Chandler Watkins 1a5q58
Reporter 1o1v3z
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Chandler Watkins ed KCTV 5 as a reporter/multimedia journalist in February 2024. She's excited to cover news that matters to you. 163k1u
Chandler has previously worked at KPLC 7 News in Lake Charles, LA, KSLA News 12 in Shreveport, LA, and Fox12 Oregon in Portland, OR.
When she's not working, you can catch Chandler checking out local coffee shops and bookstores or finding new hiking paths and trails in the area.
You can catch Chandler reporting on weekday evenings. If you have any story ideas, you can reach out by emailing her at [email protected] or on X at @CWatkinsNews.
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Vintage Market Days of Kansas City returns this weekend 1b3h35
Updated: Jun. 6, 2025 at 9:32 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Popular multi-day event Vintage Market Days of Kansas City has returned this weekend in a new venue. From Friday through Sunday, you can catch over 100 vendors at the American Royal.
Q Kansas City is ready for KC PrideFest this weekend 286912
Updated: Jun. 5, 2025 at 9:27 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Rainbow flags and colorful window displays have been put up in Westport to celebrate Pride Month and the Kansas City PrideFest. Businesses are gearing up for what is expected to be a busy, fun-filled weekend.
Public forum held in KC on Spire rate increase request 6b5r4v
Updated: Jun. 4, 2025 at 9:45 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
On Wednesday, a public forum was held in Kansas City regarding Spire Missouri’s request for a rate increase. It was one of several meetings the Missouri Public Service Commission has held across the state.
Updated: Jun. 3, 2025 at 9:23 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Royals fans in the metro are swapping the ballpark for the movie theater this week, as select B&B Theatres are hosting watch parties as the Boys in Blue take on the Cardinals in St. Louis.
Kansas City restaurants make big plans to expand outdoor dining 3o3w2y
Updated: May 29, 2025 at 2:08 PM CDT
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By Heidi Schmidt and Chandler Watkins
Kansas City grants 32 restaurants a total of $300,000.
‘It’s crazy’: Veterans react after second car crashes into VFW roof 5u1m5g
Updated: May 28, 2025 at 9:47 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
For the second time in less than 4 months, a car has crashed into the roof of the Clay-Ray Veterans Association Memorial Hall.
Abortion battle: Planned Parenthood responds to Missouri Supreme Court 2j1p14
Updated: May 27, 2025 at 9:48 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Abortion access in Missouri has once again been put on hold following a decision by the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday.
‘Banana Ball’ brings big crowds to Kauffman Stadium 1z651e
Updated: May 23, 2025 at 6:35 PM CDT
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By Ryan Hennessy and Chandler Watkins
More than 80,000 fans are expected to pack Kauffman Stadium this weekend as the Savannah Bananas bring their viral version of baseball to Kansas City for the first time .
Water wheelchairs will be available at Olathe pools this summer 5b4ol
Updated: May 22, 2025 at 9:23 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
When pools across Olathe open this Memorial Day weekend, the city says water wheelchairs will be available.
St. Luke’s brings together trauma survivors to celebrate recovery 5k5h5w
Updated: May 22, 2025 at 1:01 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Former St. Luke's Hospital patients gather to recognize resilience and recovery.
Leading cause of adult disability: Stroke survivor reunites with those who saved him 6l6m6z
Updated: May 21, 2025 at 7:50 AM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
“Then I started having a funny feeling in my face. The next thing I knew, I tried to call out to my wife, and I couldn’t get the words out."
Local artist highlighting community during Lupus Awareness Month 446c1q
Updated: May 15, 2025 at 7:57 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
With May being Lupus Awareness Month, one local artist wants others diagnosed with the disease to know they aren’t alone.
Community reacts as teen accused of Shaun Brady murder won’t be tried as an adult 1e166w
Updated: May 14, 2025 at 9:05 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
It was a decision that shocked many in the community.
Kansas City rejects $915K settlement for firefighter who killed 3 in crash 6u2l4b
Updated: May 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM CDT
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By Greg Dailey and Chandler Watkins
A Kansas City firefighter who hit and killed three people in Westport will not get a settlement worth nearly $1 million from the city.
Independence shares update on IRIS rideshare program in city 4v40f
Updated: May 12, 2025 at 9:15 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
After suspending many of the bus routes in the city in January, Independence looked to IRIS, KCATA’s rideshare program, to replace them.
Gardner mayor, brewery team up to benefit 200+ residents displaced within 48 hours 5x313t
Updated: May 9, 2025 at 9:36 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
It was a packed house as Transport Brewery held “Bingo for a Cause” for Aspen Place residents.
‘We couldn’t do this alone’: Community steps up after residents forced to evacuate condemned apartments 2u6x4h
Updated: May 7, 2025 at 6:04 PM CDT
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By Jiani Navarro and Chandler Watkins
Time is running out for residents who were told to pack up and move out after their apartments were condemned by the city on Tuesday.
Condemned: Residents given 48 hours to move out of Johnson County apartments 6r5d46
Updated: May 6, 2025 at 8:20 PM CDT
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By Heidi Schmidt and Chandler Watkins
The water system and lack of access for emergency responders are the biggest concerns posing risks to public safety.
Updated: May 5, 2025 at 9:07 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
On Monday, Kansas City leaders, developers, and more gathered on the corner of 18th and Paseo to break ground on ‘Jazz District III’.
Johnson County nonprofit works to help veterans, first responders 3b3u3n
Updated: May 1, 2025 at 10:17 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, The Battle Within wants those who may be hurting to know there is hope and they can reach out for help.
U.S. Women’s Rugby Team highlighting sport ahead of match in KC 5a2sz
Updated: Apr. 30, 2025 at 9:59 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Ahead of a match in Kansas City, the U.S. Women's Rugby Team spoke about the growth of the sport at a on Wednesday.
SAFE Fund provides money, to fallen KCFD paramedic’s family 2gy3h
Updated: Apr. 29, 2025 at 9:48 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
On Tuesday, the director of SAFE, the Surviving Spouse and Family Endowment Fund, met with the family of fallen KCFD firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman.
KC detectives tow several tow trucks believed to be used for predatory practices 2ph5m
Updated: Apr. 26, 2025 at 1:51 PM CDT
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By Zoë Shriner and Chandler Watkins
Several tow trucks were taken away Friday as part of an investigation into suspected illegal towing practices across Kansas City.
Northland shooting kills male who ‘appears to be a teen’, no suspect in custody 2h1v6a
Updated: Apr. 23, 2025 at 8:10 PM CDT
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By Greg Dailey and Chandler Watkins
KD said the victim appeared to be a teen as they await identification to confirm whether he is a juvenile or adult.
Ruptured gas main injures 2 Spire employees 4u113f
Updated: Apr. 23, 2025 at 12:35 PM CDT
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By Gabe Swartz, Chandler Watkins and Julia Scammahorn
A pair of Spire employees were injured after a gas line was struck in Kansas City Tuesday evening.
‘He brought me closer to the Catholic Church’: Leaders mourn Pope Francis 5g2s4
Updated: Apr. 21, 2025 at 6:47 PM CDT
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By Grace Smith (KCTV5) and Chandler Watkins
The Kansas City community and church leaders are mourning the loss of Pope Francis.
Kansas City mother asks police, public for help solving her son’s murder co6h
Updated: Apr. 17, 2025 at 9:49 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
It’s been 6 months since Jonathan Rodgers Sr. was attacked near 6th and Monroe in Kansas City.
Alleged towing victims speak out after new charges emerge against owners of Metro Towing 2fx2n
Updated: Apr. 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
As the owner and mother of a local towing company are facing a slew of felony charges in Jackson and Platte counties, multiple people have come forward to share their negative experiences with the company.
Cells in Schools: Educators, families talk policy in Johnson County 464g1u
Updated: Apr. 15, 2025 at 9:37 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
The Johnson County Post stated it put together the town hall so different viewpoints could be shared as this continues to be a big topic of discussion.
Community prayer service held in Lexington following explosion 5s354x
Updated: Apr. 14, 2025 at 9:15 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Dozens in Lexington ed together in prayer at 12th and Main, several days after a deadly gas explosion rocked the town.
Royals help foster love of literacy with kids at The K 2k6y19
Updated: Apr. 11, 2025 at 10:02 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
When you see a line forming at the gate at the K, you would assume it’s for a game. But on Friday, kids and their families are there to read.
Missouri workers rally across state ahead of paid sick leave taking effect May 1 1kh4x
Updated: Apr. 10, 2025 at 9:24 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
As a house bill that would repeal the earned sick pay portion of the proposition makes its way through the Capitol, several workers rights groups organized rallies across the state, including in Kansas City.
Frank White recall petition push continues 3t253q
Updated: Apr. 8, 2025 at 9:57 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Those behind the petition disagree with how the County Executive and the County Assessor handled property tax assessments in 2023 and the aftermath.
Parents sue after 3-year-old falls 9 stories to his death in Independence 553o4z
Updated: Apr. 8, 2025 at 7:24 PM CDT
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By Heidi Schmidt and Chandler Watkins
Tidus Bass, 3, fell nine stories from his bedroom window at Independence Towers in July 2024.
Kansas City organization calls domestic violence a citywide ‘community health crisis’ 4z5n35
Updated: Apr. 7, 2025 at 10:26 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Monday afternoon, the phones at Newhouse, a domestic violence shelter and organization, continued to ring. It was people calling asking for help.
Independence Towers Tenants Union wants to speak to prospective new owner ahead of hearing 5y62y
Updated: Apr. 4, 2025 at 8:09 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
On Friday, the tenants’ union at Independence Tower held a rally, inviting the complex’s potential new owner to speak with them ahead of a hearing set for later this month.
Kansas City approves $46 million to keep public transportation running 444d30
Updated: Apr. 3, 2025 at 9:48 PM CDT
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By Ryan Hennessy and Chandler Watkins
A $46 million funding approval for KCATA averted potential route cuts for at least the next six months.
Missouri legislators consider bill that would pave way for Clay County to create sports complex authority 5g4f1c
Updated: Apr. 2, 2025 at 8:32 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Missouri lawmakers are considering a Senate bill that would authorize Clay County to create a sports complex authority.
Kansas City looking to hire former federal employees 3r3s7
Updated: Apr. 1, 2025 at 7:56 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Several city departments, from KC Water to KC Aviation, had set up booths, with representatives able to discuss open positions and inquiries.
Liberty’s new ‘Cry Wolf’ system aims to cut back on hundreds of false intrusion alarms 4x1o4s
Updated: Mar. 31, 2025 at 2:34 PM CDT
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By Zoë Shriner and Chandler Watkins
Out of the hundreds of intrusion alarm calls the department responded to in 2024 alone, only five resulted in police reports.
USDA cuts impacting food banks nationwide, including in Kansas City area 35h6t
Updated: Mar. 29, 2025 at 9:01 AM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Harvesters is a regional food bank; it serves 340,000 people across 27 counties in Missouri and Kansas. Davis says approximately 1 in 8 people in the community are food insecure.
Royals fans show excitement with largest crowd in nearly a decade 2p260
Updated: Mar. 27, 2025 at 9:41 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Fans say Opening Day at the K felt electric and they’re excited baseball is back.
World’s first museum dedicated to BBQ opening at Crown Center in April 3b4d63
Updated: Mar. 27, 2025 at 9:06 AM CDT
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By Greg Dailey and Chandler Watkins
The Museum of BBQ is set to host a grand opening on Saturday, April 12, in the shops at Crown Center (2450 Grand Boulevard, Suite 231).
Independence Police offer tours of headquarters ahead of bond vote 421q8
Updated: Mar. 25, 2025 at 10:22 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Ahead of the vote, IPD has been offering residents tours of its headquarters. Chief Adam Dustman says dozens have been able to go through the building so far.
Bus riders ask Kansas City to approve additional funding for KCATA to keep routes 601o3
Updated: Mar. 24, 2025 at 9:33 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Kansas City has drafted an ordinance that would give KCATA an additional $46 million.
Kansas City youth basketball program burglarized 4x1627
Updated: Mar. 21, 2025 at 10:25 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Owner Marcus Walker says he is remaining optimistic following the break in.
Olathe East High School shooter sentenced to decades in prison as part of plea deal 3q5ks
Updated: Mar. 19, 2025 at 9:24 PM CDT
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By Heidi Schmidt and Chandler Watkins
Jaylon Elmore, 21, pleaded guilty to crimes connected with the shooting at Olathe East High School.
CoreCivic to proceed with opening ICE Detention Center in Leavenworth 662h5r
Updated: Mar. 18, 2025 at 9:40 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Despite withdrawing a Special Use Permit application to the City of Leavenworth last week, CoreCivic states it still plans on opening the Midwest Regional Welcome Center this year.
Judges’ ruling leads to rehiring process for federal employees 2o2671
Updated: Mar. 17, 2025 at 9:56 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
There are several bills that have been introduced or proposed that would rehire veterans who are federal employees that have been fired.
‘Like a family’: Customers rally around Kansas City businesses hit by criminals 1uk3j
Updated: Mar. 14, 2025 at 9:02 PM CDT
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By Chandler Watkins
Outside Druid Dice, located on Main St. in the Crossroads, you can see a store closing banner.