Tax season is approaching, and the IRS is advising taxpayers to start preparing for filing their 2026 returns. 

Some key tips include setting up direct deposit for tax refunds, reviewing new tax law changes introduced in 2025, and exploring the new Trump Accounts for eligible children. 

Taxpayers should also report income from payment apps and online sales, as well as digital asset transactions, including cryptocurrency and NFTs. 

The IRS has not yet announced the start date for accepting tax returns in 2026.

IRS tips for tax filing

As the Missouri legislative session begins today at noon, a Republican senator has introduced bills aimed at the Kansas City Chiefs and their impending move to Kansas.

Senator Nick Schroer has introduced three bills targeting the Chiefs after the team announced plans to build a new stadium in Kansas, as well as a new practice facility and a new team headquarters based in Olathe.&nbsp; If lawmakers feel snubbed, after approving a package during a special session in June, the three bills could make it to the floor during the session.

One bill would impose a $50 surcharge on each ticket sold for events hosted by the Chiefs and a 5 % surcharge on sales made within the sports facility during those events.&nbsp; Another would make any lessee of a public facility with a capacity of 60,000 or more liable for the reasonable costs of demolishing the existing facility if it is not left in a condition that is usable for another purpose when the lease ends.

The final bill being introduced from Schroer would deny any professional sports team playing in a facility with a capacity of at least 75,000 people the ability to receive tax credits.&nbsp; It is not known if all three bills will be heard, or debated, during the legislative session.

Despite efforts to keep the team in Missouri, the Chiefs confirmed their move to Kansas City, Kansas for a $3 billion state-of-the-art facility by 2031.&nbsp; The proposed legislation could impact the Chiefs' plans for a new stadium and mixed-use entertainment district.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Missouri lawmaker takes aim at Chiefs move to Kansas with new bills

Missouri State Representative Mike Jones has introduced legislation to increase penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses.

 The proposed bill would raise fines to $500 for first-time offenders, allow for license suspension, and add points to driving records. The legislation aims to address the growing problem of drivers passing stopped school buses with extended stop-arms and flashing lights, with the hope of deterring such dangerous behavior. 

The director of transportation for Platte County R-3 Schools supports the increased penalties as a necessary deterrent, emphasizing the importance of education and awareness in preventing such violations. The bill is expected to gain traction as the legislative session progresses.

The legislative session began Wednesday, Jan. 7 in Jefferson City.

New legislation aims to crack down on stop-arm violations to protect Missouri students

Brian Helm, of St. Joseph, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison following a guilty plea for the November 2024 murder of Dustin Allen Graham. 

During a planned robbery, Helm reportedly used his vehicle to block Graham in a parking lot, smashed Graham's window, and fired a fatal shot before fleeing the scene. Helm, who was a fugitive with an active parole violation at the time, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action.

His sentences—25 years for murder and three years for the weapons charge—will run consecutively. His co-defendant, Melanie Myers, admitted to her role in arranging the fatal meeting and pleaded guilty to first-degree armed robbery in April 2025.

Helm Sentenced to 28 Years in 2024 Homicide Case

Missouri Western State University will host the annual Super Science Saturday on Feb. 7, offering a day of hands-on exploration designed to inspire a lifelong interest in science and math. 

The event will run from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Remington/Agenstein Hall.

Super Science Saturday is presented by the St. Joseph Museums and Missouri Western. The program features interactive STEM adventures, live demonstrations, and experiments for all ages. Participants include university departments, local high schools, and area businesses.

This year's event includes a Math Maze, presented by MWSU, where kids and adults can test their logic and problem-solving skills. There will also be sensory perception challenges, presented by the Psychology Dept.

Reptiles and amphibians will be featured, courtesy of Remington Nature Center in partnership with MWSU Biology Dept.&nbsp;

Fire and ice demonstrations will take place throughout the day, presented by the Chemistry Dept.

The event honors the heritage of the St. Joseph Museums, which began more than 90 years ago as a children’s museum founded by the St. Joseph Junior College. Under the leadership of Miss Orrel Andrews, the museum’s first director, the institution established a mission of youth education that the current festival continues by connecting students with professional scientists and innovators.

Super Science Saturday takes place at Remington/Agenstein Hall on the MWSU campus in St. Joseph.

Admission is $5 for adults and students. Children 5 and under are free.

Advance tickets can be purchased at <a href="https://www.stjosephmuseum.org/events">stjosephmuseum.org/events</a>.

St. Joseph Museums and MWSU celebrate 26 years of Super Science Saturday

KFEQ Morning News 01/07/2026

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Hyundai Tucson driven by a 19-year-old Bethany woman was eastbound on MO 190 at Route U two miles east of Lock Springs. The SUV traveled off the north side of the road, struck a tree, became airborne, continued across a creek, struck the embankment and rolled.

Livingston County EMS transported the driver and a 1-year-old male passenger in Hedrick Medical Center. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman, 1-year-old hospitalized after violent SUV crash

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 5:30p.m. January 4, a sheriff's&nbsp;deputy on routine patrol stopped a vehicle for speeding 101 mph in a 65 mph zone in the vicinity of U.S. 75 and&nbsp; 160th, according to Brown County Sheriff&nbsp; John Merchant.

While making contact with the driver&nbsp; of the vehicle identified as 71-year-old Clarence Riley of Minot, North&nbsp; Dakota, an odor of burnt marijuana was detected&nbsp; coming from the vehicle.&nbsp; 

The deputy arrested Riley on requested charges ofPossession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp.

Sheriff: Driver was transporting cocaine at 101mph on Kan. highway

The Missouri Department of Revenue has issued an advisory to correct inaccurate reports circulating through some media outlets regarding changes to state vehicle registration requirements.

The department noted the misinformation — which claims that Missouri no longer requires vehicle inspections and has expanded registration periods as of Jan. 1, 2026 — was likely generated by artificial intelligence sources.

State officials confirmed that Missouri law has not changed. Vehicle registration and safety inspection requirements remain the same.

While the department acknowledged that similar proposals have been introduced in recent legislative sessions, none have been signed into law.

For official information regarding vehicle licensing, residents should visit the Department of Revenue’s website.

Missouri Department of Revenue warns of AI-generated registration rumors

Area residents have the chance to join an immersive two-day journey on April 21 and 22, 2026, to explore the enduring legacy of Waylande Gregory. 

Known&nbsp;for his contributions to St. Joseph’s City Hall and the Missouri Theater, Gregory was a preeminent American ceramic sculptor of the 1930s, famously erasing the boundary between fine art and decorative craft.

The excursion, organized by the Centennial Celebration Series Committee of The Friends of the Missouri Theater, serves as a grand prelude to the 100th anniversary of St. Joseph's most iconic landmarks in 2027.

The journey begins in Kansas City at the historic Hotel President. Built in 1926, this landmark features the intricate plasterwork of a then-21-year-old Gregory, including his crowning achievement: the&nbsp;Aztec Room. 

Film buffs may recognize the hotel from the 1990 classic Mr. &amp; Mrs. Bridge. We will also view the nearby Midland Theater, a 1927 structure designed by the Boller Brothers, the same architects responsible for the Missouri Theater in St. Joseph.

After a morning of architectural discovery, you can enjoy a buffet lunch at the historic Freight House at Jack Stack BBQ in the Crossroads Art District, followed by a curator-guided tour of the Nerman Museum of Art to view Gregory’s sketches, sculptures, and his famous "Fountain of the Atom" mannequin.

You can then travel to Lawrence, KS, for an evening of shopping and fine dining before checking into the grand Oread Hotel. After an included breakfast the following morning, you can explore Strong Hall to view Gregory’s decorative work before taking a scenic drive through the rolling Flint Hills. The midday destination is Alma, Kansas, where participants can dine at the Brandt House, an 1887 limestone hotel recently renovated in 2024.

The final leg of the tour takes goes through Manhattan, KS, for a guided tour of the Mariana Kistler Beach Museum. Here, you can view several Waylande Gregory pieces, including his rare 1939 terra-cotta relief entitled “R.F.D.” To conclude the experience, a visit will take place at the 1885 Columbian Theater and the Oz Museum in Wamego, finishing the trip with a celebratory dinner at Barleycorn’s Downtown Deli.

The cost for the tour is $150, which covers all transportation, three meals, snacks, and admission fees. 

Please note that hotel accommodations must be booked separately by calling the Oread Hotel at 785-843-1200; be sure to request the "Waylande Gregory group" rate. Due to limited seating, reservations must be finalized by January 30, 2026. 

The Waylande Gregory Legacy: A Centennial Celebration Tour

Students in the St. Joseph school district are back in the classroom today after Christmas break, ready to tackle the second half of the school year.  

Assistant Superintendent of Academics Stacia Studer says the district has been riding the momentum in the first semester off higher scores on its annual performance report.  

Studer says she was also grateful for new tools and practices to help provide high quality educators and high-quality resources for students 

“We have led a core resource int the English language classrooms in K through six, so that has been a big initiative for our teachers, our elementary teachers in particularly,” Studer says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “And then at the secondary level, we have led a high-quality instructional resource with the science, ensuring those high curricular materials at the center.” 

Studer says it's about ensuring classroom instruction is on grade level, even changing assessment practices 

“We are not being complacent, we are moving and innovating in our work in academics,” Studer explains.  “And so, they had assessment practices where we assign a district level assessment, that’s written on grade level, that helps our educators to see the questions that students are being asked on grade level.” 

Students wrapped up the first half of the semester by taking that district level assessment test at each grade level, and to start the second half its time to figure out how they did.  

Studer says the district is ensuring all teachers will share those results to start the second semester 

“Imagine if you went to take a driver's license test, and then you didn’t know how you did on that driver's license test, you just showed up and you're like ok I don’t know if I passed or failed,” Studer says.  “It’s ensuring that our students know, and they’re able to set goals, and that educators can help them reach their goals and that’s the key piece right now.” 

Studer says in the mid-year she is focused on making sure students are aware of the results and their goals, and that educators are receiving coaching conversations to help lead students in their goals. 

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

St. Joseph students tackling new semester after successes seen in winter

Farmers need rules that clearly define federal jurisdiction of the Waters of the United States, or WOTUS. The American Farm Bureau submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers. AFBF detailed the impact of WOTUS on farmers and elements that must be included in the new proposed rule to ensure it can withstand future legal challenges. 

John Newton, vice president of public policy and economic analysis said, “Farmers and ranchers support the creation of a legally durable rule that injects clarity into the regulatory process and does not leave landowners guessing what parts of their property are subject to regulation.” Farm Bureau’s recommendations for the rule included further defining “relatively permanent” to narrow the regulatory scope. The group also wants clarification of when wetlands should fall under WOTUS, continued exclusion of prior converted cropland, and exclusion of ditches from WOTUS jurisdiction. 

Proposed WOTUS rule brings certainty to farmers

Farmer sentiment weakened slightly in December as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index dropped three points to a reading of 136. Weakness in the barometer was attributable to a modest decline in producers’ long-term outlook, as the Future Expectations Index fell to 140, four points lower than the previous month. The Current Conditions Index was unchanged from November at 128. 

Angst about the prospects for U.S. soybean exports amid increasing competition from Brazil contributed to a slightly weaker outlook for the future among crop producers. Producers’ expectations for their farms’ financial performance changed little compared to November, as the Financial Performance Index rose just two points to 94. The Farm Capital Investment Index also increased two points to 58 in December. Even with the slight rise, 60 percent of producers said it was still a bad time to make large investments in their farms.

Farmer sentiment heads lower

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

Row-crop futures looked to be heading toward back-to-back positive moves to begin the first full trading week of 2026; but sellers reemerged by early afternoon, sending prices well below daily highs by the close. Fundamental news for Tuesday was limited, and thus market bulls clearly lacked much in the way of reassurance to extend Monday's price bounce. Outside markets saw equities firmer with the Dow Jones reaching further into record highs to begin the New Year. Meanwhile, energy markets were mostly lower, continuing an overall sideways action seen through the past two weeks.

The live cattle complex continued to charge onward as traders remain enthusiastic about what's to come in 2026. After breaking through the market's resistance at its 100-day moving average, we have accomplished a big technical feat and so far this week contracts charge on with gusto. It will be vital for the market's long-term potential that fundamental support arises -- especially in the form of cash cattle prices. It's been too early in the week for any cash cattle trade to have developed, and at this point bids and asking prices remain elusive. Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $0.51 ($353.19) and select down $0.69 ($350.81) with a movement of 90 loads (66.54 loads of choice, 11.06 loads of select, 3.94 loads of trim and 8.42 loads of ground beef).

With the additional help of seeing the live cattle contracts trading higher, the feeder cattle complex continued to make substantial moves higher throughout the futures complex. Noting some of the feeder cattle sales that took place on Monday, prices were mostly higher on both feeders and calves.

Although the lean hog complex desires to trade higher, the market is cautious to do so as it's traded exponentially higher in recent days and consumer support isn't currently showing to be as strong as traders had hoped.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/06141936/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

The clean fuels industry strengthened its foundation in 2025 behind record policy targets, new engine capabilities, and proven performance, setting expectations for continued growth in 2026. “Government agencies, fleets, manufacturers, and consumers in 2025 recognized that biodiesel and renewable diesel have stepped forward and taken a leadership position in fueling our nation’s transportation systems,” said Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen. “Clean fuel use has grown dramatically in recent years, and for the first time, policymakers took full account of that growth.” 

Last year, for the first time in the history of the Renewable Fuel Standard, the EPA proposed robust biomass-based diesel volumes that accurately reflected the industry’s potential. EPA proposed a renewable volume obligation of 5.61 billion gallons for 2026, and a growth path of annual volume increases for 2027 and beyond. In doing so, EPA acknowledged the industry’s investments in production capacity and domestic feedstock supplies produced by U.S. farmers. 

2025 was a solid year for biodiesel, renewable diesel success in 2026

USDA released details about how much row crop farmers will receive this year from a $12 billion aid program. However, U.S. soybean producers say the payments won’t help farmers hurt by low crop prices and trade disputes. Reports said while the aid is expected to help farmers get ready for next season, growers and agricultural economists say those payments will only cover a fraction of farm losses and won’t rescue the sagging U.S. farm economy. 

The one-time payments will go to growers who planted one of 19 covered commodity crops. “The highest per-acre payments will go to rice farmers, who could get $132.89 an acre,” Reports show. “Cotton farmers could get $117.35 an acre, and oats farmers could receive $81.75 an acre.” Meanwhile, farmers are eligible for $44.36 per corn acre, $30.88 per soybean acre, and $39.35 per wheat acre. The overall payment limit is $155,000 per entity or individual.

Does assistance favor rice and cotton producers?

March corn closed up 7 cents and May corn was up 6 1/2 cents. January soybeans closed up 17 3/4 cents and March soybeans were up 16 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 5 3/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 6 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 1/2 cents.

It sure didn't take long for traders to return from holiday and swiftly reject the ugly price action seen through the New Years week, with soybeans leading the way with the strongest daily move for the March contract since Nov. 17. Corn and wheat futures were no exception to the buyer's market on Monday, putting in strong daily moves higher as well. Outside markets on Monday were mostly higher too, with energy stocks rising following the weekend U.S. military operation in Venezuela. Safety investments such as gold were higher also. Lastly, crude oil, gasoline, and diesel futures were all higher as for the time being the market is not expecting a sudden influx of supply from Venezuela following this weekend's regime shift, especially amid a pause in output increases from OPEC members reported over the weekend as well.

The live cattle complex continued to trade higher into the new week following last week's surge. But more than anything, traders seem to be hitting the ground running to support the complex and eyeing the fact that the market's long-term trajectory is bullish. Friday's advancement above the market's 100-day moving average was a significant move, as that's been a challenging threshold that the market hasn't traded over for the last two months. New showlists appear to be somewhat higher in Kansas, but higher in Texas, and Nebraska/Colorado. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $4.06 ($354.03) and select up $2.63 ($349.55) with 57 loads (41.75 loads of choice, 4.52 loads of select, 4.31 loads of trim and 6.48 loads of ground beef).

With the support of the live cattle complex, the feeder cattle contracts traded substantially higher as support seems to be the market's overarching theme. It will be especially interesting to watch feeder cattle sales early this week, as the last real test seen in the countryside was the week before Christmas, and since then, the futures market has gained substantial ground.

Like the cattle complex, the lean hog contracts also traded fully higher into Monday's closing bell, as the market has been well supported thus far by trader interest. It's also helpful that pork cutout values were up $1.88 this morning, which is mainly being driven by the belly's $6.08 increase.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/05141037/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

U.S. farm and food product exports create a lot of value and generate economic activity within and outside of the agricultural sector. In general, increased exports of agricultural products lead to higher demand for transportation services, packaging materials, and the additional employment and activities required to ship exports. In 2023, the value of U.S. ag exports, comprising commodities and food products, reached $175.5 billion. 

In turn, these exports generated an additional $186.9 billion in economic activity. Exports of bulk, unprocessed commodities like soybeans and corn, valued at $74.2 billion, generated an additional $66.2 billion in economic activity in 2023. Including the value of the exports themselves, U.S. agricultural exports generated a total economic output of $362.4 billion in 2023. Put another way, every $1 of U.S. agricultural products exported generated a total of $2.06 of domestic economic activity, on average. 

Agricultural exports contributed $362.4 billion to the U.S. economy 

Efforts by China to reduce its reliance on imported soybeans are raising questions about the long-term outlook for U.S. soybean exports, analysts say. China, the world’s largest soybean buyer, has been encouraging lower soybean meal use in livestock feed and expanding domestic oilseed production. While imports remain high, any sustained reduction could have ripple effects across global markets. 

U.S. farmers rely heavily on export demand, with China historically accounting for a significant share of shipments. Analysts said even modest policy shifts in Beijing can influence prices received by American growers. Agricultural economists cautioned that China’s goals face practical limits, including feed efficiency and domestic supply constraints. Still, they said U.S. producers must monitor policy signals closely. Diversifying export markets and boosting domestic demand were cited as key strategies to reduce exposure to trade volatility.

China’s soybean strategy raises questions for U.S. farmers

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

Corn, soy, and wheat markets were lower again on Friday, with the exception of Kansas City wheat futures, which mounted a comeback from early lows. Meanwhile, corn and soybean futures were ultimately unable to climb out of the bearish doldrums of the second holiday-shortened week, with relatively low volume behind the trade. Still, there were signs throughout the session of growing buying interest as prices approach medium- to long-term chart support in an otherwise slow news day. Outside markets were mixed to begin 2026, with weaker crude oil futures for the fifth time in the past six sessions. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar continued its winning streak to six straight sessions but remains lower over the past month in general. Equity markets were mostly higher on Friday, breaking the year-end profit-taking dip, which was the feature of Monday through Wednesday's trade.

It was a breakout day for the live cattle complex as the market shot above its 100-day moving average for the first time since late October. More than anything, it seems to be a combination of trade support mixed with the knowingness that demand is likely only going to get stronger through the first half of the year, with traders also noting the uptick in cash cattle prices today. A few dressed sales are being reported in Nebraska at $360, which is $4.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Several majors in that state are also bidding $360, but those bids continue to be passed. A few bids are on the table in the South around $228 to $232, but they are being passed as they are below current asking prices of around $234. Packer inquiry should continue to improve.

The feeder cattle complex also sky-rocketed higher as traders noted the uptick in the live cattle complex and continue to be optimistic that the market is likely going to trade stronger and stronger through at least the first quarter of 2026. Feeder cattle sales next week will likely be stronger in the countryside as well.

The lean hog complex traded mixed into Friday's closing bell, as the nearby contracts dipped lower while the deferred contracts continued to trade higher. More than anything, traders seem reluctant to do much with the contract until its fundamentals improve. The projected lean hog index for 12/31/2025 is down $0.41 at $81.85, and the actual index for 12/30/2025 is up $0.01 at $82.26.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/02141100/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

State agriculture officials confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock of chickens and ducks in Dallas County, Iowa, marking the state’s latest detection of the virus. The Iowa Department of Agriculture said the affected birds were euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease, and quarantine measures were put in place around the premises. No commercial poultry facilities have been affected. 

Officials urged poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity practices, including limiting contact between domestic birds and wild waterfowl, which are known carriers of the virus. The detection comes as migratory birds move through the Midwest, increasing the risk of additional cases. While the virus poses little risk to the general public, it can be deadly to poultry and disruptive to farm operations. State and federal animal health officials continue monitoring flocks and working with producers to reduce the threat of further outbreaks.

Bird flu detected in Iowa backyard flock

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 — Kansas State University has resolved a student complaint about the presence of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within its student government following pressure from legislative leadership to investigate.

The Legislature passed a provision in 2025 requiring state agencies, including state universities, to eliminate DEI-related positions, mandates, programs, activities, training requirements, grants and contracts&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/dei-barred-in-kansas-government-universities-beginning-aug-1/" target="_blank">by Aug. 1</a>.

Universities and agencies scrubbed their websites of DEI terminology, reassigned or eliminated staff positions, refocused clubs and departments, examined contracts and removed pronouns from email signatures.

But a student was not satisfied with K-State’s efforts and sent an anonymous report to legislative leadership in July outlining complaints. The Kansas Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s higher education institutions, informed K-State of potential issues within the university’s student government.

Among the issues was language within the university’s Student Governing Association’s constitution that required planning diversity training for student government members. The association also has power to allocate funds to clubs that could involve DEI-related topics. The student senate repealed the training requirement at its Sept. 4 meeting.

Marshall Stewart, chief of staff for K-State’s president, told the State Finance Council on Tuesday that K-State did not realize it was out of compliance at the time of the complaint and worked hard to course correct. The State Finance Council is made up of Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leadership.

Stewart said students took the matter seriously and resolved to no longer disperse money or make appointments that could be in conflict with the state’s anti-DEI law.

“Universities are big, complex organizations, and I’m not going to say if you go deep enough and look hard enough you’re not going to find some things,” Stewart said. “But if you do find them, we ask that people share those with us.”

Young America’s Foundation, a conservative youth organization,&nbsp;<a href="https://yaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/KState-OCR-Complaint-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">complained to the U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights office</a>&nbsp;in March that K-State’s wasn’t complying with federal anti-DEI efforts. The organization’s letter mentioned the Student Governing Association and other K-State departments by name. However, it did not produce a formal investigation, according to U.S. Department of Education records.

Tuesday’s issue is a carryover from that March complaint and the State Finance Council’s July meeting. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican and candidate for governor, had charged state officials with investigating the anonymous report, which was sent to his office.&nbsp;

Adam Proffitt, the secretary of administration, who must certify all agencies and universities are in compliance with the state’s anti-DEI law, presented his findings Tuesday to the council.

He said his legal team worked with K-State, and he was satisfied with the university’s updated report. Masterson commended the university’s effort but expressed interest in crafting additional anti-DEI provisions in the upcoming legislative session.

University leaders recently appeared before the House Committee on Government Efficiency to detail efforts to extricate DEI from college campuses. Legislators on the committee expressed interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/17/kansas-efficiency-committee-targets-dei-curricula-in-college-classrooms/" target="_blank">censoring related college curricula</a>.

K-State resolves student’s DEI complaint, temporarily satisfying Kansas legislators

Missouri legislators have introduced House Bill 2230, which proposes that 70-percent of elementary school assignments be completed using paper and pencil to improve student learning. 

The bill aims to limit digital tools in the classroom, setting a daily cap of 45 minutes on digital instruction and requiring the use of physical textbooks and cursive writing. 

Advocates argue that this shift will enhance academic performance by reducing screen time and increasing engagement with traditional materials. The bill is currently under consideration and would necessitate curriculum adjustments if passed.

The Missouri legislative session began Wednesday, Jan. 7 in Jefferson City.

New legislation could mandate physical textbooks and cursive in Missouri classrooms

TOPEKA – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach on Tuesday announced his office filed election crimes charges against Jose Luis Gomez, Sr. of Hutchinson, according to a media release from the attorney's general's office.

Officials from Kobach's office filed the charges in Reno County. Gomez faces one count of voting without being qualified and two counts of election perjury. The charges are nonperson felonies.

Gomez is a convicted felon and is currently in custody in Oklahoma pending deportation, following federal immigration proceedings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Voting by noncitizens, including both legal and illegal aliens, is a very real problem.&nbsp;Every time a noncitizen votes, it cancels out a U.S. citizen’s vote. Unfortunately, there are likely to be more cases as we continue to discover these cases," Kobach said. "The claim that the ACLU has been making for years, namely, that this sort of illegal voting by aliens does not occur, is once again proven false. It's time to stop believing their lies."

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab referred the case to Kobach’s office. The Secretary of State’s office is utilizing the SAVE program to identify Kansas electors who are not U.S. citizens.&nbsp;

Prior to election as attorney general, Kobach served two terms as secretary of state. During that time, Kobach led the charge to stop noncitizens from illegally voting in Kansas elections. Eight states, including Kansas, have passed laws requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote in at least some cases, but the laws have only been implemented in four of those states, including Arizona, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wyoming. A federal court struck down the Kansas proof-of-citizenship law in 2018.

Kobach remains committed to ensuring that only qualified electors cast votes in Kansas elections.

Special Agent in Charge Matt Simpson of Kobach’s office investigated the case. First Assistant Attorney General Stacy Edwards is prosecuting.

Kansas felon faces election crimes charges 

KANSAS CITY —A driver injured in a crash that occurred just after 5p.m. December 28, in Kansas City, Missouri has died.

A black Kia was eastbound on MLK Boulevard from Rockhill Road at an excessive speed, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

 The driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle traveled off the roadway and struck a retaining wall at the Stowers Institute. EMS transported the driver was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. 

On Tuesday, KCPD Offier Alayna Gonzalez reported the driver died, according to the Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office. EMS transported the passenger from the vehicle to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.&nbsp;

KCPD: Driver injured after crash into retaining wall has died

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>

Signatures on only two-thirds of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/09/missouri-gerrymander-congressional-map-referendum/">petition pages</a>&nbsp;submitted to force a statewide vote on Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">gerrymandered congressional map</a>&nbsp;will go through the verification process, new filings in a Cole County court case show.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Memorandum%20on%20Status%20of%20Signature%20Verification.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3767680" target="_blank">33,068 pages to local election authorities</a>&nbsp;out of 49,773 pages with signatures collected by a political action committee called People Not Politicians. The PAC began circulating petitions after lawmakers passed the new map on Sept. 12. Those pages will be checked to determine which signatures are from registered voters.

Hoskins held back the rest because he does not believe signatures collected before Oct. 14 — the day he approved the form of the petition — are valid. Any pages with at least one signature dated Oct. 14 or later were sent to local election authorities,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Exhibit%20C.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3767683" target="_blank">an exhibit</a>&nbsp;included in the court filings state.

The filing is part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/08/federal-judge-rejects-missouri-ags-push-to-block-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">case pending</a>&nbsp;before Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh over which signatures must be counted. On Dec. 12, Limbaugh declared he would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-delays-decision-on-signatures-for-missouri-referendum-on-gerrymandered-map/">not issue a ruling</a>&nbsp;until the verification process shows whether the referendum petition can succeed without signatures collected before Oct. 14.

People Not Politicians needs approximately 110,000 signatures spread among six of the state’s eight congressional districts to put the redistricting plan to a statewide vote. The 49,773 pages have 305,968 signatures overall, but the filings do not show how many signatures are on the pages being checked.

In other court filings, People Not Politicians has stated that about 103,000 of the signatures were collected before the cutoff date.

The raw signature counts — including the names on pages not sent for verification — show enough signatures were collected in the city of St. Louis to qualify the 1st District and enough in Greene County to qualify the 7th District.&nbsp;

The data did not show the breakdown in split counties. There were 71,008 signatures submitted from St. Louis County, which is split between the 1st and 2nd districts. There were 59,823 signatures collected in Jackson County, which includes the 4th, 5th and 6th districts, and&nbsp; 30,110 signatures collected in Boone County, which is split between the 3rd and 4th districts.

The two districts where the petition is unlikely to have enough signatures are the 6th Congressional District in north Missouri and the 8th Congressional District in southeast Missouri.

The gerrymandered map was forced through by Republicans who succumbed to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">pressure from President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and revised the eight districts during a September special session.

The intended result from the new map is to flip the 5th District to the GOP. The district, based in Kansas City, has been represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver since 2005.&nbsp;

The district is carved up under the new map with portions attached to the 4th and 6th Districts. Heavily Republican areas stretching along the Missouri River to Boone County would be added to the remaining Kansas City portions.

If the referendum has sufficient signatures, the map would be on the November ballot unless lawmakers set an earlier date.

Secretary of State isn’t verifying 1/3 of signatures for vote on Missouri’s gerrymandered map

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka.

Just after 2p.m. January 3, police responded to the 800 block of SW Tyler for a possible shooting. EMS transported one victim identified as 43-year-old Stella M. Mahkuk of Topeka to an area hospital for treatment of potentially life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; On Tuesday police reported she died of her injuries.

Police have not reported an arrest of any additional details.

Police: Kansas woman wounded in shooting died of her injuries

DOUGLAS COUNTY–&nbsp; A man who broke into City Hall in Lawrence early Monday and was fatally shot by a city employee has been identified as&nbsp;28-year-old Omar Dominguez Gavilan from Buffalo, Minnesota, according to Lawrence Police spokesperson Laura McCabe.

Investigators learned that Gavilan was traveling through Kansas on a Greyhound bus. Early Sunday evening he was at Lawrence’s Kansas Turnpike Authority service station on I-70, just east of town. The Kansas Highway Patrol was called to remove him from the service station area due to erratic behavior. KHP transported Gavilan to the Amtrak station in Lawrence.&nbsp; Police did not have contact with Gavilan Sunday evening nor into the morning hours on Monday.

Just before 8a.m. Monday, Gavilan entered the City Hall building through a locked back door, proceeded up a stairwell to the 4th&nbsp;floor where he broke out a window within another secure door to enter the office area.&nbsp; Employees encountered Gavilan along his route and notified authorities that an intruder was in the building and attempted to find a safe area for themselves.&nbsp; An on-duty court security officer ultimately approached the man, announced his authority, and asked him to put his hands behind his back.&nbsp; 

Gavilan did not comply and began fighting the security officer.&nbsp;Details of the physical fight that followed will not be released until the investigation is complete because detectives are still interviewing those involved and police don’t want to influence any witness accounts.&nbsp;Within seconds of the shots being fired, Lawrence police officers were on-scene and began rendering aid to Gavilan along with the initial security officer and a second security officer who had arrived at the scene. Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical quickly arrived, took over his care, then pronounced him deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Detectives in the Lawrence Police Investigations Unit expect to have a full report of the events sent to&nbsp;the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for review within 2-3 weeks.&nbsp; During this time, the City employee is on administrative leave, which is standard.

Police ID intruder shot by city employee at Lawrence City Hall

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, which is leading the investigation into the death of 13-year-old Airen Andula of Pleasonton, Kansas, has now confirmed the cause of the teen's death. 

According to the autopsy conducted by the Wyandotte County Kansas Coroner's Office, the cause of death has been identified as multiple dog bite injuries, the Kansas City Kansas Police Department reported.

Damon Leonard of Pleasonton, Kansas remains in custody on a $100,000, cash-only bond, in Bates County, Missouri on charges of abandonment of a corpse in relation to the teen’s death. 

Charges against Leonard have also been filed in Linn County, Kansas for interference of law enforcement, criminal desecration and having a vicious dog at large.

The investigation in to Airen’s death remains ongoing by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp;

Autopsy: Kansas boy died from multiple dog bites

Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi and Minority Leader Dinah Sykes introduced bipartisan legislation to ban cell phones in Kansas schools.

The bill aims to create phone-free environments to promote student mental health, authentic relationships, and academic engagement. Studies suggest that classrooms without phones lead to better academic outcomes and safer school environments. 

Blasi, a Republican, believes phone-free schools can improve student mental health and academic outcomes while Sykes, a Democrat, states that classrooms without phones have more engaged students and stronger peer relationships.

The bill would impact both public and private schools in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Senate has 28 co-sponsors for the bill, representing over two-thirds of the Senate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Senate Bill 302 is expected to pass the Senate in January.

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

Kansas introduces legislation to ban cell phones in schools

The Kansas City Current have named their new man in charge as&nbsp;Vlatko Andonovski transitions from being the teams head coach to the role of sporting director.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a big announcement, the Current are hiring Chris Armas, a National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee and decorated Major League Soccer player, as the newest head coach of the women’s soccer club.&nbsp; &nbsp;Armas was most recently the head coach of the Colorado Rapids.

Armas began his coaching career in 2008 in Chicago, as an assistant with the Fire, before spending four years as the head women’s soccer coach at Adelphi University, his alma mater, from 2011 to 2014.&nbsp; He returned to the MLS in 2015 as an assistant with the New York Red Bulls, holding that role until 2018, when he moved into the head coaching job, until 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2019, under Armas, the Red Bulls finished sixth in the Eastern Conference and were eliminated by the Philadelphia Union in the first round of the playoffs. The Red Bulls were then eliminated in the group stage of the MLS is Back Tournament after they were defeated by FC Cincinnati. Armas parted ways with the club on September 4, 2020, one day after a 1–0 loss to D.C. United.

In 2021, Armas was hired as the head coach of Toronto FC, but was fired midway through the season following the largest loss in the club's history and a league record of one win, eight losses and two draws.&nbsp; He went on to serve as an assistant overseas with Manchester United the the remainder of the year and into 2022, and then with Leeds United in 2023.&nbsp; He was also named the Co-interim coach of Leed United that year, helping&nbsp; oversee a 2–2 draw at Old Trafford with Manchester United.&nbsp;

Armas has since been with the Rapids back in the MLS during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.&nbsp; As the man in charge in Colorado, Armas helped lead&nbsp; the Rapids to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in 2024, and earned the team a third-place finish in the 2025 Leagues Cup, as well as back-to-back Rocky Mountain Cup titles.

Armas also has success as a player, regarded as one of the best midfielders in Major League Soccer according to the Current.&nbsp; Armas&nbsp;is one of only five players in MLS history to have been named to the MLS Best XI five times and be a six-time MLS All-Star. Additionally, in 2003, Armas was named the MLS Comeback Player of the Year after recovering from an injury that ended his season in 2002. In that same year, he was named Chicago Fire FC’s MVP.

KC Current name Chris Armas newest head coach 

Benedictine's Rashad Beckham is the winner of the Rimington Award for the NAIA level, one of four given out to the top centers, all this year to first time selections.&nbsp;

Beckman, a senior from Oceanside, Calif., was also named an All-American by the Victory Sports Network and the AFCA in 2025. He was a four-year starter for the Ravens and started 50 games in his career at center, never missing a game. 

Beckham anchored an offensive line that allowed just four sacks all season with a 476.6 yards per game average. He is the fourth Rimington Award winner for Benedictine College.

Other division winners were Trent Fraley of North Dakota State for the FCS, Slade Edwards of Central Washington for NCAA DII and Caleb Bayer of Trinity University (Texas) for NCAA DIII.&nbsp;Other NAIA finalists this year for the award were Ryan Saddler of Grand View University, Blake Perry of Keiser University, Chris Foster of McPherson College and Joel Akers of Dordt University.

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

Benedictine OL Beckham brings home Rimington Award

Kansas City Royals General Manager JJ Picollo has confirmed that some team members in Venezuela are safe following the recent U.S. raid in Caracas.

 Picollo has been in contact with the players, including Salvador Perez and Maikel Garcia&nbsp; and their families, ensuring their well-being. The Royals are also checking on the status many of their Minor League players in Venezuela during the offseason.&nbsp;

The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League suspended its playoffs after the raid, which led to the capture of President Maduro and his wifem but is set to resume play on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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