It's that time again as St. Joseph Restaurant Week is coming up later this month. 

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says the always popular event is designed to help highlight restaurants at a time when business typically slows down 

"After the holidays, January and February are really hard months for them, and we know those local flavors and those local restaurants are so important to the identity and really that special niche that your community has, so we definitely like to highlight them and make sure that hey survive those couple of months where it’s just kind of rough for them, "Hawn says on the KFEQmunnity show. 

“Especially weather like this, you’re not getting out, you’re not eating out, and that’s tough for your local small businesses and restaurants.” 

Hawn says the event is also fun because it offers some new special menu items along with the normal restaurant menu 

"It gives the opportunity for that patron to go out, maybe try a restaurant they’ve never been to, or try a special menu, it’s kind of like having a secret menu, so it’s kind of fun to try something you don’t normally try at that restaurant,” Hawn explains.  “And it’s a really cool way for that restaurant to test a menu item, so maybe they’ve been wanting to look at a vegan option, and they don’t know if it’s going to go over well, it gives them the opportunity to try that.” 

Hawn encourages residents if they know of a restaurant they would like to see in the event to try pushing them to get involved. 

"Because it’s really a great way to get their name out,” Hawn says.  “It also doesn’t have to be every day of Restaurant Week, if they’re a location that’s only open a couple of days, that’s completely fine, it can be a special event, it can be just for the hours that they’re open, it doesn’t have to be during that whole week of Restaurant Week.” 

Restaurant week runs February 23rd through March 1st. You can find more information later this month at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/">https://www.stjrestaurantweek.com/</a>

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Restaurant Week later this month, restaurants encouraged to sign up now

Starting Feb. 9, the Thomas Eagleton Indoor Pool at Missouri Western State University’s Looney Complex will implement updated hours of operation. 

Under the new schedule, afternoon sessions will no longer be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, swimmers can still access the pool during these times on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Visitors should note that pool space is limited and subject to availability. Additionally, the facility has announced three specific closures this month due to special events: the pool will be unavailable on Feb. 5, Feb. 19, and Feb. 25.

Regarding fees, daily admission is set at $6. For frequent visitors, the complex offers long-term options, including monthly passes for $50 and yearly memberships for $360.

Updated hours for Eagleton Indoor Pool at MoWest

KFEQ Morning Sports

Motorists traveling through Andrew County should prepare for minor delays. Route C was reduced to one lane on Feb. 4 at County Road 190 for utility work, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The project involves tree clearing for utilities conducted by Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC, which is operating under a permit issued by MoDOT.&nbsp;

Crews will be active weekdays during daylight hours. Flaggers will be positioned at the work zone to direct alternating directions of traffic through the single open lane. This schedule is expected to remain in place through Feb. 13.

MoDOT officials urge all drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and be mindful of workers present on the roadway. All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change.

Lane closure scheduled for Route C in Andrew County

Legislation filed in the Missouri House seeks to ‘restore balance’ by limiting the amount of time students spend learning on electronic devices

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri lawmakers are moving to rein in elementary schools’ use of technology, debating legislation Wednesday that would cap students’ daily use of digital devices at 45 minutes.

“This bill is about restoring balance, common sense and childhood to Missouri classrooms,” said state Rep. Tricia Byrnes, a Republican from Wentzville. “Before we lose another generation of students to screens.”

The House Education Committee on Wednesday raised some concerns about identical bills filed by Byrnes and state Rep. Marlene Terry, a Democrat from Bellefontaine Neighbors.

Republican state Rep. Ed Lewis of Moberly, who chairs the committee, said he thought the 45-minute requirement was “too prescriptive,” indicating that changes are likely.

“I don’t disagree that we need to address screen time,” he said. “How we do that is definitely something we have to discuss.”

Byrnes said she was willing to make edits, saying she and Terry “will work with you to get those laptops off those babies’ desks.”

As presented Wednesday, the bill would only impact kindergarten through fifth grade with a daily limit on digital instruction and a requirement that at least 70% of assignments be handwritten. It also seeks to bar schools from requiring students to bring laptops home and would mandate cursive writing instruction.

Byrnes described the legislation as a “responsible course correction,” saying schools have become too reliant on devices like iPads and laptops to provide instructional materials and assignments over the past decade.

Vanessa Whittle, an instructional technology specialist in the Waynesville School District speaking from her personal experiences, told the committee that she was a “vocal advocate” for initiatives to assign a laptop or iPad to each student 10 years ago.

While she still believes technology is beneficial in the classroom, she warns against giving students too much digital access before they are “developmentally ready.”

“Educators are seeing these trends nationwide: immediate distraction when devices are opened, difficulty disengaging from their screens, rising digital safety alerts tied to mental health and online behavior and the use of the school device as a personal device, both in and outside of school,” she said.

Whittle is one of many educators who are in favor of more hands-on learning. Otto Fajen, director of legislative advocacy for the Missouri National Education Association, said teachers are worried about students’ attention spans and support the change.

But making the switch away from virtual instruction may be challenging, he said, noting that state learning standards and testing mandates influence schools’ decision to buy laptops for students.

“They need the flexibility to not have the state push them in this direction,” Fajen said. “They need to make the decision based on best practices and what their educators seek.”

State Rep. Ann Kelley, a Republican from Lamar and former middle-school teacher, said her area’s school districts had similar concerns about testing when she asked them about the bill.

“They agree that students K-5 should not have a screen in front of them,” she said. “But what was also very common was (saying) school districts should be able to do this on their own. And then the next thing was, ‘Are we changing state testing?’”

She pointed to the cost of supplying more physical books and moving away from some of the digital textbooks and reading materials currently available.

The bill includes exceptions for “special-education needs” and assistive technology, but some worried the bill’s language was too broad and would permit schools to switch some hands-on special education to instruction on a laptop.

Tracey Bloch, director of legislative advocacy for the Missouri Disability Empowerment Foundation, said schools are increasingly turning to digital instruction and instead of hands-on support for students with disabilities.

“Many families are having their children put in front of digital instruction for specialized minutes, and their parents are very unaware of how often it has happened until it’s too late,” she said. “Then we have to file for due process.”

Diane Dragan, a special education attorney, said a switch to online special education has spurred lawsuits costing school districts up to $150,000 to litigate.

“When schools remove teacher-led instruction from special education classrooms and instead log students into self-directed online learning programs, they do a profound disservice to our students,” she said.

No one spoke in opposition to the bill during the public hearing, and the committee adjourned without taking immediate action on the bill.

Bill aims to cap Missouri elementary students’ daily screen time at 45 minutes

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

April ballots in 97 Missouri counties will include a question asking voters if they want to cap property tax bills. Whether the caps will take effect if approved remains an open question.

Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Order.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3796188" target="_blank">denied a motion</a>&nbsp;asking for a summary judgment that lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Plaintiffs%20Motion%20for%20Summary%20Judgement.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3760630" target="_blank">improperly enacted the caps</a>&nbsp;during a June special session. Limbaugh on Jan. 29&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Order%20Denying%20Preliminary%20Injunction.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3791486" target="_blank">denied a motion</a>&nbsp;by counties that joined the case after it was filed seeking to block the April votes.

Limbaugh did not elaborate on his reasons for denying the motion for summary judgment or the preliminary injunction to block the votes.

The case will go to trial and a decision against the law would also invalidate the election results.

In the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/11/missouri-special-session-ends-with-passage-kc-stadium-funding-disaster-aid/">passed in June</a>&nbsp;to allow state subsidies for new professional sports stadiums, lawmakers included provisions that would set caps for some — but not all — property tax bills in the state.&nbsp;

In 75 counties, voters will be asked if they want to cap increases in property tax bills at 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. In 22 counties, voters will be asked if they want to allow no year-to-year increases in their tax bills.

In the remaining 17 counties and the city of St. Louis, no cap was enacted.

The provisions include exemptions so taxes dedicated to debt payments, or new voter-approved tax rate increases, are added to the bills.

The tax base would be reset when a property changes hands.

The lawsuit was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/29/missouri-school-districts-challenge-law-offering-some-counties-property-tax-relief/">filed by two taxpayers</a>, six school districts and a fire district alleging the property tax caps are improperly passed special laws and violate constitutional provisions requiring uniformity in taxation.

Twenty-seven counties intervened in the lawsuit after it was filed, arguing that the cost of the election&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/26/judge-weighing-whether-to-allow-april-votes-on-new-missouri-property-tax-caps/">is an unfunded mandate</a>&nbsp;that violates the Missouri Constitution.

During arguments last week on the motion for summary judgment, attorney Jim Layton said the taxing districts were unable to find any rational basis for which counties have a 5% cap, which counties have a zero cap and which counties have no cap.

Lawmakers opted their counties into the legislation during a late-night floor session, deciding what level of relief they wanted for their area. Many of the state’s largest counties were excluded, leaving Boone, Greene, Jackson, St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis out of the law.

The designations do not line up with studies by the state tax commission that determine whether local assessments reflect actual property values, Layton said. Among the counties with the biggest difference between actual and assessed values, he noted, some have a zero percent cap and others are 5% cap.

Taxpayers in those counties would see the biggest increase in tax bills if the assessments were increased to reflect actual values.

“What it shows is that there’s no pattern here,” Layton said.

Assistant Attorney General Sean McDowell, defended the law by arguing it does have a rational basis. The General Assembly wants property tax assessments to reflect actual values but doesn’t want taxpayers to be hit with giant increases in their bills.

Many, but not all, of the counties set at zero percent increase are small, rural counties, McDowell said, while those with a 5% cap are more populous areas where some growth in tax revenue is needed to offset increasing demand for government services.

Even the exceptions to the divisions fit in that rational basis, he said.

“It doesn’t have to be based on any empirical data or evidence,” McDowell said. “It can’t be, but it doesn’t have to be.”

Ruling allows April elections on Missouri property tax caps in 97 counties

While Missourians typically focus on shoveling snow in February, state emergency officials are urging residents to turn their attention toward a less predictable threat: the ground beneath their feet.

February marks Missouri Earthquake Awareness Month, a period dedicated to preparing for "high-impact, low-frequency" seismic events.

"These types of natural disasters are unpredictable but carry the potential for catastrophic consequences," said Jim Remillard, director of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). "They require training, planning, and building resilience across the emergency management, business, and transportation sectors."

The primary concern is the New Madrid Seismic Zone in southeast Missouri. In the winter of 1811-12, the zone produced some of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history. The tremors were so intense they destroyed buildings, rang church bells hundreds of miles away, and caused the Mississippi River to briefly flow backward.

The zone remains active today, averaging more than 200 small, imperceptible earthquakes annually. Experts estimate there is a 25% to 40% chance of a major earthquake occurring within the next 50 years.

Emergency officials recommend several immediate actions for residents, especially those in the state’s southeast corner:

State officials are also highlighting a significant decline in earthquake insurance coverage. According to the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, coverage in the seven highest-risk counties has plummeted. In 2000, 60% of homes in those areas were covered; by 2024, that number dropped to 10%. Most standard homeowners policies do not include earthquake damage.

For more information, including interactive maps and safety videos, residents can visit the earthquake preparedness section of the <a href="https://sema.dps.mo.gov/">SEMA website</a>.

Missouri’s ‘Sleeping Giant’: Why February is the month to prepare for earthquakes

It may still be cold and frigid, even with temperatures set to warm up this weekend, but the St. Joseph Sports Commission is already looking ahead to September as registration is now open for the fourth annual St. Joseph Marathon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The St. Joseph Marathon offers five different options, with the full marathon, a half marathon, a 10K, 5K, and a relay team.&nbsp; A virtual marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K is also offered for people to sign up for.

As an added incentive to sign up early and as a thank you for running in previous years, all previous St. Joseph Marathon runners can save 10% percent off their registration by entering the code EARLYBIRD2026 with their registration. The code is only valid until February 8th.&nbsp; You can register for the marathon by clicking <a href="https://stjomosports.com/event/marathon/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQKNjYyODU2ODM3OQABHre8Gvwawi-6gnHjBkEHVmV3k38lJIcVqpod0SRa3WzjzT_D_5zLuaIvq_wS_aem_nPdwqTOXdyc-Pq3xinruIg">HERE</a>.

The St. Joseph Sports Commission is continuing to work on some additional incentives for the 2026 marathon, including enhancing the race swag for each participant.&nbsp; There are also hopes that remain to partner with another race around the region to form a series, which could create additional registration options.&nbsp;

Registration open for fourth St. Joseph Marathon

Big bubbles and big fun will be the theme during the Circus of Bubbles show coming to Maryville this weekend.

The show is open to all ages, filled with giant bubbles from two performers, Kirk Marsh and Jackie Weinstock.

Information on Circus of Bubbles website says Marsh brings years of clowning and comedy experience with him from Ringling Bros. circus where he trained and worked. Blossoming from there, he now performs his shows all over the world. He has played in over 55 countries and loves making people laugh everywhere he can. His love of bubbles brought him to where he is today. He is thankful for the journey he has taken and the people he has met from all of his journeys. He has helped Jack with the props and has designed many of the wands and apparatus you'll see in the show with 3D printed parts and his "interesting" brain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Weinstock spent six months in China learning how to foot juggle from the masters of their craft. She brings that ancient knowledge to Circus of Bubbles. She also designed and built the set and the puppy puppet in the show.

There will be giant bubbles filling the stage, along with bubble creations and a bit of physical comedy thrown in.

Two shows will be held at the Rose Theatre in Maryville on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Tickets and more information can be found <a href="https://www.circusofbubbles.com/tour">here</a>.

Circus of Bubbles show coming to Maryville this weekend

Authorities in Cameron, MO have released additional details about a structure fire that occurred Tuesday. Feb 3.

A massive structure fire destroyed multiple businesses and apartments in downtown Cameron prompting a coordinated response from seven regional fire departments in what officials described as likely the largest blaze the city has seen in two decades.

The Cameron Fire Department was dispatched at 2 p.m. to the 100 block of West 3rd Street. Responders arrived within two minutes, with fire crews on the scene by 2:04 p.m. to find several buildings engulfed.

No injuries or fatalities were reported. Emergency crews worked to evacuate residents and their pets from the affected apartments.

The scale of the fire required an extensive mutual aid response. Firefighting teams from St. Joseph, Central DeKalb, Union Star, Clarksdale, Stewartsville, Osborn, and the KAW Fire District joined Cameron crews to contain the flames and prevent further spread through the block.

"Incidents of this magnitude cannot be managed by one department alone," officials said in a statement, noting that the response highlighted the "critical importance of regional partnerships."

While firefighters battled the blaze, Cameron utility and street crews managed infrastructure needs, and local law enforcement agencies established perimeters and directed traffic. The American Red Cross is currently assisting those displaced by the fire.

Local businesses, including Walmart, Casey’s General Store, Wood Shed, Pizza Hut, and McDonald’s, provided food, water, and supplies to first responders throughout the afternoon.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

UPDATE: Seven departments battle largest Cameron structure fire in decades

The entire state of Missouri is in need of blood donors as the blood supply level has reached severely low levels of 35%. 

Executive Director of the American Red Cross northwest Missouri and Greater Kansas City chapter JoAnn Woody says its typical around this time to see donations low 

"It happens every year around the holidays, people get busy traveling, a lot of family plans, donating blood is about the last thing on their list, add to that flu season, just all the things,” Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “But the winter storm just made it even more pronounced, between people not being able to get to blood drives, between schools and businesses being closed and not being able to use their facilities for blood drives, it just compounded the issues completely.” 

Woody says the winter storms made it harder to get to blood drives but also forced around seven to be canceled around the Kansas City area. 

"Now if you figure each blood drive might have the ability to bring in about 15 to 25 blood donors, that’s 15 to 25 per drive, and if you lose seven drives you’re looking at close to 100 units of blood that went uncollected,” Woody explains  “So that’s 100, potentially lives, that were put maybe at risk somewhere down the road because blood supply may have been less or may not have been as readily available.”  

Woody says already people are beginning to recognize the need for blood and are getting back out and donating as February begins 

“Our team here at the Red Cross has been extremely aggressive in connecting with other businesses, connecting with other organizations, and doing what we can to shift people to other blood drives, maybe a blood drive in this part of the city was canceled but another one was able to stay, so trying to see if people can go to that blood drive instead ” Woody says.  “Or trying to bring on new potential blood drive hosts, so that we can maybe mitigate some of that, and they’ve been very successful so far.” 

All types of blood are needed, but the most requested are O negative and positive, as well as A and B negative.  

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Blood donors needed as Missouri blood supply dips to severly low levels

March corn closed up 1 cent and May corn was up 1 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 26 1/2 cents and May soybeans were up 27 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 4 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 2 cents, March MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 2 1/4 cents.

What began as a fairly mundane session at midweek quickly became volatile following a midmorning social media post from President Trump, stating he had spoken with China's President Xi and hailed the conversation and general relationship with China as great, while pointing to increased soybean trade as a result. This obviously tripped headline driven algorithms to go on a buying spree across all soybean product markets, while providing positive influence on corn and wheat markets as well, though the latter would not sustain a move higher.

It's been another prosperous morning for the livestock complex as all three of the markets are trading fully higher into Wednesday's noon hour. Still no cash cattle trade has developed, but it's assumed prices will be higher again this week as the board's been incredibly supportive and market's fundamentals point to higher prices as market-ready supplies of cattle are thin.

The live cattle complex continued to rally aggressively into Wednesday's noon hour as the market is robustly supported by strong fundamentals. Aside from last week's bullish Cattle Inventory report, and the rally seen in last week's fed cash cattle market, the market knows market-ready supplies of cattle are thin right now and fed cash cattle prices are likely to continue to scale higher through at the least the first quarter of the year.&nbsp;

It's a full-fledged break-out day for the lean hog complex as the spot April contract scales to new contract highs as demand has been plentiful and the market isn't fearful of grinding higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/11/19211542/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

USDA says it will release glow-in-the-dark sterile flies along the U.S.–Mexico border to prevent the New World screwworm from spreading north and threatening American livestock. The flesh-eating parasite has recently been detected in northern Mexico, prompting renewed concern among cattle producers and animal health officials. 

USDA officials said the sterile insect technique, which was used successfully to eradicate the pest from the U.S. decades ago, disrupts reproduction and limits population growth. Ranchers have been urged to monitor herds closely and report suspected cases immediately. Reuters reported that limited production capacity for sterile flies could complicate containment efforts if infestations expand. Livestock groups warn that an outbreak could severely impact cattle supplies and drive beef prices higher.

USDA Moves to Block Screwworm Threat near Southern Border

The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed a proposed rule implementing the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, calling it a key step toward providing long-awaited clarity for ethanol and other biofuel producers. In a statement, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said the proposal from the U.S. Treasury Department reflects progress in aligning the credit with congressional intent by rewarding low-carbon fuel production based on lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. He said regulatory certainty is critical for producers making long-term investment decisions. 

The 45Z credit, created under the Inflation Reduction Act, replaces earlier biofuel tax incentives and is designed to encourage domestic production of cleaner transportation fuels beginning in 2025. Industry groups have urged Treasury to clearly define eligibility, emissions modeling and reporting requirements. RFA said the proposed regulation would help strengthen rural economies, support U.S. energy security and accelerate innovation across the renewable fuels sector as producers work to lower carbon intensity and expand clean fuel markets.

RFA Applauds Proposed 45Z Clean Fuel Tax Credit Rule

A new federal clarification has added momentum to the right-to-repair debate, with the Environmental Protection Agency confirming that farmers and independent mechanics can temporarily override emissions controls while repairing agricultural equipment. In guidance issued this week, the EPA said tools and software used to take equipment out of its certified configuration for diagnostics or repairs do not violate the Clean Air Act, as long as emissions systems are restored afterward. 

Supporters say the move removes a major legal gray area that has limited farmers’ ability to fix modern tractors and combines without manufacturer-authorized dealers. The issue has been central to years of disputes between farm groups and equipment makers over access to repair tools, software and manuals. Industry groups have warned that broader repair access could lead to emissions tampering or safety risks. The EPA action comes as Congress weighs bipartisan right-to-repair legislation and several states move to expand repair access, signaling growing federal engagement in a long-running fight over equipment ownership and control.

EPA Clarification Gives Farmers New Leverage in Right-to-Repair

March corn closed up 2 3/4 cents and May corn was up 2 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 5 1/2 cents and May soybeans were up 4 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 1 cent, March Minneapolis wheat was down 3 1/4 cents.

It was a generally positive session for ag markets Tuesday with soybean futures recovering from three consecutive lower sessions and building off bullish momentum which showed glimpses through Monday's rally off daily lows. Wheat markets, on the other hand, remain sluggish with bullish traders thus far lacking the confidence to extend the recent bounce beyond two-month highs which were hit last week. Corn was caught between the soybean rally and heavy wheat prices. Meanwhile, a recovery in energy prices following Monday's risk-off session provided a base of support Tuesday. In early afternoon Tuesday, it was reported that the U.S. had shot down an Iranian drone in the Persian Gulf, a swift ratcheting of tensions which had seemed to be cooling to begin the week, with nuclear negotiations set for Friday in Turkey. It is unclear at this point if those talks will move forward as planned.

The live cattle complex continued to move higher as traders have gained another level of confidence following last Friday's bullish Cattle Inventory report. The market is pressuring its technical barriers as this is currently the highest price point traded at since last October. As long as fundamental support continues to remain robust, traders will likely remain supportive and push the contracts higher. But it's undeniable traders will need to see continued fundamental support. Following last week's strong trade in the fed cash cattle market, there's been no new business develop yet and it's most likely trade will be delayed until Thursday or Friday of this week. It is assumed prices will be higher again this week as supplies of market-ready cattle remain thin. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $2.66 ($370.87) and select up $2.85 ($367.76) with a movement of 56 loads (40.98 loads of choice, 3.08 loads of select, 4.94 loads of trim and 6.53 loads of ground beef).

With encouragement from last week's bullish Cattle Inventory report, the stronger trade in the fed cash cattle market last week, and the live cattle contracts trading higher, the feeder cattle complex traded higher thanks to these support factors. If the live cattle contracts happen to weaken, there's a strong chance the feeder cattle contracts will too.

The lean hog complex started moderately higher and went into the closing bell the same way the day started. Hog prices average $86.27 on the Daily Direct Morning Hog Report, with prices ranging from $80.00 to $88.00 on 2,461 head and a five-day rolling average of $85.12. Pork cutouts total 191.65 loads with 176.52 loads of pork cuts and 15.13 loads of trim. Pork cutout values: up $0.35, $96.05.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/03143532/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to reapprove Dicamba for over-the-top use on tolerant soybeans and cotton for the 2026 season. Reports say the decision is aimed at addressing weed control challenges and will likely include stricter regulations like buffering agents and a possible ban on applying Dicamba when the temperatures are high. In a draft statement from the EPA, the agency called the pending decision the most “protective” Dicamba registration in agency history. 

Producers were prohibited from using the herbicide last year because of a 2024 court decision vacating previous registrations. It would be the third time that the EPA approved the pesticide. On both previous occasions, federal courts blocked the approvals, citing the underestimation of the risks of chemical drift that could harm other farms.

EPA is expected to reapprove Dicamba

The cattle inventory was 86.2 million head on January 1, 2026, which continued a long-standing downward trend. Despite a year of strong prices, the USDA Cattle Inventory Report showed the overall U.S. cattle herd shrank by another 0.35 percent, and it’s now at the smallest level in 75 years. The beef cow herd total was 27.6 million head, down by one percent. The 2025 calf crop was 32.9 million head, the smallest total since 1941. 

Beef replacement heifers rose one percent to 4.71 million head. All cattle on feed totaled 13.8 million head, a three percent reduction from 2025. The number of milk cows in the U.S. increased to 9.57 million. Dr. Derrell Peel, a livestock market analyst for Oklahoma State University, said the market is likely still trying to find a bottom. “We’re probably stabilizing, but it’s a very slow process,” Peel said. “We’re likely not going to rebuild very fast.” 

Cattle inventory hits a 75-year low

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced this week that 17 Missouri youth groups have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Building Our American Communities grant program.

The awards provide $500 each to seven National FFA Organization chapters and 10 Missouri 4-H clubs to fund local community service initiatives. Projects range from physical upgrades to fairgrounds and parks to the improvement of community centers.

“Year after year we see terrific projects and community impact from FFA chapters and 4-H clubs across Missouri,” Director Chinn said. “This year is no different, and we are proud to support efforts that will make a difference in these communities for years to come.”

Established in the 1970s, the BOAC program is funded through the Missouri Agriculture Development Fund via an agreement with the USDA. All selected projects must be completed by Aug. 1, 2026.

FFA and 4-H groups receive state grants

March corn closed down 2 1/2 cents and May corn was down 2 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed down 4 cents and May soybeans were down 4 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 9 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 10 1/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 6 3/4 cents.

U.S. row-crop futures were lower to begin the new week and month with wheat prices leading the way on a combination of technical pressure as well as outside market pressure from a firm U.S. dollar and sharply lower energy prices as U.S. and Iranian officials are set to hold nuclear talks in Turkey this upcoming Friday in a path of de-escalation of tensions which had driven crude oil prices to their highest level in four months. Direct fundamental news for corn, soy, and wheat markets was limited on Monday, but a quick start to soybean harvesting and safrinha corn planting in Brazil over the latter half of January is likely at least part of the cause of bearishness in the markets to begin February.

Live cattle futures surged higher Monday following the bullish news from last week's cattle inventory report. The focus on overall reduction in all cattle numbers and 2025 calvings decreasing by 2% has continued to spark renewed buying support through early trade. Although contracts backed away from initial highs, the focus on strong early week gains is likely to keep buyers active through the rest of the early week trade. Cash cattle markets look to be a typically quiet Monday with both buyers and sellers busy taking inventory and preparing for the week ahead. Bids and asking prices have yet to be established, and if the trend of the last couple of weeks continues, significant trade volume will be delayed until much later in the week. Boxed beef prices are Higher: choice up $2.14 ($367.70) and select up $2.35 ($364.29) with a movement of 32.80 loads (20.27 loads of choice, 4.93 loads of select, 3.40 loads of trim and 4.20 loads of ground beef).

Feeder cattle futures were leading the market higher Monday, as renewed focus on tight supplies continues to be seen through the entire cattle complex. The announcement in Friday's cattle inventory report of a 2% drop in calves born during 2025 continues to not only leave current buyers actively looking for cattle to fill yards, but it indicates that the trend will not be changing any time soon. It will be interesting to see how active buyer support remains over the next couple of days and weeks following this bullish report. Although the report gives actual numbers to the market supply tightness, the fact is that the market has already factored in much of the tightness, and this will not change the overall expectations of the beef market over the upcoming months.

Lean hog futures moved actively higher Monday as well. Although the same dynamics seen in the cattle market are not seen in the hog complex, the spill-over bullish support from surging cattle markets and active outside market buying activity has helped to push nearby contracts to triple-digit gains during morning trade. Spot month February futures are holding 80 to 90 cent gains through most of the morning, but the rest of nearby contracts held strong triple-digit gains near $2 per cwt into the closing bell. Traders continue to not only gain spill-over support from any beef market support during the year, but continued gains in financial markets are helping to keep hog market traders actively buying in initial February trade.

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GT Thompson, the chair of the House Agriculture Committee, has tentatively set a farm bill markup for the week of February 23. That’s according to three sources familiar with Thompson’s plans. While the formal text of his farm bill has yet to be introduced, it will likely have the same priorities as the version that advanced out of committee in 2024 but never became law. “Committee staff is still waiting for the cost estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, which could delay the markup in February.” 

Two people who were granted anonymity to discuss private details said that House Ag Republicans want to get a floor vote on the farm bill before the Easter recess. The ‘Farm Bill 2.0,’ as Thompson refers to it, will address multiple industry priorities like rural development, research plans, and could be a vehicle for year-round E15. 

House ag chair wants 'Farm Bill 2.0' in February

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect charged in connection with a violent abduction shown on a doorbell video in Wichita was back in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing. Daniel T. Espitia Guevara, 22., was sentenced to a year of probation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He pleaded no contest to charges of aggravated domestic battery and misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and  criminal restraint.

Espita Guevara is also on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold.

On October 12, the Wichita Police Department asked for the community’s help in identifying and locating a woman in a doorbell video who was seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.

Just after 3p.m. October 14, Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview. Police confirmed the identity of the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. Police determined the incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman did not have any significant injuries.

Just after 7 p.m. October 14, officers with the Wichita Police Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction team (DIVRT) located and arrested Guevara and booked him into jail.

Espita Guevara faces a separate trial for the immigration accusations, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. doorbell camera abduction video suspect learns his fate

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — A federal judge this week closed the lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed last summer after Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law blocked Medicaid patients from visiting its clinics for any health care appointments for one year.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood filed notice with the court Friday that it had dismissed “without prejudice all claims against” the Trump administration in the case. Massachusetts District Court Judge Indira Talwani issued an electronic order Monday closing the case “Pursuant to Plaintiffs’ Notice of Voluntary Dismissal without Prejudice.”

The law prevents people on Medicaid from being seen at Planned Parenthood facilities through early July, when the one-year period would expire.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson wrote in a statement released last week that President Donald Trump “and his allies in Congress have weaponized the federal government to target Planned Parenthood at the expense of patients —&nbsp; stripping people of the care they rely on.&nbsp;

“Through every attack, Planned Parenthood has never lost sight of its focus: ensuring patients can get the care they need from the provider they trust. That will never change. Care continues, as does our commitment to fighting for everyone’s freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures.”

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment from States Newsroom.&nbsp;

Talwani&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/one-big-beautiful-law-provision-planned-parenthood-funding-partly-blocked-judge" target="_blank">originally ruled for Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;in the case, temporarily blocking the defunding provision from taking effect. But an appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/appeals-court-allows-provision-freezing-medicaid-funding-planned-parenthood" target="_blank">later overturned that decision</a>, allowing the Trump administration to legally withhold Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood.&nbsp;

Talwani was nominated by former President Barack Obama.

The provision in Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law that blocks all Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood was originally slated to last for a decade, but the final version covered one year.&nbsp;

Federal law for decades has barred spending from covering abortions with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or the woman’s life.&nbsp;

So the new language prevented Medicaid patients from scheduling appointments at Planned Parenthood for other types of health care, like annual physicals, cancer screenings, or birth control appointments.&nbsp;

Shireen Ghorbani, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/planned-parenthood-sues-trump-administration-officials-over-defunding-provision-budget-bill" target="_blank">filed the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;along with Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that its health care providers would “continue to see patients and deliver on our mission to provide high-quality care and education to everyone who needs it, no matter where they live or how much money they make.”&nbsp;

A Planned Parenthood spokesperson, who did not want to comment on the record, said that certain clinics may choose to cover the cost of treating Medicaid patients, even though the clinic will not receive reimbursement from the federal government under the law.&nbsp;

Angela Vasquez-Giroux, vice president of communications at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that the organization’s “health centers initially shielded the overwhelming majority of patients who rely on Medicaid from the harm of this cruel law. Unfortunately, the consequences for patients will worsen considerably over time as health centers close, costs rise, and access to their trusted provider is pushed further out of reach.”

Planned Parenthood ends suit against Trump admin. over serving Medicaid patients

KANSAS CITY —A woman was rescued from a storm drain Wednesday near the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City.

Just before 7:30p.m., Kansas City Fire Department crews&nbsp;responded to a reported confined space rescue at 3250 N. Ameristar Drive, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 On arrival crews reported a woman, in her forties, was stuck in a storm drain. She was trapped several hundred feet in the pipe. 

KCFD's rescue division secured the scene and sent a team into the pipe to free and retrieve the victim. 

After 90 minutes, at 9:30p.m. fire department crews were able to finally rescue the victim. The woman had been stuck for several hours and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. She was listed in stable condition, according to Hopkins. No other injuries were reported. There is no word on just how she became stuck in the drain.

Woman trapped for hours inside storm drain in Kansas City

🎥'Today' show host asks kidnapper to provide proof mother is alive

Port-au-Prince —At the direction of the Secretary of War, three U.S. warships including the USS Stockdale, USCGC Stone and USCGC Diligence have arrived in the Bay of Port-au-Prince as part of Operation Southern Spear, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy Haiti.

"Their presence reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to the security, stability, and a brighter future for the Republic of Haiti. The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard reaffirm their partnership and support to ensure a safer and more prosperous Haiti."

US Warships arrive off Haiti in campaign against drug traffickers

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an encounter with a sheriff's deputy on a northeast Kansas highway.

Just after 4 p.m. Jan. 31, that Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a person was slumped over the wheel in a Ford Edge in the intersection of 118th&nbsp;and U.S. Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The reporting party attempted to wake the person up by using his horn in his vehicle. Deputies arrived on the scene to find the driver and passenger both asleep in the vehicle.&nbsp; One of the deputies reported what allegedly appeared to be a methamphetamine pipe in the hand of the driver.&nbsp; The driver and passenger were arrested.

The driver, Lloyd Allan Wabaunsee, 36, of Mayetta and the passenger, Raven Marie Barber, 44, of Mayetta were transported to the Jackson County Jail. Wabaunsee was booked into the Jail on requested charges of possession of methampehtamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of controlled substances, unlawful possession of a hallucinogenic drug, unlawful distribution of controlled substances, driving under the influence, possession of weapon by a felon, criminal possession of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.

Barber was booked into the Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, distribution of controlled substances, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp.

Sheriff: Kan. drug suspects were passed out in SUV on the highway

The new rules raise the bar to end filibusters after Democrats used procedural tactics to block appointments

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Democrats won changes to the Missouri Senate’s rules Tuesday, cutting a deal with GOP leadership that ended<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/15/democrats-stall-missouri-governors-appointments-vow-to-slow-senate-pace/">&nbsp;two weeks of filibusters</a>&nbsp;blocking dozens of gubernatorial appointments.

The changes make it harder to cut off debate and require the Senate to wait a day before acting on bills that return from the House with amendments. Both were approved on a 23-11 vote over fierce opposition from conservative Republicans.

“This is a mistake for a number of reasons,” said state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican. “When we change the rules mid-process, we’re sending a signal that anything is on the table and we should be negotiating for more leverage at any point.”

Democrats had been widely expected to deploy procedural warfare from the opening day of the legislative session in retaliation for Republicans invoking a rarely used rule four times last year to cut off debate and advance major priorities — an abortion ban amendment, the repeal of expanded sick leave, changes to initiative petition rules and a gerrymandered congressional map.

Instead, the early weeks of the session passed quietly, with Democrats largely standing aside during ceremonial business.

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