By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kevinhardy/">Kevin Hardy</a>

Online prediction markets allow users to put money on the outcome of almost anything — this weekend’s NBA game between the Warriors and the Thunder, the next supreme leader of Iran, whether the government will confirm the existence of aliens.

But those markets have no state oversight and operate even in states that ban gambling.

The platforms are raising bipartisan alarms, especially related to sports gambling. As states have legalized sports betting in recent years, they’ve required legal sportsbooks to jump through multiple hoops — from age verification procedures to protections for gambling addiction to tax collections. Online prediction markets circumvent all those rules.

Platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket say they are offering contracts similar to commodity markets that speculate on the future price of corn or oil — not outright gambling. But a growing number of states are rejecting those justifications, arguing the platforms are offering a backdoor to skirt state gambling regulations, particularly on sports.

The issue has sparked action from state regulators, new legislation, and lawsuits from both states and prediction markets. Complicating matters are the federal government’s moves to block state regulation of prediction markets, which see more than&nbsp;<a href="https://theconversation.com/everything-can-be-a-bet-now-the-rise-and-risks-of-prediction-markets-276464" target="_blank">$13 billion</a>&nbsp;in transactions each month.

Most activity on those platforms revolves around sports. And in national ads, Kalshi even marketed itself as the first national legal sports betting platform — even though states approve and regulate sports gambling since a 2018 Supreme Court decision. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/research/state-of-play-map/" target="_blank">11 states,</a>&nbsp;sports gambling remains illegal.

“This is sports wagering. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably sports wagering, in this situation,” said Kentucky state Rep. Michael Meredith, a Republican.

Meredith, who sponsored a 2023 law that legalized sports betting in Kentucky, called for states to regulate prediction markets during a webinar hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures. That organization, representing state legislators across the country, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/resources/details/ncsl-urges-congress-to-address-unregulated-sports-betting-via-prediction-markets" target="_blank">urged Congress</a>&nbsp;“to act swiftly to address the rapid growth of unregulated sports‑related event contracts.”

State leaders argue their longstanding authority to oversee gambling should allow states to regulate or ban prediction market platforms. But those companies maintain they are not beholden to state regulations.

“I think it’s very clear that this authority should be vested in our state governments,” Meredith said last month.

In New York, lawmakers are considering&nbsp;<a href="https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&amp;leg_video=&amp;bn=A09251&amp;term=&amp;Summary=Y&amp;Actions=Y&amp;Text=Y" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that would ban prediction markets from offering contracts on sports events, in addition to natural disasters, acts of terrorism and deaths. In Nevada, where gambling and tourism are top economic drivers, regulators are involved in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nevadacurrent.com/2026/02/24/protracted-legal-fight-expected-in-nevada-v-kalshi/" target="_blank">protracted legal fight&nbsp;</a>after the state sought to stop prediction market activity on sports.

“To me, this is clearly gambling,” Thomas Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, which operates casinos and sports betting,&nbsp;said during a company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/02/17/caesars-czr-q4-2025-earnings-call-transcript/" target="_blank">earnings call</a>&nbsp;in January.

But states are also fighting an obscure federal agency seeking to protect the emerging marketplace. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which regulates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/derivative.asp" target="_blank">derivatives</a>&nbsp;such as futures contracts on stocks, has asserted it has “exclusive jurisdiction” over prediction markets and promised to fight state regulatory efforts in court.

The CTFC did not respond to Stateline’s request for comment. Neither did Kalshi or Polymarket, two of the leading prediction market companies.

Unless Congress passes legislation, experts say the courts will ultimately decide what role states can play in regulating prediction markets.

The standoff has led to litigation between the platforms and states in at least eight states, and officials in 11 states have sent cease and desist orders to prediction market companies, according to the American Gaming Association, an industry group representing casinos and sports books. A bipartisan group of attorneys general from 39 states and the District of Columbia recently urged a federal court to uphold state authority to regulate sports gambling.

The American Gaming Association says prediction markets should either get out of the sports betting business or follow the same regulations and rules that apply to sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel.

“They don’t want to pay the taxes, they don’t want to undergo the compliance and provide all of the consumer protections that are required by states of operators who operate legal sports betting,” said Tres York, the vice president of government relations for the association.

The organization estimates states have lost out on more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/sports-event-contracts/" target="_blank">$570 million</a>&nbsp;in sports gambling tax revenues since prediction markets began offering sports events contracts.

Many state leaders and experts are<a href="https://stateline.org/2024/12/05/growth-of-sports-betting-may-be-linked-to-financial-woes-new-studies-find/" target="_blank">&nbsp;already concerned</a>&nbsp;about the societal effects from the meteoric rise of sports gambling, which has transformed collegiate and professional sports, and the potential for&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/09/09/wagers-on-touchdowns-strikeouts-and-even-penalties-states-eye-limits-on-prop-bets/" target="_blank">manipulation</a>&nbsp;by players.

“If you already have what I would call an epidemic of sports betting addiction in this country when you have regulated sports betting, imagine what it’s going to be like when you have essentially unregulated sports betting,” said Benjamin Schiffrin, director of securities policy at Better Markets, a nonprofit watchdog group advocating for consumer and investor financial protections.

The wide range of available bets also is raising alarms over election integrity and insider trading. In addition to individual elections, prediction markets have allowed wagers on the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the timing of the U.S. strike on Iran. Last week, hundreds of thousands of dollars were bet the day before the Iranian strikes, and more than 100 accounts cashed in $10,000 or more from successful predictions, according to a New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/03/upshot/prediction-markets-iran-strikes.html" target="_blank">analysis</a>.

“It’s a huge change to all of a sudden allow betting on elections, and it really threatens the underpinnings of our democracy,” Schiffrin said. “It just seems like there’s tremendous potential for wrongdoing.”

On its&nbsp;<a href="https://news.kalshi.com/p/values-and-principles-for-prediction-markets" target="_blank">website</a>, Kalshi says it operates under a “strict regulatory framework” with a suite of market integrity, surveillance, financial safeguards, and anti-manipulation protections.

Citing what it called “an onslaught” of state litigation, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission last month filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9183-26" target="_blank">court brief&nbsp;</a>underscoring its authority to regulate prediction markets.

“To those who seek to challenge our authority in this space, let me be clear: We will see you in court,” Commissioner Mike Selig said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cftc.gov/Exit/index.htm?https://x.com/ChairmanSelig/status/2023744651216240966?s=20" target="_blank">video</a>&nbsp;posted on social media. Selig is the only member of the presidentially appointed commission, which currently has four vacancies.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, immediately vowed to oppose the federal agency and the prediction platforms in court. Gambling has been&nbsp;<a href="https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter9/76-9-S1402.html" target="_blank">banned</a>&nbsp;under the Utah Constitution since the state’s founding, and Cox posted on social media that prediction markets are “destroying the lives of families.”

Kalshi&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/24/kalshi-sues-utah-over-proposed-prop-betting-ban/" target="_blank">swiftly sued&nbsp;</a>the governor and the state in federal court in anticipation of enforcement efforts and pending legislation in Salt Lake City. The company’s lawsuit cited the governor’s post and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2026/02/22/utah-gambling-apps-prediciton-markets-harmful-dangerous/" target="_blank">column penned</a>&nbsp;by Republican Attorney General Derek Brown explaining why he joined Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, a Democrat, “in urging Congress to address offshore gambling operations that disregard state law and target young Americans.”

Utah Republican state Rep. Joseph Elison sponsored the&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/23/utah-legislature-advances-ban-on-proposition-betting/" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;cited in Kalshi’s lawsuit. The bill, which has passed both chambers, would expand the state’s definition of gambling to include&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/09/09/wagers-on-touchdowns-strikeouts-and-even-penalties-states-eye-limits-on-prop-bets/" target="_blank">proposition betting</a>&nbsp;— bets on the performance of an individual player or team that don’t necessarily affect the outcome of a competition. While Elison acknowledged the courts will ultimately determine the issue, he said prediction markets are essentially offering proposition betting without authorization.

”We’re 50 independent sovereigns that gave centralized government to the federal government to do certain things,” he told Stateline. “But the rest, we want those things to be under our purview. And this is one of those.”

In early rulings on the matter, courts have issued a mix of opinions: States have found initial success in state courts while results have been more mixed in federal courts, said Daniel Wallach, a gaming and sports gambling attorney tracking the issue.

But federal law has long affirmed state authority to oversee gambling, he said.

Despite attempts to cast transactions as investments, Wallach says courts will look at the substance of bets, which he said are almost indistinguishable from those made in state-regulated betting markets.

“The argument that this is investing rather than gambling is essentially elevating form over substance,” he said. “Plain and simple, this is wagering on the outcome of a sporting event.”

Wallach said state efforts such as cease and desist orders are counterproductive, as they essentially invite federal lawsuits from prediction market firms. He said states are better off pursuing gambling enforcement efforts in state courts, where several have won preliminary injunctions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/judge-bans-kalshi-offering-sports-events-contracts-massachusetts-30-days-2026-02-06/" target="_blank">halting operations&nbsp;</a>of the platforms temporarily.

For now, he said the federal agency has applied almost no scrutiny of the platforms, noting that the president’s family has a financial interest in the industry.

Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, has a business interest in two of the largest online prediction markets, and the president’s social media platform Truth Social announced it would start its own prediction market, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/15/us/politics/donald-trump-jr-prediction-markets.html" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>.

Journalist Dustin Gouker, who authors<a href="https://substack.com/@dustingouker" target="_blank">&nbsp;newsletters</a>&nbsp;on gambling and prediction markets, noted that the CFTC rules that currently regulate prediction markets were built for financial products — not gambling. He said prediction markets have moved into the gaming market because “nobody said no.”

“It’s a bit of a mess,” he said. “If we’re going to have betting in 50 states for everyone 18 and over, shouldn’t we have thought about that a little bit more?”

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

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/03/06/kalshi-and-polymarket-are-skirting-laws-on-sports-betting-states-say/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772829738340.png" alt=" In this online ad, prediction market platform Kalshi advertises its sports betting products in California and Texas, both states that have not legalized sports gambling. States are increasingly targeting platforms like Kalshi, arguing they circumvent the protections and taxes of regulated gambling markets. (Image courtesy of Dustin Goucher/ Event Horizon newsletter)" />
 <figcaption> In this online ad, prediction market platform Kalshi advertises its sports betting products in California and Texas, both states that have not legalized sports gambling. States are increasingly targeting platforms like Kalshi, arguing they circumvent the protections and taxes of regulated gambling markets. (Image courtesy of Dustin Goucher/ Event Horizon newsletter)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/kevinhardy/">Kevin Hardy</a>Online prediction markets allow users to put money on the outcome of almost anything — this weekend’s NBA game between the Warriors and the Thunder, the next supreme leader of Iran, whether the government will confirm the existence of aliens.But those markets have no state oversight and operate even in states that ban gambling.The platforms are raising bipartisan alarms, especially related to sports gambling. As states have legalized sports betting in recent years, they’ve required legal sportsbooks to jump through multiple hoops — from age verification procedures to protections for gambling addiction to tax collections. Online prediction markets circumvent all those rules.Platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket say they are offering contracts similar to commodity markets that speculate on the future price of corn or oil — not outright gambling. But a growing number of states are rejecting those justifications, arguing the platforms are offering a backdoor to skirt state gambling regulations, particularly on sports.The issue has sparked action from state regulators, new legislation, and lawsuits from both states and prediction markets. Complicating matters are the federal government’s moves to block state regulation of prediction markets, which see more than&nbsp;<a href="https://theconversation.com/everything-can-be-a-bet-now-the-rise-and-risks-of-prediction-markets-276464" target="_blank">$13 billion</a>&nbsp;in transactions each month.Most activity on those platforms revolves around sports. And in national ads, Kalshi even marketed itself as the first national legal sports betting platform — even though states approve and regulate sports gambling since a 2018 Supreme Court decision. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/research/state-of-play-map/" target="_blank">11 states,</a>&nbsp;sports gambling remains illegal.“This is sports wagering. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably sports wagering, in this situation,” said Kentucky state Rep. Michael Meredith, a Republican.Meredith, who sponsored a 2023 law that legalized sports betting in Kentucky, called for states to regulate prediction markets during a webinar hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures. That organization, representing state legislators across the country, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncsl.org/resources/details/ncsl-urges-congress-to-address-unregulated-sports-betting-via-prediction-markets" target="_blank">urged Congress</a>&nbsp;“to act swiftly to address the rapid growth of unregulated sports‑related event contracts.”State leaders argue their longstanding authority to oversee gambling should allow states to regulate or ban prediction market platforms. But those companies maintain they are not beholden to state regulations.“I think it’s very clear that this authority should be vested in our state governments,” Meredith said last month.In New York, lawmakers are considering&nbsp;<a href="https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&amp;leg_video=&amp;bn=A09251&amp;term=&amp;Summary=Y&amp;Actions=Y&amp;Text=Y" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that would ban prediction markets from offering contracts on sports events, in addition to natural disasters, acts of terrorism and deaths. In Nevada, where gambling and tourism are top economic drivers, regulators are involved in a&nbsp;<a href="https://nevadacurrent.com/2026/02/24/protracted-legal-fight-expected-in-nevada-v-kalshi/" target="_blank">protracted legal fight&nbsp;</a>after the state sought to stop prediction market activity on sports.“To me, this is clearly gambling,” Thomas Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, which operates casinos and sports betting,&nbsp;said during a company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fool.com/earnings/call-transcripts/2026/02/17/caesars-czr-q4-2025-earnings-call-transcript/" target="_blank">earnings call</a>&nbsp;in January.But states are also fighting an obscure federal agency seeking to protect the emerging marketplace. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which regulates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/derivative.asp" target="_blank">derivatives</a>&nbsp;such as futures contracts on stocks, has asserted it has “exclusive jurisdiction” over prediction markets and promised to fight state regulatory efforts in court.The CTFC did not respond to Stateline’s request for comment. Neither did Kalshi or Polymarket, two of the leading prediction market companies.<h2>A new wave of betting</h2>Unless Congress passes legislation, experts say the courts will ultimately decide what role states can play in regulating prediction markets.The standoff has led to litigation between the platforms and states in at least eight states, and officials in 11 states have sent cease and desist orders to prediction market companies, according to the American Gaming Association, an industry group representing casinos and sports books. A bipartisan group of attorneys general from 39 states and the District of Columbia recently urged a federal court to uphold state authority to regulate sports gambling.The American Gaming Association says prediction markets should either get out of the sports betting business or follow the same regulations and rules that apply to sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel.“They don’t want to pay the taxes, they don’t want to undergo the compliance and provide all of the consumer protections that are required by states of operators who operate legal sports betting,” said Tres York, the vice president of government relations for the association.The organization estimates states have lost out on more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americangaming.org/sports-event-contracts/" target="_blank">$570 million</a>&nbsp;in sports gambling tax revenues since prediction markets began offering sports events contracts.Many state leaders and experts are<a href="https://stateline.org/2024/12/05/growth-of-sports-betting-may-be-linked-to-financial-woes-new-studies-find/" target="_blank">&nbsp;already concerned</a>&nbsp;about the societal effects from the meteoric rise of sports gambling, which has transformed collegiate and professional sports, and the potential for&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/09/09/wagers-on-touchdowns-strikeouts-and-even-penalties-states-eye-limits-on-prop-bets/" target="_blank">manipulation</a>&nbsp;by players.“If you already have what I would call an epidemic of sports betting addiction in this country when you have regulated sports betting, imagine what it’s going to be like when you have essentially unregulated sports betting,” said Benjamin Schiffrin, director of securities policy at Better Markets, a nonprofit watchdog group advocating for consumer and investor financial protections.The wide range of available bets also is raising alarms over election integrity and insider trading. In addition to individual elections, prediction markets have allowed wagers on the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the timing of the U.S. strike on Iran. Last week, hundreds of thousands of dollars were bet the day before the Iranian strikes, and more than 100 accounts cashed in $10,000 or more from successful predictions, according to a New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/03/upshot/prediction-markets-iran-strikes.html" target="_blank">analysis</a>.“It’s a huge change to all of a sudden allow betting on elections, and it really threatens the underpinnings of our democracy,” Schiffrin said. “It just seems like there’s tremendous potential for wrongdoing.”On its&nbsp;<a href="https://news.kalshi.com/p/values-and-principles-for-prediction-markets" target="_blank">website</a>, Kalshi says it operates under a “strict regulatory framework” with a suite of market integrity, surveillance, financial safeguards, and anti-manipulation protections.<h2>Federal-state conflict&nbsp;</h2>Citing what it called “an onslaught” of state litigation, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission last month filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9183-26" target="_blank">court brief&nbsp;</a>underscoring its authority to regulate prediction markets.“To those who seek to challenge our authority in this space, let me be clear: We will see you in court,” Commissioner Mike Selig said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cftc.gov/Exit/index.htm?https://x.com/ChairmanSelig/status/2023744651216240966?s=20" target="_blank">video</a>&nbsp;posted on social media. Selig is the only member of the presidentially appointed commission, which currently has four vacancies.Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, immediately vowed to oppose the federal agency and the prediction platforms in court. Gambling has been&nbsp;<a href="https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter9/76-9-S1402.html" target="_blank">banned</a>&nbsp;under the Utah Constitution since the state’s founding, and Cox posted on social media that prediction markets are “destroying the lives of families.”Kalshi&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/24/kalshi-sues-utah-over-proposed-prop-betting-ban/" target="_blank">swiftly sued&nbsp;</a>the governor and the state in federal court in anticipation of enforcement efforts and pending legislation in Salt Lake City. The company’s lawsuit cited the governor’s post and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2026/02/22/utah-gambling-apps-prediciton-markets-harmful-dangerous/" target="_blank">column penned</a>&nbsp;by Republican Attorney General Derek Brown explaining why he joined Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, a Democrat, “in urging Congress to address offshore gambling operations that disregard state law and target young Americans.”Utah Republican state Rep. Joseph Elison sponsored the&nbsp;<a href="https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/02/23/utah-legislature-advances-ban-on-proposition-betting/" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;cited in Kalshi’s lawsuit. The bill, which has passed both chambers, would expand the state’s definition of gambling to include&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/09/09/wagers-on-touchdowns-strikeouts-and-even-penalties-states-eye-limits-on-prop-bets/" target="_blank">proposition betting</a>&nbsp;— bets on the performance of an individual player or team that don’t necessarily affect the outcome of a competition. While Elison acknowledged the courts will ultimately determine the issue, he said prediction markets are essentially offering proposition betting without authorization.”We’re 50 independent sovereigns that gave centralized government to the federal government to do certain things,” he told Stateline. “But the rest, we want those things to be under our purview. And this is one of those.”<h2>The legal landscape&nbsp;</h2>In early rulings on the matter, courts have issued a mix of opinions: States have found initial success in state courts while results have been more mixed in federal courts, said Daniel Wallach, a gaming and sports gambling attorney tracking the issue.But federal law has long affirmed state authority to oversee gambling, he said.Despite attempts to cast transactions as investments, Wallach says courts will look at the substance of bets, which he said are almost indistinguishable from those made in state-regulated betting markets.“The argument that this is investing rather than gambling is essentially elevating form over substance,” he said. “Plain and simple, this is wagering on the outcome of a sporting event.”Wallach said state efforts such as cease and desist orders are counterproductive, as they essentially invite federal lawsuits from prediction market firms. He said states are better off pursuing gambling enforcement efforts in state courts, where several have won preliminary injunctions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/judge-bans-kalshi-offering-sports-events-contracts-massachusetts-30-days-2026-02-06/" target="_blank">halting operations&nbsp;</a>of the platforms temporarily.For now, he said the federal agency has applied almost no scrutiny of the platforms, noting that the president’s family has a financial interest in the industry.Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, has a business interest in two of the largest online prediction markets, and the president’s social media platform Truth Social announced it would start its own prediction market, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/15/us/politics/donald-trump-jr-prediction-markets.html" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>.Journalist Dustin Gouker, who authors<a href="https://substack.com/@dustingouker" target="_blank">&nbsp;newsletters</a>&nbsp;on gambling and prediction markets, noted that the CFTC rules that currently regulate prediction markets were built for financial products — not gambling. He said prediction markets have moved into the gaming market because “nobody said no.”“It’s a bit of a mess,” he said. “If we’re going to have betting in 50 states for everyone 18 and over, shouldn’t we have thought about that a little bit more?”Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>.&nbsp;This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2026/03/06/kalshi-and-polymarket-are-skirting-laws-on-sports-betting-states-say/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.<figure>
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Kalshi and Polymarket are skirting laws on sports betting, states say

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

Just after 2a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the area of the 3900 Block of Baltimore on a sound of gunshots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.&nbsp;

First responders were led to the back parking lot of the apartment buildings where they located an adult male shooting victim unresponsive. 

EMS pronunced the victim deceased. Preliminary information indicates the shooting took place in the back parking lot of the apartments after the victim had an interaction with one or more suspects that led to gunfire.

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

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.Just after 2a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the area of the 3900 Block of Baltimore on a sound of gunshots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.&nbsp;First responders were led to the back parking lot of the apartment buildings where they located an adult male shooting victim unresponsive. EMS pronunced the victim deceased. Preliminary information indicates the shooting took place in the back parking lot of the apartments after the victim had an interaction with one or more suspects that led to gunfire.&nbsp;If anyone was in the area or in the apartment and heard or saw anything or has any information, they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

KCPD: Man shot, killed in parking lot of apartment complex

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Republican Party plans to conduct a potential $100,000 fundraiser by raffling a firearm on 30 consecutive days in April.

Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas GOP, said tickets for the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansas.gop/30-guns-in-30-days/" target="_blank">daily prize drawing</a>&nbsp;would be sold at $50 a pop. The objective would be to generate money for the party’s campaign activities and to rally support for the constitutional right of individuals to possess firearms for self-defense, he said.

“April is going to be explosive for&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Republicans. We’re giving away 30 top-quality firearms — one every single day — to celebrate our unyielding defense of the 2nd Amendment,” Fillion said.

Precedent exists for Kansas Republican candidates or organizations to sponsor drawings of firearms, especially AR-15-style rifles, to raise voter interest and rally against gun-control proposals. In 2018, GOP congressional candidate Tyler Tannahill launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2018/02/15/kansas-congressional-candidate-tyler-tannahill-sparks-backlash-with-rifle-giveaway/14781928007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z11xx94v11xx94d--xx--b--xx--&amp;gca-ft=175&amp;gca-ds=sophi" target="_blank">a raffle for an AR-15</a>&nbsp;one day before that type of weapon was used in a massacre that killed 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Florida.

In 2026, the Kansas State Troopers Association has conducted weekly drawings on “Win a Weapon Wednesday” with tickets acquired by purchasing a $100 calendar. Ducks Unlimited Kansas organized a 50-gun raffle in February. The Knights of Columbus in Wichita has sponsored a “Gun-A-Week” raffle this year to raise money for charity by selling $60 tickets.

Fillion said the idea of the April fundraiser was to generate interest in electing “conservative leaders who will protect constitutional rights and advance&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;values.”

“This isn’t just about winning guns,” he said. “It’s about winning elections, mobilizing our base and sending a clear message that&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;stands firmly for freedom, self-defense and the right to keep and bear arms.”

The Kansas GOP’s raffle kicks off by giving away a Great Lakes 223 AR-15. The roster also included a Springfield Hellcat Pro 9 mm, Beretta 92XI 9 mm, Cobra III .410 shotgun, Raptor Camo CT-3, Kimber Custom LW 9 mm, Setter CT-5 shotgun, Browning Buck Mark Medallion 22LR, Henry Silver American Eagle 22, Kimber K6s .357 and Canix SFX Rival-S 9 mm.

All tickets sold for the Kansas GOP raffle would be eligible for all daily drawings conducted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansas.gop/" target="_blank">kansas.gop</a>&nbsp;from April 1 to April 30. A maximum of 2,000 tickets would be available and participants could buy multiple tickets, Fillion said.

Ticket purchasers and those claiming prizes must be 21 years of age and legally eligible to possess a firearm. Party officials planned to post results online and to notify winners by telephone. Individuals would have 30 days to claim a firearm. The formal transfer of guns must occur through a dealer with a federal firearms license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772932606250.png" alt="Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas Republican Party, said the organization would host a raffle in April that would offer participants the chance to win 30 firearms over a 30-day period. He said the event could generate up to $100,000 for the state party. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas Republican Party, said the organization would host a raffle in April that would offer participants the chance to win 30 firearms over a 30-day period. He said the event could generate up to $100,000 for the state party. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Republican Party plans to conduct a potential $100,000 fundraiser by raffling a firearm on 30 consecutive days in April.Rob Fillion, executive director of the Kansas GOP, said tickets for the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansas.gop/30-guns-in-30-days/" target="_blank">daily prize drawing</a>&nbsp;would be sold at $50 a pop. The objective would be to generate money for the party’s campaign activities and to rally support for the constitutional right of individuals to possess firearms for self-defense, he said.“April is going to be explosive for&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Republicans. We’re giving away 30 top-quality firearms — one every single day — to celebrate our unyielding defense of the 2nd Amendment,” Fillion said.Precedent exists for Kansas Republican candidates or organizations to sponsor drawings of firearms, especially AR-15-style rifles, to raise voter interest and rally against gun-control proposals. In 2018, GOP congressional candidate Tyler Tannahill launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2018/02/15/kansas-congressional-candidate-tyler-tannahill-sparks-backlash-with-rifle-giveaway/14781928007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z11xx94v11xx94d--xx--b--xx--&amp;gca-ft=175&amp;gca-ds=sophi" target="_blank">a raffle for an AR-15</a>&nbsp;one day before that type of weapon was used in a massacre that killed 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Florida.In 2026, the Kansas State Troopers Association has conducted weekly drawings on “Win a Weapon Wednesday” with tickets acquired by purchasing a $100 calendar. Ducks Unlimited Kansas organized a 50-gun raffle in February. The Knights of Columbus in Wichita has sponsored a “Gun-A-Week” raffle this year to raise money for charity by selling $60 tickets.Fillion said the idea of the April fundraiser was to generate interest in electing “conservative leaders who will protect constitutional rights and advance&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;values.”“This isn’t just about winning guns,” he said. “It’s about winning elections, mobilizing our base and sending a clear message that&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;stands firmly for freedom, self-defense and the right to keep and bear arms.”The Kansas GOP’s raffle kicks off by giving away a Great Lakes 223 AR-15. The roster also included a Springfield Hellcat Pro 9 mm, Beretta 92XI 9 mm, Cobra III .410 shotgun, Raptor Camo CT-3, Kimber Custom LW 9 mm, Setter CT-5 shotgun, Browning Buck Mark Medallion 22LR, Henry Silver American Eagle 22, Kimber K6s .357 and Canix SFX Rival-S 9 mm.All tickets sold for the Kansas GOP raffle would be eligible for all daily drawings conducted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansas.gop/" target="_blank">kansas.gop</a>&nbsp;from April 1 to April 30. A maximum of 2,000 tickets would be available and participants could buy multiple tickets, Fillion said.Ticket purchasers and those claiming prizes must be 21 years of age and legally eligible to possess a firearm. Party officials planned to post results online and to notify winners by telephone. Individuals would have 30 days to claim a firearm. The formal transfer of guns must occur through a dealer with a federal firearms license.

Kansas Republican Party organizes April fundraiser to raffle 30 firearms in 30 days

KANSAS CITY—The survey of damage from the storm that struck the Kansas City area Friday night&nbsp;indicates the tornado was an F-0 in strength, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City.

Shortly after 11:30pm on Friday, March 6, the EF-0 tornado occurred in a line of severe thunderstorms. According to the survey team, the tornado had a track of 7.97 miles and a maximum width of 50-yards. It began in Shawnee, Kansas and ended in Kansas City, Missouri shortly before Westport around 11:45pm. 

The majority of damage was done to trees. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772934186885.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—The survey of damage from the storm that struck the Kansas City area Friday night&nbsp;indicates the tornado was an F-0 in strength, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772934512235.png" alt="Photos NWS" />
 <figcaption>Photos NWS</figcaption>
 </figure>Shortly after 11:30pm on Friday, March 6, the EF-0 tornado occurred in a line of severe thunderstorms. According to the survey team, the tornado had a track of 7.97 miles and a maximum width of 50-yards. It began in Shawnee, Kansas and ended in Kansas City, Missouri shortly before Westport around 11:45pm. The majority of damage was done to trees. There were no injuries reported.

NWS confirms strength of tornado that hit NE Kansas

LYON COUNTY— The David Traylor Zoo in Emporia announced on Saturday that their adult male American bison, Bill, passed away at the age of 22, according to a statement from the zoo. At this age, Bill was considered geriatric for his species.

Following his passing, the Zoo’s veterinarian conducted an examination and determined that Bill died due to age-related health issues.

Bill was born at the David Traylor Zoo on April 22, 2003, and spent his entire life as a cherished member of our animal family. Over the years, he became a familiar and beloved presence for visitors and staff alike.

Zoo staff are closely monitoring our two remaining bison, Beulah and Ted, as they adjust to the loss of their herd’s dominant male. Animal care staff are providing additional observation and support during this transition period.

To allow time for both the animals and our staff to process this loss and make necessary adjustments within the habitat, the Zoo remained closed Saturday.

The David Traylor Zoo will return to normal operating hours Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772934758486.jpeg" alt="Bison Bill- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Bison Bill- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY— The David Traylor Zoo in Emporia announced on Saturday that their adult male American bison, Bill, passed away at the age of 22, according to a statement from the zoo. At this age, Bill was considered geriatric for his species.Following his passing, the Zoo’s veterinarian conducted an examination and determined that Bill died due to age-related health issues.Bill was born at the David Traylor Zoo on April 22, 2003, and spent his entire life as a cherished member of our animal family. Over the years, he became a familiar and beloved presence for visitors and staff alike.Zoo staff are closely monitoring our two remaining bison, Beulah and Ted, as they adjust to the loss of their herd’s dominant male. Animal care staff are providing additional observation and support during this transition period.To allow time for both the animals and our staff to process this loss and make necessary adjustments within the habitat, the Zoo remained closed Saturday.The David Traylor Zoo will return to normal operating hours Sunday.

Kansas zoo mourns the loss of popular bison 

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.

Last month, two individuals were taken into custody by Jackson County Sheriff Deputies near 4th&nbsp;and Arizona in the City of Holton. These arrests are a part of a multi-month drug investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine into Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Early this year, Sheriff Tim Morse initiated an investigation into potential methamphetamine sales in collaboration with the Kansas Bureau of Investigations. During this investigation, a series of undercover drug buys were made in Jackson County.

Early Thursday morning, deputies closed in on a pickup truck that had pulled into a local convenience store. The Sheriff’s Office believed that the suspects were allegedly bringing a delivery of methamphetamine to Jackson County from Topeka. &nbsp;Deputies took the occupants into custody at the scene and seized a quantity of methamphetamine.

The passenger of the vehicle, Jade Renee Graf, 33, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include Distribute methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school; Taxation Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Possession of methamphetamine; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute methamphetamine; Taxation. Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Possession of methamphetamine; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body;Distribute methamphetamine 3.5 – &lt;100 grams;Taxation. Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Use communication facility. In the commission of a felony drug violation and a Probation Violation.

The driver of the vehicle, Gary Ray Hards, 26, of Denison, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine;&nbsp;Possession of marijuana and Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office expects additional arrests and charges in connection with this investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772460740450.png" alt="Hards photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Hards photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple drug allegations.Last month, two individuals were taken into custody by Jackson County Sheriff Deputies near 4th&nbsp;and Arizona in the City of Holton. These arrests are a part of a multi-month drug investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine into Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Early this year, Sheriff Tim Morse initiated an investigation into potential methamphetamine sales in collaboration with the Kansas Bureau of Investigations. During this investigation, a series of undercover drug buys were made in Jackson County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772460700700.png" alt="Graf photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Graf photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Early Thursday morning, deputies closed in on a pickup truck that had pulled into a local convenience store. The Sheriff’s Office believed that the suspects were allegedly bringing a delivery of methamphetamine to Jackson County from Topeka. &nbsp;Deputies took the occupants into custody at the scene and seized a quantity of methamphetamine.The passenger of the vehicle, Jade Renee Graf, 33, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include Distribute methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school; Taxation Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Possession of methamphetamine; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute methamphetamine; Taxation. Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Possession of methamphetamine; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body;Distribute methamphetamine 3.5 – &lt;100 grams;Taxation. Drugs. No drug tax stamp for controlled substance; Use communication facility. In the commission of a felony drug violation and a Probation Violation.The driver of the vehicle, Gary Ray Hards, 26, of Denison, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine;&nbsp;Possession of marijuana and Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human bodyThe Jackson County Sheriff’s Office expects additional arrests and charges in connection with this investigation.

Sheriff: Kansas couple jailed after series of undercover drug buys

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772898246523.png" alt="From top left Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor; Capt. Cody Khork; Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens; Sgt. Declan Coady and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan -photos U.S. Army Reserve Command" />
 <figcaption>From top left Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor; Capt. Cody Khork; Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens; Sgt. Declan Coady and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan -photos U.S. Army Reserve Command</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch in full: <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> attends the dignified transfer of the six American heroes killed in Operation Epic Fury🙏 🇺🇸Capt. Cody Khork 🇺🇸Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens 🇺🇸Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor 🇺🇸Sgt. Declan Coady 🇺🇸Maj. Jeffrey O&#39;Brien 🇺🇸Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan <a href="https://t.co/Tvhj5FfNuX">pic.twitter.com/Tvhj5FfNuX</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2030411518894805020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At Dover Air Force Base, <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> witness the dignified transfer of the six American heroes killed in Operation Epic Fury 🙏🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/2xpi2RIhQY">pic.twitter.com/2xpi2RIhQY</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2030397716132491441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</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">President Trump and the First Lady honor the fallen at Dover Air Force Base 🙏 May God bless these brave heroes and their families 🇺🇸 Capt. Cody Khork Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor Sgt. Declan Coady Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien Chief Warrant Officer 3… <a href="https://t.co/pJiBXLuRMO">pic.twitter.com/pJiBXLuRMO</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) <a href="https://twitter.com/MargoMartin47/status/2030385849431646222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📍 Dover Air Force Base<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> arrive for the dignified transfer of the six American heroes killed in Operation Epic Fury 🙏🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/r9bphnwpAG">pic.twitter.com/r9bphnwpAG</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2030396007322718711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥President attends dignified transfer of 6 Americans killed in Operation Epic Fury

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico —A woman identified as 63-year-old Deborah Rhinesmith of Wichita, according to New Mexico State Police, died after a small plane traveling from Kansas crashed on a golf course Friday in Albuquerque.&nbsp;

Just after 11:30a.m., Albuquerque Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the Los Altos Golf Course for a reported small plane that crash landed, according to&nbsp; the department's social media page.

 Engine 9 arrived within five minutes of dispatch and found the single-engine Cessna 400 Corvalis TT with&nbsp;Rhinesmith and one other person stuck inside. The aircraft was not on fire but had significant damage. 

The two people were extricated from the plane and transported to&nbsp;The University of New Mexico Hospital where&nbsp;Rhinesmith was pronounced deceased. The State Patrol did not release the name of the other person on board.

On their social media page, Wichita Eisenhower Airport wrote, "We are aware that a small aircraft departing from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport this morning made an emergency landing in Albuquerque, NM. We are coordinating closely with local authorities and emergency responders Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted"

The aircraft was registered out of Wichita, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Flight radar indicated the plane took off from Wichita Friday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;The NTSB and FAA will continue to investigate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772835641193.png" alt="Rescue crews at the scene -photo Albuquerque Fire and Rescue" />
 <figcaption>Rescue crews at the scene -photo Albuquerque Fire and Rescue</figcaption>
 </figure>ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico —A woman identified as 63-year-old Deborah Rhinesmith of Wichita, according to New Mexico State Police, died after a small plane traveling from Kansas crashed on a golf course Friday in Albuquerque.&nbsp;Just after 11:30a.m., Albuquerque Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the Los Altos Golf Course for a reported small plane that crash landed, according to&nbsp; the department's social media page.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772885407314.png" alt="Photo courtesy KRQE" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KRQE</figcaption>
 </figure> Engine 9 arrived within five minutes of dispatch and found the single-engine Cessna 400 Corvalis TT with&nbsp;Rhinesmith and one other person stuck inside. The aircraft was not on fire but had significant damage. The two people were extricated from the plane and transported to&nbsp;The University of New Mexico Hospital where&nbsp;Rhinesmith was pronounced deceased. The State Patrol did not release the name of the other person on board.On their social media page, Wichita Eisenhower Airport wrote, "We are aware that a small aircraft departing from Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport this morning made an emergency landing in Albuquerque, NM. We are coordinating closely with local authorities and emergency responders Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted"The aircraft was registered out of Wichita, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Flight radar indicated the plane took off from Wichita Friday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;The NTSB and FAA will continue to investigate.

Police: Kan. woman died after small plane crash onto golf course

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred last month.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2817/Parris-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Tyler J. Parris</a>, 29, is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2818/Parris-PCREDACTED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police received a call on Feb. 16 regarding a shooting victim who was dropped off at a hospital and did not survive his injuries. The shooting occurred outside a residence near East 31st Street and Brighton Avenue.&nbsp;

Based on witness reports, Parris was in his truck, arguing with the victim, who was standing outside the truck. The two were arguing about a stolen vehicle. The defendant then allegedly fired at the victim.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $200,000 cash only.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772553677262.png" alt="Parris-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Parris-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred last month.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2817/Parris-COMPLAINTREDACTED">Tyler J. Parris</a>, 29, is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2818/Parris-PCREDACTED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police received a call on Feb. 16 regarding a shooting victim who was dropped off at a hospital and did not survive his injuries. The shooting occurred outside a residence near East 31st Street and Brighton Avenue.&nbsp;Based on witness reports, Parris was in his truck, arguing with the victim, who was standing outside the truck. The two were arguing about a stolen vehicle. The defendant then allegedly fired at the victim.&nbsp;A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $200,000 cash only.&nbsp;

Fight over stolen vehicle led to deadly KC killing

Public ownership of stadium shields bonds for project from federal income tax

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"></a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House introduced legislation Friday authorizing creation of a state sports authority to allow construction of a publicly owned stadium spectacular enough to persuade the Kansas City Chiefs to move from Missouri to Kansas.

Public ownership of the $3 billion stadium was viewed as a necessity because private ownership would make the $1.8 billion in state bonds issued for the project subject to federal income taxes.

Attorney Korb Maxwell told state lawmakers in January that failure to form a sports authority to allow stadium ownership by the state would likely kill the project.

Terms of the sports authority legislation involving the state of Kansas and owners of the Chiefs were outlined in an 11-page bill scheduled to be discussed Tuesday during a joint session of the House and Senate commerce committees.

The bill introduced by Rep. Sean Tarwater, a suburban Kansas City Republican, would need to be fast-tracked during the final two or three weeks of the 2026 session of the Legislature.

Under House Bill 2793, the nine voting members of the sports authority would have to be appointed by Aug. 31. Members of the board would be Kansas residents and chosen by the governor and leaders of the House and Senate. The group would include a representative of the Chiefs and the secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The bill would allow the sports authority to take possession of facilities other than the domed stadium constructed for the Chiefs. The authority would be authorized to sell real or personal property and be exempt from state property tax. In addition, the authority would be exempt from city, county and state sales taxes.

Purchases by the sports authority for contractual services, construction, repairs, supplies, equipment or furniture “shall not be subject to the competitive bidding requirements” of state law, the bill said.

The deal would enable the Chiefs to engage in a lease agreement giving the franchise exclusive use of the stadium at agreed upon times and the right to retain some or all revenue from ticket sales, suite licenses, personalized seat licenses, concessions, advertising, naming rights, broadcast deals and other income tied to the stadium.

The sports authority would be responsible for submitting annual reports to the Legislative Coordinating Council and the commerce committees of the House and Senate.

The Legislature is taking up the House bill at a time when some lawmakers have expressed opposition to the incentive package for construction of a stadium and practice facility for the Chiefs.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat seeking the party’s nomination for governor, said the stadium plan was a “raw deal for Kansans.”

“At a time when our leaders should be laser focused on lowering costs for Kansans, instead they are delivering a massive giveaway to billionaires and asking us to foot the bill,” Holscher said. “The stadium deal makes big promises of nebulous economic growth, but risks blowing open our state budget.”

The bill doesn’t outline boundaries of the STAR bond district in Johnson and Wyandotte counties that would generate sales tax revenue to pay for construction projects serving the Chiefs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766434608613.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Public ownership of stadium shields bonds for project from federal income tax</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/"></a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House introduced legislation Friday authorizing creation of a state sports authority to allow construction of a publicly owned stadium spectacular enough to persuade the Kansas City Chiefs to move from Missouri to Kansas.Public ownership of the $3 billion stadium was viewed as a necessity because private ownership would make the $1.8 billion in state bonds issued for the project subject to federal income taxes.Attorney Korb Maxwell told state lawmakers in January that failure to form a sports authority to allow stadium ownership by the state would likely kill the project.Terms of the sports authority legislation involving the state of Kansas and owners of the Chiefs were outlined in an 11-page bill scheduled to be discussed Tuesday during a joint session of the House and Senate commerce committees.The bill introduced by Rep. Sean Tarwater, a suburban Kansas City Republican, would need to be fast-tracked during the final two or three weeks of the 2026 session of the Legislature.Under House Bill 2793, the nine voting members of the sports authority would have to be appointed by Aug. 31. Members of the board would be Kansas residents and chosen by the governor and leaders of the House and Senate. The group would include a representative of the Chiefs and the secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce.The bill would allow the sports authority to take possession of facilities other than the domed stadium constructed for the Chiefs. The authority would be authorized to sell real or personal property and be exempt from state property tax. In addition, the authority would be exempt from city, county and state sales taxes.Purchases by the sports authority for contractual services, construction, repairs, supplies, equipment or furniture “shall not be subject to the competitive bidding requirements” of state law, the bill said.The deal would enable the Chiefs to engage in a lease agreement giving the franchise exclusive use of the stadium at agreed upon times and the right to retain some or all revenue from ticket sales, suite licenses, personalized seat licenses, concessions, advertising, naming rights, broadcast deals and other income tied to the stadium.The sports authority would be responsible for submitting annual reports to the Legislative Coordinating Council and the commerce committees of the House and Senate.The Legislature is taking up the House bill at a time when some lawmakers have expressed opposition to the incentive package for construction of a stadium and practice facility for the Chiefs.Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat seeking the party’s nomination for governor, said the stadium plan was a “raw deal for Kansans.”“At a time when our leaders should be laser focused on lowering costs for Kansans, instead they are delivering a massive giveaway to billionaires and asking us to foot the bill,” Holscher said. “The stadium deal makes big promises of nebulous economic growth, but risks blowing open our state budget.”The bill doesn’t outline boundaries of the STAR bond district in Johnson and Wyandotte counties that would generate sales tax revenue to pay for construction projects serving the Chiefs.

Kansas House introduces bill creating sports authority needed to complete Chiefs stadium deal

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement a investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have released the name of the victim as 58-year-old Derrick Copeland,&nbsp;according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 4:30pm Thursday were dispatched to a reported shooting at an apartment building in the 1200 block of Askew in Kansas City, according to Becchina.

Officers were led into an apartment inside the building. There they located a Copeland unresponsive. Officers called for EMS into the scene who declared Copeland deceased.&nbsp;

 Preliminary investigation indicates that a caller responded to the apartment and observed Copeland injured and unresponsive inside. The caller then called 911 for police and ambulance. There are not any suspects in custody at this time.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772764543505.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement a investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have released the name of the victim as 58-year-old Derrick Copeland,&nbsp;according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just after 4:30pm Thursday were dispatched to a reported shooting at an apartment building in the 1200 block of Askew in Kansas City, according to Becchina.Officers were led into an apartment inside the building. There they located a Copeland unresponsive. Officers called for EMS into the scene who declared Copeland deceased.&nbsp; Preliminary investigation indicates that a caller responded to the apartment and observed Copeland injured and unresponsive inside. The caller then called 911 for police and ambulance. There are not any suspects in custody at this time.&nbsp;

Police ID 58-year-old homicide victim found in KC apartment

JOHNSON COUNTY —Lightning caused significant damage to a Kansas home Friday.

Just before 12:30 pm, firefighters at a “lightning strike investigation” discovered fire in the basement at a home near 143rd St. and Pflumm Road, according to a social media report from the Olathe Fire Department. 

Lightning appears to have struck the roof. Damage inside the home is significant. There were no injuries. Four people are temporarily displaced. Olathe Police Department, Overland Park Fire Department and Johnson County MED-ACT helped at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772888565998.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Lightning caused significant damage to a Kansas home Friday.Just before 12:30 pm, firefighters at a “lightning strike investigation” discovered fire in the basement at a home near 143rd St. and Pflumm Road, according to a social media report from the Olathe Fire Department. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1277386440980112%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Lightning appears to have struck the roof. Damage inside the home is significant. There were no injuries. Four people are temporarily displaced. Olathe Police Department, Overland Park Fire Department and Johnson County MED-ACT helped at the scene.

Lightning strike caused significant damage to Kansas home 

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Kansans won’t know until at least Tuesday if a judge will delay implementation of the state’s new “bathroom law,” but a concession by Attorney General Kris Kobach means key components of the law can be delayed until March 26.

Douglas County District Judge James McCabria heard arguments Friday about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, the controversial new law that forces people to use bathrooms in government buildings and gender markers on driver’s licenses based on sex assigned at birth.

The three-hour hearing focused on technicalities, including whether the law meets any one of five specific criteria that would lead the judge to approve a temporary restraining order and pause enforcement of the law for up to 14 days.

Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Kansas Department of Administration&nbsp; said the law’s speedy implementation provided no grace period to Kansans needing a new driver’s license and for government leaders statewide to put a system in place for tracking bathroom usage.

The law took effect Feb. 26, a little over a week after the GOP-led Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto. Kansans who held driver’s licenses with a gender marker that didn’t match their sex at birth were told their licenses were immediately invalidated and government leaders statewide were told they had to immediately enforce the bathroom portion of the bill.

Kobach told McCabria he agreed to give Kansans who needed to update driver’s licenses until March 26 to complete that. He also said he wouldn’t enforce the law’s penalties — which could be as high as $125,000 per day for violations — for cities, counties, municipalities and schools that might violate the bathroom rules, as well.

Harper Seldin, an ACLU attorney representing the two Lawrence transgender men who brought a case against the law under pseudonyms Daniel Doe and Matthew Moe, told the judge the law violates the Kansas Constitution.

SB 244 infringes on the rights of personal autonomy, expectations of privacy, and equal protection under the law, and has other issues, he said.

“The attorney general is incorrect when he says that we’re asking the court to break new ground,” Seldin said. “This is not a novel set of theories that require the government to do anything. The thread through these individual rights claims is that this is about Daniel and Matthew’s right to be left alone by the government.”

Seldin also said the law targets transgender individuals, which can be shown by the results of its implementation even if it’s not stated outright. He said the way SB 244 was implemented violated the Kansas Constitution when the bathroom portion of the bill was “logrolled” into the bill that originally addressed driver’s license and birth certificate gender markers.

Logrolling refers to dropping a bill into an unrelated bill, sidestepping the opportunity for public input. Seldin said cramming two separate subjects into one law violates the Kansas Constitution, which has a “single subject” clause.

Kobach said the two issues are congruent in that they both deal with defining sex within Kansas government.

“It’s this idea that bills should mean what they say and say what they mean,” Seldin said. “There’s a particular perniciousness to a law that hides the law.”

Kobach told the judge that a driver’s license is a government document, used for government purposes, and the state has the right to define the information contained in the document.

McCabria questioned Kobach about briefs included in the plaintiff testimony outlining the negative psychological effects on transgender people being made to use documents that don’t match their gender identity.

“Whatever a person may feel about their need to be perceived by the world in a certain way, what right do I have to compel the government to identify me in that way?” McCabria asked.

Kobach said the driver’s license is a document that records pertinent information, and sex is one of the elements, along with eye color and birthdate, that doesn’t change over time.

Kobach said the bathroom portion of the bill maintains the status quo in Kansas, where he contended residents have always gone to the bathroom that matches their biological sex at birth.

Seldin said trans people in the state have been going to the bathroom without any harms for decades.

Kobach said women who hear a man’s voice or see a man in private spaces could become anxious about their safety.

He acknowledged plaintiff’s assertions about the psychological or emotional harm they may suffer but told McCabria that in a balance of equities, that didn’t outweigh the harms of “99-plus percent of the population.”

When McCabria asked him to substantiate that number, Kobach said he didn’t mean to imply that everyone outside of transgender individuals were harmed by the law.

“Many courts have recognized the fear that ‘biological females’ have when a ‘biological male’ is in the bathroom with them, and that is something that I think any Kansan can identify with, especially a female,” Kobach said after the hearing.

Asked how women would be affected by seeing or hearing a transgender man who now has to use a woman’s bathroom, Kobach said, “All kinds of hypothetical cases are possible.”

McCabria said he had hoped to make a ruling Friday but that he needs more time to study the filings in the case and examine constitutional issues. He said he expects to rule by Tuesday.

“I think most people want to be respectful,” Seldin said after the hearing. “I think most people don’t want to pry into other people’s private lives. I think a law like this suggests the opposite, that Kansans have some prurient interest in other people’s habits and private spaces. And I don’t think that’s right.”

Z Kemp attended the hearing because her partner and many friends are affected. She said the law has caused “a lot of stress and anxiety.”

“That’s just unnecessary because as they’ve stated before, there was — especially with the bathroom situation —- no prior problem,” she said. “It’s only a problem whenever you make it a problem. I don’t think it’s that radical to just let trans people be. Just let them go to the bathroom.”

Avie Fallis said she has been through a lot of physical and legal changes to find herself. She said she is tired of well-meaning people recommending that she leave Kansas, which is her home state where her family and loved ones live.

“I feel like it’s a fire that’s just growing,” she said. “I’m not going to run away from fire. I feel like it should be extinguished.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772851721836.png" alt=" Douglas County District Judge James McCabria talks with attorneys during a hearing on Kansas’ new law that restricts transgender individuals to using their biological sex at birth on documents and when they use restrooms in government office buildings. March 6, 2026 (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Douglas County District Judge James McCabria talks with attorneys during a hearing on Kansas’ new law that restricts transgender individuals to using their biological sex at birth on documents and when they use restrooms in government office buildings. March 6, 2026 (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — Kansans won’t know until at least Tuesday if a judge will delay implementation of the state’s new “bathroom law,” but a concession by Attorney General Kris Kobach means key components of the law can be delayed until March 26.Douglas County District Judge James McCabria heard arguments Friday about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, the controversial new law that forces people to use bathrooms in government buildings and gender markers on driver’s licenses based on sex assigned at birth.The three-hour hearing focused on technicalities, including whether the law meets any one of five specific criteria that would lead the judge to approve a temporary restraining order and pause enforcement of the law for up to 14 days.Attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Kansas Department of Administration&nbsp; said the law’s speedy implementation provided no grace period to Kansans needing a new driver’s license and for government leaders statewide to put a system in place for tracking bathroom usage.The law took effect Feb. 26, a little over a week after the GOP-led Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto. Kansans who held driver’s licenses with a gender marker that didn’t match their sex at birth were told their licenses were immediately invalidated and government leaders statewide were told they had to immediately enforce the bathroom portion of the bill.Kobach told McCabria he agreed to give Kansans who needed to update driver’s licenses until March 26 to complete that. He also said he wouldn’t enforce the law’s penalties — which could be as high as $125,000 per day for violations — for cities, counties, municipalities and schools that might violate the bathroom rules, as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772851686752.png" alt="Harper Seldin, senior staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, talks to reporters after a Douglas County District Court hearing on March 6, 2026. Seldin asked the judge to place a temporary restraining order on the state to stop implementation of a new law that forces Kansans to use bathrooms and have documentation in their biological sex at birth. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Harper Seldin, senior staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, talks to reporters after a Douglas County District Court hearing on March 6, 2026. Seldin asked the judge to place a temporary restraining order on the state to stop implementation of a new law that forces Kansans to use bathrooms and have documentation in their biological sex at birth. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Harper Seldin, an ACLU attorney representing the two Lawrence transgender men who brought a case against the law under pseudonyms Daniel Doe and Matthew Moe, told the judge the law violates the Kansas Constitution.SB 244 infringes on the rights of personal autonomy, expectations of privacy, and equal protection under the law, and has other issues, he said.“The attorney general is incorrect when he says that we’re asking the court to break new ground,” Seldin said. “This is not a novel set of theories that require the government to do anything. The thread through these individual rights claims is that this is about Daniel and Matthew’s right to be left alone by the government.”Seldin also said the law targets transgender individuals, which can be shown by the results of its implementation even if it’s not stated outright. He said the way SB 244 was implemented violated the Kansas Constitution when the bathroom portion of the bill was “logrolled” into the bill that originally addressed driver’s license and birth certificate gender markers.Logrolling refers to dropping a bill into an unrelated bill, sidestepping the opportunity for public input. Seldin said cramming two separate subjects into one law violates the Kansas Constitution, which has a “single subject” clause.Kobach said the two issues are congruent in that they both deal with defining sex within Kansas government.“It’s this idea that bills should mean what they say and say what they mean,” Seldin said. “There’s a particular perniciousness to a law that hides the law.”Kobach told the judge that a driver’s license is a government document, used for government purposes, and the state has the right to define the information contained in the document.McCabria questioned Kobach about briefs included in the plaintiff testimony outlining the negative psychological effects on transgender people being made to use documents that don’t match their gender identity.“Whatever a person may feel about their need to be perceived by the world in a certain way, what right do I have to compel the government to identify me in that way?” McCabria asked.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772851650620.png" alt="Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach argues against a restraining order before a Douglas County District Court judge on March 6, 2026. The case was filed by two men opposed to Kansas’ new law forcing transgender people to use their biological sex at birth when using the restroom or on state documents. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach argues against a restraining order before a Douglas County District Court judge on March 6, 2026. The case was filed by two men opposed to Kansas’ new law forcing transgender people to use their biological sex at birth when using the restroom or on state documents. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kobach said the driver’s license is a document that records pertinent information, and sex is one of the elements, along with eye color and birthdate, that doesn’t change over time.Kobach said the bathroom portion of the bill maintains the status quo in Kansas, where he contended residents have always gone to the bathroom that matches their biological sex at birth.Seldin said trans people in the state have been going to the bathroom without any harms for decades.Kobach said women who hear a man’s voice or see a man in private spaces could become anxious about their safety.He acknowledged plaintiff’s assertions about the psychological or emotional harm they may suffer but told McCabria that in a balance of equities, that didn’t outweigh the harms of “99-plus percent of the population.”When McCabria asked him to substantiate that number, Kobach said he didn’t mean to imply that everyone outside of transgender individuals were harmed by the law.“Many courts have recognized the fear that ‘biological females’ have when a ‘biological male’ is in the bathroom with them, and that is something that I think any Kansan can identify with, especially a female,” Kobach said after the hearing.Asked how women would be affected by seeing or hearing a transgender man who now has to use a woman’s bathroom, Kobach said, “All kinds of hypothetical cases are possible.”McCabria said he had hoped to make a ruling Friday but that he needs more time to study the filings in the case and examine constitutional issues. He said he expects to rule by Tuesday.“I think most people want to be respectful,” Seldin said after the hearing. “I think most people don’t want to pry into other people’s private lives. I think a law like this suggests the opposite, that Kansans have some prurient interest in other people’s habits and private spaces. And I don’t think that’s right.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772851615353.png" alt="Z Kemp, left, and Avie Fallis attended a Douglas County District Court hearing March 6, 2026, about Kansas’ new law because it affects them and their loved ones. The law forces people to use the bathroom related to their biological sex at birth and to put that sex marker on their driver’s licenses and birth certificates. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Z Kemp, left, and Avie Fallis attended a Douglas County District Court hearing March 6, 2026, about Kansas’ new law because it affects them and their loved ones. The law forces people to use the bathroom related to their biological sex at birth and to put that sex marker on their driver’s licenses and birth certificates. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Z Kemp attended the hearing because her partner and many friends are affected. She said the law has caused “a lot of stress and anxiety.”“That’s just unnecessary because as they’ve stated before, there was — especially with the bathroom situation —- no prior problem,” she said. “It’s only a problem whenever you make it a problem. I don’t think it’s that radical to just let trans people be. Just let them go to the bathroom.”Avie Fallis said she has been through a lot of physical and legal changes to find herself. She said she is tired of well-meaning people recommending that she leave Kansas, which is her home state where her family and loved ones live.“I feel like it’s a fire that’s just growing,” she said. “I’m not going to run away from fire. I feel like it should be extinguished.”

Kansas AG offers to delay enforcement of anti-trans law until March 26 while judge weighs challenge

A Kansas City man faces charges for allegedly placing explosive devices in a trash can near the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2823/CanizalesArguetaOwen_Charging-Packet-1">Owen I. Canizales Argueta</a>&nbsp;, 23, faces 20 counts of Possession of an Illegal explosive, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.&nbsp; Each count carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.&nbsp;

“Jackson County does not tolerate threats. Not to our landmarks, not to our gathering places, and not to our neighborhoods. I am proud of KCPD’s swift investigative work to identify and arrest the defendant, allowing our office to quickly file charges,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said. “With the World Cup just 100 days away, we’re prepared and committed to holding anyone who seeks to harm this community accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We’re working closely with local law enforcement, elected officials, federal partners, and KC2026, to ensure that when the world arrives to our community, we are prepared and safe.”

According to court records, Kansas City Police Department’s Bomb and Arson Section were called to 2 Memorial Drive on Feb. 24. Custodial staff were clearing out trash cans and discovered a red bag with what they believed to be explosives.&nbsp;

Detectives determined the bag to contain 20 homemade explosive devices.&nbsp;

Based on surveillance video, a vehicle entered the driveway near the Liberty Memorial on Feb. 23 and an individual, later identified as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2823/CanizalesArguetaOwen_Charging-Packet-1">Argueta</a>&nbsp;exited the vehicle and placed a red bag in the trash can.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2823/CanizalesArguetaOwen_Charging-Packet-1">Argueta</a>&nbsp;admitted in an interview with detectives to purchasing the devices and placing them in the trash can.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $100,000 cash only.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772667211620.png" alt="Argueta photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Argueta photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>A Kansas City man faces charges for allegedly placing explosive devices in a trash can near the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2823/CanizalesArguetaOwen_Charging-Packet-1">Owen I. Canizales Argueta</a>&nbsp;, 23, faces 20 counts of Possession of an Illegal explosive, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.&nbsp; Each count carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.&nbsp;“Jackson County does not tolerate threats. Not to our landmarks, not to our gathering places, and not to our neighborhoods. I am proud of KCPD’s swift investigative work to identify and arrest the defendant, allowing our office to quickly file charges,”&nbsp;Prosecutor Johnson said. “With the World Cup just 100 days away, we’re prepared and committed to holding anyone who seeks to harm this community accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We’re working closely with local law enforcement, elected officials, federal partners, and KC2026, to ensure that when the world arrives to our community, we are prepared and safe.”According to court records, Kansas City Police Department’s Bomb and Arson Section were called to 2 Memorial Drive on Feb. 24. Custodial staff were clearing out trash cans and discovered a red bag with what they believed to be explosives.&nbsp;Detectives determined the bag to contain 20 homemade explosive devices.&nbsp;Based on surveillance video, a vehicle entered the driveway near the Liberty Memorial on Feb. 23 and an individual, later identified as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2823/CanizalesArguetaOwen_Charging-Packet-1">Argueta</a>&nbsp;exited the vehicle and placed a red bag in the trash can.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2823/CanizalesArguetaOwen_Charging-Packet-1">Argueta</a>&nbsp;admitted in an interview with detectives to purchasing the devices and placing them in the trash can.&nbsp;A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond to $100,000 cash only.&nbsp;

Kansas City man admits planting explosives near Liberty Memorial

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico —One person died after a small plane traveling from Kansas crashed on a golf course Friday in New Mexico.

Just after 11:30a.m., Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to the Los Altos Golf Course for a reported small plane that crash landed, according to a the department's social media page.

 Engine 9 arrived within five minutes of dispatch and found a&nbsp;the single-engine Cessna 400 Corvalis TT with two people stuck inside. The aircraft was not on fire but had significant damage. 

The two people were extricated from the plane and transported to&nbsp;The University of New Mexico Hospital where one was pronounced deceased.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772835641193.png" alt="Photo&nbsp;&nbsp;Albuquerque Fire and Rescue at the scene of the rash" />
 <figcaption>Photo&nbsp;&nbsp;Albuquerque Fire and Rescue at the scene of the rash</figcaption>
 </figure>ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico —One person died after a small plane traveling from Kansas crashed on a golf course Friday in New Mexico.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772835594074.png" alt="Photo courtesy KRQE" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KRQE</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11:30a.m., Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to the Los Altos Golf Course for a reported small plane that crash landed, according to a the department's social media page. Engine 9 arrived within five minutes of dispatch and found a&nbsp;the single-engine Cessna 400 Corvalis TT with two people stuck inside. The aircraft was not on fire but had significant damage. The two people were extricated from the plane and transported to&nbsp;The University of New Mexico Hospital where one was pronounced deceased.The aircraft was registered out of Wichita, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Flight radar indicated the plane took off from Wichita Friday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;The NTSB and FAA will continue to investigate.

One dead after small plane from Kansas crashed in New Mexico

CHICAGO (AP) — From former presidents to an NBA Hall of Famer to prominent pastors, stories of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-dies-43abb84d2ffc76d967f9a5596ebd0be1">the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.’s</a>&nbsp;influence on politics, corporate boardrooms and picket lines loomed large Friday at a celebration honoring the late civil rights leader.

CHICAGO (AP) — From former presidents to an NBA Hall of Famer to prominent pastors, stories of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-dies-43abb84d2ffc76d967f9a5596ebd0be1">the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.’s</a>&nbsp;influence on politics, corporate boardrooms and picket lines loomed large Friday at a celebration honoring the late civil rights leader.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MpazVi_oedI?si=lNy9yNE9jJK1OVhS" 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">Former Vice President <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> gives remarks at memorial service for the late Rev. Jesse Jackson: &quot;Rev. Jackson reminded us that the many fights for freedom are interconnected…That was Jesse&#39;s rainbow, and he continued to grow it.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/foGqQdBznx">pic.twitter.com/foGqQdBznx</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2030036434493583825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Biden at the memorial service for late Rev. Jesse Jackson: &quot;Jesse kept hope alive for us in his lifetime. And we&#39;ve got to continue to do it in our lifetime, for our children. Because there&#39;s nothing beyond our capacity when we work together. So stand up!&quot; <a href="https://t.co/rZua027Uk1">pic.twitter.com/rZua027Uk1</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2030031923360247841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BarackObama</a> at memorial service for late Rev. Jesse Jackson: &quot;&quot;Each today we&#39;re told by those in high office to fear each other…This man, Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, inspires us to take a harder path. His voice calls on each of us to be heralds of change.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/HwAnbC9lOK">pic.twitter.com/HwAnbC9lOK</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2030020208228745564?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</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">“I’d also like to honor the 5 presidents who are sitting here today… President Harris, President [Hillary] Clinton, President Bill Clinton, President Biden, and President Obama.” I KNOW THAT’S RIGHT!!!!! <a href="https://t.co/M2rpO8WxdK">pic.twitter.com/M2rpO8WxdK</a>&mdash; rese (@ATTYHARRIS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATTYHARRIS/status/2030001732038660605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Biden, Obama, Harris remember the late Rev. Jesse Jackson 

MORRIS COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a death investigation after human remains were found in rural Morris County, Kansas.&nbsp;

On Thursday, March 5, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Morris County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance after skeletal remains were located in field near K-4 and S 2800 Road. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.

The Morris County Sheriff's Office and the KBI are aware of recent missing persons cases in the area. At this time, the identity of the deceased person has not been confirmed. Positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains. An autopsy has been scheduled.

If you have information about this case, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706287498882.png" alt="File photo -KBI" />
 <figcaption>File photo -KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a death investigation after human remains were found in rural Morris County, Kansas.&nbsp;On Thursday, March 5, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Morris County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance after skeletal remains were located in field near K-4 and S 2800 Road. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.The Morris County Sheriff's Office and the KBI are aware of recent missing persons cases in the area. At this time, the identity of the deceased person has not been confirmed. Positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains. An autopsy has been scheduled.If you have information about this case, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

KBI: Skeletal remains found in rural Kansas field

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 23-year-old&nbsp;Brandon Williams.

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 70th and Cleveland on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. On arrival officers located a vehicle stopped in the road at that location. Officers were directed inside the vehicle where they located an adult male shooting victim later identified as Williams.

Officers rendered aid to Williams and called for EMS. EMS transported Williams to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation along side of crime scene investigators.

A short time later detectives were notified Williams had been pronounced deceased from his injuries at the hospital.

Preliminary information indicates Williams and multiple other people were at a location nearby on 71st Street. When they came in contact with one or more suspects. That interaction escalated to shots being fired and the victim was struck.

Williams and others entered a vehicle and left the scene and drove to the location where police contacted them on 70th and Cleveland

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772583913006.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 23-year-old&nbsp;Brandon Williams.Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 70th and Cleveland on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. On arrival officers located a vehicle stopped in the road at that location. Officers were directed inside the vehicle where they located an adult male shooting victim later identified as Williams.Officers rendered aid to Williams and called for EMS. EMS transported Williams to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation along side of crime scene investigators.A short time later detectives were notified Williams had been pronounced deceased from his injuries at the hospital.Preliminary information indicates Williams and multiple other people were at a location nearby on 71st Street. When they came in contact with one or more suspects. That interaction escalated to shots being fired and the victim was struck.Williams and others entered a vehicle and left the scene and drove to the location where police contacted them on 70th and Cleveland

Police ID homicide victim found in vehicle in Kansas City

SUMNER COUNTY —The National Weather Service reported several tornadoes across portions of southern Kansas Thursday night and early Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The tornadoes were reported eight miles south of Milan, west of Corbin, south of Mayfield and near 8th Road and South Bluff Road in rural Sumner County.&nbsp; The National Weather Service will meet with emergency managers in Sumner County to evaluate damage from the storms.

Severe weather in Major County, Oklahoma also killed a mother and her daughter Thursday night. Major County is approximately 140 miles south of Wichita.

The National Weather Service reported at least four tornadoes touched down in Grant and Alfalfa counties in western Oklahoma causing damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772807972865.png" alt="-Fairview, Oklahoma Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>-Fairview, Oklahoma Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY —The National Weather Service reported several tornadoes across portions of southern Kansas Thursday night and early Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F2339659506542956%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1206 AM Friday -- Spotters continue to report a tornado just south of Mayfield in Sumner County. Those in and near Mayfield need to be taking your tornado precautions. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/2029801030184042511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">11:40 PM Thursday -- A Tornado is ongoing in southwest Sumner County (roughly 7 miles northwest of Caldwell. This tornado is moving to northeast at 30 MPH. Seek shelter if you&#39;re in the path of this storm! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/2029794406530785634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1152 PM -- A new tornado has developed roughly 5 miles west of Corbin. This tornado is moving in the general direction of Mayfield. Seek shelter! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/2029797475532390721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The tornadoes were reported eight miles south of Milan, west of Corbin, south of Mayfield and near 8th Road and South Bluff Road in rural Sumner County.&nbsp; The National Weather Service will meet with emergency managers in Sumner County to evaluate damage from the storms.Severe weather in Major County, Oklahoma also killed a mother and her daughter Thursday night. Major County is approximately 140 miles south of Wichita.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Severe weather struck Major County last night and tragically claimed the lives of a mother and daughter. I am praying for the family as they grieve this tragic loss, as well as all those impacted by the storms. More weather risks are expected across Oklahoma this weekend.…&mdash; Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovStitt/status/2029897251951198613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The National Weather Service reported at least four tornadoes touched down in Grant and Alfalfa counties in western Oklahoma causing damage.