Here is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest region of Missouri for the week of March 2 - 8.

There may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.

U.S. Route 169 – Shoulder work from County Line Road to Route D, March 3-6.

U.S. Route 136 – Shoulder work from Route M to the Nodaway County line, March 2-6.

I-29 – Pavement repair, northbound at the 110 mile marker, March 4-5. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane with a 14-foot width restriction, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project through July 2026.

U.S. Route 59/Route 752/Route U – Intersection improvement project through spring 2027.

U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Traffic signal upgrade project at Messanie Street, through March 8.

U.S. Route 169 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for an intersection improvement project at Southeast Riverside Terrace through mid-July 2026.

Route 759 – Shoulder work from Cedar Street to Lower Lake Road, March 2-6.

Route 10 – Pavement repair and resurfacing project from Route FF to Route C in Ray County, March 2-May 15. The road will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.

Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge for a deck replacement project through March 2026.

Route 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route U –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Long Branch Bridge, northwest of Bucklin, beginning March 2-early May for a deck replacement project.

Route K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the North Fork Crooked Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route JJ –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Honey Creek Bridge for a deck replacement project through early April 2026.

Route E –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Honey Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through July 2026.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 190th Street to 200th Street, March 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 205th Street to 210th Street, March 3, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 210th Street to 220th Street, March 4, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route EE –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from 220th Street to 230th Street, March 5-6, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Locust Creek Bridge through June 2026, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.

Route 46 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at Marlowe Branch Creek for a bridge replacement project through May 2026.

Planned roadwork for Northwest Missouri, March 2 - 8

HARRISON COUNTY —A Missouri man was injured and later arrested after an accident just after 8p.m. Sunday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Stephan D. Elliot, 48,&nbsp; Trenton, was eastbound at a high rate of speed on MO 146 five miles east of Gilman City.&nbsp; The driver failed to negotiate a curve and overcorrected. The pickup crossed the center of the road, traveled off the north side of the road and rolled onto its roof.

EMS transported to Elliot to Harrison County Community Hospital. He was arrested on requested charges of felony driving while revoked or suspended, operating vehicle in careless, imprudent manner, for no insurance and not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man arrested after pickup rollover accident

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Nissan Rogue driven by a 37-year-old Brokefield woman was eastbound on U.S. 36 at Grand River Bridge three miles west of Chillicothe.&nbsp;The vehicle slid on the road and struck a guardrail.&nbsp;

EMS transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after SUV strikes a guardrail

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Saturday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Subaru CrossTrek driven by a 53-year-old Lathrop man was eastbound on U.S. 36 at SW Taylor Road three miles west of Stewartsville. The vehicle struck a deer in the road.

DeKalb Clinton ambulance transported a 56-year-old passenger to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman hospitalized after SUV, deer crash

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/samanthajackson/">Samantha Jackson</a>

JEFFERSON CITY — The House Education Committee is considering a bill that would bring driver’s education back to Missouri public schools at the elementary and secondary education levels.

Rep. Rodger Reedy, R-Windsor, sponsor of&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2195&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">House Bill 2195</a>, told the committee at a hearing on Wednesday that he aims to allow public schools to integrate driver education courses in their curricula for students.

Reedy said he believes teaching students about the rules of the road will help reduce the teen fatality rate and make the roads safer for everyone.

Reedy said he recognizes that some schools do have driver education courses, but they are usually in the summer and have a fee attached to them. His bill will be implemented in courses that students are already learning during the school year and will not have a fee.

Students would learn about obtaining a driver’s permit, attitudes, habits and skills on safely operating a vehicle, as well as instruction on distracted driving, traffic stops, and learn data on driver safety in the state. The bill would not require students to actually drive vehicles.

“Anytime we have better-educated drivers, I think we are a safer community,” Reedy said.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/teen-drivers" target="_blank">Missouri Department of Transportation</a>, the leading cause of teen deaths in Missouri is car crashes; in 2023, 133 people were killed in teen-driver-involved traffic crashes.

The bill asks the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to receive instructional lessons from school districts and professional organizations for safe driving programs. Schools can voluntarily adopt these programs into their classrooms with no cost.

Nick Chabarria, a public and government affairs specialist with AAA of Missouri and the chair of the Missouri Driver Education Coalition, expressed support for this “sensible, low-cost solution” in terms of fostering driver safety at a young age.

“Missouri teens, compared to surrounding states that do require some form of formal driver education, are about 80% more likely on average to be involved in a crash compared to states that don’t,” Chabarria said.

Kimberly St. Clair, inventor and founder of Doc Dash, a federally patented communication safety system for drivers, police, and EMS during traffic stops and medical emergencies, expressed support for the bill as well.

“The loss of young drivers serves as a solemn reminder that behind every statistic is a family and a community that is forever changed,” St. Clair said.

Doc Dash has been implemented in five schools, teaching students traffic laws, compliance, safe driving behavior, and clear communication to officials during traffic stops, crashes and emergencies. Their curriculum also includes mock traffic stops and scenarios for students to get a full demonstration of real-world events.

“These students are not only reminded what the law requires, but why compliance matters, and how speed, distraction, documentation, readiness, and respectful engagement are all very necessary,” St. Clair said.

Having trained nearly 600 students, St. Clair says her organization is “more than prepared” to provide curriculum lessons to DESE to enhance students’ knowledge on driver education and safety.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/house-bill-would-bring-drivers-ed-courses-back-to-schools/article_2ca7bee2-f5c8-4c26-a78a-fb5d836ba097.html#tncms-source=topstory" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

House bill would bring driver’s ed courses back to Missouri schools

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

The two online bookies who financed the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/opponents-of-missouri-sports-betting-amendment-pull-tv-ads-in-campaigns-homestretch/">campaign to legalize sports wagering</a>&nbsp;in Missouri have won $120 million from bets placed in the state but so far have not had to pay any tax on those profits.

FanDuel and DraftKings handled 73% of the $928 million wagered in Missouri during the first two months of legal sports wagering, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/SportsWagering/sw_financials/FY26_SWFinReport/01_Jan/SW%20Monthly%20Financials%200126.pdf" target="_blank">latest financial report</a>&nbsp;from the Missouri Gaming Commission. The two companies have 77% of the profits from those bets, but offset the entire amount won from players by deductions for promotional wagers and other costs.

Their winnings so far are about three times what it cost the companies in the 2024 election.

Missouri taxes the operator winnings of mobile platforms and casino-based retail sports at 10%, but the constitutional amendment passed in 2024 allows a write-off of all promotional costs, federal taxes and other business costs, from the taxable amount.

Sports wagering launched in Missouri on Dec. 1, and bettors&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/30/missouri-sports-betting-tops-543m-in-first-month-but-deductions-leave-state-with-only-521k/">placed $543 million in bets</a>. The total fell in January but in the two months combined, the eight mobile providers and the eight retail locations have netted $157.7 million from lost wagers, with 99% of the profits going to mobile platforms.

The state has received $659,196 in taxes over two months, or just less than one-half of 1% of the amount won by the online and retail bookmakers.

“The latest data shows more Missourians are ditching their bookies and illegal websites and enjoying the safeguards and convenience of placing sports bets legally,” Jack Cardetti, spokesman for the&nbsp;&nbsp;Sports Betting Alliance, said in a statement to The Independent. “This initial success is building a rock-solid foundation that will ensure Missouri receives the ongoing benefits of legal, regulated sports betting for decades to come, including millions in permanent, dedicated tax revenues.”

DraftKings and FanDuel are dominating the market.

The two companies are almost equal in their share so far. Players wagered $339.7 million on the DraftKings platform and $338.4 million on the FanDuel app. DraftKings reported it won $54.4 million over the first two months, while FanDuel won $65.6 million.

During the 2024 campaign, FanDuel and DraftKings each contributed $20 million for the $43 million effort. Major Missouri sports teams contributed the rest.

Other than licensing fees, neither company has paid the state any taxes.

DraftKings has $20.6 million in net write-offs it will carry forward before it has any tax due. FanDuel has $8.1 million.

The total amount of unrealized write-offs for all eight mobile bookmakers is $33.8 million.

FanDuel, DraftKings take Missouri profits nearly triple their cost for sports wagering campaign

Emery Sapp &amp; Sons, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, has been contracted to replace the Marlowe Branch Creek Bridge in Worth County Missouri Route 46.

 The bridge is scheduled to close beginning Thursday, March 5.

Traffic impacts include the Marlowe Branch Creek Bridge on Route 46 will be closed from March 5 through May 2026. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during the closure.

As a part of the project, the West Fork Grand River Bridge replacement on Route W in Worth County was completed Feb. 12.

MoDOT reminds drivers to work with crews by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Worth County Route 46 bridge to close beginning March 5

If you're looking for something to do around town, here are a few events going on in St. Joseph.

There are a few days left to enjoy St. Joseph Restaurant Week. The last day is Sunday, March 1. For more information, visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fstjrestaurantweek.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNGVhVFcyWHBVOVZHN1JTOHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5V-bnVyknyCHZ5JyUI-2bcSLHjzrUXoszGZWJfi7lTgaMR-XUtfWg3ELoVjQ_aem_w4Aw4Vb8U66KwYRaUTU92A&amp;h=AT4rLrP4ZMBZxDibog0dHT3CNe1wbWtDF4j_yDvOb5u13BQW9r35zmrxp1bWI7BhrSTCcfu5a_lk6z_fMtC5ZPkxqnCDYV8gWtMUrgPEjRft2jP6MRDioSShjQ6dyHhjYhsCP_mmqQte_V7T&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT6MNL0WfUB5dO2hcyrFkEwlFshz3CXI0Z9hB-m619oGIQmD41S27D0l_3zy74czJRjCPlmKfogdtoznQBr4Lh6FpQYl4jp08IBAJQBmsm3RILy-Icu85fLtDp7NCOdDZiciHxK4-FQPqxpwZKu0oFBECaz2dZhBoK3MIoZJjEL3L6JldPgtyXEYViopeTm2Ypikx6XnCIAFPQ5lvgn9o0_mRg" target="_blank">stjrestaurantweek.com.</a>

Get your tastebuds ready as the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ucpnwmo?__cft__[0]=AZaboAHcLlvIoB7lm3np2Lr5fP_GpaKrB9Ea3xHQmZq9eNtjdE5sdLjA-nLHQDEDwJ7O4filp7qgGMvd_ldGq5nRe-brUpFGa2t1MkLny43qamW9KKnSUzybG-2ahpT295L6FRc6xdqzh_QHsk3SRisn8WN9Kd84KrXzXOlj5vCJcflLKRC-FBpwCIV2v6ePCzY&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">UCP of Northwest Missouri</a> Chili Challenge will take place this Sunday, March 1, at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StJosephCivicArena?__cft__[0]=AZaboAHcLlvIoB7lm3np2Lr5fP_GpaKrB9Ea3xHQmZq9eNtjdE5sdLjA-nLHQDEDwJ7O4filp7qgGMvd_ldGq5nRe-brUpFGa2t1MkLny43qamW9KKnSUzybG-2ahpT295L6FRc6xdqzh_QHsk3SRisn8WN9Kd84KrXzXOlj5vCJcflLKRC-FBpwCIV2v6ePCzY&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">St. Joseph Civic Arena</a>. For more information, visit <a href="https://ucpnwmo.org/chili-challenge/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNGVhVFcyWHBVOVZHN1JTOHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6_HhghKqOHbKnVs7HdY2eERoCa-4SrsY2p6FMr0DczpYlhdI_qNsF34Zp0qQ_aem_xY98b16TuaTcfwgD6-mv0Q" target="_blank">https://ucpnwmo.org/chili-challenge/</a>.

Take a trip to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RemingtonNatureCenter?__cft__[0]=AZaboAHcLlvIoB7lm3np2Lr5fP_GpaKrB9Ea3xHQmZq9eNtjdE5sdLjA-nLHQDEDwJ7O4filp7qgGMvd_ldGq5nRe-brUpFGa2t1MkLny43qamW9KKnSUzybG-2ahpT295L6FRc6xdqzh_QHsk3SRisn8WN9Kd84KrXzXOlj5vCJcflLKRC-FBpwCIV2v6ePCzY&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Remington Nature Center</a> to check out the weekly fish feedings on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. The event is included with regular admission to the nature center.

Head to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MissouriTheater?__cft__[0]=AZaboAHcLlvIoB7lm3np2Lr5fP_GpaKrB9Ea3xHQmZq9eNtjdE5sdLjA-nLHQDEDwJ7O4filp7qgGMvd_ldGq5nRe-brUpFGa2t1MkLny43qamW9KKnSUzybG-2ahpT295L6FRc6xdqzh_QHsk3SRisn8WN9Kd84KrXzXOlj5vCJcflLKRC-FBpwCIV2v6ePCzY&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Missouri Theater and Theater Building</a> March 6 - 8 as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rrtstjoe?__cft__[0]=AZaboAHcLlvIoB7lm3np2Lr5fP_GpaKrB9Ea3xHQmZq9eNtjdE5sdLjA-nLHQDEDwJ7O4filp7qgGMvd_ldGq5nRe-brUpFGa2t1MkLny43qamW9KKnSUzybG-2ahpT295L6FRc6xdqzh_QHsk3SRisn8WN9Kd84KrXzXOlj5vCJcflLKRC-FBpwCIV2v6ePCzY&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Robidoux Resident Theatre</a> presents Annie. For more information, visit <a href="https://bit.ly/4sctTO8?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNGVhVFcyWHBVOVZHN1JTOHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7uWNRdHv-h-8KipZ5Dkie5XqHU39tAU6MTWgV7w1buf-tPDkBskL7tcEV0Qg_aem_JHzw0fy3rWaAZtVFJvB2tQ" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/4sctTO8</a>.

Check out some events going on around St. Joseph

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will host its 22nd annual Farm City Breakfast from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, at Word of Life Church, 3902 NE Riverside Road. 

As one of the Chamber’s best-attended single-day events, the breakfast recognizes the essential role of farmers, producers, and the agribusiness sector in the local economy.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dan Meers, who recently retired after more than 35 years as "KC Wolf" for the Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL’s longest-tenured mascot and a member of the Mascot Hall of Fame, Meers has performed at over 10,000 events across 12 countries, including five Super Bowls. Beyond his career in professional sports, Meers is a highly regarded motivational speaker known for his infectious enthusiasm and optimism.

The event will also feature the presentation of the second annual Farm Family of the Year Award to the Scott Gann family. A multi-generational farming operation, the Ganns are being recognized for their commitment to the industry and the community. Scott Gann, a past chairman of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, also remains active in the region through his local construction company.

Proceeds from the breakfast support Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Scholarships for area students pursuing agricultural degrees. Natalie Hawn, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, noted that the event serves as a vital networking hub for hundreds of producers and agribusiness professionals to discuss industry issues while funding the education of future leaders.

Tickets for the event are $12 per person, with registration available online at <a href="http://saintjoseph.com">saintjoseph.com</a>. The LifeLine Group serves as the presenting sponsor for this year's program.

St. Joseph Chamber to host 22nd Annual Farm City Breakfast featuring former KC Wolf Dan Meers

St. Joseph School District officials are continuing to prepare for the shift into a two high school model next school year  

After surveying staff of what schools, they would prefer to be at next school year, Superintendent Ashly Mcginnis says the current phase of the reorganization is meeting with those effected staff members 

"With Eugene Field and Pershing being retired sites, and also Lafayette becoming a middle school, those were our main priority staff at that time,” McGinnis says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “And so, we’ve had those one-on-one meetings with every staff member from those buildings, and we’ve actually met with Central High School and Benton High School, because there’s going to be some movement.” 

McGinnis says with students moving from Lafayette to Central, which will impact staffing at that high school, also pointing out staffing could still be impacted by retirements or teachers resigning.  

McGinnis says while discussions have been tough, but also gives credit to staff who seem to be understanding of the current reality 

"And most of them have been team players, and we’ve had to go back to staff and say we really need this specific skillset at Benton High School or at Central High School and would you be willing to help us, or at Carden Park,” McGinnis explains.  “And so, all of our schools have different needs, and we have those conversations with our staff, we’re trying to work with people but we also some specific needs that we need help with.” 

McGinnis says it's huge for the district to have staff willing to step up into positions of need to help fill staffing in the district.   

As discussions around staffing happen in the St. Joseph School District with the shift to two high schools next school year, district officials are also being sure to keep the students top of mind.  

McGinnis says the recently developed Student Advisory Council, comprised of students from all three high schools, has been meeting once a month with her. 

McGinnis says the first meeting centered around students concerns and specific items preserving history, but things changed during this months meeting McGinnis says 

"I was amazed by our students, they are leaders, and they didn’t want to just talk about the concerns or the issues, they wanted to be problem solvers and think of things to propose to me as steps of action,” McGinnis says.  “And so, we actually broke down to three committees.” 

The three committees focus around academics, climate and culture, and the enrollment increases at each school.  McGinnis says students are mindful of the problems but are also working to create solutions collaboratively. 

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

St. Joseph School District working with staff, students as reorganization efforts continue

Despite unclear enforcement mechanisms for restrictions on transgender athletes, House lawmakers approved legislation to remove the law’s expiration date

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>

The Missouri House passed a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%201663" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;along party lines Thursday that would remove the expiration date on the state’s restrictions for transgender athletes.

In 2023, the General Assembly&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/10/missouri-house-sends-bill-banning-transgender-health-care-for-minors-to-governor/">passed a law</a>&nbsp;that prevents transgender athletes from competing according to their gender identity alongside a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Democrats in the Senate filibustered the bill, leading to a compromise that added a four-year expiration date.

Every year since the law’s passage, lawmakers have filed bills seeking to scrap the sunset.

During Monday’s debate, House Democrats said that the provision gave lawmakers time to consider research on transgender athletes and determine whether restrictions were fair. That learning process, they argued, is not complete.

“Removing the sunset should only happen if we as a collective have undertaken a thorough review and study about the topic,” said state Rep. Pattie Mansur, a Kansas City Democrat. “We have not discussed this topic as a collective.”

The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican from Branson, said the expiration “was just a matter of capitulation.” Making the restrictions permanent, he argued, is necessary to “give female athletes a level playing field.”

Allowing transgender women to compete “undermines the fairness and opportunity” for women to succeed, he said.

Other House Republicans spoke about maintaining a competitive environment for women’s athletics, saying transgender women had an “advantage.”

“If we erode sex-based protections in athletics, we do not expand opportunities,” said state Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, a Republican from Carthage. “We would collapse the very category that allowed generations of women to compete fairly.”

Prior to the law’s passage, regulations on transgender athletes were left to organizations like the Missouri State High School Activities Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. MSHSAA’s policy allowed transgender athletes that have been taking hormone-suppression medication for at least one year to compete according to their gender identity, opening the door for 12 transgender athletes to try out for school athletics from 2012-2022.

State Rep. Wick Thomas, a Kansas City Democrat and the House’s first nonbinary member, pointed out that more bills have been filed targeting transgender athletes than the number of transgender athletes in Missouri high school sports.

“That seems like an incredible misuse of time and taxpayer dollars to spend so many hours, every single year constantly attacking those 12 kids who tried to play recreational sports with their friends,” they said.

Thomas also worried about the law’s enforcement, saying “anyone deemed too masculine will be under investigation.”

The law gives authority to the state’s education and higher education departments to establish enforcement mechanisms, but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/21/enforcement-unclear-as-missouri-approaches-transgender-athlete-restrictions/">neither created such rules</a>. A year after the law became effective, education department officials denied any responsibility,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/09/04/missouri-schools-lack-public-enforcement-policies-for-transgender-athlete-restrictions/">telling The Independent</a>&nbsp;that the department “is not involved in school athletics and activities.”

The legislation also gives students and their guardians the ability to sue if they are “deprived of an athletic opportunity” because of a transgender athlete in Missouri.

State Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, told lawmakers Monday that she didn’t intend to speak during the House’s debate of the bill. But thinking about how people might try to enforce the restrictions worried her.

The law may have an outsized effect on Black women, who Proudie says are too often “masculinized.”

“How do we enforce this when someone decides they don’t want to face an athletic team and says the players look a little too masculine,” she said, worrying that they might inflict “invasive tests” to determine an athlete’s sex.

Seitz did not comment on the prospect of athletes being subject to physical inspection, reiterating that the bill was only “removing the sunset” from a law currently in effect.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Bill to make transgender athlete ban permanent passes Missouri House

The wheat market led row crops higher on Friday, shaking off an otherwise sluggish week as traders took Thursday's successful hold of chart support, and lack of a deal between the U.S. and Iran as reason enough to halt profit-taking and follow the influence of higher crude oil prices to close the week. Along those lines, there were reports that Thursday's negotiations made some progress, and talks are expected to continue. Meanwhile, the surge in wheat prices positively influenced corn futures as well, which rose for the third straight session while covering technical ground. Soybeans were mixed through much of the session, struggling with resistance and hedging pressure as prices tread among November highs currently, but well supported to the downside by trade optimism and concerning conditions for the Argentine crop and ultimately managing a very strong close for the week. In outside markets, equities moved sharply lower again with the Dow Jones Industrial Average threatening a monthly loss for February, which would be the first monthly loss since April of 2025.

May corn closed up 5 cents and July corn was up 4 3/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 7 1/4 cents and July soybeans were up 6 1/2 cents. May KC wheat closed up 18 1/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 17 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 14 cents.

Live cattle futures posted active pressure across all futures contracts, with spot month February contracts trading $2 per cwt lower, while other nearby contracts traded $3 to $3.60 per cwt lower. Continued strong pressure in outside markets is adding additional pressure to the entire live cattle complex. Cash cattle markets are starting to improve with light trade reported in parts of Kansas at $244, $5 lower than last week's weighted averages. A few live deals are also being reported in parts of Nebraska. Some bids are now on the table in Texas, but so far, they are being passed. Boxed beef prices are Higher: choice up $1.08 ($378.97) and select up $3.44 ($374.23) with a movement of 48.35 loads (38.87 loads of choice, 2.46 loads of select, no loads of trim and 7.02 loads of ground beef).

Feeder cattle futures were leading the market lower Friday, as buyer support seemed to crack during the Thursday trading session. The overall lack of buying interest stepping into the market during initial trade Friday in outside markets seemed to leave even more pressure flooding into the complex. Spot month contracts held the best at this point with prices over $5 per cwt lower at midday, while other nearby contracts held $7 to $7.50 per cwt losses as traders have not only focusing on outside market pressure, but also a lack of market stability through the entire beef complex at the end of the month.

Lean hog futures once again were the quiet and more stable livestock market of the complex, with prices mixed within a very narrow trading range despite the aggressive selling pressure flooding into both the cattle trade and outside financial markets. April futures continued to trade higher through the morning and heading into midday, with a 30-cent gain developing. The rest of the complex remained slightly under pressure with losses of 5 to 15 cents per cwt holding in most nearby contracts. The overall lack of direction in both pork market technical trade as well as stability in market fundamental direction through late February seems to be a welcome relief compared to the market pressure across other markets.

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Commodity markets daily recap

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the imminent disposal of USDA’s South Building and Braddock Place, designed to reduce the real estate footprint of the U.S. Government in the National Capital Region. “This is a long overdue move to protect the American taxpayer dollars from being wasted on expensive real estate inside the Washington, D.C., area when our government should be closer to the producers we serve,” Rollins said. 

“More than 85 percent of the South Building is unoccupied, and there’s a $1.6 million backlog in deferred maintenance.” She also said it’s “unacceptable” to put these costs on the U.S. taxpayer. “We’re being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars while also ensuring top-notch customer service and fulfilling our promise to American farmers,” Rollins added. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden added that the massive, underutilized real estate footprint wasn’t sustainable in the current USDA budget. 

USDA relocation plans moving forward

The Fertilizer Institute voiced strong support for key conservation, innovation, and nutrient stewardship provisions included in the House Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill proposal. The organization is grateful that Chairman GT Thompson recognized the important role that nutrient stewardship and conservation technologies play in helping farmers produce abundant, affordable food while protecting natural resources. “These provisions in the draft Farm Bill reflect a practical, science-based approach to strengthening American agriculture,” said Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of the Institute. 

Of particular importance to TFI is the inclusion of a clear definition of plant biostimulants, as well as an exclusion to ensure that these innovative, nutrition-based products are not regulated as pesticides. “Incentivizing precision agriculture and enhanced efficiency technologies through conservation programs is a smart investment,” Rosenbusch added. “These tools help farmers get the most out of their applied fertilizer and deliver economic benefits on the farm while enhancing environmental protections.” 

Fertilizer Institute applauds Farm Bill 2.0 

What began as another mixed and dull trade for Wednesday saw soybeans again gain bullish favor by late morning, shaking off overnight lows for the third time this week and very close to challenging November highs on the May contract. Corn futures were also able to move higher for the third time in the past four sessions and back among the highs of the year thus far. Meanwhile, wheat futures continue to slide on profit-taking directly tied to simmering geopolitical concerns ahead of Thursday's continuation of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Along those lines, crude oil futures were lower for the third straight session, but remain among the highs of 2026 with risk premium baked in. Equity markets continued their recovery of Monday's losses and treasuries were quietly lower.

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

The live cattle complex traded mostly lower into Thursday's closing bell, as the market seems to be holding its breath, unsure what's going to shake out in this week's fed cash cattle market and whether or not a strike is going to happen at JBS's plant in Greeley, Colorado. And with the market nearing resistance pressure, traders are simply unwilling to advance the contracts without further fundamental support. There are bids currently on the table in Nebraska and Texas, but no cattle have traded yet. Asking prices are noted at $388 to $390 in the North and at $250-plus in the South. Boxed beef prices were mixed: choice down $0.24 ($378.99) and select up $3.79 ($370.86) with a movement of 49 loads (28.44 loads of choice, 5.69 loads of select, 4.04 loads of trim and 10.55 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex was feeling the full effect of the market's underlying uncertainty as its contracts traded $5.00 to $6.00 lower for the bulk of Thursday's session. Without seeing the live cattle contracts trading higher -- and still no reassurance as to what's going to come of this week's fed cash cattle trade -- the feeder cattle contracts were left to trade sharply lower.

After an impressive seven-day rally, some of the nearby lean hog contracts traded slightly lower into Thursday's closing bell. With pork cutout values down again slightly, traders may be opting to reel back their support of the contracts until the market's fundamentals improve.

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The overall Rural Mainstreet Index dropped below a growth-neutral level of 50.0 for February. That’s according to the most recent monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a ten-state region dependent on agriculture or energy. The region’s overall reading for February fell to 47.9 from 52.0 in January. This marks the 12th time that the index has dropped below growth-neutral since January 2025. “Due to weakness in the farm economy, especially for grain, about 75 percent of bankers support additional Congressional financial support for the agriculture sector,” said Ernie Goss of Creighton University. “They said pullbacks in farm exports during 2025 continue to undermine the regional farm economy.” 

The February survey showed farm loan delinquency rates plateauing at a modest rate of less than 1.5 percent. The Farm and Ranchland Price Index also fell below growth neutral at 45.5. The overall index ranges from 0 to 100, with growth neutral at 50.0.

February Rural Mainstreet Index falls below growth neutral

A new ten percent U.S. tariff on goods from around the world took effect on Tuesday. Meatingplace said a list of tariff exemptions included beef, some fertilizers, and metals like steel and aluminum that are already under Section 232 national security tariffs. The ten percent tariff under Section 122 was announced last week after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s widespread use of tariffs, in place since February 2025. “Section 122 only allows tariffs for 150 days without congressional action,” Meatingplace said. “The President had said over the weekend he was raising them to 15 percent, the cap set in Section 122, but Tuesday’s action remained at ten percent.” 

Fertilizers that are exempt from the new import tariffs include urea, ammonium nitrate, UAN, ammonium sulfate, along with DAP, MAP, and others. Ammonia, sulfuric acid, and sulfur are not exempt, unless they are imported via the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beef, most fertilizers exempt from new tariffs

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

Although we still haven't heard whether or not there will be a union strike at the JBS plant in Greeley, Colorado, traders seemed comfortable advancing the live cattle contracts Wednesday. Still no cash cattle trade has developed and it's most likely trade will be delayed until Friday. If a plant strike does happen in Colorado, then there's a chance prices may trade steady as opposed to higher as not as many cattle would be needed in the immediate future. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $1.92 ($379.35) and select up $0.75 ($366.76) with a movement of 59 loads (34.16 loads of choice, 4.69 loads of select, 8.08 loads of trim and 11.88 loads of ground beef).

Upon seeing the live cattle complex step out and comfortably trade higher, the feeder cattle contracts were logging a sizeable rally ahead of Wednesday's noon hour. Nothing sent the live cattle contracts tumbling lower, the feeder cattle contracts were able to sustain the bulk of their rally into Wednesday's closing bell.

The lean hog complex continued to trade higher, keeping with what is now a seven-day rally as traders continue to drive the market higher upon the technical interest they've recently found. It's been interesting to watch the market's fundamentals play out over the last seven trading days as pork cutout values have been mostly mixed, but packer interest in the cash market has been better.

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U.S. farm groups are urging Congress to move quickly on a new Farm Bill, warning that continued delays could increase uncertainty for producers heading into the 2026 growing season. Commodity organizations say programs covering crop insurance, conservation, nutrition assistance and farm safety nets need long-term stability. Congressional hearings are underway, but farm leaders say producers need clarity well before planting and financing decisions are finalized. 

Agricultural economists note that high input costs, volatile weather and global competition have increased reliance on federal support programs. Farm groups warn that a delayed bill could complicate lending decisions and participation in conservation initiatives. Congressional leaders say negotiations are ongoing but acknowledge challenges in reaching a bipartisan agreement. Farm organizations say timely passage is critical to maintaining confidence in the U.S. farm economy.

Farm groups urge Congress to move quickly on 2026 farm bill

U.S. meat exporters are facing increased pressure overseas as global production rises and price-sensitive buyers look for lower-cost supplies. USDA data show beef and pork exports remain strong by historical standards, but shipments have softened in several key Asian markets. Industry groups say a strong U.S. dollar, higher production costs and growing competition from South America are affecting price competitiveness. 

Export markets are critical to U.S. livestock prices, particularly for cuts less favored by American consumers. The U.S. Meat Export Federation says trade access plays a major role in supporting farm-level returns. Trade officials say ongoing negotiations and market development efforts are focused on maintaining access and expanding demand. Industry leaders warn that continued competition could pressure producer margins if exports slow further.

U.S. meat exports face growing global competition

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

There was very little impactful news for Tuesday to drive prices. Soybean futures appear to have found a comfortable range of liquidity with an early attempt lower rejected by buyers who are still finding optimism in a firm soybean oil market. Meanwhile, corn futures remain sluggish and confined to their February price range with profit-taking in wheat through the week thus far a source of spillover weakness. Outside markets for Tuesday saw recovery in equities after an ugly start to the week on Monday. Energy markets remain generally elevated relative to their 2026 range thus far but are treading this week with the next round of U.S.-Iran negotiations upcoming on Thursday. In other outside market news, President Trump's State of the Union address is Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. CST, and investors will undoubtedly be tuned in to hear comments regarding the U.S. economy, tariff situation, and more.

The live cattle complex continued to trade mixed as it's unclear whether or not an agreement was reached at the JBS packing plant in Greeley, Colorado, to avoid a union plant strike. This uncertainty had the nearby contracts trading slightly lower, while the deferred contracts were trading mildly higher. Still no cash cattle trade has developed, and it's unlikely any trade will surface ahead of Thursday or Friday. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $6.65 ($375.87) and select up $1.79 ($366.10) with a movement of 58 loads (39.59 loads of choice, 4.96 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 13.79 loads of ground beef).

The live cattle complex may have traded mixed, but the feeder cattle contracts found a little more support and were softly to fully higher moving into Tuesday's closing bell. More than anything it seems the market is no longer up against immediate resistance pressure, which is why traders are comfortable to now allow the contracts to push slightly higher.

The lean hog complex maintained with its recent trend and traded solidly higher into Tuesday's close. This morning's pork cutout values were down slightly, but prices were stronger Monday and the market remains far enough away from technical resistance pressure that traders are comfortable advancing the contracts at this point in time.

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WASHINGTON —U.S. military officials are investigating a reported friendly fire incident in Operation Epic Fury.

At 11:03 p.m. ET, Sunday, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.

All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.The cause of the incident is under investigation.&nbsp;

The U.S. Central Command released no additional details early Monday.

US fighter jets shot down in friendly fire Incident in Kuwait

KANSAS CiTY—Law enforcement are investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E 76th street in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they located two adult male victims inside a vehicle at the intersection of 76th and Lydia. One man was suffering from gunshot wounds and officers immediately began performing life saving measures while ordering EMS. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. The other male victim sustained non life threatening gun shot wounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the course of the initial investigation officers located a possible subject of interest in a nearby residence. Officers surrounded the house and an Operation 100, a police stand off, was initiated. Trained negotiators and tactical officers were called in to the scene to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.&nbsp; Police ultimately determined the house was empty.

This is being investigated as a homicide, and no one is in custody at this point. Detectives are still working to determine what led to shots being fired and the victims being struck.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim.

Homicide: Police end standoff in search for KC shooting suspect

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 1a.m. Sunday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Traffic Division reported a vehicle traveling west on Quindaro Blvd. in the westbound lane was struck at 10th Street by an eastbound vehicle that was also traveling in the westbound lane. 

One adult was pronounced deceased on the scene. Five additional adults were transported to an area hospital with injuries ranging from serious to critical. One of those individuals has also died from their injuries.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

Police: 2 dead, 4 injured in wrong-way crash on Kansas road 

KANSAS CITY — Kansas City man who allegedly stole a bus and led police on a chase is facing multiple charges.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2816/ReiffPreston---Complaint-and-Warrant-Packet-1">Preston R. Reiff, 21,&nbsp;</a>faces one count of Stealing, one count of 1st Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, and one count of 1st Degree Property Damage, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a bus station on Feb. 24 after a bus was reported stolen. Witness accounts and surveillance footage captured Reiff driving the bus out of the lot, striking a wall, an automatic gate, and two signs, causing an estimated $55,000 in total damage to the facility, and further damage to the bus that has yet to be calculated.&nbsp;

Officers tracked the bus via GPS and attempted a traffic stop but Reiff refused to pull over. Officers successfully deployed stop sticks and Reiff pulled to the shoulder. He was taken into custody without further incident.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set Reiff's bond at $30,000 cash only.&nbsp;

KC man caused thousands of dollars in damage after he stole a bus

🎥President Trump warns more U.S. troops will "likely" die in Iran attacks

DAWSON COUNTY&nbsp; — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested one person after finding more than 240 pounds of suspected cocaine during a commercial vehicle inspection.

Tuesday afternoon, an NSP Carrier Enforcement trooper conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on a semi tractor/trailer near mile marker 254 on Interstate 80, according to a media release. During the inspection, the trooper became suspicious of criminal activity.

An NSP K9 detected the odor of a controlled substance inside the cab of the semi. A search of the cab revealed 242 pounds of suspected cocaine concealed underneath the sleeper bed.

The driver, Arwinderjit Singh, 30-years-old, of Manteca, California, was arrested for possession of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver, possession of an open alcohol container and displaying a fictitious license plate. He was lodged in Dawson County Jail.

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