The National FFA Organization is proud to announce that its more than one million members, alumni, and supporters raised more than $1.6 million during the tenth annual Give FFA Day. The money raised will directly support FFA and agricultural education for local FFA Chapters, state FFA associations, and the National FFA as a whole. It’s the most money raised for FFA in a single day, following more than $1.4 million donated during last year’s Give FFA Day event.

The National FFA Organization is proud to announce that its more than one million members, alumni, and supporters raised more than $1.6 million during the tenth annual Give FFA Day. The money raised will directly support FFA and agricultural education for local FFA Chapters, state FFA associations, and the National FFA as a whole. It’s the most money raised for FFA in a single day, following more than $1.4 million donated during last year’s Give FFA Day event.

Over $1.6 million raised for FFA

(Radio Iowa) - A bill under consideration in the legislature would position Iowa to immediately allow prescriptions of a synthetic version of psychedelic mushrooms -- if it gains F-D-A approval. 

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in so-called "magic mushrooms." Clinical trials are underway on COMP-360 -- a synthetic form of psilocybin that's currently in the third phase of clinical trials. 

The House has unanimously voted to let COMP-360 be prescribed to Iowans immediately after F-D-A approval and the bill cleared a Senate subcommittee Thursday morning.

(Radio Iowa) - A bill under consideration in the legislature would position Iowa to immediately allow prescriptions of a synthetic version of psychedelic mushrooms -- if it gains F-D-A approval. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in so-called "magic mushrooms." Clinical trials are underway on COMP-360 -- a synthetic form of psilocybin that's currently in the third phase of clinical trials. The House has unanimously voted to let COMP-360 be prescribed to Iowans immediately after F-D-A approval and the bill cleared a Senate subcommittee Thursday morning.

Bill says F-D-A approved synthetic mushrooms could be immediately prescribed here

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Federal prosecutors filed criminal charges Thursday against the husband of former Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush alleging he defrauded pandemic-era relief programs.

Cortney Merritts, 46, faces&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/indictment-charges-st-louis-man-covid-fraud" target="_blank">two counts of wire fraud</a>&nbsp;for allegedly filing sham applications in 2020 and 2021 with the Small Business Administration, enabling him to collect money aimed at helping struggling businesses make payroll during the pandemic.

The charges were filed by Ed Martin, a former chairman of the Missouri Republican Party who was appointed a D.C. U.S. attorney position by President Donald Trump.

Merritts’ attorney told St. Louis Public Radio that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/news-briefs/2025-03-20/feds-charge-cori-bushs-husband-with-pandemic-relief-fraud" target="_blank">he intends to plead not guilty</a>.

According to the indictment, Merritts allegedly lied on applications and forged documents in order to receive a bigger loan from COVID-19 relief programs. When one loan was rejected because it was nearly identical to a previous application he submitted, he allegedly applied on behalf of a different business that he claimed he started in 2020.

Federal prosecutors say he recieved a loan for $20,832 that was forgiven by the government.

Bush served two terms representing a St. Louis-based seat in Congress before losing last year in the Democratic primary to Wesley Bell.&nbsp;She is not mentioned or accused of any wrongdoing in the indictment against her husband.

Controversy has swirled around the couple before when Bush hired Merritts as her security guard. A complaint was filed alleging Merritts’ employment with the Bush campaign violated federal law, but it was ultimately dismissed by the Office of Congressional Ethics.

Bush had attracted controversy for using campaign money to hire her husband, Merritts, as her security guard. But the Office of Congressional Ethics dismissed a complaint filed against Bush last fall alleging that her campaign’s employment of Merritts was a violation of federal election law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674158702822.png" alt="File photo&nbsp; Former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Missouri, testifies during a 2021 committee hearing.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>File photo&nbsp; Former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Missouri, testifies during a 2021 committee hearing.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>Federal prosecutors filed criminal charges Thursday against the husband of former Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush alleging he defrauded pandemic-era relief programs.Cortney Merritts, 46, faces&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/indictment-charges-st-louis-man-covid-fraud" target="_blank">two counts of wire fraud</a>&nbsp;for allegedly filing sham applications in 2020 and 2021 with the Small Business Administration, enabling him to collect money aimed at helping struggling businesses make payroll during the pandemic.The charges were filed by Ed Martin, a former chairman of the Missouri Republican Party who was appointed a D.C. U.S. attorney position by President Donald Trump.Merritts’ attorney told St. Louis Public Radio that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/news-briefs/2025-03-20/feds-charge-cori-bushs-husband-with-pandemic-relief-fraud" target="_blank">he intends to plead not guilty</a>.According to the indictment, Merritts allegedly lied on applications and forged documents in order to receive a bigger loan from COVID-19 relief programs. When one loan was rejected because it was nearly identical to a previous application he submitted, he allegedly applied on behalf of a different business that he claimed he started in 2020.Federal prosecutors say he recieved a loan for $20,832 that was forgiven by the government.Bush served two terms representing a St. Louis-based seat in Congress before losing last year in the Democratic primary to Wesley Bell.&nbsp;She is not mentioned or accused of any wrongdoing in the indictment against her husband.Controversy has swirled around the couple before when Bush hired Merritts as her security guard. A complaint was filed alleging Merritts’ employment with the Bush campaign violated federal law, but it was ultimately dismissed by the Office of Congressional Ethics.Bush had attracted controversy for using campaign money to hire her husband, Merritts, as her security guard. But the Office of Congressional Ethics dismissed a complaint filed against Bush last fall alleging that her campaign’s employment of Merritts was a violation of federal election law.

Husband of former Mo. Congresswoman Cori Bush charged with COVID fraud

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marymccuebell/">MARY MCCUE BELL</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/hannahtaylor/">HANNAH TAYLOR</a>

With national attention focused on immigration issues, Missouri legislators have joined in efforts to address the issue at the state level but have seen little progress midway through their annual session.

More than a dozen bills have been introduced, but the main activity on immigration has been two executive orders Gov. Mike Kehoe signed when he took office in January.

The push for stricter immigration policy comes after President Donald Trump signed 10 executive orders during his first week in office. Since then, several states, including Missouri, have introduced legislation to follow suit.

On the day Kehoe was inaugurated, he signed two executive orders dealing with how state agencies will handle immigration issues.

Executive Order 25-05 states that law enforcement systems will begin collecting immigration status from criminal offenders. In his second order, 25-04, certain members of the Missouri Highway Patrol will be trained in federal immigration laws. Once trained, these officers will enforce federal immigration laws, focusing on preventing illegal immigration, apprehending criminal offenders and intercepting drug trafficking.

Here’s what to know about proposed immigration policies making their way through the Missouri legislature.

Several pieces of legislation aim to limit or punish immigrants lacking permanent legal status.

Sponsored by Sen. Jill Carter, a Republican from Granby, Senate Bill 58 allows the governor to assist other states through an interstate compact in securing the U.S.-Mexico border.

Carter said her bill was designed as a catalyst for a broader conversation about how states are dealing with this “crisis,” which is classified into three main categories: humanitarian, health and public safety.

After a tumultuous committee hearing — with one witness calling a state senator a fascist and others carrying signs in protest — the bill won approval and is on the Senate calendar for consideration.

Also debated in the Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety, SB 72 would create a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement program at the state level, said sponsor Sen. David Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield.

The bill also makes entering the country illegally a felony in Missouri, which makes immigrants lacking permanent legal status ineligible to vote in elections, receive a driver’s permit or license, receive public benefits or become a legal state resident. Many of those provisions are already part of federal or state law.

Commonly known as the “bounty hunter” immigration bill, this would create a new program to train bounty hunters who would be allowed to arrest those in Missouri who entered the country illegally, Gregory said.

Speaker of the House Jon Patterson said in January he had not heard any enthusiasm from House Republicans for a bill that would put a bounty on immigrants lacking permanent legal status. Patterson said even if the bill makes its way through the Senate, it is unlikely to gain much support in the House.

Also sponsored by Gregory, SB 480 would require a court to determine whether a defendant charged with an immigration trespassing offense is seeking asylum. If they are not seeking asylum, the court can order that they be jailed until trial. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety.

Two bills, SB 137 and SB 282, would create the offense of improper entry by immigrants lacking permanent legal status with additional provisions, such as deportations. The latter, sponsored by Sen. Ben Brown, Washington Republican, would impose a $10,000 fine with incremental punishments, while the former, sponsored by Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, would impose a fine of $100,000.

Sponsored by Rep. Richard West, a Republican from Wentzville, House Bill 540 would create the “offense of trespass by an illegal alien” for immigrants lacking permanent legal status who violate state law or county municipal ordinance. The bill has since been referred to the House Committee on Emerging Issues.

Another bill, HB 120, establishes the “Immigrant Employment Registration and Taxation Protection Act.” Sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St. Louis, the bill would require that the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations maintain a “database or registry of qualified immigrant workers.” Those who fail to provide the correct documentation to verify work authorization status would be charged with a felony.

The bill has not been assigned to a committee.

On a similar note, SB 528 would impose penalties for employers who fail to enroll and actively participate in a federal work authorization program. The penalties could be things like fines for employing an immigrant lacking permanent legal status. Sponsored by Minority Floor Leader Sen. Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on General Laws.

Sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, SB 114 would fine communities that declare themselves sanctuaries for immigrants lacking permanent legal status $25,500 per day. The bill expands the offense of transporting an immigrant lacking permanent legal status to include concealment or encouraging one to come to Missouri. It would also allow law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws that establish criminal penalties. No hearing has been scheduled.

Current Missouri statute prohibits municipalities from adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal requirements to verify or report illegal immigration statuses or grant one the right to lawful presence. HB 1163, sponsored Rep. Bill Lucas, R-DeSoto, clarifies that any municipality that adopts such policy would be prohibited from receiving state money. The bill has not been sent to a committee.

Rep. Wick Thomas, D-Kansas City, introduced HB 1051 to repeal the prohibition against sanctuary cities. Current law states if a municipality fails to suspend business permits of those employing immigrants lacking permanent legal status, it is subject to penalties. This bill would repeal the penalties. The bill has not been assigned to a committee.

Some bills would act as provisionary safeguards for immigrants, given aggressive efforts to question and detain members of certain ethnic groups.

SB 738 provides that if a person submits certain federal documents relating to employment authorization, they are eligible for a temporary professional or occupational license. Sponsored by Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, D-Kansas City, the bill is waiting to be read a second time on the Senate floor before being assigned to a committee.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/missouri-legislators-propose-bills-to-address-immigration/article_1d001382-fe94-11ef-a898-cf1211938a34.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marymccuebell/">MARY MCCUE BELL</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/hannahtaylor/">HANNAH TAYLOR</a>With national attention focused on immigration issues, Missouri legislators have joined in efforts to address the issue at the state level but have seen little progress midway through their annual session.More than a dozen bills have been introduced, but the main activity on immigration has been two executive orders Gov. Mike Kehoe signed when he took office in January.The push for stricter immigration policy comes after President Donald Trump signed 10 executive orders during his first week in office. Since then, several states, including Missouri, have introduced legislation to follow suit.On the day Kehoe was inaugurated, he signed two executive orders dealing with how state agencies will handle immigration issues.Executive Order 25-05 states that law enforcement systems will begin collecting immigration status from criminal offenders. In his second order, 25-04, certain members of the Missouri Highway Patrol will be trained in federal immigration laws. Once trained, these officers will enforce federal immigration laws, focusing on preventing illegal immigration, apprehending criminal offenders and intercepting drug trafficking.Here’s what to know about proposed immigration policies making their way through the Missouri legislature.<h2>Deportation, fines and bounties</h2>Several pieces of legislation aim to limit or punish immigrants lacking permanent legal status.Sponsored by Sen. Jill Carter, a Republican from Granby, Senate Bill 58 allows the governor to assist other states through an interstate compact in securing the U.S.-Mexico border.Carter said her bill was designed as a catalyst for a broader conversation about how states are dealing with this “crisis,” which is classified into three main categories: humanitarian, health and public safety.After a tumultuous committee hearing — with one witness calling a state senator a fascist and others carrying signs in protest — the bill won approval and is on the Senate calendar for consideration.Also debated in the Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety, SB 72 would create a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement program at the state level, said sponsor Sen. David Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield.The bill also makes entering the country illegally a felony in Missouri, which makes immigrants lacking permanent legal status ineligible to vote in elections, receive a driver’s permit or license, receive public benefits or become a legal state resident. Many of those provisions are already part of federal or state law.Commonly known as the “bounty hunter” immigration bill, this would create a new program to train bounty hunters who would be allowed to arrest those in Missouri who entered the country illegally, Gregory said.Speaker of the House Jon Patterson said in January he had not heard any enthusiasm from House Republicans for a bill that would put a bounty on immigrants lacking permanent legal status. Patterson said even if the bill makes its way through the Senate, it is unlikely to gain much support in the House.Also sponsored by Gregory, SB 480 would require a court to determine whether a defendant charged with an immigration trespassing offense is seeking asylum. If they are not seeking asylum, the court can order that they be jailed until trial. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety.Two bills, SB 137 and SB 282, would create the offense of improper entry by immigrants lacking permanent legal status with additional provisions, such as deportations. The latter, sponsored by Sen. Ben Brown, Washington Republican, would impose a $10,000 fine with incremental punishments, while the former, sponsored by Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, would impose a fine of $100,000.Sponsored by Rep. Richard West, a Republican from Wentzville, House Bill 540 would create the “offense of trespass by an illegal alien” for immigrants lacking permanent legal status who violate state law or county municipal ordinance. The bill has since been referred to the House Committee on Emerging Issues.Another bill, HB 120, establishes the “Immigrant Employment Registration and Taxation Protection Act.” Sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St. Louis, the bill would require that the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations maintain a “database or registry of qualified immigrant workers.” Those who fail to provide the correct documentation to verify work authorization status would be charged with a felony.The bill has not been assigned to a committee.On a similar note, SB 528 would impose penalties for employers who fail to enroll and actively participate in a federal work authorization program. The penalties could be things like fines for employing an immigrant lacking permanent legal status. Sponsored by Minority Floor Leader Sen. Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on General Laws.<h2>Sanctuary cities, employment</h2>Sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, SB 114 would fine communities that declare themselves sanctuaries for immigrants lacking permanent legal status $25,500 per day. The bill expands the offense of transporting an immigrant lacking permanent legal status to include concealment or encouraging one to come to Missouri. It would also allow law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws that establish criminal penalties. No hearing has been scheduled.Current Missouri statute prohibits municipalities from adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal requirements to verify or report illegal immigration statuses or grant one the right to lawful presence. HB 1163, sponsored Rep. Bill Lucas, R-DeSoto, clarifies that any municipality that adopts such policy would be prohibited from receiving state money. The bill has not been sent to a committee.Rep. Wick Thomas, D-Kansas City, introduced HB 1051 to repeal the prohibition against sanctuary cities. Current law states if a municipality fails to suspend business permits of those employing immigrants lacking permanent legal status, it is subject to penalties. This bill would repeal the penalties. The bill has not been assigned to a committee.Some bills would act as provisionary safeguards for immigrants, given aggressive efforts to question and detain members of certain ethnic groups.SB 738 provides that if a person submits certain federal documents relating to employment authorization, they are eligible for a temporary professional or occupational license. Sponsored by Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, D-Kansas City, the bill is waiting to be read a second time on the Senate floor before being assigned to a committee.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/missouri-legislators-propose-bills-to-address-immigration/article_1d001382-fe94-11ef-a898-cf1211938a34.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.

Bills cracking down on immigration moving slowly in Missouri legislature

The Maryville R-II Board of Education approved a separation agreement from its superintendent in closed session late Wednesday night.

Board president Josh McKim said the vote was unanimous to part ways with Superintendent Logan Lightfoot at the end of the school year. The Maryville Forum reports he did not give a specific reason why.

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Referencing a joint statement provided by the district’s and Lightfoot’s attorneys in the matter, McKim said, “Our goals are no longer mutually aligned. … Dr. Lightfoot has resigned.”

The statement also includes the following: “Dr. Lightfoot and the Board of Education both wish each other well in their future endeavors.”

Lightfoot will remain on paid leave until his resignation takes effect on June 30. He was placed on leave on Feb. 24 without public explanation. The school board did not acknowledge the superintendent had been placed on leave until March 3 in response to a Forum inquiry.

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Maryville R-II Board of Education approved a separation agreement from its superintendent in closed session late Wednesday night.Board president Josh McKim said the vote was unanimous to part ways with Superintendent Logan Lightfoot at the end of the school year. The Maryville Forum reports he did not give a specific reason why.The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Referencing a joint statement provided by the district’s and Lightfoot’s attorneys in the matter, McKim said, “Our goals are no longer mutually aligned. … Dr. Lightfoot has resigned.”The statement also includes the following: “Dr. Lightfoot and the Board of Education both wish each other well in their future endeavors.”Lightfoot will remain on paid leave until his resignation takes effect on June 30. He was placed on leave on Feb. 24 without public explanation. The school board did not acknowledge the superintendent had been placed on leave until March 3 in response to a Forum inquiry.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Maryville board of education unanimously approves split from superintendent

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate says he's confirmed through a federal database that 277 non-citizens were registered to vote in Iowa in 2024, and he's forwarded those names to the Attorney General for potential prosecution. 

Information from Pate's office says 35 non-citizens cast ballots that were counted in November's General Election. Five other non-citizens attempted to cast a ballot, but election officials rejected those ballots. 

The other 237 people on Pate's list for investigation were registered to vote, but didn't cast a ballot.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate says he's confirmed through a federal database that 277 non-citizens were registered to vote in Iowa in 2024, and he's forwarded those names to the Attorney General for potential prosecution. Information from Pate's office says 35 non-citizens cast ballots that were counted in November's General Election. Five other non-citizens attempted to cast a ballot, but election officials rejected those ballots. The other 237 people on Pate's list for investigation were registered to vote, but didn't cast a ballot.

Secretary of State lists 277 people for potential voter fraud probe

The Missouri Tigers begin their NCAA Tournament run today, taking on former Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum and the Drake Bulldogs. 

Missouri finished the season 22-11 and earned the sixth seed in the tournament, while Drake finished 30-3 getting the 11th seed.  

Missouri head coach Dennis Gates says while Drake wants to control the pace of the game, the Tigers aim to make it a high school affair 

"Both programs will continue to do what they've done throughout the course of the season, and we'll continue to do that as well," Gates tells reporters.  "I think at the end of the day, if their ball isn't going in and ours is going in, it can feel like things are being sped up a bit and that's kind of what we want to continue to do." 

McCollum says it is difficult to prepare for the variety of defenses the Tigers will throw at them 

"You know you can kind of get down a rabbit hole trying to figure it out, and a lot of it just comes back to conceptual basketball of just playing the right way," McCollum explains.  "Move the basketball, do what we've done all season long, and keep it pretty simple."

Former Northwest Missouri State player Bennett Stirtz, who followed McCollum to Drake, says the Bulldogs want the game played at their pace 

"We're going to have to play our game, obviously the SEC is the best conference in the nation, Mizzou will be ready to go, they play really physical, and they try to speed you up, things like that," Stirtz says.  "So, I'd just say play our speed, try not to get sped up and just play calm." 

Meanwhile Tigers guard Tamar Bates says pushing the tempo begins on the defensive end 

"We're not going to try to do anything outside of what we've done all year to speed things up," Bates says.  "I mean we'll be solid defensively and take away what we can, obviously they have some things that they're really good at on the offensive end that they've stuck too, so for us it's just about doing what we do." 

Missouri and Drake tipoff tonight at 6:35 in Wichita.  Coverage begins on KFEQ at 6pm.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741919994141.jpeg" alt="Missouri's Tamar Bates drives in during the first round of the SEC Tournament/ Photo courtesy of the SEC on X" />
 <figcaption>Missouri's Tamar Bates drives in during the first round of the SEC Tournament/ Photo courtesy of the SEC on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostBy MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Missouri Tigers begin their NCAA Tournament run today, taking on former Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum and the Drake Bulldogs. Missouri finished the season 22-11 and earned the sixth seed in the tournament, while Drake finished 30-3 getting the 11th seed. Missouri head coach Dennis Gates says while Drake wants to control the pace of the game, the Tigers aim to make it a high school affair "Both programs will continue to do what they've done throughout the course of the season, and we'll continue to do that as well," Gates tells reporters. "I think at the end of the day, if their ball isn't going in and ours is going in, it can feel like things are being sped up a bit and that's kind of what we want to continue to do." McCollum says it is difficult to prepare for the variety of defenses the Tigers will throw at them "You know you can kind of get down a rabbit hole trying to figure it out, and a lot of it just comes back to conceptual basketball of just playing the right way," McCollum explains. "Move the basketball, do what we've done all season long, and keep it pretty simple."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741196162442.jpeg" alt="Bennett Stirtz/ Photo courtesy of Ginnie Coleman with Drake Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Bennett Stirtz/ Photo courtesy of Ginnie Coleman with Drake Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Former Northwest Missouri State player Bennett Stirtz, who followed McCollum to Drake, says the Bulldogs want the game played at their pace "We're going to have to play our game, obviously the SEC is the best conference in the nation, Mizzou will be ready to go, they play really physical, and they try to speed you up, things like that," Stirtz says. "So, I'd just say play our speed, try not to get sped up and just play calm." Meanwhile Tigers guard Tamar Bates says pushing the tempo begins on the defensive end "We're not going to try to do anything outside of what we've done all year to speed things up," Bates says. "I mean we'll be solid defensively and take away what we can, obviously they have some things that they're really good at on the offensive end that they've stuck too, so for us it's just about doing what we do." Missouri and Drake tipoff tonight at 6:35 in Wichita. Coverage begins on KFEQ at 6pm.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Missouri opens up NCAA tournament tonight against Drake

MITCHELL COUNTY — Three small earthquakes shook north central Kansas over the past 24-hours.

Just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas Geological Survey reported a 2.3 magnitude quake northeast of Hope in rural Dickinson County.

At 3:47 a.m Thursday., the Kansas Geological Survey reported a quake one half mile east, northeast of Glen Elder with a preliminary magnitude 2.8.&nbsp; Four hours later, a quake with a magnitude 2.9&nbsp; shook one half mile west of Glen Elder, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.

There are no reports of any damage or injury, according to the Mitchell County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742491867827.png" alt="Red dots mark the location of the quakes on Thursday morning in Mitchell County-image Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>Red dots mark the location of the quakes on Thursday morning in Mitchell County-image Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>MITCHELL COUNTY — Three small earthquakes shook north central Kansas over the past 24-hours.Just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas Geological Survey reported a 2.3 magnitude quake northeast of Hope in rural Dickinson County.At 3:47 a.m Thursday., the Kansas Geological Survey reported a quake one half mile east, northeast of Glen Elder with a preliminary magnitude 2.8.&nbsp; Four hours later, a quake with a magnitude 2.9&nbsp; shook one half mile west of Glen Elder, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.There are no reports of any damage or injury, according to the Mitchell County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

3 small earthquakes reported in Kansas in past 24-hours

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa House has passed a bill that would bypass some federal nutrition guidelines for meals served in Iowa schools by getting a federal waiver to emphasize serving animal-based proteins as well as vegetables and fruits. 

Republican Representative Derek Wulf of Hudson says Iowa kids obviously aren't getting healthier, so it's time to do something drastic. He says the bill's also a critical step to promote Iowa agriculture. Representative Austin Baeth (BAYTH), a Democrat from Des Moines, says the guidelines in the bill are not healthier and will make Iowa school kids guinea pigs. 

Current federal law prohibits the U-S-D-A from allowing changes in the nutritional content of school meals, but the governor and Republican lawmakers say the Trump Administration may be more flexible in granting waivers to states in a number of areas.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa House has passed a bill that would bypass some federal nutrition guidelines for meals served in Iowa schools by getting a federal waiver to emphasize serving animal-based proteins as well as vegetables and fruits. Republican Representative Derek Wulf of Hudson says Iowa kids obviously aren't getting healthier, so it's time to do something drastic. He says the bill's also a critical step to promote Iowa agriculture. Representative Austin Baeth (BAYTH), a Democrat from Des Moines, says the guidelines in the bill are not healthier and will make Iowa school kids guinea pigs. Current federal law prohibits the U-S-D-A from allowing changes in the nutritional content of school meals, but the governor and Republican lawmakers say the Trump Administration may be more flexible in granting waivers to states in a number of areas.

House votes for Iowa-based school lunch nutrition guidelines

State Sen. Rusty
Black has a lot on his plate this year, chairing the Missouri Senate Local
Government, Elections, and Pensions Committee.

Black, a
Republican from Chillicothe, says his committee has been hearing bills on
election integrity, though Black says he has been in touch with county clerks
throughout northwest Missouri who don’t report any problems in their counties.

“But I do
understand the concerns people have in other areas where the people have access
to voting or the fact are the right people voting? And those things can
probably be strengthened,” Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “A lot of times
those don’t have to be strengthened but by little bitty changes that help
benefit that.”

Black says
Republicans still want to increase the voter threshold needed to approve
changes to the state constitution through initiative petition. The senator says
that will remain a priority of the Republican Caucus until the issue is placed
before voters.

Black says the
state needs to do something to shore up the pensions for county sheriffs since
voters rejected a proposed fix in November. Missouri voters soundly rejected
Amendment 6 on the November ballot. It would have reinstated a $3 court fee to
fund the Missouri Sheriff’s Retirement System, a fee charged for years, yet thrown
out recently by the courts. The ballot initiative would have put the fee back
in place to help fund pensions for sheriffs, circuit attorneys, and prosecuting
attorneys.

Supporters say
without the money the fee generated the pension will dry up in nine years. The
Missouri Sheriff’s Retirement System reports it supports 200 retirees and their
survivors and has 114 sheriffs contributing to the fund.

Black says the funding
problem remains in wake of the issues defeat.

“When that lost
that caused tremendous problems with the sheriffs’ retirement system funding,”
according to Black. “I’m hoping that we find some kind of path forward to try
to make sure that the retirement system for our sheriffs around the state can
be stabilized from where it’s at today.”

Black expects a
much more productive legislative session this year than the past two in Jefferson
City.

“Already, it’s more
productive than it’s been in the past. Doesn’t mean that we’re not going to
have filibusters, we’re not going to have hard conversations. But, yes, the
fact that we don’t have a bunch of people running for statewide office that I
serve with is very, very helpful this year,” Black says with a chuckle.

Aside from the
budget bills, the Missouri legislature approved only 28 bills last year, a
historically low level.

Black says the
pace has changed after some of his colleagues decided to run for higher office
and left the Senate. Many blamed the Senate’s Freedom Caucus, comprised of very
conservative Republicans, for bottling up the legislative session, leading to
its lack of productivity.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742403151295.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rusty Black/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rusty Black/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostState Sen. Rusty
Black has a lot on his plate this year, chairing the Missouri Senate Local
Government, Elections, and Pensions Committee.Black, a
Republican from Chillicothe, says his committee has been hearing bills on
election integrity, though Black says he has been in touch with county clerks
throughout northwest Missouri who don’t report any problems in their counties.“But I do
understand the concerns people have in other areas where the people have access
to voting or the fact are the right people voting? And those things can
probably be strengthened,” Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “A lot of times
those don’t have to be strengthened but by little bitty changes that help
benefit that.”Black says
Republicans still want to increase the voter threshold needed to approve
changes to the state constitution through initiative petition. The senator says
that will remain a priority of the Republican Caucus until the issue is placed
before voters.Black says the
state needs to do something to shore up the pensions for county sheriffs since
voters rejected a proposed fix in November. Missouri voters soundly rejected
Amendment 6 on the November ballot. It would have reinstated a $3 court fee to
fund the Missouri Sheriff’s Retirement System, a fee charged for years, yet thrown
out recently by the courts. The ballot initiative would have put the fee back
in place to help fund pensions for sheriffs, circuit attorneys, and prosecuting
attorneys.Supporters say
without the money the fee generated the pension will dry up in nine years. The
Missouri Sheriff’s Retirement System reports it supports 200 retirees and their
survivors and has 114 sheriffs contributing to the fund.Black says the funding
problem remains in wake of the issues defeat.“When that lost
that caused tremendous problems with the sheriffs’ retirement system funding,”
according to Black. “I’m hoping that we find some kind of path forward to try
to make sure that the retirement system for our sheriffs around the state can
be stabilized from where it’s at today.”Black expects a
much more productive legislative session this year than the past two in Jefferson
City.“Already, it’s more
productive than it’s been in the past. Doesn’t mean that we’re not going to
have filibusters, we’re not going to have hard conversations. But, yes, the
fact that we don’t have a bunch of people running for statewide office that I
serve with is very, very helpful this year,” Black says with a chuckle.Aside from the
budget bills, the Missouri legislature approved only 28 bills last year, a
historically low level.Black says the
pace has changed after some of his colleagues decided to run for higher office
and left the Senate. Many blamed the Senate’s Freedom Caucus, comprised of very
conservative Republicans, for bottling up the legislative session, leading to
its lack of productivity.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Sen. Black, busy this year, expects more productive legislative session

Law enforcement is investigating an incident after a swatting call was reported at Northwest Missouri State University on Wednesday.

According to the University, Northwest received a swatting call around 11:30 a.m. to its main phone line that threatened gun violence on the main campus.&nbsp; University Police Department officers searched and cleared facilities on campus. The University says no threat was found.

University Police, Maryville Police Department, and the Nodaway County Sheriff's Department are investigating the incident.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact University Police Chief Amanda Cullin at (660) 562-1254 or acullin@nwmissouri.edu.

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/2021/7/1626888474020.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State University R.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State University R.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostLaw enforcement is investigating an incident after a swatting call was reported at Northwest Missouri State University on Wednesday.According to the University, Northwest received a swatting call around 11:30 a.m. to its main phone line that threatened gun violence on the main campus.&nbsp; University Police Department officers searched and cleared facilities on campus. The University says no threat was found.University Police, Maryville Police Department, and the Nodaway County Sheriff's Department are investigating the incident.Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact University Police Chief Amanda Cullin at (660) 562-1254 or acullin@nwmissouri.edu.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Law enforcement investigating swatting call at NWMSU

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Senate has voted to raise the speed limit from 55 to 60 miles an hour on two-lane state highways. 

The bill passed on a 36 to 12 vote and now moves to the House for consideration. A bill that would have raised the speed limit by five miles per hour on Iowa's interstates as well as state highways was tabled in the Iowa House five years ago. 

Lawmakers cited concerns about speeding and safety as well as the more than two-million dollar cost of replacing speed limit signs.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Senate has voted to raise the speed limit from 55 to 60 miles an hour on two-lane state highways. The bill passed on a 36 to 12 vote and now moves to the House for consideration. A bill that would have raised the speed limit by five miles per hour on Iowa's interstates as well as state highways was tabled in the Iowa House five years ago. Lawmakers cited concerns about speeding and safety as well as the more than two-million dollar cost of replacing speed limit signs.

Iowa Senate votes for 60 mph speed limit on state highways

(Radio Iowa) - Blizzard conditions have shut down roadways and travel is not recommended in many areas of western and northwestern Iowa this afternoon. 

D-O-T Winter Operations Director Craig Bargfrede says if you draw a line from just north of Council Bluffs into the Missouri Valley area, and then do a diagonal up through Carroll Ford dodge Mason City, that's where they see the largest impact. Interstate 29 is closed in both directions between Sergeant Bluff and Missouri Valley. Bargfrede says they are working on getting some of the vehicles there removed as there are power lines down on the interstate. He says electric crews can't get in to work on the power lines until they get cars out of the way. 

Bargfrede says they have not pulled any crews off the roadways and are continuing to work to get roads open.

(Radio Iowa) - Blizzard conditions have shut down roadways and travel is not recommended in many areas of western and northwestern Iowa this afternoon. D-O-T Winter Operations Director Craig Bargfrede says if you draw a line from just north of Council Bluffs into the Missouri Valley area, and then do a diagonal up through Carroll Ford dodge Mason City, that's where they see the largest impact. Interstate 29 is closed in both directions between Sergeant Bluff and Missouri Valley. Bargfrede says they are working on getting some of the vehicles there removed as there are power lines down on the interstate. He says electric crews can't get in to work on the power lines until they get cars out of the way. Bargfrede says they have not pulled any crews off the roadways and are continuing to work to get roads open.

Blizzard Slams Western, Northwest Iowa

For another year, the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau is bringing back the Show Me St. Jo Experience.  

During the event, a guided bus tour will take people around St. Joseph, to many of the museums, while teaching some of the history of the city.  

Spokesman Christian Mengel says the bus tour is great for anyone, whether you're from St. Joseph and have been to the museums or are from out of town. 

"You're going to see something that you want to come back to that maybe you've not been before, or if you have been before but maybe it's been a few years," Mengel tells Barry Birr, host of the KFEQ Hotline.  "I want to say all of our museums, and all of our attractions we end up going to on this, they all have something new within the last five years, and most of them new within the last one to two years, so you can still get a lot from it even if you are a frequent museum goer." 

Mengel says the event is great for groups and also families 

"You just get shuttled around and told a lot of history, we cover your lunch we cater in for you and that's included in your ticket, you get a shirt at the end of the day, a t shirt St. Joseph branded," Mengle says.  "And also, because we throw so many tourism things at you, you also get a certificate signed by the mayor as an advocate for St. Joseph." 

Mengel says this event has been very popular with people. 

"In the three years that I've been a part of it I want to say our lowest score, because they can fill out a survey at the end, and I want to say the lowest score was like an eight, and we've only had one or two eight's, everybody else's are nines and tens," Mengel explains.  "And the reason for the eight, was that we didn't spend enough time at some of the places." 

The first event is coming up during Memorial Day weekend on May 27th.  The cost to participate is $25 per person. 

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/2025/3/1742402262542.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post For another year, the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau is bringing back the Show Me St. Jo Experience. During the event, a guided bus tour will take people around St. Joseph, to many of the museums, while teaching some of the history of the city. Spokesman Christian Mengel says the bus tour is great for anyone, whether you're from St. Joseph and have been to the museums or are from out of town. "You're going to see something that you want to come back to that maybe you've not been before, or if you have been before but maybe it's been a few years," Mengel tells Barry Birr, host of the KFEQ Hotline. "I want to say all of our museums, and all of our attractions we end up going to on this, they all have something new within the last five years, and most of them new within the last one to two years, so you can still get a lot from it even if you are a frequent museum goer." Mengel says the event is great for groups and also families "You just get shuttled around and told a lot of history, we cover your lunch we cater in for you and that's included in your ticket, you get a shirt at the end of the day, a t shirt St. Joseph branded," Mengle says. "And also, because we throw so many tourism things at you, you also get a certificate signed by the mayor as an advocate for St. Joseph." Mengel says this event has been very popular with people. "In the three years that I've been a part of it I want to say our lowest score, because they can fill out a survey at the end, and I want to say the lowest score was like an eight, and we've only had one or two eight's, everybody else's are nines and tens," Mengel explains. "And the reason for the eight, was that we didn't spend enough time at some of the places." The first event is coming up during Memorial Day weekend on May 27th. The cost to participate is $25 per person. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Learn more about St. Joseph during the Show Me St. Jo! Experience

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/12/kansas-satanists-plan-to-defy-governor-with-therapeutic-blasphemy-in-black-mass-at-statehouse/">planned satanic black mass</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas capitol has spurred policy changes, allegations of theft and religious debates as state leaders scramble to address&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/16/afraid-of-letting-satan-loose-in-the-kansas-statehouse-then-check-your-religion-at-the-door-too/">First Amendment concerns</a>&nbsp;with blocking satanists from their demonstration.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly censured the black mass in a statement March 12 and said participants weren’t allowed to demonstrate inside the capitol building.

Catholic organizations circulated petitions and urged legislators to step in.

Rumors swirled among Statehouse circles that the Satanic Grotto’s president had stolen materials used in the Catholic sacrament of the Eucharist — an accusation bolstered by an archbishop’s lawsuit against the group’s leader.

Legislative leaders went a step further Tuesday and modified the Capitol’s building and grounds policies to change assembly rights for anyone who wants to demonstrate at the Statehouse — not just the Satanic Grotto.

The policy changes add three contingencies to the public’s use of common areas in the Statehouse and capitol grounds:

The Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of Republican and Democratic leadership, passed the changes unanimously at a meeting Tuesday following a letter from Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. The legislative leaders called on the governor to use the Kansas Highway Patrol to prevent the black mass from occurring as scheduled on March 28.&nbsp;

“The Governor’s Office is reviewing actions from the Legislative Coordinating Council,” said Grace Hoge, a spokesperson for the governor.

Senate President Ty Masterson acknowledged in a statement that the First Amendment protects assembly and speech, including offensive speech.

“However, the First Amendment does not protect criminal conduct,” he said. “Recent statements from an organization — which pledged to engage in such conduct — necessitated a thoughtful review of policies to ensure the safety of all those visiting our State Capitol.”

Masterson was referring to alleged criminal conduct in a civil lawsuit against Michael Stewart, the president of the Satanic Grotto. Masterson also said lawmakers sent to the director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation writings from Satanic Grotto members threatening legislators. It is unclear how current those writings were.

In a 44-page complaint filed Friday in Leavenworth County District Court, Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Joseph Naumann alleged that members of the Satanic Grotto, including Stewart and the Grotto’s vice president, stole consecrated hosts to use during the black mass. The allegation was based on phone conversations and posts on Reddit linked to Stewart’s username, “xsimon666x.”&nbsp;

In an interview Tuesday, Stewart denied the allegations and added that no one asked what consecration means to him.

“I find it very entertaining that he is convinced that I have Jesus trapped in a cracker and he would take it to court,” Stewart said.

He said his religion contains its own consecration rituals and that the Catholic Church has made “a lot of assumptions” about his religion. The satanic ritual of a black mass intentionally upends and mocks the ritual of a Catholic mass, often including a consecrated host. The Satanic Grotto is a nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with the recognized religion, the Satanic Temple.

Naumann, who plans at the same time as the planned black mass to preside over a holy hour and Catholic mass at the Assumption Church across the street from the Statehouse, said in the lawsuit the performance of a black mass directly harms the Catholic Church and Catholics across Kansas and the country.

“It is the conviction of the Catholic Church presented in its doctrinal teachings that the Consecrated Hosts and Wine are in fact the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, present under the form of bread and wine,” the lawsuit read.

Catholic teachings outline specific rituals for the handling of sacramental objects. The suit alleges Stewart and his vice president aren’t qualified to handle such objects.

Naumann provided no evidence to show that archdiocesan property had been stolen.&nbsp;

Stewart said he “would think this whole thing was hilarious” if it weren’t for the Legislature changing state policy to address a single event.

“I think it’s because they’re afraid,” Stewart said.

Naumann demanded the lawsuit be resolved through a civil jury trial. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Thursday. No criminal charges had been filed against Stewart or other members of the Satanic Grotto as of Tuesday afternoon, according to court records.&nbsp;

The Satanic Grotto has changed its plans in response to Kelly’s decree and intends to demonstrate outside, as she prescribed, with the expectation that Catholic groups will be there to counter-protest. Stewart initially promised to enter the building, defying the governor in “a peaceful act of civil disobedience.”

Even with the policy changes, the lawsuit, which Stewart expects will be thrown out, and a statement from legislators condemning the event, Stewart is resolute.&nbsp;

“I will go to the capitol on March 28,” he said.

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee held an impromptu hearing Tuesday on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hr6016/" target="_blank">House Resolution 6016</a>, which denounces the planned event as “a despicable, blasphemous and offensive sacrilege to not only Catholics but all people of goodwill.”

The hearing, which only included testimony from the resolution’s supporters, also provoked discussions over legislators’ religious beliefs and whether lawmakers were considering First Amendment protections.

Rep. Dan Osman, an Overland Park Democrat, attributed the proponent-only testimony to the fact that the committee met outside of its scheduled time and parties were given less than 24 hours of notice to participate. He wanted to discuss the resolution at a later date, but a majority of committee members voted to advance it.&nbsp;

Osman called the resolution “shortsighted” because no one knows what will happen on March 28.

Other legislators questioned why they were spending time and resources to give the Satanic Grotto attention. Some supported the resolution as a way to stand up to the planned black mass and what some saw as anti-Catholic bigotry. Others voted against it to avoid treating one religion differently than others.

The resolution is not law and has no legal teeth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742388611692.png" alt="Michael Stewart, pictured here on March 14, 2025, is the president of the Satanic Grotto and the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Kansas City, Kansas, archbishop. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Michael Stewart, pictured here on March 14, 2025, is the president of the Satanic Grotto and the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Kansas City, Kansas, archbishop. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/12/kansas-satanists-plan-to-defy-governor-with-therapeutic-blasphemy-in-black-mass-at-statehouse/">planned satanic black mass</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas capitol has spurred policy changes, allegations of theft and religious debates as state leaders scramble to address&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/16/afraid-of-letting-satan-loose-in-the-kansas-statehouse-then-check-your-religion-at-the-door-too/">First Amendment concerns</a>&nbsp;with blocking satanists from their demonstration.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly censured the black mass in a statement March 12 and said participants weren’t allowed to demonstrate inside the capitol building.Catholic organizations circulated petitions and urged legislators to step in.Rumors swirled among Statehouse circles that the Satanic Grotto’s president had stolen materials used in the Catholic sacrament of the Eucharist — an accusation bolstered by an archbishop’s lawsuit against the group’s leader.But the satanist group hasn’t budged.Legislative leaders went a step further Tuesday and modified the Capitol’s building and grounds policies to change assembly rights for anyone who wants to demonstrate at the Statehouse — not just the Satanic Grotto.The policy changes add three contingencies to the public’s use of common areas in the Statehouse and capitol grounds:<ul>
 <li>Organizations and individuals will not be permitted to “meet or gather when participation is limited or restricted on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, cultural heritage or national origin or ancestry.”</li><li>People cannot gather if an individual has made a threat verified by state law enforcement “against the governor, a member of the Legislature or other public official.”</li><li>People cannot gather if a group or member of a group “has stated explicitly that the meeting or gathering will involve a violation of law.”</li>
 </ul>The Legislative Coordinating Council, which consists of Republican and Democratic leadership, passed the changes unanimously at a meeting Tuesday following a letter from Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. The legislative leaders called on the governor to use the Kansas Highway Patrol to prevent the black mass from occurring as scheduled on March 28.&nbsp;“The Governor’s Office is reviewing actions from the Legislative Coordinating Council,” said Grace Hoge, a spokesperson for the governor.Senate President Ty Masterson acknowledged in a statement that the First Amendment protects assembly and speech, including offensive speech.“However, the First Amendment does not protect criminal conduct,” he said. “Recent statements from an organization — which pledged to engage in such conduct — necessitated a thoughtful review of policies to ensure the safety of all those visiting our State Capitol.”Masterson was referring to alleged criminal conduct in a civil lawsuit against Michael Stewart, the president of the Satanic Grotto. Masterson also said lawmakers sent to the director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation writings from Satanic Grotto members threatening legislators. It is unclear how current those writings were.In a 44-page complaint filed Friday in Leavenworth County District Court, Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Joseph Naumann alleged that members of the Satanic Grotto, including Stewart and the Grotto’s vice president, stole consecrated hosts to use during the black mass. The allegation was based on phone conversations and posts on Reddit linked to Stewart’s username, “xsimon666x.”&nbsp;In an interview Tuesday, Stewart denied the allegations and added that no one asked what consecration means to him.“I find it very entertaining that he is convinced that I have Jesus trapped in a cracker and he would take it to court,” Stewart said.He said his religion contains its own consecration rituals and that the Catholic Church has made “a lot of assumptions” about his religion. The satanic ritual of a black mass intentionally upends and mocks the ritual of a Catholic mass, often including a consecrated host. The Satanic Grotto is a nonprofit organization and is not affiliated with the recognized religion, the Satanic Temple.Naumann, who plans at the same time as the planned black mass to preside over a holy hour and Catholic mass at the Assumption Church across the street from the Statehouse, said in the lawsuit the performance of a black mass directly harms the Catholic Church and Catholics across Kansas and the country.“It is the conviction of the Catholic Church presented in its doctrinal teachings that the Consecrated Hosts and Wine are in fact the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ, present under the form of bread and wine,” the lawsuit read.Catholic teachings outline specific rituals for the handling of sacramental objects. The suit alleges Stewart and his vice president aren’t qualified to handle such objects.Naumann provided no evidence to show that archdiocesan property had been stolen.&nbsp;Stewart said he “would think this whole thing was hilarious” if it weren’t for the Legislature changing state policy to address a single event.“I think it’s because they’re afraid,” Stewart said.Naumann demanded the lawsuit be resolved through a civil jury trial. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Thursday. No criminal charges had been filed against Stewart or other members of the Satanic Grotto as of Tuesday afternoon, according to court records.&nbsp;The Satanic Grotto has changed its plans in response to Kelly’s decree and intends to demonstrate outside, as she prescribed, with the expectation that Catholic groups will be there to counter-protest. Stewart initially promised to enter the building, defying the governor in “a peaceful act of civil disobedience.”Even with the policy changes, the lawsuit, which Stewart expects will be thrown out, and a statement from legislators condemning the event, Stewart is resolute.&nbsp;“I will go to the capitol on March 28,” he said.The House Federal and State Affairs Committee held an impromptu hearing Tuesday on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hr6016/" target="_blank">House Resolution 6016</a>, which denounces the planned event as “a despicable, blasphemous and offensive sacrilege to not only Catholics but all people of goodwill.”The hearing, which only included testimony from the resolution’s supporters, also provoked discussions over legislators’ religious beliefs and whether lawmakers were considering First Amendment protections.Rep. Dan Osman, an Overland Park Democrat, attributed the proponent-only testimony to the fact that the committee met outside of its scheduled time and parties were given less than 24 hours of notice to participate. He wanted to discuss the resolution at a later date, but a majority of committee members voted to advance it.&nbsp;Osman called the resolution “shortsighted” because no one knows what will happen on March 28.Other legislators questioned why they were spending time and resources to give the Satanic Grotto attention. Some supported the resolution as a way to stand up to the planned black mass and what some saw as anti-Catholic bigotry. Others voted against it to avoid treating one religion differently than others.The resolution is not law and has no legal teeth.

Kansas legislators, archbishop take action against satanists and their planned black mass

Several groups and individual stakeholders celebrated National Agriculture Day this week. It’s set aside to celebrate the farmers, ranchers, and producers who dedicate their lives to feeding, fueling, and clothing the world. “Agriculture isn’t just an industry, but a way of life,” says USDA Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins. “I know that firsthand from growing up in agriculture and being a part of 4H and FFA shaped who I am today.” National Agriculture Day celebrates the fact that, through challenges and triumphs, the men and women in agriculture show up every single day. 

The Agriculture Council of America was formed in 1973 when the first National Agriculture Day program began. The organization is uniquely composed of leaders in the agriculture, food, and fiber communities dedicated to increasing public awareness of the vital role agriculture plays in today’s society. National Ag Day encourages the public to learn more about producing food and fuel.

Several groups and individual stakeholders celebrated National Agriculture Day this week. It’s set aside to celebrate the farmers, ranchers, and producers who dedicate their lives to feeding, fueling, and clothing the world. “Agriculture isn’t just an industry, but a way of life,” says USDA Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins. “I know that firsthand from growing up in agriculture and being a part of 4H and FFA shaped who I am today.” National Agriculture Day celebrates the fact that, through challenges and triumphs, the men and women in agriculture show up every single day. The Agriculture Council of America was formed in 1973 when the first National Agriculture Day program began. The organization is uniquely composed of leaders in the agriculture, food, and fiber communities dedicated to increasing public awareness of the vital role agriculture plays in today’s society. National Ag Day encourages the public to learn more about producing food and fuel.

Stakeholders celebrate National Agriculture Day

On National Ag Day, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the agency is issuing up to $10 billion directly to ag producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program for the 2024 crop year. ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices. “Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the administration is making sure they get the support they need without delay,” Rollins said. “With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.” 

Authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025, the payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. FSA will soon send out pre-filled applications. Find out the eligible commodities and payment rates at <a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/">fsa.usda.gov</a>.

On National Ag Day, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the agency is issuing up to $10 billion directly to ag producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program for the 2024 crop year. ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices. “Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the administration is making sure they get the support they need without delay,” Rollins said. “With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.” Authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025, the payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. FSA will soon send out pre-filled applications. Find out the eligible commodities and payment rates at <a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/">fsa.usda.gov</a>.

USDA expediting direct help for producers

(Radio Iowa) - National media outlets are publishing what's described as an internal Social Security memo outlining job cuts and the shutdown of the agency's 800-number to comply with DOGE orders to pare back. 

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he recently met with President Trump's nominee to head Social Security and he was assured, services would be enhanced, not slashed. Grassley says people should have telephone and face-to-face access to Social Security, but reports say the current staff of around 57-thousand would be cut by at least seven-thousand, while the elimination of the toll-free phone line would force millions of people to file claims in person. 

The plan also calls for closing six of the agency's ten regional offices, creating what the memo calls "a real Catch-22" as filing in person would become extremely difficult. Grassley couldn't confirm whether DOGE ordered the cuts, which would have a significant impact, especially in rural areas.

(Radio Iowa) - National media outlets are publishing what's described as an internal Social Security memo outlining job cuts and the shutdown of the agency's 800-number to comply with DOGE orders to pare back. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he recently met with President Trump's nominee to head Social Security and he was assured, services would be enhanced, not slashed. Grassley says people should have telephone and face-to-face access to Social Security, but reports say the current staff of around 57-thousand would be cut by at least seven-thousand, while the elimination of the toll-free phone line would force millions of people to file claims in person. The plan also calls for closing six of the agency's ten regional offices, creating what the memo calls "a real Catch-22" as filing in person would become extremely difficult. Grassley couldn't confirm whether DOGE ordered the cuts, which would have a significant impact, especially in rural areas.

Grassley can't confirm DOGE deep cuts to Social Security staff, services

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa House has overwhelming voted in favor of requiring schools to ban students from using their cell phones while they're in class. 

Representative Jeff Shipley, a Republican from Birmingham, praised the Ottumwa School District and Des Moines Hoover High School for being trailblazers on the issue. A principal at Hoover where cell phones must be kept in a student's backpack, told Axios Des Moines there was a 31 percent increase in As and Bs earned by students in the fall semester and a six percent drop in the number of failing grades. 

The bill, which has the backing of Governor Kim Reynolds, passed the House by an 88-to-nine vote. A similar bill is eligible for debate in the Iowa Senate.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa House has overwhelming voted in favor of requiring schools to ban students from using their cell phones while they're in class. Representative Jeff Shipley, a Republican from Birmingham, praised the Ottumwa School District and Des Moines Hoover High School for being trailblazers on the issue. A principal at Hoover where cell phones must be kept in a student's backpack, told Axios Des Moines there was a 31 percent increase in As and Bs earned by students in the fall semester and a six percent drop in the number of failing grades. The bill, which has the backing of Governor Kim Reynolds, passed the House by an 88-to-nine vote. A similar bill is eligible for debate in the Iowa Senate.

House votes to require schools ban cell phone use during classes

Eastern Kansas
Congressman Derek Schmidt has returned from a visit to the southern border.

Schmidt, a
Republican, says his visit with a small U.S. House delegation to Arizona came as a stark
contrast with his visit earlier as the Kansas Attorney General.

“When I was at the
border, I think it was about almost three years ago now, masses of people,
chaos, huge waves of humanity trying to migrate into the border, trying to come
across. This time, completely different,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “In
fact, we actually visited a border patrol holding facility. It holds about a
thousand people at capacity. They day we were there:&nbsp; zero.”

Schmidt says the
huge influx of illegal immigrants has been reduced to a trickle, allowing border
patrol agents to focus on their actual duties.

“And that is to
focus on enforcing our border security and immigration laws. It is to combat
the cartels and prevent those criminal entities that obviously are working very
hard to move drugs and people across the border so they can distribute them
throughout the United States,” according to Schmidt. “Now, our law enforcement
and military and other assets can focus on that.”

Schmidt says it’s
now up to Congress to put into law what the president has signed into executive
order.

“Remain in Mexico,
no catch and release, some asylum reform provisions; the types of things that
we know work, because they have stopped the waves of people coming, we now need
to make permanent so that a future president can’t with a stroke of a pen undo
those and take us back to where we were in the chaos of the Biden administration.”

Schmidt points out
what can be implemented by executive order can be reverse by executive order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742323044841.jpeg" alt="Congressman Derek Schmidt joins the U.S. House delegation at the southern border in Arizona/Photo courtesy of Congressman Schmidt's office" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Derek Schmidt joins the U.S. House delegation at the southern border in Arizona/Photo courtesy of Congressman Schmidt's office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEastern Kansas
Congressman Derek Schmidt has returned from a visit to the southern border.Schmidt, a
Republican, says his visit with a small U.S. House delegation to Arizona came as a stark
contrast with his visit earlier as the Kansas Attorney General.“When I was at the
border, I think it was about almost three years ago now, masses of people,
chaos, huge waves of humanity trying to migrate into the border, trying to come
across. This time, completely different,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “In
fact, we actually visited a border patrol holding facility. It holds about a
thousand people at capacity. They day we were there:&nbsp; zero.”Schmidt says the
huge influx of illegal immigrants has been reduced to a trickle, allowing border
patrol agents to focus on their actual duties.“And that is to
focus on enforcing our border security and immigration laws. It is to combat
the cartels and prevent those criminal entities that obviously are working very
hard to move drugs and people across the border so they can distribute them
throughout the United States,” according to Schmidt. “Now, our law enforcement
and military and other assets can focus on that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742323154298.jpeg" alt="Congressman Derek Schmidt listens as a border patrol agent discusses the situation at the southern border/Photo courtesy of Congressman Schmidt's office" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Derek Schmidt listens as a border patrol agent discusses the situation at the southern border/Photo courtesy of Congressman Schmidt's office</figcaption>
 </figure>Schmidt says it’s
now up to Congress to put into law what the president has signed into executive
order.“Remain in Mexico,
no catch and release, some asylum reform provisions; the types of things that
we know work, because they have stopped the waves of people coming, we now need
to make permanent so that a future president can’t with a stroke of a pen undo
those and take us back to where we were in the chaos of the Biden administration.”Schmidt points out
what can be implemented by executive order can be reverse by executive order.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742323257301.jpeg" alt="The U.S. House delegation receives a briefing from a border patrol agent/Photo courtesy of Congressman Schmidt's office" />
 <figcaption>The U.S. House delegation receives a briefing from a border patrol agent/Photo courtesy of Congressman Schmidt's office</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Schmidt says recent visit to southern border contrasts earlier visit

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

In most Missouri counties, children linger in foster care longer than the federal standard, according to data compiled by the state social services agency.

Under national standards, at least 35% of kids entering foster care should exit with a permanent living situation within one year. That can mean reunification with family, adoption or guardianship.&nbsp;

But only 12 of Missouri’s 114 counties met that standard every month between July and September last year.

That’s&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/docs/hb-1414/quarterly-report-january-2025.pdf" target="_blank">according to a report</a>&nbsp;the Missouri Department of Social Services is required to release on a quarterly basis. A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1414&amp;year=2020&amp;code=R" target="_blank">law passed in 2020</a>&nbsp;mandated those reports and created a “response and evaluation” team tasked with reviewing state foster care practices. The team, which includes Children’s Division staff and foster care case management agency staff, met Tuesday.

In the previous&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/docs/hb-1414/quarterly-report-october-2024.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>, covering April through June, there were 23 counties meeting that benchmark.

Missouri’s Children’s Division is acting under a&nbsp;<a href="https://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/mo-cfsr-r4-pip.pdf" target="_blank">performance improvement plan</a>&nbsp;with the federal Children’s Bureau over the issue of timely permanent placements. The state’s performance “has continued to decline over the last several reporting periods,” a&nbsp;<a href="https://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/mo-cfsr-r4-pip.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from last summer states.&nbsp;

While in care, foster kids have also faced more instability with their placements than nationally, meaning they can be frequently moved around among foster homes or other placements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742387121902.png" alt="Department of Social Services resource center in Poplar Bluff, July 17, 2023 (Clara Bates/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>Department of Social Services resource center in Poplar Bluff, July 17, 2023 (Clara Bates/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>In most Missouri counties, children linger in foster care longer than the federal standard, according to data compiled by the state social services agency.Under national standards, at least 35% of kids entering foster care should exit with a permanent living situation within one year. That can mean reunification with family, adoption or guardianship.&nbsp;But only 12 of Missouri’s 114 counties met that standard every month between July and September last year.That’s&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/docs/hb-1414/quarterly-report-january-2025.pdf" target="_blank">according to a report</a>&nbsp;the Missouri Department of Social Services is required to release on a quarterly basis. A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1414&amp;year=2020&amp;code=R" target="_blank">law passed in 2020</a>&nbsp;mandated those reports and created a “response and evaluation” team tasked with reviewing state foster care practices. The team, which includes Children’s Division staff and foster care case management agency staff, met Tuesday.In the previous&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/docs/hb-1414/quarterly-report-october-2024.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>, covering April through June, there were 23 counties meeting that benchmark.Missouri’s Children’s Division is acting under a&nbsp;<a href="https://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/mo-cfsr-r4-pip.pdf" target="_blank">performance improvement plan</a>&nbsp;with the federal Children’s Bureau over the issue of timely permanent placements. The state’s performance “has continued to decline over the last several reporting periods,” a&nbsp;<a href="https://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/mo-cfsr-r4-pip.pdf" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from last summer states.&nbsp;While in care, foster kids have also faced more instability with their placements than nationally, meaning they can be frequently moved around among foster homes or other placements.Marcia Wetzel, a program coordinator with the social services department, said during Tuesday’s public meeting that a plan is in the works to&nbsp;establish what are called team decision-making meetings statewide before a foster child is moved to a new placement.<a href="https://dssmanuals.mo.gov/child-welfare-manual/section-1-chapter-10-team-decision-making-meetings/" target="_blank">Team decision-making meetings&nbsp;</a>involve those closest to the child and a facilitator. There will be training before it’s rolled out in each region across the state, Wetzel said, with the expectation that the meetings&nbsp;“hopefully will help us improve the data…to really try to stabilize placements.”As of&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/cd/cfsplan/2025-2029/child-family-plan.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">February 2024</a>, for every 1,000 days a child spent in foster care in Missouri, they were moved 6.23 times. The federal rate was 4.48. Wetzel said more data will come out related to this issue in April.According to the department’s&nbsp;<a href="https://oa.mo.gov/sites/default/files/FY26_DSS_Programs_Book.pdf" target="_blank">budget request,</a>&nbsp;team decision-making meetings have been implemented in some parts of the state and will be expanding statewide.&nbsp;Missouri’s foster care system has faced scrutiny for years and is a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/13/bill-banning-state-from-seizing-foster-kids-benefits-clears-missouri-senate/">major focus</a>&nbsp;of the 2025 legislative session.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/13/bill-banning-state-from-seizing-foster-kids-benefits-clears-missouri-senate/">bill</a>&nbsp;sponsored by Sen. Travis Fitzwater of Holts Summit seeks to reduce the amount of time foster children languish in care by changing the model of legal representation for them. Under the proposal, older foster children would be assigned client-director counsel, who act based on the child’s own wishes and goals.&nbsp;Currently, foster children have guardians ad litem, who are attorneys tasked with acting in what they view as the child’s best interest, which Fitzwater said means children are sometimes left without a voice, drawing out their time in care.&nbsp;Lawmakers are also concerned with foster kids being held in inappropriate placements, such as hospitals, hotels, offices and out-of-state residential treatment facilities.&nbsp;There are around 85 kids receiving treatment out of state, according to department data shared at an appropriations hearing. And last year, there were 314 foster children residing in hospitals.Issues with foster care&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">delayed Senate confirmation</a>&nbsp;of Gov. Mike Kehoe’s pick to lead the social services department. State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican, briefly held up the appointment to force the agency to provide answers about chronic problems that have plagued the foster care system for years and what she says has been the agency’s failure to implement laws designed to help.Bax was eventually confirmed after Coleman&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/07/missouri-senate-approves-massive-child-welfare-bill-aimed-at-foster-care-system/">said the department was responsive</a>&nbsp;to her inquiries.&nbsp;

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