By:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/rsequeira/">Robbie Sequeira</a>

There’s debate over whether classrooms need stricter control or a shift toward restorative justice.

In the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive order aiming to reinstate “common sense” school discipline, more states may follow and expand the authority of teachers and school officials to deal with disruptive students.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/reinstating-common-sense-school-discipline-policies/" target="_blank">order</a>, signed in April, repeals prior federal guidance that encouraged schools to address racial disparities in discipline, arguing that such policies promoted “discriminatory equity ideology” and compromised school safety by pressuring administrators to underreport serious student misconduct.

In some states, new legislation already is trending toward giving teachers more authority to address student misbehavior.

In West Virginia, for example,<a href="https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=sb199%20sub1.htm&amp;yr=2025&amp;sesstype=RS&amp;i=199" target="_blank">&nbsp;a new law creates a structured process</a>&nbsp;for responding to violent, threatening or disruptive behavior among students in grades K-6.

Under the law, a student exhibiting such behavior can be immediately removed from class, evaluated by counselors or behavioral specialists and placed on an individualized behavior plan. If there’s no improvement after two rounds of intervention, the student could be moved into a behavioral intervention program or an alternative learning environment.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, and supporters say the law empowers teachers to maintain safe classrooms.

“This legislation provides teachers with the tools to regain control of the classroom and ensure safe learning environments for our kids,” Morrisey&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.wv.gov/article/governor-patrick-morrisey-signs-school-discipline-bill-law" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;at the bill’s signing.

In April, the Texas House of Representatives&nbsp;<a href="https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB6/2025" target="_blank">passed</a>&nbsp;a bill referred to as the “Teacher’s Bill of Rights” with a bipartisan vote of 124-20.

That bill, now sitting in the Senate’s education committee, would significantly expand the grounds for out-of-school suspensions, allowing students to be suspended for repeated disruptions or threats beginning in third grade. It would reverse earlier changes that limited suspensions for younger students. It also would mandate that students making terroristic threats or assaulting school employees be placed in alternative education programs for at least 30 days.

Texas civil rights groups argue that the bill would impose a one-size-fits-all punitive approach, rather than addressing students’ developmental and behavioral needs.

Alycia Castillo, associate director of policy at the Texas Civil Rights Project and a former teacher, said state lawmakers are taking the wrong approach by mandating sweeping discipline policies for&nbsp;<a href="https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2023/09/20/texas-diverse-state-in-u-s--" target="_blank">a state as diverse as Texas</a>.

During the 2020-21 school year, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Department of Education, Black students faced the highest rates of disciplinary action across all categories — suspension and expulsion — among all racial and ethnic groups.

They were 39% more likely than white students to receive in-school suspensions, 70% more likely to face out-of-school suspensions, and 71% more likely to be expelled.

The disparities were even starker for Black students with disabilities, who experienced suspension and expulsion rates far exceeding those of both their white peers and non-disabled students.

Reviving old, harsh disciplinary policies risks disproportionately harming students of color, students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds, Castillo said.

“What works in Austin may not work in West Texas,” Castillo said.

“Children are naturally disruptive — that’s part of their development,” she added. “Excluding them only harms their growth into functional adults.”

In recent years, some other states have passed laws promoting restorative practices in schools, in which students and teachers work through problems and focus on repairing the harm caused by disruptions or conflict.

Michigan’s 2017 law&nbsp;<a href="https://www.studentadvocacycenter.org/rethink-discipline-toolkit/" target="_blank">requires schools</a>&nbsp;to consider restorative approaches before suspensions or expulsions, aiming to repair harm rather than exclude students. Nevada began mandating restorative justice approaches in 2019, but&nbsp;<a href="https://nevadacurrent.com/2023/11/03/though-scaled-back-by-nv-lawmakers-restorative-justice-plans-still-making-progress-report-says/" target="_blank">scaled back</a>&nbsp;that approach in 2023.

This year, Maryland passed a&nbsp;<a href="https://legiscan.com/MD/text/HB197/2025" target="_blank">law</a>&nbsp;requiring the state to establish “restorative practices schools,” specific schools with trained educators who use the approach in everyday discipline.

Kimberly Hellerich, an assistant professor at Sacred Heart University and a former K-12 teacher, said discipline policies should go beyond punitive measures to foster accountability and community healing.

“Adding restorative practices to accompany codes of conduct can allow students to recognize the impact of their actions on themselves, peers, the teacher, the class and the school community,” Hellerich said.

In her own classrooms, Hellerich used what she called “community circles” to guide students in processing behavior, offering apologies and rebuilding trust. “The apology served as a way to restore the student’s relationship with the entire class community,” she said.

Calls for a cultural shift on expectations

While lawmakers debate discipline procedures, other education advocates warn that an even deeper issue is unfolding inside classrooms: the gradual erosion of behavioral expectations and academic rigor.

Jessica Bartnick, co-founder and CEO of the Dallas-based mentorship program Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E., said that declining school discipline and lowered standards are quietly undermining educational outcomes.

“Discipline is the backbone of effective learning,” Bartnick, who supports the Texas legislation, told Stateline in an email. “Without it, classrooms become chaotic, instructional time is lost and teachers are forced to shift their focus from instruction to behavior management.”

Bartnick said efforts to promote equity sometimes inadvertently lower behavioral standards and deprive teachers of the tools they need to maintain safe learning environments.

She also criticized lenient grading policies and unlimited test retakes, arguing that they diminish the value of preparation, responsibility and resilience.

“If students are shielded from the discomfort of failure, they are also shielded from the growth that comes with it,” she wrote. “If we want to prepare students for a world that will not offer endless second chances, we must return to a classroom culture grounded in discipline, responsibility, and rigor.”

Stateline reporter Amanda Hernández contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rsequeira@stateline.org">rsequeira@stateline.org</a>.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691616488001.jpg" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/rsequeira/">Robbie Sequeira</a></p><h2>There’s debate over whether classrooms need stricter control or a shift toward restorative justice.</h2><p>In the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive order aiming to reinstate “common sense” school discipline, more states may follow and expand the authority of teachers and school officials to deal with disruptive students.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/reinstating-common-sense-school-discipline-policies/" target="_blank">order</a>, signed in April, repeals prior federal guidance that encouraged schools to address racial disparities in discipline, arguing that such policies promoted “discriminatory equity ideology” and compromised school safety by pressuring administrators to underreport serious student misconduct.</p><p>In some states, new legislation already is trending toward giving teachers more authority to address student misbehavior.</p><p>In West Virginia, for example,<a href="https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=sb199%20sub1.htm&amp;yr=2025&amp;sesstype=RS&amp;i=199" target="_blank">&nbsp;a new law creates a structured process</a>&nbsp;for responding to violent, threatening or disruptive behavior among students in grades K-6.</p><p>Under the law, a student exhibiting such behavior can be immediately removed from class, evaluated by counselors or behavioral specialists and placed on an individualized behavior plan. If there’s no improvement after two rounds of intervention, the student could be moved into a behavioral intervention program or an alternative learning environment.</p><p>West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, and supporters say the law empowers teachers to maintain safe classrooms.</p><p>“This legislation provides teachers with the tools to regain control of the classroom and ensure safe learning environments for our kids,” Morrisey&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.wv.gov/article/governor-patrick-morrisey-signs-school-discipline-bill-law" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;at the bill’s signing.</p><p>In April, the Texas House of Representatives&nbsp;<a href="https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB6/2025" target="_blank">passed</a>&nbsp;a bill referred to as the “Teacher’s Bill of Rights” with a bipartisan vote of 124-20.</p><p>That bill, now sitting in the Senate’s education committee, would significantly expand the grounds for out-of-school suspensions, allowing students to be suspended for repeated disruptions or threats beginning in third grade. It would reverse earlier changes that limited suspensions for younger students. It also would mandate that students making terroristic threats or assaulting school employees be placed in alternative education programs for at least 30 days.</p><p>Texas civil rights groups argue that the bill would impose a one-size-fits-all punitive approach, rather than addressing students’ developmental and behavioral needs.</p><p>Alycia Castillo, associate director of policy at the Texas Civil Rights Project and a former teacher, said state lawmakers are taking the wrong approach by mandating sweeping discipline policies for&nbsp;<a href="https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2023/09/20/texas-diverse-state-in-u-s--" target="_blank">a state as diverse as Texas</a>.</p><p>During the 2020-21 school year, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Department of Education, Black students faced the highest rates of disciplinary action across all categories — suspension and expulsion — among all racial and ethnic groups.</p><p>They were 39% more likely than white students to receive in-school suspensions, 70% more likely to face out-of-school suspensions, and 71% more likely to be expelled.</p><p>The disparities were even starker for Black students with disabilities, who experienced suspension and expulsion rates far exceeding those of both their white peers and non-disabled students.</p><p>Reviving old, harsh disciplinary policies risks disproportionately harming students of color, students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds, Castillo said.</p><p>“What works in Austin may not work in West Texas,” Castillo said.</p><p>“Children are naturally disruptive — that’s part of their development,” she added. “Excluding them only harms their growth into functional adults.”</p><h2>Restorative justice models</h2><p>In recent years, some other states have passed laws promoting restorative practices in schools, in which students and teachers work through problems and focus on repairing the harm caused by disruptions or conflict.</p><p>Michigan’s 2017 law&nbsp;<a href="https://www.studentadvocacycenter.org/rethink-discipline-toolkit/" target="_blank">requires schools</a>&nbsp;to consider restorative approaches before suspensions or expulsions, aiming to repair harm rather than exclude students. Nevada began mandating restorative justice approaches in 2019, but&nbsp;<a href="https://nevadacurrent.com/2023/11/03/though-scaled-back-by-nv-lawmakers-restorative-justice-plans-still-making-progress-report-says/" target="_blank">scaled back</a>&nbsp;that approach in 2023.</p><p>This year, Maryland passed a&nbsp;<a href="https://legiscan.com/MD/text/HB197/2025" target="_blank">law</a>&nbsp;requiring the state to establish “restorative practices schools,” specific schools with trained educators who use the approach in everyday discipline.</p><p>Kimberly Hellerich, an assistant professor at Sacred Heart University and a former K-12 teacher, said discipline policies should go beyond punitive measures to foster accountability and community healing.</p><p>“Adding restorative practices to accompany codes of conduct can allow students to recognize the impact of their actions on themselves, peers, the teacher, the class and the school community,” Hellerich said.</p><p>In her own classrooms, Hellerich used what she called “community circles” to guide students in processing behavior, offering apologies and rebuilding trust. “The apology served as a way to restore the student’s relationship with the entire class community,” she said.</p><h2>Calls for a cultural shift on expectations</h2><p>While lawmakers debate discipline procedures, other education advocates warn that an even deeper issue is unfolding inside classrooms: the gradual erosion of behavioral expectations and academic rigor.</p><p>Jessica Bartnick, co-founder and CEO of the Dallas-based mentorship program Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E., said that declining school discipline and lowered standards are quietly undermining educational outcomes.</p><p>“Discipline is the backbone of effective learning,” Bartnick, who supports the Texas legislation, told Stateline in an email. “Without it, classrooms become chaotic, instructional time is lost and teachers are forced to shift their focus from instruction to behavior management.”</p><p>Bartnick said efforts to promote equity sometimes inadvertently lower behavioral standards and deprive teachers of the tools they need to maintain safe learning environments.</p><p>She also criticized lenient grading policies and unlimited test retakes, arguing that they diminish the value of preparation, responsibility and resilience.</p><p>“If students are shielded from the discomfort of failure, they are also shielded from the growth that comes with it,” she wrote. “If we want to prepare students for a world that will not offer endless second chances, we must return to a classroom culture grounded in discipline, responsibility, and rigor.”</p><p>Stateline reporter Amanda Hernández contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rsequeira@stateline.org">rsequeira@stateline.org</a>.</p>

Some states reexamine school discipline as Trump order paves go-ahead

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating five homicides in Kansas City, Missouri over the past week.

Just after 2:30a.m. May 9, patrol officers were dispatched to 11th and Wyandotte on the report of a dead body, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Security guards were conducting patrol rounds when they located an adult male victim in a nearby parking garage. Officers were directed to the upper floor of the parking garage and located the victim later identified as 22-year-old Russell Mason suffering from obvious bodily trauma.

KCFD EMS responded and medics pronounced the Mason deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to the incident and what caused the victim’s fatal injuries.&nbsp;

Just after 2p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 8400 block of East 63rd street on a reported shooting, according to Sergeant Phil DiMartino. As officers arrived they were directed to the parking lot of a convenience store.

There they located a victim identified Thursday morning as 17-year-old&nbsp;Matim Nunley  suffering from gun shot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics transported Nunley to a local hospital where he died a short time later.&nbsp; Preliminary investigation revealed there was an altercation in the parking lot that led to shots being fired and Nunley being struck. Police released no additional details.

Just after 8p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 9300 block of Cleveland on a reported shooting, according to Sergeant DiMartino.

As officers arrived they were directed to an apartment building.&nbsp; There they located a man later identified as 20-year-old Morgan William suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers began performing lifesaving measures until KCFD EMS arrived. Medics took over and transported William to a local hospital where he died a short time later.

Preliminary information revealed an argument occurred in the parking lot that led to shots being fired and William being struck.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not reported an arrest from the weekend violence.

Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1600 block of Topping in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

First responding officers were led to an alleyway next to a residence, where they located an adult female shooting victim later identified as 29-year-old Carissa Perryman unresponsive.

Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS transported Perryman to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. She was pronounced&nbsp;deceased at the hospital a short time later.

Responding officers detained one subject of interest, an adult female, for further investigation. Detectives were talking to people who were at the scene when officers arrived and are looking for witnesses.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim and the subject of interest had an interaction next to the house that escalated and shots were fired that struck the victim.&nbsp; Police have released no additional detials.

Jusst before 10p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting call at 37th and Pennsylvania, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Callers reported hearing the sound of gunfire and looked out and saw a person down in the street.&nbsp; First responders found a shooting victim later identified as 20-year-old Layla A. Freemanin the street unresponsive. Officers rendered aid and summoned EMS to the scene for treatment. EMS declared the victim deceased at the scene.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746790386685.png" alt="Police near the parking garage investigation- photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Police near the parking garage investigation- photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating five homicides in Kansas City, Missouri over the past week.</p><p>Just after 2:30a.m. May 9, patrol officers were dispatched to 11th and Wyandotte on the report of a dead body, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.</p><p>Security guards were conducting patrol rounds when they located an adult male victim in a nearby parking garage. Officers were directed to the upper floor of the parking garage and located the victim later identified as 22-year-old Russell Mason suffering from obvious bodily trauma.</p><p>KCFD EMS responded and medics pronounced the Mason deceased on scene. This is being investigated as a homicide. Investigators are working to determine what led up to the incident and what caused the victim’s fatal injuries.&nbsp;</p><p>Just after 2p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 8400 block of East 63rd street on a reported shooting, according to Sergeant Phil DiMartino. As officers arrived they were directed to the parking lot of a convenience store.</p><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746924246378.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>There they located a victim identified Thursday morning as 17-year-old&nbsp;Matim Nunley  suffering from gun shot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics transported Nunley to a local hospital where he died a short time later.&nbsp; Preliminary investigation revealed there was an altercation in the parking lot that led to shots being fired and Nunley being struck. Police released no additional details.</p><p>Just after 8p.m. Saturday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 9300 block of Cleveland on a reported shooting, according to Sergeant DiMartino.</p><p>As officers arrived they were directed to an apartment building.&nbsp; There they located a man later identified as 20-year-old Morgan William suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers began performing lifesaving measures until KCFD EMS arrived. Medics took over and transported William to a local hospital where he died a short time later.</p><p>Preliminary information revealed an argument occurred in the parking lot that led to shots being fired and William being struck.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not reported an arrest from the weekend violence.</p><p>Just after 12:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1600 block of Topping in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.</p><p>First responding officers were led to an alleyway next to a residence, where they located an adult female shooting victim later identified as 29-year-old Carissa Perryman unresponsive.</p><p>Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS transported Perryman to the hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. She was pronounced&nbsp;deceased at the hospital a short time later.</p><p>Responding officers detained one subject of interest, an adult female, for further investigation. Detectives were talking to people who were at the scene when officers arrived and are looking for witnesses.</p><p>Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim and the subject of interest had an interaction next to the house that escalated and shots were fired that struck the victim.&nbsp; Police have released no additional detials.</p><p>Jusst before 10p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting call at 37th and Pennsylvania, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.</p><p>Callers reported hearing the sound of gunfire and looked out and saw a person down in the street.&nbsp; First responders found a shooting victim later identified as 20-year-old Layla A. Freemanin the street unresponsive. Officers rendered aid and summoned EMS to the scene for treatment. EMS declared the victim deceased at the scene.</p>

5 more homicides in Kansas City over the past week

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747318447152.png" alt="Protests outside the Supreme Court Thursday morning -image courtesy CSPAN" />
                        <figcaption>Protests outside the Supreme Court Thursday morning -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LIVE --&gt; U.S. Supreme Court Oral Argument on Birthright Citizenship <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOTUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOTUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/y1i1CCbn8j">https://t.co/y1i1CCbn8j</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1923009339616354559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎧 Supreme Court debates Trump's Efforts to Limit Birthright Citizenship

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> arrives at Al Udeid Air Force Base to speak to U.S. and Qatari Troops! 🇺🇸🇶🇦 <a href="https://t.co/G6P9IeNdIW">pic.twitter.com/G6P9IeNdIW</a></p>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/1922956624743760238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 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>: &quot;The American People never forget that our servicemembers and their families make incredible sacrifices each and every day, so that all Americans can be safe and be free. We love our amazing Military Families.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/SzJUfpvVBd">pic.twitter.com/SzJUfpvVBd</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922961348217950355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 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>: &quot;We love and respect you. What you are doing, the service you do for your country... there is no more important profession, and I was so proud to see those reports coming in just a few days ago saying that the enrollment is at the highest level ever.&quot; ❤️🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/VCWYvGfi3A">pic.twitter.com/VCWYvGfi3A</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922963249458212865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 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">President Trump arrives at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar… <a href="https://t.co/cu8sGjegzJ">pic.twitter.com/cu8sGjegzJ</a></p>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1922964416972140632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Trump visits main U.S. military base in Middle East

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating the fifth homicide in Kansas City, Missouri over the past week.

Just before 10p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting call at 37th and Pennsylvania, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene and are canvassing for witnesses and any additional evidence. Preliminary investigation indicates that Freeman was at the location when she had an interaction with one or more suspects that led to gunfire and she was struck.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747228200281.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating the fifth homicide in Kansas City, Missouri over the past week.</p><p>Just before 10p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting call at 37th and Pennsylvania, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.</p><p>Callers reported hearing the sound of gunfire and looked out and saw a person down in the street.&nbsp; First responders found a shooting victim later identified as 20-year-old Layla A. Freemanin the street unresponsive. Officers rendered aid and summoned EMS to the scene for treatment. EMS declared the victim deceased at the scene.</p><p>Homicide detectives responded to the scene and are canvassing for witnesses and any additional evidence. Preliminary investigation indicates that Freeman was at the location when she had an interaction with one or more suspects that led to gunfire and she was struck.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.</p>

KCPD: Woman homicide victim found in the street

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sen. <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HawleyMO</a>: &quot;You haven&#39;t changed a lick. We&#39;ve got your word against everybody else&#39;s. Why should we believe you?&quot;<br><br>Allstate Executive VP Mike Fiato: &quot;Because, I&#39;m telling the truth.&quot;<br><br>Hawley: &quot;You&#39;re asking us to look at all the evidence and don&#39;t believe our lying eyes.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/VtBdeibfD2">pic.twitter.com/VtBdeibfD2</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1922460839602221195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 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">Its policyholders&#39; worst day is Allstate&#39;s pay day:<br><br>Its CEO is making $26 MILLION a year, but the insurance company can&#39;t pay customers their claims.<br><br>Make that make sense. <a href="https://t.co/ZfgmWLWUFQ">pic.twitter.com/ZfgmWLWUFQ</a></p>&mdash; Senator Hawley Press Office (@SenHawleyPress) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenHawleyPress/status/1922391266689478834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 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">An Allstate whistleblower just told Senator Hawley how the insurance company is actively retaliating against him:<br><br>&quot;[Allstate&#39;s] cutting me off. It&#39;s eliminating me, guaranteed.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/IrxUn1bFJd">pic.twitter.com/IrxUn1bFJd</a></p>&mdash; Senator Hawley Press Office (@SenHawleyPress) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenHawleyPress/status/1922384122590212529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 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">WATCH: Hawley Questions Allstate Whistleblower Who Alleges Company Deliberately Lowballs Policyholders <a href="https://t.co/uAQ37MnGn5">pic.twitter.com/uAQ37MnGn5</a></p>&mdash; Senator Hawley Press Office (@SenHawleyPress) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenHawleyPress/status/1922378813414969721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 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">Testimony from a homeowner sharing her insurance nightmare: <br><br>&quot;We are homeowners—not lawyers, not engineers, not insurance experts. We&#39;ve been Allstate customers for 6 years . . . We have paid our bills on time and in full. But when we needed Allstate the most, they failed us.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/T9zd2B01ZU">pic.twitter.com/T9zd2B01ZU</a></p>&mdash; Senator Hawley Press Office (@SenHawleyPress) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenHawleyPress/status/1922371656703463909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 Mo. U.S. Senator grills insurance executives about cutting disaster payouts

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NB US 65. In a construction zone. Trooper released a violator and was finishing paperwork on shoulder when the patrol vehicle was struck from the rear. The Trooper was uninjured. Be patient folks. Drive the posted speed limit. Increase following distance. <a href="https://t.co/wT1t89nDLk">pic.twitter.com/wT1t89nDLk</a></p>&mdash; MSHP Troop D (@MSHPTrooperD) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperD/status/1922413064529264768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

MSHP Trooper's vehicle rear-ended in construction zone

According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, President Trump, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. President Erdogan of Turkey joined by phone. President Erdogan praised President Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria and committed to working alongside Saudi Arabia to encourage peace and prosperity in Syria. The Crown Prince also commended President Trump for his decision to lift the sanctions, calling it courageous. President Trump thanked President Erdogan and the Crown Prince for their friendship, and told President Al-Sharaa that he has a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in his country. President Trump encouraged President Al-Sharaa to do a great job for the Syrian people, and urged him to:

1. Sign onto the Abraham Accords with Israel 

2. Tell all foreign terrorists to leave Syria 

4. Help the United States to prevent the resurgence of ISIS 

5. Assume responsibility for ISIS detention centers in Northeast Syria

President Al-Sharaa thanked President Trump, the Crown Prince, and President Erdogan for their efforts to put together the meeting, and recognized the significant opportunity presented by the Iranians leaving Syria, as well as shared U.S.-Syrian interests in countering terrorism and eliminating chemical weapons. President Al-Sharaa affirmed his commitment to the 1974 disengagement with Israel. President Al-Sharaa concluded with his hope that Syria would serve as a critical link in facilitating trade between east and west, and invited American companies to invest in Syrian oil and gas.

The Russia-Ukraine war and the war in Gaza was also discussed.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today, President Trump, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. President Erdogan of Turkey joined by phone. President Erdogan praised President Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria and committed to working alongside Saudi… <a href="https://t.co/0yhyZbQ1o0">pic.twitter.com/0yhyZbQ1o0</a></p>&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1922567846317392240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, President Trump, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. President Erdogan of Turkey joined by phone. President Erdogan praised President Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria and committed to working alongside Saudi Arabia to encourage peace and prosperity in Syria. The Crown Prince also commended President Trump for his decision to lift the sanctions, calling it courageous. President Trump thanked President Erdogan and the Crown Prince for their friendship, and told President Al-Sharaa that he has a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in his country. President Trump encouraged President Al-Sharaa to do a great job for the Syrian people, and urged him to:</p><p>1. Sign onto the Abraham Accords with Israel </p><p>2. Tell all foreign terrorists to leave Syria </p><p>3. Deport Palestinian terrorists </p><p>4. Help the United States to prevent the resurgence of ISIS </p><p>5. Assume responsibility for ISIS detention centers in Northeast Syria</p><p>President Al-Sharaa thanked President Trump, the Crown Prince, and President Erdogan for their efforts to put together the meeting, and recognized the significant opportunity presented by the Iranians leaving Syria, as well as shared U.S.-Syrian interests in countering terrorism and eliminating chemical weapons. President Al-Sharaa affirmed his commitment to the 1974 disengagement with Israel. President Al-Sharaa concluded with his hope that Syria would serve as a critical link in facilitating trade between east and west, and invited American companies to invest in Syrian oil and gas.</p><p>The Russia-Ukraine war and the war in Gaza was also discussed.</p>

Trump meets Syrian president, urges him to establish ties with Israel

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> is greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/81qUv6hi7D">pic.twitter.com/81qUv6hi7D</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922190356692557858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 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">The Beast pulls up to the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/NSxhzaFk5o">pic.twitter.com/NSxhzaFk5o</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922220554259403074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 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 href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> arrives at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh <a href="https://t.co/fFsnLXuwWb">pic.twitter.com/fFsnLXuwWb</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922220752188699108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 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> salutes as The Star-Spangled Banner is played outside the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh <a href="https://t.co/FoiFVrHnZH">pic.twitter.com/FoiFVrHnZH</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922221133815824432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 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 href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> chats with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inside the Saudi Royal Court 🇺🇸🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/CRAKl3AHwS">pic.twitter.com/CRAKl3AHwS</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922222981113127094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 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 href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> greets <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inside the Saudi Royal Court 🇺🇸 🇸🇦 <a href="https://t.co/793zuBcocJ">pic.twitter.com/793zuBcocJ</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1922227021683261791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>