(Radio Iowa) - Legislators are considering restrictions on the release of booking photos taken when someone is arrested and charged with a crime. 

Bills in both the House and Senate would make most booking photos confidential records that could only be released if the person in the photo is a fugitive, an imminent threat to the public or has been convicted of certain felonies. Representative Bill Gustoff says once a mug shot is published in the media or posted online, the person has been branded as a criminal even if the charges are dismissed or a jury returns a not-guilty verdict.

 Law enforcement officials say Gustoff's bill would create extra work for police and sheriff's departments who'd have to verify if a person was convicted or pleaded guilty every time they get a public records request for a mug shot. Media organizations say having booking photos publicly available provides transparency in law enforcement and, in some instances, can help someone with the same name as a person under arrest prove they are not the one charged with a crime.

(Radio Iowa) - Legislators are considering restrictions on the release of booking photos taken when someone is arrested and charged with a crime. Bills in both the House and Senate would make most booking photos confidential records that could only be released if the person in the photo is a fugitive, an imminent threat to the public or has been convicted of certain felonies. Representative Bill Gustoff says once a mug shot is published in the media or posted online, the person has been branded as a criminal even if the charges are dismissed or a jury returns a not-guilty verdict. Law enforcement officials say Gustoff's bill would create extra work for police and sheriff's departments who'd have to verify if a person was convicted or pleaded guilty every time they get a public records request for a mug shot. Media organizations say having booking photos publicly available provides transparency in law enforcement and, in some instances, can help someone with the same name as a person under arrest prove they are not the one charged with a crime.

Lawmakers consider banning (most) mug shots in Iowa

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills once again put on an instant playoff classic in the AFC Championship at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, but for a fourth straight time it was the Chiefs coming out on top, winning 32-29.&nbsp;

With the win, Kansas City is now in its third straight Super Bowl.&nbsp; Now, the AFC champions will try to do something no other NFL team has done: Win all three.

The matchup was back and forth from the get go, the Chiefs getting the first blow on the first offensive drive of the game that went 90 yards in nine plays, ending with a 12 yard rushing score by Kareem Hunt.&nbsp; In the six playoff games that Hunt has played in his career, he has scored in all six.&nbsp;

A 53 yard field goal from Buffalo kicker Tyler Bass, yet another of 50+ yards which Bass has not missed from this season, was the only other score in the first quarter, but following a Kansas City fumble on a misplayed handoff between Patrick Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco, the Bills drove 10 plays before James Cook gave them the lead on a six yard run.&nbsp;

The Chiefs wasted no time answering with a long 11 play drive of their own on the following drive, Mahomes throwing his lone passing touchdown of the game, 11 yards to rookie Xavier Worthy. and after forcing the Bills to punt, Mahomes scored again this time with his legs,&nbsp; from one yard out, extending the lead to 21-10.

The number 13 when it comes to the Bills, might give the Chiefs some nightmares.&nbsp; The last time Kansas City and Buffalo clashed in the AFC Championship at Arrowhead, it was Gabe Davis, who wore #13, that had eight catches for 201 yards and four touchdowns.&nbsp; This time it was Mack Hollins, scoring a 34 yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen near the end of the half to cut the lead to five, and after a failed two point conversion, the two teams went to the halftime break with Kansas City leading 21-16.&nbsp;

Cook scored the lone touchdown of the third quarter, giving the Bills the lead back, but again Buffalo was unable to convert the two point conversion attempt, leading 22-21.&nbsp; The Chiefs were forced to punt on the following drive, but then got a big break from their defense, stopping Allen on 4th and 1, and after replay review ruled the MVP favorite short, forced a turnover on downs.&nbsp;

Kansas City took advantage of the turnover on downs, needing just five plays to do so, ending with Mahomes using his legs and keeping his wheels spinning for a 10 yard rushing touchdown, then completing a two point conversion pass to Justin Watson to make it a touchdown game, putting the ball back in the hands of Allen with 10:14 left in the game.&nbsp;

The Bills went on to exploit the Chiefs defense on a nine play drive, the biggest play of the drive again being a pass between Allen and Hollins of 32 yards, setting Buffalo up at the four yard line.&nbsp; Kansas City got a sack on Allen to back the Bills up, but after back to back incomplete passes, Allen found Curtis Samuel in the back of the endzone for a four yard pass, tying up the game after the extra point kick from Bass.&nbsp;

Getting the ball back with 6:15 remaining in regulation Kansas City drove seven plays before stalling in the redzone, Harrison Butker knocking through a go ahead 35 yard field goal with 3:33 left in regulation, putting the game in the hands of their defense again.&nbsp; The Bills got a 13 yard run from Ty Johnson, but two incomplete passes and a five yard short route to Amari Cooper, pinned Buffalo at 4th and 5 at the two minute warning.&nbsp;

Coming out of the two minute warning, Allen was looking deep, but was also faced with pressure by the Chiefs front seven, and George Karlaftis, who had three sacks last week, put enough pressure on Allen to force a long pass off his back leg, that fell through the hands of second year tight end Dalton Kincaid, turning the ball over on downs.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Kansas City ran out the remaining clock, getting a first down run from Pacheco, and cementing the game on a 17 yard pass from Mahomes to Samaje Perine.&nbsp;

Mahomes was 18 of 26 passing for 245 yards with one touchdown, rushing for 43 yards and two scores.&nbsp; Hunt rushed 17 times for 64 yards and one touchdown.&nbsp; Worthy was the leading receiver with six catches for 85 yards and a score.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chiefs will get a familiar foe in the Eagles, whom they beat two years ago for the first title in this run. Philadelphia romped to a 55-23 victory over the Washington Commanders earlier Sunday to earn a shot at the champs on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737946017425.png" alt="Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills once again put on an instant playoff classic in the AFC Championship at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, but for a fourth straight time it was the Chiefs coming out on top, winning 32-29.&nbsp;With the win, Kansas City is now in its third straight Super Bowl.&nbsp; Now, the AFC champions will try to do something no other NFL team has done: Win all three.The matchup was back and forth from the get go, the Chiefs getting the first blow on the first offensive drive of the game that went 90 yards in nine plays, ending with a 12 yard rushing score by Kareem Hunt.&nbsp; In the six playoff games that Hunt has played in his career, he has scored in all six.&nbsp;A 53 yard field goal from Buffalo kicker Tyler Bass, yet another of 50+ yards which Bass has not missed from this season, was the only other score in the first quarter, but following a Kansas City fumble on a misplayed handoff between Patrick Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco, the Bills drove 10 plays before James Cook gave them the lead on a six yard run.&nbsp;The Chiefs wasted no time answering with a long 11 play drive of their own on the following drive, Mahomes throwing his lone passing touchdown of the game, 11 yards to rookie Xavier Worthy. and after forcing the Bills to punt, Mahomes scored again this time with his legs,&nbsp; from one yard out, extending the lead to 21-10.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NO. 1 IS ON ONE 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/ihHcq1mqxJ">pic.twitter.com/ihHcq1mqxJ</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1883676840864129192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The number 13 when it comes to the Bills, might give the Chiefs some nightmares.&nbsp; The last time Kansas City and Buffalo clashed in the AFC Championship at Arrowhead, it was Gabe Davis, who wore #13, that had eight catches for 201 yards and four touchdowns.&nbsp; This time it was Mack Hollins, scoring a 34 yard touchdown pass from Josh Allen near the end of the half to cut the lead to five, and after a failed two point conversion, the two teams went to the halftime break with Kansas City leading 21-16.&nbsp;Cook scored the lone touchdown of the third quarter, giving the Bills the lead back, but again Buffalo was unable to convert the two point conversion attempt, leading 22-21.&nbsp; The Chiefs were forced to punt on the following drive, but then got a big break from their defense, stopping Allen on 4th and 1, and after replay review ruled the MVP favorite short, forced a turnover on downs.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Chiefs&#39; defense stops them on fourth down! 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BUFvsKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BUFvsKC</a> on CBS 📱: Stream on <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLPlus</a> and Paramount+ <a href="https://t.co/VwGmEZ3IrW">pic.twitter.com/VwGmEZ3IrW</a>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1883699421512356149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas City took advantage of the turnover on downs, needing just five plays to do so, ending with Mahomes using his legs and keeping his wheels spinning for a 10 yard rushing touchdown, then completing a two point conversion pass to Justin Watson to make it a touchdown game, putting the ball back in the hands of Allen with 10:14 left in the game.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WHEELS STILL SPINNIN&#39;‼️ <a href="https://t.co/p9L7w06KQ3">pic.twitter.com/p9L7w06KQ3</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1883700585746067554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Bills went on to exploit the Chiefs defense on a nine play drive, the biggest play of the drive again being a pass between Allen and Hollins of 32 yards, setting Buffalo up at the four yard line.&nbsp; Kansas City got a sack on Allen to back the Bills up, but after back to back incomplete passes, Allen found Curtis Samuel in the back of the endzone for a four yard pass, tying up the game after the extra point kick from Bass.&nbsp;Getting the ball back with 6:15 remaining in regulation Kansas City drove seven plays before stalling in the redzone, Harrison Butker knocking through a go ahead 35 yard field goal with 3:33 left in regulation, putting the game in the hands of their defense again.&nbsp; The Bills got a 13 yard run from Ty Johnson, but two incomplete passes and a five yard short route to Amari Cooper, pinned Buffalo at 4th and 5 at the two minute warning.&nbsp;Coming out of the two minute warning, Allen was looking deep, but was also faced with pressure by the Chiefs front seven, and George Karlaftis, who had three sacks last week, put enough pressure on Allen to force a long pass off his back leg, that fell through the hands of second year tight end Dalton Kincaid, turning the ball over on downs.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Chiefs make the stop on fourth down! 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BUFvsKC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BUFvsKC</a> on CBS 📱: Stream on <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLPlus</a> and Paramount+ <a href="https://t.co/s4rXNURB3z">pic.twitter.com/s4rXNURB3z</a>&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1883707709113118872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Kansas City ran out the remaining clock, getting a first down run from Pacheco, and cementing the game on a 17 yard pass from Mahomes to Samaje Perine.&nbsp;Mahomes was 18 of 26 passing for 245 yards with one touchdown, rushing for 43 yards and two scores.&nbsp; Hunt rushed 17 times for 64 yards and one touchdown.&nbsp; Worthy was the leading receiver with six catches for 85 yards and a score.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Chiefs will get a familiar foe in the Eagles, whom they beat two years ago for the first title in this run. Philadelphia romped to a 55-23 victory over the Washington Commanders earlier Sunday to earn a shot at the champs on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs Super Bowl bound once again, top Bills 32-29 in AFC Championship clash

&nbsp;President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp; discussed his campaign promise to eliminate taxes on tips during a rally Saturday in Las Vegas. (Click below to watch)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737846846313.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp; discussed his campaign promise to eliminate taxes on tips during a rally Saturday in Las Vegas. (Click below to watch)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OXo-XBvMAUQ?si=mFg7mkE_gLDGmNoX&amp;start=8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥President Trump in Las Vegas discussed No Tax on Tips policy 

(Radio Iowa) - We're a month into a bitter cold winter, but dedicated Iowa cyclists are thinking ahead to spring and this weekend's Iowa Bike Expo, what’s billed as the largest one-day bike show in the Midwest. 

Luke Hoffman, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, says they expect at least five-thousand people to attend the free event Saturday in Des Moines, featuring 120 vendors. After the expo, the coalition is hosting a Bike Banquet, with a long list of educational, inspirational speakers, plus, a report will be released on the impact of cycling and trails in Iowa. 

One other cycling event this weekend is Saturday's Route Announcement Party for RAGBRAI, the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. That event is in Waukee.

(Radio Iowa) - We're a month into a bitter cold winter, but dedicated Iowa cyclists are thinking ahead to spring and this weekend's Iowa Bike Expo, what’s billed as the largest one-day bike show in the Midwest. Luke Hoffman, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, says they expect at least five-thousand people to attend the free event Saturday in Des Moines, featuring 120 vendors. After the expo, the coalition is hosting a Bike Banquet, with a long list of educational, inspirational speakers, plus, a report will be released on the impact of cycling and trails in Iowa. One other cycling event this weekend is Saturday's Route Announcement Party for RAGBRAI, the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. That event is in Waukee.

Report on the impact of cycling and trails in Iowa to be released at expo

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>

The new governor took questions from editors and publishers from around the state in his first unscripted session with journalists since taking office

The Missouri state budget will be tighter in coming years as the state finishes spending federal aid distributed for recovery from the COVID pandemic, but Gov. Mike Kehoe said Thursday he remains committed to his promise to end the state income tax.

Speaking to editors and publishers attending the Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol, Kehoe said one of his priorities for cutting taxes this year is to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/22/missouri-republican-tax-cut-push-begins-with-300m-capital-gains-legislation/">exempt capital gains</a>&nbsp;— the profits from sale of investments like a business or stocks. Eliminating the income tax, he said, will be a long-term project.

“None of the big picture ones, especially the income tax, which is the biggest, can be a light switch,” Kehoe said. “It’s got to be something that’s responsible, that funds essential services, but ultimately has the end goal.”

About 65% of Missouri’s $13.4 billion in annual general revenue comes from the personal income tax. Exempting capital gains, a proposal that was the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/22/missouri-republican-tax-cut-push-begins-with-300m-capital-gains-legislation/">first tax cut bill debated</a>&nbsp;in a committee hearing this year, would reduce revenue by about $300 million annually.

The entire state budget, $51.6 billion, includes about $24.4 billion in federal aid for programs like Medicaid, highway construction and education. The federal portion includes about $2 billion that remained in state accounts from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, money that must be spent by the end of 2026.

Kehoe, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/13/new-missouri-governor-focuses-on-crime-education-tax-cuts-in-inaugural-address/">inaugurated Jan. 13</a>, will present his budget and legislative priorities Tuesday with the annual State of the State Address. The session with editors and publishers, held during a luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion, was the first time he’s taken questions from the media since taking office.

Along with the budget, Kehoe said the State of the State speech would focus on four areas — agriculture, economic development, vocational education and law enforcement. Adding investments to support those needs, he said, will be tough with a budget that has little overall growth and must make room for tax cuts.

“It will be a balance,” Kehoe said. “It will not be easy, but it’s still something we’re very committed to continue to do.”

He said the speech will also address actions Kehoe wants to limit the impact of Amendment 3, which made abortion legal in Missouri up to the point of fetal viability.

“You will hear a lot about our belief that we should protect innocent life,” Kehoe said. “We said through the campaign, if Amendment 3 were passed, which we were very much 100% against, that we were going to put our hand on the Bible, and say we would protect the Constitution, but we’re going to always look for ways to protect innocent life.”

Under questioning from the journalists, Kehoe said he has been considering how to package state support for new or improved stadiums to house the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. Kansas City voters in April&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/05/what-the-kc-stadium-tax-defeat-says-about-teams-their-subsidies-and-jackson-county-voters/">defeated a sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;that would have supported plans for new stadiums and Kansas has enacted legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/21/kansas-gov-kelly-signs-bill-to-poach-kansas-city-chiefs-royals-from-missouri/">offering big incentives</a>&nbsp;if the teams hop the state line.

“I’m not a fan of just throwing money at stadiums, but I’m a fan of keeping the economic activity that those two teams provide, and we’re going to continue to work and put our best foot forward to make sure they stay,” Kehoe said.

Kehoe also said he doesn’t support legislation to create an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/21/missouri-lawmakers-push-for-oversight-panel-to-monitor-conditions-in-state-prisons/">independent ombudsman</a>&nbsp;and oversight committee for the Department of Corrections. The prison system has seen historically high numbers of deaths among people in custody, complaints about health care for incarcerated people and high turnover among corrections officers.

He has confidence in Trevor Foley, his nominee to be director of the department. Foley has been acting director for 15 months and sees no need for a new layer of oversight, Kehoe said.

“I believe he has it on the right path right now,” Kehoe said.

Earlier in the day, members of the press association met with newly inaugurated Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, Lt. Gov. David Wasinger and House Speaker Jon Patterson.

Hoskins, who campaigned on a promise to hand-count ballots in elections, said he’s not optimistic lawmakers will go along.

“If the last couple years are any indication, it would have a very uphill battle,” Hoskins said.

He’s more optimistic, Hoskins said, that lawmakers will enact legislation to enforce the provision of Amendment 7, passed in November, that only U.S. citizens can vote in Missouri elections. Exactly how citizenship will be verified, he said, is being studied by looking at actions in other states.

Whatever passes, Hoskins said, will likely generate a lawsuit.

“If we were to pass a rule or the legislature passed something that said that, ‘hey, in order to register to vote or to vote, you have to provide proof of citizenship,’ whether that’s a passport or a birth certificate, I’m sure that would be challenged in court,” Hoskins said.

In his remarks to the journalists, Patterson said he’s been briefed on Kehoe’s plans for the State of the State speech and that it will hit themes Kehoe pushed in his campaign.

On abortion, Patterson said there is still no consensus among Republicans on how strong to write a bill revising the provisions of Amendment 3. Anything that is passed, he said, will have to win support from voters, he said.

“We’re just kind of trying to find the bill that we think makes Missouri as pro life as it can be, and that would pass with voters,” Patterson said. “So again, it recognizes that the voters spoke and that whatever we do has to go back to the will of voters.”

One thing that sets Kehoe apart from previous governors is that he has been working the halls in the legislature and visiting members in their offices. That will help him with his agenda, Patterson said.

“Everything that happens here in Jeff City is based on relationships,” Patterson said. “So the fact that our governor is doing that, I think, is fantastic.”

Kehoe said he will be visiting lawmakers every day of the session.

“So,” he said, “after they get over the shock, because a governor has never been there before, we usually have some pretty upfront conversations.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737751769000.png" alt="Gov. Mike Kehoe chats with Sophie Carite, left, and Stephi Smith, reporters for the Jefferson City News Tribune, during lunch at the Governor’s Mansion as part of the Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol event (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Kehoe chats with Sophie Carite, left, and Stephi Smith, reporters for the Jefferson City News Tribune, during lunch at the Governor’s Mansion as part of the Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol event (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>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><h2>The new governor took questions from editors and publishers from around the state in his first unscripted session with journalists since taking office</h2>The Missouri state budget will be tighter in coming years as the state finishes spending federal aid distributed for recovery from the COVID pandemic, but Gov. Mike Kehoe said Thursday he remains committed to his promise to end the state income tax.Speaking to editors and publishers attending the Missouri Press Association Day at the Capitol, Kehoe said one of his priorities for cutting taxes this year is to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/22/missouri-republican-tax-cut-push-begins-with-300m-capital-gains-legislation/">exempt capital gains</a>&nbsp;— the profits from sale of investments like a business or stocks. Eliminating the income tax, he said, will be a long-term project.“None of the big picture ones, especially the income tax, which is the biggest, can be a light switch,” Kehoe said. “It’s got to be something that’s responsible, that funds essential services, but ultimately has the end goal.”About 65% of Missouri’s $13.4 billion in annual general revenue comes from the personal income tax. Exempting capital gains, a proposal that was the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/22/missouri-republican-tax-cut-push-begins-with-300m-capital-gains-legislation/">first tax cut bill debated</a>&nbsp;in a committee hearing this year, would reduce revenue by about $300 million annually.The entire state budget, $51.6 billion, includes about $24.4 billion in federal aid for programs like Medicaid, highway construction and education. The federal portion includes about $2 billion that remained in state accounts from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, money that must be spent by the end of 2026.Kehoe, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/13/new-missouri-governor-focuses-on-crime-education-tax-cuts-in-inaugural-address/">inaugurated Jan. 13</a>, will present his budget and legislative priorities Tuesday with the annual State of the State Address. The session with editors and publishers, held during a luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion, was the first time he’s taken questions from the media since taking office.Along with the budget, Kehoe said the State of the State speech would focus on four areas — agriculture, economic development, vocational education and law enforcement. Adding investments to support those needs, he said, will be tough with a budget that has little overall growth and must make room for tax cuts.“It will be a balance,” Kehoe said. “It will not be easy, but it’s still something we’re very committed to continue to do.”He said the speech will also address actions Kehoe wants to limit the impact of Amendment 3, which made abortion legal in Missouri up to the point of fetal viability.“You will hear a lot about our belief that we should protect innocent life,” Kehoe said. “We said through the campaign, if Amendment 3 were passed, which we were very much 100% against, that we were going to put our hand on the Bible, and say we would protect the Constitution, but we’re going to always look for ways to protect innocent life.”Under questioning from the journalists, Kehoe said he has been considering how to package state support for new or improved stadiums to house the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. Kansas City voters in April&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/05/what-the-kc-stadium-tax-defeat-says-about-teams-their-subsidies-and-jackson-county-voters/">defeated a sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;that would have supported plans for new stadiums and Kansas has enacted legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/21/kansas-gov-kelly-signs-bill-to-poach-kansas-city-chiefs-royals-from-missouri/">offering big incentives</a>&nbsp;if the teams hop the state line.“I’m not a fan of just throwing money at stadiums, but I’m a fan of keeping the economic activity that those two teams provide, and we’re going to continue to work and put our best foot forward to make sure they stay,” Kehoe said.Kehoe also said he doesn’t support legislation to create an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/21/missouri-lawmakers-push-for-oversight-panel-to-monitor-conditions-in-state-prisons/">independent ombudsman</a>&nbsp;and oversight committee for the Department of Corrections. The prison system has seen historically high numbers of deaths among people in custody, complaints about health care for incarcerated people and high turnover among corrections officers.He has confidence in Trevor Foley, his nominee to be director of the department. Foley has been acting director for 15 months and sees no need for a new layer of oversight, Kehoe said.“I believe he has it on the right path right now,” Kehoe said.Earlier in the day, members of the press association met with newly inaugurated Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, Lt. Gov. David Wasinger and House Speaker Jon Patterson.Hoskins, who campaigned on a promise to hand-count ballots in elections, said he’s not optimistic lawmakers will go along.“If the last couple years are any indication, it would have a very uphill battle,” Hoskins said.He’s more optimistic, Hoskins said, that lawmakers will enact legislation to enforce the provision of Amendment 7, passed in November, that only U.S. citizens can vote in Missouri elections. Exactly how citizenship will be verified, he said, is being studied by looking at actions in other states.Whatever passes, Hoskins said, will likely generate a lawsuit.“If we were to pass a rule or the legislature passed something that said that, ‘hey, in order to register to vote or to vote, you have to provide proof of citizenship,’ whether that’s a passport or a birth certificate, I’m sure that would be challenged in court,” Hoskins said.In his remarks to the journalists, Patterson said he’s been briefed on Kehoe’s plans for the State of the State speech and that it will hit themes Kehoe pushed in his campaign.On abortion, Patterson said there is still no consensus among Republicans on how strong to write a bill revising the provisions of Amendment 3. Anything that is passed, he said, will have to win support from voters, he said.“We’re just kind of trying to find the bill that we think makes Missouri as pro life as it can be, and that would pass with voters,” Patterson said. “So again, it recognizes that the voters spoke and that whatever we do has to go back to the will of voters.”One thing that sets Kehoe apart from previous governors is that he has been working the halls in the legislature and visiting members in their offices. That will help him with his agenda, Patterson said.“Everything that happens here in Jeff City is based on relationships,” Patterson said. “So the fact that our governor is doing that, I think, is fantastic.”Kehoe said he will be visiting lawmakers every day of the session.“So,” he said, “after they get over the shock, because a governor has never been there before, we usually have some pretty upfront conversations.”&nbsp;

Gov. Kehoe holds to tax cut pledge as he forecasts a tighter Missouri budget

(Radio Iowa) - A bill eligible for debate in the Iowa Senate Education Committee would require that public schools show students in all grades ultrasounds and computer-generated animation that explain pregnancy and fetal development. 

Similar bills that stalled in the legislature last year specified the "Meet Baby Olivia" video produced by an anti-abortion group would have to be shown to students, starting in 7th grade. There's no reference to that video in this year's bill -- and the legislation no longer says what's presented to students should be based on research by medical organizations like the American College of O-B-G-Y-Ns. Bill backers say the legislation requires students be presented with research-based, unbiased information that depicts the humanity of the unborn child.

 A lobbyist for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa says it's a politically motivated bill that's meant to influence the trajectory of young Iowans' lives.

(Radio Iowa) - A bill eligible for debate in the Iowa Senate Education Committee would require that public schools show students in all grades ultrasounds and computer-generated animation that explain pregnancy and fetal development. Similar bills that stalled in the legislature last year specified the "Meet Baby Olivia" video produced by an anti-abortion group would have to be shown to students, starting in 7th grade. There's no reference to that video in this year's bill -- and the legislation no longer says what's presented to students should be based on research by medical organizations like the American College of O-B-G-Y-Ns. Bill backers say the legislation requires students be presented with research-based, unbiased information that depicts the humanity of the unborn child. A lobbyist for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa says it's a politically motivated bill that's meant to influence the trajectory of young Iowans' lives.

Bill would require teaching fetal development to Iowa's K-12 students

A young St. Joseph
man is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at the Buchanan County Courthouse
next week, charged in a September shooting that left another man with multiple
gunshot wounds.

Bond at first was
denied 20-year-old Dakota Ballentine, but later was set at $50,000 with the
stipulation that he have no contact with the victim, not possess firearms, and
submit to GPS monitoring.

Ballentine has
been charged with assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

In the Probable
Cause Statement, a St. Joseph police detective states officers responded to a
residence in the 1200 block of South 18th Street shortly before 11pm
September 18th after shots had been fired. Ballentine allegedly shot
40-year-old Timothy Myers several times while Myers stood outside his vehicle. Emergency
crews found the victim unconscious and rushed him to the hospital. Myers recovered from his wounds.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737733979404.jpeg" alt="Dakota Ballentine/Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept. photo" />
 <figcaption>Dakota Ballentine/Buchanan County Sheriff's Dept. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA young St. Joseph
man is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at the Buchanan County Courthouse
next week, charged in a September shooting that left another man with multiple
gunshot wounds.Bond at first was
denied 20-year-old Dakota Ballentine, but later was set at $50,000 with the
stipulation that he have no contact with the victim, not possess firearms, and
submit to GPS monitoring.Ballentine has
been charged with assault and unlawful use of a weapon.In the Probable
Cause Statement, a St. Joseph police detective states officers responded to a
residence in the 1200 block of South 18th Street shortly before 11pm
September 18th after shots had been fired. Ballentine allegedly shot
40-year-old Timothy Myers several times while Myers stood outside his vehicle. Emergency
crews found the victim unconscious and rushed him to the hospital. Myers recovered from his wounds.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Young St. Joseph man faces hearing on September shooting

By NATE KING Salina Post

Coperion K-Tron, a bulk handling manufacturing company in Salina announced plans to close its facility by the end of the year, resulting in the loss of 98 jobs.

The company notified Salina Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and KansasWorks on Jan. 22 through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice. This federal law mandates that employers provide 60 days advance notice to employees in the event of plant closures or mass layoffs.

According to Salina City Manager Mike Schrage, the Salina Community Economic Development Organization in partnership with Kansas Works and Kansas Department of Commerce’s rapid response team are working to assist those affected by the layoffs. The team will help connect displaced workers with new employment opportunities and other Salina resources.

Salina Post reached out to Coperion K-Tron for comment but was unable to connect with a company representative.

Additional details about the closure and support efforts have not been announced.

By NATE KING Salina PostCoperion K-Tron, a bulk handling manufacturing company in Salina announced plans to close its facility by the end of the year, resulting in the loss of 98 jobs.The company notified Salina Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz, the Kansas Department of Commerce, and KansasWorks on Jan. 22 through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice. This federal law mandates that employers provide 60 days advance notice to employees in the event of plant closures or mass layoffs.According to Salina City Manager Mike Schrage, the Salina Community Economic Development Organization in partnership with Kansas Works and Kansas Department of Commerce’s rapid response team are working to assist those affected by the layoffs. The team will help connect displaced workers with new employment opportunities and other Salina resources.Salina Post reached out to Coperion K-Tron for comment but was unable to connect with a company representative.Additional details about the closure and support efforts have not been announced.

Bulk handling manufacturing company will close Kan. facility

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/janaroseschleis/">JANA ROSE SCHLEIS</a>&nbsp;-

In a packed hearing room a few blocks from the Missouri Capitol on Thursday, Ameren electric customers asked utility reps why they should be asked to pay another $17.45 per month, on average, for power.

At times they were emotional when addressing members of the Missouri Public Service Commission, which oversees utilities, including Ameren.

Lindsey Phoenix is a Jefferson City public attorney who told commissioners at the hours-long meeting that she is angry, and she feels there’s no need for a rate increase.

“Here I am spending my lunch hour, and now my vacation pay, begging a company to set their greed aside so that I can afford to keep my children warm in their beds at night,” she said.

Ameren Missouri wants to increase electricity rates by 15.77%, earning the company an additional $446 million per year.

In a flyer handed out to attendees Thursday, the company claims electric rates are approximately 27% lower than the Midwest average, and if this increase is granted they would be 15% lower than the average.

Bill Abbott traveled to Jefferson City from Eldon with a group of friends to attend the hearing.

“How much profit is enough?” he told KBIA before the hearing. “At the expense of poor people and the elderly that are on fixed incomes.”

Johnnie Briggs-Taylor is from Olean, a town about 30 miles from Jefferson City. She is also concerned about what higher electric bills mean for the people in her community.

“Olean … it’s a very small town. People there are low income and this rate increase will hurt them even more,” Briggs-Taylor said.

Warren Wood, Ameren Missouri’s vice president of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, said the company is proposing the higher rates to recoup costs of maintaining current infrastructure — such as poles, wires, and transformers — in addition to building new solar power plants.

“We’re hardening the grid, replacing old power lines, strengthening poles, upgrading substations, and now serving customers with some new energy resources,” he said.

Wood said the cost of maintaining infrastructure is rising.

“We’re seeing much higher prices of the infrastructure we need to use to upgrade the system and sometimes the timeline it actually takes to get it,” Wood said.

The hearings are part of the electric utility’s rate case — a process where companies come before the Public Service Commission with a proposal to adjust prices they charge customers.

Utilities are what’s called “regulated” or “natural” monopolies — in exchange for being the sole provider of utility service in a specified area, the companies are subject to state oversight. Customers are not able to switch utility providers.

Ameren filed the rate case in June 2024, which started an 11-month regulatory process.

The company’s request is audited by both the Public Service Commission staff and the Office of Public Counsel — the state agency that aims to represent the people of Missouri in rate cases and advocates for “safe and reliable utility service at just and reasonable rates.”

The Public Service Commission staff are recommending that the commissioners grant Ameren the rate increase, but by slightly less than the company proposed.

Commission staff recommend the regulators approve a 14.18% increase on customer’s bills, earning Ameren $406.9 million annually — approximately $40 million less than the company proposed.

A virtual public hearing will be held Friday at 12 p.m. Information on how to join the meeting by WebEx can be found at the PSC website.

The five commissioners, who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Missouri Senate, are expected to make a final decision on the case in May.

Public Service Commission Chair Kayla Hahn thanked those who showed up Thursday.

“Undoubtedly your comments and feedback will help inform our decision and help us make a better decision because of it,” Hahn said.

Ameren offers alternate payment plans for customers struggling with their utility costs. Customers are encouraged to call 800-552-7583 or visit amerenmissouri.com/energyassistance for help.

Ameren provides electricity for approximately 1.2 million customers across Missouri. The company also provides gas to a few communities in mid-Missouri, but this case only affects electricity prices.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/missourians-speak-out-against-proposed-ameren-electric-rate-increase-in-public-hearing/article_39189840-d9e2-11ef-a7d1-4fedc7697ac8.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737729933205.png" alt=" Bryan Struebig, an Ameren stakeholder and customer, testifies against the company’s rising rates on Thursday at the Governor Office Building in Jefferson City. “When my community does better and the costs are lower, I do better,” Struebig said (Nam Nguyen/Missourian)." />
 <figcaption> Bryan Struebig, an Ameren stakeholder and customer, testifies against the company’s rising rates on Thursday at the Governor Office Building in Jefferson City. “When my community does better and the costs are lower, I do better,” Struebig said (Nam Nguyen/Missourian).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/janaroseschleis/">JANA ROSE SCHLEIS</a>&nbsp;-In a packed hearing room a few blocks from the Missouri Capitol on Thursday, Ameren electric customers asked utility reps why they should be asked to pay another $17.45 per month, on average, for power.At times they were emotional when addressing members of the Missouri Public Service Commission, which oversees utilities, including Ameren.Lindsey Phoenix is a Jefferson City public attorney who told commissioners at the hours-long meeting that she is angry, and she feels there’s no need for a rate increase.“Here I am spending my lunch hour, and now my vacation pay, begging a company to set their greed aside so that I can afford to keep my children warm in their beds at night,” she said.Ameren Missouri wants to increase electricity rates by 15.77%, earning the company an additional $446 million per year.In a flyer handed out to attendees Thursday, the company claims electric rates are approximately 27% lower than the Midwest average, and if this increase is granted they would be 15% lower than the average.Bill Abbott traveled to Jefferson City from Eldon with a group of friends to attend the hearing.“How much profit is enough?” he told KBIA before the hearing. “At the expense of poor people and the elderly that are on fixed incomes.”Johnnie Briggs-Taylor is from Olean, a town about 30 miles from Jefferson City. She is also concerned about what higher electric bills mean for the people in her community.“Olean … it’s a very small town. People there are low income and this rate increase will hurt them even more,” Briggs-Taylor said.Warren Wood, Ameren Missouri’s vice president of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, said the company is proposing the higher rates to recoup costs of maintaining current infrastructure — such as poles, wires, and transformers — in addition to building new solar power plants.“We’re hardening the grid, replacing old power lines, strengthening poles, upgrading substations, and now serving customers with some new energy resources,” he said.Wood said the cost of maintaining infrastructure is rising.“We’re seeing much higher prices of the infrastructure we need to use to upgrade the system and sometimes the timeline it actually takes to get it,” Wood said.The hearings are part of the electric utility’s rate case — a process where companies come before the Public Service Commission with a proposal to adjust prices they charge customers.Utilities are what’s called “regulated” or “natural” monopolies — in exchange for being the sole provider of utility service in a specified area, the companies are subject to state oversight. Customers are not able to switch utility providers.Ameren filed the rate case in June 2024, which started an 11-month regulatory process.The company’s request is audited by both the Public Service Commission staff and the Office of Public Counsel — the state agency that aims to represent the people of Missouri in rate cases and advocates for “safe and reliable utility service at just and reasonable rates.”The Public Service Commission staff are recommending that the commissioners grant Ameren the rate increase, but by slightly less than the company proposed.Commission staff recommend the regulators approve a 14.18% increase on customer’s bills, earning Ameren $406.9 million annually — approximately $40 million less than the company proposed.A virtual public hearing will be held Friday at 12 p.m. Information on how to join the meeting by WebEx can be found at the PSC website.The five commissioners, who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Missouri Senate, are expected to make a final decision on the case in May.Public Service Commission Chair Kayla Hahn thanked those who showed up Thursday.“Undoubtedly your comments and feedback will help inform our decision and help us make a better decision because of it,” Hahn said.Ameren offers alternate payment plans for customers struggling with their utility costs. Customers are encouraged to call 800-552-7583 or visit amerenmissouri.com/energyassistance for help.Ameren provides electricity for approximately 1.2 million customers across Missouri. The company also provides gas to a few communities in mid-Missouri, but this case only affects electricity prices.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/missourians-speak-out-against-proposed-ameren-electric-rate-increase-in-public-hearing/article_39189840-d9e2-11ef-a7d1-4fedc7697ac8.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Missourians speak out against proposed Ameren electric rate increase in public hearing

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> Harvest Public Media

Bird flu has killed millions of hens in recent weeks, shrinking the supply of eggs and hiking up prices at grocery stores.

You can blame bird flu for high egg prices at the grocery store.

A dozen large, Grade A eggs cost an average of $4.15 in the U.S. last month – a nearly 37% increase from the year before – according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. That’s a much larger jump than the 2.5% increase of overall food prices.

The last time that average price was above $4 was&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">two years ago</a>, when the cost for a dozen eggs spiked to a record $4.82.

The egg industry has been impacted by a surge of bird flu cases in recent weeks. More than 13 million egg-laying hens died in December due to the virus – the most of any month last year –&nbsp;<a href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/g445cd121/6395z2696/sj13bz31x/LDP-M-367.pdf" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>. And another 3.3 million died in early January.

The losses are a big factor in higher egg prices, said Jada Thompson, a poultry economist at the University of Arkansas who researches how diseases impact markets.

“One of the hard parts is there's this regional concentration of production,” Thompson said. “And so when a disease is going through and hitting farms in that area, it's gonna affect multiple farms, and that's gonna affect the supply of eggs – and that supply then will affect our prices.”

There are also other factors that impact prices, such as the typical uptick in demand for eggs during the holiday season and costs for inputs like feed and labor, Thompson said.

“All of those things are going to be coupled together, and then you add this very strong reduction of egg supply, and it's going to drive prices up and down,” she said.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/data-map-commercial.html" target="_blank">more than 130 million birds</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. since it first emerged in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Bird flu appeared in dairy cattle for the first time last year, and has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html" target="_blank">more than 900 cows</a>&nbsp;since last spring. More than 60 humans have also contracted the virus, mostly from working directly with sick animals on poultry or dairy farms. Most of the symptoms have been mild, and the health risk for humans is currently low,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">according to the CDC</a>.

The virus is spreading to flocks as migratory birds fly south for the winter, said Yuko Sato, a poultry extension veterinarian at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. But the new strain in cows makes the situation different from previous years.

“Instead of just migratory birds being a potential source of the infection, now we also have to worry about potential interactions with infected dairy herds that could potentially transmit the virus to domestic poultry,” she said.

The virus has an extremely high fatality rate in birds, Sato said. Many birds die within a day or two — so when bird flu is confirmed on a farm, it affects the entire flock.

“Essentially, all of the birds that's on that site will be depopulated, meaning they'll all be put down, in order to control the virus and to make sure it's contained in one area to not spread to other premises,” Sato said.

Outbreaks are particularly hitting the middle of the U.S. hard, because there are a lot of large egg producers, Thompson said. Iowa, Ohio and Indiana produce the highest volume of eggs in the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Poultry/eggmap.php" target="_blank">according to the USDA</a>.

“The disease specifically has stuck around in the Midwest,” Thompson said. “And part of that is a bit of climate, a bit where wild bird migratory patterns have gone through. And so they've been disproportionately affected.”

Producers will be hatching more chicks to make up for the losses, Thompson said. But it’s difficult to know for sure how bad the disease will be, and it’s expensive to keep too many birds.

“Everybody's trying to find the best solution to mitigate disease impacts and maintain profitability,” Thompson said. “Because if egg prices are high, we don't buy as many eggs ... they still need to sell their egg, so this is an issue for both producers and consumers.”

Thompson expects egg prices will fall again as there are fewer bird flu cases and the egg supply recovers. But more outbreaks of the virus could push prices back up.

“We'll have to keep an eye on how many outbreaks there are and where those are happening,” she said.

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737565489017.png" alt="A HyVee grocery store in Columbia, Missouri, is sharing information with shoppers about the impacts of recent bird flu cases on the egg supply. Egg prices across the country have soared in recent weeks because of losses caused by the virus. Photo by&nbsp; Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A HyVee grocery store in Columbia, Missouri, is sharing information with shoppers about the impacts of recent bird flu cases on the egg supply. Egg prices across the country have soared in recent weeks because of losses caused by the virus. Photo by&nbsp; Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> Harvest Public Media<h2>Bird flu has killed millions of hens in recent weeks, shrinking the supply of eggs and hiking up prices at grocery stores.</h2>You can blame bird flu for high egg prices at the grocery store.A dozen large, Grade A eggs cost an average of $4.15 in the U.S. last month – a nearly 37% increase from the year before – according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. That’s a much larger jump than the 2.5% increase of overall food prices.The last time that average price was above $4 was&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">two years ago</a>, when the cost for a dozen eggs spiked to a record $4.82.The egg industry has been impacted by a surge of bird flu cases in recent weeks. More than 13 million egg-laying hens died in December due to the virus – the most of any month last year –&nbsp;<a href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/g445cd121/6395z2696/sj13bz31x/LDP-M-367.pdf" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>. And another 3.3 million died in early January.The losses are a big factor in higher egg prices, said Jada Thompson, a poultry economist at the University of Arkansas who researches how diseases impact markets.“One of the hard parts is there's this regional concentration of production,” Thompson said. “And so when a disease is going through and hitting farms in that area, it's gonna affect multiple farms, and that's gonna affect the supply of eggs – and that supply then will affect our prices.”There are also other factors that impact prices, such as the typical uptick in demand for eggs during the holiday season and costs for inputs like feed and labor, Thompson said.“All of those things are going to be coupled together, and then you add this very strong reduction of egg supply, and it's going to drive prices up and down,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737565779992.png" alt="&nbsp; Chart:&nbsp;Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public MediaSource:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://data.bls.gov/dataViewer/view/timeseries/APU0200708111;jsessionid=885E1E8D976CC87DAEF37097559DF675">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>Created with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/cI5I6" target="_blank">Datawrapper</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Chart:&nbsp;Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public MediaSource:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://data.bls.gov/dataViewer/view/timeseries/APU0200708111;jsessionid=885E1E8D976CC87DAEF37097559DF675">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>Created with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/cI5I6" target="_blank">Datawrapper</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Highly pathogenic avian influenza has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/data-map-commercial.html" target="_blank">more than 130 million birds</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. since it first emerged in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.Bird flu appeared in dairy cattle for the first time last year, and has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html" target="_blank">more than 900 cows</a>&nbsp;since last spring. More than 60 humans have also contracted the virus, mostly from working directly with sick animals on poultry or dairy farms. Most of the symptoms have been mild, and the health risk for humans is currently low,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">according to the CDC</a>.The virus is spreading to flocks as migratory birds fly south for the winter, said Yuko Sato, a poultry extension veterinarian at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. But the new strain in cows makes the situation different from previous years.“Instead of just migratory birds being a potential source of the infection, now we also have to worry about potential interactions with infected dairy herds that could potentially transmit the virus to domestic poultry,” she said.The virus has an extremely high fatality rate in birds, Sato said. Many birds die within a day or two — so when bird flu is confirmed on a farm, it affects the entire flock.“Essentially, all of the birds that's on that site will be depopulated, meaning they'll all be put down, in order to control the virus and to make sure it's contained in one area to not spread to other premises,” Sato said.Outbreaks are particularly hitting the middle of the U.S. hard, because there are a lot of large egg producers, Thompson said. Iowa, Ohio and Indiana produce the highest volume of eggs in the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Poultry/eggmap.php" target="_blank">according to the USDA</a>.“The disease specifically has stuck around in the Midwest,” Thompson said. “And part of that is a bit of climate, a bit where wild bird migratory patterns have gone through. And so they've been disproportionately affected.”Producers will be hatching more chicks to make up for the losses, Thompson said. But it’s difficult to know for sure how bad the disease will be, and it’s expensive to keep too many birds.“Everybody's trying to find the best solution to mitigate disease impacts and maintain profitability,” Thompson said. “Because if egg prices are high, we don't buy as many eggs ... they still need to sell their egg, so this is an issue for both producers and consumers.”Thompson expects egg prices will fall again as there are fewer bird flu cases and the egg supply recovers. But more outbreaks of the virus could push prices back up.“We'll have to keep an eye on how many outbreaks there are and where those are happening,” she said.This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

Egg prices soaring again; here’s why, what to expect

(Radio Iowa) - A bill under consideration in the Iowa House would ban margarine and two food additives from the lunches and breakfasts served at Iowa schools. 

The bill mentions Red Dye number 40, which is made from petroleum and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in food for 50 years. It's one of a half dozen food dyes that will be banned from California school lunches starting in 2028. 

Representative Jeff Shipley, a Republican from Fairfield, says it's an interesting concept to discuss and see what the public might have an appetite for here in Iowa. Robert F. Kennedy, Junior -- President Trump's nominee to lead a key federal agency -- has raised questions about the country's food supply and the eating habits of Americans.

(Radio Iowa) - A bill under consideration in the Iowa House would ban margarine and two food additives from the lunches and breakfasts served at Iowa schools. The bill mentions Red Dye number 40, which is made from petroleum and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in food for 50 years. It's one of a half dozen food dyes that will be banned from California school lunches starting in 2028. Representative Jeff Shipley, a Republican from Fairfield, says it's an interesting concept to discuss and see what the public might have an appetite for here in Iowa. Robert F. Kennedy, Junior -- President Trump's nominee to lead a key federal agency -- has raised questions about the country's food supply and the eating habits of Americans.

Ban proposed on margarine, Red Dye 40 in food served in Iowa schools

KANSAS CITY—One person was critically injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.

According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino,&nbsp;a Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Ford F350 pickup truck was parked on the northbound curb of Grand, just north of 5th Street.

The driver of the City Vehicle put the pickup in drive and began traveling northbound and struck a pedestrian who was in front of the vehicle. The pedestrian went completely under the vehicle, according to DiMartino.

A KC Fire Department ambulance transported the pedestrian to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver was not impaired.

KANSAS CITY—One person was critically injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City.According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino,&nbsp;a Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Ford F350 pickup truck was parked on the northbound curb of Grand, just north of 5th Street.The driver of the City Vehicle put the pickup in drive and began traveling northbound and struck a pedestrian who was in front of the vehicle. The pedestrian went completely under the vehicle, according to DiMartino.A KC Fire Department ambulance transported the pedestrian to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver was not impaired.

Police: KC Parks and Rec pickup ran over pedestrian

Two bills heard in a state Senate committee are designed to lower prices, provide fair competition for independent pharmacies, backers say

With billions of dollars at stake, a legislative battle in Missouri over payments for prescription drugs kicked off again Wednesday between pharmacies, health care providers and insurance companies.

For those unfamiliar with the conflict, terms like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mmitnetwork.com/what-is-white-bagging/" target="_blank">white bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.valuebasedcancer.com/issues/2013/september-2013-vol-4-no-8/1341-brown-bagging-versus-white-bagging#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBrown%20bagging%E2%80%9D%20is%20when%20a,the%20physician's%20office%20for%20administration." target="_blank">brown bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/therapeutic-biologics-applications-bla/biosimilars" target="_blank">biosimilarity</a>&nbsp;can make the debate impossible to fathom. But each of those phrases, and others equally baffling, play a part in how much patients and insurers pay and whether they can get their prescriptions from their favorite pharmacy.

A bill passed last year attempted to decide&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/13/billions-at-stake-as-national-battle-over-drug-pricing-plays-out-in-missouri/">one issue in favor of hospitals</a>, not-for-profit clinics and other selected providers by mandating that pharmaceutical manufacturers offer discounted drugs under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B program</a>&nbsp;to any pharmacy with a contract to supply the provider’s patients.&nbsp;

That law is being&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/27/drugmakers-sue-to-block-missouri-law-on-federal-prescription-discounts/">challenged in federal court</a>, but no trial has been held.

Two bills discussed Wednesday by the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee would expand on that legislation and take on one of the other major features of prescription sales — pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs.

State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holt’s Summit, wants to protect independent pharmacies from practices that favor large chain operations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=209" target="_blank">His bill</a>&nbsp;would require reimbursements to all pharmacies to be the same as reimbursements for pharmacies affiliated with PBMs.

That will help the independent pharmacies stay in business, he said.

“They take care of our communities, they are leaders in our communities, they invest in our communities, and they are going away,” Fitzwater said.

Fitzwater’s bill would also require insurance providers to include amounts paid on behalf of a patient for prescription drugs to be counted against the maximum out-of-pocket costs allowed in a policy. Those payments can include rebates or outlays by a relative, Fitzwater said.

Currently, many plans only recognize payments made by the patient only.

The provisions are especially important when a high-cost specialty drug is involved, he said.

“They’ll say you can only get this drug in an approved pharmacy that will fulfill the requirements we have,” Fitzwater said. “So they will reimburse themselves at a much larger margin than they’ll reimburse the independent pharmacy.”

Supporters of the bill said PBMs get in the consumer choice.&nbsp;

Erica Crane, founder of NextRx Pharmacy in Columbia, said PBMs force people to use large chains and reap the benefits of negotiated discounts.

“PBMs do not lower the cost of medications,” Crane said. “They don’t increase the availability. What they are doing is closing our independent pharmacies.”

Opponents argue that the bill will shift costs and hurt self-insured plans.

Laurel Pickering, president and CEO of the St Louis Area Business Health Coalition, said her organization purchases health care on behalf of 500,000 people, employees and families of employees at Anheuser-Busch, Panera, Boeing and several other large companies.

“The provisions in this bill are being used to capture money from employers and their workers, and they’re going to increase those costs,” Pickering said.

State Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, pushed back against Pickering’s argument. More choice in the marketplace should mean reduced prices, he said.

“What I’m hearing you say is that you are for centralization of power and concentrating that in just a few hands, as opposed to competition, because you said that allowing choice increases prices, and that’s usually not the way the free market works,” Moon said.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=311" target="_blank">other legislation</a>&nbsp;considered Wednesday, sponsored by state Sen. Justin Brown of Rolla, would limit how PBMs reimburse pharmacies for physician-administered drugs, as well make them pay the same amounts for biosimilar drugs. PBMs would also be barred from paying a pharmacy less for a drug obtained under the 340B discount program than it pays for the same drug when it is not covered by the manufacturer’s discount.

Karen White, CEO of the not-for-profit Missouri Highlands Health Care, headquartered in Ellington, said the 340B program provides essential revenue for her clinics.

“Without these savings that we rely on, we will have to take a hard look at what services we can continue to provide,” White said.&nbsp;

Many of the provisions in his bill were in the legislation he filed last year on the 340B program, Brown said. They were removed as lawmakers worked through one of the most difficult years in recent history, passing a record low number of bills, he noted.

“​​While we made some progress with last year’s 340B legislation, it’s clear that we still have much to do,” Brown said.

A biologic medication is made from a living organism or its products and a biosimilar medication is one that has the same effect but is derived from a different source and is often administered by physicians by infusion or injection.

Brown’s bill would require the same reimbursements whether the originally prescribed biologic or a biosimilar drug is used.

When a patient visits a pharmacy to obtain a medication that is then administered in a physician’s office, it is called brown bagging. When the pharmacy delivers the same drug to a physician’s office so it can be administered to a patient, it is called white bagging. The bill would require the insurance companies and PBMs to treat the transaction the same either way.

Daniel Good, vice president for pharmacy at Mercy Health, said the provisions will help providers keep their focus on patient needs.

“This bill is going to ensure that the health systems and the pharmacy and therapeutic communities make a choice in the best interest of the patients,” Good said.

Representatives of the insurance industry, who oppose the bills, said that the well-intentioned legislation will actually drive up costs for many.

“At the end of the day, it’s about that dollar,” said Shannon Cooper, lobbyist for the America’s Health Insurance Plan, the national trade organization of health insurance companies.

Employers work to control costs for themselves and employees and the bills interfere with those relationships, he said.

“When you meddle with legislation like this, when you break contract law, when you break agreements,” Cooper said, “that drives the cost of those services up for the ultimate consumer.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737638738385.png" alt="State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holts Summit, presents legislation to a Senate committee on Wednesday (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holts Summit, presents legislation to a Senate committee on Wednesday (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>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><h2>Two bills heard in a state Senate committee are designed to lower prices, provide fair competition for independent pharmacies, backers say</h2>With billions of dollars at stake, a legislative battle in Missouri over payments for prescription drugs kicked off again Wednesday between pharmacies, health care providers and insurance companies.For those unfamiliar with the conflict, terms like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mmitnetwork.com/what-is-white-bagging/" target="_blank">white bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.valuebasedcancer.com/issues/2013/september-2013-vol-4-no-8/1341-brown-bagging-versus-white-bagging#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBrown%20bagging%E2%80%9D%20is%20when%20a,the%20physician's%20office%20for%20administration." target="_blank">brown bagging</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/therapeutic-biologics-applications-bla/biosimilars" target="_blank">biosimilarity</a>&nbsp;can make the debate impossible to fathom. But each of those phrases, and others equally baffling, play a part in how much patients and insurers pay and whether they can get their prescriptions from their favorite pharmacy.A bill passed last year attempted to decide&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/13/billions-at-stake-as-national-battle-over-drug-pricing-plays-out-in-missouri/">one issue in favor of hospitals</a>, not-for-profit clinics and other selected providers by mandating that pharmaceutical manufacturers offer discounted drugs under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/opa" target="_blank">340B program</a>&nbsp;to any pharmacy with a contract to supply the provider’s patients.&nbsp;That law is being&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/27/drugmakers-sue-to-block-missouri-law-on-federal-prescription-discounts/">challenged in federal court</a>, but no trial has been held.Two bills discussed Wednesday by the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee would expand on that legislation and take on one of the other major features of prescription sales — pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs.State Sen. Travis Fitzwater, a Republican from Holt’s Summit, wants to protect independent pharmacies from practices that favor large chain operations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=209" target="_blank">His bill</a>&nbsp;would require reimbursements to all pharmacies to be the same as reimbursements for pharmacies affiliated with PBMs.That will help the independent pharmacies stay in business, he said.“They take care of our communities, they are leaders in our communities, they invest in our communities, and they are going away,” Fitzwater said.Fitzwater’s bill would also require insurance providers to include amounts paid on behalf of a patient for prescription drugs to be counted against the maximum out-of-pocket costs allowed in a policy. Those payments can include rebates or outlays by a relative, Fitzwater said.Currently, many plans only recognize payments made by the patient only.The provisions are especially important when a high-cost specialty drug is involved, he said.“They’ll say you can only get this drug in an approved pharmacy that will fulfill the requirements we have,” Fitzwater said. “So they will reimburse themselves at a much larger margin than they’ll reimburse the independent pharmacy.”Supporters of the bill said PBMs get in the consumer choice.&nbsp;Erica Crane, founder of NextRx Pharmacy in Columbia, said PBMs force people to use large chains and reap the benefits of negotiated discounts.“PBMs do not lower the cost of medications,” Crane said. “They don’t increase the availability. What they are doing is closing our independent pharmacies.”Opponents argue that the bill will shift costs and hurt self-insured plans.Laurel Pickering, president and CEO of the St Louis Area Business Health Coalition, said her organization purchases health care on behalf of 500,000 people, employees and families of employees at Anheuser-Busch, Panera, Boeing and several other large companies.“The provisions in this bill are being used to capture money from employers and their workers, and they’re going to increase those costs,” Pickering said.State Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, pushed back against Pickering’s argument. More choice in the marketplace should mean reduced prices, he said.“What I’m hearing you say is that you are for centralization of power and concentrating that in just a few hands, as opposed to competition, because you said that allowing choice increases prices, and that’s usually not the way the free market works,” Moon said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737638699454.png" alt=" Karen White, left, CEO of Missouri Highlands Health Care in Ellington, testifies Tuesday in favor of legislation from state Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, right, that would require drug manufacturers to allow access to drugs discounted under the federal 340B program (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Karen White, left, CEO of Missouri Highlands Health Care in Ellington, testifies Tuesday in favor of legislation from state Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, right, that would require drug manufacturers to allow access to drugs discounted under the federal 340B program (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=311" target="_blank">other legislation</a>&nbsp;considered Wednesday, sponsored by state Sen. Justin Brown of Rolla, would limit how PBMs reimburse pharmacies for physician-administered drugs, as well make them pay the same amounts for biosimilar drugs. PBMs would also be barred from paying a pharmacy less for a drug obtained under the 340B discount program than it pays for the same drug when it is not covered by the manufacturer’s discount.Karen White, CEO of the not-for-profit Missouri Highlands Health Care, headquartered in Ellington, said the 340B program provides essential revenue for her clinics.“Without these savings that we rely on, we will have to take a hard look at what services we can continue to provide,” White said.&nbsp;Many of the provisions in his bill were in the legislation he filed last year on the 340B program, Brown said. They were removed as lawmakers worked through one of the most difficult years in recent history, passing a record low number of bills, he noted.“​​While we made some progress with last year’s 340B legislation, it’s clear that we still have much to do,” Brown said.A biologic medication is made from a living organism or its products and a biosimilar medication is one that has the same effect but is derived from a different source and is often administered by physicians by infusion or injection.Brown’s bill would require the same reimbursements whether the originally prescribed biologic or a biosimilar drug is used.When a patient visits a pharmacy to obtain a medication that is then administered in a physician’s office, it is called brown bagging. When the pharmacy delivers the same drug to a physician’s office so it can be administered to a patient, it is called white bagging. The bill would require the insurance companies and PBMs to treat the transaction the same either way.Daniel Good, vice president for pharmacy at Mercy Health, said the provisions will help providers keep their focus on patient needs.“This bill is going to ensure that the health systems and the pharmacy and therapeutic communities make a choice in the best interest of the patients,” Good said.Representatives of the insurance industry, who oppose the bills, said that the well-intentioned legislation will actually drive up costs for many.“At the end of the day, it’s about that dollar,” said Shannon Cooper, lobbyist for the America’s Health Insurance Plan, the national trade organization of health insurance companies.Employers work to control costs for themselves and employees and the bills interfere with those relationships, he said.“When you meddle with legislation like this, when you break contract law, when you break agreements,” Cooper said, “that drives the cost of those services up for the ultimate consumer.”

Missouri bills target pharmacy costs, insurance rules on drug pricing

A carve-out for hemp beverages in proposed regulations falls flat for Missouri Hemp Trade Association

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Arguably the biggest opponent of unregulated intoxicating hemp products said it’s willing to concede to allowing hemp-THC drinks to continue to be sold in grocery and liquor stores.

“We are working through and very excited about the possibility of developing a carve out for low-THC hemp drinks,” said Tom Robbins, a lobbyist for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association during a Senate committee hearing Wednesday.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/16/missouri-lawmakers-file-bills-enacting-new-regulations-on-intoxicating-hemp-products/">legislative battle</a>&nbsp;to regulate intoxicating hemp products kicked off Wednesday with a hearing on Republican state Sen. Nick Schroer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/BillText.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=292" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;to treat hemp-derived THC edibles, vapes and beverages the same as marijuana — meaning under the Division of Cannabis Regulation’s rules and exclusively sold in dispensaries.&nbsp;

Robbins announced MoCann’s proposed amendment to cap the amount of THC at five milligrams per can and exclude drinks made with “synthetic” THC, or THC that has been converted from CBD using a chemical process.

Schroer confirmed a plan is in the works to include this language in a committee substitute that may come up to vote within the next few weeks.&nbsp;

“We will more than likely have some sort of compromise language to use that existing framework within the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control on some of these low-dose products,” Schroer said.&nbsp;

However, Brooklyn Hill, president of the Missouri Hemp Trade Association, said MoCann’s carve out is “not a solution to the problem.”

“This bill will still, even with the hemp beverage carve out, shut down hundreds of Missouri businesses and cost hundreds of Missourians their jobs,” Hill said.

Schroer’s legislation is among several to regulate products made with hemp-derived THC.

Currently, Delta-8 THC products — including a large variety of drinks that are popular at bars and available at gas stations throughout the state — can be sold in Missouri stores because the intoxicating ingredient is derived from hemp, not marijuana.

Hemp is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/11/farm-bill-debate-includes-hemp-regulation-as-issue-takes-center-stage-in-missouri-recall/">federally legal</a>.

There’s no state or federal law saying teenagers or children can’t buy them or stores can’t sell them to minors — though some stores and vendors have taken it upon themselves to impose age restrictions of 21 and up.&nbsp;

“What the products contain really we do not know because it’s not regulated,” Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Center, told the Senate committee “and that’s where we’ve come into some very serious exposures where children have ended up unresponsive and on ventilators.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

All proposed bills include age restrictions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737631269367.png" alt=" Julie Weber, right, director of the Missouri Poison Center, testifying Wednesday about the increase in children ingesting THC-laced products alongside state Sen. Nick Schroer, R-Defiance. Schroer wants to restrict the sale of hemp-derived THC products (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Julie Weber, right, director of the Missouri Poison Center, testifying Wednesday about the increase in children ingesting THC-laced products alongside state Sen. Nick Schroer, R-Defiance. Schroer wants to restrict the sale of hemp-derived THC products (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A carve-out for hemp beverages in proposed regulations falls flat for Missouri Hemp Trade Association</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Arguably the biggest opponent of unregulated intoxicating hemp products said it’s willing to concede to allowing hemp-THC drinks to continue to be sold in grocery and liquor stores.“We are working through and very excited about the possibility of developing a carve out for low-THC hemp drinks,” said Tom Robbins, a lobbyist for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association during a Senate committee hearing Wednesday.The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/16/missouri-lawmakers-file-bills-enacting-new-regulations-on-intoxicating-hemp-products/">legislative battle</a>&nbsp;to regulate intoxicating hemp products kicked off Wednesday with a hearing on Republican state Sen. Nick Schroer’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/BillText.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=292" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;to treat hemp-derived THC edibles, vapes and beverages the same as marijuana — meaning under the Division of Cannabis Regulation’s rules and exclusively sold in dispensaries.&nbsp;Robbins announced MoCann’s proposed amendment to cap the amount of THC at five milligrams per can and exclude drinks made with “synthetic” THC, or THC that has been converted from CBD using a chemical process.Schroer confirmed a plan is in the works to include this language in a committee substitute that may come up to vote within the next few weeks.&nbsp;“We will more than likely have some sort of compromise language to use that existing framework within the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control on some of these low-dose products,” Schroer said.&nbsp;However, Brooklyn Hill, president of the Missouri Hemp Trade Association, said MoCann’s carve out is “not a solution to the problem.”“This bill will still, even with the hemp beverage carve out, shut down hundreds of Missouri businesses and cost hundreds of Missourians their jobs,” Hill said.Schroer’s legislation is among several to regulate products made with hemp-derived THC.Currently, Delta-8 THC products — including a large variety of drinks that are popular at bars and available at gas stations throughout the state — can be sold in Missouri stores because the intoxicating ingredient is derived from hemp, not marijuana.Hemp is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/11/farm-bill-debate-includes-hemp-regulation-as-issue-takes-center-stage-in-missouri-recall/">federally legal</a>.There’s no state or federal law saying teenagers or children can’t buy them or stores can’t sell them to minors — though some stores and vendors have taken it upon themselves to impose age restrictions of 21 and up.&nbsp;“What the products contain really we do not know because it’s not regulated,” Julie Weber, director of the Missouri Poison Center, told the Senate committee “and that’s where we’ve come into some very serious exposures where children have ended up unresponsive and on ventilators.”&nbsp;&nbsp;All proposed bills include age restrictions.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=860121" target="_blank">proposal backed by the hemp association</a>&nbsp;would limit beverages and edibles to 100 mg of THC per serving, saying that some people who use the products medicinally require a higher dose.&nbsp;It directs the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control to regulate hemp licensees.Among the other proposals is the beer wholesalers’&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/0718H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">legislation</a>, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Barry Hovis of Whitewater, which lays out regulations only for hemp beverages. It would also establish the same three-tier distribution system that the alcohol industry has long abided by.The Missouri Hemp Trade Association believes vehemently opposes establishing the three-tier system, saying it would create a monopoly on behalf of the distributors.On Wednesday, Hill spoke about her father’s business, Dave’s Doobies, in Bunker, a town of about 300 people. His manufacturing and distributing company produces vapes and gummies, among other products.“It’s incredible to see my dad, hero of my childhood, build a legacy from the ground up,” she said, “one in a small town that can help employ what’s normally poverty.”Hill said Schroer’s bill would devastate her father’s business, as long with hundreds of others.&nbsp;Rick McGavock, owner of Popcorn Dispensary in Hermann, said it would destroy his business as well — and he has nothing to do with the cannabis industry.&nbsp;A line in Schroer’s bill states that “no person or entity” other than licensed marijuana facilities can conduct business under a name that contains the word “dispensary” or any word similar.McGavock and his partner, Nicole Woods, just opened in June, after settling on the name and finding a location.“We poured our blood, sweat and literal tears into building this business,” McGavock said. “Our name has become an integral part of our brand. This bill puts our business and the livelihoods of our 10 employees at risk. These are real people with families so rebranding is not an option.”McGavock was scheduled to meet with Schroer after the hearing.The hearing room was packed with people waiting to testify on the bill, most of whom did not get to speak when the hearing was limited to one hour.

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