President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;held a news conference at his Palm Beach, Florida resort on Tuesday.&nbsp; He discussed a variety of topics including the Panama Canal, Greenland, renaming the Gulf of Mexico and pardons for the January 6th defendants.

President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;held a news conference at his Palm Beach, Florida resort on Tuesday.&nbsp; He discussed a variety of topics including the Panama Canal, Greenland, renaming the Gulf of Mexico and pardons for the January 6th defendants.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Question on Greenland and Panama Canal: &quot;Can you assure the world that as you try to get control of these areas you are not going to use military or economic coercion? President-Elect Trump: &quot;No...I can&#39;t assure you on either of those two. We need them for economic security...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/zJ8Fb67ZrX">pic.twitter.com/zJ8Fb67ZrX</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1876678479053259091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-elect Trump: &quot;We&#39;re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America...what a beautiful name. It&#39;s appropriate.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/ZspLXgkgcZ">pic.twitter.com/ZspLXgkgcZ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1876674752741314677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-Elect Trump pardoning January 6th defendants: &quot;We&#39;re be looking at the whole thing, but yes I&#39;ll be making major pardons, yes.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/arHvANly7j">pic.twitter.com/arHvANly7j</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1876679962188468655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-Elect Trump: &quot;If those hostages aren&#39;t back...If they&#39;re not back by the time I get into office all hell will break out in the Middle East. It will no be good for Hamas. It will not be good frankly for anyone.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/iz5yiATPA2">pic.twitter.com/iz5yiATPA2</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1876681429322445012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Trump on Panama Canal, renaming Gulf of Mexico and pardons

(Radio Iowa) - With Republicans holding the majority in the U-S Senate, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is again serving as senate president pro tem -- making the 91-year-old senator third in the line of succession to become the nation's commander-in-chief. 

When the subject comes up, Grassley says it makes him smile, not because he doesn't take his job seriously, but because of the unlikely circumstances. Grassley says he understands his responsibilities if something drastic were to happen, saying he'd "be ready to serve," adding, "it doesn't weigh on me a whole lot." Something would have to happen to the president, vice president and speaker of the house for Grassley to end up in the Oval Office. 

The title of senate president pro tem goes to the longest-serving senator from the party that has a majority of seats. Grassley's been in the role before, in 2019 and 2020.

(Radio Iowa) - With Republicans holding the majority in the U-S Senate, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is again serving as senate president pro tem -- making the 91-year-old senator third in the line of succession to become the nation's commander-in-chief. When the subject comes up, Grassley says it makes him smile, not because he doesn't take his job seriously, but because of the unlikely circumstances. Grassley says he understands his responsibilities if something drastic were to happen, saying he'd "be ready to serve," adding, "it doesn't weigh on me a whole lot." Something would have to happen to the president, vice president and speaker of the house for Grassley to end up in the Oval Office. The title of senate president pro tem goes to the longest-serving senator from the party that has a majority of seats. Grassley's been in the role before, in 2019 and 2020.

Grassley is 'ready to serve' as president in the unlikely event he's called

(Radio Iowa) - John Deere has notified state officials it will lay off 75 workers from its Ottumwa plant next month. 

Last year, Deere offered early retirement to over 100 employees at the Ottumwa facility and, in November, Deere announced it would temporarily close the plant in December, due to reduced customer demand for its products. Hay balers and mowers have been produced in Ottumwa. Deere is moving mower production from Ottumwa to Mexico. 

Monday was the last day of work for 80 employees at Deere's Davenport facility and for 112 workers at Deere's Waterloo factory where tractors are produced.

(Radio Iowa) - John Deere has notified state officials it will lay off 75 workers from its Ottumwa plant next month. Last year, Deere offered early retirement to over 100 employees at the Ottumwa facility and, in November, Deere announced it would temporarily close the plant in December, due to reduced customer demand for its products. Hay balers and mowers have been produced in Ottumwa. Deere is moving mower production from Ottumwa to Mexico. Monday was the last day of work for 80 employees at Deere's Davenport facility and for 112 workers at Deere's Waterloo factory where tractors are produced.

John Deere announces more layoffs at Ottumwa plant

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced the release of its updated Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) National Manual, which serves as a resource for science-based cattle production information and is free to all. 

"BQA empowers beef producers to maximize their potential to make the most efficient and responsible use of natural resources for effectively producing the world’s most nutritious and flavorful sources of protein,” says Dr. Clay Mathis of Texas A&amp;M University and the BQA Advisory Group Chair. “This manual helps drive the improvement process across the supply chain through adherence to best management practices.” 

The publication’s goal is to provide technical information to help producers raise high-quality cattle resulting in the wholesome beef that consumers demand. It was developed to set production standards for beef quality and safety that are appropriate to an operation and that producers can realistically meet or exceed. 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced the release of its updated Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) National Manual, which serves as a resource for science-based cattle production information and is free to all. "BQA empowers beef producers to maximize their potential to make the most efficient and responsible use of natural resources for effectively producing the world’s most nutritious and flavorful sources of protein,” says Dr. Clay Mathis of Texas A&amp;M University and the BQA Advisory Group Chair. “This manual helps drive the improvement process across the supply chain through adherence to best management practices.” The publication’s goal is to provide technical information to help producers raise high-quality cattle resulting in the wholesome beef that consumers demand. It was developed to set production standards for beef quality and safety that are appropriate to an operation and that producers can realistically meet or exceed. For more information, go to bqa.org.-NAFB

Updated BQA national manual now available

The National Corn Growers Association gathered its leadership on Capitol Hill to welcome members of the new Congress as they were sworn into office. 

“We’re here to congratulate our friends and allies who were re-elected to Congress and introduce ourselves to those being sworn in for the first time,” says NCGA President Kenneth Hartman, Jr., who was in attendance. “We look forward to continuing our work with members on both sides of the aisle as we advocate for legislation that’s important to corn growers.” 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association congratulated Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) for his successful reelection campaign in the 119th Congress. 

"Speaker Johnson has always been a strong supporter of U.S. cattle producers, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in the new Congress,” says Ethan Lane, vice president of government affairs at NCBA. “There’s a lot of work to do this year.”

The National Corn Growers Association gathered its leadership on Capitol Hill to welcome members of the new Congress as they were sworn into office. “We’re here to congratulate our friends and allies who were re-elected to Congress and introduce ourselves to those being sworn in for the first time,” says NCGA President Kenneth Hartman, Jr., who was in attendance. “We look forward to continuing our work with members on both sides of the aisle as we advocate for legislation that’s important to corn growers.” The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association congratulated Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) for his successful reelection campaign in the 119th Congress. "Speaker Johnson has always been a strong supporter of U.S. cattle producers, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in the new Congress,” says Ethan Lane, vice president of government affairs at NCBA. “There’s a lot of work to do this year.”-NAFB

Ag groups welcome new congress and leadership

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas legislator renewed attempts to rid the state of daylight saving time under a bill filed ahead of the state’s 2025 legislative session, which begins later this month.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb1/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 1</a>, which was prefiled Friday, seeks to exempt Kansas from participating in the national practice of switching clocks back an hour every November and forward again every March.

Sen. Kenny Titus, a Wamego Republican who was elected to the Senate in November after serving a term in the House, is sponsoring the bill that would create year-round standard time beginning November 2025.

“Every year I get asked by constituents why the state doesn’t do something about switching clocks back and forth,” Titus said. “Most often I hear from folks that they don’t really care if we are on daylight saving or standard time, they just want to keep it consistent throughout the year.”

Recent attempts to put an end to the time changes at state and federal levels have failed. The last attempt in Kansas was in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/14/clock-is-ticking-ditch-the-switch-for-year-round-standard-or-daylight-saving-time/">2021</a>&nbsp;when Rep. Shannon Francis, a Republican from Liberal, drafted a resolution asking Congress to eradicate standard time and stick with daylight time year-round.

Only Arizona, Hawaii and the U.S.’s unincorporated territories are exempt from the switch.

In 2022, the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/15/u-s-senate-backs-shift-to-permanent-daylight-saving-time/">Senate</a>&nbsp;passed a bill that would’ve made daylight saving time permanent, but the U.S. House declined to take it up.&nbsp;

Despite the U.S. House’s resistance, Titus said, “it shows there is popular support to at least talk about making a change.”

A 2021 AP-NORC&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/projects/dislike-for-changing-the-clocks-persists/" target="_blank">poll</a>&nbsp;found that 75% of Americans want to stop switching their clocks, and studies have shown switching clocks can be detrimental to sleep habits and overall&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7954020/" target="_blank">health</a>.&nbsp;

“When I compared the arguments for daylight saving time and standard time, the primary benefit of daylight saving time was increased consumer spending (because there is more daylight in the evening for shopping and activities) compared to the increased health benefits of standard time with more daylight in the morning

In comparing year-round daylight saving time to standard time, Titus found increased consumer spending was the primary benefit because of more daylight in the evening for shopping and activities. More daylight in the morning with year-round standard time, on the other hand, can lead to health benefits, he said.

“For me, it was a no-brainer to prioritize the health of Kansans,” Titus said.

President-elect Donald Trump vowed last month in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1867686000711155989" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;to social media platform X that the Republican Party would attempt to eliminate daylight saving time, calling it “inconvenient” and “costly.” Titus’ bill provides for the possibility of Congress taking its own action.

His is the only Senate bill to be prefiled so far.&nbsp;

“The primary issue is fairly straightforward, so I thought it was best to get the conversation started before committee calendars are filled up with other topics,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736271143458.jpeg" alt=" Sen. Kenny Titus, a Wamego Republican, prefiled a bill that would eradicate daylight saving time in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Kenny Titus, a Wamego Republican, prefiled a bill that would eradicate daylight saving time in Kansas. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Kansas legislator renewed attempts to rid the state of daylight saving time under a bill filed ahead of the state’s 2025 legislative session, which begins later this month.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb1/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 1</a>, which was prefiled Friday, seeks to exempt Kansas from participating in the national practice of switching clocks back an hour every November and forward again every March.Sen. Kenny Titus, a Wamego Republican who was elected to the Senate in November after serving a term in the House, is sponsoring the bill that would create year-round standard time beginning November 2025.“Every year I get asked by constituents why the state doesn’t do something about switching clocks back and forth,” Titus said. “Most often I hear from folks that they don’t really care if we are on daylight saving or standard time, they just want to keep it consistent throughout the year.”Recent attempts to put an end to the time changes at state and federal levels have failed. The last attempt in Kansas was in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/14/clock-is-ticking-ditch-the-switch-for-year-round-standard-or-daylight-saving-time/">2021</a>&nbsp;when Rep. Shannon Francis, a Republican from Liberal, drafted a resolution asking Congress to eradicate standard time and stick with daylight time year-round.Only Arizona, Hawaii and the U.S.’s unincorporated territories are exempt from the switch.In 2022, the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/15/u-s-senate-backs-shift-to-permanent-daylight-saving-time/">Senate</a>&nbsp;passed a bill that would’ve made daylight saving time permanent, but the U.S. House declined to take it up.&nbsp;Despite the U.S. House’s resistance, Titus said, “it shows there is popular support to at least talk about making a change.”A 2021 AP-NORC&nbsp;<a href="https://apnorc.org/projects/dislike-for-changing-the-clocks-persists/" target="_blank">poll</a>&nbsp;found that 75% of Americans want to stop switching their clocks, and studies have shown switching clocks can be detrimental to sleep habits and overall&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7954020/" target="_blank">health</a>.&nbsp;“When I compared the arguments for daylight saving time and standard time, the primary benefit of daylight saving time was increased consumer spending (because there is more daylight in the evening for shopping and activities) compared to the increased health benefits of standard time with more daylight in the morningIn comparing year-round daylight saving time to standard time, Titus found increased consumer spending was the primary benefit because of more daylight in the evening for shopping and activities. More daylight in the morning with year-round standard time, on the other hand, can lead to health benefits, he said.“For me, it was a no-brainer to prioritize the health of Kansans,” Titus said.President-elect Donald Trump vowed last month in a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1867686000711155989" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;to social media platform X that the Republican Party would attempt to eliminate daylight saving time, calling it “inconvenient” and “costly.” Titus’ bill provides for the possibility of Congress taking its own action.His is the only Senate bill to be prefiled so far.&nbsp;“The primary issue is fairly straightforward, so I thought it was best to get the conversation started before committee calendars are filled up with other topics,” he said.

Daylight saving time would end in Kansas under senator’s prefiled bill

The USDA reminds specialty crop producers to apply for assistance for marketing and food safety certification expenses. 

The Farm Service Agency is providing an additional $650 million in funding for the new Market Assistance for Specialty Crops Program and extending the MASC application deadline to this Friday, January 10. Meanwhile, FSA also reminds specialty crop producers of the January 31, 2025, deadline to apply for the Food Safety Certification and Specialty Crops Program for 2024 expenses. 

With a total of $2.65 billion available, MASC helps specialty crop producers expand markets and manage higher costs. FSA is also increasing the MASC payment limit from $125,000 to $900,000.

 “Specialty crop producers should act quickly to make an appointment to apply for both marketing and food safety certification assistance,” says FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Specialty crop producers have been impacted by higher marketing and handling costs due to the perishability of their products.”

The USDA reminds specialty crop producers to apply for assistance for marketing and food safety certification expenses. The Farm Service Agency is providing an additional $650 million in funding for the new Market Assistance for Specialty Crops Program and extending the MASC application deadline to this Friday, January 10. Meanwhile, FSA also reminds specialty crop producers of the January 31, 2025, deadline to apply for the Food Safety Certification and Specialty Crops Program for 2024 expenses. With a total of $2.65 billion available, MASC helps specialty crop producers expand markets and manage higher costs. FSA is also increasing the MASC payment limit from $125,000 to $900,000. “Specialty crop producers should act quickly to make an appointment to apply for both marketing and food safety certification assistance,” says FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Specialty crop producers have been impacted by higher marketing and handling costs due to the perishability of their products.”-NAFB

Specialty crop marketing assistance deadline extended

(Radio Iowa) - A statewide network of over 20 clinics that had operated under the name "Mission Cancer plus Blood" is now part of University of Iowa Health Care. 

Mission Cancer Plus Blood operated cancer clinics at UnityPoint and MercyOne hospitals in Des Moines and at 19 community hospitals around the state. The dean of the University of Iowa's College of Medicine says adding Mission's clinics to the U-I Health Care system is a turning point in the fight against cancer in Iowa. 

For the past two years, Iowa has been one of just two states with rising rates of cancer.

(Radio Iowa) - A statewide network of over 20 clinics that had operated under the name "Mission Cancer plus Blood" is now part of University of Iowa Health Care. Mission Cancer Plus Blood operated cancer clinics at UnityPoint and MercyOne hospitals in Des Moines and at 19 community hospitals around the state. The dean of the University of Iowa's College of Medicine says adding Mission's clinics to the U-I Health Care system is a turning point in the fight against cancer in Iowa. For the past two years, Iowa has been one of just two states with rising rates of cancer.

UIHC acquires cancer clinics at 21 Iowa hospitals

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says the
new Congress has work to do.

Graves, a Republican, says reforming the
country’s immigration policy needs to top the list of priorities for this
Congress.

“That’s going to be one of the very top priorities,
getting the border secure and we still have really no good idea of how many
individuals have been let into this country that are dangerous to citizens and
to the public,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Graves says while immigration reform might top
the list of priorities for the incoming Congress, the federal debt cannot be
far behind. Graves says Congress must slow down what he calls runaway spending
and the start needs to be reforming the process used to create a federal
budget.

“The way budgeting is done in Washington, and
this is completely contrary to everybody else’s, you know, their business’,
their home’s budgets, whatever the case may be, but in Washington, even if
there is an increase in what an agency got the year before, if there’s a decrease
in the increase then it’s considered a cut,” according to Graves. “And that just
simply isn’t the case. If you got more than you got last year before, then your
budget has gone up.”

And Graves says budgets must shrink. He says
Congress should begin by putting an end to mandatory spending.

“So, we’re going to have to take a good, hard
look at the way budgeting is done and take a good, hard look at how we can get
into some of this mandatory spending that gets plugged in, again, no matter
what.”

The Treasury Department reports the federal
deficit in the latest federal fiscal year topped $624 billion. The United
States has a national debt of more than $36 trillion.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736193499890.jpeg" alt="Congressman Sam Graves/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Sam Graves/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says the
new Congress has work to do.Graves, a Republican, says reforming the
country’s immigration policy needs to top the list of priorities for this
Congress.“That’s going to be one of the very top priorities,
getting the border secure and we still have really no good idea of how many
individuals have been let into this country that are dangerous to citizens and
to the public,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Graves says while immigration reform might top
the list of priorities for the incoming Congress, the federal debt cannot be
far behind. Graves says Congress must slow down what he calls runaway spending
and the start needs to be reforming the process used to create a federal
budget.“The way budgeting is done in Washington, and
this is completely contrary to everybody else’s, you know, their business’,
their home’s budgets, whatever the case may be, but in Washington, even if
there is an increase in what an agency got the year before, if there’s a decrease
in the increase then it’s considered a cut,” according to Graves. “And that just
simply isn’t the case. If you got more than you got last year before, then your
budget has gone up.”And Graves says budgets must shrink. He says
Congress should begin by putting an end to mandatory spending.“So, we’re going to have to take a good, hard
look at the way budgeting is done and take a good, hard look at how we can get
into some of this mandatory spending that gets plugged in, again, no matter
what.”The Treasury Department reports the federal
deficit in the latest federal fiscal year topped $624 billion. The United
States has a national debt of more than $36 trillion.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves:  Congress must tackle border security, budget

The legislation would apply to gas, water and sewer utilites

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-kite/">ALLISON KITE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Utility companies could base customers’ rates on projected expenses rather than actual costs under legislation critics worry would increase Missourians’ bills.&nbsp;

Several bills prefiled ahead of the Missouri General Assembly’s legislative session, which starts Wednesday, would apply the new ratemaking standard to gas, water and sewer —&nbsp;but not electric —&nbsp;utilities. Lawmakers considered similar bills last year, but they did not make it to final passage.&nbsp;

Currently, utilities rely on&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.mo.gov/General/Ratemaking_Process" target="_blank">audited past expenses</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;called a “test year” to set rates. Supporters of the legislation say using a historic test year means the information used to set customers’ rates is dated. A future test year, they argue, uses more current information.&nbsp;

“Just as a business or even the state of Missouri plans with the budgeting looking ahead, this method allows regulators to set rates based on updated information,” Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Lee’s Summit Republican, said in a committee hearing last year.

Cierpiot, who has again filed a bill mandating use of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=66" target="_blank">future test year</a>, did not return requests for comment.

Critics say it would inflate Missouri utility bills.

“Essentially, it’s an accounting trick by monopoly utilities to take a little extra money out of your pocket,” John Coffman, an attorney for the Consumers Council of Missouri, said in an interview this week. Coffman estimated utility rates could climb by more than 10% under the legislation.&nbsp;

During the same hearing last year, Coffman called the legislation “anti-consumer” and said it amounted to a “rate increase piece of legislation.”

For-profit utility companies in Missouri are highly regulated because of their status as a monopoly. Every few years, they propose new rates to the Missouri Public Service Commission, which must sign off before companies change prices. Staff of the Public Service Commission, along with consumer and environmental advocates, are allowed to analyze the requested change and voice their opinions. Public hearings are held before the new rates can go into effect.

The Public Service Commission’s counterpart, the Kansas Corporation Commission, said Kansas utilities are not permitted to use future test years and it was not aware of any effort in the Kansas Legislature to change that.&nbsp;

The rate-setting process, supporters of the future test year legislation argue, should look ahead to upcoming expenses, not to past costs.&nbsp;

Christine Page, director of government and external affairs for Missouri American Water, said in a committee hearing last year that using a future test year would make for a more “collaborative” process.&nbsp;

Page said if Missouri American Water, which provides water to 1.6 million Missouri residents, were planning to invest in its infrastructure, stakeholders would be able to give input ahead of construction about how much is appropriate for the utility to spend.

Of the 13 states where American Water operates, Page said, nine use a future test year in ratemaking.&nbsp;

In a statement Friday, the company’s spokeswoman, Christie Barnhart, called the legislation “vital to addressing the critical water and wastewater infrastructure needs of our state.”&nbsp;

“These bills would allow for a more aggressive replacement of aging infrastructure before it has outlived its useful life, which is both more efficient from a cost standpoint and reduces service interruptions to the customer,” Barnhart said.

Jason Merrill, a spokesman for Spire Missouri, which serves gas customers in both Kansas City and St. Louis, said the company supports the legislation.

“Rather than rates being set on dated financial information, this would allow utilities to plan budgets in real time and regulators to set rates based on more current data,” Merrill said.

But that regulatory lag, Coffman said, is good for consumers. He argues it’s an incentive for utilities to keep their costs down. With a future test year, Coffman said, the incentives flip.

“The incentives become like a government where they have a budget, and if you don’t spend it, you lose it…so it flips the incentives from one that encourages cost control and cost&nbsp; management to one where the incentives are to spend all the money you can,” he said.&nbsp;

Ameren Missouri, which provides both electricity and gas service to Missouri customers, said in a statement that it supported the idea of a future test year.&nbsp;

“Currently several large new users of electricity that could provide thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment are considering Missouri as a place to locate,” Ameren’s vice president of regulatory affairs, Warren Wood, said. “To seize on these economic development opportunities and to continue to be a leader in reliable and affordable electricity, new generation plants are critically needed.”

The bill is one of several introduced for the coming session that could affect utility rates. Another would allow utilities to start charging customers for new electric generation facilities that are still under construction.

Last year, Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/19/missouri-legislative-leader-files-bill-targeting-time-of-use-utility-pricing-plans/">filed legislation</a>&nbsp;meant to stop mandatory time-of-use pricing for electric utilities after Evergy rolled out new rates that quadrupled in price during times of peak power demand.&nbsp;

In a statement, O’Laughlin didn’t take a position on the test year legislation.

“Utility policy is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of both the needs of consumers and the challenges utilities face in providing reliable service,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727977882596.png" alt="-Legislation in Missouri would allow gas, water and sewer companies to use future projections rather than past costs to set customers' rates.&nbsp;(Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)." />
 <figcaption>-Legislation in Missouri would allow gas, water and sewer companies to use future projections rather than past costs to set customers' rates.&nbsp;(Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The legislation would apply to gas, water and sewer utilites</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-kite/">ALLISON KITE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a> Utility companies could base customers’ rates on projected expenses rather than actual costs under legislation critics worry would increase Missourians’ bills.&nbsp;Several bills prefiled ahead of the Missouri General Assembly’s legislative session, which starts Wednesday, would apply the new ratemaking standard to gas, water and sewer —&nbsp;but not electric —&nbsp;utilities. Lawmakers considered similar bills last year, but they did not make it to final passage.&nbsp;Currently, utilities rely on&nbsp;<a href="https://psc.mo.gov/General/Ratemaking_Process" target="_blank">audited past expenses</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;called a “test year” to set rates. Supporters of the legislation say using a historic test year means the information used to set customers’ rates is dated. A future test year, they argue, uses more current information.&nbsp;“Just as a business or even the state of Missouri plans with the budgeting looking ahead, this method allows regulators to set rates based on updated information,” Sen. Mike Cierpiot, a Lee’s Summit Republican, said in a committee hearing last year.Cierpiot, who has again filed a bill mandating use of a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/bts_web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=66" target="_blank">future test year</a>, did not return requests for comment.Critics say it would inflate Missouri utility bills.“Essentially, it’s an accounting trick by monopoly utilities to take a little extra money out of your pocket,” John Coffman, an attorney for the Consumers Council of Missouri, said in an interview this week. Coffman estimated utility rates could climb by more than 10% under the legislation.&nbsp;During the same hearing last year, Coffman called the legislation “anti-consumer” and said it amounted to a “rate increase piece of legislation.”For-profit utility companies in Missouri are highly regulated because of their status as a monopoly. Every few years, they propose new rates to the Missouri Public Service Commission, which must sign off before companies change prices. Staff of the Public Service Commission, along with consumer and environmental advocates, are allowed to analyze the requested change and voice their opinions. Public hearings are held before the new rates can go into effect.The Public Service Commission’s counterpart, the Kansas Corporation Commission, said Kansas utilities are not permitted to use future test years and it was not aware of any effort in the Kansas Legislature to change that.&nbsp;The rate-setting process, supporters of the future test year legislation argue, should look ahead to upcoming expenses, not to past costs.&nbsp;Christine Page, director of government and external affairs for Missouri American Water, said in a committee hearing last year that using a future test year would make for a more “collaborative” process.&nbsp;Page said if Missouri American Water, which provides water to 1.6 million Missouri residents, were planning to invest in its infrastructure, stakeholders would be able to give input ahead of construction about how much is appropriate for the utility to spend.Of the 13 states where American Water operates, Page said, nine use a future test year in ratemaking.&nbsp;In a statement Friday, the company’s spokeswoman, Christie Barnhart, called the legislation “vital to addressing the critical water and wastewater infrastructure needs of our state.”&nbsp;“These bills would allow for a more aggressive replacement of aging infrastructure before it has outlived its useful life, which is both more efficient from a cost standpoint and reduces service interruptions to the customer,” Barnhart said.Jason Merrill, a spokesman for Spire Missouri, which serves gas customers in both Kansas City and St. Louis, said the company supports the legislation.“Rather than rates being set on dated financial information, this would allow utilities to plan budgets in real time and regulators to set rates based on more current data,” Merrill said.But that regulatory lag, Coffman said, is good for consumers. He argues it’s an incentive for utilities to keep their costs down. With a future test year, Coffman said, the incentives flip.“The incentives become like a government where they have a budget, and if you don’t spend it, you lose it…so it flips the incentives from one that encourages cost control and cost&nbsp; management to one where the incentives are to spend all the money you can,” he said.&nbsp;Ameren Missouri, which provides both electricity and gas service to Missouri customers, said in a statement that it supported the idea of a future test year.&nbsp;“Currently several large new users of electricity that could provide thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment are considering Missouri as a place to locate,” Ameren’s vice president of regulatory affairs, Warren Wood, said. “To seize on these economic development opportunities and to continue to be a leader in reliable and affordable electricity, new generation plants are critically needed.”The bill is one of several introduced for the coming session that could affect utility rates. Another would allow utilities to start charging customers for new electric generation facilities that are still under construction.Last year, Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/19/missouri-legislative-leader-files-bill-targeting-time-of-use-utility-pricing-plans/">filed legislation</a>&nbsp;meant to stop mandatory time-of-use pricing for electric utilities after Evergy rolled out new rates that quadrupled in price during times of peak power demand.&nbsp;In a statement, O’Laughlin didn’t take a position on the test year legislation.“Utility policy is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of both the needs of consumers and the challenges utilities face in providing reliable service,” she said.

Missouri bills would let utilities use projections to set rates, may increase prices

(Radio Iowa) - The final monthly survey of supply managers for 2024 in Iowa and eight other Midwestern states finds the state and regional economies continuing to struggle. 

The Creighton University survey for December scores the economies on a zero-to-100 scale, with 50 being growth neutral. Iowa's score fell below 41, which shows the state's economy is slumping. Creighton economist Ernie Goss says 45 percent of the supply managers believe we're now in a recession or soon will be, while another 46 percent said growth is slow, and only about nine percent showed great confidence in current conditions. 

December marked the seventh time during the year the Midwest's overall Business Conditions Index fell below growth neutral, and it was the third straight month that the wholesale price inflation gauge rose.

(Radio Iowa) - The final monthly survey of supply managers for 2024 in Iowa and eight other Midwestern states finds the state and regional economies continuing to struggle. The Creighton University survey for December scores the economies on a zero-to-100 scale, with 50 being growth neutral. Iowa's score fell below 41, which shows the state's economy is slumping. Creighton economist Ernie Goss says 45 percent of the supply managers believe we're now in a recession or soon will be, while another 46 percent said growth is slow, and only about nine percent showed great confidence in current conditions. December marked the seventh time during the year the Midwest's overall Business Conditions Index fell below growth neutral, and it was the third straight month that the wholesale price inflation gauge rose.

Survey: Iowa's economy slumped during December Amid Fears of Recession

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

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans on Friday elected Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson as their speaker for the 119th Congress, following weeks of speculation about whether the GOP would begin another protracted, public dispute over leadership.

The drama-filled vote ensures that Johnson, who was first elected speaker in October 2023, will hold the gavel as Republicans embark on an ambitious legislative agenda that includes overhauling the country’s immigration system and the tax code.

Johnson won the votes of 218 Republicans, while 215 Democrats voted for New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman and Texas Rep. Keith Self all originally voted for other members for speaker. But after several conversations, on and off the floor, Norman and Self switched their votes to Johnson.

The November elections handed the GOP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/republicans-clinch-218-seats-us-house-scoring-trifecta-control-washington" target="_blank">unified control</a>&nbsp;of government, which will formally begin on Jan. 20 when President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office. Trump endorsed Johnson’s bid for speaker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735934939377.png" alt="Speaker Mike Johnson with the gavel after the vote-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Speaker Mike Johnson with the gavel after the vote-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans on Friday elected Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson as their speaker for the 119th Congress, following weeks of speculation about whether the GOP would begin another protracted, public dispute over leadership.The drama-filled vote ensures that Johnson, who was first elected speaker in October 2023, will hold the gavel as Republicans embark on an ambitious legislative agenda that includes overhauling the country’s immigration system and the tax code.Johnson won the votes of 218 Republicans, while 215 Democrats voted for New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, South Carolina Rep. Ralph Norman and Texas Rep. Keith Self all originally voted for other members for speaker. But after several conversations, on and off the floor, Norman and Self switched their votes to Johnson.The November elections handed the GOP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/republicans-clinch-218-seats-us-house-scoring-trifecta-control-washington" target="_blank">unified control</a>&nbsp;of government, which will formally begin on Jan. 20 when President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office. Trump endorsed Johnson’s bid for speaker.

Louisiana’s Mike Johnson elected U.S. House speaker by GOP in cliff-hanger vote

TOPEKA –&nbsp;While the risk to the general public still remains very low, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reminding Kansans to practice caution around wild birds and backyard poultry amid increasing reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) virus both nationally and within Kansas, according to a media release from the KDHE.

HPAI is primarily an infection of wild birds; however, in the ongoing outbreak beginning in early 2022, numerous animal species have been infected including domestic poultry, dairy cattle, wild carnivores like skunks and raccoons, and domestic cats. The virus is spread by migratory waterfowl, primarily ducks and geese.

“The public health risk of HPAI remains low,”&nbsp;KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dereck Totten said.&nbsp;“While there has been no person-to-person spread, KDHE is monitoring the situation carefully. We are working with people who have had flocks test positive and encourage the public to avoid contact with sick birds.”

Fall migration of wild birds increased in November and December, resulting in additional exposure to HPAI and thus an increase in cases in domestic poultry in Kansas. Since Dec. 3, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has identified HPAI in six non-commercial backyard flocks and two commercial flocks.

Since this virus can infect humans who come in close contact with sick or dead birds and other infected animals, KDHE, in coordination with local health departments, monitors all exposed individuals for symptoms of influenza-like illness. While no human cases have been identified in Kansas, 66 cases of HPAI have been confirmed in humans in the United States in 2024. Those cases are nearly all from exposure to infected poultry or dairy cows, and no known human-to-human spread has occurred.

Current information regarding HPAI in animals in Kansas can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fdivisions-programs%2Fdivision-of-animal-health%2Fanimal-diseases%2Favian-influenza%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194289b8d79-e2c66b76-5578-4b16-b3b6-659353cfa2eb-000000/rbBbKc5llUjH7ejZ5EP-IiRJqLmpOzxIlbxU01sNepQ=386">KDA Avian Influenza</a>.

Most of the infections in humans the U.S. have been mild and primarily present as red, itchy eyes, but there is the potential for more severe illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. For more information on keeping yourself healthy while handling poultry, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fbird-flu%2Fcaring%2Findex.html%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194289b8d79-e2c66b76-5578-4b16-b3b6-659353cfa2eb-000000/uSHLlzNvVMYTbP494gP4rUiGSh_0CP1x9Z3mc4uMhF0=386">CDC Avian Influenza</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;While the risk to the general public still remains very low, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reminding Kansans to practice caution around wild birds and backyard poultry amid increasing reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) virus both nationally and within Kansas, according to a media release from the KDHE.HPAI is primarily an infection of wild birds; however, in the ongoing outbreak beginning in early 2022, numerous animal species have been infected including domestic poultry, dairy cattle, wild carnivores like skunks and raccoons, and domestic cats. The virus is spread by migratory waterfowl, primarily ducks and geese.“The public health risk of HPAI remains low,”&nbsp;KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dereck Totten said.&nbsp;“While there has been no person-to-person spread, KDHE is monitoring the situation carefully. We are working with people who have had flocks test positive and encourage the public to avoid contact with sick birds.”Fall migration of wild birds increased in November and December, resulting in additional exposure to HPAI and thus an increase in cases in domestic poultry in Kansas. Since Dec. 3, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has identified HPAI in six non-commercial backyard flocks and two commercial flocks.Since this virus can infect humans who come in close contact with sick or dead birds and other infected animals, KDHE, in coordination with local health departments, monitors all exposed individuals for symptoms of influenza-like illness. While no human cases have been identified in Kansas, 66 cases of HPAI have been confirmed in humans in the United States in 2024. Those cases are nearly all from exposure to infected poultry or dairy cows, and no known human-to-human spread has occurred.Current information regarding HPAI in animals in Kansas can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fdivisions-programs%2Fdivision-of-animal-health%2Fanimal-diseases%2Favian-influenza%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194289b8d79-e2c66b76-5578-4b16-b3b6-659353cfa2eb-000000/rbBbKc5llUjH7ejZ5EP-IiRJqLmpOzxIlbxU01sNepQ=386">KDA Avian Influenza</a>.Most of the infections in humans the U.S. have been mild and primarily present as red, itchy eyes, but there is the potential for more severe illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. For more information on keeping yourself healthy while handling poultry, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fbird-flu%2Fcaring%2Findex.html%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194289b8d79-e2c66b76-5578-4b16-b3b6-659353cfa2eb-000000/uSHLlzNvVMYTbP494gP4rUiGSh_0CP1x9Z3mc4uMhF0=386">CDC Avian Influenza</a>.

KDHE provides update on bird flu risk in Kansas

(Radio Iowa) - A change for women on Medicaid now gives them coverage for 12 months after giving birth compared to the previous postpartum coverage of two months.

 The chair of the U-I Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christian Pettker says many serious issues can come up beyond the first two months postpartum. He says that includes hypertension, diabetes, mental health disorders and extending coverage gives the care team time to develop a longitudinal care plan. 

Iowa lawmakers also lowered the income cutoff for women to qualify for Medicaid. It was 375 percent of the federal poverty level. Now it’s 215 percent.

(Radio Iowa) - A change for women on Medicaid now gives them coverage for 12 months after giving birth compared to the previous postpartum coverage of two months. The chair of the U-I Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christian Pettker says many serious issues can come up beyond the first two months postpartum. He says that includes hypertension, diabetes, mental health disorders and extending coverage gives the care team time to develop a longitudinal care plan. Iowa lawmakers also lowered the income cutoff for women to qualify for Medicaid. It was 375 percent of the federal poverty level. Now it’s 215 percent.

Women On Medicaid Now Covered 12 Months After Giving Birth

Congressman-elect Derek Schmidt will be sworn in today as the
next United States Representative of the Second Congressional District of
Kansas.

Schmidt, a Republican, says though Republicans have had some
friction within its caucus in the United States House, he believes they will
ultimately come together.

“I do think there is a nearly universal sense among House
Republicans that the voters in this country have entrusted us with a special
moment in time and that this moment will not last forever,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “It may not last very long. This is the time we have to find a way
to get to ‘Yes’ and make progress on some of these big problems and serious
problems facing our country.”

Schmidt says the big issues facing the Congress are reforming
the immigration system, securing the southern border, and reducing federal
spending.

Schmidt, the former Kansas Attorney General, succeeds fellow
Republican Jake LaTurner who decided not to run for re-election.

Schmidt says he has several goals as he begins his
Congressional career, but truly representing the district tops the list.

“Well, certainly I want to be an effective advocate for the
people in the Second District of Kansas each and every day and that’s on
matters great and small. It’s not just the headline grabbing issues of
advocating on a piece of legislation or a vote, although certainly we’ll do
that,” Schmidt says. “It’s also being an effective advocate in terms of
constituent service, being a presence around the district, making sure I
understand the needs, dynamics, and hopes of people all over the district.”

Schmidt says a big challenge for him and fellow Republicans is,
as he puts it, clearing out the underbrush of the federal bureaucracy.

“Just a huge amount, nearly all of the consequential decisions
in Washington, are made by people that nobody ever voted for,” according to
Schmidt. “And I think we’ve let that get out of kilter. You have to have some
of that, but we have far, far too much and I would like to be part of paring
back the bureaucracy and returning control and accountability for public decisions
to people who run for office, put their names on the line, and are accountable
to Kansans.”

For the first time since 2019, Republicans control both
chambers of federal government, both the House and the Senate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735997578049.png" alt="Ceremonial swearing in for Kansas 2nd District Congressman Derick Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Ceremonial swearing in for Kansas 2nd District Congressman Derick Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostCongressman-elect Derek Schmidt will be sworn in today as the
next United States Representative of the Second Congressional District of
Kansas.Schmidt, a Republican, says though Republicans have had some
friction within its caucus in the United States House, he believes they will
ultimately come together.“I do think there is a nearly universal sense among House
Republicans that the voters in this country have entrusted us with a special
moment in time and that this moment will not last forever,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “It may not last very long. This is the time we have to find a way
to get to ‘Yes’ and make progress on some of these big problems and serious
problems facing our country.”Schmidt says the big issues facing the Congress are reforming
the immigration system, securing the southern border, and reducing federal
spending.Schmidt, the former Kansas Attorney General, succeeds fellow
Republican Jake LaTurner who decided not to run for re-election.Schmidt says he has several goals as he begins his
Congressional career, but truly representing the district tops the list.“Well, certainly I want to be an effective advocate for the
people in the Second District of Kansas each and every day and that’s on
matters great and small. It’s not just the headline grabbing issues of
advocating on a piece of legislation or a vote, although certainly we’ll do
that,” Schmidt says. “It’s also being an effective advocate in terms of
constituent service, being a presence around the district, making sure I
understand the needs, dynamics, and hopes of people all over the district.”Schmidt says a big challenge for him and fellow Republicans is,
as he puts it, clearing out the underbrush of the federal bureaucracy.“Just a huge amount, nearly all of the consequential decisions
in Washington, are made by people that nobody ever voted for,” according to
Schmidt. “And I think we’ve let that get out of kilter. You have to have some
of that, but we have far, far too much and I would like to be part of paring
back the bureaucracy and returning control and accountability for public decisions
to people who run for office, put their names on the line, and are accountable
to Kansans.”For the first time since 2019, Republicans control both
chambers of federal government, both the House and the Senate.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Derek Schmidt prepares to represent 2nd Congressional District of Kansas

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a homicide in Kansas City that left three dead.

Just before 10p.m., police responded to the 1000 block of NW 91st Terrace in Kansas City on a reported check the welfare call for service, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

When officers arrived they began checking the exterior of the residence. They smelled smoke and could see smoke inside the home. Officers made entry into the home but had to quickly back out due to a fire inside. 

The Kansas City Fire Department simultaneously responded and were able to extinguish the fire. Upon reentering the home, police found a girl, a boy and a man with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel declared the girl and the man deceased at the scene. 

EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he died a short time later, according DiMartino.

&nbsp; This is being investigated as a homicide and detectives are not looking for any suspects. Investigators and crime scene personnel are working to determine what led up to the incident.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735905558733.png" alt="Police at the scene of the homicide-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the homicide-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a homicide in Kansas City that left three dead.Just before 10p.m., police responded to the 1000 block of NW 91st Terrace in Kansas City on a reported check the welfare call for service, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.When officers arrived they began checking the exterior of the residence. They smelled smoke and could see smoke inside the home. Officers made entry into the home but had to quickly back out due to a fire inside. The Kansas City Fire Department simultaneously responded and were able to extinguish the fire. Upon reentering the home, police found a girl, a boy and a man with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel declared the girl and the man deceased at the scene. EMS transported the boy to a local hospital where he died a short time later, according DiMartino.&nbsp; This is being investigated as a homicide and detectives are not looking for any suspects. Investigators and crime scene personnel are working to determine what led up to the incident.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police released no additional details.

Homicide: Man, 2 children found dead in Kansas City home

2nd District congressman to be lone former state attorney general in U.S. House

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep.-elect Derek Schmidt was persuaded by coffee shop chatter and November exit polling that voters were motivated in 2024 by a desire to elect politicians who could effectively do the basic work of governing.

“It wasn’t so much that folks want this or that,” Schmidt said. “It’s that they want something to happen, to show motion, which they then can judge as to whether it’s progress or not. That’s consistent with … a lot of the coffee-shop talk around the 2nd District.”

On the Kansas Reflector podcast, Schmidt said it was safe to assume the clock on the GOP would start ticking in January as soon as Republicans regained the White House with President-elect Donald Trump and assumed leadership of the U.S. Senate in addition to the U.S. House. It was reasonable to think that window of opportunity for an all-GOP D.C. could close with elections in 2026.

“We don’t have to solve every problem, but we have to make progress on many of the things that we’ve talked about,” he said.

Schmidt, 56, won a competitive August primary and coasted through the November general election in the eastern Kansas district. He was chosen by voters to replace U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, a Republican who declined to seek reelection. Schmidt focused his campaign on support for Trump and a commitment to border security, inflation reduction through lower government spending and relief from federal overregulation.

Schmidt was no stranger to politics after 12 years as the state’s attorney general and a decade in the Kansas Senate. He narrowly lost the 2022 governor’s race to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

In Washington, he has been appointed to the House Judiciary Committee. He’ll be the only former state attorney general in the 435-member House. He also was chosen to serve on the House Armed Services Committee. The state hosts Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth as well as the Kansas National Guard’s refueling wing in Topeka.

“Armed services is very important for the district, as well as obviously, for the country,” Schmidt said. “We face a time when, you know, America’s positioning around the world is a bit challenging, a bit in flux. That’s an area I can help fill a gap that would be very good for the state and for the 2nd District in particular.”

He said his previous work as majority leader of the Kansas Senate and as leader of the attorney general’s office from 2011 to 2023 would serve him well at the U.S. Capitol. That background could speed his learning curve in terms of legislative fundamentals. It ought to help with dynamics of interacting with people who come at issues from different perspectives and in anticipating consequences of public policy in terms of the federal bureaucracy and courts.

One clear distinction would be the thin majority Republicans hold in Washington compared to the large GOP majority that has existed in Topeka, he said.

“At some points, it may be down to one vote. That’s difficult, holding everybody together,” Schmidt said. “But the flip side of that is we’ll have unified government with Republican control in all three areas.”

Schmidt’s campaign mirrored calls by Trump and others to bring order to national border crossings and to create more robust physical and law enforcement barriers to illegal entry into the United States.

There should be greater public awareness the past 3.5 years included the largest migration of people into the United States in history, Schmidt said. That’s part of the reason immigration gained so much traction among voters in 2024, he said.

“More than half of the people in the largest wave of migration to this country in our history came here in violation of our laws,” Schmidt said. “It is a different problem than just the sort of ongoing traditional dynamics of managing migration to a nation of immigrants, and I think that’s why you’ve seen so much public reaction to it on both sides.”

Schmidt said the initial focus of Congress ought to be on individuals who entered the United States without proper documentation and subsequently committed criminal offenses. He said as many as 1.3 million immigrants convicted of deportable felonies remained in the country.

He said it was impossible to have a rational discussion about immigration policy without better control of who was coming in and out of the United States.

In fiscal year 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations reached a 10-year high. The 271,000 unauthorized immigrants deported under President Biden surpassed the highest mark set by Trump during his first term as president.

In terms of inflation, Schmidt said the rapid rise in costs abated after surging through the COVID-19 pandemic and the massive infusion of federal dollars into the economy. There was no quick solution to the nation’s struggle with higher prices at the grocery store, he said.

“If there were a magic wand on inflation, it would have been waived already,” he said. “Just passing a bill that says make inflation go away isn’t going to work. The answer to what do we do is the old adage, ‘When you’re in a hole, stop digging.'”

Schmidt said the best move for Congress on domestic inflation would be to control spending and slow deficit financing of the government. In that sense, he was encouraged by ideas floated by billionaire Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who were selected by Trump to serve as special advisers on government efficiency.

“I don’t claim to know Mr. Musk. But we had a briefing the other day where he and Mr. Ramaswamy came and talked to the Republican conference, including those of us who are going to be new members, about what their project is —&nbsp;their DOGE project. It was useful. And, I have to admit, I was impressed by both of them. They came across very, very thoughtful,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt said he was driven to reduce the growth in federal regulation, especially expansion of the administrative state by agency employees. He said recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions had put meaningful walls around agency discretion.

In this moment, he said, Congress had to accept responsibility for being less vague when drafting legislation so there were fewer opportunities for bureaucrats to shape laws.

He said he had always been a champion of free-trade and was wary of calls for sweeping tariffs on imports. Tariffs could make imported goods more expensive for U.S. consumers and, if retaliation occurred, render U.S. exports less competitive with suppliers from other countries.

“In the first Trump administration, yes, the president levied some tariffs, and yes, there was a price paid for those. But overall, he was pretty targeted. He was pretty effective in trying to change the behavior of some of our trading partners with tariffs that were much more targeted than&nbsp;the rhetoric was,” Schmidt said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725648365265.png" alt="U.S. Rep.-elect Derek Schmidt, a Republican headed to Washington to represent the 2nd District of Kansas, speaks on the Kansas Reflector podcast about federal immigration, inflation and regulation reform.&nbsp;He takes office in January and will replace departing U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, also a Republican.&nbsp;(Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep.-elect Derek Schmidt, a Republican headed to Washington to represent the 2nd District of Kansas, speaks on the Kansas Reflector podcast about federal immigration, inflation and regulation reform.&nbsp;He takes office in January and will replace departing U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, also a Republican.&nbsp;(Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>2nd District congressman to be lone former state attorney general in U.S. House</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep.-elect Derek Schmidt was persuaded by coffee shop chatter and November exit polling that voters were motivated in 2024 by a desire to elect politicians who could effectively do the basic work of governing.“It wasn’t so much that folks want this or that,” Schmidt said. “It’s that they want something to happen, to show motion, which they then can judge as to whether it’s progress or not. That’s consistent with … a lot of the coffee-shop talk around the 2nd District.”On the Kansas Reflector podcast, Schmidt said it was safe to assume the clock on the GOP would start ticking in January as soon as Republicans regained the White House with President-elect Donald Trump and assumed leadership of the U.S. Senate in addition to the U.S. House. It was reasonable to think that window of opportunity for an all-GOP D.C. could close with elections in 2026.“We don’t have to solve every problem, but we have to make progress on many of the things that we’ve talked about,” he said.Schmidt, 56, won a competitive August primary and coasted through the November general election in the eastern Kansas district. He was chosen by voters to replace U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, a Republican who declined to seek reelection. Schmidt focused his campaign on support for Trump and a commitment to border security, inflation reduction through lower government spending and relief from federal overregulation.Schmidt was no stranger to politics after 12 years as the state’s attorney general and a decade in the Kansas Senate. He narrowly lost the 2022 governor’s race to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.<h2>‘Unified government’</h2>In Washington, he has been appointed to the House Judiciary Committee. He’ll be the only former state attorney general in the 435-member House. He also was chosen to serve on the House Armed Services Committee. The state hosts Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth as well as the Kansas National Guard’s refueling wing in Topeka.“Armed services is very important for the district, as well as obviously, for the country,” Schmidt said. “We face a time when, you know, America’s positioning around the world is a bit challenging, a bit in flux. That’s an area I can help fill a gap that would be very good for the state and for the 2nd District in particular.”He said his previous work as majority leader of the Kansas Senate and as leader of the attorney general’s office from 2011 to 2023 would serve him well at the U.S. Capitol. That background could speed his learning curve in terms of legislative fundamentals. It ought to help with dynamics of interacting with people who come at issues from different perspectives and in anticipating consequences of public policy in terms of the federal bureaucracy and courts.One clear distinction would be the thin majority Republicans hold in Washington compared to the large GOP majority that has existed in Topeka, he said.“At some points, it may be down to one vote. That’s difficult, holding everybody together,” Schmidt said. “But the flip side of that is we’ll have unified government with Republican control in all three areas.”<h2>Immigration, border</h2>Schmidt’s campaign mirrored calls by Trump and others to bring order to national border crossings and to create more robust physical and law enforcement barriers to illegal entry into the United States.There should be greater public awareness the past 3.5 years included the largest migration of people into the United States in history, Schmidt said. That’s part of the reason immigration gained so much traction among voters in 2024, he said.“More than half of the people in the largest wave of migration to this country in our history came here in violation of our laws,” Schmidt said. “It is a different problem than just the sort of ongoing traditional dynamics of managing migration to a nation of immigrants, and I think that’s why you’ve seen so much public reaction to it on both sides.”Schmidt said the initial focus of Congress ought to be on individuals who entered the United States without proper documentation and subsequently committed criminal offenses. He said as many as 1.3 million immigrants convicted of deportable felonies remained in the country.He said it was impossible to have a rational discussion about immigration policy without better control of who was coming in and out of the United States.In fiscal year 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations reached a 10-year high. The 271,000 unauthorized immigrants deported under President Biden surpassed the highest mark set by Trump during his first term as president.<h2>Inflation adjustments</h2>In terms of inflation, Schmidt said the rapid rise in costs abated after surging through the COVID-19 pandemic and the massive infusion of federal dollars into the economy. There was no quick solution to the nation’s struggle with higher prices at the grocery store, he said.“If there were a magic wand on inflation, it would have been waived already,” he said. “Just passing a bill that says make inflation go away isn’t going to work. The answer to what do we do is the old adage, ‘When you’re in a hole, stop digging.'”Schmidt said the best move for Congress on domestic inflation would be to control spending and slow deficit financing of the government. In that sense, he was encouraged by ideas floated by billionaire Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who were selected by Trump to serve as special advisers on government efficiency.“I don’t claim to know Mr. Musk. But we had a briefing the other day where he and Mr. Ramaswamy came and talked to the Republican conference, including those of us who are going to be new members, about what their project is —&nbsp;their DOGE project. It was useful. And, I have to admit, I was impressed by both of them. They came across very, very thoughtful,” Schmidt said.<h2>Federal regulation</h2>Schmidt said he was driven to reduce the growth in federal regulation, especially expansion of the administrative state by agency employees. He said recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions had put meaningful walls around agency discretion.In this moment, he said, Congress had to accept responsibility for being less vague when drafting legislation so there were fewer opportunities for bureaucrats to shape laws.He said he had always been a champion of free-trade and was wary of calls for sweeping tariffs on imports. Tariffs could make imported goods more expensive for U.S. consumers and, if retaliation occurred, render U.S. exports less competitive with suppliers from other countries.“In the first Trump administration, yes, the president levied some tariffs, and yes, there was a price paid for those. But overall, he was pretty targeted. He was pretty effective in trying to change the behavior of some of our trading partners with tariffs that were much more targeted than&nbsp;the rhetoric was,” Schmidt said.

U.S. Rep.-elect Derek Schmidt determined to help GOP deliver on campaign promises

(Radio Iowa) - A Snow Squall Warning was issued this (Thursday) morning for parts of western and central Iowa, due to visibility being greatly reduced by heavy snow. 

The D-O-T says many roads across Iowa's western half are completely snow-covered. National Weather Service meteorologist Brooke Hagenhoff says the storm system is headed east, roughly following Highway 30 and Interstate 80, and may dump up to four inches of snow. She says a second winter storm may be looming late Saturday and into Sunday with the potential for more heavy snow. 

That system will leave behind much colder weather, as she says we'll have high temperatures 15 to 20 degrees below normal.

(Radio Iowa) - A Snow Squall Warning was issued this (Thursday) morning for parts of western and central Iowa, due to visibility being greatly reduced by heavy snow. The D-O-T says many roads across Iowa's western half are completely snow-covered. National Weather Service meteorologist Brooke Hagenhoff says the storm system is headed east, roughly following Highway 30 and Interstate 80, and may dump up to four inches of snow. She says a second winter storm may be looming late Saturday and into Sunday with the potential for more heavy snow. That system will leave behind much colder weather, as she says we'll have high temperatures 15 to 20 degrees below normal.

Powerful snowstorm causes near white-outs as it moves over Iowa

TOPEKA — The Kansas Attorney General’s Office blocked millions in school bond funds to a district in the state’s smallest county based on a rigid interpretation of a 2023 elections law.&nbsp;

Voters in the Greeley County school district, headquartered in Tribune near the state’s westernmost edge, approved in May a $4.6 million school bond for renovations and new construction, but the Attorney General’s Office refused to approve the funds.&nbsp;

“I feel like we have ignored a core tenet of our society and our government as a whole,” said John Niehues, the district superintendent. “You know, it’s the will of the people.”

The Attorney General’s Office determines whether any bond issue across the state meets legal standards. The Greeley County schools decision relied on a 2023 elections reform&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230406185329_890627/" target="_blank">bill</a>. It created a state law requiring county election officials to publish notice of an election three weeks in advance on a county election website, in addition to a traditional newspaper notice.&nbsp;

However, Greeley County, with a population of about 1,200, doesn’t have a website.

The office found the county clerk’s “non-compliance with the website notification” was equal to a failure to follow the law, said Danedri Herbert, a spokeswoman for the attorney general.&nbsp;

“This determination is purely one of compliance verification and not a judgment on the merits of or need for the bond in question,” she said.&nbsp;

In years past, when school districts or election officials were in similar situations, they relied on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch25/025_007_0016.html" target="_blank">another state law</a>&nbsp;for resolution. It says “the real will of the people may not be defeated by any technical irregularity of any officer, whenever the greater number of votes were in favor of a question submitted.”

Niehues, who has been at the district for about nine years and superintendent for four, said he was going to be OK no matter the result of the bond election. But with that acceptance also came mixed emotions.

“I don’t like that I’m the tip of the spear on this — that we chose the smallest county in Kansas to make a point,” he said.

Leading up to the May 21 primary, Niehues engaged the community to inform them about the bond, which would replace an old one and avoid tax increases for local property owners. Answers to frequently asked questions and in-depth information about the bond were — and still are — visibly posted on the school district&nbsp;<a href="https://tribuneschools.org/35934_1" target="_blank">website</a>.

“There was no way anyone in Greeley County could not have known about this school bond,” said Jerri Young, the county clerk, who has acted as the county’s elections official for about 15 years.&nbsp;

The elections law was poorly written, Young said. State law doesn’t require Kansas counties to operate a website, and no funding was attached to the 2023 bill to ensure they did.

“I still don’t have one,” she said.&nbsp;

Young said she met with Attorney General Kris Kobach and office staff. She said she felt the decision had been made before the meeting began.

Outgoing state Sen. John Doll, a Garden City Republican whose district encompasses Greeley County, supported the 2023 elections bill at the time of its passage. Before leaving office, he said, he has attempted to help the district and the county remedy the situation without success. He said he didn’t consider how stringently the Attorney General’s Office would interpret it, even when small communities like Greeley County use their schools as sources of information.

The 25-year bond issue would have funded a new gymnasium, renovations in the existing gym and a new accessible playground. A private, anonymous donor also promised to cover about 10% of the project, which totals more than $4.7 million.&nbsp;

All now hangs in the balance as local officials wait to see if the 2025 legislative session might bring change.&nbsp;

The district had limited options in how to proceed once the Attorney General’s Office refused to release the bond funds. The district could still take legal action, which Niehues isn’t fully in favor of. The Legislature could remedy the requirement through new or amended legislation. Or the district could hold another election, but there would be no guarantee that a majority of voters would approve a bond question a second time.&nbsp;

“We did everything,” Young, the county clerk, said, “and the people voted. It was the will of the people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735849758103.png" alt="The Greeley County Schools campus in Tribune. (Greeley County Schools)" />
 <figcaption>The Greeley County Schools campus in Tribune. (Greeley County Schools)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Attorney General’s Office blocked millions in school bond funds to a district in the state’s smallest county based on a rigid interpretation of a 2023 elections law.&nbsp;Voters in the Greeley County school district, headquartered in Tribune near the state’s westernmost edge, approved in May a $4.6 million school bond for renovations and new construction, but the Attorney General’s Office refused to approve the funds.&nbsp;“I feel like we have ignored a core tenet of our society and our government as a whole,” said John Niehues, the district superintendent. “You know, it’s the will of the people.”The Attorney General’s Office determines whether any bond issue across the state meets legal standards. The Greeley County schools decision relied on a 2023 elections reform&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230406185329_890627/" target="_blank">bill</a>. It created a state law requiring county election officials to publish notice of an election three weeks in advance on a county election website, in addition to a traditional newspaper notice.&nbsp;However, Greeley County, with a population of about 1,200, doesn’t have a website.The office found the county clerk’s “non-compliance with the website notification” was equal to a failure to follow the law, said Danedri Herbert, a spokeswoman for the attorney general.&nbsp;“This determination is purely one of compliance verification and not a judgment on the merits of or need for the bond in question,” she said.&nbsp;In years past, when school districts or election officials were in similar situations, they relied on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch25/025_007_0016.html" target="_blank">another state law</a>&nbsp;for resolution. It says “the real will of the people may not be defeated by any technical irregularity of any officer, whenever the greater number of votes were in favor of a question submitted.”Niehues, who has been at the district for about nine years and superintendent for four, said he was going to be OK no matter the result of the bond election. But with that acceptance also came mixed emotions.“I don’t like that I’m the tip of the spear on this — that we chose the smallest county in Kansas to make a point,” he said.Leading up to the May 21 primary, Niehues engaged the community to inform them about the bond, which would replace an old one and avoid tax increases for local property owners. Answers to frequently asked questions and in-depth information about the bond were — and still are — visibly posted on the school district&nbsp;<a href="https://tribuneschools.org/35934_1" target="_blank">website</a>.“There was no way anyone in Greeley County could not have known about this school bond,” said Jerri Young, the county clerk, who has acted as the county’s elections official for about 15 years.&nbsp;The elections law was poorly written, Young said. State law doesn’t require Kansas counties to operate a website, and no funding was attached to the 2023 bill to ensure they did.“I still don’t have one,” she said.&nbsp;Young said she met with Attorney General Kris Kobach and office staff. She said she felt the decision had been made before the meeting began.Outgoing state Sen. John Doll, a Garden City Republican whose district encompasses Greeley County, supported the 2023 elections bill at the time of its passage. Before leaving office, he said, he has attempted to help the district and the county remedy the situation without success. He said he didn’t consider how stringently the Attorney General’s Office would interpret it, even when small communities like Greeley County use their schools as sources of information.The 25-year bond issue would have funded a new gymnasium, renovations in the existing gym and a new accessible playground. A private, anonymous donor also promised to cover about 10% of the project, which totals more than $4.7 million.&nbsp;All now hangs in the balance as local officials wait to see if the 2025 legislative session might bring change.&nbsp;The district had limited options in how to proceed once the Attorney General’s Office refused to release the bond funds. The district could still take legal action, which Niehues isn’t fully in favor of. The Legislature could remedy the requirement through new or amended legislation. Or the district could hold another election, but there would be no guarantee that a majority of voters would approve a bond question a second time.&nbsp;“We did everything,” Young, the county clerk, said, “and the people voted. It was the will of the people.”

Kansas AG blocks school bond funds in state’s smallest county

The calendar has flipped to 2025, and after successes in 2024, St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale is looking at all the things that could come in a new year.  

Downtown St. Joseph saw some big changes last year, with the new Children's Discovery Center, and several upgrades to the Civic Arena.  Josendale says there's even more coming in the new year.  

"Coleman Hawkins Park is being redone and we've got a new stage going in there, we're looking at putting a new city market downtown to where we have a gathering place," Josendale tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. 

Josendale calls the Children's Discovery Center the core of all the developments downtown, and also says he's always looking at what more can be done.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735837804688.jpeg" alt="Mayor John Josendale/ File Photo" />
 <figcaption>Mayor John Josendale/ File Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The calendar has flipped to 2025, and after successes in 2024, St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale is looking at all the things that could come in a new year. Downtown St. Joseph saw some big changes last year, with the new Children's Discovery Center, and several upgrades to the Civic Arena. Josendale says there's even more coming in the new year. "Coleman Hawkins Park is being redone and we've got a new stage going in there, we're looking at putting a new city market downtown to where we have a gathering place," Josendale tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Josendale calls the Children's Discovery Center the core of all the developments downtown, and also says he's always looking at what more can be done. Another project that has been in the works for some time is renovations to the I-229 double decker bridge. Josendale says near the end of last year, he had discussions with MoDOT, and says the ball seems to be moving in the right direction on the project. "Which we've heard for 10 years I know, but we've got the environmental covered, they're now looking at putting together a design build project, so who will be involved in that," Josendale explains. Josendale says the concept of I-229 is there but with entering design and build, contractors and the city could have new ideas to add into the actual design of the project. Josendale hopes what he considers successes of 2024 will carry into the new year as it begins. Josendale says with an experienced city council, a new city manager, and a new school superintendent, St. Joseph has an incredible opportunity in 2025. "We always talk about time and place, and I think we've got an opportunity in St. Joe and in the community to grow ourselves and be a better place, and attract more people to come here," Josendale says. Josendale says one big project that will continue to be worked on into the new year will be the new sports complex, which aims to be a destination to draw more families to live in St. Joseph.

Kbct