The #21 Missouri Tigers open the SEC Tournament on Thursday, after earning a first round bye, taking on the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Mississippi State advanced after beating LSU 91-62 in the opening round.&nbsp; In one game against the Bulldogs this season, the Tigers won on the road 88-61.

Missouri ended the season on a three game losing streak, with losses to Vanderbilt, Oklahoma and Kentucky.&nbsp; But even with that, Tigers head coach Dennis Gates doesn't believe there's any sort of fatigue

"No fatigue, no mental, emotional fatigue or anything like that, our guys have done a great job, if you look at our minutes distribution they've been below 30 minutes," Gates told reporters before the tournament.&nbsp; "And when you can do that with your depth, you obviously extend health, you extend the possibility of having mental or emotional fatigue that has not crept into our program."

The Tigers had a bounce back season this year, despite suffering a slump near the end, posting a 21-10 overall record in the regular season, and going 10-8 in the SEC one year after going through an 0-18 conference schedule.&nbsp; Gates hopes his team uses this SEC tournament as a springboard in preparing for the NCAA tournament.&nbsp;

"When you look at the history of the NCAA tournament, some winners have finished right where we are, some have finished right where we are," Gates says.&nbsp; "So, we're excited about the SEC tournament, it's an opportunity for us to win an SEC tournament championship, and that's our approach."

Missouri and Mississippi State will tipoff at 6pm on Thursday.&nbsp; Coverage on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) will begin at 5:30.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741833881515.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Mizzou Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Mizzou Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe #21 Missouri Tigers open the SEC Tournament on Thursday, after earning a first round bye, taking on the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.Mississippi State advanced after beating LSU 91-62 in the opening round.&nbsp; In one game against the Bulldogs this season, the Tigers won on the road 88-61.Missouri ended the season on a three game losing streak, with losses to Vanderbilt, Oklahoma and Kentucky.&nbsp; But even with that, Tigers head coach Dennis Gates doesn't believe there's any sort of fatigue"No fatigue, no mental, emotional fatigue or anything like that, our guys have done a great job, if you look at our minutes distribution they've been below 30 minutes," Gates told reporters before the tournament.&nbsp; "And when you can do that with your depth, you obviously extend health, you extend the possibility of having mental or emotional fatigue that has not crept into our program."The Tigers had a bounce back season this year, despite suffering a slump near the end, posting a 21-10 overall record in the regular season, and going 10-8 in the SEC one year after going through an 0-18 conference schedule.&nbsp; Gates hopes his team uses this SEC tournament as a springboard in preparing for the NCAA tournament.&nbsp;"When you look at the history of the NCAA tournament, some winners have finished right where we are, some have finished right where we are," Gates says.&nbsp; "So, we're excited about the SEC tournament, it's an opportunity for us to win an SEC tournament championship, and that's our approach."Missouri and Mississippi State will tipoff at 6pm on Thursday.&nbsp; Coverage on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) will begin at 5:30.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

#21 Missouri to open SEC Tournament against Mississippi State on Thursday

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa school boards could decide to let eighth graders play high school sports during the school year under a bill that's passed the House. 

Under current law, eighth grader may play on varsity softball and baseball teams during the summer. Representative Skyler Wheeler of Hull, who is a high school baseball coach, says a couple of high schools in his area didn't have enough players to field girls basketball teams this past season and letting 8th graders play on the varsity could help. 

The bill passed the House on an 89 to two vote and goes to the Senate for consideration. Thirteen states currently allow eighth graders to compete at the varsity level during the school year.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa school boards could decide to let eighth graders play high school sports during the school year under a bill that's passed the House. Under current law, eighth grader may play on varsity softball and baseball teams during the summer. Representative Skyler Wheeler of Hull, who is a high school baseball coach, says a couple of high schools in his area didn't have enough players to field girls basketball teams this past season and letting 8th graders play on the varsity could help. The bill passed the House on an 89 to two vote and goes to the Senate for consideration. Thirteen states currently allow eighth graders to compete at the varsity level during the school year.

Iowa could join 13 states that let 8th graders play on all high school sports teams

(Radio Iowa) - A bill that's cleared an Iowa Senate subcommittee would cut taxes that businesses pay to cover unemployment benefits when people get laid off from their jobs.

 Governor Reynolds, who made the same proposal last year, is asking lawmakers to lower the top unemployment tax rate and reduce the taxable wage base by half. The same bill stalled last year over concerns that the state might have to raise business taxes if there's a recession and Iowa's unemployment rate soars. 

Governor Reynolds says Iowa's Unemployment Trust Fund has too much money in it and she wants to provide more tax relief.

(Radio Iowa) - A bill that's cleared an Iowa Senate subcommittee would cut taxes that businesses pay to cover unemployment benefits when people get laid off from their jobs. Governor Reynolds, who made the same proposal last year, is asking lawmakers to lower the top unemployment tax rate and reduce the taxable wage base by half. The same bill stalled last year over concerns that the state might have to raise business taxes if there's a recession and Iowa's unemployment rate soars. Governor Reynolds says Iowa's Unemployment Trust Fund has too much money in it and she wants to provide more tax relief.

Senate subcommittee approves governor's bill to reduce an Iowa business tax

(Radio Iowa) - The director of the Iowa Department of Transportation says they have seen some federal programs put on pause. 

Scott Marler says that includes the New Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program to install electric chargers. The D-O-T had announced 16 million federal dollars would go to 28 projects to install electric vehicle charges across the state. D-O-T planner Stuart Anderson tells Radio Iowa that money has not gone out yet. Anderson says federal officials say they will announce new NEVI guidelines this spring. 

Marler says the weekly contractor reimbursement program used to process reimbursements through the Federal Highway Administration for Iowa's road and highway construction program is continuing at this time.

(Radio Iowa) - The director of the Iowa Department of Transportation says they have seen some federal programs put on pause. Scott Marler says that includes the New Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program to install electric chargers. The D-O-T had announced 16 million federal dollars would go to 28 projects to install electric vehicle charges across the state. D-O-T planner Stuart Anderson tells Radio Iowa that money has not gone out yet. Anderson says federal officials say they will announce new NEVI guidelines this spring. Marler says the weekly contractor reimbursement program used to process reimbursements through the Federal Highway Administration for Iowa's road and highway construction program is continuing at this time.

Program To Install Electric Vehicle Chargers On Hold

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa House has -- for a fourth year -- passed the "Public Expression Protection Act" to help Iowans facing lawsuits that backers of the bill say are meant to intimidate critics. 

Republican Representative Steven Holt of Denison sponsored the bill after a former Carroll policeman sued the local newspaper for what Holt says was truthful reporting on the policeman's relationships with teenage girls -- and the Carroll Times Herald had to spend 100-thousand dollars on a legal defense. Holt's bill would let Iowans being sued over public statements ask a judge to immediately review the case to see if it could be thrown out.

 If the lawsuit is ruled a "Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation" or SLAPP action, the person or group that filed the lawsuit could be forced to cover the legal fees of the person they sued. Thirty-four other states already have so-called "anti-SLAPP" laws.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa House has -- for a fourth year -- passed the "Public Expression Protection Act" to help Iowans facing lawsuits that backers of the bill say are meant to intimidate critics. Republican Representative Steven Holt of Denison sponsored the bill after a former Carroll policeman sued the local newspaper for what Holt says was truthful reporting on the policeman's relationships with teenage girls -- and the Carroll Times Herald had to spend 100-thousand dollars on a legal defense. Holt's bill would let Iowans being sued over public statements ask a judge to immediately review the case to see if it could be thrown out. If the lawsuit is ruled a "Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation" or SLAPP action, the person or group that filed the lawsuit could be forced to cover the legal fees of the person they sued. Thirty-four other states already have so-called "anti-SLAPP" laws.

Iowa could join 34 other states with 'anti-SLAPP' laws

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued a statement Wednesday about a “Black Mass” event scheduled for March 28, at the Kansas Statehouse.

The Satanic Grotto announced on social media they organized an event for inside the Capitol building that day.

(The video below is for mature audiences only)

In a statement from office, Governor Kelly wrote, "I have been informed about concerns regarding an event at the Statehouse on March 28, and I share those concerns.&nbsp; There are more constructive ways to protest and express disagreements without insulting or denigrating sacred religious symbols."

"However, as governor, I also have a duty to protect protesters’ constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression, regardless of how offensive or distasteful I might find the content to be."Since these rights are constitutionally protected, the Governor’s Office has limited authority to respond to such actions."

"That said, it is important to keep the Statehouse open and accessible to the public while ensuring all necessary health and safety regulations are enforced."Therefore, all events planned for March 28 will be moved outdoors to the grounds surrounding the Statehouse. Again, no protests will be allowed inside the Statehouse on March 28."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741797937973.png" alt="Satanic Grotto" />
 <figcaption>Satanic Grotto</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued a statement Wednesday about a “Black Mass” event scheduled for March 28, at the Kansas Statehouse.The Satanic Grotto announced on social media they organized an event for inside the Capitol building that day.(The video below is for mature audiences only)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FTheSatanicGrotto%2Fvideos%2F1710299846574282%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=1" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>In a statement from office, Governor Kelly wrote, "I have been informed about concerns regarding an event at the Statehouse on March 28, and I share those concerns.&nbsp; There are more constructive ways to protest and express disagreements without insulting or denigrating sacred religious symbols.""However, as governor, I also have a duty to protect protesters’ constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression, regardless of how offensive or distasteful I might find the content to be."Since these rights are constitutionally protected, the Governor’s Office has limited authority to respond to such actions.""That said, it is important to keep the Statehouse open and accessible to the public while ensuring all necessary health and safety regulations are enforced."Therefore, all events planned for March 28 will be moved outdoors to the grounds surrounding the Statehouse. Again, no protests will be allowed inside the Statehouse on March 28."

🎥Governor moves controversial 'Black Mass' outside Kansas Statehouse

The Kansas City Chiefs have restructured the contracts of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive tackle Chris Jones, freeing up&nbsp;$49.446 million in salary cap space

The report on the move came from a source telling ESPN's Field Yates on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

The moves were needed to clear the cap space to needed to cover the Chiefs' activity in recent weeks. They placed the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith and re-signed linebacker Nick Bolton and wide receiver Hollywood Brown.&nbsp; They also added in free agency, most notably picking up offensive tackle Jaylon Moore and cornerback Kristian Fulton.

This is the fourth time Mahomes has reworked his contract since before the 2021 season. He signed a revised contract in 2023 that moved up some money he was scheduled to receive in later years of his contract, and a restructure in March 2024 created $21.6 million of salary cap space.

Mahomes is signed through the 2031 season at a total cost of almost $500 million.

-ESPN's Adam Teicher contributed to this report

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723743945433.jpeg" alt="Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws a pass during Chiefs practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws a pass during Chiefs practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs have restructured the contracts of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive tackle Chris Jones, freeing up&nbsp;$49.446 million in salary cap spaceThe report on the move came from a source telling ESPN's Field Yates on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;The moves were needed to clear the cap space to needed to cover the Chiefs' activity in recent weeks. They placed the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith and re-signed linebacker Nick Bolton and wide receiver Hollywood Brown.&nbsp; They also added in free agency, most notably picking up offensive tackle Jaylon Moore and cornerback Kristian Fulton.This is the fourth time Mahomes has reworked his contract since before the 2021 season. He signed a revised contract in 2023 that moved up some money he was scheduled to receive in later years of his contract, and a restructure in March 2024 created $21.6 million of salary cap space.Mahomes is signed through the 2031 season at a total cost of almost $500 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721584304820.jpeg" alt="Chris Jones rides to the locker room following practice waving to fans/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chris Jones rides to the locker room following practice waving to fans/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>-ESPN's Adam Teicher contributed to this reportYou can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones restructure to help out Chiefs cap space

Festivities surrounding the Apple Blossom parade kick off this month with the Apple Blossom Royalty Pageant.  

Executive Director Michelle Wolfe says there has been good turnout for this year's pageant 

"14 princesses, 12 junior queens, and six queen candidates right now," Wolfe tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

In the past, Wolfe says a lower turnout forced the Apple Blossom to extend the deadline.   

"But this year we are not extending the deadline, because we have plenty, I mean we will take more until the deadline, but we're not going to extend the deadline," Wolfe says.  "Gives me more time to get everything done." 

Wolfe says it feels wonderful to not have to extend the deadline 

"Because sometimes we're worried like are we going to have to cancel the pageant because we don't get enough people, I've done this for 25 years and I've never had to do that, so we're excited," Wolfe explains. 

Registration for the pageant ends this Saturday March 15th. Wolfe says the pageant will be held on March 29th. 

"It will start at 6pm for the princesses, the juniors will start 10 minutes after the end of the princess, and the queen will start 10 minutes after the juniors," Wolfe says.  "There's no admission charge; it's at the Missouri Theatre." 

You can register for the pageant by clicking <a href="https://appleblossomparade.com/pageant/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741794563886.jpeg" alt="Former winners of the Apple Blossom Pageant/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Former winners of the Apple Blossom Pageant/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFestivities surrounding the Apple Blossom parade kick off this month with the Apple Blossom Royalty Pageant. Executive Director Michelle Wolfe says there has been good turnout for this year's pageant "14 princesses, 12 junior queens, and six queen candidates right now," Wolfe tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. In the past, Wolfe says a lower turnout forced the Apple Blossom to extend the deadline. "But this year we are not extending the deadline, because we have plenty, I mean we will take more until the deadline, but we're not going to extend the deadline," Wolfe says. "Gives me more time to get everything done." Wolfe says it feels wonderful to not have to extend the deadline "Because sometimes we're worried like are we going to have to cancel the pageant because we don't get enough people, I've done this for 25 years and I've never had to do that, so we're excited," Wolfe explains. Registration for the pageant ends this Saturday March 15th. Wolfe says the pageant will be held on March 29th. "It will start at 6pm for the princesses, the juniors will start 10 minutes after the end of the princess, and the queen will start 10 minutes after the juniors," Wolfe says. "There's no admission charge; it's at the Missouri Theatre." You can register for the pageant by clicking <a href="https://appleblossomparade.com/pageant/">HERE</a>.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Deadline to register for the Apple Blossom Parade fast approaching

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday said it’s cutting a substantial number of the agency’s staff through a “<a href="https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/reductions-in-force-rif/" target="_blank">reduction in force</a>” process, bringing the department’s workforce to roughly half the number in place when President Donald Trump took office.

According to senior department officials speaking on background to reporters Tuesday evening, roughly 1,315 employees are subject to the initiative. The officials said the employees will get, starting Tuesday, 90 days full pay and benefits and will telework from Wednesday until March 21, when they are placed on administrative leave. &nbsp;

The sweeping cuts are part of a government-wide effort by Trump and billionaire White House adviser Elon Musk to reduce the federal workforce in an effort to slash government spending and reduce what they see as waste.

When Trump took office, the department had 4,133 employees. Following Tuesday’s announcement, the agency said it will have roughly 2,183 workers remaining. In the past several weeks, nearly 600 workers took voluntary resignation opportunities or retirement, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-initiates-reduction-force" target="_blank">Tuesday evening press release</a>.

The department also terminated 63 probationary employees in February, according to senior department officials.

The senior officials clarified that this staffing reduction will not impact the department’s ability to deliver on civil rights investigations, the rollout of the federal student aid application, Title I funding for low-income school districts and other statutorily mandated functions Congress has given the agency.

The senior officials confirmed earlier reporting that the department’s Washington-area office buildings would close Tuesday evening for safety reasons and would reopen Thursday.

“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement Tuesday.

“I appreciate the work of the dedicated public servants and their contributions to the Department. This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”

Congressional Democrats and labor union leaders blasted the cuts Tuesday.

“Today’s staff eliminations are illegal, and they are a slap in the face to the dedicated public servants who work to make sure American children have access to a quality education,” Connecticut U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said. “No president or member of the executive branch has the authority to end public education, violate the law, and unilaterally steal dollars promised to students.”

Sen. Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat who is the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the cuts were meant to sidestep the legislative difficulty of eliminating the department itself.

“Donald Trump and Linda McMahon know they can’t abolish the Department of Education on their own but they understand that if you gut it to its very core and fire all the people who run programs that help students, families, and teachers, you might end up with a similar, ruinous result,” she said.

“Ultimately, what they want to do is clear: fire the people who help our kids and gut funding for our students, teachers, and schools. This is about breaking government for working families — and enriching billionaires like themselves in the process.”

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said “denuding an agency so it cannot function effectively is the most cowardly way of dismantling it.”&nbsp;

“The massive reduction in force at the Education Department is an attack on opportunity that will gut the agency and its ability to support students, throwing federal education programs into chaos across the country,” said Weingarten, who leads one of the largest teachers unions in the country.

Trump has targeted the Education Department specifically in the spending cuts initiative, repeatedly pledging to shutter the 45-year-old agency in his quest to move education “back to the states.”

The department had already seen dramatic shifts in the weeks since Trump took office — from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/elon-musks-doge-targets-us-department-education-millions-funding-cuts" target="_blank">major contract cuts</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/28/education-department-quit-00206765" target="_blank">staff buyouts</a>.

Other departments and agencies,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vets-worry-trump-cuts-va-workforce-will-interrupt-benefits&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1741740543665052&amp;usg=AOvVaw2OZuQ95exTw4F_s_yKUi7E" target="_blank">including the Department of Veterans Affairs</a>, have also seen broad staffing decreases under Trump.

Last week, McMahon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/new-secretary-linda-mcmahon-unveils-final-mission-us-department-education" target="_blank">sent an email to department employees</a>&nbsp;regarding the agency’s “final mission,” where she detailed her plans to “overhaul” the federal agency.

The former World Wrestling Entertainment executive told employees that the department’s “role in this new era of accountability is to restore the rightful role of state oversight in education and to end the overreach from Washington.”

McMahon said “this restoration will profoundly impact staff, budgets, and agency operations here at the Department.”

Even if Trump were to sign an executive order on dismantling the department, only Congress has the authority to shut it down. Any bill to close down the agency would face extreme difficulties getting through the narrowly GOP-controlled Senate, with at least 60 senators needed to advance past the filibuster.

In her statement, DeLauro dared Republican lawmakers to try to eliminate the department through legislation.

“To my Republican colleagues: if you want to eliminate the Department of Education, then put your name on a bill to do that,” she said. “Let your constituents see it. Let us debate it. Let us and the American people deliberate. Do not yield our authority, and the rule of law, to unchecked billionaires.”

Trump’s push to move education “back to the states” also comes as much of the funding and oversight of schools already occurs at the state and local levels. Legally, the department cannot control the curriculum of schools across the country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741729690736.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday said it’s cutting a substantial number of the agency’s staff through a “<a href="https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/reductions-in-force-rif/" target="_blank">reduction in force</a>” process, bringing the department’s workforce to roughly half the number in place when President Donald Trump took office.According to senior department officials speaking on background to reporters Tuesday evening, roughly 1,315 employees are subject to the initiative. The officials said the employees will get, starting Tuesday, 90 days full pay and benefits and will telework from Wednesday until March 21, when they are placed on administrative leave. &nbsp;The sweeping cuts are part of a government-wide effort by Trump and billionaire White House adviser Elon Musk to reduce the federal workforce in an effort to slash government spending and reduce what they see as waste.When Trump took office, the department had 4,133 employees. Following Tuesday’s announcement, the agency said it will have roughly 2,183 workers remaining. In the past several weeks, nearly 600 workers took voluntary resignation opportunities or retirement, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-initiates-reduction-force" target="_blank">Tuesday evening press release</a>.The department also terminated 63 probationary employees in February, according to senior department officials.The senior officials clarified that this staffing reduction will not impact the department’s ability to deliver on civil rights investigations, the rollout of the federal student aid application, Title I funding for low-income school districts and other statutorily mandated functions Congress has given the agency.The senior officials confirmed earlier reporting that the department’s Washington-area office buildings would close Tuesday evening for safety reasons and would reopen Thursday.“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement Tuesday.“I appreciate the work of the dedicated public servants and their contributions to the Department. This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”<h2>Layoffs gut department, Dems say</h2>Congressional Democrats and labor union leaders blasted the cuts Tuesday.“Today’s staff eliminations are illegal, and they are a slap in the face to the dedicated public servants who work to make sure American children have access to a quality education,” Connecticut U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said. “No president or member of the executive branch has the authority to end public education, violate the law, and unilaterally steal dollars promised to students.”Sen. Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat who is the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the cuts were meant to sidestep the legislative difficulty of eliminating the department itself.“Donald Trump and Linda McMahon know they can’t abolish the Department of Education on their own but they understand that if you gut it to its very core and fire all the people who run programs that help students, families, and teachers, you might end up with a similar, ruinous result,” she said.“Ultimately, what they want to do is clear: fire the people who help our kids and gut funding for our students, teachers, and schools. This is about breaking government for working families — and enriching billionaires like themselves in the process.”Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said “denuding an agency so it cannot function effectively is the most cowardly way of dismantling it.”&nbsp;“The massive reduction in force at the Education Department is an attack on opportunity that will gut the agency and its ability to support students, throwing federal education programs into chaos across the country,” said Weingarten, who leads one of the largest teachers unions in the country.<h2>Department overhaul</h2>Trump has targeted the Education Department specifically in the spending cuts initiative, repeatedly pledging to shutter the 45-year-old agency in his quest to move education “back to the states.”The department had already seen dramatic shifts in the weeks since Trump took office — from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/elon-musks-doge-targets-us-department-education-millions-funding-cuts" target="_blank">major contract cuts</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/28/education-department-quit-00206765" target="_blank">staff buyouts</a>.Other departments and agencies,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/vets-worry-trump-cuts-va-workforce-will-interrupt-benefits&amp;sa=D&amp;source=docs&amp;ust=1741740543665052&amp;usg=AOvVaw2OZuQ95exTw4F_s_yKUi7E" target="_blank">including the Department of Veterans Affairs</a>, have also seen broad staffing decreases under Trump.Last week, McMahon&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/new-secretary-linda-mcmahon-unveils-final-mission-us-department-education" target="_blank">sent an email to department employees</a>&nbsp;regarding the agency’s “final mission,” where she detailed her plans to “overhaul” the federal agency.The former World Wrestling Entertainment executive told employees that the department’s “role in this new era of accountability is to restore the rightful role of state oversight in education and to end the overreach from Washington.”McMahon said “this restoration will profoundly impact staff, budgets, and agency operations here at the Department.”<h2>Congressional action would be tough</h2>Even if Trump were to sign an executive order on dismantling the department, only Congress has the authority to shut it down. Any bill to close down the agency would face extreme difficulties getting through the narrowly GOP-controlled Senate, with at least 60 senators needed to advance past the filibuster.In her statement, DeLauro dared Republican lawmakers to try to eliminate the department through legislation.“To my Republican colleagues: if you want to eliminate the Department of Education, then put your name on a bill to do that,” she said. “Let your constituents see it. Let us debate it. Let us and the American people deliberate. Do not yield our authority, and the rule of law, to unchecked billionaires.”Trump’s push to move education “back to the states” also comes as much of the funding and oversight of schools already occurs at the state and local levels. Legally, the department cannot control the curriculum of schools across the country.

U.S. Education Department to Cut Hundreds of Staff Members

Missouri Western State University will be searching for a new men's basketball coach after Will Martin announced his resignation today Athletic Director Andy Carter announced.

"Will is a class-act who has led our program with love, passion and integrity," Carter said in a news release from the university.&nbsp; "I appreciate his dedication to our student-athletes and our university. We thank him for his efforts of elevating our program back to respectability."

Martin spent seven total seasons on the Griffon sidelines, including the last five as head coach.&nbsp; He compiled a 77-70 overall record and a 51-56 mark in MIAA conference play.&nbsp; Joining the staff in 2018 as an assistant under Sundance Wicks, Martin was elevated to first-time head coach in the Spring of 2020. 

He led the Griffons to an NCAA Tournament berth during the Covid-shortened season of 2020-21, MWSU's 18-13 record in 2024-25 was the program's highest regular-season win total in 22 years.

"I am extremely grateful for my time at Missouri Western," Martin said."I will forever be humbled by the opportunity to be a Head Coach for this entire community, and appreciative to everyone who made it possible. I am proud of the success we were able to have on the court, in the classroom, and in the community."

"Most importantly, I will forever cherish the wonderful relationships cultivated in my time here. Thank you to my staff and all the student-athletes I was blessed to coach. Your hard work, sacrifice, and dedication undoubtedly served to leave the program better than we found it. Griffon Nation will always hold a special place in my heart!"

The search for Martin's replacement begins immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591383897177.jpeg" alt="Will Martin/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Will Martin/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University will be searching for a new men's basketball coach after Will Martin announced his resignation today Athletic Director Andy Carter announced."Will is a class-act who has led our program with love, passion and integrity," Carter said in a news release from the university.&nbsp; "I appreciate his dedication to our student-athletes and our university. We thank him for his efforts of elevating our program back to respectability."Martin spent seven total seasons on the Griffon sidelines, including the last five as head coach.&nbsp; He compiled a 77-70 overall record and a 51-56 mark in MIAA conference play.&nbsp; Joining the staff in 2018 as an assistant under Sundance Wicks, Martin was elevated to first-time head coach in the Spring of 2020. He led the Griffons to an NCAA Tournament berth during the Covid-shortened season of 2020-21, MWSU's 18-13 record in 2024-25 was the program's highest regular-season win total in 22 years."I am extremely grateful for my time at Missouri Western," Martin said."I will forever be humbled by the opportunity to be a Head Coach for this entire community, and appreciative to everyone who made it possible. I am proud of the success we were able to have on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.""Most importantly, I will forever cherish the wonderful relationships cultivated in my time here. Thank you to my staff and all the student-athletes I was blessed to coach. Your hard work, sacrifice, and dedication undoubtedly served to leave the program better than we found it. Griffon Nation will always hold a special place in my heart!"The search for Martin's replacement begins immediately.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

MWSU to begin search for new head coach as Will Martin resigns

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Food System Coalition says the U-S-D-A has cancelled contracts worth more than 11-million dollars.

 The money was to help the state's food banks, schools and child care centers purchase local food from more than 300 Iowa farmers over three years. Coalition executive director Chris Schwartz says the U-S-D-A has not explained why it’s cancelling the contracts for a program that's been "wildly successful" and a "national model.” He says the money from previous contracts is set to run out at the end of this month. 

Schwartz says this action may send farms into foreclosure and cause people to lose their homes as "good faith partners" who want to help feed Iowa children are "going to be hanging...out to dry.”

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Food System Coalition says the U-S-D-A has cancelled contracts worth more than 11-million dollars. The money was to help the state's food banks, schools and child care centers purchase local food from more than 300 Iowa farmers over three years. Coalition executive director Chris Schwartz says the U-S-D-A has not explained why it’s cancelling the contracts for a program that's been "wildly successful" and a "national model.” He says the money from previous contracts is set to run out at the end of this month. Schwartz says this action may send farms into foreclosure and cause people to lose their homes as "good faith partners" who want to help feed Iowa children are "going to be hanging...out to dry.”

USDA kills contracts that help buy local food for Iowa kids and food banks

Grocery stores and gas pumps are important inflation indicators. While inflationary concerns have been persistent in recent years, the back and forth regarding tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as the tariffs on Chinese goods, have prompted additional concerns about prices. Results from the Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey find most consumers across both political parties expect tariffs to increase the prices they pay for food. 

Grocery stores and gas pumps are important inflation indicators. While inflationary concerns have been persistent in recent years, the back and forth regarding tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as the tariffs on Chinese goods, have prompted additional concerns about prices. Results from the Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey find most consumers across both political parties expect tariffs to increase the prices they pay for food.

Consumers worry about tariffs and food prices

The University of Missouri
– Kansas City has a School of Medicine satellite campus in St. Joseph. It might
have a School of Dentistry in St. Joseph as well.

UMKC Chancellor
Mauli Agrawal says the university expanded to St. Joseph to address a shortage
of medical professionals in rural Missouri and soon hopes to also address a
severe shortage of dentists and dental hygienists.

“And so now that
we felt more comfortable with a satellite program in St. Joe because of the
medical program, we thought it’s time to address the dental shortage as well,” Agrawal
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.

Work must be done
before it becomes reality. UMKC must receive approval. It must also raise
money.

Agrawal says UMKC
has been in negotiations with Missouri Western State University about
renovating open space on its St. Joseph campus. Agrawal says UMKC estimates it
will take $12 million for renovations.

Under the
proposal, dental students would spend their first two years on the Kansas City
campus. They then would transfer to clinics on the MWSU campus in St. Joseph.
There, they will do actual dental work on low-income patients who might not
have dental insurance or not enough insurance to afford a dentist.

Agrawal says UMKC
began to consider expansion to St. Joseph after he spoke with leaders in
northern Missouri about the lack of dental care in rural Missouri. The federal
government has identified approximately 500 areas throughout the country
suffering from a severe shortage of dentists or dental hygienists. 

“In Iowa and
Nebraska, the federal government has identified four areas of shortage. In Kansas,
seven or eight. Missouri had 18; 1-8,” according to Agrawal. “And, as you can
see, that’s way above our fair share across the nation. So, yes, there is a
severe shortage across the whole state of Missouri.”

The UMKC School of
Medicine in St. Joseph began in cooperation with Mosaic Life Care at the
hospital campus in St. Joseph. It graduated its first students in January. A
$14.5 million medical building is under construction across the street from
Mosaic.

Agrawal says the
goal of both the medical school and the dental school is to address the
shortage of medical and dental care in rural Missouri. The thought being that
if students train in an area, they are more likely to set up practice in that
area.

“I think it’s been
a win-win,” Agrawal says. “Only time will tell if we really impact the shortage,
but we cannot not do anything. There’s a severe shortage in our state and we
need to step up and do the work so that we can at least start addressing the
shortage.”

If approval is
granted and the money raised, UMKC hopes to open its St. Joseph School of Dentistry
satellite campus in the fall of 2027.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741720193629.jpeg" alt="UMKC School of Dentistry/Photo courtesy of UMKC" />
 <figcaption>UMKC School of Dentistry/Photo courtesy of UMKC</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe University of Missouri
– Kansas City has a School of Medicine satellite campus in St. Joseph. It might
have a School of Dentistry in St. Joseph as well.UMKC Chancellor
Mauli Agrawal says the university expanded to St. Joseph to address a shortage
of medical professionals in rural Missouri and soon hopes to also address a
severe shortage of dentists and dental hygienists.“And so now that
we felt more comfortable with a satellite program in St. Joe because of the
medical program, we thought it’s time to address the dental shortage as well,” Agrawal
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.Work must be done
before it becomes reality. UMKC must receive approval. It must also raise
money.Agrawal says UMKC
has been in negotiations with Missouri Western State University about
renovating open space on its St. Joseph campus. Agrawal says UMKC estimates it
will take $12 million for renovations.Under the
proposal, dental students would spend their first two years on the Kansas City
campus. They then would transfer to clinics on the MWSU campus in St. Joseph.
There, they will do actual dental work on low-income patients who might not
have dental insurance or not enough insurance to afford a dentist.Agrawal says UMKC
began to consider expansion to St. Joseph after he spoke with leaders in
northern Missouri about the lack of dental care in rural Missouri. The federal
government has identified approximately 500 areas throughout the country
suffering from a severe shortage of dentists or dental hygienists. “In Iowa and
Nebraska, the federal government has identified four areas of shortage. In Kansas,
seven or eight. Missouri had 18; 1-8,” according to Agrawal. “And, as you can
see, that’s way above our fair share across the nation. So, yes, there is a
severe shortage across the whole state of Missouri.”The UMKC School of
Medicine in St. Joseph began in cooperation with Mosaic Life Care at the
hospital campus in St. Joseph. It graduated its first students in January. A
$14.5 million medical building is under construction across the street from
Mosaic.Agrawal says the
goal of both the medical school and the dental school is to address the
shortage of medical and dental care in rural Missouri. The thought being that
if students train in an area, they are more likely to set up practice in that
area.“I think it’s been
a win-win,” Agrawal says. “Only time will tell if we really impact the shortage,
but we cannot not do anything. There’s a severe shortage in our state and we
need to step up and do the work so that we can at least start addressing the
shortage.”If approval is
granted and the money raised, UMKC hopes to open its St. Joseph School of Dentistry
satellite campus in the fall of 2027.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

UMKC proposes setting up a School of Dentistry in St. Joseph

A state senator new to legislative
sessions in Topeka says he entered the race for District One to give northeast
Kansas different representation in the Kansas Senate.

Sen. Craig Bowser, a Republican from
Holton, says there’s no secret as to why he entered the race.

“If you think back in time, our current
state senator that was representing Senate District Number One; he left the
Republican Party, became an independent, and ran for governor,” Bowser tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph. “He lost that race, but at that point in time, I thought that
our district needed better representation and so that’s when I really decided
to run.”

Bowser defeated incumbent, Sen. Dennis
Pyle of Hiwatha, and another candidate last year to earn the seat.

Kansas Republicans fumed when Pyle
decided to become an independent and run for governor. Pyle lost badly,
garnering only 2% of the vote. Still, some Republicans blamed Pyle for the
party coming up short in its bid to unseat incumbent Democratic Gov. Laura
Kelly, who won the race with 49.5% of the vote, edging Republican challenger,
Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who received 47.33% of the vote. A Libertarian
candidate took one percent of the vote.

Schmidt would bounce back to win the
Second Congressional District race, succeeding Congressman Jake LaTurner, who
decided not to run for re-election.

Bowser says he has had to hit the ground
running in Topeka.

“I can tell you the current legislative
session here has been a lot busier than I anticipated,” Bowser says.

Last year, the Kansas legislative session
didn’t wrap up until early June.

This year, lawmakers hope to wrap up
business at the state Capitol by mid-April.

“They’re condensing it by about six weeks
and, of course, when you do that there’s still a large volume of bills that
need to be heard and work that needs to be done,” Bowser says. “And so that
compression has really made for a busy 2025 legislative session.”

Bowser works in cyber security. He has
been active in politics for a while, but this is the first office he has held.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741716191350.jpeg" alt="Sen. Craig Bowser/Photo courtesy of Sen. Bowser's office" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Craig Bowser/Photo courtesy of Sen. Bowser's office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA state senator new to legislative
sessions in Topeka says he entered the race for District One to give northeast
Kansas different representation in the Kansas Senate.Sen. Craig Bowser, a Republican from
Holton, says there’s no secret as to why he entered the race.“If you think back in time, our current
state senator that was representing Senate District Number One; he left the
Republican Party, became an independent, and ran for governor,” Bowser tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph. “He lost that race, but at that point in time, I thought that
our district needed better representation and so that’s when I really decided
to run.”Bowser defeated incumbent, Sen. Dennis
Pyle of Hiwatha, and another candidate last year to earn the seat.Kansas Republicans fumed when Pyle
decided to become an independent and run for governor. Pyle lost badly,
garnering only 2% of the vote. Still, some Republicans blamed Pyle for the
party coming up short in its bid to unseat incumbent Democratic Gov. Laura
Kelly, who won the race with 49.5% of the vote, edging Republican challenger,
Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who received 47.33% of the vote. A Libertarian
candidate took one percent of the vote.Schmidt would bounce back to win the
Second Congressional District race, succeeding Congressman Jake LaTurner, who
decided not to run for re-election.Bowser says he has had to hit the ground
running in Topeka.“I can tell you the current legislative
session here has been a lot busier than I anticipated,” Bowser says.Last year, the Kansas legislative session
didn’t wrap up until early June.This year, lawmakers hope to wrap up
business at the state Capitol by mid-April.“They’re condensing it by about six weeks
and, of course, when you do that there’s still a large volume of bills that
need to be heard and work that needs to be done,” Bowser says. “And so that
compression has really made for a busy 2025 legislative session.”Bowser works in cyber security. He has
been active in politics for a while, but this is the first office he has held.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

New state senator says northeast Kansas needed new representation

Charlotte O’Hara, announced Tuesday she will seek the&nbsp;Republican nomination&nbsp;for&nbsp;governor&nbsp;in 2026, according to a media release.

O’Hara, a business woman and conservative Republican, stated in the release, she "is done with Kansas being the high tax point on the prairie. As Governor, she will focus on reining in state spending and ludicrous corporate welfare, ban DEI and get schools back to education.

&nbsp;Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly's second term is nearing an end. Kelly is term-limited from running again in 2026. In January,&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ec164f8e-f8d7-4438-9c64-8f8ebaa1c7ea">Scott Schwab of Overland Park announced </a>his intention&nbsp;to run for governor.

O’Hara has long fought corporate welfare/tax incentives, which increase property taxes for homeowners and small businesses, according to the media release from her campaign. 

O’Hara is a past Republican Party 3rd District Chairwoman and served in the Kansas House (2011-2012). She voted against Governor Brownback’s 7.5% increase in the 2012 General Fund budget and blew the whistle on Brownback’s acceptance of the federal Early Innovator Grant money to build the IT infrastructure for ObamaCare in Kansas.

O’Hara (2021-2025) served as Johnson County Commissioner, District 3, "where she refused to capitulate to COVID masks and vaccine mandates." She tirelessly fought against Democrat controlled Johnson County Commission’s spending frenzy.O’Hara emphasized, “The hidden increase of taxes through inflation has become extraordinarily draconian, especially property taxes. 

"While Democrats along with Republicans support corporate welfare/tax incentives, the rest of us have to pay our property taxes in full with no shelter. This hits all of our budgets, but especially those on fixed incomes, whose disposable income shrinks with every tax increase.”

"O’Hara was raised on a family farm in Bourbon County. There her strong faith, work ethic and common sense were honed. O’Hara added, “I’ve had the opportunity to succeed in many endeavors: general contractor and developer, public servant, substitute teacher and homeschooler."

"Now, with my son, I co-own a small manufacturing company. I cannot stand silent and watch small businesses and homeowners be destroyed through high property taxes or watch our children drown in the sewer of WOKEism in our schools. It is time to have a proven conservative at the helm of our Republican super-majority.”

O’Hara, mother of 5 and grandmother of seven, finds joy in cooking for her family, on horseback, writing poetry and playing her piano and guitar. She lives in Overland Park with her two Australian Shepherds, Harvey and Bear.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741707494446.png" alt="-Charlotte O'Hara" />
 <figcaption>-Charlotte O'Hara</figcaption>
 </figure>Charlotte O’Hara, announced Tuesday she will seek the&nbsp;Republican nomination&nbsp;for&nbsp;governor&nbsp;in 2026, according to a media release.O’Hara, a business woman and conservative Republican, stated in the release, she "is done with Kansas being the high tax point on the prairie. As Governor, she will focus on reining in state spending and ludicrous corporate welfare, ban DEI and get schools back to education. &nbsp;Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly's second term is nearing an end. Kelly is term-limited from running again in 2026. In January,&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/ec164f8e-f8d7-4438-9c64-8f8ebaa1c7ea">Scott Schwab of Overland Park announced </a>his intention&nbsp;to run for governor.O’Hara has long fought corporate welfare/tax incentives, which increase property taxes for homeowners and small businesses, according to the media release from her campaign. O’Hara is a past Republican Party 3rd District Chairwoman and served in the Kansas House (2011-2012). She voted against Governor Brownback’s 7.5% increase in the 2012 General Fund budget and blew the whistle on Brownback’s acceptance of the federal Early Innovator Grant money to build the IT infrastructure for ObamaCare in Kansas.O’Hara (2021-2025) served as Johnson County Commissioner, District 3, "where she refused to capitulate to COVID masks and vaccine mandates." She tirelessly fought against Democrat controlled Johnson County Commission’s spending frenzy.O’Hara emphasized, “The hidden increase of taxes through inflation has become extraordinarily draconian, especially property taxes. "While Democrats along with Republicans support corporate welfare/tax incentives, the rest of us have to pay our property taxes in full with no shelter. This hits all of our budgets, but especially those on fixed incomes, whose disposable income shrinks with every tax increase.”"O’Hara was raised on a family farm in Bourbon County. There her strong faith, work ethic and common sense were honed. O’Hara added, “I’ve had the opportunity to succeed in many endeavors: general contractor and developer, public servant, substitute teacher and homeschooler.""Now, with my son, I co-own a small manufacturing company. I cannot stand silent and watch small businesses and homeowners be destroyed through high property taxes or watch our children drown in the sewer of WOKEism in our schools. It is time to have a proven conservative at the helm of our Republican super-majority.”O’Hara, mother of 5 and grandmother of seven, finds joy in cooking for her family, on horseback, writing poetry and playing her piano and guitar. She lives in Overland Park with her two Australian Shepherds, Harvey and Bear.

Former state representative announces run for Kan. governor

The Kansas City Royals have been trimming down their camp roster over the past weeks, and some of the more notable moves came on Sunday and Monday as pitchers Noah Cameron (The Royals #5 prospect),&nbsp; Luinder Avila (#19), and Eric Cerantola (#28) were all optioned to Triple A Omaha and assigned to minor league camp.&nbsp;

Along with those three pitchers, who had all been added to the 40-man roster this past offseason, the Royals optioned outfielder Tyler Gentry (#25) to Triple-A, and he will also head to Minor League camp.

In his first big league camp, Cameron wasted no time showing why the Royals protected him from the Rule 5 draft last offseason.&nbsp; The pitcher from St. Joseph allowed four earned runs across 10 inning with one walk and seven strikeouts in four Cactus League appearances, with one start.&nbsp; He also recorded one save.&nbsp;&nbsp;He’ll now head to Triple-A at the beginning of the season trying to build on the 2.32 ERA he posted there in nine starts at the end of last season.

Manager Matt Quatraro was impressed with Cameron, and it's become a matter of when, not if, he gets to Kansas City to make his major league debut.

“He was really impressive, first and foremost,” manager Matt Quatraro tells reporters. “His poise, delivery, stuff, command, all those things were outstanding. He could not have had a better camp. Fortunately for us right now, with pitchers being healthy and guys that are established big leaguers, he’s going to have to wait his turn, so to speak.

“But we’re really excited about what we saw. And you know how this goes. It could be a moment’s notice that we need him and need him to help us win.”

Cameron was solid in three innings Sunday, his first Cactus League start, allowing one unearned run with two strikeouts. He’s always been a strike-thrower in his Minor League career, and that didn’t waver when he got on the mound in front of big league coaches.

“It’s definitely helped, for sure,” Cameron said Sunday. “Just being around everybody and having the locker room atmosphere. Whenever [my debut] comes, just having relationships with these guys takes all the stress off of you a little bit. Just having confidence in me, knowing that whenever I do go up or whatever that looks like, knowing that I deserve to be there and can help the team win.”

-MLB.com's Anne Rogers contributed to this report

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741572394248.jpeg" alt="Noah Cameron/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Noah Cameron/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals have been trimming down their camp roster over the past weeks, and some of the more notable moves came on Sunday and Monday as pitchers Noah Cameron (The Royals #5 prospect),&nbsp; Luinder Avila (#19), and Eric Cerantola (#28) were all optioned to Triple A Omaha and assigned to minor league camp.&nbsp;Along with those three pitchers, who had all been added to the 40-man roster this past offseason, the Royals optioned outfielder Tyler Gentry (#25) to Triple-A, and he will also head to Minor League camp.In his first big league camp, Cameron wasted no time showing why the Royals protected him from the Rule 5 draft last offseason.&nbsp; The pitcher from St. Joseph allowed four earned runs across 10 inning with one walk and seven strikeouts in four Cactus League appearances, with one start.&nbsp; He also recorded one save.&nbsp;&nbsp;He’ll now head to Triple-A at the beginning of the season trying to build on the 2.32 ERA he posted there in nine starts at the end of last season.Manager Matt Quatraro was impressed with Cameron, and it's become a matter of when, not if, he gets to Kansas City to make his major league debut.“He was really impressive, first and foremost,” manager Matt Quatraro tells reporters. “His poise, delivery, stuff, command, all those things were outstanding. He could not have had a better camp. Fortunately for us right now, with pitchers being healthy and guys that are established big leaguers, he’s going to have to wait his turn, so to speak.“But we’re really excited about what we saw. And you know how this goes. It could be a moment’s notice that we need him and need him to help us win.”Cameron was solid in three innings Sunday, his first Cactus League start, allowing one unearned run with two strikeouts. He’s always been a strike-thrower in his Minor League career, and that didn’t waver when he got on the mound in front of big league coaches.“It’s definitely helped, for sure,” Cameron said Sunday. “Just being around everybody and having the locker room atmosphere. Whenever [my debut] comes, just having relationships with these guys takes all the stress off of you a little bit. Just having confidence in me, knowing that whenever I do go up or whatever that looks like, knowing that I deserve to be there and can help the team win.”-MLB.com's Anne Rogers contributed to this reportYou can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite being sent to Omaha, Royals management impressed with Noah Cameron

(Radio Iowa) - Cases of measles are being reported in a dozen states, with outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. 

So far, there are no outbreaks reported in Iowa -- or in any Midwestern state -- but that could quickly change. Megan Meller, an infection preventionist with Gundersen Health, says measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, and potentially-severe rash illness and most of the cases are in populations of people who are unvaccinated. Meller says measles is very preventable, and while the shot protects you, it also protects others who may be immunocompromised. 

Before the vaccine came out in the early 1960s, measles caused some 48-thousand people in the U-S to be hospitalized, and up to 500 deaths each year.

(Radio Iowa) - Cases of measles are being reported in a dozen states, with outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. So far, there are no outbreaks reported in Iowa -- or in any Midwestern state -- but that could quickly change. Megan Meller, an infection preventionist with Gundersen Health, says measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, and potentially-severe rash illness and most of the cases are in populations of people who are unvaccinated. Meller says measles is very preventable, and while the shot protects you, it also protects others who may be immunocompromised. Before the vaccine came out in the early 1960s, measles caused some 48-thousand people in the U-S to be hospitalized, and up to 500 deaths each year.

No measles outbreaks in Iowa yet, expert calls vaccines solid

JEFFERSON CITY Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey secured a historic $24 billion judgment against the Chinese Communist Party for unleashing the COVID-19 pandemic — six times more than the previous largest judgment in Missouri history, according to a media release from the AG's office.

“This is a landmark victory for Missouri and the United States in the fight to hold China accountable for unleashing COVID-19 on the world,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Bailey. “China refused to show up to court, but that doesn’t mean they get away with causing untold suffering and economic devastation. We intend to collect every penny by seizing Chinese-owned assets, including Missouri farmland.”

The Federal court ruled that Missouri “has established this claim of damages through evidence satisfactory to the court,” proving that China caused and exacerbated the COVID-19 pandemic, harming Missourians. The ruling follows former Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s 2020 lawsuit against the Chinese Communist Party for obstructing the production, purchase, and export of critical medical equipment, including PPE, during the pandemic.

Missouri will now move to collect the $24 billion judgment and, if necessary, will work with the Trump Administration to identify and seize Chinese-owned assets — a critical step in protecting Missouri’s economy and national security.

A full copy of the judgment can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=03c11393ad&amp;e=fe147aceeb__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!BtTkoi2PNgoGBaMBQsQpWr5gzq6koN0OFVbnxR9nhfDDAyoep6eBlOXRIaV-ludjItDMaBzsj7lh_mc6ktr8sTxJYg$">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681466878038.png" alt="Missouri AG Andrew Bailey courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Missouri AG Andrew Bailey courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey secured a historic $24 billion judgment against the Chinese Communist Party for unleashing the COVID-19 pandemic — six times more than the previous largest judgment in Missouri history, according to a media release from the AG's office.“This is a landmark victory for Missouri and the United States in the fight to hold China accountable for unleashing COVID-19 on the world,”&nbsp;said Attorney General Bailey. “China refused to show up to court, but that doesn’t mean they get away with causing untold suffering and economic devastation. We intend to collect every penny by seizing Chinese-owned assets, including Missouri farmland.”The Federal court ruled that Missouri “has established this claim of damages through evidence satisfactory to the court,” proving that China caused and exacerbated the COVID-19 pandemic, harming Missourians. The ruling follows former Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s 2020 lawsuit against the Chinese Communist Party for obstructing the production, purchase, and export of critical medical equipment, including PPE, during the pandemic.Missouri will now move to collect the $24 billion judgment and, if necessary, will work with the Trump Administration to identify and seize Chinese-owned assets — a critical step in protecting Missouri’s economy and national security.A full copy of the judgment can be read&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&amp;id=03c11393ad&amp;e=fe147aceeb__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!BtTkoi2PNgoGBaMBQsQpWr5gzq6koN0OFVbnxR9nhfDDAyoep6eBlOXRIaV-ludjItDMaBzsj7lh_mc6ktr8sTxJYg$">here</a>.

Missouri to seize assets to make China pay a $24 billion judgment

A House committee voted Monday to approve a bill repealing the ban on construction work in progress charges on utility bills. It could be sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe by the end of the week

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

A bill changing&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/07/massive-utility-legislation-expected-to-boost-missouri-power-generation-and-energy-bills/">how utility rates are set</a>&nbsp;won overwhelming approval in a Missouri House committee Monday after a hearing where backers said it is vital to the state’s economy and opponents said it would soak consumers with higher costs.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=66" target="_blank">proposal</a>&nbsp;to repeal&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=393.135&amp;bid=22080&amp;hl=" target="_blank">a 1976 law</a>&nbsp;passed by initiative petition that prohibits companies from charging for power plants under construction but not yet operating has already passed the state Senate. Following the 17-4 vote Monday in the House Utilities Committee, it could go directly to Gov. Mike Kehoe if nothing is changed during the upcoming debate in the full House.

The legislation would allow companies to seek rate increases for “construction work in progress,” or CWIP, with a specific allowance for new generating plants that burn natural gas and an allowance in another section for any generating plant that is an approved resource plan.

The initiative that passed the 1976 law was launched by people upset over rate hikes allowed for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Callaway County.&nbsp;

The bill repeals the ban for 10 years and allows the Public Service Commission to extend it for another 10. State Sen. Mike Cierpiot, the Republican from Lee’s Summit who is sponsoring the bill, said he doubts the new CWIP allowance would be used for a new nuclear power plant.

“I was asked to have nuclear CWIP this bill, and I actually don’t think that’s a horrible idea, but I think it’s kind of 15 years off before we actually start deploying those,” Cierpiot said.

In the Monday vote, two of the committee’s seven Democratic members supported the legislation along with 15 of 16 Republicans, while three Democrats and one Republican were opposed.

During two hours of testimony, opponents argued the CWIP provisions, when coupled with other allowances for utilities to seek more from customers, would add as much as $1,100 a year to residential electric bills.&nbsp;

“This bill is not designed to benefit Missourians,” said Gretchen Barwick, director of the Missouri chapter of the Sierra Club. “It’s designed to provide corporate welfare to monopoly utilities.”

Representatives of utilities and the Public Service Commission said growing power demands mean new generation plants will be built in the Midwest. Passing the law allowing the charge for construction of new plants will be an incentive to build in Missouri, they said.

Large industrial users of electricity will locate plants where power is plentiful, said Jason Klindt, senior director of external affairs at Evergy. The bill includes requirements that large users pay a rate that is not subsidized by residential users, he said, arguing that will spread the cost out and result in lower overall rates for everyone.

Evergy is the major power provider for western Missouri. It is building two new&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/evergy-plans-to-build-two-new-natural-gas-plants-in-kansas-by-2030/">gas-fired power plants</a>&nbsp;in Kansas. The company would like to build in Missouri as well, Klindt said.

&nbsp;“We look forward, frankly, to announcing new power plants if we can get this bill across the finish line,” he said.

The bill would apply to investor-owned utilities regulated by the PSC. The commission has no control over rates for municipal power companies or rural electric cooperatives.

The bill would also allow all utilities regulated by the commission — water, gas and sewer along with electricity — to seek rates based on what the bill calls a “future test year.”

Currently, rates are set after the PSC examines the actual costs incurred to deliver service and determines if each expense was prudent and necessary. In a future test year scenario, the utility would outline what it expects to spend and the costs would be pre-approved by the PSC.

There are some aspects of the bill intended to benefit consumers. The Office of Public Counsel, which represents the interests of ratepayers in utility cases, would receive dedicated funding for the first time from an assessment on utility revenues.

There are changes to the rule blocking shutoffs for non-payment during hot and cold months as well as provisions requiring the commission to account for any federal tax savings by adjusting rates.

The bill would also allow the PSC to order electric utilities to repay customers for construction work in progress charges if the plant does not go into service.

The time is now for CWIP because of a rapidly escalating demand for power, said Rich Germinder, policy and strategic initiatives advisor to the PSC. The rapid increase in the number of electric vehicles and the construction of power-hungry data centers is helping drive up demand.

“Everyone was caught unprepared for the demands of the increased load growth that we’re seeing,” Germinder said.

Opponents of the bill said the items intended to help consumers won’t offset the additional costs.

All three of Missouri’s major electric suppliers are before the commission seeking rate increases. Evergy is seeking a rate increase to&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/08/26/evergy-west-2025-rate-increase/" target="_blank">boost revenues by 14%</a>, Ameren, which serves eastern Missouri, is seeking a rate increase&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missourians-speak-out-against-proposed-ameren-electric-rate-increase-in-public-hearing/#:~:text=Ameren%20Missouri%20wants%20to%20increase,additional%20%24446%20million%20per%20year.">of nearly 16%</a>&nbsp;and the Empire District Electric Company, which serves many smaller communities doing business as Liberty, wants regulators to increase its revenue by nearly 30%.

The CWIP and future test year provisions will just add to the additional costs consumers already face, opponents said.

If this legislation passes, it will be the most costly and expensive legislation ever passed by the Missouri legislature,” said Diana Plescia, attorney for the Missouri Industrial Energy Consumers, a consortium of 14 major manufacturers.

The legislation will increase rates by an additional 40- to 80%, she said, making it too expensive to attract new investment.

“The damage to our economic base in Missouri will be real,” Plescia said “And I say this in terms of both the jobs that will be lost and the jobs that will never come.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741689295959.png" alt=" State Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Republican from Lee’s Summit, on Monday presents his bill allowing utilities to charge customers for power plants while they are under construction to the House Utilities Committee. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Republican from Lee’s Summit, on Monday presents his bill allowing utilities to charge customers for power plants while they are under construction to the House Utilities Committee. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A House committee voted Monday to approve a bill repealing the ban on construction work in progress charges on utility bills. It could be sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe by the end of the week</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A bill changing&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/07/massive-utility-legislation-expected-to-boost-missouri-power-generation-and-energy-bills/">how utility rates are set</a>&nbsp;won overwhelming approval in a Missouri House committee Monday after a hearing where backers said it is vital to the state’s economy and opponents said it would soak consumers with higher costs.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=66" target="_blank">proposal</a>&nbsp;to repeal&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=393.135&amp;bid=22080&amp;hl=" target="_blank">a 1976 law</a>&nbsp;passed by initiative petition that prohibits companies from charging for power plants under construction but not yet operating has already passed the state Senate. Following the 17-4 vote Monday in the House Utilities Committee, it could go directly to Gov. Mike Kehoe if nothing is changed during the upcoming debate in the full House.The legislation would allow companies to seek rate increases for “construction work in progress,” or CWIP, with a specific allowance for new generating plants that burn natural gas and an allowance in another section for any generating plant that is an approved resource plan.The initiative that passed the 1976 law was launched by people upset over rate hikes allowed for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Callaway County.&nbsp;The bill repeals the ban for 10 years and allows the Public Service Commission to extend it for another 10. State Sen. Mike Cierpiot, the Republican from Lee’s Summit who is sponsoring the bill, said he doubts the new CWIP allowance would be used for a new nuclear power plant.“I was asked to have nuclear CWIP this bill, and I actually don’t think that’s a horrible idea, but I think it’s kind of 15 years off before we actually start deploying those,” Cierpiot said.In the Monday vote, two of the committee’s seven Democratic members supported the legislation along with 15 of 16 Republicans, while three Democrats and one Republican were opposed.During two hours of testimony, opponents argued the CWIP provisions, when coupled with other allowances for utilities to seek more from customers, would add as much as $1,100 a year to residential electric bills.&nbsp;“This bill is not designed to benefit Missourians,” said Gretchen Barwick, director of the Missouri chapter of the Sierra Club. “It’s designed to provide corporate welfare to monopoly utilities.”Representatives of utilities and the Public Service Commission said growing power demands mean new generation plants will be built in the Midwest. Passing the law allowing the charge for construction of new plants will be an incentive to build in Missouri, they said.Large industrial users of electricity will locate plants where power is plentiful, said Jason Klindt, senior director of external affairs at Evergy. The bill includes requirements that large users pay a rate that is not subsidized by residential users, he said, arguing that will spread the cost out and result in lower overall rates for everyone.Evergy is the major power provider for western Missouri. It is building two new&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/evergy-plans-to-build-two-new-natural-gas-plants-in-kansas-by-2030/">gas-fired power plants</a>&nbsp;in Kansas. The company would like to build in Missouri as well, Klindt said.&nbsp;“We look forward, frankly, to announcing new power plants if we can get this bill across the finish line,” he said.The bill would apply to investor-owned utilities regulated by the PSC. The commission has no control over rates for municipal power companies or rural electric cooperatives.The bill would also allow all utilities regulated by the commission — water, gas and sewer along with electricity — to seek rates based on what the bill calls a “future test year.”Currently, rates are set after the PSC examines the actual costs incurred to deliver service and determines if each expense was prudent and necessary. In a future test year scenario, the utility would outline what it expects to spend and the costs would be pre-approved by the PSC.There are some aspects of the bill intended to benefit consumers. The Office of Public Counsel, which represents the interests of ratepayers in utility cases, would receive dedicated funding for the first time from an assessment on utility revenues.There are changes to the rule blocking shutoffs for non-payment during hot and cold months as well as provisions requiring the commission to account for any federal tax savings by adjusting rates.The bill would also allow the PSC to order electric utilities to repay customers for construction work in progress charges if the plant does not go into service.The time is now for CWIP because of a rapidly escalating demand for power, said Rich Germinder, policy and strategic initiatives advisor to the PSC. The rapid increase in the number of electric vehicles and the construction of power-hungry data centers is helping drive up demand.“Everyone was caught unprepared for the demands of the increased load growth that we’re seeing,” Germinder said.Opponents of the bill said the items intended to help consumers won’t offset the additional costs.All three of Missouri’s major electric suppliers are before the commission seeking rate increases. Evergy is seeking a rate increase to&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/08/26/evergy-west-2025-rate-increase/" target="_blank">boost revenues by 14%</a>, Ameren, which serves eastern Missouri, is seeking a rate increase&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missourians-speak-out-against-proposed-ameren-electric-rate-increase-in-public-hearing/#:~:text=Ameren%20Missouri%20wants%20to%20increase,additional%20%24446%20million%20per%20year.">of nearly 16%</a>&nbsp;and the Empire District Electric Company, which serves many smaller communities doing business as Liberty, wants regulators to increase its revenue by nearly 30%.The CWIP and future test year provisions will just add to the additional costs consumers already face, opponents said.If this legislation passes, it will be the most costly and expensive legislation ever passed by the Missouri legislature,” said Diana Plescia, attorney for the Missouri Industrial Energy Consumers, a consortium of 14 major manufacturers.The legislation will increase rates by an additional 40- to 80%, she said, making it too expensive to attract new investment.“The damage to our economic base in Missouri will be real,” Plescia said “And I say this in terms of both the jobs that will be lost and the jobs that will never come.”

Bill loosening rules for Missouri electric rates speeding toward passage

A trio of Missouri Tigers have been honored by the Southeastern Conference with end of season awards announced on Monday. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741647573422.jpeg" alt="The Tigers surround Caleb Grill in celebration.&nbsp; Grill was named the SEC's Sixth Man of the Year on Monday/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Athletics" />
 <figcaption>The Tigers surround Caleb Grill in celebration.&nbsp; Grill was named the SEC's Sixth Man of the Year on Monday/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA trio of Missouri Tigers have been honored by the Southeastern Conference with end of season awards announced on Monday. Caleb Grill was named the SEC Sixth Man of the Year, while junior Mark Mitchell was named all SEC third team. Sophomore Anthony Robinson was named to the SEC All-Defense team.Grill is the second Tiger to be named the Sixth Man of the Year by the conference. He ranked second on the team overall, and first during conference play, in points per game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741647678389.jpeg" alt="Mark Mitchell/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mark Mitchell/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Meanwhile Mitchell led the team in points per game. He also ranks second on the team in rebounds, first in blocks, third in assists, and fifth in steals. Robinson became just the second Tiger to be named to the all defense team, and the only underclassmen in the conference in the last two seasons. Robinson leads Mizzou and ranks 38th nationally with 2.03 steals per game, swiping 61 in 30 games as a sophomore.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741647939636.jpeg" alt="Anthony Robinson/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Anthony Robinson/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The trio is set to lead Mizzou into the postseason, starting on Thursday when the Tigers play in the SEC Tournament Second Round at 6 p.m. against either Mississippi State or LSU.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

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