News & Issues

smashed car

Injured bystanders of Missouri police pursuits face uphill battles in court

Even in cases where officers allegedly violated local policy, innocent victims of police pursuits in Missouri may still have a hard time proving their cases. For example, in a case that may be reviewed by the Missouri Supreme Court, there was expert testimony that a Kansas City officer violated the city’s pursuit policy in a…

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smashed cars

Crashes continue as police pursuit policies clash

Seconds before impact, Emma Rothbrust cheered on the Grandview police officer — in hot pursuit far from his home turf — as he blew through a red light in Leawood. “Go get him,” said Rothbrust, 16, as she and a friend waited for him to clear the intersection. As soon as they pulled out, a…

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Is Kansas’ Mental Health System Near Breaking Point?

The filing of a murder charge against a former patient at the Osawatomie State Hospital is prompting questions about the state’s mental health system. On May 14, Brandon Brown, 30, was released from a five-day stay at Osawatomie. He was sent to the state hospital after threatening other patients at the Haviland Care Center, a…

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Women flex their tech muscles at KC conference

Article provided by Startland News and video produced by Brad Austin Framed by a LEGO guitar and robotic vehicle, Rheanne Walton and Emma Howard anxiously review notes at their podium as dozens of technology experts await their pitch. The middle-school students are visiting the Kansas City Developers Conference to share the story of their all-girl…

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crowd raised their hands for kids at event

Life story of former MLB umpire pumps up tobacco-tax event in KC

Supporters of an increase in Missouri’s cigarette drew about 100 people to a campaign event in Kansas City Thursday evening, headlined by a motivational speaker who said he could identify with the campaign’s goal of increasing funding for early childhood education.

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