Chandler Watkins ko4z

Reporter 6s735u
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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. 6ee5

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 m5bh
  • University of Central Arkansas, broadcast journalism and public relations, 2017

    • Community
    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 485a5g

    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 45x4

    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 4t2b3k

    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 1h4k41

    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 2sg2y

    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 38r3r

    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 3j643z

    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 4s5n5b

    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 45b3o

    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 4k6r2u

    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 5f5738

    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 3r492i

    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 2t4ii

    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 5z6j45

    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 2a521n

    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 1m4860

    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 302b4z

    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 5ju

    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 5s104r

    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 6u660

    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 6m2m42

    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 j2v40

    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 253w6i

    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 371237

    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 3g3l6

    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 4y4z5i

    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 374l2d

    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 69605e

    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 706v11

    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 81y1p

    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 522w1

    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 59324c

    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’ 3r5dz

    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 o3a6i

    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 223d1w

    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 2q4q2q

    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 1g523j

    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 5r556

    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 2b63e

    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 414m1y

    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 4i2u59

    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 3sn4q

    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 3a2j6f

    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 5t1c54

    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 20602f

    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 1o3b5g

    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 6e3s1k

    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.

    Community
    March 11, 2025- Velo Garage and Tap House was one business broken into.

    ‘Like a family’: Customers rally around Kansas City businesses hit by criminals 4m2i4a

    Updated: Mar. 14, 2025 at 9:02 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Outside Druid Dice, located on Main St. in the Crossroads, you can see a store closing banner.

    Latest News 2j2j6j

    The Missouri State Highway Patrol said two Pettis County sheriff's deputies were shot while...
    Two teens seriously injured after car strikes animal and overturns 6d5f38
    Missing woman Karen Thompson
    Silver Alert canceled: missing 70-year-old woman has been found safe 2e515d
    Desert storm veterans reunite
    ‘We Became Family’: Desert Storm Veterans Reunite After 34 Years 6l1g
    What to know for Saturday with a First Warn Weather Day impacting early morning activity.
    First Warn Sunday for the possibility of severe weather. Gorgeous weather returns Monday 1x363q
    Saturday afternoon police standoff near 16th and topping
    UPDATE: Man in custody after police standoff ends at residence near Van Brunt Park j5rm

    Latest News 2j2j6j

    Man and woman taken to hospital after crash near Cameron 4yg2u
    Trost teaching pickleball in Hungary
    KC man travels to Ukraine to teach war victims how to play pickleball 153z5q
    A preliminary investigation from the Kansas Highway Patrol shows that the crash happened when...
    Eight vehicle crash leaves two injured in Wyandotte County 15s5e
    File- Kansas City Police Department
    Kansas City police ask public for information in fatal apartment shooting 2gh1b
    An American Airlines flight headed to the Springfield-Branson National Airport landed Thursday...
    FRUSTRATED ENGERS: American Airlines flight landed in Springfield Thursday after several attempts 2t2n6
    A Kansas City Fire Department ambulance drives an injured KD officer to a plane for a flight...
    House fire in Kansas City sends 2 to hospital for treatment 1q494c