Kansas
FIFA World Cup 2026 spurs human trafficking awareness trainings in Missouri, Kansas
KSHB 41 reporter Lily O’Shea Becker covers Franklin and Douglas counties in Kansas. Share your story idea with Lily.
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In both Missouri and Kansas, efforts to prepare for possible human trafficking during World Cup events are ramping up.
World Cup spurs human trafficking awareness trainings in Missouri, Kansas
Several studies affiliated with universities across the country say there’s little to no evidence that directly links large sporting events to an increase in human trafficking, including sex trafficking.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway sent the following statement to KSHB 41 News:
“Human and sex trafficking can only be addressed through strong partnerships and collaborative actions. Our Office is proud to have sponsored a free training ahead of the World Cup to equip and learn from those who are the tip of the spear in the fight against modern-day slavery.
“It is my job to safeguard Missourians. Our Office is committed to this task and will continue to partner with local law enforcement and agencies to hold predators accountable.”
The Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center in Lawrence is seeing an increased interest in its services leading up to the World Cup, according to Christina Gentry, the center’s director of community engagement.
The Algerian men’s national team will use Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence as its base camp for the 2026 World Cup, and the city is expecting an influx of visitors while Kansas City hosts six matches this summer.
The CARE Center recently hosted a free human trafficking awareness training for hospitality businesses across Lawrence.
“Hotels and the local bars have always been a part of our outreach, but this particular time of year, we’ll be hosting our World Cup, so we wanted to make sure there will be some trafficking training,” Gentry said.
Lily O’Shea Becker/KSHB
Heather Shull, general manager for DoubleTree by Hilton on the north side of Lawrence, said she’s seen some bookings filled during the World Cup. She’s hoping more will be booked in the next couple of weeks.
“We’re gearing up to know that we’re going to have a lot more business,” Shull said.
Shull attended the CARE Center’s human trafficking training.
“Our business is hospitality; we’re supposed to take care of people,” she said.
Staff at the bar located inside the hotel have already undergone sexual violence prevention training with the CARE Center.
A Lawrence ordinance requires bar staff who regularly engage with patrons to attend such training sessions in order for the bar to obtain a liquor license. The ordinance was passed in 2020, and the CARE Center provides the bystander intervention training twice a month.
“It was very fascinating and very helpful,” Shull said.
Lily O’Shea Becker/KSHB
Shull says Hilton requires its employees to attend human trafficking training.
“It doesn’t say you have to solve human trafficking, but it’s like, ‘Hey, here are the signs you might see, and you know, go to a manager or law enforcement if you’re concerned,’” she said. “But then now for the World Cup, there’s been a lot more city-wide trainings.”
She said while most human trafficking actions can happen behind closed doors at hotels, there are certain things staff can pick up on at check-in or through requests visitors have for their rooms.
The spokesperson for the Lawrence, Kansas, Police Department says all of its officers will attend a human trafficking-related training in May. The department is partnering with the Justice Project in Kansas City for the training.
For Gentry, she said it’s important community members understand the CARE center’s supportive services — like its 24/7 support line — are available year-round.
This month, the CARE Center is focused on Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Lily O’Shea Becker/KSHB
The CARE Center tied teal ribbons around trees lined along Massachusetts Street in South Park to launch the awareness month and has events planned throughout April to bring attention to the cause.
The teal ribbons in South Park include a QR code that contains information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month when scanned.
“Teal just represents an opportunity to unite the community on this issue,” Gentry said.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A former PTA treasurer from Lee’s Summit has pleaded guilty to nine counts of bank and wire fraud after stealing more than $100,000 from the organization, according to federal officials.
Officials said Holly Mikkelsen could face up to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
From Aug. 17, 2020, to July 23, 2025, Mikkelsen served as treasurer of the Summit Pointe Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (SPE PTA) in Kansas City, Missouri. The group is a nonprofit, school-based volunteer organization.
Prosecutors said that while serving as treasurer, Mikkelsen made unauthorized withdrawals from the PTA’s checking accounts for her personal benefit. Investigators said the alleged theft included writing and signing checks in the nonprofit’s name payable to herself, using those funds for personal expenses, withdrawing cash from ATMs, and transferring SPE PTA money into her personal accounts.
“The council is taking immediate steps to strengthen financial accountability across all affiliated PTAs, including a full review of existing protocols, dual authorization requirements for financial transactions, board financial training, and consistent audit practices district-wide,” said Lorenzo Harrison, Council President of LSR7 PTA. “The community will be kept informed as this process moves forward.”
Sentencing for Mikkelsen is scheduled for Sept. 24.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Early risers, give yourselves a few extra minutes before heading out the door this morning. Showers and storms to start the day will likely make for at least a slightly slower commute.
Brief periods of heavy rainfall will be possible. While rain will be around through much of the day, there will also be some breaks in the rainfall too.
Temperatures will stay below average while conditions will be damp at times. Highs today will be in the 60s and upper 50s.
New storms are expected to move in from the west by the evening. As they cross the state line from Colorado, they will initially need to be monitored closely.
A couple of Western Kansas storms during the evening could be strong to severe. While all forms of severe weather will be possible, the threat of a tornado is low and mainly confined to areas along the Kansas/Colorado line.
The severe threat should be lower after midnight despite skies remaining unsettled.
Spotty showers and thunderstorms will likely continue to show some life into Friday.
Despite clouds and rain through much of the day tomorrow, many high temperatures will begin to warm up into the 70s.
Some new storms will be possible later in the afternoon and evening but will still be spotty.
A Friday severe risk has expanded a bit since yesterday but is still confined to southern portions of the area. Wind and hail are the main threats.
Some strong storms to the south will be possible all the way into the overnight.
Saturday will be similar to Thursday and Friday. Spotty rain around through much of the day, more evening showers and storms rolling through, and damp through the overnight.
Once Saturday night rain moves out, Sunday will not be as active. Memorial Day will be mainly dry and warm before skies turn unsettled again.
Kansas
United Market opens in Kansas City’s Linwood Shopping Center, bringing fresh food back to Prospect
KSHB 41 reporter La’Nita Brooks covers stories in Kansas City, Missouri, and stories offering solutions on crime. Share your story idea with La’Nita.
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Hundreds of people packed the parking lot at Linwood Boulevard and Prospect Avenue on Wednesday for the grand opening of United Market KC, a new grocery store community members say represents more than a place to shop.
“A place where families can once again access fresh, affordable food right here in the heart of Prospect,” Helen, a speaker at the event, said.
La’Nita Brooks
The store replaces the former Sun Fresh location, which was marked by empty shelves and unpleasant smells before closing.
Under new ownership and a completely new brand, community leaders and the store’s owner say United Market KC is a new beginning for the corridor.
United Market opens in Kansas City’s Linwood shopping center, bringing fresh food back to Prospect
The grand opening drew the Kansas City, Missouri, mayor, several city councilmembers and community leaders, who all spoke at the event.
The day included performances, a live band, free samples and a flood of customers shopping the aisles for the first time. The first five customers received $100 toward their purchase.
La’Nita Brooks
Anthony Estrada, the owner of United Market, closed the ceremony with a heartfelt speech about his hopes to unite the community through food — a vision reflected in the store’s name.
“Extremely excited,” Estrada said. “I feel like the community really showed up. I feel like that’s what we need for the store to be successful. We’re here to serve the community the best we can.”
La’Nita Brooks
Marquita Taylor, president of the Santa Fe Area Council Neighborhood Association, said she was pleased with how quickly a new store followed the previous one and called on the community to help keep it thriving.
“I’m glad it didn’t take long from one store to the next. I’m glad and happy to see so many people here. And I just want the commitment of all these people to wrap your arms around this store because it has to stay safe,” Taylor said.
Community leaders said they are confident the store is here to stay.
La’Nita Brooks
Resident Billy Ray said the atmosphere inside the store matched the excitement outside.
“Beautiful, open, looking good, everyone’s walking around happy, shopping,” Ray said. “That’s what we want to see.”
United Market will slowly phase into a free membership concept after the first 30 days.
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