WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – on Tuesday issued the following statement after receiving confirmation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that there are no VA programs impacted by the federal funding pause:

“After my inquiry today, VA has confirmed that no direct benefits or assistance provided through grant partners is impacted by OMB's pause on federal funding. Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs. I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – on Tuesday issued the following statement after receiving confirmation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that there are no VA programs impacted by the federal funding pause:“After my inquiry today, VA has confirmed that no direct benefits or assistance provided through grant partners is impacted by OMB's pause on federal funding. Veterans and their families, as well as the organizations that serve them, will continue to have access to the benefits, services and resources provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs. I appreciate the VA quickly providing answers to my questions and continuing the important programs that serve our veterans and their families.”

Moran: VA will not be impacted by federal funding pause

(Radio Iowa0 - The Iowa D-O-T is warning drivers the up and down temperature changes are making conditions right for potholes to grow on roadways. 

D-O-T district engineer Bob Ellis says potholes usually appear in spring with the warm days and cool nights, but we've gone from below zero temperatures to the 40s this week . Moisture that is okay when its warm, freezes when it gets cold and expands to widen out small holes. Ellis serves District 1 in central Iowa and says it doesn't matter if a road is asphalt or cement, they can still develop potholes. 

Ellis says they can put a temporary patch in the potholes with a "cold mix" of oil and rock binder. Ellis says if you see a pothole forming on a state highway, you can go online and report it to the district office where the highway runs.

(Radio Iowa0 - The Iowa D-O-T is warning drivers the up and down temperature changes are making conditions right for potholes to grow on roadways. D-O-T district engineer Bob Ellis says potholes usually appear in spring with the warm days and cool nights, but we've gone from below zero temperatures to the 40s this week . Moisture that is okay when its warm, freezes when it gets cold and expands to widen out small holes. Ellis serves District 1 in central Iowa and says it doesn't matter if a road is asphalt or cement, they can still develop potholes. Ellis says they can put a temporary patch in the potholes with a "cold mix" of oil and rock binder. Ellis says if you see a pothole forming on a state highway, you can go online and report it to the district office where the highway runs.

Temperature Fluctuations Lead To Potholes

(Radio Iowa) - President Trump concluded his first week in office by firing 17 inspectors general from a long list of federal agencies last Friday night, which drew the attention of Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. 

It's within the president's power to take such action, but Grassley says Congress was supposed to have been given 30 days notice. Grassley says he wants to know why each of those inspectors was fired and why the notice wasn't given, as required by law, and says he's working on a bipartisan letter to the president to get an explanation. 

Inspectors general are considered the government's watchdogs, those who are to guard against waste, fraud and abuse.

(Radio Iowa) - President Trump concluded his first week in office by firing 17 inspectors general from a long list of federal agencies last Friday night, which drew the attention of Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. It's within the president's power to take such action, but Grassley says Congress was supposed to have been given 30 days notice. Grassley says he wants to know why each of those inspectors was fired and why the notice wasn't given, as required by law, and says he's working on a bipartisan letter to the president to get an explanation. Inspectors general are considered the government's watchdogs, those who are to guard against waste, fraud and abuse.

Grassley seeks explanation of why Trump fired 17 federal watchdogs

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus reacted to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift the injunction that temporarily halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act’s reporting requirements. “Cattle producers across the country are disappointed in the Supreme Court ruling, which will allow the federal government to blanket family-owned farms and ranches in fresh red tape while subjecting millions of law-abiding small business owners to potential legal jeopardy,” Bacus said. 

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus reacted to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift the injunction that temporarily halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act’s reporting requirements. “Cattle producers across the country are disappointed in the Supreme Court ruling, which will allow the federal government to blanket family-owned farms and ranches in fresh red tape while subjecting millions of law-abiding small business owners to potential legal jeopardy,” Bacus said.

Supreme Court lifts Corporate Transparency Act injunction

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million head on January 1, 2025. The inventory was one percent below January 1, 2024. The inventory includes 7.25 million steers and steer calves, up one percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 61 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.6 million head, down three percent from 2024. 

Livestock Analyst ShayLe Stewart says, “This report was about as bullish of a report that cattlemen could have hoped for,” and “It’s a relief to see more marketings taking place, which, in combination with lighter placements, helped decrease the total number of cattle on feed.” Marketings of fed cattle during December totaled 1.74 million head, one percent higher than last year. Other disappearances totaled 59,000 head during December, two percent below 2023.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million head on January 1, 2025. The inventory was one percent below January 1, 2024. The inventory includes 7.25 million steers and steer calves, up one percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 61 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.6 million head, down three percent from 2024. Livestock Analyst ShayLe Stewart says, “This report was about as bullish of a report that cattlemen could have hoped for,” and “It’s a relief to see more marketings taking place, which, in combination with lighter placements, helped decrease the total number of cattle on feed.” Marketings of fed cattle during December totaled 1.74 million head, one percent higher than last year. Other disappearances totaled 59,000 head during December, two percent below 2023.

Cattle on feed down one percent 

The way veterans sign in online to check on benefits, prescriptions, and appointments is changing this year.  

Communications Chief for the VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare system Brian Stephens says previously veterans were able to sign in through various websites, some less secure than others 

"All the VA is requiring veterans to go in and make accounts through either of the two options, and from there they're guaranteed a more secure connection to their information, either the login.gov option or the id.me option," Stephens tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Stephens says to file, veterans must go online and fill out forms, and take a picture of the front and back of their photo ID.  

However, Stephens says with the photos of the ID is where some veterans run into a problem 

"What we're seeing is a lot of veterans are having problems, if you have a Kansas ID for example, there's a hologram that's designed to deter criminals from taking a picture and stealing your identity," Stephens explains. "Well, that same safety feature causes problems for veterans who are trying to verify their identity through this process." 

Stephens says this change is solely for security, and isn't impacting veterans receiving benefits 

"This is just access to electronic health records or communication methods or to check on their benefits or apply for benefits they would need this sign in, but it does not change their ability to receive those benefits," Stephens says. 

Stephens says if you run into a problem setting up your accounts you can go in person to the VA offices in Leavenworth.  You can also attend in person workshops around the region.  

The next closest workshop is on February 21st in Platte City.   

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738091933362.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The way veterans sign in online to check on benefits, prescriptions, and appointments is changing this year. Communications Chief for the VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare system Brian Stephens says previously veterans were able to sign in through various websites, some less secure than others "All the VA is requiring veterans to go in and make accounts through either of the two options, and from there they're guaranteed a more secure connection to their information, either the login.gov option or the id.me option," Stephens tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Stephens says to file, veterans must go online and fill out forms, and take a picture of the front and back of their photo ID. However, Stephens says with the photos of the ID is where some veterans run into a problem "What we're seeing is a lot of veterans are having problems, if you have a Kansas ID for example, there's a hologram that's designed to deter criminals from taking a picture and stealing your identity," Stephens explains. "Well, that same safety feature causes problems for veterans who are trying to verify their identity through this process." Stephens says this change is solely for security, and isn't impacting veterans receiving benefits "This is just access to electronic health records or communication methods or to check on their benefits or apply for benefits they would need this sign in, but it does not change their ability to receive those benefits," Stephens says. Stephens says if you run into a problem setting up your accounts you can go in person to the VA offices in Leavenworth. You can also attend in person workshops around the region. The next closest workshop is on February 21st in Platte City. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

VA advises about online changes for benefits

The American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri is assisting families that were left homeless following a St. Joseph building collapse. 

Six families were left without homes after a building at the corner of 10th and Patee Streets collapsed.   

Red Cross executive director JoAnn Woody says a team of volunteers from the St. Joseph area worked to provide immediate assistance to those families 

"We have a record where we document what some of those needs might be," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "Questions that they might ask are, do you have a safe place to stay tonight? Are you ok? Did you lose any medications? Is there someone you need to call? Just kind of wrapping our arms around them on the scene." 

For major damage like this, Woody points out the Red Cross also focuses on helping families with financial assistance. 

Woody says when it comes to a long-term solution for these families, one of the biggest challenges is finding long term housing 

"Just as many communities, St. Joseph is also facing affordable housing shortages and readily accessible, or readily available housing for these folks who have been displaced on a very immediate term," Woody explains.  "So, that is typically the largest gap we see, is just getting people into a more permanent longer-term housing." 

Woody says every volunteer that assisted with the families was from St. Joseph 

"Every single day we're responding to events like last night in St. Joseph, or apartment fires like we had in Independence, but every single day there is a way for someone to plug into their community through one of the Red Cross programs," Woody says.  "And it's an amazing way to connect on a very local level."

The St. Joseph Fire Department reports it has not uncovered any suspicious activity that might have caused the collapse. An inspector with the department suggests it likely occurred due to the age of the building.

This article has been updated since first published.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738086498757.jpeg" alt="A St. Joseph building at the corner of 10th and Patee collapsed late Monday afternoon, volunteers from the Red Cross responded to assist victims/ Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>A St. Joseph building at the corner of 10th and Patee collapsed late Monday afternoon, volunteers from the Red Cross responded to assist victims/ Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri is assisting families that were left homeless following a St. Joseph building collapse. Six families were left without homes after a building at the corner of 10th and Patee Streets collapsed. Red Cross executive director JoAnn Woody says a team of volunteers from the St. Joseph area worked to provide immediate assistance to those families "We have a record where we document what some of those needs might be," Woody tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Questions that they might ask are, do you have a safe place to stay tonight? Are you ok? Did you lose any medications? Is there someone you need to call? Just kind of wrapping our arms around them on the scene." For major damage like this, Woody points out the Red Cross also focuses on helping families with financial assistance. Woody says when it comes to a long-term solution for these families, one of the biggest challenges is finding long term housing "Just as many communities, St. Joseph is also facing affordable housing shortages and readily accessible, or readily available housing for these folks who have been displaced on a very immediate term," Woody explains. "So, that is typically the largest gap we see, is just getting people into a more permanent longer-term housing." Woody says every volunteer that assisted with the families was from St. Joseph "Every single day we're responding to events like last night in St. Joseph, or apartment fires like we had in Independence, but every single day there is a way for someone to plug into their community through one of the Red Cross programs," Woody says. "And it's an amazing way to connect on a very local level."The St. Joseph Fire Department reports it has not uncovered any suspicious activity that might have caused the collapse. An inspector with the department suggests it likely occurred due to the age of the building.This article has been updated since first published.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Red Cross responds to St. Joseph families left homeless after building collapse

Missouri Chamber
of Commerce officials have outlined five priorities for this year’s legislative
session in Jefferson City.

Chair of the
Chamber, Stet Schanze with Gray Manufacturing in St. Joseph, says the top
priority of the chamber is passing legislation to ease the state child care
shortage, something the legislature hasn’t been able to do the past two years.

“I think there’s
an enthusiasm that we’re going to get legislation through this year,” Schanze
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s not going to be bogged down where nothing’s
coming out and, hopefully, most importantly, meaningful legislation that comes
out.”

Schanze says a
lack of child care has prevented some Missourians from re-entering the
workforce.

Schanze says
violent crime is another issue that concerns the Chamber.

“Eighty percent of
businesses believe that crime, the high rate of crime in our state, is
negatively impacting our economy,” according to Schanze, who referred to a
Chamber survey of its members.

Schanze says crime
is worse in some areas than others, but is always a concern of business
executives considering a move.

“They’re going to
Google the city they’re moving to and they’re going to see all the things that
pop up, whether it’s real or perceived, and in this case, I think it’s more real,”
Schanze says. “We’ve got to do a better job at addressing the crime in the
state of Missouri.”

Commerce officials
in a news release expressed frustration about productivity at the Capitol in
Jefferson City a year ago and hope that more could be done this year.

Little got done at
the state Capitol in 2023 or 2024. The Chamber points out the Missouri General
Assembly approved only 28 non-budget bills in the last legislative session.

Schanze says the Chamber
looks to the legislature to accomplish more this year.

“I think we’re going
to see some legislation approved this year, but they’ve got to do it,” Schanze
says. “But I can tell you in talking with our local delegation they’re ready to
go try to get some stuff done for us.”

Other priorities
outlined by the Chamber include enhancing energy generation, clarifying the
provisions of Proposition A approved by voters in November, and cutting
government red tape.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Chamber
of Commerce officials have outlined five priorities for this year’s legislative
session in Jefferson City.Chair of the
Chamber, Stet Schanze with Gray Manufacturing in St. Joseph, says the top
priority of the chamber is passing legislation to ease the state child care
shortage, something the legislature hasn’t been able to do the past two years.“I think there’s
an enthusiasm that we’re going to get legislation through this year,” Schanze
tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s not going to be bogged down where nothing’s
coming out and, hopefully, most importantly, meaningful legislation that comes
out.”Schanze says a
lack of child care has prevented some Missourians from re-entering the
workforce.Schanze says
violent crime is another issue that concerns the Chamber.“Eighty percent of
businesses believe that crime, the high rate of crime in our state, is
negatively impacting our economy,” according to Schanze, who referred to a
Chamber survey of its members.Schanze says crime
is worse in some areas than others, but is always a concern of business
executives considering a move.“They’re going to
Google the city they’re moving to and they’re going to see all the things that
pop up, whether it’s real or perceived, and in this case, I think it’s more real,”
Schanze says. “We’ve got to do a better job at addressing the crime in the
state of Missouri.”Commerce officials
in a news release expressed frustration about productivity at the Capitol in
Jefferson City a year ago and hope that more could be done this year.Little got done at
the state Capitol in 2023 or 2024. The Chamber points out the Missouri General
Assembly approved only 28 non-budget bills in the last legislative session.Schanze says the Chamber
looks to the legislature to accomplish more this year.“I think we’re going
to see some legislation approved this year, but they’ve got to do it,” Schanze
says. “But I can tell you in talking with our local delegation they’re ready to
go try to get some stuff done for us.”Other priorities
outlined by the Chamber include enhancing energy generation, clarifying the
provisions of Proposition A approved by voters in November, and cutting
government red tape.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MO Chamber outlines 5 legislative priorities; hopes for better session

(Radio Iowa) - A bill eligible for debate in the House Education Committee would loosen restrictions on homeschooling and raises the state tuition and textbook tax credit. 

Under current law, children in a homeschool setting may be taught by someone who is not a relative, but that person must be a licensed teacher. The bill repeals that requirement and gets rid of the current limit that no more than four children may be homeschooled by a non-relative. 

The bill also repeals requirements that parents provide records showing that children being taught at home or in a charter school have certain vaccinations and have had their blood tested for unsafe lead levels.

(Radio Iowa) - A bill eligible for debate in the House Education Committee would loosen restrictions on homeschooling and raises the state tuition and textbook tax credit. Under current law, children in a homeschool setting may be taught by someone who is not a relative, but that person must be a licensed teacher. The bill repeals that requirement and gets rid of the current limit that no more than four children may be homeschooled by a non-relative. The bill also repeals requirements that parents provide records showing that children being taught at home or in a charter school have certain vaccinations and have had their blood tested for unsafe lead levels.

Bill loosens regs for Iowans who homeschool their children

‘It is inhumane to say people should be hunted like a sport,’ said Aura Velasquez, who has been a U.S. citizen for five years.

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

A confrontational legislative hearing Monday — with a witness calling a state senator a fascist and lawmakers battling over whether the state should put a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/pdf-bill/intro/SB72.pdf" target="_blank">bounty on undocumented immigrants</a>&nbsp;— set the tone for this year’s debate on immigration and the state’s role in border security.

The most aggressive approach, in a bill filed by state Sen. David Gregory, would award a $1,000 bounty for tips that result in the arrest of a person present in the United States without authorization. Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield, wants to authorize bounty hunters, usually employed by bail bond businesses to catch absconders, to track down people identified in tips.

And if the tip proves accurate, the person arrested would be charged with “trespass by an illegal alien,” and subject to life in prison without parole if federal immigration authorities declined to take custody.

“This bill seeks to create an ICE program at the state level,” Gregory told the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. “That’s essentially all it does. This is an ICE program inside the state of Missouri.”

State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, said it encourages people to make reports based on skin color or English proficiency.&nbsp;

“Don’t tell me it is not going to happen because it is happening now,” Washington said.

Gregory’s bill — and another heard Monday from state Sen. Jill Carter, a Joplin Republican — are among several introduced by Republicans this session seeking to make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to remain in the state.

<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=355" target="_blank">Carter’s bill</a>&nbsp;would also create new crimes based on immigration status. For simply being undocumented, a person could be charged with “improper entry” and could be punished by a fine of up to $10,000 and removal to a U.S. port of entry for deportation

The crime of “aggravated illegal presence” would be a felony applying to undocumented people who violated any other Missouri law. The penalty would be increased if the violation was a felony law.

Immigration and border security have been a major issue for the GOP nationally, helping get President Donald Trump elected to a new term. Trump promised mass deportations, and roundups began almost immediately after he took office.

There were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6434dq7p1o" target="_blank">956 arrests on Sunday</a>, the BBC reported. Colombia, which initially refused to accept incoming flights of people being deported, relented after Trump threatened to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/colombia-deportation-flights-trump-retaliation/" target="_blank">impose a tariff of 25%</a>&nbsp;on all imports from the South American country.

Federal courts have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-law-iowa-texas-oklahoma-5685f877f4516f3f18d2fc2c6858f696" target="_blank">blocked attempts in Iowa</a>, Texas and Georgia to make it a crime to be in those states if a person is in the U.S. illegally.

During Monday’s hearing, immigrants — with legal status and without — said the bills filed this year represent an escalation of oppression.

“It is inhumane to say people should be hunted like a sport,” said Aura Velasquez, who has been a citizen for five years. “It would turn neighbors against neighbors and friends against each other.”

Immigration advocates argued that a community already fearful about having documentation to remain in the U.S. revoked would become more fearful.

“This bill fosters a climate of fear, where people feel unsafe engaging in even the most basic activities beyond going to work or school,” said Gabriella Cepeda, representing the Hispanic Law Students Association at St. Louis University. “They are terrified of being profiled or targeted life in prison for simply existing in the state without documentation. It is not just extreme, it’s cruel and unusual punishment.”

The handful of supporters, representing law enforcement and a conservative Jewish group, said the state must protect itself from human trafficking and drug trafficking associated with lax border security.

“This legislation would simply give law enforcement another tool in the tool box to assist our federal partners,” Lewis County Sheriff David Parish said.

Last summer, a Missouri House interim committee studied the issue of crime associated with illegal immigration. The report, published Jan. 7, drew no conclusions and reported that many of the witnesses said they feared problems associated with border communities reaching Missouri.

The report did not estimate the number of undocumented immigrants in Missouri but said studies show a substantial economic impact.&nbsp;

Undocumented immigrants paid approximately $113 million in state taxes in 2022 but cannot use the public benefits those taxes support like Medicaid. Their economic activity supports 160,000 jobs and $19 billion in total economic activity, providing “real economic stability that benefits all Missourians,” the committee report stated.

Washington peppered Gregory and Carter with questions about whether the state should trade that economic support for a state free of undocumented immigrants.

“We have 77,000 illegal immigrants that we have here in Missouri,” Gregory said.

“So they should all be subject to this, because you’re saying that we should arrest them just because they’re here?” Washington asked.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738065953752.png" alt=" State Sen. David Gregory reviews his notes before presenting a bill Monday that would criminalize undocumented immigrants to a Senate committee (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. David Gregory reviews his notes before presenting a bill Monday that would criminalize undocumented immigrants to a Senate committee (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘It is inhumane to say people should be hunted like a sport,’ said Aura Velasquez, who has been a U.S. citizen for five years.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A confrontational legislative hearing Monday — with a witness calling a state senator a fascist and lawmakers battling over whether the state should put a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/pdf-bill/intro/SB72.pdf" target="_blank">bounty on undocumented immigrants</a>&nbsp;— set the tone for this year’s debate on immigration and the state’s role in border security.The most aggressive approach, in a bill filed by state Sen. David Gregory, would award a $1,000 bounty for tips that result in the arrest of a person present in the United States without authorization. Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield, wants to authorize bounty hunters, usually employed by bail bond businesses to catch absconders, to track down people identified in tips.And if the tip proves accurate, the person arrested would be charged with “trespass by an illegal alien,” and subject to life in prison without parole if federal immigration authorities declined to take custody.“This bill seeks to create an ICE program at the state level,” Gregory told the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. “That’s essentially all it does. This is an ICE program inside the state of Missouri.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738065919068.png" alt=" State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, questions state Sen. Jill Carter on Monday about her bill that would create new crimes based on immigration status (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, questions state Sen. Jill Carter on Monday about her bill that would create new crimes based on immigration status (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, said it encourages people to make reports based on skin color or English proficiency.&nbsp;“Don’t tell me it is not going to happen because it is happening now,” Washington said.Gregory’s bill — and another heard Monday from state Sen. Jill Carter, a Joplin Republican — are among several introduced by Republicans this session seeking to make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to remain in the state.<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=355" target="_blank">Carter’s bill</a>&nbsp;would also create new crimes based on immigration status. For simply being undocumented, a person could be charged with “improper entry” and could be punished by a fine of up to $10,000 and removal to a U.S. port of entry for deportationThe crime of “aggravated illegal presence” would be a felony applying to undocumented people who violated any other Missouri law. The penalty would be increased if the violation was a felony law.Immigration and border security have been a major issue for the GOP nationally, helping get President Donald Trump elected to a new term. Trump promised mass deportations, and roundups began almost immediately after he took office.There were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6434dq7p1o" target="_blank">956 arrests on Sunday</a>, the BBC reported. Colombia, which initially refused to accept incoming flights of people being deported, relented after Trump threatened to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/colombia-deportation-flights-trump-retaliation/" target="_blank">impose a tariff of 25%</a>&nbsp;on all imports from the South American country.Federal courts have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-law-iowa-texas-oklahoma-5685f877f4516f3f18d2fc2c6858f696" target="_blank">blocked attempts in Iowa</a>, Texas and Georgia to make it a crime to be in those states if a person is in the U.S. illegally.During Monday’s hearing, immigrants — with legal status and without — said the bills filed this year represent an escalation of oppression.“It is inhumane to say people should be hunted like a sport,” said Aura Velasquez, who has been a citizen for five years. “It would turn neighbors against neighbors and friends against each other.”Immigration advocates argued that a community already fearful about having documentation to remain in the U.S. revoked would become more fearful.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738065880821.png" alt=" After hearing that posters and signs were not allowed in the committee room, Kansas City resident Katelin Nott wrote messages on her arm Monday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> After hearing that posters and signs were not allowed in the committee room, Kansas City resident Katelin Nott wrote messages on her arm Monday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>“This bill fosters a climate of fear, where people feel unsafe engaging in even the most basic activities beyond going to work or school,” said Gabriella Cepeda, representing the Hispanic Law Students Association at St. Louis University. “They are terrified of being profiled or targeted life in prison for simply existing in the state without documentation. It is not just extreme, it’s cruel and unusual punishment.”The handful of supporters, representing law enforcement and a conservative Jewish group, said the state must protect itself from human trafficking and drug trafficking associated with lax border security.“This legislation would simply give law enforcement another tool in the tool box to assist our federal partners,” Lewis County Sheriff David Parish said.Last summer, a Missouri House interim committee studied the issue of crime associated with illegal immigration. The report, published Jan. 7, drew no conclusions and reported that many of the witnesses said they feared problems associated with border communities reaching Missouri.The report did not estimate the number of undocumented immigrants in Missouri but said studies show a substantial economic impact.&nbsp;Undocumented immigrants paid approximately $113 million in state taxes in 2022 but cannot use the public benefits those taxes support like Medicaid. Their economic activity supports 160,000 jobs and $19 billion in total economic activity, providing “real economic stability that benefits all Missourians,” the committee report stated.Washington peppered Gregory and Carter with questions about whether the state should trade that economic support for a state free of undocumented immigrants.“We have 77,000 illegal immigrants that we have here in Missouri,” Gregory said.“So they should all be subject to this, because you’re saying that we should arrest them just because they’re here?” Washington asked.“Yes,” Gregory replied.

Missouri bill putting a bounty on undocumented immigrants faces fierce resistance

ATCHISON–&nbsp;Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Missouri, the subject in the weekend officer-involved shooting in Atchison, died from his injuries in a local hospital early Monday, according to a statement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. An autopsy is scheduled.

At around 5:45 p.m. Friday, the Atchison Police Department responded to a call about a person with a gun and a second call of a subject breaking into an apartment. As officers arrived at 508 N 9th&nbsp;St. in Atchison, an officer exited his vehicle and shots were fired at him, striking his police vehicle multiple times. The officer was not struck. The man,&nbsp;identified as Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Mo., then fled back into a&nbsp;residence. Additional officers from the Atchison PD were called to the scene.

Officers learned that a woman known to McCray was being held inside of the residence. Atchison PD requested Kansas Highway Patrol’s (KHP) Special Response Team’s assistance. They also requested assistance from the&nbsp;KBI High Risk Warrant Team. Law enforcement attempted to peacefully negotiate throughout the night with McCray insisting he release the woman inside the residence. The subject did not cooperate with the negotiations and fired multiple shots at law enforcement officials throughout the incident.&nbsp;

Preliminary information indicates&nbsp;that at around 2:30 a.m., an attempt was made to rescue the female hostage. During the rescue attempt, McCray and the hostage were separated momentarily, and a KHP trooper fired at McCray striking him.&nbsp; At that time, the hostage was safely rescued. Life-saving measures were made on McCray at the scene and at an area hospital. McCray was subsequently transported to a Kansas City hospital where he died on Monday. No law enforcement officers were injured during the rescue attempt or during the interactions with McCray.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Atchison County Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666119705831.png" alt="McCray photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption>McCray photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON–&nbsp;Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Missouri, the subject in the weekend officer-involved shooting in Atchison, died from his injuries in a local hospital early Monday, according to a statement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. An autopsy is scheduled.At around 5:45 p.m. Friday, the Atchison Police Department responded to a call about a person with a gun and a second call of a subject breaking into an apartment. As officers arrived at 508 N 9th&nbsp;St. in Atchison, an officer exited his vehicle and shots were fired at him, striking his police vehicle multiple times. The officer was not struck. The man,&nbsp;identified as Bryson McCray, 36, of St. Joseph, Mo., then fled back into a&nbsp;residence. Additional officers from the Atchison PD were called to the scene.Officers learned that a woman known to McCray was being held inside of the residence. Atchison PD requested Kansas Highway Patrol’s (KHP) Special Response Team’s assistance. They also requested assistance from the&nbsp;KBI High Risk Warrant Team. Law enforcement attempted to peacefully negotiate throughout the night with McCray insisting he release the woman inside the residence. The subject did not cooperate with the negotiations and fired multiple shots at law enforcement officials throughout the incident.&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates&nbsp;that at around 2:30 a.m., an attempt was made to rescue the female hostage. During the rescue attempt, McCray and the hostage were separated momentarily, and a KHP trooper fired at McCray striking him.&nbsp; At that time, the hostage was safely rescued. Life-saving measures were made on McCray at the scene and at an area hospital. McCray was subsequently transported to a Kansas City hospital where he died on Monday. No law enforcement officers were injured during the rescue attempt or during the interactions with McCray.This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Atchison County Attorney.

KBI: St. Joe man injured in gunfight with Kan. officers has died

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa is seeing a significant jump in the number of schools reporting high absence rates due to illness. 

Iowa Health and Human Services reports a boost statewide in respiratory virus infections like COVID-19, R-S-V, and the flu, as well as norovirus. Addie Olson, spokesperson for the Polk County Health Department, says at least 14 schools in the Des Moines metro area reported high absence rates this month, and some of them had sick absence rates greater than 10 percent for two or three consecutive days. 

State health officials reported last week 73 schools statewide had absence rates of at least 10 percent for the prior week, a big increase from 11 schools the week before.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa is seeing a significant jump in the number of schools reporting high absence rates due to illness. Iowa Health and Human Services reports a boost statewide in respiratory virus infections like COVID-19, R-S-V, and the flu, as well as norovirus. Addie Olson, spokesperson for the Polk County Health Department, says at least 14 schools in the Des Moines metro area reported high absence rates this month, and some of them had sick absence rates greater than 10 percent for two or three consecutive days. State health officials reported last week 73 schools statewide had absence rates of at least 10 percent for the prior week, a big increase from 11 schools the week before.

Dozens of Iowa schools see high absence rates due to respiratory infections

Former 139th
Airlift Wing Commander, Col. John Cluck, is optimistic about the future of the
base at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph.

Still, Cluck says
he has concerns, because the military is constantly downsizing in an attempt to
save money.

“We had about twice
as many aircraft back in ’03 when we deployed that we have now,” Cluck tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview. “Things get more expensive. It gets
harder to remain relevant. I know that it’s going to be a tremendous challenge
until we get these new aircraft here at the 139th to make sure that
we’re still in a good position. I think that we are. I’ve worked very hard to
make sure that we are.”

The glaring need
for the 139th remains, though. It has yet to land the new mode
C-130J planes to replace the aging C-130H models it currently flies.

Cluck says
improvements made to Rosecrans with state, county, and city money has improved
the chances the base lands the new aircraft.

“We may not get
them as quickly as we want them, but as long as we get across the finish line
at the end that’ll be just fine,” Cluck says. “I know the mission we have here,
not only with the flying squadron, but also the Advance Airlift Tactics Training
Center is too critically important to the Air Force as a whole to let it go aside.
I feel very confident we’re going to get them. I don’t know if we’ll get the
next round or not, but I’m very confident we are going to win.”

Money has poured
into Rosecrans, building a new main runway, a new terminal, and a new tower. It
is undergoing a complete renovation even as the Air Guard constructs new
buildings for the 139th on ground that didn’t flood during the
devasting 1993 Missouri River flood.

Cluck handed over
commanded of the base to his Deputy Commander, Col. Barrett Golden, during a
Change of Command ceremony at Rosecrans Saturday afternoon.

Cluck says the
primary challenge the Air Guard faces is recruitment.

“Our numbers are
coming up. It doesn’t take very long to go down, but it takes a long way to
climb back up out of that hole,” Cluck says. “We’ve made some really, really
good strides coming up. We’ve increased our percentage overall manning by about
5 or 6%, which is huge. And I think we’ll come back out of that.”

Cluck feels
optimistic about the future of the Air Guard base in St. Joseph.

“I’m very
optimistic about it,” Cluck says. “I’ll tell you, that was the one thing I said
during my tenure as the wing commander is I want to make sure that not only is
the wing is moving, but it’s also there for generations to come.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFormer 139th
Airlift Wing Commander, Col. John Cluck, is optimistic about the future of the
base at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph.Still, Cluck says
he has concerns, because the military is constantly downsizing in an attempt to
save money.“We had about twice
as many aircraft back in ’03 when we deployed that we have now,” Cluck tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview. “Things get more expensive. It gets
harder to remain relevant. I know that it’s going to be a tremendous challenge
until we get these new aircraft here at the 139th to make sure that
we’re still in a good position. I think that we are. I’ve worked very hard to
make sure that we are.”The glaring need
for the 139th remains, though. It has yet to land the new mode
C-130J planes to replace the aging C-130H models it currently flies.Cluck says
improvements made to Rosecrans with state, county, and city money has improved
the chances the base lands the new aircraft.“We may not get
them as quickly as we want them, but as long as we get across the finish line
at the end that’ll be just fine,” Cluck says. “I know the mission we have here,
not only with the flying squadron, but also the Advance Airlift Tactics Training
Center is too critically important to the Air Force as a whole to let it go aside.
I feel very confident we’re going to get them. I don’t know if we’ll get the
next round or not, but I’m very confident we are going to win.”Money has poured
into Rosecrans, building a new main runway, a new terminal, and a new tower. It
is undergoing a complete renovation even as the Air Guard constructs new
buildings for the 139th on ground that didn’t flood during the
devasting 1993 Missouri River flood.Cluck handed over
commanded of the base to his Deputy Commander, Col. Barrett Golden, during a
Change of Command ceremony at Rosecrans Saturday afternoon.Cluck says the
primary challenge the Air Guard faces is recruitment.“Our numbers are
coming up. It doesn’t take very long to go down, but it takes a long way to
climb back up out of that hole,” Cluck says. “We’ve made some really, really
good strides coming up. We’ve increased our percentage overall manning by about
5 or 6%, which is huge. And I think we’ll come back out of that.”Cluck feels
optimistic about the future of the Air Guard base in St. Joseph.“I’m very
optimistic about it,” Cluck says. “I’ll tell you, that was the one thing I said
during my tenure as the wing commander is I want to make sure that not only is
the wing is moving, but it’s also there for generations to come.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Former commander optimistic about future of 139th in St. Joseph

(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

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.

<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.

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.

Kbct