Chandler Watkins
Reporter

Chandler Watkins joined KCTV 5 as a reporter/multimedia journalist in February 2024. She's excited to cover news that matters to you.
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 chandler.watkins@kctv5.com or on X at @CWatkinsNews.
Education
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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 panel on Wednesday.
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.
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.
Updated: Apr. 23, 2025 at 8:10 PM CDT
|By Greg Dailey and Chandler Watkins
KCPD said the victim appeared to be a teen as they await identification to confirm whether he is a juvenile or adult.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated: Apr. 14, 2025 at 9:15 PM CDT
|By Chandler Watkins
Dozens in Lexington joined together in prayer at 12th and Main, several days after a deadly gas explosion rocked the town.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Updated: Mar. 21, 2025 at 10:25 PM CDT
|By Chandler Watkins
Owner Marcus Walker says he is remaining optimistic following the break in.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Updated: Mar. 10, 2025 at 9:51 PM CDT
|By Chandler Watkins
Ahead of the meeting, residents stood outside the theater, reminiscing.
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.
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.
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.
Updated: Mar. 4, 2025 at 9:25 PM CST
|By Chandler Watkins
Last Wednesday, residents were given a 48-hour notice to evacuate.
Updated: Mar. 3, 2025 at 10:27 PM CST
|By Chandler Watkins
Oropeza says the tariffs could impact their workforce and apprenticeships while also having a ripple effect on the local economy.
Updated: Feb. 28, 2025 at 9:10 PM CST
|By Chandler Watkins
Andrew Myers was leaving his friend’s house near 11th and Rowland in KCK around midnight when a man ran up to him.
Updated: Feb. 28, 2025 at 1:03 PM CST
|By Gabe Swartz and Chandler Watkins
A police shooting in the Northland is under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Updated: Feb. 27, 2025 at 10:13 PM CST
|By Chandler Watkins
This week, Jackson County leaders traveled to Jefferson City to meet with lawmakers and the governor about keeping Kansas City sports teams in Missouri.
Updated: Feb. 26, 2025 at 5:12 PM CST
|By Gabe Swartz and Chandler Watkins
A double shooting in Lenexa has left one person dead and another person hospitalized Wednesday afternoon.
Updated: Feb. 25, 2025 at 10:20 PM CST
|By Gabe Swartz and Chandler Watkins
Law enforcement in Leavenworth County is warning people of a scam involving families of inmates.
Updated: Feb. 24, 2025 at 10:41 PM CST
|By Chandler Watkins
An employee who has worked for years at the VA speaks to KCTV5 about the uneasy feelings and anxiety among his colleagues.