Criminal Justice
Kids who survived KC Super Bowl shooting are scared, suffering panic attacks and sleep problems
Six months after Gabriella Magers-Darger’s legs were burned by sparks from a ricocheted bullet at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade in February, the 14-year-old is ready to leave the past behind. She is dreading the pitfalls of being a high school freshman, even as she looks forward to being back with friends and […]
Added delays in store for Trump in 2020 election interference case
WASHINGTON — Special counsel Jack Smith was granted more time on Friday before having to give an outline on the next steps his office is taking in the 2020 election interference case against former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee. The delay pushes the case proceedings further into the thick of the presidential race, […]
After Kansas newspaper raid, journalists remain defiant in battle for accountability
This story is part of a series by Kansas Reflector and The Handbasket to examine the one-year anniversary of the raid on the Marion County Record. Support independent journalism by subscribing to The Handbasket or donating to Kansas Reflector. MARION, Kan. — Marion County Record editor and publisher Eric Meyer began speaking out about the […]
North Korea man indicted in cybersecurity attacks on hospitals, military bases
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Federal authorities on Thursday announced the indictment of a North Korea man accused of launching ransomware attacks on hospitals in Kansas and other states, then using the bounty to finance cyber attacks on military bases and defense contractors. Rim Jong Hyok, a member of North Korea’s military intelligence agency, faces federal […]
Missouri Supreme Court halts release of Christopher Dunn at urging of attorney general
The Missouri Supreme Court on Wednesday blocked the release of Christopher Dunn, days after a St. Louis judge ruled he has been wrongfully incarcerated for 33 years. The one-page order came at the request of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. On Monday, St. Louis Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser ruled Dunn was wrongfully convicted of murder […]
Missouri judge overturns wrongful conviction of Christopher Dunn after 33 years in prison
Christopher Dunn was wrongfully convicted of murder and assault in 1991, and after 33 years in a Missouri state prison, should be released immediately, St. Louis Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser ruled Monday afternoon. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office plans to appeal, which would likely block Dunn’s release. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore asked […]
Survivors of childhood abuse ask for trial for former Missouri boarding school owner
Survivors of abuse are asking Missouri’s attorney general to proceed with the trial of the co-owner of Circle of Hope Girls Ranch, a now-shuttered boarding school for troubled girls in Cedar County. Stephanie Householder, who ran the school with her husband Boyd Householder, faces 21 charges of child abuse and neglect alleged by former Circle […]
KCPD funding, child care tax breaks: Missouri’s August ballot issues explained
Kansas City officials have another chance next month to fend off an attempt by Missouri lawmakers to force the city to spend more of its revenue on policing. But despite opposition from Kansas City leaders and activists, there’s no formal campaign against the ballot initiative, which was previously passed by Missouri voters but later tossed […]
Federal judge dismisses Trump classified documents criminal case
MILWAUKEE —The federal classified documents case against former President Donald Trump was dismissed Monday by a Florida judge on the grounds that the Department of Justice unlawfully appointed special counsel Jack Smith. The order, while likely to be appealed, makes the possibility even more remote that Trump will be tried before the election on any […]
FBI identifies shooter in assassination attempt on Trump at Pennsylvania rally
The FBI said early Sunday it had identified the man who shot former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler on Saturday as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park. The U.S. Secret Service said Saturday night that the shooter “fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the […]
Trump ‘safe’ after shooting at rally in Pennsylvania; one spectator and suspected gunman killed
BUTLER, Penn. — Former President Donald Trump is recovering Saturday after a shooting at a campaign rally in Butler that left a rally-goer and the gunman dead, authorities said. Two people were critically injured in the incident, according to the U.S. Secret Service. Shortly after Trump took the stage at about 6 p.m., several loud […]
Missouri counties say they lose money housing people headed to state prison
The cost of holding someone in a Missouri county jail for those days and months before and after a conviction ultimately falls to the state. In 2024, the state spent about $50 million to reimburse counties for the cost. But it’s had trouble keeping up with that tab. That’s left counties stuck with most of […]