WASHINGTON —The U.S. Army will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military.&nbsp; The announcement came on social media Friday afternoon.

The Army will also stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Army and the JAG Corps is in compliance with President Trump's&nbsp;executive orders and orders from the Secretary of Defense.

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Army will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military.&nbsp; The announcement came on social media Friday afternoon.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USArmy</a> will no longer allow transgender individuals to join the military and will stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members. Stay tuned for more details.&mdash; U.S. Army (@USArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/USArmy/status/1890490320313286788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Army will also stop performing or facilitating procedures associated with gender transition for service members.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Army and the JAG Corps is in compliance with President Trump's&nbsp;executive orders and orders from the Secretary of Defense.

U.S. Army announcement on transgenders in the military

Brooke Rollins won confirmation as the new Secretary of Agriculture by a 72-28 Senate vote. Several U.S. ag groups congratulated the Texan on her confirmation. “America’s pork producers are eager to work with Secretary Rollins to fix the multitude of problems caused by California’s Prop 12 and ensure farm families have reasonable policies to pass down our farms to future generations,” says NPPC President Lori Stevermer. 

Brooke Rollins won confirmation as the new Secretary of Agriculture by a 72-28 Senate vote. Several U.S. ag groups congratulated the Texan on her confirmation. “America’s pork producers are eager to work with Secretary Rollins to fix the multitude of problems caused by California’s Prop 12 and ensure farm families have reasonable policies to pass down our farms to future generations,” says NPPC President Lori Stevermer.

Rollins confirmed as Ag Secretary

The Food Price Index increased nearly a half percent in January. The food at home index rose more tha a half percent over the month, as four of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased. The indexes for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 1.9 percent for the month, as the index for eggs led the way by rising 15.2 percent. This was the largest increase in the eggs index since June 2015 and accounted for about two-thirds of the total monthly food-at-home increase. 

The Food Price Index increased nearly a half percent in January. The food at home index rose more tha a half percent over the month, as four of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased. The indexes for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 1.9 percent for the month, as the index for eggs led the way by rising 15.2 percent. This was the largest increase in the eggs index since June 2015 and accounted for about two-thirds of the total monthly food-at-home increase.

Food Price Index moves higher in January

(Radio Iowa) - The Office of Consumer Advocate would become an independent state agency again if a bill in the Iowa House becomes law. 

The government realignment plan Governor Reynolds proposed and signed into law two years ago put Iowa's attorney general in charge of the office. Representative Charley Thomsen, a Republican from Charles City, says that was a mistake. Thomson says the independence of the state consumer advocate is important for all Iowans.

 It's one of the bills a group of House Republicans have introduced in response to the Iowa Utilities Commission decision to grant a permit to Summit Carbon Solutions for its pipeline.

(Radio Iowa) - The Office of Consumer Advocate would become an independent state agency again if a bill in the Iowa House becomes law. The government realignment plan Governor Reynolds proposed and signed into law two years ago put Iowa's attorney general in charge of the office. Representative Charley Thomsen, a Republican from Charles City, says that was a mistake. Thomson says the independence of the state consumer advocate is important for all Iowans. It's one of the bills a group of House Republicans have introduced in response to the Iowa Utilities Commission decision to grant a permit to Summit Carbon Solutions for its pipeline.

Bill would restore independence of state's Consumer Advocate

Kansas City Royals prospect Noah Cameron, a Central alum, posted a breakout season in 2024, earning him an invite to major league spring training.  

Pitchers and catchers reported to Surprise, Arizona and had their first workout this week. 

Cameron says it's been really cool being in the same clubhouse and working alongside veterans like Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. 

"Just to kind of watch them work, you know obviously they're the best players in baseball for a reason and just watching them kind of do their thing and their everyday work that they put in and preparation they put in is really cool," Cameron tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And it teaches us younger guys what to do, what not to do." 

Last year, Cameron posted a 3-2 record with a 2.32 ERA and 67 strikeouts across nine starts at Triple A Omaha. Overall, between Triple A and Double A, he was 7-6 with a 3.08 ERA and 149 strikeouts.  In November, the Royals added Cameron to the 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft. 

Cameron will have the opportunity to learn alongside two Cy Young finalists from last year, in Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, as well as experienced veterans in Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen.

Cameron says even through the first days of spring training this week, he has seen the work ethic of his teammates, and is ready to learn alongside them 

"It's been really cool to get to know them a little bit, obviously I'm excited to continue growing those relationships with those guys and just being able to kind of slide right in and let them lead the way and for me to just hopefully help out and earn that spot and earn their respect," Cameron says."

Cameron knows that he's in competition with teammates for the fifth starter spot 

"We obviously are aware of it, and we know that we want to be better than each other, but at the same time encourage each other and push each other every day, which is just really awesome," Cameron explains.  "And you don't see that a whole lot, obviously if we had five starters that were all making $20 million and there's no spots open it would be a little less competitive." 

A spot in the Royals rotation opened after a trade sent Brady Singer to the Cincinatti Reds.  Cameron is in competition with teammates with major league experience, such as Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, and a returning from injury Kyle Wright. 

While many players are already in Surprise, Arizona for Spring Training, the first full team workout is on Monday. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739551856916.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph's Noah Cameron, the Kansas City Royals #12 prospect, had a breakout season in 2024 and was added to the 40 man roster this offseason. He's now competing for a job in the Royals starting rotation this spring training/ Photo courtesy of the Omaha Stormchasers" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph's Noah Cameron, the Kansas City Royals #12 prospect, had a breakout season in 2024 and was added to the 40 man roster this offseason. He's now competing for a job in the Royals starting rotation this spring training/ Photo courtesy of the Omaha Stormchasers</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Kansas City Royals prospect Noah Cameron, a Central alum, posted a breakout season in 2024, earning him an invite to major league spring training. Pitchers and catchers reported to Surprise, Arizona and had their first workout this week. Cameron says it's been really cool being in the same clubhouse and working alongside veterans like Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. "Just to kind of watch them work, you know obviously they're the best players in baseball for a reason and just watching them kind of do their thing and their everyday work that they put in and preparation they put in is really cool," Cameron tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And it teaches us younger guys what to do, what not to do." Last year, Cameron posted a 3-2 record with a 2.32 ERA and 67 strikeouts across nine starts at Triple A Omaha. Overall, between Triple A and Double A, he was 7-6 with a 3.08 ERA and 149 strikeouts. In November, the Royals added Cameron to the 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft. Cameron will have the opportunity to learn alongside two Cy Young finalists from last year, in Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans, as well as experienced veterans in Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen.Cameron says even through the first days of spring training this week, he has seen the work ethic of his teammates, and is ready to learn alongside them "It's been really cool to get to know them a little bit, obviously I'm excited to continue growing those relationships with those guys and just being able to kind of slide right in and let them lead the way and for me to just hopefully help out and earn that spot and earn their respect," Cameron says."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739552096076.jpeg" alt="Noah Cameron/ Photo courtesy of MLB Pipeline" />
 <figcaption>Noah Cameron/ Photo courtesy of MLB Pipeline</figcaption>
 </figure>Cameron knows that he's in competition with teammates for the fifth starter spot "We obviously are aware of it, and we know that we want to be better than each other, but at the same time encourage each other and push each other every day, which is just really awesome," Cameron explains. "And you don't see that a whole lot, obviously if we had five starters that were all making $20 million and there's no spots open it would be a little less competitive." A spot in the Royals rotation opened after a trade sent Brady Singer to the Cincinatti Reds. Cameron is in competition with teammates with major league experience, such as Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch, Kris Bubic, and a returning from injury Kyle Wright. While many players are already in Surprise, Arizona for Spring Training, the first full team workout is on Monday. FULL INTERVIEW<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Full-Interview-Noah-Cameron-ready-to-be-Royal-e2usjui/a-abphedc" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>FRIDAY JOURNAL<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Friday-Journal-Noah-Cameron-looks-to-continue-success-e2usk43/a-abphejm" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph native on the brink of breaking into the major leagues

This recall involves Igloo 90 Qt. Flip &amp; Tow Rolling Coolers manufactured prior to January 2024. The date of manufacture is imprinted on the bottom of the cooler in a circular pattern with an arrow pointing to the month of manufacture and the last two digits of the year of manufacture inside the circle, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled coolers have a tow handle. “IGLOO” is printed on the side of the coolers. The coolers were sold in multiple body and lid color combinations, some of which are pictured above. The following cooler models with tow handles are included in the recall. The model number is located on labels affixed to the bottom of the cooler.

<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Igloo-Recalls-More-Than-One-Million-90-Quart-Rolling-Coolers-Due-to-Fingertip-Amputation-and-Crushing-Hazards">Click here </a>for more details.

Igloo toll-free at 888-943-5182 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:igloo90qt@sedgwick.com">igloo90qt@sedgwick.com</a>, or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com/">www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloocoolers.com/">http://www.igloocoolers.com</a>&nbsp;and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739468534690.png" alt="Image igloo" />
 <figcaption>Image igloo</figcaption>
 </figure>This recall involves Igloo 90 Qt. Flip &amp; Tow Rolling Coolers manufactured prior to January 2024. The date of manufacture is imprinted on the bottom of the cooler in a circular pattern with an arrow pointing to the month of manufacture and the last two digits of the year of manufacture inside the circle, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.The recalled coolers have a tow handle. “IGLOO” is printed on the side of the coolers. The coolers were sold in multiple body and lid color combinations, some of which are pictured above. The following cooler models with tow handles are included in the recall. The model number is located on labels affixed to the bottom of the cooler.<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Igloo-Recalls-More-Than-One-Million-90-Quart-Rolling-Coolers-Due-to-Fingertip-Amputation-and-Crushing-Hazards">Click here </a>for more details.Igloo toll-free at 888-943-5182 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:igloo90qt@sedgwick.com">igloo90qt@sedgwick.com</a>, or online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com/">www.igloo90qtrecall.expertinquiry.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.igloocoolers.com/">http://www.igloocoolers.com</a>&nbsp;and click on “Recall Information” at the top of the page for more information.

Igloo recall: Cooler handle hazard causes fingertip amputation injuries

Missouri sheriffs are asking the state
legislature to address a limited number of priorities, including tightening
Missouri sentencing laws.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says
the Missouri Sheriffs Association has been pushing for years Truth in
Sentencing laws, now sometimes called Clarity in Sentencing.

“The fact of the matter is that we have a
variety of rules that allows convicted criminals to be released really, really
early,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And we have been
arguing for a really long time that they need to serve more of their sentence,
according to what the judge sentenced them to.”

This has been a frustrating issue for
Puett, who has complained about sentencing for years. He says there is a simple
reason for that.

“It’s disheartening, especially when
victims call you and they say, hey, I thought that the person who victimized me
got sentenced to prison and I just saw them at Walmart,” Puett says.

Puett says there is just too much slack
in the sentences handed down by a judge and the time served.

“On non-violent felonies right now, they
are giving them 30 days on a year,” according to Puett. “So, you’re doing one
month for one year and that’s just not acceptable.”

The association advocates non-violent
offenders be required to serve at least 75% of their sentence with violent
offenders required to serve at least 85%.

Another priority of the association is
fixing what the voters declined to fix. Voters rejected Amendment 6 in
November, an attempt to shore up the retirement fund for Missouri sheriffs.

Puett says after the courts rejected the
funding mechanism for sheriff pensions and the voters rejected the proposed
fix, it undermines the incentive to become a county sheriff.

“If there is no retirement, there are no
resources and all those things, why in the world would anybody step up and say,
hey, I’m willing to take this position?” Puett asks. “Why would I subject
myself to all the things that go along with it and then, in the end, there’s no
retirement for me to live into my golden years?”

The courts rejected a funding mechanism
in place for years, removing a vital resource to finance the retirement fund
for Missouri sheriffs.

The association also
wants the office of county sheriff to become a constitutional office.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739556113508.jpeg" alt="Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri sheriffs are asking the state
legislature to address a limited number of priorities, including tightening
Missouri sentencing laws.Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett says
the Missouri Sheriffs Association has been pushing for years Truth in
Sentencing laws, now sometimes called Clarity in Sentencing.“The fact of the matter is that we have a
variety of rules that allows convicted criminals to be released really, really
early,” Puett tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “And we have been
arguing for a really long time that they need to serve more of their sentence,
according to what the judge sentenced them to.”This has been a frustrating issue for
Puett, who has complained about sentencing for years. He says there is a simple
reason for that.“It’s disheartening, especially when
victims call you and they say, hey, I thought that the person who victimized me
got sentenced to prison and I just saw them at Walmart,” Puett says.Puett says there is just too much slack
in the sentences handed down by a judge and the time served.“On non-violent felonies right now, they
are giving them 30 days on a year,” according to Puett. “So, you’re doing one
month for one year and that’s just not acceptable.”The association advocates non-violent
offenders be required to serve at least 75% of their sentence with violent
offenders required to serve at least 85%.Another priority of the association is
fixing what the voters declined to fix. Voters rejected Amendment 6 in
November, an attempt to shore up the retirement fund for Missouri sheriffs.Puett says after the courts rejected the
funding mechanism for sheriff pensions and the voters rejected the proposed
fix, it undermines the incentive to become a county sheriff.“If there is no retirement, there are no
resources and all those things, why in the world would anybody step up and say,
hey, I’m willing to take this position?” Puett asks. “Why would I subject
myself to all the things that go along with it and then, in the end, there’s no
retirement for me to live into my golden years?”The courts rejected a funding mechanism
in place for years, removing a vital resource to finance the retirement fund
for Missouri sheriffs.The association also
wants the office of county sheriff to become a constitutional office.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Sheriff Puett says Missouri sheriffs have limited legislative priorities this year

(Radio Iowa) - The group which represents Iowa’s non-alcoholic beverage producers, bottlers and distributors has launched a website called empties.org to help you find a place to take back your cans and bottle. 

Iowa Beverage Association Executive Director Jon Murphy says they found many people don't know where to take empties.. He says you can go to the website and in your zip code or your address, and it'll show the closest redemption locations near you. Murphy has seen fewer places taking back cans and bottles since the legislature revised the deposit law in 2022 and let businesses opt out of taking back deposit cans and bottles. 

Murphy says the end goal is to keep the cans and bottle out of ditches and recycled.

(Radio Iowa) - The group which represents Iowa’s non-alcoholic beverage producers, bottlers and distributors has launched a website called empties.org to help you find a place to take back your cans and bottle. Iowa Beverage Association Executive Director Jon Murphy says they found many people don't know where to take empties.. He says you can go to the website and in your zip code or your address, and it'll show the closest redemption locations near you. Murphy has seen fewer places taking back cans and bottles since the legislature revised the deposit law in 2022 and let businesses opt out of taking back deposit cans and bottles. Murphy says the end goal is to keep the cans and bottle out of ditches and recycled.

Website Shows You Bottle And Can Redemption Sites

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says if President Trump shuts down the Federal Emergency Management Agency the State of Iowa will be able to significantly streamline the process of getting federal disaster aid to Iowans. 

Reynolds says there's too much bureaucracy involved in getting federal aid distributed to disaster victims who qualify for it today. The governor says disaster victims who've lost everything should have one single sign-in, so they don't have to fill out paperwork for FEMA, the U-S-D-A and the S-B-A and answer almost the same questions each time. 

President Trump posted a statement on social media about FEMA, calling the agency slow and totally ineffective and calling for FEMA to be terminated.

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says if President Trump shuts down the Federal Emergency Management Agency the State of Iowa will be able to significantly streamline the process of getting federal disaster aid to Iowans. Reynolds says there's too much bureaucracy involved in getting federal aid distributed to disaster victims who qualify for it today. The governor says disaster victims who've lost everything should have one single sign-in, so they don't have to fill out paperwork for FEMA, the U-S-D-A and the S-B-A and answer almost the same questions each time. President Trump posted a statement on social media about FEMA, calling the agency slow and totally ineffective and calling for FEMA to be terminated.

Reynolds has positive view of potential FEMA shutdown

Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade, the nation’s leading coalition of American ag and food producers that depend on trade and exports, reacted to the imposition of Section 232 tariffs.

 “Recent history shows that indiscriminate 232 tariffs trigger harsh retaliation against U.S. farmers and food producers,” Kuehl says. “In 2018, targeted countries responded with tariffs on uniquely American agricultural products, everything from soybeans and pork to bourbon.”

 Farmers for Free Trade says when these American products get saddled with onerous tariffs, it directly hurts American farmers, ranchers, and food manufacturers – American businesses that depend on exports to survive. 

“Rather than strengthening American industry, these tariffs make it harder to sell the very products the world wants from us,” Kuehl adds. “If we truly want to grow our economy and support Americans that are producing right here at home, we need to expand exports, not make them a target.”

Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade, the nation’s leading coalition of American ag and food producers that depend on trade and exports, reacted to the imposition of Section 232 tariffs. “Recent history shows that indiscriminate 232 tariffs trigger harsh retaliation against U.S. farmers and food producers,” Kuehl says. “In 2018, targeted countries responded with tariffs on uniquely American agricultural products, everything from soybeans and pork to bourbon.” Farmers for Free Trade says when these American products get saddled with onerous tariffs, it directly hurts American farmers, ranchers, and food manufacturers – American businesses that depend on exports to survive. “Rather than strengthening American industry, these tariffs make it harder to sell the very products the world wants from us,” Kuehl adds. “If we truly want to grow our economy and support Americans that are producing right here at home, we need to expand exports, not make them a target.”-NAFB

Farmers for Free Trade comment on Section 232 tariffs

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. secured Senate confirmation Thursday to become secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, overcoming concerns about dozens of false or misleading statements he has made regarding vaccine safety.

<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00052.htm" target="_blank">The 52-48 vote</a>&nbsp;puts Kennedy, an environmental lawyer who has no background in health care or running a major organization, at the helm of one of the largest federal departments. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only member of the GOP to oppose Kennedy’s confirmation.

HHS receives more than $1.7 trillion in government funding annually and houses some of the nation’s most prominent agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Food and Drug Administration, Indian Health Service, National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Many GOP senators were skeptical of Kennedy’s nomination during hearings in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-turnabout-vaccines-abortion-slammed-hhs-confirmation-hearing" target="_blank">Finance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-members-us-senate-probe-rfk-jr-his-history-vaccine-denial" target="_blank">Health, Education, Labor and Pensions</a>&nbsp;committees, but ultimately voted to confirm him.

Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, chairman of the HELP Committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-nomination-health-secretary-approved-key-us-senate-panel" target="_blank">gave a floor speech detailing multiple commitments</a>&nbsp;from Kennedy and President Donald Trump that ultimately led Cassidy to support the nomination.

Among the assurances are that Kennedy will work within the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring systems and not establish parallel systems, maintain the CDC advisory committee on immunization practices recommendations without changes and keep statements on the CDC’s website that state vaccines do not cause autism.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced Wednesday in a social media post that she would support Kennedy’s confirmation, though she wrote she continued “to have concerns about Mr. Kennedy’s views on vaccines and his selective interpretation of scientific studies, which initially caused my misgivings about his nomination.”

“Vaccines have saved millions of lives, and I sought assurance that, as HHS Secretary, he would do nothing to make it difficult for people to take vaccines or discourage vaccination efforts,” Murkowski wrote.

‘We cannot take this man at his word’

Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., urged Republicans to vote against Kennedy, saying that a vote to confirm him would indicate to Americans that Congress supports his false statements about vaccines and the other conspiracy theories he’s elevated over the years.

“If you ignore the warning signs and confirm RFK Jr., then when the wheels fall off the wagon, you may try to tell yourself you were lied to. But you knew who you were dealing with,” Murray said.

She urged her GOP colleagues not to be “fooled” by commitments and promises Kennedy has made about what he will or won’t do once confirmed.

“We cannot take this man at his word, something he has changed and gone back and forth on time and time again,” Murray said. “But we can take him on his record, which is that he has consistently undermined vaccine confidence, And, by the way, he profited from that.”

Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden told Republican senators that if they voted against confirming Kennedy, they would help stop the spread of vaccine misinformation and keep children safe.

“When disease rates for illnesses that have effective vaccines start to rise across the country and death tolls mount again, we will see Republicans say this is something that could have been prevented,” Wyden said.

GOP senators who voted to confirm Kennedy, he said, “will be responsible for every child that dies as a result of not being vaccinated because it seems they care more about staying in the good graces of Donald Trump than they do about protecting the lives of kids.”

McConnell, a polio survivor, with his vote against Kennedy marked the third time he’s opposed a Trump nominee.

The former Senate Republican leader, who has clashed repeatedly with the president over the years, previously voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

McConnell wrote in a statement explaining his vote that “a record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions does not entitle Mr. Kennedy to lead these important efforts.”

“Mr. Kennedy failed to prove he is the best possible person to lead America’s largest health agency,” McConnell wrote. “As he takes office, I sincerely hope Mr. Kennedy will choose not to sow further doubt and division but to restore trust in our public health institutions.”

Senators repeatedly asked Kennedy during his two confirmation hearings about statements on vaccine safety and other conspiracy theories.

Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks raised concerns during the HELP Committee hearing about Kennedy saying he wanted to remove the “bad scientists” and replace them with “good scientists” at the NIH.

“The question is really whether you intend, as you said, to substitute your judgment for the judgment of these professional scientists and doctors,” Alsobrooks said.

Kennedy testified he wouldn’t “substitute” his judgment for science.&nbsp;

Alsobrooks also asked Kennedy about comments he made in 2021 when he said: “We should not be giving Black people the same vaccine schedule that’s given to whites because their immune system is better than ours.”

Kennedy said that he was referencing studies that suggested “Blacks need fewer antigens.”

Alsobrooks told Kennedy his confirmation would be “dangerous” since parents would look to him for advice about whether to vaccinate their children.

“Your views are dangerous to our state and to our country,” Alsobrooks said.

During the Finance Committee’s hearing, Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet asked a series of questions about previous statements Kennedy has made on various public health issues.

“Mr. Kennedy, did you say that COVID-19 was a genetically engineered bioweapon that targets Black and white people, but spared Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people?” Bennet asked.

Kennedy responded that he “didn’t say it was deliberately targeted.”

Kennedy said he “probably” had made comments that Lyme disease was a military engineered bioweapon.

Kennedy said he wasn’t sure if he had written in one of his books that it is “undeniable that African AIDS is an entirely different disease from Western AIDS,” following a question from Bennet.

Kennedy, however, denied making statements that pesticides cause children to become transgender.

Bennet said he would have those prior Kennedy statements entered into the committee’s official record.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739461653845.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, (center) gives the thumbs up vote for Kennedy on Thursday morning-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, (center) gives the thumbs up vote for Kennedy on Thursday morning-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. secured Senate confirmation Thursday to become secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, overcoming concerns about dozens of false or misleading statements he has made regarding vaccine safety.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734461763733.png" alt="Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall will help lead the Make America Health Again Committee" />
 <figcaption>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall will help lead the Make America Health Again Committee</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00052.htm" target="_blank">The 52-48 vote</a>&nbsp;puts Kennedy, an environmental lawyer who has no background in health care or running a major organization, at the helm of one of the largest federal departments. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only member of the GOP to oppose Kennedy’s confirmation.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to my good friend, <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RobertKennedyJr</a>, on his confirmation as our new Secretary of HHS! For over 40 years — 25 of them as a doctor — I’ve been committed to Making America Healthy Again. I look forward to working alongside such an incredible visionary to achieve… <a href="https://t.co/GpJ3L0NCox">pic.twitter.com/GpJ3L0NCox</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1890077008870223953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>HHS receives more than $1.7 trillion in government funding annually and houses some of the nation’s most prominent agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Food and Drug Administration, Indian Health Service, National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.<h2>Most Republicans fall in line</h2>Many GOP senators were skeptical of Kennedy’s nomination during hearings in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-turnabout-vaccines-abortion-slammed-hhs-confirmation-hearing" target="_blank">Finance</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-members-us-senate-probe-rfk-jr-his-history-vaccine-denial" target="_blank">Health, Education, Labor and Pensions</a>&nbsp;committees, but ultimately voted to confirm him.Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, chairman of the HELP Committee,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rfk-jr-nomination-health-secretary-approved-key-us-senate-panel" target="_blank">gave a floor speech detailing multiple commitments</a>&nbsp;from Kennedy and President Donald Trump that ultimately led Cassidy to support the nomination.Among the assurances are that Kennedy will work within the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring systems and not establish parallel systems, maintain the CDC advisory committee on immunization practices recommendations without changes and keep statements on the CDC’s website that state vaccines do not cause autism.Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced Wednesday in a social media post that she would support Kennedy’s confirmation, though she wrote she continued “to have concerns about Mr. Kennedy’s views on vaccines and his selective interpretation of scientific studies, which initially caused my misgivings about his nomination.”“Vaccines have saved millions of lives, and I sought assurance that, as HHS Secretary, he would do nothing to make it difficult for people to take vaccines or discourage vaccination efforts,” Murkowski wrote.<h2>‘We cannot take this man at his word’</h2>Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., urged Republicans to vote against Kennedy, saying that a vote to confirm him would indicate to Americans that Congress supports his false statements about vaccines and the other conspiracy theories he’s elevated over the years.“If you ignore the warning signs and confirm RFK Jr., then when the wheels fall off the wagon, you may try to tell yourself you were lied to. But you knew who you were dealing with,” Murray said.She urged her GOP colleagues not to be “fooled” by commitments and promises Kennedy has made about what he will or won’t do once confirmed.“We cannot take this man at his word, something he has changed and gone back and forth on time and time again,” Murray said. “But we can take him on his record, which is that he has consistently undermined vaccine confidence, And, by the way, he profited from that.”Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden told Republican senators that if they voted against confirming Kennedy, they would help stop the spread of vaccine misinformation and keep children safe.“When disease rates for illnesses that have effective vaccines start to rise across the country and death tolls mount again, we will see Republicans say this is something that could have been prevented,” Wyden said.GOP senators who voted to confirm Kennedy, he said, “will be responsible for every child that dies as a result of not being vaccinated because it seems they care more about staying in the good graces of Donald Trump than they do about protecting the lives of kids.”McConnell, a polio survivor, with his vote against Kennedy marked the third time he’s opposed a Trump nominee.The former Senate Republican leader, who has clashed repeatedly with the president over the years, previously voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.McConnell wrote in a statement explaining his vote that “a record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions does not entitle Mr. Kennedy to lead these important efforts.”“Mr. Kennedy failed to prove he is the best possible person to lead America’s largest health agency,” McConnell wrote. “As he takes office, I sincerely hope Mr. Kennedy will choose not to sow further doubt and division but to restore trust in our public health institutions.”<h2>Kennedy probed on vaccine safety</h2>Senators repeatedly asked Kennedy during his two confirmation hearings about statements on vaccine safety and other conspiracy theories.Maryland Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks raised concerns during the HELP Committee hearing about Kennedy saying he wanted to remove the “bad scientists” and replace them with “good scientists” at the NIH.“The question is really whether you intend, as you said, to substitute your judgment for the judgment of these professional scientists and doctors,” Alsobrooks said.Kennedy testified he wouldn’t “substitute” his judgment for science.&nbsp;Alsobrooks also asked Kennedy about comments he made in 2021 when he said: “We should not be giving Black people the same vaccine schedule that’s given to whites because their immune system is better than ours.”Kennedy said that he was referencing studies that suggested “Blacks need fewer antigens.”Alsobrooks told Kennedy his confirmation would be “dangerous” since parents would look to him for advice about whether to vaccinate their children.“Your views are dangerous to our state and to our country,” Alsobrooks said.<h2>Conspiracy theories</h2>During the Finance Committee’s hearing, Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet asked a series of questions about previous statements Kennedy has made on various public health issues.“Mr. Kennedy, did you say that COVID-19 was a genetically engineered bioweapon that targets Black and white people, but spared Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people?” Bennet asked.Kennedy responded that he “didn’t say it was deliberately targeted.”Kennedy said he “probably” had made comments that Lyme disease was a military engineered bioweapon.Kennedy said he wasn’t sure if he had written in one of his books that it is “undeniable that African AIDS is an entirely different disease from Western AIDS,” following a question from Bennet.Kennedy, however, denied making statements that pesticides cause children to become transgender.Bennet said he would have those prior Kennedy statements entered into the committee’s official record.&nbsp;

Anti-vaccine crusader, conspiracy theorist RFK Jr. confirmed as nation’s health chief

JOANN Inc., the nation’s category leader in sewing and fabrics with one of the largest arts and crafts offerings announced on Wednesday they will be closing hundreds of locations across 40 states, according to a statement on the company web site.

The stores that will close include seven locations in Missouri including 603 N Belt Hwy, Saint Joseph;&nbsp;1153 E. North Avenue, Belton;&nbsp;3810 Crackerneck Rd, Independence;&nbsp;3600 Country Club Dr Spc 408, Jefferson City;&nbsp;15355 Manchester Rd, Ballwin;&nbsp;101 Twin City Mall, Crystal City and&nbsp;1976 Phoenix Center Drive, Washington.

Stores in Kansas set to close include 2259 S 9th Street Ste 38, Salina; 2108 W 27Th Street, Lawrence and 3665 North Rock Road in Wichita. The store at 6930 West Kellogg will remain open for now.

"This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers and all of the communities we serve. A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for JOANN."

In January the company commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to facilitate a sale process to maximize the value of its business, according to a statement on the company web site.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.joannrestructuring.com/">Click here for more information&nbsp;</a>on the restructuring.

"JOANN stores are open, joann.com is shipping orders, and Team Members are receiving pay and benefits as we evaluate our best path forward."

<a href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67817680c8de2134544a40b6/67acb1fd7e85b6e6bb57cfe4_Store%20Closure%20List.pdf">Click here to see&nbsp;</a>the full list of stores set to close. The company did not release official date when stores will close.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739472767296.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>JOANN Inc., the nation’s category leader in sewing and fabrics with one of the largest arts and crafts offerings announced on Wednesday they will be closing hundreds of locations across 40 states, according to a statement on the company web site.The stores that will close include seven locations in Missouri including 603 N Belt Hwy, Saint Joseph;&nbsp;1153 E. North Avenue, Belton;&nbsp;3810 Crackerneck Rd, Independence;&nbsp;3600 Country Club Dr Spc 408, Jefferson City;&nbsp;15355 Manchester Rd, Ballwin;&nbsp;101 Twin City Mall, Crystal City and&nbsp;1976 Phoenix Center Drive, Washington.Stores in Kansas set to close include 2259 S 9th Street Ste 38, Salina; 2108 W 27Th Street, Lawrence and 3665 North Rock Road in Wichita. The store at 6930 West Kellogg will remain open for now."This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers and all of the communities we serve. A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time. Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for JOANN."In January the company commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to facilitate a sale process to maximize the value of its business, according to a statement on the company web site.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.joannrestructuring.com/">Click here for more information&nbsp;</a>on the restructuring."JOANN stores are open, joann.com is shipping orders, and Team Members are receiving pay and benefits as we evaluate our best path forward."<a href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67817680c8de2134544a40b6/67acb1fd7e85b6e6bb57cfe4_Store%20Closure%20List.pdf">Click here to see&nbsp;</a>the full list of stores set to close. The company did not release official date when stores will close.

Fabric store in St. Joseph among 100s to close nationwide

A former Savannah
R3 School District employee has pleaded guilty to defrauding the school
district.

Anthony Moon of
Savannah has pleaded guilty to three federal charges, including wire fraud and
stealing from an employee benefit plan.

The United States
Attorney’s office for the Western District of Missouri accused Moon of going
into work afterhours to access blank checks. Federal attorneys say Moon wrote
several checks between January of 2023 to November of that year, stealing a total
of $63,000. Prosecutors say Moon also took money from the school checking
account to make nearly $30,000 in payments to his credit cards to pay for
Kansas City Chiefs tickets, food, gas, and retail purchases.

Moon worked as an
accountant for the Savannah R3 School District from 2018 to 2020, when he took
over Parker &amp; Associates in St. Joseph. Moon continued work for the Savannah
school district as a contractor.

Federal
prosecutors accuse Moon of embezzling a total of more than $92,000 from the
school district.

Moon is also
accused of withholding $21,000 from his employees’ Simple IRA Plan through
Parker &amp; Associates. He also failed to make $8,600 in employer-matching
contributions as required by law.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA former Savannah
R3 School District employee has pleaded guilty to defrauding the school
district.Anthony Moon of
Savannah has pleaded guilty to three federal charges, including wire fraud and
stealing from an employee benefit plan.The United States
Attorney’s office for the Western District of Missouri accused Moon of going
into work afterhours to access blank checks. Federal attorneys say Moon wrote
several checks between January of 2023 to November of that year, stealing a total
of $63,000. Prosecutors say Moon also took money from the school checking
account to make nearly $30,000 in payments to his credit cards to pay for
Kansas City Chiefs tickets, food, gas, and retail purchases.Moon worked as an
accountant for the Savannah R3 School District from 2018 to 2020, when he took
over Parker &amp; Associates in St. Joseph. Moon continued work for the Savannah
school district as a contractor.Federal
prosecutors accuse Moon of embezzling a total of more than $92,000 from the
school district.Moon is also
accused of withholding $21,000 from his employees’ Simple IRA Plan through
Parker &amp; Associates. He also failed to make $8,600 in employer-matching
contributions as required by law.Moon awaits
sentencing.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Former Savannah school official pleas to defrauding school

Those wanting to get in on the action
during severe weather have an opportunity to learn more at a weather spotter
training class next month in St. Joseph.

Buchanan County Emergency Management
Director Bill Brinton says it’s important to get proper training to warn the
public during severe weather.

“And we do not encourage civilians to go
out and be storm spotters,” Brinton tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Buchanan County and St. Joseph city
officials learned that lesson the hard way a few years ago.

“Somebody who identified themself as a
trained storm spotter had called the com center and told them that there was a
tornado down by De Kalb. And so, all the sirens are going off,” Birr says. “There
was no issue; checked with the National Weather Service (which) said there was
absolutely, positively no issue. We just want to make sure that what the public
gets is great information.”

The training seminar had been scheduled
for this evening, but was postponed to early next month due to the winter
storm.

Brinton says the training seminar will be
led by meteorologists from the National Weather Service Office in Pleasant
Hill.

“They bring it down to a level where
everybody can understand. And they take questions. We’ll have people there to
help answer,” Brinton says. “My goal is to just have people come and learn a
little bit about the weather.”

Brinton says the instructors will let those
attending really know what to look for when severe weather rolls in.

“Can we go outside and look at a cloud
and say, hey, that’s a wall cloud or they’re called scud clouds or some kind of
scary cloud or whatever? Do we really know what it’s about? And do we really
know what’s causing this tornado or what’s causing rain and everything?”
Brinton says. “Our goal is to make sure people understand how weather affects
them.”

The 2025 Weather Spotter Training seminar
has been rescheduled for March 10th at Grace Calvary Chapel off FF
in St. Joseph.

It is sponsored by the National Weather
Service, Buchanan County Emergency Management, and the City of St. Joseph
Emergency Management.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThose wanting to get in on the action
during severe weather have an opportunity to learn more at a weather spotter
training class next month in St. Joseph.Buchanan County Emergency Management
Director Bill Brinton says it’s important to get proper training to warn the
public during severe weather.“And we do not encourage civilians to go
out and be storm spotters,” Brinton tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.Buchanan County and St. Joseph city
officials learned that lesson the hard way a few years ago.“Somebody who identified themself as a
trained storm spotter had called the com center and told them that there was a
tornado down by De Kalb. And so, all the sirens are going off,” Birr says. “There
was no issue; checked with the National Weather Service (which) said there was
absolutely, positively no issue. We just want to make sure that what the public
gets is great information.”The training seminar had been scheduled
for this evening, but was postponed to early next month due to the winter
storm.Brinton says the training seminar will be
led by meteorologists from the National Weather Service Office in Pleasant
Hill.“They bring it down to a level where
everybody can understand. And they take questions. We’ll have people there to
help answer,” Brinton says. “My goal is to just have people come and learn a
little bit about the weather.”Brinton says the instructors will let those
attending really know what to look for when severe weather rolls in.“Can we go outside and look at a cloud
and say, hey, that’s a wall cloud or they’re called scud clouds or some kind of
scary cloud or whatever? Do we really know what it’s about? And do we really
know what’s causing this tornado or what’s causing rain and everything?”
Brinton says. “Our goal is to make sure people understand how weather affects
them.”The 2025 Weather Spotter Training seminar
has been rescheduled for March 10th at Grace Calvary Chapel off FF
in St. Joseph.It is sponsored by the National Weather
Service, Buchanan County Emergency Management, and the City of St. Joseph
Emergency Management.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Want to be a weather spotter? Buchanan County offers a training seminar

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's U.S. Senators -- Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst -- are co-sponsoring a bill to make sure small business owners and farmers don't have to list land and equipment as assets on their child's Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. 

Grassley says farmers are land and asset rich, but cash poor, with assets tht can't be easily sold to pay for college. After an update in the FAFSA forms, Biden Administration rules for the current school year required parents who owned farmland as an investment to list it as an asset -- but parents who own land they're farming on had to list their land as an asset, too and Ernst says it meant farm kids got less federal aid for college. 

The policy was reversed last year, for the financial aid applications for the 2025-26 school year. The bill Ernst and Grassley are co-sponsoring makes the policy permanent. Grassley says that way a regulation writer in the federal government can't change it back.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's U.S. Senators -- Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst -- are co-sponsoring a bill to make sure small business owners and farmers don't have to list land and equipment as assets on their child's Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Grassley says farmers are land and asset rich, but cash poor, with assets tht can't be easily sold to pay for college. After an update in the FAFSA forms, Biden Administration rules for the current school year required parents who owned farmland as an investment to list it as an asset -- but parents who own land they're farming on had to list their land as an asset, too and Ernst says it meant farm kids got less federal aid for college. The policy was reversed last year, for the financial aid applications for the 2025-26 school year. The bill Ernst and Grassley are co-sponsoring makes the policy permanent. Grassley says that way a regulation writer in the federal government can't change it back.

Grassley, Ernst push to make farmer-friendly policy in financial aid app permanent

The National Chicken Council urged the Department of Health and Human Services to reject recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee emphasizing plant-based proteins over lean meats like chicken. 

Among the recommendations that the NCC took issue with was the emphasis on eating beans, peas, and lentils as optimal protein sources above chicken. There was no specific mention that lean meat, like chicken, can be part of a healthy dietary pattern.

 “We believe these recommendations and omissions are harmful to the human health of all Americans, especially those relying on federal feeding programs,” says Dr. Ashley Peterson, NCC senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs. “The committee also provided no scientific fact or justification to support why protein subgroups need to be reordered to deemphasize lean meats, like chicken.”

 NCC also says plant proteins are not nutritionally equivalent at all to animal proteins from a protein quality and quantity standpoint.

The National Chicken Council urged the Department of Health and Human Services to reject recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee emphasizing plant-based proteins over lean meats like chicken. Among the recommendations that the NCC took issue with was the emphasis on eating beans, peas, and lentils as optimal protein sources above chicken. There was no specific mention that lean meat, like chicken, can be part of a healthy dietary pattern. “We believe these recommendations and omissions are harmful to the human health of all Americans, especially those relying on federal feeding programs,” says Dr. Ashley Peterson, NCC senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs. “The committee also provided no scientific fact or justification to support why protein subgroups need to be reordered to deemphasize lean meats, like chicken.” NCC also says plant proteins are not nutritionally equivalent at all to animal proteins from a protein quality and quantity standpoint.-NAFB

Another agriculture group takes issue with dietary guidelines report

Bitter cold this morning has prompted the cancelation of in-class
school in many districts.

The St. Joseph School District has announced it will hold an AMI day
today, virtual learning, and has canceled in-person classes. The district
advises staff to refer to the Scenario A for their work schedule.

That will do it for the week for the St. Joseph School District. No school
was scheduled for Friday and students are off Monday for President’s
Day. Classes in the St. Joseph School District resume on Tuesday, February 18th.

The St. Joseph Catholic Academy and St. Joseph Christian School have
canceled classes today.

Savannah R3 School officials have scheduled an AMI day today; virtual
learning. All Savannah R3 Schools will be closed Thursday and will follow the
AMI Day schedule. Preschool and elementary students should finish Snow Day
Packet #4. Middle and High School students should access their assignments via
Canvas.

Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of area cancelations.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBitter cold this morning has prompted the cancelation of in-class
school in many districts.The St. Joseph School District has announced it will hold an AMI day
today, virtual learning, and has canceled in-person classes. The district
advises staff to refer to the Scenario A for their work schedule.That will do it for the week for the St. Joseph School District. No school
was scheduled for Friday and students are off Monday for President’s
Day. Classes in the St. Joseph School District resume on Tuesday, February 18th.The St. Joseph Catholic Academy and St. Joseph Christian School have
canceled classes today.Savannah R3 School officials have scheduled an AMI day today; virtual
learning. All Savannah R3 Schools will be closed Thursday and will follow the
AMI Day schedule. Preschool and elementary students should finish Snow Day
Packet #4. Middle and High School students should access their assignments via
Canvas.Click <a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/closing/#!/">HERE</a> for a full list of area cancelations.

Bitter cold prompts area school closings, including St. Joseph public, private schools

IRAQ—&nbsp;Iraqi Security Forces enabled by U.S. forces, conducted precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Kirkuk, Iraq, killing two ISIS operatives on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

An initial post-strike clearance found the dead ISIS operatives, an explosive suicide belt, explosive material, and components of weapons destroyed in the strike.

"The Iraqi Security Forces-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to disrupt and degrade ISIS' capabilities, dismantle their attack networks, and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CTF-OIR) enabled ISF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence."

IRAQ—&nbsp;Iraqi Security Forces enabled by U.S. forces, conducted precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Kirkuk, Iraq, killing two ISIS operatives on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.An initial post-strike clearance found the dead ISIS operatives, an explosive suicide belt, explosive material, and components of weapons destroyed in the strike."The Iraqi Security Forces-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to disrupt and degrade ISIS' capabilities, dismantle their attack networks, and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. Coalition Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CTF-OIR) enabled ISF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence."

U.S. forces help with deadly attack on ISIS operatives

KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Wednesday night&nbsp; issued an Amber Alert following an active Amber Alert from Wisconsin.

 Sophia Franklin, 16,&nbsp; was last seen at her residence at 9:00p.m. February 2, according to the Alert.

She is believed to be with Gary F. Day. He was last seen at her residence just before 8a.m. February 3. There is a no contact order for Gary and Sophia. Sophia is 3 months pregnant.

 ﻿ Officials say they believe she is traveling south to Arkansas. ﻿ ﻿ If you see them call police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739412488707.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Wednesday night&nbsp; issued an Amber Alert following an active Amber Alert from Wisconsin. Sophia Franklin, 16,&nbsp; was last seen at her residence at 9:00p.m. February 2, according to the Alert.She is believed to be with Gary F. Day. He was last seen at her residence just before 8a.m. February 3. There is a no contact order for Gary and Sophia. Sophia is 3 months pregnant. ﻿ Officials say they believe she is traveling south to Arkansas. ﻿ ﻿ If you see them call police.

 Amber Alert: Abducted pregnant teen may be traveling through KC

WASHINGTON —The Philadelphia Eagles spoiled the Kansas City Chiefs bid for a three-peat, winning the Super Bowl on Sunday.&nbsp; Now Kansas elected officials who made friendly wagers with colleagues are paying up.

On Sunday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall used his social media account to share his wager.&nbsp; "The bet is on - If the Chiefs win, Senator McCormick of Pennsylvania will bring me a Yuengling beer, and Senator Fetterman&nbsp;will have to wear Chiefs gear. 

If the Eagles win, I’ll bring KC BBQ and wear Eagles gear. "

Wednesday morning, Marshall removed his suit jacket on the Senate floor to show he was wearing an Eagles football jersey.&nbsp; The Junior Senator from Kansas did not indicate what Kansas City BBQ he is going to bring to Washington.&nbsp; Marshall is the first taking action to pay up following the championship game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739377603921.png" alt="Senator Roger Marshall on the Senate floor Wednesday morning during the vote count&nbsp; to confirm Tulsi Gabbard&nbsp; as director of National Intelligence-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senator Roger Marshall on the Senate floor Wednesday morning during the vote count&nbsp; to confirm Tulsi Gabbard&nbsp; as director of National Intelligence-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The Philadelphia Eagles spoiled the Kansas City Chiefs bid for a three-peat, winning the Super Bowl on Sunday.&nbsp; Now Kansas elected officials who made friendly wagers with colleagues are paying up.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Kansas City Chiefs fan Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) loses bet to Pennsylvania Senators -- shows up on Senate floor wearing Philadelphia Eagles jersey ... <a href="https://t.co/b8u8rK72gH">pic.twitter.com/b8u8rK72gH</a>&mdash; Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1889734003743191543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Sunday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall used his social media account to share his wager.&nbsp; "The bet is on - If the Chiefs win, Senator McCormick of Pennsylvania will bring me a Yuengling beer, and Senator Fetterman&nbsp;will have to wear Chiefs gear. 

If the Eagles win, I’ll bring KC BBQ and wear Eagles gear. "<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A bet is a bet. <a href="https://twitter.com/SenFettermanPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenFettermanPA</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zexv7lGkPI">pic.twitter.com/Zexv7lGkPI</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1889720550840217915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Wednesday morning, Marshall removed his suit jacket on the Senate floor to show he was wearing an Eagles football jersey.&nbsp; The Junior Senator from Kansas did not indicate what Kansas City BBQ he is going to bring to Washington.&nbsp; Marshall is the first taking action to pay up following the championship game.

Kan. U.S. Senator lost bet, forced to wear Eagles jersey at work

The World Ag Expo is underway today and runs through Thursday in Tulare, California. 

The World Ag Expo, established in 1968, had more than 100,000 visitors come from 49 states and 81 countries to attend last year’s show. The show is produced by the International Agri-Center, an education-based non-profit organization. New for 2025, there will be a lot of movement on the grounds this year with expanded live demonstrations.

 That movement includes the Western State Beefmasters Breeders Association Live Cattle Auction. World Ag Expo has over 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, which is the equivalent of 45 football fields. The International Agri-Center owns nearly 700 acres.

 Outside of the show grounds and parking lots, the remaining 400-plus acres get farmed, with crops including cotton and almonds. The World Ag Expo also gives back by providing the opportunity to fundraise by managing more than 30 food booths at the show.

The World Ag Expo is underway today and runs through Thursday in Tulare, California. The World Ag Expo, established in 1968, had more than 100,000 visitors come from 49 states and 81 countries to attend last year’s show. The show is produced by the International Agri-Center, an education-based non-profit organization. New for 2025, there will be a lot of movement on the grounds this year with expanded live demonstrations. That movement includes the Western State Beefmasters Breeders Association Live Cattle Auction. World Ag Expo has over 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, which is the equivalent of 45 football fields. The International Agri-Center owns nearly 700 acres. Outside of the show grounds and parking lots, the remaining 400-plus acres get farmed, with crops including cotton and almonds. The World Ag Expo also gives back by providing the opportunity to fundraise by managing more than 30 food booths at the show.-NAFB

World Ag Expo underway in California

The USDA’s February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report says the 2024-2025 U.S. corn supply and use outlook is unchanged from last month.

 The biggest change took place in global corn production, which is forecast to drop 1.8 million tons to 1.492 billion. Foreign corn production is forecast down due to production declines in Brazil and Argentina. The projected season-average farm price is up 10 cents to $4.35 a bushel. 

U.S. soybean supply and use forecasts are also unchanged. Global numbers also took center stage in soybeans, with the global supply forecast to drop because of reduced production in Argentina and Paraguay because of persistent heat and dryness in January. 

The season-average soybean price is projected at $10.10 a bushel, down ten cents. The U.S. wheat supply and demand outlook is for slightly higher domestic use and lower ending stocks. The season-average wheat price is unchanged at $5.55 a bushel.

The USDA’s February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report says the 2024-2025 U.S. corn supply and use outlook is unchanged from last month. The biggest change took place in global corn production, which is forecast to drop 1.8 million tons to 1.492 billion. Foreign corn production is forecast down due to production declines in Brazil and Argentina. The projected season-average farm price is up 10 cents to $4.35 a bushel. U.S. soybean supply and use forecasts are also unchanged. Global numbers also took center stage in soybeans, with the global supply forecast to drop because of reduced production in Argentina and Paraguay because of persistent heat and dryness in January. The season-average soybean price is projected at $10.10 a bushel, down ten cents. The U.S. wheat supply and demand outlook is for slightly higher domestic use and lower ending stocks. The season-average wheat price is unchanged at $5.55 a bushel.-NAFB

February WASDE neutral for U.S. corn, beans, and wheat

GOP Senator and Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley of Iowa has gotten a deluge of calls on President Trump’s government overhaul effort and insists Trump can’t go around the courts.

“A lot of calls, maybe four or five hundred on this whole process.” 

That’s Senator Grassley on farmers’ concerns over spending freezes and ‘deferred resignation’ buyouts paused by federal judges, but that could still hit farm payments, contracts, and services.

Is President Trump mounting a ‘wholesale’ remaking of the federal government?

“You can’t use that word now. Maybe when this is all done, you can use that word. But remember, for instance, if you want to do away with the Department of Education, you can’t do that without Congress doing it. You can restructure, maybe, within the Department of Education, but you aren’t going to do away with this.”

The Judiciary Chairman says the president can’t ignore the courts, either, despite hints by Vice President Vance that Trump could do so in some instances.  Grassley on one president’s tangle with a Supreme Court Chief Justice.

“Only one other president has said one time. Andrew Jackson said Marshall made a decision, so let Marshall enforce it. I don’t think this president would go that far, and if he did, I would disagree with his going that far.”

But President Trump has in the past and could be expected again to appeal lower court decisions to the Supreme Court.

GOP Senator and Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley of Iowa has gotten a deluge of calls on President Trump’s government overhaul effort and insists Trump can’t go around the courts.“A lot of calls, maybe four or five hundred on this whole process.” That’s Senator Grassley on farmers’ concerns over spending freezes and ‘deferred resignation’ buyouts paused by federal judges, but that could still hit farm payments, contracts, and services.Is President Trump mounting a ‘wholesale’ remaking of the federal government?“You can’t use that word now. Maybe when this is all done, you can use that word. But remember, for instance, if you want to do away with the Department of Education, you can’t do that without Congress doing it. You can restructure, maybe, within the Department of Education, but you aren’t going to do away with this.”The Judiciary Chairman says the president can’t ignore the courts, either, despite hints by Vice President Vance that Trump could do so in some instances. Grassley on one president’s tangle with a Supreme Court Chief Justice.“Only one other president has said one time. Andrew Jackson said Marshall made a decision, so let Marshall enforce it. I don’t think this president would go that far, and if he did, I would disagree with his going that far.”But President Trump has in the past and could be expected again to appeal lower court decisions to the Supreme Court.

 Grassley gets deluge of calls on Trump Government overhaul, insists Trump can’t go around judges

(Radio Iowa) - A subcommittee in the Iowa House has advanced a bill called the "Combating Terrorist Sympathizers Act." 

It calls for suspending, expelling or firing students and employees at Iowa colleges and universities who are here on a student or work visa and express support for terrorist activities or a terrorist organization. They'd likely have to leave the country. 

Representative John Wills, a Republican from Spirit Lake, says it's a response to campus protests against Israel. Last month President Trump said he would cancel visas and deport foreign students who are Hamas sympathizers.

(Radio Iowa) - A subcommittee in the Iowa House has advanced a bill called the "Combating Terrorist Sympathizers Act." It calls for suspending, expelling or firing students and employees at Iowa colleges and universities who are here on a student or work visa and express support for terrorist activities or a terrorist organization. They'd likely have to leave the country. Representative John Wills, a Republican from Spirit Lake, says it's a response to campus protests against Israel. Last month President Trump said he would cancel visas and deport foreign students who are Hamas sympathizers.

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