Chandler Watkins 6g4y2m

Reporter 40283x
4u2a3i
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. 63b13

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 1h665p
  • University of Central Arkansas, broadcast journalism and public relations, 2017

    • News
    National Trauma Survivor's Day

    St. Luke’s brings together trauma survivors to celebrate recovery 6e6f49

    Updated: 4 hours ago
    |
    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 42651w

    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 4g1y4t

    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 5w2os

    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 4wom

    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 224x67

    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 3x6h2q

    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 b4o1j

    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 4k403f

    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 2n4026

    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 137117

    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 3q4q15

    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 4x5b1d

    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 4i2q9

    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 3p6416

    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 3c3f14

    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 2s3x40

    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 2l3s10

    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 1y2k45

    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 z3m3s

    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 3i6k64

    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 6r1d4v

    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 5h365d

    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 3j4u4b

    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’ 5d4f3o

    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 57131z

    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 656g1r

    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 5h1s67

    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 4b2533

    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 6y5j2y

    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 162d2j

    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 vl6h

    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 13273p

    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 192by

    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 6f3k5i

    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 1a5q6m

    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 2w1te

    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 u736d

    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 16f2y

    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 48a6j

    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.

    News
    On Thursday, the first of two community meetings was held to give bus riders the chance to...

    Bus riders share concerns with KCATA route cut proposals 515a2r

    Updated: Mar. 13, 2025 at 10:44 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    On Thursday, the first of two community meetings was held to give bus riders the chance to weigh in on potential cuts to services.

    Education
    A Lawrence school district employee is charged with sexually abusing an elementary school...

    Lawrence parents call for investigation into school district following abuse allegations 1o5k4b

    Updated: Mar. 12, 2025 at 11:02 PM CDT
    |
    By Heidi Schmidt and Chandler Watkins
    “Student safety is embedded in literally every step we take... it will always remain our top priority.” ~ Lawrence Superintendent

    News
    FILE — A photo of a Kansas City Fire Department truck on Dec. 6, 2024.

    Fiery explosion in Northland neighborhood damages Kansas City home 2v5a3g

    Updated: Mar. 12, 2025 at 6:19 PM CDT
    |
    By Heidi Schmidt and Chandler Watkins
    The fire department said no injuries were reported, but firefighters were still battling the flames 90 minutes after arriving at the fire.

    Sports
    The women’s Big 12 Basketball tournament was held at T-Mobile Center for the second year in a...

    Fans weigh in on the future home of Big 12 Tournaments 6w369

    Updated: Mar. 11, 2025 at 9:44 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    The Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament tipped off on Tuesday, with fans from across the country traveling to Kansas City to cheer on their teams.

    Community
    Monday night, Friends of Englewood held a community meeting to provide updates on acquiring...

    Friends of Englewood want community input on theater’s future 5s3z4r

    Updated: Mar. 10, 2025 at 9:51 PM CDT
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Ahead of the meeting, residents stood outside the theater, reminiscing.

    Community
    The Riverside Fire Department was packed Friday night as people gathered to grieve and...

    Riverside community comes together to 12-year-old killed in crime spree last Friday 1b1o30

    Updated: Mar. 7, 2025 at 10:00 PM CST
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    The Riverside Fire Department was packed Friday night as people gathered to grieve and celebrate the life of 12-year-old Giuliani Calderon.

    Crime
    A vigil was held to mourn loss of Katie Bjorklund on March 6, 2025.

    ‘My baby is gone’: Candlelight vigil re woman killed at Riverside Car Wash 2u3s6t

    Updated: Mar. 6, 2025 at 10:17 PM CST
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Katie Bjorklund was the first victim of George Manning, who stole her car and then went on an hours-long ‘night of terror’ in Riverside and KCK.

    News
    Several Arizona cheerleaders were heading into the T-Mobile Center Wednesday afternoon.

    Fans flock to KC for Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament 643pg

    Updated: Mar. 5, 2025 at 9:27 PM CST
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    The Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament tipped off on Wednesday, with fans from across the country coming in to cheer on their teams.

    News
    Last Wednesday, residents at the Cloverleaf Apartments were given a 48-hour notice to evacuate.

    Cloverleaf Apartments officially closed amid considerable violations 2l5l2z

    Updated: Mar. 4, 2025 at 9:25 PM CST
    |
    By Chandler Watkins
    Last Wednesday, residents were given a 48-hour notice to evacuate.

    Latest News 185z3m

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