Chandler Watkins 1a5q58

Reporter 1o1v3z
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Chandler Watkins

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.

Education h473y
  • University of Central Arkansas, broadcast journalism and public relations, 2017

    • Regional Politics
    Vasquez outlined his priorities for the city, as well as heard concerns from residents that...

    New city manager outlines priorities for Kansas City, hears from residents 396m1f

    Updated: 18 hours ago
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Vasquez outlined his priorities for the city, as well as heard concerns from residents that they want addressed.

    Entertainment
    Popular multi-day event Vintage Market Days of Kansas City has returned this weekend in a new...

    Vintage Market Days of Kansas City returns this weekend 1b3h35

    Updated: Jun. 6, 2025 at 9:32 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    News
    Rainbow flags and colorful window displays have been put up in Westport to celebrate Pride...

    Q Kansas City is ready for KC PrideFest this weekend 286912

    Updated: Jun. 5, 2025 at 9:27 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Consumer News
    On Wednesday, a public forum was held in Kansas City regarding Spire Missouri's request for a...

    Public forum held in KC on Spire rate increase request 6b5r4v

    Updated: Jun. 4, 2025 at 9:45 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Entertainment
    Royals fans in the metro are swapping the ballpark for the movie theater this week, as select...

    Updated: Jun. 3, 2025 at 9:23 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Consumer News
    A dozen restaurants make the city’s cut and will receive city funding to improve outdoor...

    Kansas City restaurants make big plans to expand outdoor dining 3o3w2y

    Updated: May 29, 2025 at 2:08 PM CDT
    |
    By Heidi Schmidt and Chandler Watkins
    Kansas City grants 32 restaurants a total of $300,000.

    News
    For the second time in less than 4 months, a car has crashed into the roof of the Clay-Ray...

    ‘It’s crazy’: Veterans react after second car crashes into VFW roof 5u1m5g

    Updated: May 28, 2025 at 9:47 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Health
    Abortion access in Missouri has once again been put on hold following a decision by the...

    Abortion battle: Planned Parenthood responds to Missouri Supreme Court 2j1p14

    Updated: May 27, 2025 at 9:48 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Abortion access in Missouri has once again been put on hold following a decision by the Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday.

    Entertainment
    Fans of the Savannah Bananas sold out Kauffman Stadium on Friday, May 23, 2025.

    ‘Banana Ball’ brings big crowds to Kauffman Stadium 1z651e

    Updated: May 23, 2025 at 6:35 PM CDT
    |
    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 .

    Community
    When pools across Olathe open this Memorial Day weekend, the city says water wheelchairs will...

    Water wheelchairs will be available at Olathe pools this summer 5b4ol

    Updated: May 22, 2025 at 9:23 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    When pools across Olathe open this Memorial Day weekend, the city says water wheelchairs will be available.

    News
    National Trauma Survivor's Day

    St. Luke’s brings together trauma survivors to celebrate recovery 5k5h5w

    Updated: May 22, 2025 at 1:01 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Former St. Luke's Hospital patients gather to recognize resilience and recovery.

    News
    Amoriello recovering in the hospital with his son by his side.

    Leading cause of adult disability: Stroke survivor reunites with those who saved him 6l6m6z

    Updated: May 21, 2025 at 7:50 AM CDT
    |
    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."

    News
    With May being Lupus Awareness Month, one local artist wants others diagnosed with the disease...

    Local artist highlighting community during Lupus Awareness Month 446c1q

    Updated: May 15, 2025 at 7:57 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    With May being Lupus Awareness Month, one local artist wants others diagnosed with the disease to know they aren’t alone.

    Crime
    KC Irish Fest canceled it's popular Sunday breakfast after Shaun Brady, Chef at Brady & Fox,...

    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
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    It was a decision that shocked many in the community.

    News
    Dominic Biscari's attorney released a three-page statement that raises sharp questions about...

    Kansas City rejects $915K settlement for firefighter who killed 3 in crash 6u2l4b

    Updated: May 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    News
    IRIS services may be put on pause

    Independence shares update on IRIS rideshare program in city 4v40f

    Updated: May 12, 2025 at 9:15 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Community
    It was a packed house as Transport Brewery held “Bingo for a Cause” Friday night.

    Gardner mayor, brewery team up to benefit 200+ residents displaced within 48 hours 5x313t

    Updated: May 9, 2025 at 9:36 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    It was a packed house as Transport Brewery held “Bingo for a Cause” for Aspen Place residents.

    Community
    Time is running out for residents who were told to pack up and move out after their apartments...

    ‘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
    |
    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.

    News
    GARDNER, Kan. -- City leaders notified dozens of people living at Aspen Place apartments they...

    Condemned: Residents given 48 hours to move out of Johnson County apartments 6r5d46

    Updated: May 6, 2025 at 8:20 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Entertainment
    On Monday, Kansas City leaders, developers, and more gathered on the corner of 18th and Paseo...

    Updated: May 5, 2025 at 9:07 PM CDT
    |
    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’.

    Community
    The Battle Within was created to help veterans and first responders with PTSD, work on their...

    Johnson County nonprofit works to help veterans, first responders 3b3u3n

    Updated: May 1, 2025 at 10:17 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    News
    The U.S. Women's Rugby Team with Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.

    U.S. Women’s Rugby Team highlighting sport ahead of match in KC 5a2sz

    Updated: Apr. 30, 2025 at 9:59 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    News
    Firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman died on April 27 at the age of 29.

    SAFE Fund provides money, to fallen KCFD paramedic’s family 2gy3h

    Updated: Apr. 29, 2025 at 9:48 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Crime
    Photos posted by the Kansas City Police Department show tow trucks being towed away as a part...

    KC detectives tow several tow trucks believed to be used for predatory practices 2ph5m

    Updated: Apr. 26, 2025 at 1:51 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Crime
    A deadly shooting in the 7800 block of NE 75th Court killed a "teen or young adult," KD said...

    Northland shooting kills male who ‘appears to be a teen’, no suspect in custody 2h1v6a

    Updated: Apr. 23, 2025 at 8:10 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    News
    Grandview Spire Gas Leak

    Ruptured gas main injures 2 Spire employees 4u113f

    Updated: Apr. 23, 2025 at 12:35 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    News
    Doors at The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception have black ribbon to honor Pope Francis.

    ‘He brought me closer to the Catholic Church’: Leaders mourn Pope Francis 5g2s4

    Updated: Apr. 21, 2025 at 6:47 PM CDT
    |
    By Grace Smith (KCTV5) and Chandler Watkins
    The Kansas City community and church leaders are mourning the loss of Pope Francis.

    News
    It's been 6 months since Jonathan Rodgers Sr. was attacked near 6th and Monroe in Kansas City....

    Kansas City mother asks police, public for help solving her son’s murder co6h

    Updated: Apr. 17, 2025 at 9:49 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    It’s been 6 months since Jonathan Rodgers Sr. was attacked near 6th and Monroe in Kansas City.

    Consumer News
    The board will combat predatory towing practices.

    Alleged towing victims speak out after new charges emerge against owners of Metro Towing 2fx2n

    Updated: Apr. 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM CDT
    |
    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.

    Education
    A YONDR pouch in the classroom

    Cells in Schools: Educators, families talk policy in Johnson County 464g1u

    Updated: Apr. 15, 2025 at 9:37 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    News
    A vigil for 5-year-old Alistair Cunningham was held Monday, April 14, 2025, in Lexington,...

    Community prayer service held in Lexington following explosion 5s354x

    Updated: Apr. 14, 2025 at 9:15 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Dozens in Lexington ed together in prayer at 12th and Main, several days after a deadly gas explosion rocked the town.

    Kansas City Royals
    When you see a line forming at the gate at the K, you would assume it's for a game. But on...

    Royals help foster love of literacy with kids at The K 2k6y19

    Updated: Apr. 11, 2025 at 10:02 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    News
    Last November, Missourians voted in favor of Proposition A, which increased the state's...

    Missouri workers rally across state ahead of paid sick leave taking effect May 1 1kh4x

    Updated: Apr. 10, 2025 at 9:24 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Regional Politics
    A recall petition is gaining in Jackson County against county executive Frank White Jr.

    Frank White recall petition push continues 3t253q

    Updated: Apr. 8, 2025 at 9:57 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Crime
    A 3-year-old boy fell from an apartment window on the eighth floor, suffering serious injuries.

    Parents sue after 3-year-old falls 9 stories to his death in Independence 553o4z

    Updated: Apr. 8, 2025 at 7:24 PM CDT
    |
    By Heidi Schmidt and Chandler Watkins
    Tidus Bass, 3, fell nine stories from his bedroom window at Independence Towers in July 2024.

    Health
    So far this year, Kansas City has seen 12 domestic violence-related homicides, the same number...

    Kansas City organization calls domestic violence a citywide ‘community health crisis’ 4z5n35

    Updated: Apr. 7, 2025 at 10:26 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Community
    On Friday, the tenants’ union at Independence Tower held a rally, inviting the complex’s...

    Independence Towers Tenants Union wants to speak to prospective new owner ahead of hearing 5y62y

    Updated: Apr. 4, 2025 at 8:09 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Consumer News
    The city council voted late Thursday afternoon ensuring that all existing bus routes will...

    Kansas City approves $46 million to keep public transportation running 444d30

    Updated: Apr. 3, 2025 at 9:48 PM CDT
    |
    By Ryan Hennessy and Chandler Watkins
    A $46 million funding approval for KCATA averted potential route cuts for at least the next six months.

    Regional Politics
    Missouri lawmakers are considering a Senate bill that would authorize Clay County to create a...

    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
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Missouri lawmakers are considering a Senate bill that would authorize Clay County to create a sports complex authority.

    News
    With resumes in hand, several former federal employees were able to go booth to booth, asking...

    Kansas City looking to hire former federal employees 3r3s7

    Updated: Apr. 1, 2025 at 7:56 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    News
    There is a new wave of home security systems that use motion sense cameras and instantly alert...

    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
    |
    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.

    News
    "I want to make sure that our neighbors that are experiencing food insecurity know that...

    USDA cuts impacting food banks nationwide, including in Kansas City area 35h6t

    Updated: Mar. 29, 2025 at 9:01 AM CDT
    |
    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.

    Kansas City Royals
    Fans packed into the K with over 39,000 in attendance for Opening Day on Thursday, March 27,...

    Royals fans show excitement with largest crowd in nearly a decade 2p260

    Updated: Mar. 27, 2025 at 9:41 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Fans say Opening Day at the K felt electric and they’re excited baseball is back.

    Entertainment
    The Museum of BBQ stocks a curated selection of sauces and rubs from Memphis, Texas, the...

    World’s first museum dedicated to BBQ opening at Crown Center in April 3b4d63

    Updated: Mar. 27, 2025 at 9:06 AM CDT
    |
    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).

    Community
    One of the go bonds would send money to improving facilities for the Independence Police...

    Independence Police offer tours of headquarters ahead of bond vote 421q8

    Updated: Mar. 25, 2025 at 10:22 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    News
    Last week, hundreds protested the proposed cuts ahead of the Kansas City Council meeting,...

    Bus riders ask Kansas City to approve additional funding for KCATA to keep routes 601o3

    Updated: Mar. 24, 2025 at 9:33 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Kansas City has drafted an ordinance that would give KCATA an additional $46 million.

    News
    A program that teaches inner-city youth basketball, and the gym the organization uses, was...

    Kansas City youth basketball program burglarized 4x1627

    Updated: Mar. 21, 2025 at 10:25 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Owner Marcus Walker says he is remaining optimistic following the break in.

    Crime
    OLATHE, Kan. -- Jail guards escort Jaylon Elmore, 21, into a courtroom at the Johnson County...

    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
    |
    By Heidi Schmidt and Chandler Watkins
    Jaylon Elmore, 21, pleaded guilty to crimes connected with the shooting at Olathe East High School.

    News
    A for-profit corrections corporation wants to reactivate a dormant facility in Leavenworth for...

    CoreCivic to proceed with opening ICE Detention Center in Leavenworth 662h5r

    Updated: Mar. 18, 2025 at 9:40 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Regional Politics
    There are several bills that have been introduced or proposed that would rehire veterans who...

    Judges’ ruling leads to rehiring process for federal employees 2o2671

    Updated: Mar. 17, 2025 at 9:56 PM CDT
    |
    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.

    Latest News f153d

    File- Douglas County Sheriff's Office
    Motorcycle driver injured after bike slides into slow-moving traffic on K-10 552af
    Dennis Sharkey, 50, was found shot to death in his vehicle in Kansas City, according to police.
    Suspected road rage shooter questioned in Kansas City sports reporter’s death 4m3x15
    Antoine L. Hayes
    Arrest made after car with toddler inside stolen from Kansas City gas station 2y5zg
    An outdoor pop-up market planned in Olathe over the weekend promises dozens of vendors that...
    Outdoor pop-up market promises dozens of vendors offering handmade goods 544m6m
    KCFD said the driver was taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution.
    Car drives through side of Kansas City O’Reilly Auto Parts store 224y4o

    Latest News f153d

    Gavel
    Two men charged for meth trafficking, third charged for illegal re-entry 544c52
    Lansing Correctional Facility in August of 2022.
    Lansing inmate convicted of escaping prison: ‘The simplest rule when incarcerated’ 207154
    FILE
    Clinton babysitter called to court after alleged incident of child abuse 1mhb
    FILE
    Grant funds to help extend reach of breastfeeding coalitions in Kansas 67734g
    FILE
    Police seek man accused of shooting that left woman in critical condition 4kv1y
    A RideKC bus stop in the Kansas City metro.
    Affordable KCK housing community proposed next to RideKC bus stops qf6l