Former Carthage, Neosho residents among four killed in plane crash

 James Moffatt, 60, his wife Leasa Moffatt, and their two sons, William Moffatt, 28, and Andrew Moffatt, 31, were killed in a plane crash Friday near the Union County Airport in South Carolina.

James Moffatt, a Neosho High School graduate, was a decorated soldier, aerospace engineer and a payload and flight crew specialist contributing to 14 space shuttle launches at NASA.

Leasa Moffatt was a Carthage High School graduate was a first and second grade learning coach at Valley Leadership Academy.

Andrew Moffatt was a research scientist and engineer at University of Alabama-Huntsville and William Moffatt worked in information technology and cloud security.

The family was returning to its Huntsville home. The cause of the crash has not been determined. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

Final thoughts on the Joplin City Council/Ryan Jackson situation

After a transgender candidate was defeated in the Joplin City Council election earlier this month, Councilman Ryan Jackson, who was not up for election, felt the need to go to social media and offer some commentary.

"Let's not say she because he's obviously a man who has something (sic) psychological issues. We should not play into his mental delusion."

As you can imagine, this caused quite a stir among those who support the LGBTQ community.

KSNF/KODE reporter Dustin Lattimer followed up and Jackson threatened to reveal personal information (phone numbers/ addresses, etc.) about the station's employees to anti-LGBTQ groups includings something called Libs From Tik-Tok.

Tonight, it came to a head with a hearing to determine how or if Jackson should be punished for what he correctly said was his freedom of speech.

As someone who has been fired from two jobs for things I've written, I can tell you the First Amendment doesn't protect you from everything.

It has consequences.

Tonight, after listening from 10 citizens call for his removal from office, Jackson escaped a vote to remove him, with only four of the nine council members voting yes.

He did not escape a vote for censure. Eight council members, including Jackson, voted for his censure.

Jackson had an opportunity to make his case. He concentrated on the doxxing threat against KSNF/KODE and said he had apologized to Lattimer and that he was wrong.

What Jackson didn't mention, and what no one asked him, is if he felt so strongly about his freedom of speech, and I have to believe he did, why did he feel it was necessary to threaten the TV station that was helping spread his opinion?

You'd think someone who felt so strongly would take pride in his opinion.

Bill requiring sex-based restrooms, dorms clears Missouri House

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

The Missouri House passed a bill Monday that would force entities receiving state funding to restrict usage of restrooms, changing areas and sleeping accommodations based on biological sex and codify definitions for “female,” “male” and “sex” throughout state statute.

State Rep. Becky Laubinger, a Republican from Park Hills, pitched the legislation as a “vital protection for women.” Lax policies and all-gender restrooms, like facilities in the Kansas City International Airport, invite predators, she argued.

“This is about our government facilities forcing people to share those spaces by creating all gender spaces where you don’t have the option in those spaces to go to a single sex space,” Laubinger said.

But during a House debate over the bill’s language last week, Democrats raised numerous issues with the legislation, saying it would be used to target transgender people.

“If you can just call the police and accuse someone of using the wrong bathroom, think about the implications of that,” said state Rep. Wick Thomas, a Kansas City Democrat and the House’s first transgender member.

The bill lacks an enforcement mechanism, other than allowing people to sue state-funded entities that do not “take reasonable steps” to designate single-sex spaces.

The bill’s fiscal note reflects concerns about costly litigation, though state departments could not estimate how much they will be impacted.

The University of Central Missouri projected “an indeterminate fiscal impact,” pointing to the “costs associated with enforcement of the regulations.”

The bill would require public universities to restrict dorm rooms, bathrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex. It states that, “no individual shall enter a restroom, changing room or sleeping quarters that is designated for females or males unless he or she is a member of that sex.”

State Rep. Keri Ingle, a Democrat from Lee’s Summit, asked if this would bar college students from having students of the opposite sex in their dorm rooms overnight.

Laubinger said she had heard complaints from college students who felt uncomfortable when their roommate allowed a significant other to sleep over.

“I understand someone not wanting a boy over,” Ingle said. “I don’t know why we would legislate that. I don’t know why we would put that in the statute.”

State Rep. Mark Boyko, a Democrat from Kirkwood, said the bill would bar men from visiting women’s dorm rooms at any time. He wouldn’t be allowed to help his daughter set up her dorm room as a man, he said.

“I understand the intention you’re having,” he told Laubinger. “But the words don’t match your intention of this bill.”

House Republicans offered broad support, calling the bill a basic safety measure.

State Rep. Carolyn Caton, a Blue Springs Republican, said she thinks the legislation would be a “good protection.

“If nothing else, I think it just eases some young ladies’ minds,” she said.

The bill passed along party lines Monday, apart from a lone Republican “nay” from state Rep. Tara Peters of Rolla, who also voted against the bill at the committee level.

Missouri House bill targets AI deepfakes and youth social media use

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

The Missouri House passed a bill Monday aimed at curbing minors’ access to social media, banning the distribution of “deepfakes” and setting new requirements for social media platforms and some artificial intelligence developers.

The legislation, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Wendy Hausman of St. Peters, combines bills offered by at least 10 lawmakers. And while it covers a range of digital media, Hausman described the legislation during debate last week as an effort to protect Missourians from the dangers of AI.

“This bill draws a bright line,” Hausman said. “If you intentionally use AI to harm, deceive or exploit, there are consequences.”

It would be a felony to share or threaten to share an AI-generated or other digital depiction of someone to harass, threaten or harm them, with a maximum penalty of four years in prison. The maximum penalty would be 10 years if the image depicts a minor.

Social media platforms would be required to implement age verification measures to ensure youth under 16 can’t create social media accounts and allow parents to oversee social media use by 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill would prohibit social media platforms from targeting minors with paid advertising or “addictive or manipulative design features” like “infinite scroll” mechanisms and auto-playing content without time limits.

Additionally, individuals or companies that develop AI or make it available to the public would be barred from advertising their product as a mental health professional or capable of providing therapy or mental health diagnoses. They would face a penalty of $10,000 for violating this measure, or $20,000 for subsequent offenses.

The House voted 145 to 3 to advance the legislation to the Senate, with three Republicans in opposition.

The bill’s advancement comes as lawmakers grapple with the stakes of establishing AI guardrails after President Donald Trump issued an executive order in December warning states against passing “onerous” AI legislation and threatening to withhold federal funding for rural high-speed internet access from those that do.

The executive order established an AI Litigation Task Force within the U.S. Attorney General’s Office to challenge state laws in conflict with the “minimally burdensome national standard” that Trump has called for. While the new task force has not filed any lawsuits against states, the White House has stymied AI legislation or successfully pushed changes in Utah and Florida.

Republican state Sen. Joe Nicola of Grain Valley said he is in talks with the White House about a bill he’s sponsoring that would establish AI’s “nonsentience” and specify that liability for harm caused by AI must rest with a person or organization.

Nicola’s bill encountered opposition in the Senate from Republicans who cautioned it could run afoul of Trump and jeopardize $900 million in federal funding for rural high-speed internet development awarded to the state.

Nicola told The Independent that while he is changing the portion of his bill dealing with AI developers’ liability in response to White House feedback, a section establishing the sharing of deepfakes as a felony had not changed.

A bill sponsored by Republican state Rep. Scott Miller of St. Charles, which would also establish AI liability provisions, passed unanimously out of a House committee in March. The bill would absolve AI companies of criminal liability if they adhere to the federal AI Risk Management Framework established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

That, Miller said, could attract business to Missouri.

“It actually creates an appeal for people to relocate their AI business here, and the framework that we’re using is the same framework that every federal contractor would have to be compliant with anyway,” Miller said.

Lawmakers who sponsored parts of Hausman’s bill emphasized that Missouri has lagged behind other states in passing AI legislation.

Protections against deepfakes, said Republican state Rep. Bill Lucas of DeSoto, are “overdue.”

“We are living at a time when technology is evolving faster than our laws,” Lucas said. “Anybody with the basic tools can create and share harmful digital images that can destroy reputations and careers in seconds.”

Republican state Rep. Melissa Schmidt of Eldridge told The Independent that while lawmakers behind the bill will “yield to whatever we’re asked to yield to” by the federal government, they are determined to move forward.

“We’re trying to even just get something foundational passed into law that we can come back next year and build off of, because right now there’s nothing,” Schmidt said. “We are behind in this conversation.”

At least 26 states already have laws on AI-generated intimate depictions. And 46 states have some kind of AI legislation in effect, covering areas from the use of AI in political advertising to AI pricing algorithms.

Democratic state Rep. Elizabeth Fuchs of St. Louis voted for Hausman’s bill but asked the Senate to add a sunset clause.

“With AI technology advancing every day, we are legislating based on the best evidence that we have here today,” Fuchs said. “As AI continues to advance, I believe we owe it to the public to revisit this.”

During debate last week, Hausman said she expects lawmakers to amend the legislation in future years.

“I don’t think this bill is going to look the same in five years,” Hausman said. “I think it’s going to completely change, and I hope it does because we need to change with technology.”

Joplin City Council censures Ryan Jackson

Joplin City Council voted to censure Councilman Ryan Jackson following a hearing this evening.

The vote was 8-1, with only Councilman Keenan Cortez voting against it. Cortez' vote appeared to be a statement favoring a stronger punishment rather than support of Jackson, who voted for his own censure.

Jackson came under fire after making social media comments (shown below) after the city council election about defeated transgender candidate Matthew (Ellie) Wolsey, who goes by Ellie.

After a KSNF/KODE report on Jackson's comments, he threatened to reveal personal information about station employees.

During the council meeting, Jackson said he apologized to reporter Dustin Lattimer.

"I spoke out of anger and it was not correct," Jackson said. Jackson said there were a lot of things going on and he lashed out at Lattimer.

"That doesn't make it right."

The hearing began with 10 speakers asking that the hearing be held and Jackson either removed from office or censured. Some concentrated on Jackson's comments about the LGBTQ community, including those he made to KSNF/KODE for the story, while others stressed his attempts to dox the KSNF/KODE employees.

Following the public comment portion of the hearing, Cortez noted this is not the first time Jackson's comments have caused problems and accused him of "bigoted speech," noting that he referred to Joplin's homeless as "thugs and bums."

"Here we find ourselves again," Cortez said.

Cortez finished by making it clear where he stood.

"I believe for this council member I will not be satisfied with any outcome unless it involves censure or removal from the council."

Councilman Joshua Bard said his biggest problem was with Jackson's actions toward the media.

Jackson defended himself, saying, "Nothing came of that," but Bard wasn't having it.

"It makes you look bad and it makes {the council} look bad, if we let that happen."

Councilman Josh DeTar agreed with Jackson's contention that he had freedom of speech. "But you also have consequences."

Newly-minted councilman and Mayor Rob O'Brian reminded Jackson of the importance of dealing with "the community we serve and the community we want to be."

Lamar Police Department arrests Aurora man on sodomy charge

(From the Lamar Police Department)

On April 17, 2026, the Lamar Police Department arrested Brandon J. Pruente, a 36-year-old resident of Aurora, Missouri, on charges of sodomy/attempted sodomy in the first degree.

This arrest follows the conclusion of a lengthy and thorough investigation conducted by the Lamar Police Department in coordination with the Missouri Department of Social Services, Children's Division.

The case involved collaborative efforts among multiple agencies, whose combined investigative work resulted in the submission of chaffs to the Barton County Prosecuting Attorney for formal consideration.

At the conclusion of an interview on April 17, 2026, Mr. Parsons was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Barton County Sheriff's Office for booking.

The Lamar Police Department would like to acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of all agencies involved in this investigation.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Eric Burlison introduces Great American Healthcare Plan

(By Seventh District Congressman Eric Burlison)

On Thursday, I introduced the Great American Healthcare Plan, a comprehensive reform to lower costs and put Americans back in control of their health care.

My legislation would expand access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing more Americans to save and spend their healthcare dollars tax-free—while also increasing contribution limits and giving families more flexibility in how those funds are used. It also requires hospitals and insurers to provide real, upfront pricing in dollars and cents, ensuring patients can see the cost of care before they receive it.

 

The plan goes further by allowing HSA funds to be used for preventative and wellness expenses, like healthy food and fitness, while promoting competition across the healthcare marketplace to help drive down costs. It also strengthens billing transparency, requiring clear, itemized bills so that patients know exactly what they are paying for.

Health care should work like every other part of the economy—transparent, competitive, and driven by the individual. This plan is about restoring that principle and putting patients back in charge.

Nancy Hughes: What happens when I don't forgive

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25 (NIV)


It’s hard to describe the surge of intense anger I instantly felt when I heard the voice behind me. “I bet you don’t remember me . . .” I forced a smile on my face as I turned to greet her, but on the inside, I was raging. Surely she could see my shirt jumping from the pounding of my heart! My hands clenched and unclenched as I battled a deep desire to grab her and scream, “How dare you come up to me after everything you did?”

But instead I replied, “Yes, I do remember you. It’s been a long time,” as she squeezed my hand and smiled. I had not forgotten her or how she had treated me many years before, as we rode the school bus together day after day, but evidently she had. She was 5 years older than me and never bothered to glance my way when she was by herself. But when her best friend was with her, she suddenly became bold in her comments, and they bruised my heart much worse than if she had physically hit me and left a mark on my skin.

She would always sit in the seat behind me and speak to her friend in a stage whisper. “Nancy is so skinny. I bet she has some terrible disease and is going to die!” she would tell her friend. Or “Do you know what I heard about Nancy’s mother?” she would whisper loudly and then make up a horrible story that, while I knew it wasn’t true, hurt me terribly. And if I began to cry at what she said, she would immediately make fun of me for the tears. I cannot describe the relief that I felt on the day she graduated because I knew that I would not be hurt by her anymore.

Can I just be completely honest with you? I was in total shock at my reaction to her voice and my vivid, detailed memories of her behavior years before! Until the exact moment that I heard her voice, I thought I had forgiven her and had forgotten what had happened! I had read Scriptures on forgiving someone who has hurt you. I had given countless talks at women’s groups on forgiveness. I had encouraged members in my Sunday school class to forgive. But I had not.

Instead, I had planted my anger and resentment and hurt deep into the soil of my heart, and I had allowed it to take root and grow – for years. Then I read Mark 11:25, and I came face to face with my Father and His Word. He is direct and to the point: He will not forgive me for sinning against Him if I have not done the same: forgiven those who have sinned against me. There is no addendum attached that says “this Scripture only applies if the offender is truly sorry and asks you for forgiveness.” Nope. It says “forgive.” Period.

Hard to do? At times, oh yes, but so much easier if you ask the Lord for help. And that is exactly what I did. First, I asked Him to forgive me for my attitude and then to pull the anger, hurt, and resentment out of my heart and replace them with mercy, grace, and forgiveness. His answer was “yes.” And one more point – just because you have forgiven does not mean that you will forever forget what happened. 

But instead of continually allowing yourself to become angry and bitter, use your memory as an opportunity to remind yourself how badly you felt and resolve to never EVER treat someone as you were treated. Then thank the Lord for His mercy and forgiveness toward you. Have you been hurt or wronged or sinned against? Jesus understands completely. His example? Forgive so that we may be forgiven.

Father, please reveal to me any instance when I have not forgiven someone who has hurt or wronged me. I want to forgive as you do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .


Reflect

Is there someone in your life, past or present, who hurt you deeply?

Have you truly forgiven that person, or do you feel anger and resentment every time you think about them?

Apply

Journal the initials of people that you know or have known who have hurt you or sinned against you.

Beside each one, write “I forgive you as my Father has forgiven me.” And lift up each one to the Lord.

Power

Mark 11:25 (NIV) “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Colossians 3:13 (NIV) “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV) “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)

Carthage man charged with domestic assault, tampering with a witness

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed four felony charges against a Carthage man Friday.

Leonardo Eliseo Rabanalez-Vasquez (DOB 1998) is being held in the Joplin City Jail on a $50,000 cash bond or $250,000 surety on two counts of domestic assault and single counts of resisting arrest and tampering with a witness in a felony prosecution.

From the probable cause statement:

On 04/17/2026 at 0343 hours, I, Officer Blevins, was dispatched to 417 North Moffet Ave Jasper
County, Joplin, MO for an open 911 call.

During the call a male identifed as Leonardo Rabanalez-Vasquez could be heard telling the female
identified as V1 {that he would} kill everyone if cops show up. They have been in a dating relationship since December 2025. 

Leonardo told V1 if anyone pulls up to the house that she was dead and it was her fault. Leonardo continued making multiple threats to kill anyone that shows up to the house, and it would be all V1's fault. V1 could be heard by dispatch saying her jaw hurt.

The threats continued even after our arrival at the address.

I began to give commands over the loudspeaker of my vehicle. After several commands, V1 approached us from the south side of the house and Leonardo was behind her with no shirt. Leonardo was given several commands to keep his hands in the air, stop where he was and go to the ground.

Leonardo ignored all commands and continued to walk quickly at officers with his hands balled up and
chest in a flex manner. Leonardo was tased at this time. Once trying to place him into custody Leonardo
then pulled his hands away from Officers, started to flex and said he was stronger than Officers.

Leonardo was tased again and held under power until he was placed into custody.

I then spoke to V1 who said Leonardo pushed her, then grabbed her from behind and began to squeeze
as he held V1's mouth and nose shut. Leonardo then threw V1 on the bed, got on top of her and began
strangling her.

Once Leonardo got off of V1, V1 then called 911 and left it open for dispatch to listen.

V1 had marks consistent with her story.

Craig Smith trial postponed

The trial of former Carl Junction R-1 music teacher Craig Smith on stalking and possession of child pornography charges, originally scheduled to begin April 15, has been postponed.

According to Jasper County Circuit Court online records, Smith's attorney, Jonathan Pierce, filed a motion for continuance in March saying that the defense's computer expert "needs additional time to review large volumes of forensic evidence."

The trial has not been rescheduled at this point. A 9 a.m. May 4 hearing has been scheduled for pre-trial motions for a change of plea.

The date has been set for another trial involving Smith. A lawsuit filed against Smith, the Carl Junction R-1 School District and administrators Kyle Williams and Nicole Keller has been scheduled for July 5, 2027, with seven days set aside, according to online records.

The lawsuit was filed by "Jane Doe" who Smith allegedly stalked from the time she was in sixth grade through high school.

Former Carl Junction student sues R-1 District, administrators, Craig Smith