/census-results/states/ia" target="_blank">Farm to School Census</a>, more than 440 Iowa school food authorities, the entities that manage school food service, have participated in the program.</p><p>The grants can also be used to support agriculture education at schools through things like ag and nutrition classes, or school gardening programs. According to the census, nearly 50% of Iowa school food authorities had classroom programs and slightly more than 15% of Iowa school food authorities had edible gardens.&nbsp;</p><p>According to USDA, Farm to School Grant awards totaled $100 million since 2013.&nbsp;</p><p>The millions in Farm to School Grant dollars are significantly less than the billions of dollars that schools and food banks used under a pandemic-era program to support local food purchases.&nbsp;</p><p>These programs, Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance, were&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/03/11/usda-cuts-programs-bringing-local-food-into-schools-food-banks/" target="_blank">canceled in March</a>&nbsp;after USDA announced in October 2024 over a $1 billion in funds to continue the programs across the country.&nbsp;</p><p>Tommy Hexter, the policy director for Iowa Farmers Union, said the new investment from USDA is positive, but said it doesn’t make up for the loss of programs that provided “vital government support” to food farmers and players in the local food system.</p><p>Hexter said the canceled programs created relationships between farmers, food hubs, the state department of agriculture, schools and community, that are “fundamental to our food system in Iowa.”</p><p>“The first and foremost thing with this announcement is like, yes, let’s see how we can take advantage of this new announcement and make these programs come to Iowa,” Hexter said. “But we also are acknowledging that this investment does not replace the major loss of funding that happened earlier this year.”</p><p>This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/09/11/usda-to-invest-up-to-18-m-in-farm-to-school-grants/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Kansas Reflector, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.</p>

USDA to invest up to $18 million in farm to school grants

KANSAS CIty —Eight people were injured in an accident involving a school bus just after 4p.m. Friday in Kansas City.

A car and small school bus were involved in the accident at Linwood and Cleveland, according to KC Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp; EMS transported six children and two adults to a local hospital for evaluation of minor injuries.

&nbsp;Authorities released no additional detials.

Kansas City Police are investigating the accident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>KANSAS CIty —Eight people were injured in an accident involving a school bus just after 4p.m. Friday in Kansas City.</p><p>A car and small school bus were involved in the accident at Linwood and Cleveland, according to KC Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp; EMS transported six children and two adults to a local hospital for evaluation of minor injuries.</p><p>&nbsp;Authorities released no additional detials.</p><p>Kansas City Police are investigating the accident.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

6 children, 2 adults injured after car, school bus crash in Kansas City

Washington<b> –</b>&nbsp;On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger&nbsp;Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senate colleagues in&nbsp;introducing a resolution honoring the life of Turning Point USA’s founder, Charlie Kirk. Charlie was assassinated while holding an event at Utah Valley University’s campus.

<i>“My wife Laina and I are devastated, and our hearts and prayers are with his wife, Erika, and their two children,”&nbsp;<b>said Senator&nbsp;Marshall.</b>&nbsp;“Charlie was a person of faith, and I know that God will be there for his family in this moment. Charlie’s legacy is cemented as one of the great thought leaders of Conservatism in the 21st century, reaching millions of young people and college students about the importance of faith, family, and country.”</i><i></i>

<i>Condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk and honoring his life and legacy.</i>

<i>Whereas Charlie Kirk was horrifically assassinated on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University while speaking to a large group of college students;</i>

<i>Whereas Charlie Kirk was a devoted husband, father, and Christian;</i>

<i>Whereas, in 2012, Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA, a conservative campus advocacy group that quickly became one of the fastest-growing college campus chapter organizations in the country; and</i>

<i>Whereas Charlie Kirk frequently engaged college students of all political backgrounds in open debates and discussion, encouraging civil discourse on college campuses and among college students: Now, therefore, be it</i>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757551583450.png" alt="Charlie Kirk -photo courtesy White House" />
                        <figcaption>Charlie Kirk -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Washington<b> –</b>&nbsp;On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger&nbsp;Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senate colleagues in&nbsp;introducing a resolution honoring the life of Turning Point USA’s founder, Charlie Kirk. Charlie was assassinated while holding an event at Utah Valley University’s campus.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Charlie Kirk was a father, husband, son and a voice for young conservatives. He was a man of faith who deeply loved his country. His murder is an appalling act of violence, and I am heartbroken for his wife, children and loved ones. <br><br>Please pray for the Kirk family and our…</p>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1965909915781709863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p><i>“My wife Laina and I are devastated, and our hearts and prayers are with his wife, Erika, and their two children,”&nbsp;<b>said Senator&nbsp;Marshall.</b>&nbsp;“Charlie was a person of faith, and I know that God will be there for his family in this moment. Charlie’s legacy is cemented as one of the great thought leaders of Conservatism in the 21st century, reaching millions of young people and college students about the importance of faith, family, and country.”</i><i></i></p><p>See the full text below:</p><p><i>RESOLUTION</i></p><p><i>Condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk and honoring his life and legacy.</i></p><p><i>Whereas Charlie Kirk was horrifically assassinated on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University while speaking to a large group of college students;</i></p><p><i>Whereas Charlie Kirk was a devoted husband, father, and Christian;</i></p><p><i>Whereas, in 2012, Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA, a conservative campus advocacy group that quickly became one of the fastest-growing college campus chapter organizations in the country; and</i></p><p><i>Whereas Charlie Kirk frequently engaged college students of all political backgrounds in open debates and discussion, encouraging civil discourse on college campuses and among college students: Now, therefore, be it</i></p><p><i>Resolved, That the Senate—</i></p><ol>
                        <li><i>condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk in the strongest possible terms;</i></li><li><i>extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to Charlie Kirk’s family, including his wife, Erika, and their two young children; and</i></li><li><i>honors Charlie Kirk’s commitment to the constitutional principles of civil discussion and debate between all people of the United States, regardless of political affiliation.</i></li>
                    </ol>

Read the resolution: Kan. U.S. Senators honor the life of Charlie Kirk

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court this week for possession and transfer of machine guns, including machine gun conversion devices or “switches.”

Davorian M. Fleming, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 37 months’ imprisonment, according to the United State's Attorney.

On April 3, 2025, Fleming pleaded guilty to possession and transfer of machineguns. Fleming admitted the ‘switches” were machineguns and that he aided his co-defendants in the transfer of the machineguns.

Fleming’s co-defendant, K’Orion A. Duff, 23, also of Kansas City, Mo., was previously sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in the distribution of machinegun conversion devices.&nbsp; Two co-defendants are still awaiting sentencing.&nbsp;

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess or transfer a machinegun, as that term is defined in Title 26, United States Code, Section 5845(b).&nbsp;This definition includes machine gun conversion devices often referred to as “switches.”&nbsp; A machine gun conversion device allows a semi-automatic firearm to be modified to function as a fully automatic firearm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh Ragner.&nbsp; It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677108137742.jpg" alt="image pixaby" />
                        <figcaption>image pixaby</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court this week for possession and transfer of machine guns, including machine gun conversion devices or “switches.”</p><p>Davorian M. Fleming, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 37 months’ imprisonment, according to the United State's Attorney.</p><p>On April 3, 2025, Fleming pleaded guilty to possession and transfer of machineguns. Fleming admitted the ‘switches” were machineguns and that he aided his co-defendants in the transfer of the machineguns.</p><p>Fleming’s co-defendant, K’Orion A. Duff, 23, also of Kansas City, Mo., was previously sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in the distribution of machinegun conversion devices.&nbsp; Two co-defendants are still awaiting sentencing.&nbsp;</p><p>Under federal law, it is illegal to possess or transfer a machinegun, as that term is defined in Title 26, United States Code, Section 5845(b).&nbsp;This definition includes machine gun conversion devices often referred to as “switches.”&nbsp; A machine gun conversion device allows a semi-automatic firearm to be modified to function as a fully automatic firearm.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh Ragner.&nbsp; It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

Prison: Kansas City man transferred machine guns

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757689066912.png" alt="Tyler Robinson-photo released by the Utah Governor's Office" />
                        <figcaption>Tyler Robinson-photo released by the Utah Governor's Office</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Utah <a href="https://twitter.com/GovCox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovCox</a>: &quot;We got him. On the evening of September 11th, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend who contacted the Washington County Sheriff&#39;s office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/qULwsRRfBX">pic.twitter.com/qULwsRRfBX</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1966507038269137063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 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"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;Essentially, somebody that was very close to him turned him in.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JB9H7yTs5C">https://t.co/JB9H7yTs5C</a> <a href="https://t.co/TMCwKbfH2m">pic.twitter.com/TMCwKbfH2m</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1966474851809403193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 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"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;I hope he gets the death penalty.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JB9H7yTs5C">https://t.co/JB9H7yTs5C</a> <a href="https://t.co/iLXw6XXiAE">pic.twitter.com/iLXw6XXiAE</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1966475601268601320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥New details on capture of Charlie Kirk murder suspect

’Honestly, it’s not for everyone’ tagline earned awards but also detractors as a ‘mockery’

Paul Hamme<br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/07/wall-of-shame-still-used-by-nebraska-to-convince-delinquent-taxpayers-to-pay-up/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN – John Ricks, the state tourism director who deployed the edgy and controversial marketing pitch “Nebraska. Honestly, it’s not for everyone,” has resigned.

Ricks, who was paid $133,838-a-year, could not immediately be reached for comment. His resignation was accepted Thursday by the State Tourism Commission, which has since appointed Deputy Director Heather Hogue as interim executive director, as was reported first by the Nebraska Rural Radio Network.

While Ricks got mixed reviews on the tourism pitch, an official with the Nebraska Travel Association said he played a key role in helping increase tourism in the state, citing a 26.4% growth rate in state lodging taxes from 2019-2022 compared to only 2.5% nationally.

“Ricks is to be commended for putting Nebraska on the tourism map,” said Kerri Rempp, president of the state travel association.

Hired in 2016 by then Gov. Pete Ricketts, Ricks had worked as an associate director in Colorado’s state tourism office before taking the Nebraska job. His hiring was touted as bringing a fresh perspective to a state that had been rated by one group as the “least likely” for tourists to visit.

That led to the new “Nebraska: Honestly, it’s not for everyone” marketing pitch, which included advertising emphasizing off-beat adventures in Nebraska, from floating down a river in a horse tank to hop-scotching across Badlands-like formations in Toadstool Park.

The self-deprecating pitch grabbed national attention, and, in 2022, won a national award for best integrated marketing and messaging. According to the State Tourism Commission, it also raised Nebraska’s tourism profile from last to 45th.

But some state leaders, including Gov. Jim Pillen and then Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Tony Goins, disliked the motto, which was coined by a marketing firm from Colorado. Goins said it “made a mockery” of the DED’s pitchline for new residents: “The Good Life is Calling.”

By 2024, the “not for everyone” tagline was dropped by the Tourism Commission and state legislators passed a bill seeking to better coordinate marketing pitches between the independent commission, also known as “Visit Nebraska” and state economic development officials.

The Nebraska Travel Association, in a press release this week, urged the State Tourism Commission to “act swiftly” to replace Ricks.

The tourism agency is funded by lodging taxes paid on motel and hotel bills. Its budget this year is $10.1 million to promote an industry that generates $4.5 billion in spending annually and supports over 41,000 jobs throughout Nebraska.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757679920780.png" alt="Nebraska tourism swag featured the now-dropped tagline, “Nebraska: Honestly, it’s not for everyone.”(Courtesy of Visit Nebraska)" />
                        <figcaption>Nebraska tourism swag featured the now-dropped tagline, “Nebraska: Honestly, it’s not for everyone.”(Courtesy of Visit Nebraska)</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>’Honestly, it’s not for everyone’ tagline earned awards but also detractors as a ‘mockery’</h2><p>Paul Hamme<br><a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/04/07/wall-of-shame-still-used-by-nebraska-to-convince-delinquent-taxpayers-to-pay-up/">Nebraska Examiner</a></p><p>LINCOLN – John Ricks, the state tourism director who deployed the edgy and controversial marketing pitch “Nebraska. Honestly, it’s not for everyone,” has resigned.</p><p>Ricks, who was paid $133,838-a-year, could not immediately be reached for comment. His resignation was accepted Thursday by the State Tourism Commission, which has since appointed Deputy Director Heather Hogue as interim executive director, as was reported first by the Nebraska Rural Radio Network.</p><p>While Ricks got mixed reviews on the tourism pitch, an official with the Nebraska Travel Association said he played a key role in helping increase tourism in the state, citing a 26.4% growth rate in state lodging taxes from 2019-2022 compared to only 2.5% nationally.</p><p>“Ricks is to be commended for putting Nebraska on the tourism map,” said Kerri Rempp, president of the state travel association.</p><p>Hired in 2016 by then Gov. Pete Ricketts, Ricks had worked as an associate director in Colorado’s state tourism office before taking the Nebraska job. His hiring was touted as bringing a fresh perspective to a state that had been rated by one group as the “least likely” for tourists to visit.</p><p>That led to the new “Nebraska: Honestly, it’s not for everyone” marketing pitch, which included advertising emphasizing off-beat adventures in Nebraska, from floating down a river in a horse tank to hop-scotching across Badlands-like formations in Toadstool Park.</p><p>The self-deprecating pitch grabbed national attention, and, in 2022, won a national award for best integrated marketing and messaging. According to the State Tourism Commission, it also raised Nebraska’s tourism profile from last to 45th.</p><p>But some state leaders, including Gov. Jim Pillen and then Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director Tony Goins, disliked the motto, which was coined by a marketing firm from Colorado. Goins said it “made a mockery” of the DED’s pitchline for new residents: “The Good Life is Calling.”</p><p>By 2024, the “not for everyone” tagline was dropped by the Tourism Commission and state legislators passed a bill seeking to better coordinate marketing pitches between the independent commission, also known as “Visit Nebraska” and state economic development officials.</p><p>The Nebraska Travel Association, in a press release this week, urged the State Tourism Commission to “act swiftly” to replace Ricks.</p><p>The tourism agency is funded by lodging taxes paid on motel and hotel bills. Its budget this year is $10.1 million to promote an industry that generates $4.5 billion in spending annually and supports over 41,000 jobs throughout Nebraska.</p>

Nebraska tourism director who deployed ‘not for everyone’ marketing pitch resigns

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department&nbsp; investigating a homicide near Bank of Labor in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 44-year-old&nbsp;as Tequan Davis of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

Just before 3:30p.m. September 4, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 800 block of State Avenue. First responders located Davis in the parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; The person of interest in this case has been questioned and is cooperating with law enforcement but no charges have been filed.

This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757550705471.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KMBC" />
                        <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department&nbsp; investigating a homicide near Bank of Labor in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 44-year-old&nbsp;as Tequan Davis of Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.</p><p>Just before 3:30p.m. September 4, police were dispatched to a shooting call in the 800 block of State Avenue. First responders located Davis in the parking lot suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; The person of interest in this case has been questioned and is cooperating with law enforcement but no charges have been filed.</p><p>This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp;</p>

Police ID man killed outside Kansas bank

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a building fire in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported building fire in the 500 block of Walnut in the City Market area, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.. Crews reported light smoke and fire visible on arrival of a three-story commercial mixed-use building. 

A small fire had started on the third floor of the structure which houses a dance studio. The third-floor units sprinkler system had activated and held the fire in check until KCFD's arrival.&nbsp; 

Fire crews shut down the sprinkler and began salvage and overhaul operations. No injuries were reported.&nbsp; Power to the entire building was shut off. Several businesses were displaced temporarily until the building can be evaluated.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757623222978.png" alt="" />
                        <figcaption></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a building fire in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported building fire in the 500 block of Walnut in the City Market area, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.. Crews reported light smoke and fire visible on arrival of a three-story commercial mixed-use building. </p><p>A small fire had started on the third floor of the structure which houses a dance studio. The third-floor units sprinkler system had activated and held the fire in check until KCFD's arrival.&nbsp; </p><p>Fire crews shut down the sprinkler and began salvage and overhaul operations. No injuries were reported.&nbsp; Power to the entire building was shut off. Several businesses were displaced temporarily until the building can be evaluated.</p>

Fire at dance studio in KC's City Market area  

The search for the suspect in the Charlie Kirk assaassination continued early Friday.

On Thursday the FBI released ne photos and a video of the suspect&nbsp; believed responsible. for the crime.

The FBI reported they have receive more than 7,000 leads and tips in the search for a suspect.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757639423442.png" alt="Photos FBI" />
                        <figcaption>Photos FBI</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The search for the suspect in the Charlie Kirk assaassination continued early Friday.</p><p>On Thursday the FBI released ne photos and a video of the suspect&nbsp; believed responsible. for the crime.</p><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YrfHme9Yhc8?si=dR-yzqr3RQfEXOJT&amp;start=3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are asking for the public&#39;s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. <br>1-800-CALL-FBI<br>Digital media tips: <a href="https://t.co/K7maX81TjJ">https://t.co/K7maX81TjJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/ALuVkTXuDc">pic.twitter.com/ALuVkTXuDc</a></p>&mdash; FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBISaltLakeCity/status/1966169520403525760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757634046735.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757639471242.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The FBI reported they have receive more than 7,000 leads and tips in the search for a suspect.</p>

FBI releases new video of suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination

SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Topeka man Thursday morning for an alleged child sex offense.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, KBI agents with the Child Victims Unit executed a search warrant at a residence at 3709 SE Truman Ave. in Topeka, according to a media release from the KBI.

 Following the search, at around 9 a.m., KBI agents arrested Mark A. Calloway Jr., 27, of Topeka on requested charges of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The KBI began investigating after a cyber-tip was submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Following his arrest Calloway was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Additional charges against Calloway are expected.&nbsp;The Topeka Police Department assisted in the arrest.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757618473867.png" alt="Calloway photo Shawnee Co." />
                        <figcaption>Calloway photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Topeka man Thursday morning for an alleged child sex offense.</p><p>On Thursday, Sept. 11, KBI agents with the Child Victims Unit executed a search warrant at a residence at 3709 SE Truman Ave. in Topeka, according to a media release from the KBI.</p><p> Following the search, at around 9 a.m., KBI agents arrested Mark A. Calloway Jr., 27, of Topeka on requested charges of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The KBI began investigating after a cyber-tip was submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.</p><p>Following his arrest Calloway was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Additional charges against Calloway are expected.&nbsp;The Topeka Police Department assisted in the arrest.</p>

Cyber tip led to Kan. man's arrest for alleged child sex crimes

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight, we remember those we lost, the heroism of all who bravely sacrificed their own lives to save others, and those who died from illnesses obtained at Ground Zero. Their spirit lives on today with our First Responders and all who serve our communities and our country. <br><br>The… <a href="https://t.co/LY5hA2FuAc">pic.twitter.com/LY5hA2FuAc</a></p>&mdash; New York Yankees (@Yankees) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees/status/1966284460883923171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 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"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happening Now—The👑of New York is so BACK! 🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/WtP74uAB8w">pic.twitter.com/WtP74uAB8w</a></p>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1966317431217115388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happening Now—President Trump with the New York <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yankees</a>. <br>⚾️🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/IcRvhuRGHN">pic.twitter.com/IcRvhuRGHN</a></p>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1966273245352702415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;The New York <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yankees</a> welcome back to Yankee Stadium the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, on the solemn anniversary of September 11, 2001.&quot; 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/Bb8BvNvOol">pic.twitter.com/Bb8BvNvOol</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1966288351755108675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/tdXD2oaqyp">pic.twitter.com/tdXD2oaqyp</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1966279440058417391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">🗣️USA—USA—USA🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/QDzlb2vIG7">pic.twitter.com/QDzlb2vIG7</a></p>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1966283364706693516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge cheers as <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> is shown during The Star-Spangled Banner at <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yankees</a> Stadium 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/FQVSVqc290">pic.twitter.com/FQVSVqc290</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1966278777706512543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;USA! USA! USA!&quot; chants break out at <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Yankees</a> Stadium as <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> attends on the anniversary of 9/11<br><br>🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/MfB051UOe2">pic.twitter.com/MfB051UOe2</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1966277457843204330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJudge44?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheJudge44</a>: &quot;You have that much muscle, you have to hit the ball perfect.&quot; 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/MXwkA0zpou">pic.twitter.com/MXwkA0zpou</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1966272292968882249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump draws cheers and boos marking 9/11 at Yankees game

SALINE COUNTY —Saline County deputies arrested two suspects after scamming a couple out of over $120,000.

On July 29, 2025 an elderly couple was called by a scammer claiming to be an 'agent from the US Treasurer's Office," according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.

 The scammer advised the couple that their 'personal information was used to get $3.7 million in cash from various banks.'

Furthermore, the 'agent' told the couple they were 'laundering money' and that they needed to give the 'US Government $80,000 to cover the court cases, which would be refunded after court dismissal.' Afterwards, one from the couple went to their bank and withdrew $80,000 and sent the amount in two separate shipments to two addresses in&nbsp;Downey, CA.

Moreover, on August 31st, the same 'agent' called the couple again and advised them to send an additional $40,000 in cash, but this time to a certain individual in person. The scammer told the couple this person would come by their house and pick up the cash. According to the Sheriff's Office, the couple met a male suspect at a street by their house to give him a total of $46,461 in cash.

After these events, the couple's bank was suspicious and called a family member of the couple about the concern. The family member then contacted the Sheriff's Office.

The very next day, the scammer called the couple once more and requested an additional payment of $40,000 in cash. The scammer said the same suspect would meet them to pick up the cash.

The Sheriff's Office was already involved in the investigation when the call was made, and learned the suspect would be at the 2300 block of S. 9th to pick up the cash. When the couple went to meet the suspect, authorities arrived to the scene with them and found two male suspects.

Arrested was 27-year old, Naga Teegala of Aurora, Illinois and 27-year old, Pruthwik Gallipally of Wheeling, Illinois. Both were booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges Criminal Threat, Mistreatment of a Dependent Adult, Theft by Deception, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness and False Impersonation. The total loss was listed to be at $126,461.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757598902235.jpeg" alt="Gallipally -photo Saline Co." />
                        <figcaption>Gallipally -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>SALINE COUNTY —Saline County deputies arrested two suspects after scamming a couple out of over $120,000.</p><p>On July 29, 2025 an elderly couple was called by a scammer claiming to be an 'agent from the US Treasurer's Office," according to Sheriff Roger Soldan.</p><p> The scammer advised the couple that their 'personal information was used to get $3.7 million in cash from various banks.'</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757599459489.jpeg" alt="Teegala photo Saline Co." />
                        <figcaption>Teegala photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Furthermore, the 'agent' told the couple they were 'laundering money' and that they needed to give the 'US Government $80,000 to cover the court cases, which would be refunded after court dismissal.' Afterwards, one from the couple went to their bank and withdrew $80,000 and sent the amount in two separate shipments to two addresses in&nbsp;Downey, CA.</p><p>Moreover, on August 31st, the same 'agent' called the couple again and advised them to send an additional $40,000 in cash, but this time to a certain individual in person. The scammer told the couple this person would come by their house and pick up the cash. According to the Sheriff's Office, the couple met a male suspect at a street by their house to give him a total of $46,461 in cash.</p><p>After these events, the couple's bank was suspicious and called a family member of the couple about the concern. The family member then contacted the Sheriff's Office.</p><p>The very next day, the scammer called the couple once more and requested an additional payment of $40,000 in cash. The scammer said the same suspect would meet them to pick up the cash.</p><p>The Sheriff's Office was already involved in the investigation when the call was made, and learned the suspect would be at the 2300 block of S. 9th to pick up the cash. When the couple went to meet the suspect, authorities arrived to the scene with them and found two male suspects.</p><p>Arrested was 27-year old, Naga Teegala of Aurora, Illinois and 27-year old, Pruthwik Gallipally of Wheeling, Illinois. Both were booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges Criminal Threat, Mistreatment of a Dependent Adult, Theft by Deception, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness and False Impersonation. The total loss was listed to be at $126,461.</p>

Sheriff: Kansas couple lost over $120,000 in scam

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans on Wednesday stopped a Democratic amendment to the annual defense authorization bill that would have compelled the release of the government’s investigative files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In a procedural vote, senators voted 51-49 to table the amendment filed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, effectively stopping the chamber from considering the measure. Republicans Josh Hawley of Missouri and Rand Paul of Kentucky voted with all Democrats to advance the amendment.

The move by Schumer was the latest attempt in Congress to force Republicans on the record about the Trump administration’s announcement in July that it would not release any further materials from the federal sex trafficking case against Epstein.

“If Republicans vote no, they’ll be saying to the American people, you should not see the Epstein files,” Schumer said on the Senate floor ahead of the vote. “I asked my Republican colleagues, after all those years you spent calling for accountability, for transparency, for getting to the bottom of these awful crimes, ‘Why won’t you vote yes?’”

The financier, who for years surrounded himself with powerful and influential figures, died awaiting trial in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019. He and President Donald Trump had a well-documented social relationship that Trump says turned sour before allegations against Epstein surfaced.

A bipartisan effort in the U.S. House aimed at forcing the Department of Justice to release all investigative materials has not gained enough Republican support to bypass House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, for a floor vote.

The discharge petition filed by Reps. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and California Democrat Ro Khanna has the signatures of all Democrats and four Republicans, including Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Nancy Mace of South Carolina. The petition, which needs a majority of House members to sign to force legislation to the floor, is short two signatures.

Massie, Khanna and Greene stood outside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 3&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-must-choose-epstein-survivors-demand-vote-release-case-files" target="_blank">alongside women</a>&nbsp;who shared stories of abuse inflicted by Epstein.

The GOP-led House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is conducting its own probe into the Epstein case. On Tuesday, committee Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-share-alleged-trump-birthday-note-epstein" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;an image of a lewd birthday greeting allegedly created by Trump for Epstein’s 50th birthday.

Many lawmakers and members of the public, including some in Trump’s voter base, have zoned in on the release of what they refer to as the Epstein files since the FBI&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1407001/dl?inline" target="_blank">declared</a>&nbsp;in a July memo that no more information would be made public.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein photo New York Sex offender registry" />
                        <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein photo New York Sex offender registry</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republicans on Wednesday stopped a Democratic amendment to the annual defense authorization bill that would have compelled the release of the government’s investigative files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.</p><p>In a procedural vote, senators voted 51-49 to table the amendment filed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, effectively stopping the chamber from considering the measure. Republicans Josh Hawley of Missouri and Rand Paul of Kentucky voted with all Democrats to advance the amendment.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING NEWS: I just filed an amendment on the Senate Floor to REQUIRE the Attorney General to release the Epstein files.<br><br>Republicans will HAVE TO vote on it. We’re going to keep fighting until these files are released. <a href="https://t.co/bHFGNnuk3T">pic.twitter.com/bHFGNnuk3T</a></p>&mdash; Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer/status/1965800573510574463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>The move by Schumer was the latest attempt in Congress to force Republicans on the record about the Trump administration’s announcement in July that it would not release any further materials from the federal sex trafficking case against Epstein.</p><p>“If Republicans vote no, they’ll be saying to the American people, you should not see the Epstein files,” Schumer said on the Senate floor ahead of the vote. “I asked my Republican colleagues, after all those years you spent calling for accountability, for transparency, for getting to the bottom of these awful crimes, ‘Why won’t you vote yes?’”</p><p>The financier, who for years surrounded himself with powerful and influential figures, died awaiting trial in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019. He and President Donald Trump had a well-documented social relationship that Trump says turned sour before allegations against Epstein surfaced.</p><p>A bipartisan effort in the U.S. House aimed at forcing the Department of Justice to release all investigative materials has not gained enough Republican support to bypass House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, for a floor vote.</p><p>The discharge petition filed by Reps. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and California Democrat Ro Khanna has the signatures of all Democrats and four Republicans, including Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Nancy Mace of South Carolina. The petition, which needs a majority of House members to sign to force legislation to the floor, is short two signatures.</p><p>Massie, Khanna and Greene stood outside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 3&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/congress-must-choose-epstein-survivors-demand-vote-release-case-files" target="_blank">alongside women</a>&nbsp;who shared stories of abuse inflicted by Epstein.</p><p>The GOP-led House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is conducting its own probe into the Epstein case. On Tuesday, committee Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-share-alleged-trump-birthday-note-epstein" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;an image of a lewd birthday greeting allegedly created by Trump for Epstein’s 50th birthday.</p><p>Many lawmakers and members of the public, including some in Trump’s voter base, have zoned in on the release of what they refer to as the Epstein files since the FBI&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1407001/dl?inline" target="_blank">declared</a>&nbsp;in a July memo that no more information would be made public.</p><p>Trump campaigned on releasing the files.</p>

US Senate votes down measure to force release of Epstein files

On Thursday morning, the FBI released photos of a person of interest in Charlie Kirk’s shooting investigation. If you can help call&nbsp; &nbsp;1-800-CALL-FBI

<p>On Thursday morning, the FBI released photos of a person of interest in Charlie Kirk’s shooting investigation. If you can help call&nbsp; &nbsp;1-800-CALL-FBI</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are asking for the public&#39;s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. <br>1-800-CALL-FBI<br>Digital media tips: <a href="https://t.co/K7maX81TjJ">https://t.co/K7maX81TjJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/ALuVkTXuDc">pic.twitter.com/ALuVkTXuDc</a></p>&mdash; FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBISaltLakeCity/status/1966169520403525760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

FBI releases images of person of interest in Charlie Kirk assassination

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pay respects at the Pentagon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/September11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#September11</a> <a href="https://t.co/YCQxPwTdd9">pic.twitter.com/YCQxPwTdd9</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1966156710516535597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">American flag unfurled at the Pentagon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/September11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#September11</a> <a href="https://t.co/LfRZnhj6jl">pic.twitter.com/LfRZnhj6jl</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1966094979928916467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/HGH3yQKdO7">https://t.co/HGH3yQKdO7</a></p>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1966125485894648215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<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> arrive at the Pentagon on the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks <a href="https://t.co/OWMKaYbiFm">pic.twitter.com/OWMKaYbiFm</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1966126089706611011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<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> stand for the National Anthem alongside <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> and the <a href="https://twitter.com/thejointstaff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thejointstaff</a> Chairman at the Pentagon 9/11 observance ceremony. <a href="https://t.co/9cBaXxPaIZ">pic.twitter.com/9cBaXxPaIZ</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1966126949019038115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 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"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rudy Giuliani, Eric Adams, Michael Bloomberg -- 9/11 memorial ceremony NYC <a href="https://t.co/vzp8nK2H6Y">pic.twitter.com/vzp8nK2H6Y</a></p>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1966119847542272100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> honors the memory of Army Lieutenant Colonel Kip Taylor, a young father who was killed at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.<br><br>Kip&#39;s son, Luke, is now a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/qlmYXdP95t">pic.twitter.com/qlmYXdP95t</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1966143280980312241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> &quot;Twenty-four years ago, Islamist terrorists massacred nearly three thousand innocent American lives in New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania and right here at the Pentagon.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Eii2fqH8JL">pic.twitter.com/Eii2fqH8JL</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/1966138258553024803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> &quot;An entire generation of warriors step forward, willing to pay the ultimate price to exact retribution and secure our country.<br><br>Forged in the crucible of Afghanistan and Iraq, we stood watch in distant lands on dangerous missions, often in retrospect, nebulous missions.… <a href="https://t.co/jjp9e2f20h">pic.twitter.com/jjp9e2f20h</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/1966139296345370630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@secwar</a> &quot;Here today, we honor those 184 rings of the bell... souls lost at the Pentagon and on Flight 77. <br><br>Even as first responders were grossly outnumbered by the wounded. Many ran toward the chaos.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/K8HBtaM3ty">pic.twitter.com/K8HBtaM3ty</a></p>&mdash; DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOWResponse/status/1966140291758629333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥US marks 24th anniversary of 9/11 terror attacks

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FBI Special Agent In Charge Robert Bohls: &quot;We have recovered what we believe is the weapon that was used in yesterday&#39;s shooting. It is a high powered bolt action rifle.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/OQNPXBSmut">pic.twitter.com/OQNPXBSmut</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1966131586623004918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The FBI has created a digital media tip line seeking information regarding the shooting at Utah Valley University that took place on September 10, 2025: <a href="https://t.co/aNUqciEesp">https://t.co/aNUqciEesp</a></p>&mdash; FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBISaltLakeCity/status/1965906435054694671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The FBI has created a digital media tip line seeking information regarding the shooting at Utah Valley University that took place on September 10, 2025: <a href="https://t.co/aNUqciEesp">https://t.co/aNUqciEesp</a></p>&mdash; FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBISaltLakeCity/status/1965906435054694671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 FBI gives update on their work to ID Charlie Kirk's killer 

The Republican plan, urged on by Trump and approved by the Missouri House, would split a diverse community 3 ways

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jonathanshorman/">Jonathan Shorman</a><br><a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jonathanshorman/"></a>KANSAS CITY &nbsp;— A man slept on the cool, gray steps of Independence Boulevard Christian Church, the building and its columns shielding his body from the midday sun on a recent weekday. A few others lingered in the shade under nearby trees.

On Monday evenings, the more-than-century-old church in Historic Northeast Kansas City opens its doors to people in need. It offers a free meal, hygiene products, clothing and a medical clinic. Hundreds often come.

President Donald Trump’s nationwide gerrymandering push has now also arrived at the church’s literal doorstep.

Northeast Kansas City currently sits comfortably inside Missouri’s 5th Congressional District, which encompasses much of the city and the surrounding metro area. U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, an 80-year-old Democrat who was the city’s first Black mayor in the 1990s, has held the seat for 20 years.

But Missouri Republicans are advancing a redrawn congressional map through the state legislature that aims to give the party a political&nbsp;advantage. It would crack the city’s urban core into three districts — with all of them converging on the corner of Independence Avenue and Gladstone Boulevard, home to Independence Boulevard Christian Church.

The intersection’s southwest corner, where the church is located, would move into the 4th Congressional District, currently held by U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, a second-term Republican who was previously a TV news anchor.&nbsp;The southeast corner, a parking lot, would stay in&nbsp;a&nbsp;5th District&nbsp;reshaped to embrace a much more rural and conservative constituency.

The northern side, lined by red-brick apartments and a meat market, would join the 6th District. Held by Republican U.S. Rep. Sam Graves since 2001, it would stretch across the state to the Illinois border.

Residents say they fear that dividing the area, with its complex interplay of problems and positive qualities, will dilute their voice in Washington, D.C.

“We need somebody to understand what poverty looks like,” the Rev. Mindy Fugarino, the church’s senior pastor, told Stateline as she described her problems with the gerrymander and how it will weaken the neighborhood’s representation.

“We need somebody to understand, what are the needs for housing,” Fugarino said. “We need somebody to understand what are the needs for fair wages and health care and those kind of things in a community where people are literally living and sometimes dying on the street.”

The Missouri House passed the new map in a 90-65 vote Tuesday, sending it to the state Senate. The Senate could begin work on the map as early as Wednesday.

The Missouri gerrymander marks the latest example of a Republican-controlled state heeding Trump’s call to redraw congressional districts. Creating more GOP-leaning districts would maximize the party’s chances of retaining control of the U.S. House after the 2026 midterm elections.

Democrats, both in Missouri and across the country, have condemned the effort as election-rigging. California has retaliated by asking its voters to approve a Democratic gerrymander. Republicans say they want to ensure Congress can advance Trump’s priorities, and they emphasize that federal courts allow partisan gerrymandering.

In Kansas City, the redistricting plan has set off a bitter political battle that’s left many people feeling angry and dismissed. Stateline spoke with residents, business owners, activists and local officials in Northeast Kansas City, where three districts would divide the area, to better understand the consequences of the national gerrymandering effort at the local level.

Northeast Kansas City residents and others broadly described a diverse, multicultural community with beautiful architecture, a strong civic fabric and neighborhood pride. In the blocks immediately surrounding the intersection of Independence Avenue and Gladstone Boulevard, less than a third of residents are non-Hispanic white, according to census data.

At the same time, homelessness and crime can be a part of life. Residents are balancing a need for local investment against the risks of gentrification. The poverty rate fluctuates wildly within the area, from less than 12% of residents in some blocks to more than 63% in others. Vacant storefronts are sometimes only a short walk from colorful, tidy houses.

Most community members Stateline spoke with oppose the redistricting effort.

“Nobody asked for this,” said Edgar Palacios, the founder of Latinx Education Collaborative and Revolución Educativa, nonprofit organizations based in Northeast Kansas City that seek to foster Latino representation in education locally. His own home would move into the 4th District under the plan.

Palacios, the son of Nicaraguan immigrants, worried the gerrymander would lead to new representatives for the area who won’t understand the challenges of an urban environment.

“They’re not going to understand the nuances of urban public education and they’re not going to appreciate the differences in how money gets spent or why it gets spent that way or why it’s necessary to do certain things,” Palacios said.

Dan Smith runs Eleos Coffee House on Independence Avenue. The 14-year-old coffee shop is a nondenominational Christian ministry that Smith said draws in both people coming to just work or hang out and individuals off the street wanting help.

Smith declined to offer an opinion on the redistricting proposal, but said he hoped politicians will “totally forget about those lines” when making decisions.

“Because that’s what we have to do here at Eleos,” Smith said. “We can’t draw lines, you know — ‘well, as long as you’re in this group of people or as long as you don’t identify this way or as long as you don’t do this’ — I mean, that’s not helpful for anybody.”

Trump set off a gerrymandering rush this summer in an effort to shore up Republican chances to keep control of the U.S. House in the 2026 midterm elections.

He initially demanded Texas redraw its maps to potentially provide up to&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/08/22/as-democrats-fight-fire-with-fire-gerrymandering-opponents-seek-a-path-forward/" target="_blank">five additional GOP seats</a>, and has since urged Republicans in other states to do the same. California has retaliated and other Democratic states may follow.

Republicans in Missouri and elsewhere have been upfront that they are shuffling the map with the intention of improving their party’s standing and say their efforts are in line with a U.S. Supreme Court’s 2019 decision that greenlit political gerrymandering. Missouri Republicans add that their proposed map splits fewer counties and cities than the current one.

“It is an improvement; it is a reform of our current congressional map,” state Rep. Dirk Deaton, the Republican sponsor of the legislation, said at a hearing last week in Jefferson City.

Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, who called a special session to pass the map, said the state’s “conservative, commonsense values, rooted in faith, family and freedom, should be truly represented at all levels of government.” He also wants lawmakers to pass a measure that would pose new hurdles to citizen-proposed constitutional amendments.

Kehoe’s office released only rough outlines of the map. After redistricting legislation was introduced in the Missouri General Assembly last week, Stateline produced a detailed map based on census block information supplied by the Missouri House that shows three congressional districts would meet at Independence Avenue and Gladstone Boulevard.

Republicans already hold six of the state’s eight U.S. House seats. Cleaver is one of two Democrats, along with U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell of the 1st Congressional District in St. Louis.

At most, the new map would likely enable Republicans to take the 5th Congressional District — a single seat — at the cost of a divided Kansas City.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757522745269.png" alt=" The intersection of Independence Avenue and Gladstone Boulevard in Kansas City, Mo., is shown on Sept. 4. A proposed congressional gerrymander in the Missouri General Assembly would divide the intersection among three congressional district (Jonathan Shorman/Stateline)." />
                        <figcaption> The intersection of Independence Avenue and Gladstone Boulevard in Kansas City, Mo., is shown on Sept. 4. A proposed congressional gerrymander in the Missouri General Assembly would divide the intersection among three congressional district (Jonathan Shorman/Stateline).</figcaption>
                    </figure><h2>The Republican plan, urged on by Trump and approved by the Missouri House, would split a diverse community 3 ways</h2><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jonathanshorman/">Jonathan Shorman</a><br><a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a></p><p><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jonathanshorman/"></a>KANSAS CITY &nbsp;— A man slept on the cool, gray steps of Independence Boulevard Christian Church, the building and its columns shielding his body from the midday sun on a recent weekday. A few others lingered in the shade under nearby trees.</p><p>On Monday evenings, the more-than-century-old church in Historic Northeast Kansas City opens its doors to people in need. It offers a free meal, hygiene products, clothing and a medical clinic. Hundreds often come.</p><p>President Donald Trump’s nationwide gerrymandering push has now also arrived at the church’s literal doorstep.</p><p>Northeast Kansas City currently sits comfortably inside Missouri’s 5th Congressional District, which encompasses much of the city and the surrounding metro area. U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, an 80-year-old Democrat who was the city’s first Black mayor in the 1990s, has held the seat for 20 years.</p><p>But Missouri Republicans are advancing a redrawn congressional map through the state legislature that aims to give the party a political&nbsp;advantage. It would crack the city’s urban core into three districts — with all of them converging on the corner of Independence Avenue and Gladstone Boulevard, home to Independence Boulevard Christian Church.</p><p>The intersection’s southwest corner, where the church is located, would move into the 4th Congressional District, currently held by U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, a second-term Republican who was previously a TV news anchor.&nbsp;The southeast corner, a parking lot, would stay in&nbsp;a&nbsp;5th District&nbsp;reshaped to embrace a much more rural and conservative constituency.</p><p>The northern side, lined by red-brick apartments and a meat market, would join the 6th District. Held by Republican U.S. Rep. Sam Graves since 2001, it would stretch across the state to the Illinois border.</p><p>Residents say they fear that dividing the area, with its complex interplay of problems and positive qualities, will dilute their voice in Washington, D.C.</p><p>“We need somebody to understand what poverty looks like,” the Rev. Mindy Fugarino, the church’s senior pastor, told Stateline as she described her problems with the gerrymander and how it will weaken the neighborhood’s representation.</p><p>“We need somebody to understand, what are the needs for housing,” Fugarino said. “We need somebody to understand what are the needs for fair wages and health care and those kind of things in a community where people are literally living and sometimes dying on the street.”</p><p>The Missouri House passed the new map in a 90-65 vote Tuesday, sending it to the state Senate. The Senate could begin work on the map as early as Wednesday.</p><p>The Missouri gerrymander marks the latest example of a Republican-controlled state heeding Trump’s call to redraw congressional districts. Creating more GOP-leaning districts would maximize the party’s chances of retaining control of the U.S. House after the 2026 midterm elections.</p><p>Democrats, both in Missouri and across the country, have condemned the effort as election-rigging. California has retaliated by asking its voters to approve a Democratic gerrymander. Republicans say they want to ensure Congress can advance Trump’s priorities, and they emphasize that federal courts allow partisan gerrymandering.</p><p>In Kansas City, the redistricting plan has set off a bitter political battle that’s left many people feeling angry and dismissed. Stateline spoke with residents, business owners, activists and local officials in Northeast Kansas City, where three districts would divide the area, to better understand the consequences of the national gerrymandering effort at the local level.</p><p>Northeast Kansas City residents and others broadly described a diverse, multicultural community with beautiful architecture, a strong civic fabric and neighborhood pride. In the blocks immediately surrounding the intersection of Independence Avenue and Gladstone Boulevard, less than a third of residents are non-Hispanic white, according to census data.</p><p>At the same time, homelessness and crime can be a part of life. Residents are balancing a need for local investment against the risks of gentrification. The poverty rate fluctuates wildly within the area, from less than 12% of residents in some blocks to more than 63% in others. Vacant storefronts are sometimes only a short walk from colorful, tidy houses.</p><p>Most community members Stateline spoke with oppose the redistricting effort.</p><p>“Nobody asked for this,” said Edgar Palacios, the founder of Latinx Education Collaborative and Revolución Educativa, nonprofit organizations based in Northeast Kansas City that seek to foster Latino representation in education locally. His own home would move into the 4th District under the plan.</p><p>Palacios, the son of Nicaraguan immigrants, worried the gerrymander would lead to new representatives for the area who won’t understand the challenges of an urban environment.</p><p>“They’re not going to understand the nuances of urban public education and they’re not going to appreciate the differences in how money gets spent or why it gets spent that way or why it’s necessary to do certain things,” Palacios said.</p><p>Dan Smith runs Eleos Coffee House on Independence Avenue. The 14-year-old coffee shop is a nondenominational Christian ministry that Smith said draws in both people coming to just work or hang out and individuals off the street wanting help.</p><p>Smith declined to offer an opinion on the redistricting proposal, but said he hoped politicians will “totally forget about those lines” when making decisions.</p><p>“Because that’s what we have to do here at Eleos,” Smith said. “We can’t draw lines, you know — ‘well, as long as you’re in this group of people or as long as you don’t identify this way or as long as you don’t do this’ — I mean, that’s not helpful for anybody.”</p><h2>Republicans say maps are improvement</h2><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757068209585.png" alt=" State Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, presents legislation that would redraw Missouri’s congressional map to a House committee on Thursday (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
                        <figcaption> State Rep. Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, presents legislation that would redraw Missouri’s congressional map to a House committee on Thursday (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>Trump set off a gerrymandering rush this summer in an effort to shore up Republican chances to keep control of the U.S. House in the 2026 midterm elections.</p><p>He initially demanded Texas redraw its maps to potentially provide up to&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/08/22/as-democrats-fight-fire-with-fire-gerrymandering-opponents-seek-a-path-forward/" target="_blank">five additional GOP seats</a>, and has since urged Republicans in other states to do the same. California has retaliated and other Democratic states may follow.</p><p>Republicans in Missouri and elsewhere have been upfront that they are shuffling the map with the intention of improving their party’s standing and say their efforts are in line with a U.S. Supreme Court’s 2019 decision that greenlit political gerrymandering. Missouri Republicans add that their proposed map splits fewer counties and cities than the current one.</p><p>“It is an improvement; it is a reform of our current congressional map,” state Rep. Dirk Deaton, the Republican sponsor of the legislation, said at a hearing last week in Jefferson City.</p><p>Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, who called a special session to pass the map, said the state’s “conservative, commonsense values, rooted in faith, family and freedom, should be truly represented at all levels of government.” He also wants lawmakers to pass a measure that would pose new hurdles to citizen-proposed constitutional amendments.</p><p>Kehoe’s office released only rough outlines of the map. After redistricting legislation was introduced in the Missouri General Assembly last week, Stateline produced a detailed map based on census block information supplied by the Missouri House that shows three congressional districts would meet at Independence Avenue and Gladstone Boulevard.</p><p>Republicans already hold six of the state’s eight U.S. House seats. Cleaver is one of two Democrats, along with U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell of the 1st Congressional District in St. Louis.</p><p>At most, the new map would likely enable Republicans to take the 5th Congressional District — a single seat — at the cost of a divided Kansas City.</p><p>“Two words. One is&nbsp;‘horrible’&nbsp;and the second is&nbsp;‘divisive,’” Cleaver told reporters in Kansas City recently, summing up his reaction to the map.</p><p>Cleaver has promised to file a federal lawsuit challenging the map if it passes (other opponents are expected to file lawsuits in state court as well). Giving one example of how the gerrymander would affect the region, Cleaver said Kansas City Public Schools would have multiple U.S. representatives under the map.</p><p>“It’s conceivable that two members of Congress could be fighting each other when legislation occurs where one party takes a position and the other party takes the opposite position,” Cleaver said. “That’s absolutely crazy.”</p><p>Kansas City is home to some 516,000 people in an overall metro area of 2.2 million. The city is in the midst of a sports golden era that has been a boost to local pride: The Kansas City Chiefs have appeared in five Super Bowls over the past six years and won three; the city hosted the NFL Draft in 2023; it will host World Cup soccer matches next summer. Music star Taylor Swift’s frequent visits to the metro area to see fiancé Travis Kelce, the Chiefs player, have helped, too.</p><p>But gun violence remains a persistent problem. As other major cities have experienced falling homicide rates coming out of the pandemic, Kansas City broke its homicide record in 2023. Killings then fell last year, but nonfatal shootings jumped.</p><p>Kansas City leaders say their options to respond are constrained. Unlike nearly every major American city, Kansas City doesn’t control its police force. Instead, city-funded officers are overseen by commissioners almost entirely appointed by the governor, a policy with Civil War-era roots. And Missouri lawmakers have almost entirely preempted the city’s ability to restrict firearms.</p><p>For some Kansas Citians, the gerrymandered map strikes them as only the latest instance in a long history of Missouri exercising power with little regard for residents. The map cuts much of Kansas City into two along Troost Avenue — once a dividing line during the era of racial redlining that is still shorthand today for the split between the city’s predominantly white and Black neighborhoods.</p><p>“It’s sad that they go to this length to try, in my opinion, to disenfranchise people,” said Lonnie Beattle, a retired postal worker who said she lives in the 18th Street and Vine Street neighborhood that’s south of the Northeast Kansas City area.</p><h2>Kansas City low point</h2><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757522621053.png" alt="U.S. Rep Emanuel Cleaver walks through the Missouri candidate filing process in February 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
                        <figcaption>U.S. Rep Emanuel Cleaver walks through the Missouri candidate filing process in February 2024 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The gerrymander marks a low point in the relationship between Kansas City and the Missouri Capitol, said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.</p><p>But the second-term mayor, who has battled with Republicans over control of police funding, said that in this instance, the moves by lawmakers have very little do with “purported misbehavior” by the city and more to do with Trump’s demands.</p><p>Lucas said carving up Kansas City would mean city officials would have to engage in more lobbying work and more outreach to members of Congress.</p><p>“It just adds bureaucracy to a process that currently doesn’t really need it,” Lucas said. “I think everything is working fine right now. One might ask, why change? But obviously, because the president said so.”</p><p>While nearly everyone approached by Stateline voiced opposition to the proposed map, the sentiment wasn’t unanimous.</p><p>Laura Birdsong, who lives in Northeast Kansas City and calls herself conservative, said that while she understands the concerns, she also sees positives.</p><p>“I don’t think it’s an attempt to control, I think it’s an attempt to balance,” Birdsong said as she drove an all-terrain vehicle along Independence Avenue on Friday, shuttling people to and from a local food festival.</p><p>Kate Barsotti, a longtime resident of Columbus Park, a neighborhood on the western edge of Northeast Kansas City, said she knew immediately that the gerrymander would be a threat to the neighborhood, dividing it between the 4th and 6th districts. But she suggested the decision could backfire on Republicans.</p><p>Barsotti, like others interviewed, emphasized what she views as the absurdity of a congressional district that includes Kansas City stretching all the way to the Illinois border on the eastern edge of the state. Many say that placing so many rural areas into the same district as a dense urban city could upset rural, conservative voters as well.</p><p>“So if you want to fight, you’ve just declared war on your own constituents, and I can go anywhere in the state of Missouri and say to them, ‘They don’t care about you,’” Barsotti said.</p><p>Some Democrats suspect the party could potentially flip the 4th District, currently held by a Republican, if Kehoe’s proposed map is enacted. Its current boundaries include substantial rural areas but exclude most of the Kansas City metro region. Under the new map, the 4th would slice deep into Kansas City, swallowing up downtown and a lot of Democratic voters in the process.</p><p>Lucas said if the map takes effect, he would consider running in 2026 in the 4th District, where he would live. Everyone who cares about representation for Kansas City owes it to the community to make Republicans spend real resources, he said.</p><p>“And so I expect there to be a real congressional race,” the mayor said.</p><h2>Basic needs</h2><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757522681868.png" alt="The Rev. Mindy Fugarino, senior pastor of Independence Boulevard Christian Church, sits inside the church’s sanctuary on Monday, Sept. 8. Fugarino opposes a plan to gerrymander Missouri’s congressional districts (Jonathan Shorman/Stateline)." />
                        <figcaption>The Rev. Mindy Fugarino, senior pastor of Independence Boulevard Christian Church, sits inside the church’s sanctuary on Monday, Sept. 8. Fugarino opposes a plan to gerrymander Missouri’s congressional districts (Jonathan Shorman/Stateline).</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>At Independence Boulevard Christian Church on Monday afternoon, preparations were already underway for that evening’s meal.</p><p>Tables and chairs were set up in a large basement hall, with a separate space available for families. Fugarino, the pastor, said the church expected to serve some kind of ham-and-turkey casserole.</p><p>In a few hours, their guests would arrive.</p><p>Later that afternoon and 150 miles away at the state Capitol, lawmakers would begin debating the bill that would split apart the crossroads of Independence Avenue and Gladstone Boulevard.</p><p>“I think the whole point,” Fugarino said in an interview about the gerrymander, “has nothing to do with trying to address what citizens are actually needing.”</p><p><a href="https://stateline.org/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>&nbsp;is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@stateline.org">info@stateline.org</a>.</p>