Missouri Western State University, the Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph (CAP St. Joe), and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday morning at Wilson Hall to celebrate the expansion of the campus-based Head Start facility.

The expansion, funded by more than $630,000 in grants, introduces two new Early Head Start classrooms for children ages birth to 3, an upgraded food service area, and an enhanced outdoor learning environment. President of Missouri Western State University, Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, says, "There is kind of a child care desert in St. Joe, so this is expansion is beneficial to the community."

Since moving to the MoWest campus in 2023, the program has served as a dual-purpose hub for regional family support and collegiate training.

"This program represents the best of what MoWest strives to do," said Kennedy. "We are supporting young children and families in our region while creating real-world learning opportunities for our future professionals."

The February expansion was designed to meet a growing demand for early childhood services in the St. Joseph area. According to Kayla Marmaud of CAP St. Joe, the new facilities strengthen the infrastructure for the region's youngest residents.

"This ribbon cutting celebrates the growth of the program since coming to campus," Marmaud said. "With expanded classrooms and new improvements, we’re continuing to strengthen services for local children and families."

Families interested in Head Start or Early Head Start services can call CAP St. Joe at 816-233-8281.

MoWest and CAP St. Joe celebrate Head Start expansion

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 11:30a.m. March 8,&nbsp;a Brown County Deputy responded toa call of a reckless driver complaint involving a white sedan on U,.S. 36 Highway, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

A traffic stop was initiated near Goldfinch.&nbsp; Upon completion of the interdiction with the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, the deputy arrested 61-year-old Daniel Schaefer of Kansas City, Missouri, on requestd charges of DUI and Transport Open Container.

Missouri man accused of DUI, transporting an open container

United Way Success By 6 will host "Seeing Strength, Shaping Supports: Autism-Informed Teaching for Every Learner" on Saturday, March 21, at the Wyatt Park Christian Church Fellowship Hall in St. Joseph.

The training, scheduled from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m., is designed for early childhood educators but remains open to any interested community members. National presenters Cheryl Cotter and Cristen Sassi will lead the session, focusing on how understanding autistic cognitive processing can benefit all students in a classroom setting.

The seminar aims to shift the educational perspective toward a strength-based lens. Participants will learn to align teaching strategies and environmental supports with a child's unique perspective and learning needs.

The event is supported by Community Action Partnership Head Start and Wyatt Park Christian Church. United Way Success By 6 is a collaborative initiative dedicated to ensuring children are prepared for success by the time they enter kindergarten.

United Way to host Autism-Informed teaching seminar

UPDATE: Southbound Interstate 29 will be restricted to a single lane Thursday morning as crews move equipment for the ongoing Gene Field Road Bridge project, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The lane reduction is scheduled to take place from 6:00 - 10:00 a.m. on March 12 at the bridge construction site. Motorists should be aware of a 10.6-foot width restriction during this window.

This restriction was initially stated to be Wednesday, but has since changed.

The work is part of a larger effort by Clarkson Construction Company and MoDOT to modernize the Gene Field Road Bridge. Key upgrades include:

The project is currently slated for completion in July 2026.

MoDOT officials remind drivers to remain alert when traveling through work zones. All scheduled work is weather-permitting and subject to change. For more information and project updates, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.modot.org/projects/gene-field-road-bridge-replacement-over-interstate-29-buchanan-county">modot.org</a>.

Southbound I-29 at Gene Field Road Bridge to be narrowed to one lane March 12

The City of St. Joseph, in coordination with Union Pacific Railroad, will temporarily close several roads on Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 13, for pavement repairs at two railroad crossings.

Motorists should anticipate detours and increased traffic control throughout the duration of the project.

City crews will conduct flagging operations at the crossing at Industrial Road and Lower Lake Road. Simultaneously, the crossing at Lower Lake Road will be fully closed from Industrial Road to 1986 Lower Lake Road.

Bluff View Drive will be closed from Stockyards Expressway to Lower Lake Road for continued crossing repairs.

The project is weather-dependent and subject to material availability. Officials urge motorists to exercise caution, follow all posted signage, and allow for extra travel time.

St. Joseph railroad crossing repairs to trigger two-day road closures and detours

North Central Missouri College recently marked the 40th annual National TRIO Day with a week-long series of events designed to showcase the impact of federal college access programs on student success and community growth.

Observed every February, National TRIO Day honors the legacy of federally funded programs created to remove barriers for first-generation students, individuals from limited-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities.

NCMC currently hosts three of the eight federal TRIO programs, which were originally established by the Higher Education Act to improve national college retention:

These initiatives provide essential services—including academic advising, tutoring, financial aid guidance, and career exploration—to help students navigate the path from high school to professional careers.

Centered on the theme "Academic and Career Growth," NCMC’s celebration featured an interactive "Tree of Opportunity" display in Geyer Hall. The display used leaves to represent current TRIO students and first-generation faculty and staff, illustrating the bridge between those who paved the way and those currently pursuing their degrees.

Reflecting the theme of sustainability and community, students from Student Support Services and Upward Bound participated in a service project creating pollinator seed pods. The project served as a metaphor for growth extending beyond the classroom and into the local environment.

The week also emphasized peer-to-peer connection and career readiness:

Through these events, NCMC continues to highlight how TRIO programs empower students to graduate and pursue meaningful professional pathways.

NCMC Celebrates 40th National TRIO Day With Focus on Growth

KFEQ Morning Sports

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is seeking volunteers to help with the allocations process for this year's annual campaign.  

Director of Community Investment Jodi Flurry says every year, around 150 to 160 community members come together to help recommend how funds from the campaign should be distributed

“Reviewing the agencies, learning about our partner agencies, and then making recommendations on how they think the money raised from the campaign, the communities money that’s been entrusted to United Way, should be invested back out into these agencies,” Flurry says on the KFEQmunnity show.

Flurry says volunteering to help with the allocations process is a great way to get to know more about where your donation is being used and impacting lives

“And have a voice in how your donation is used in our community,” Flurry explains.  “And maybe you’re brand new to United Way, or the community, and you’re like well I would like to learn more about what’s going on with our non profits, with our social service agencies, what are they actually providing, what are they doing?  The United Way allocations process is a great way to learn about what is happening in our community.”

Flurry says those participating in the process will be a part of sub committees that will review at two to three of the United Way's partner agencies

“Agencies like YWCA, Interserv, Family Guidance Center, and the list goes on until you reach 16, you will review two or three of our agencies, you get an application from them so you really learn a lot about their programs and services, their financial information, and really what impact United Way donor dollars are having in their organization," Flurry says.  “So you get an application to review, you then have a presentation from the agency, where you might go on site or at United Way and you hear from the organization about what they are doing to improve lives in our community.  Then going through a process, you provide feedback and recommendations on how you think United Way should invest in this agency in the coming year.”

To volunteer you can contact Flurry or visit the United Way's website.  Volunteers are asked to dedicate around 10 to 15 hours of time over two months, April to May, to meet and review the agencies. 

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

United Way of Greater St. Joseph asking for voluteers to help with allocations process

The proposal would base funding on the number of students enrolled and some state schools could lose 40% or more of their state support. The plan is part of a budget proposal that cuts $300 million from general revenue spending requested by Gov. Mike Kehoe

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>

A push to shift hundreds of millions of dollars among Missouri state colleges and universities ran into bipartisan skepticism Monday during a hearing of the House Budget Committee.

State Rep. Dirk Deaton, chairman of the House Budget Committee, said he wants to overhaul state support for community colleges and universities by reallocating funding based on the number of full-time students on each campus. Current funding is too tied to past appropriations, he said, and gives the 10 four-year universities and 12 community colleges widely varying amounts for each student educated.

“The money follows the student, it is really as simple as that,” said Deaton, a Republican from Seneca.

State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Moberly Republican, was among members skeptical about the massive reallocation. Truman State University in Kirksville would lose more than half of its funding under Deaton’s plan.&nbsp;

“That would be a tremendous hit to that university, and would probably cause that university to close within two years,” said Lewis, who is a candidate for state Senate in the district that includes Kirksville.

Deaton led the committee through a discussion Monday of his proposed changes to appropriations for state government operations in the coming year. The committee will meet again Wednesday for further changes before sending the 12 spending bills to the full House for debate.

Budget figures compiled by The Independent show the proposals Deaton discussed Monday would use $15.4 billion of general revenue, about $420 million less than&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/missouri-revenue-surplus-nearly-gone-as-gov-mike-kehoe-unveils-his-budget-plan/">Gov. Mike Kehoe requested</a>&nbsp;in January. All spending on operations, including federal funds and earmarked taxes, would be $50.6 billion, or about $1.4 billion less than requested by Kehoe.

Some of the money cut from operations will be shifted to the capital construction budget. Deaton said his spending plan, overall, uses about $300 million less general revenue than the $16.2 billion total sought by Kehoe.

He said he will unveil his proposals for building construction and major renovations after lawmakers return from next week’s legislative Spring Break.

The budget still leaves a huge gap between anticipated revenue and proposed spending. For the coming year, that gap of about $2.6 billion would be covered by accumulated surpluses.

One way Deaton saves general revenue is by tapping other funds that can be spent instead of general revenue. He’s using a constitutional directive to take $64.7 million from the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++38(b)&amp;bid=31786&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">Blind Pension Fund</a>&nbsp;for public schools and taking&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/01/missouri-lawmakers-grill-treasurer-over-interest-earned-on-i-70-funds/">interest earned</a>&nbsp;since lawmakers set aside $1.6 billion for highway projects on&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/04/missouri-budget-negotiations-conclude-with-i-70-expansion-child-care-funding-intact/">Interstate 70</a>&nbsp;and Interstate 44, about $160 million total.

Other significant items in Deaton’s budget proposal include:

Deaton’s proposals for higher education funding shift about $250 million among four-year universities and $26 million among two-year community colleges.

Deaton said he’s not spending any more than Kehoe requested but by changing the method for its distribution, he makes big winners and losers within that limit.

The state’s largest institution, the four-campus University of Missouri System, would receive $542.2 million, up from the $521 million in Kehoe’s budget. The second-largest, Missouri State University, would receive $145.2 million, up from $115.7 million.

Meanwhile, Truman State University would see its funding cut by more than half, to $23.8 million from $50.9 million. Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University, the four-year schools receiving the smallest current amounts would each have their core funding cut by almost 40%.

There is no political favoritism being shown in the funding overhaul, Deaton said. He noted that Missouri Southern State University in Joplin near his southwest Missouri district would see a cut.

Missouri’s Southern’s allocation would be reduced by about $6.4 million, to $25.3 million.

“I wish it were different but they do a little bit worse under this plan than their current core model,” Deaton said.

Missouri State and Ozarks Technical College in Springfield would both receive funding boosts, but state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the budget committee, said she isn’t satisfied the change is equitable.

“That makes me happy, to see Missouri State getting additional investments and Ozark Technical College getting additional investments,” Fogle said. “But I do have significant concerns with how this will impact my students to go to other public universities and community colleges throughout the state.”

Some lawmakers were enthusiastic in their support of changing how higher education is funded.

“We have subsidized really bad decisions for a very long time,” said state Rep. Louis Riggs, a Hannibal Republican.

But many members were concerned that they have been asked to vote for major building projects and new programs in recent years. The schools need the money to operate those buildings and programs, they said, asking if Deaton would agree to a phased switch.

“Is this something that we just cut the puppy dog’s tail off right away,” asked state Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, a Carthage Republican, “or snip it off a little bit of time?”

Budget leader proposes massive overhaul of Missouri higher education funding

MoDOT has announced a road project for Route FF and 49th Street, near Highway 169.

The plan is to widen the intersection there, and add concrete aprons to allow easier turns for tractor trailers.

Traffic width will be restricted to 10 feet, and the area may have flaggers. Access to 49th Street will be closed from the 16th until June.

Work is expected to be done by mid-August.

This is a separate project, in addition to work just down Highway 169 at Southeast Riverside Terrace.

Roadwork at 169 and FF to begin March 16th

Mosaic Life Care is set to expand its footprint in St. Joseph with the phased opening of its new Plaza 4 Medical Office, a three-story, 90,000-square-foot facility designed to streamline regional healthcare. 

Located directly across from the main campus at Faraon Street and Riverside Road, this $12.5 million project aims to improve patient access by consolidating a wide array of services. The building features 130 exam rooms and advanced diagnostic technology, all intended to provide a more efficient and centralized experience for visitors.

The grand opening will occur in multiple stages, beginning with Phase 1A on April 20. This initial launch will introduce imaging services and a first-floor coffee shop, followed closely by the opening of the laboratory in Phase 1B on April 27. These early phases establish the diagnostic foundation of the building before the clinical specialty groups begin their transition.

Throughout the month of May, the facility will rapidly scale up its clinical offerings. From May 4 to May 11, Phase 2 will bring specialty clinics into the fold, including Podiatry, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Nephrology, and Endocrinology. Shortly after, on May 18, Phase 3 will see the opening of the Primary Care clinics. The rollout concludes in early June with Phase 4, which marks the opening of the retail and specialty pharmacy.

Patients can expect a modernized environment designed for convenience, featuring on-site valet services and a centralized check-in system. The infrastructure is equipped with six outpatient blood draw bays, an MRI suite, two CT scanners, and three X-ray suites. Additionally, the facility includes specialized spaces such as two hearing sound booths and a dedicated rehab gym. Mosaic has already begun notifying patients via mail and other digital communications to ensure they are aware of which clinics are moving to the new Plaza 4 location.

Phased opening announced for new Mosiac expansion

May corn closed down 1 1/2 cents and July corn was down 2 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 5 1/2 cents and July soybeans were up 6 cents. May KC wheat closed down 11 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 12 1/4 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was down 11 cents.

For at least a few minutes on Tuesday morning, traders took a break from following the geopolitical whirlwind of the past ten days to review fresh crop supply and demand estimates from USDA, with prices showing little to no reaction as USDA left most forecasts unchanged or very close. The theme of the past 24 hours has been an incredible reversal in crude oil, with NYMEX WTI futures back below $85 per barrel after trading just under $120 per barrel late Sunday evening. Comments from President Trump on Monday that the end of the conflict with Iran may be on the horizon increased selling pressure, but on Tuesday Defense Secretary Hegseth signaled more intense bombing campaigns, and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi states negotiations with the U.S. were "off the table." The market is anticipating a coordinated release of G7 country oil reserves to stabilize the market, hence Tuesday's price pressure. Meanwhile, price action in equities has been the opposite, with a reversal off Monday lows and the Dow Jones Industrial Average now attempting to post back-to-back higher sessions for the first time in March.

Following Monday's weaker close, the live cattle complex found some renewed technical support and traded moderately higher into Tuesday's closing bell. Unfortunately, the spot April contract is still trading just below the market's 100-day moving average, which will continue to be an important threshold to monitor as whenever the complex is trading below that price-point a level of bearishness is present throughout the marketplace. Still no cash cattle trade has developed and trade will likely be delayed until Thursday or Friday.

Keeping in alignment with the live cattle complex, the feeder cattle complex also traded moderately higher into Tuesday's close. The spot April feeder cattle contract is currently trading above the market's 100-day moving average -- but could face some technical pressure when the complex comes up against the resistance at the 40-day moving average. Despite the immense pressure the futures complex endured Monday, feeder cattle sales held relatively steady; hopefully the same will be said about sales throughout today.

The lean hog complex traded modestly higher into Tuesday's close and is beginning to rival the market's resistance, which could be problematic for traders later this week if the market's fundamental support isn't as strong as desired. Unfortunately, pork cutout values were down at the day's start, which may not help traders in their desire to continue to see the contracts scale higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/10141745/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Farmers are facing high input costs, trade uncertainty, and surging grain production. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins spoke directly about those challenges during the recent Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, her home state. The Secretary told attendees that between 2020 and 2024, fuel costs increased 33 percent, seed costs were up 19 percent, fertilizer prices rose by 48 percent, labor was up 44 percent, and interest expenses were up 71 percent.

 “We’re seven years out from the last farm bill and all of this information we’re trying to work with is so outdated,” said Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association, “Our costs are so different that we have to get something done. It’s like they’ve forgotten about rural America.” There were some stern conversations and tension between farm leaders and representatives of major seed, fertilizer, machinery, and chemical companies during the opening day of the Commodity Classic. 

Farmer frustrations voiced at Commodity Classic

A new poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of Rural Voices USA found that 71 percent of farm families across five Midwestern states say they’re more likely to support a Congressional candidate who votes for year-round E15 legislation. The survey included respondents from Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, and it also found that a majority of all rural voters, at 57 percent, say a candidate’s support of E15 would make them more likely to vote for that candidate.

 “Rural voters see the farm crisis enveloping their communities and are looking for answers from Congress,” said Rural Voices USA Chairman Chris Gibbs. “This survey shows that rural voters and farm families want their members of Congress to go to bat for them on E15 because it ripples across the farm economy.” Gibbs also said that members of Congress would be wise to listen and stop the delays in passing the legislation.

Poll: 71 Percent of farm families back candidates supporting E15

May corn closed down 6 3/4 cents and July corn was down 5 1/2 cents. May soybeans closed down 4 1/2 cents and July soybeans were down 4 cents. May KC wheat closed down 3 3/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 13 1/2 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 3 cents.

As was wildly expected, crude oil (and related energy markets) jumped drastically again on the Sunday open, with oil hitting the highest level seen since the first half of 2022 following the initial Russian invasion of Ukraine. Prices eventually eased on profit-taking, falling back below $100 per barrel, accelerated on reports that G7 nations will discuss a coordinated release of oil reserves to ease the supply shock caused by the trade halt in the Persian Gulf. Row crops fell from highs along with the energy sector, with overbought technical conditions likely playing a role in encouraging profit-taking and hedging as well. Equity markets were lower again but off their daily lows, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average on pace for the first monthly loss since last April, barring a mid-March turnaround. The U.S. dollar was firm but will face a major technical test near 100 on the index, which has held since early 2025.

It's almost as if the live cattle complex thinks cattlemen and traders alike would grow weary if the market simply traded in a lackadaisical mundane fashion as opposed to the rollercoaster ride it turns into at times. Which perfectly describes the market's $3.00 to $4.00 decline Monday, as news broke late last week that union workers will indeed strike at the JBS packing plant in Greeley, Colorado. The strike is expected to happen the week of March 16, and JBS intends to shift production to other facilities during that time. This causes great anxiousness for the cattle complex as the market is already seeing minimal throughput from packers as they try to manage their margins to the best of their ability. It also raises the question: How is this going to affect beef consumers? Unfortunately, a level of uneasiness will likely reside within the market until this ordeal is played out; expect continued volatility until then. New showlists appear to be mixed, higher in Texas, but lower in Kansas and Nebraska/Colorado.

As expected, the feeder cattle complex has noted the decline in the live cattle market and consequently elected to send its contracts tumbling $4.00 to $5.00 lower into Monday's close. Until the live cattle complex settles down and trade in a more stable manner, the feeder cattle contracts will likely continue to scale lower.

Not even the lean hog complex could trade higher Monday, as its market is also seeing a slight regression into the closing bell. For the lean hog complex the market's resistance seems to be inflicting pressure more than anything else.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/09140148/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

A Missouri state court has granted preliminary approval to a proposed $7.3 billion settlement aimed at resolving thousands of lawsuits alleging that Bayer’s Roundup herbicide caused cancer. Reports show the order from the Missouri Circuit Court in St. Louis allows the company to begin notifying potential claimants nationwide and sets a July 9 fairness hearing to determine whether the settlement will receive final approval. As part of the preliminary ruling, Bayer must deposit $500 million into the settlement fund within 10 business days. 

The proposed settlement, announced in February, is intended to compensate current and future plaintiffs who claim Roundup exposure caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The agreement also establishes a long-term program for handling future claims. Attorneys representing plaintiffs said the ruling is an important step toward compensation for victims after years of litigation. Bayer officials said the settlement is part of a broader strategy to resolve ongoing legal challenges tied to the herbicide. The settlement process will now move through a notice period before the court decides whether to grant final approval later this year.

Roundup settlement receives preliminary court approval 

A tick-borne cattle disease is spreading rapidly across Missouri, with confirmed cases now reported in 60 counties, raising concern among veterinarians and livestock producers. Reports say the disease, Theileria orientalis ikeda, was first detected in Missouri in 2023 and has expanded steadily as the Asian long-horned tick, the parasite’s primary carrier, spreads across the state. The organism infects red blood cells and can cause severe anemia in cattle. Veterinary experts say symptoms may include weakness, jaundice, pale mucous membranes and lethargy. 

In severe cases, the disease can lead to death, particularly in stressed animals or calves. There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine available in the United States, leaving prevention and tick control as the main tools for managing the disease. Researchers and extension specialists are urging producers to closely monitor cattle for signs of illness and to work with veterinarians to manage tick populations as the parasite continues to expand westward in the state.

Emerging cattle disease spreads across Missouri

March corn closed up 5 1/2 cents per bushel at $4.47 and May closed up 7 cents per bushel at $4.60 1/2 and March soybeans closed up 21 1/4 cents at $11.85 and May soybeans were up 21 1/2 cents at $12.00 3/4. May KC wheat closed up 31 cents at $6.23 1/2, May Chicago wheat was up 33 cents at $6.16 3/4 and May Minneapolis wheat was up 23 1/2 cents at $6.43

Grain and soy markets added more war premium Friday as the bombing of Iran military sites continue; but Iran still has not backed down. Crude oil soared again as the Strait of Hormuz transit of energy and fertilizer supplies continues to be restricted. Wheat led the markets higher on Friday despite still overall bearish fundamentals as funds continued to buy.

The live cattle complex started the day off trading lower, and upon seeing some fed cash cattle trade develop at lower prices, the market extended with that trend through the day's close. Today's weakness seems to be stemming from a number of different areas. Technically speaking, the market's 40-day moving average seems to pose as too much of a technical barrier for traders to challenge at this point. From a fundamental sense, seeing prices trade $3 lower in the North doesn't send the market warm and fuzzy feelings either. Bids are currently on the table in the South, but no Southern trade has been noted yet.

The feeder cattle complex also traded lower as the market witnessed&nbsp; its contracts fall anywhere from $6 to $7 lower by the closing bell. More than anything, the weakness seen in the live cattle complex amid a lower trade in the fed cash cattle market doesn't give the feeder cattle complex much support to rally around.

The cattle contracts may have traded much lower, but the lean hog complex kept with a slightly higher trend as traders remain committed to keeping a sideways/somewhat higher trend in the hog sector. Today's support largely gets attributed to trades as the market's fundamentals aren't helping drive the ship higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/06140252/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

For many years, the Iowa Corn Growers Association has been raising concerns about the pressure and crushing prices put on farmers by the fertilizer industry. Fertilizer prices continue to rise while commodity prices go in the other direction. ICGA said an investigation by the Department of Justice would be a step in the right direction, as more probing needs to be done. The Association thanked the Iowa Congressional delegation for hearing corn farmers' concerns’ by bringing forward the Fertilizer Research Act in the Senate and House to review the competition and transparency within the fertilizer industry. 

Additionally, ICGA and the Texas Corn Producers Association sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi in early February requesting a status update on the report related to fertilizer pricing and industry consolidation. Reports this week show that the DOJ has begun an official investigation into the U.S. fertilizer industry to explore whether several of the country’s largest fertilizer producers conspired to raise prices on American farmers.

Iowa Corn Growers encourage investigation into fertilizer

The House Agriculture Committee advanced a Republican-led farm bill 34-17 in a vote early on Thursday. While the markup was slowed by partisan fighting about the package, the legislation was approved with the backing of seven Democrats. Reports said that the bill is basically the same as legislation that House Ag Committee Chair Glen Thompson advanced out of the committee two years ago. House Ag Ranking Member Angie Craig said that despite “bipartisan improvements” during the amendment process, the package remains a disappointing farm bill that doesn’t meet the moment. 

“The bill includes sweeping updates to agriculture and nutrition policies that haven’t been formally reauthorized since the last farm bill passed in 2018." Representative Eric Sorenson of Illinois attempted to amend the bill to include language enabling the year-round sale of E15, but the amendment did not pass. The bill still includes language that would eliminate California’s Proposition 12.

House Ag Committee advances farm bill

May corn closed up 9 3/4 cents and July corn was up 9 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 9 3/4 cents and July soybeans were up 9 1/2 cents. May KC wheat closed up 20 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 15 1/2 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 10 1/4 cents.

For Thursday, traders saw the need for added risk premium in commodity markets, with wheat futures leading the way with another double-digit spike back toward calendar year highs. That positively influenced corn futures as well in tandem with another very strong round of export data released by USDA on Thursday morning. Soybeans were higher and back toward early week highs for the rally, with soybean oil providing bullish influence given the firm energy sector. Meanwhile, in other outside markets, the Dow Jones Industrial Average crashed again following a brief midweek reprieve from selling. Inflation and high interest rates fears (as a result of high energy costs) are driving investor sentiment, with the U.S. Dollar pressing higher and back towards 2026 highs as well.

The live cattle complex traded mildly higher following Wednesday's sizeable surge. Traders are cautiously advancing the spot April contract above its 40-day moving average, but it's not come without some worry as traders question whether or not they're overdoing the upward trend right now. If we had seen some stronger trade in the fed cash cattle market, then there likely wouldn't be any worry amongst traders; but we've yet to see any cash trade develop. There's a single bid currently on the table at $375 in Nebraska, but otherwise the market is sitting idle as feedlot managers wait for packers to offer up stronger bids. Asking prices are noted at $244 in the South but are still not established in the North.

The live cattle complex is pushing its spot April contract above the 40-day moving average, but the feeder cattle complex isn't seeing the same level of support as traders aren't comfortable pushing above their 40-day moving average at this time. The feeder cattle contracts continued to hedge on the side of safety and continue to trade steady to slightly lower.

Following Wednesday's sharp rally, the lean hog complex was mixed heading into Thursday's close as traders no longer want to push the contracts up to the market's resistance. It is helpful to see pork cutout values mildly higher as traders need to see continued fundamental support.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/05135830/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

🎥US destroyed 16 mine-laying vessels as Iran threatens to block Gulf oil exports

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal apartment fire in Topeka have&nbsp;identified the woman who died as Lynette Newman, 60, of Topeka, according to a statement released Tuesday from the Topeka Fire Department.

Just after 9p.m. March 4, crews&nbsp;responded to an apartment fire located at 715 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;

Crews reported on arrival that there was heavy smoke coming from the multi-family apartment complex. Firefighters began an aggressive interior attack on the fire from within the structure. Firefighters rescued several residents from the structure. Four people were transported to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.

Newman was pronounced deceased at the scene. 9 apartment units were displaced by the fire.

&nbsp;The preliminary cause of the fire was determined unattended cooking and not an accidental electrical fire.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details on Tuesday.

Kansas woman identified as victim in deadly apartment fire

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Douglas County District Judge James McCabria declined Tuesday to pause enforcement of a new state law that invalidated driver’s licenses and criminalizes bathroom use for transgender residents, saying he doesn’t have enough information yet and that he believes Kansans are tolerant.

In a six-page ruling — which includes a section titled “Who to believe?” — McCabria said attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union and Attorney General Kris Kobach provided no examples to support their claims that the law will harm transgender people or that the law makes bathrooms more secure.

“In hearing the arguments of each side, the Court is struck by a basic assumption each side makes about the other — that our ‘lesser angels’ drive our choices,” McCabria wrote. “Yet, the very paucity of actual examples that&nbsp;either side&nbsp;has put forward in&nbsp;any&nbsp;of the arguments suggests the opposite — that the vast majority of Kansans are tolerant, understanding, accepting and generally supportive of each other and that the vast majority of transgender persons have experienced this as Kansans.”

Two transgender men from Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">filed a lawsuit Feb. 26</a>, the day the law took effect, arguing it violates their constitutional rights to due process, privacy, equality and expression. They also argue the law violates a constitutional requirement that bills passed by the Legislature contain only one subject.

Attorneys with the ACLU and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm represent the plaintiffs, who are identified by the pseudonyms Daniel Doe and Mathew Moe. They asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order, which would have paused enforcement of the law for 14 days, which a possible 14-day extension.

McCabria wrote in his decision that the request for a temporary restraining order requires plaintiffs to pass multiple legal tests: They have to demonstrate a likelihood of winning the case, show the law would cause immediate and irreparable harm, and show that a restraining order serves the public interest and no other remedy is available.

“The conclusion became self-evident — this Court simply does not have the information the law requires to enter a Temporary Restraining Order at this stage of the proceedings,” he wrote.

Plaintiffs can continue to provide evidence and arguments in support of an injunction, which would block enforcement of the law while the case is being litigated. McCabria scheduled a case management conference for March 18.

“This is a devastating, but hopefully temporary, setback for our clients and transgender people across the state of Kansas,” said Harper Seldin, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU. “The harm of this law has already had sweeping impacts on the lives of transgender people like our clients, threatening their ability to hold a job, go to school, or go about their daily lives.”

The GOP-led Kansas Legislature this year fast-tracked&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, limiting public input and debate at every step. The Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of the bill on Feb. 18, and the law took effect as soon as paperwork could be finalized.

Under the law, individuals in public buildings must use bathrooms and other private spaces, such as locker rooms, that align with their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender. It isn’t clear how governments, schools, universities, libraries and other entities are supposed to ensure proper bathroom use, but failure to do so will result in a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.

Individuals who use the “wrong” bathroom will receive a warning on first offense, a $1,000 fine for breaking the law on subsequent offenses, and be charged with a Class B misdemeanor crime on third and subsequent violations. They also are subject to civil lawsuits from anyone “aggrieved” by their bathroom choice.

Proponents said the law will make it safer for cisgender women to use the bathroom, even though there is no evidence to support the claim. They ignore the reality that the law now requires transgender men, who look and sound like men, to use the women’s bathroom.

In his ruling, McCabria said he rejected the assumption “that every restroom visit is fraught with the potential for violence or embarrassment if this law is not immediately suspended. Or, especially, to assume the Legislature intended to promote such negative experiences when the law was passed.”

The law also requires that gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates match an individual’s sex assigned at birth.

Shortly before the law took effect, the Kansas Department of Revenue sent letters to 275 residents who had changed their gender markers to let them know their driver’s licenses had been invalidated.

Kobach said during a court hearing Friday that 138 of the 275 individuals who were affected by the law had already gotten a new driver’s license.

“You can’t take it seriously, the impossibility of complying, when so many already have,” Kobach said.

Trans Liberty, a national advocacy group, announced Monday it was launching Operation Lifeboat to serve transgender Kansans who need support. The organization previously issued a statewide evacuation warning for transgender people.

Operation Lifeboat provides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.translifeboat.org/" target="_blank">an online portal</a>&nbsp;for trans people to request help with transportation, packing, hauling and getting settled somewhere else, breaking leases, emergency financial aid, legal guidance, DMV escorts and other assistance. Allies can offer to help as drivers, hosts, movers and donors.

“Our goal is to meet this moment with both urgency and compassion,” said Brandon Callahan, an incident commander for the operation. “This operation is built to provide real support to people who need it while coordinating the many individuals and organizations stepping forward to help.”

Kansas judge rejects attempt to block law that restricts bathroom use, invalidates driver’s licenses

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple charges for a 2023 murder in Kansas City, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2819/Canady-RED-COMPLAINT-TC">Terry W. Canady</a>, 33,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Shooting at a Person and Exhibiting), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2820/Canady-RED-PC-TCRedacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting on March 31, 2023, and located the victim on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Video footage captured two suspects, one later identified as Canady approaching the victim near a vehicle. One of the suspects had their arms extended, holding a firearm. A flash was observed between Canady and the victim and then gunfire was exchanged as both suspects fled. A dark-colored Chevrolet Traverse was observed driving away from the crime scene at a high rate of speed.&nbsp;

Canady later arrived at a hospital in a black Chevrolet Traverse with a gunshot wound. Detectives collected a buccal swab from Canady and it matched the blood found at the crime scene.&nbsp;

Detectives are working to identify the second suspect.

A Jackson County judge set Canady's bond to $150,000 cash only.&nbsp;

Hospital swab linked suspect to Kansas City killing 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run and have made an arrest.

Just after 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a report of an injury accident at the intersection of SW 6th Street and SW Horne Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

Officers learned that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police did not release the name of the pedestrian.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the incident involved a hit-and-run crash. The vehicle driver, Elizabeth A. Neal, 38, of Topeka, was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections and remains jailed on requested charges of Driving While License Suspended, Failure to Stop at an Accident Resulting in Death, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence, Vehicular Homicide

Kansas woman accused of hit-and-run that killed pedestrian

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Rabbi Moti Rieber sat on the tiled floor, legs akimbo, in front of the arched passage leading to the Kansas Senate chamber with at least 20 people behind him and more lining the walls with handmade signs.

“We are here because when injustice becomes law, then resistance is necessary,” Rieber said. “We are here as moral witnesses.”

Clergy members led a sit-in protest Tuesday in opposition to a recently passed anti-trans law. The Republican-controlled Legislature used tactics to avoid public input and overrode the governor’s veto to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, requiring people in public buildings to use the bathroom that coincides with their biological sex and also mandating driver’s licenses include a person’s biological sex instead of their gender.

Sergeants-at-arms looked on from behind the group, and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers soon joined. But it wasn’t until the group prevented Sen. Tim Shallenburger, R-Baxter Springs, from entering the chamber that troopers grabbed people by the arms to clear a path.

As troopers hoisted activists up from their seats, encouraging them to disperse, the group sang in harmony: “No one is getting left behind this time. No one is getting left behind. No one is getting left behind this time. We get there together or never get there at all.”

At one point, a trooper knocked a woman to the ground as she tried to pass through the crowd, appearing to mistake her as part of the demonstration. Protesters responded with chants of “Shame!”

The woman declined to be identified or comment but told Kansas Reflector she was OK.

Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, said while sitting on the floor, addressing the crowd, that the process to pass SB 244 was “crooked.”

The law has already been challenged in Douglas County District Court, and a judge’s decision on pausing the order was expected as soon as Tuesday. The state sent letters to 275 Kansans shortly before the law went into effect, telling them their driver’s licenses were invalid. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/05/new-kansas-bathroom-law-likely-to-harm-mental-health-increase-risks-for-trans-people-experts-say/">experts say laws targeting trans people can harm</a>&nbsp;their mental health and increase the likelihood of discrimination.

The Rev. Mandy Todd, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, said SB 244 is hurtful, targeted and part of a culture war. She said the group is “disgusted by this Legislature’s treatment of trans people.”

The bill stokes fear and anxiety, she said.

Todd, the director of engagement for Kansas Interfaith Action, said trans people in her community have felt the immediate effects of SB 244. The closest driver’s license office is in the next town, which Todd said has hamstrung one Lindsborg woman, who now cannot legally drive to sort out her invalid license.

Pastor Charles McKinzie II of Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield is confident the law, which he said was flawed in process and in substance, will make its way to the Kansas Supreme Court to be overturned.

“In the meantime, people are hurting, and people need to know that they are seen,” McKinzie said.

Conversations about the effects of SB 244 aren’t limited to a courtroom. They are taking place in churches, synagogues and other small group settings across the state, McKinzie said, and the sit-in was meant as a show of nonviolence “to shed light on a violent system.”

Master Trooper Scott Whitsell said Tuesday afternoon, about an hour after the protest, that no one from the group had been cited or arrested to his knowledge. The only law the protestors broke was blocking an entryway, he said.

Clergy-led activists block entry into Kansas Senate in protest over bathroom law

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Several people including two police officers were injured after an overnight house fire in Bonner Springs.

Late Monday, Kansas City, Kansas fire crews responded on automatic aid to assist the Bonner Springs Fire Department with a house fire in the 500 block of Allcutt Avenue, according to a media release.

Bonner Springs Police officers were the first to arrive and immediately entered the home after learning people were still inside. They assisted in removing the occupants until firefighters arrived.

Two patients were transported in critical condition, and a citizen who stopped to help is listed in stable condition. Two Bonner Springs Police officers were also treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.

Situations like this are exactly why regional cooperation between public safety agencies exists. Last night could have been much worse without the quick actions of officers, firefighters, and citizens working together.

Two hospitalized after fire at Kansas home

The first case arising from last year’s special session for redistricting examines whether the state constitution allows the General Assembly to revise maps without new census data

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