Kansas City Shooting

While Republicans shelved two bills that would further loosen Missouri's gun laws, Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, said she will introduce a proposed constitutional amendment allowing cities to write local gun laws that are stricter than state laws.

Jackson County charged two people under 18 with unspecified gun offenses and resisting arrest in connection with the shooting at the end of Wednesday's Chiefs parade and rally, which killed one and injured 22 others. The court says more charges may come in the future.

In the wake of Wednesday’s mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs parade, lawmakers say they feel helpless to do anything about firearms or the high homicide rate. That's in large part because Missouri preempts local governments from enacting gun control measures.

Andrew “Dan” Lester, 84, has a preliminary hearing in Clay County Court on Thursday and Friday, where the high-profile case will be held with limited media coverage and a gag on what attorneys can say outside of court.

As the 16-year-old recovers at home and the alleged shooter, Andrew D. Lester, awaits trial after pleading not guilty to two felony charges, a diverse group of residents showed up this week to protests. The case has reignited anger about race, guns and policing.

Andrew D. Lester appeared for a three-minute hearing at the Clay County Courthouse for a formal reading of his two felony charges, first degree assault and armed criminal action. Meanwhile, Lee Merritt, a lawyer representing the teen’s family, said the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the shooting as a federal hate crime.

There are no statistics to show how often the accused have invoked Stand Your Ground as a defense. One veteran Kansas City defense attorney says, in the shooting of Ralph Yarl, the facts don’t meet the case.

Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson announced the charges against Andrew D. Lester late Monday afternoon after days of national outcry.

Protesters demanded the shooter's arrest and said Kansas City police don't do enough to protect Black children. Police Chief Stacey Graves said they need a statement from the victim before they can proceed with any possible charges.

Updated at 7:00 a.m. Oct. 7 — Celeste Trevino was dancing with a "friend of a friend" early Sunday morning at Tequila KC. It was about a half-hour...