JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill to expand private school scholarships statewide, an effort made possible by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-funding-missouri-education-3b13597465a5485ad921ab16887a15f2">extensive compromises</a>&nbsp;including a commitment to spend hundreds of millions of dollars more on public schools.

The GOP-led House voted with a bare-minimum margin of 82-69 to send the measure to Republican Gov. Mike Parson. If signed, it would offer up to $6,375 per child for expenses including tuition, textbooks, tutoring, transportation, extracurriculars and summer school.

The bill’s passage is a victory for advocates who have struggled for years to expand access to charter schools, virtual schools and private schools in Missouri. Worries about taking away resources from traditional kindergarten-12th grade public schools have been bipartisan.

The heart of the legislation is the expansion of Missouri Empowerment Scholarships Accounts, which low-income families can draw from. The money will come from private donors, who in return get tax credits.

“This is a victory for parents who want more control over their children’s education and for students who will now have more avenues to achieve their full potential," Republican Rep. Phil Christofanelli said in a statement.

The current scholarship program limits recipients to residents of the state’s largest cities and to families who make less than 200% of the federal poverty level, which works out to $62,400 a year for a family of four.

The bill passed Thursday would raise the cap to 300%, or $93,600 for a family of four. Public school students who need extra help through individualized education plans would get some additional scholarship money under the new law.

The legislation increases the cap on tax credits for the private donations from $50 million to $75 million per year, to help pay for a possible influx of students.

To gain support from lawmakers focused on helping traditional public schools, senators included money to raise minimum teacher salaries to $40,000 a year and adjusted the state's formula for funding public schools, a change expected to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars more to public education over time.

Several House Democrats cautioned that the state might not have enough revenue in future years to provide the massive influx in funding to public schools that the bill commits to.

“While the voucher expansion is essentially guaranteed, the promises to public schools depend on additional funding the state isn’t expected to have and future lawmakers aren’t required to provide,” House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade said in a statement.

Another provision would allow charter schools in Boone County, where Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden lives. The bill also would require public votes to approve a school district’s switch to four-day school weeks and incentivize schools that maintain five-day weeks.

This issue supporters call “school choice” has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c8965cac8b27cb87e99bb2dab244fa4e">divided lawmakers</a>&nbsp;beyond typical Republican-Democrat lines in Missouri.

GOP legislators from rural districts have opposed allowing charter schools in their areas for years, fearing they could draw students away from traditional public schools seen as the backbone of their communities. Some Democrats, meanwhile, want students in underperforming urban schools to have more options.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill to expand private school scholarships statewide, an effort made possible by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/school-funding-missouri-education-3b13597465a5485ad921ab16887a15f2">extensive compromises</a>&nbsp;including a commitment to spend hundreds of millions of dollars more on public schools.The GOP-led House voted with a bare-minimum margin of 82-69 to send the measure to Republican Gov. Mike Parson. If signed, it would offer up to $6,375 per child for expenses including tuition, textbooks, tutoring, transportation, extracurriculars and summer school.The bill’s passage is a victory for advocates who have struggled for years to expand access to charter schools, virtual schools and private schools in Missouri. Worries about taking away resources from traditional kindergarten-12th grade public schools have been bipartisan.The heart of the legislation is the expansion of Missouri Empowerment Scholarships Accounts, which low-income families can draw from. The money will come from private donors, who in return get tax credits.“This is a victory for parents who want more control over their children’s education and for students who will now have more avenues to achieve their full potential," Republican Rep. Phil Christofanelli said in a statement.The current scholarship program limits recipients to residents of the state’s largest cities and to families who make less than 200% of the federal poverty level, which works out to $62,400 a year for a family of four.The bill passed Thursday would raise the cap to 300%, or $93,600 for a family of four. Public school students who need extra help through individualized education plans would get some additional scholarship money under the new law.The legislation increases the cap on tax credits for the private donations from $50 million to $75 million per year, to help pay for a possible influx of students.To gain support from lawmakers focused on helping traditional public schools, senators included money to raise minimum teacher salaries to $40,000 a year and adjusted the state's formula for funding public schools, a change expected to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars more to public education over time.Several House Democrats cautioned that the state might not have enough revenue in future years to provide the massive influx in funding to public schools that the bill commits to.“While the voucher expansion is essentially guaranteed, the promises to public schools depend on additional funding the state isn’t expected to have and future lawmakers aren’t required to provide,” House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade said in a statement.Another provision would allow charter schools in Boone County, where Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden lives. The bill also would require public votes to approve a school district’s switch to four-day school weeks and incentivize schools that maintain five-day weeks.This issue supporters call “school choice” has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c8965cac8b27cb87e99bb2dab244fa4e">divided lawmakers</a>&nbsp;beyond typical Republican-Democrat lines in Missouri.GOP legislators from rural districts have opposed allowing charter schools in their areas for years, fearing they could draw students away from traditional public schools seen as the backbone of their communities. Some Democrats, meanwhile, want students in underperforming urban schools to have more options.

Mo. lawmakers expand private school scholarships backed by tax credits

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two-term Republican U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner is not running for reelection this year in his GOP-leaning eastern Kansas district so that he can spend more time with his four young children, he announced Thursday.

LaTurner is among nearly two dozen Republicans in the U.S. House who are not running again or seeking another office.

“The unrepeatable season of life we are in, where our kids are still young and at home, is something I want to be more present for,” LaTurner said.

LaTurner's announcement leaves Republicans with no declared candidates in a district he likely would have had little trouble winning again. While the district includes Democratic strongholds in the state capital of Topeka and northern Kansas City, they're offset by rural areas that heavily favored former President Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020.

LaTurner, 36, has put on hold what seemed a promising long-term political career, saying also that he wouldn't seek any office in 2026. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is term-limited and Republicans had mentioned LaTurner as a possible candidate for the job that year.

He worked for U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins when he won a state Senate seat in 2012 at age 24, and he became Kansas' youngest-ever state treasurer at 29 when then-GOP Gov. Sam Brownback appointed him to fill a vacancy.

LaTurner's statement mentioned “the current dysfunction on Capitol Hill,” with the narrow Republican majority in the House and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-johnson-democrats-vacate-ukraine-e506951def3f78cf637274d230b89152">a threat from the hard-right</a>&nbsp;to topple Speaker Mike Johnson, but he also said he's optimistic about the nation's future. Instead, he said, serving in Congress has taken a toll on him, his wife, Suzanne, and their children.

“I am hopeful that in another season of life, with new experiences and perspectives, I can contribute in some small way and advocate for the issues I care most about,” his statement Thursday said.

While Republicans have represented the 2nd District in 27 of the past 30 years, Democrats have waged aggressive campaigns since Jenkins decided not to seek reelection in 2018. One Democrat, former teacher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2023/07/01/topeka-democrat-hopes-to-oust-gop-rep-jake-laturner-from-congress/70362683007/">Eli Woody IV,</a>&nbsp;has filed to run in November.

<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-43776f9e6a0d4cd6ea07ab802a548f8d">In the 2020 primary</a>, LaTurner handily defeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/political-news-general-news-house-elections-united-states-house-of-representatives-34882545094f4e83b9117dba13b6b7e3">Republican Steve Watkins</a>&nbsp;and won the November election by almost 15 percentage points. In 2022, LaTurner won his general election race by a slightly wider margin.

In June 2022, the congressman beefed up security at his home and Topeka office out of concern for his family's safety after a man left a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mental-kansas-topeka-lawrence-537e4ab84e3c459053d19f12352981bd">threatening voicemail</a>&nbsp;after hours that said, “I will kill you.”

The man, Chase Neill, is now serving a sentence of nearly four years in prison after being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-albuquerque-kansas-topeka-prisons-bf01d9142e08750036a8eb1148de7b08">convicted in federal court</a>&nbsp;of one count of threating a U.S. official. LaTurner testified at the trial, and Neill, representing himself,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/topeka-kansas-lawrence-df22820adfa2c5515085eb20279317a0">cross-examined him personally.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702582014813.png" alt="File photo -Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner presided over the House Floor in December during the vote on the National Defense Authorization Act." />
 <figcaption>File photo -Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner presided over the House Floor in December during the vote on the National Defense Authorization Act.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two-term Republican U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner is not running for reelection this year in his GOP-leaning eastern Kansas district so that he can spend more time with his four young children, he announced Thursday.LaTurner is among nearly two dozen Republicans in the U.S. House who are not running again or seeking another office.“The unrepeatable season of life we are in, where our kids are still young and at home, is something I want to be more present for,” LaTurner said.LaTurner's announcement leaves Republicans with no declared candidates in a district he likely would have had little trouble winning again. While the district includes Democratic strongholds in the state capital of Topeka and northern Kansas City, they're offset by rural areas that heavily favored former President Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020.LaTurner, 36, has put on hold what seemed a promising long-term political career, saying also that he wouldn't seek any office in 2026. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is term-limited and Republicans had mentioned LaTurner as a possible candidate for the job that year.He worked for U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins when he won a state Senate seat in 2012 at age 24, and he became Kansas' youngest-ever state treasurer at 29 when then-GOP Gov. Sam Brownback appointed him to fill a vacancy.LaTurner's statement mentioned “the current dysfunction on Capitol Hill,” with the narrow Republican majority in the House and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-johnson-democrats-vacate-ukraine-e506951def3f78cf637274d230b89152">a threat from the hard-right</a>&nbsp;to topple Speaker Mike Johnson, but he also said he's optimistic about the nation's future. Instead, he said, serving in Congress has taken a toll on him, his wife, Suzanne, and their children.“I am hopeful that in another season of life, with new experiences and perspectives, I can contribute in some small way and advocate for the issues I care most about,” his statement Thursday said.While Republicans have represented the 2nd District in 27 of the past 30 years, Democrats have waged aggressive campaigns since Jenkins decided not to seek reelection in 2018. One Democrat, former teacher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2023/07/01/topeka-democrat-hopes-to-oust-gop-rep-jake-laturner-from-congress/70362683007/">Eli Woody IV,</a>&nbsp;has filed to run in November.<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-43776f9e6a0d4cd6ea07ab802a548f8d">In the 2020 primary</a>, LaTurner handily defeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/political-news-general-news-house-elections-united-states-house-of-representatives-34882545094f4e83b9117dba13b6b7e3">Republican Steve Watkins</a>&nbsp;and won the November election by almost 15 percentage points. In 2022, LaTurner won his general election race by a slightly wider margin.In June 2022, the congressman beefed up security at his home and Topeka office out of concern for his family's safety after a man left a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mental-kansas-topeka-lawrence-537e4ab84e3c459053d19f12352981bd">threatening voicemail</a>&nbsp;after hours that said, “I will kill you.”The man, Chase Neill, is now serving a sentence of nearly four years in prison after being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-albuquerque-kansas-topeka-prisons-bf01d9142e08750036a8eb1148de7b08">convicted in federal court</a>&nbsp;of one count of threating a U.S. official. LaTurner testified at the trial, and Neill, representing himself,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/topeka-kansas-lawrence-df22820adfa2c5515085eb20279317a0">cross-examined him personally.</a>

Kansas congressman Jake LaTurner won't run for reelection

A benefit performance hosted by the Dance Arts Center will raise money to benefit Voices of Courage.  

Voices of Courage Executive Director Melissa Birdsell says the organization is a child advocacy center working with children who have been through abuse or trauma 

"We work with child abuse victims in a couple of different ways, we provide several services," Birdsell tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "We do the forensic interview, which is the initial step in the investigation of a child abuse case, and then we work with the family regarding advocating for them, finding them resources, helping them in any way that we can." 

Birdsell says the organization does the forensic interview for victims, but makes sure from the beginning the child is only interviewed once 

"When a child goes through some kind of trauma, when you interview them over and over that retraumatizes them every time it can, and the other thing it does is it makes them feel like no one is believing them if they have to keep telling the story over and over again," Birdsell explains.  

"So, our goal is to get one interview, we record that interview, and that's then used in the investigation." 

Birdsell says that process helps make the focus on the child and that they are treated safely.  

The performance, called A Chance to Dance, has been held for 18 years and has raised roughly $140,000 for Voices of Courage. 

Dance Arts Center owner Marla Heeler says the idea for the benefit came from her just wanting to help make a difference 

"I work with kids and have pretty much my entire life as far as being a dance teacher, so it just always hit me really hard when you would hear those stories on the news of things that had happened to kids," Heeler says. 

Heeler started the effort while she lived in Illinois, but when she moved back to St. Joseph brought the idea to Voices of Courage 

"I said I want to put together this benefit dance concert, because that's really all I know how to do is dance, so I said but i think we could raise some money at least and help out," Heeler explains. 

This year's performance will be held on Saturday at Central High School starting at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased at <a href="https://jomotickets.com/events">JoMoTickets.com</a> or at the door.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A benefit performance hosted by the Dance Arts Center will raise money to benefit Voices of Courage. Voices of Courage Executive Director Melissa Birdsell says the organization is a child advocacy center working with children who have been through abuse or trauma "We work with child abuse victims in a couple of different ways, we provide several services," Birdsell tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "We do the forensic interview, which is the initial step in the investigation of a child abuse case, and then we work with the family regarding advocating for them, finding them resources, helping them in any way that we can." Birdsell says the organization does the forensic interview for victims, but makes sure from the beginning the child is only interviewed once "When a child goes through some kind of trauma, when you interview them over and over that retraumatizes them every time it can, and the other thing it does is it makes them feel like no one is believing them if they have to keep telling the story over and over again," Birdsell explains. "So, our goal is to get one interview, we record that interview, and that's then used in the investigation." Birdsell says that process helps make the focus on the child and that they are treated safely. The performance, called A Chance to Dance, has been held for 18 years and has raised roughly $140,000 for Voices of Courage. Dance Arts Center owner Marla Heeler says the idea for the benefit came from her just wanting to help make a difference "I work with kids and have pretty much my entire life as far as being a dance teacher, so it just always hit me really hard when you would hear those stories on the news of things that had happened to kids," Heeler says. Heeler started the effort while she lived in Illinois, but when she moved back to St. Joseph brought the idea to Voices of Courage "I said I want to put together this benefit dance concert, because that's really all I know how to do is dance, so I said but i think we could raise some money at least and help out," Heeler explains. This year's performance will be held on Saturday at Central High School starting at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased at <a href="https://jomotickets.com/events">JoMoTickets.com</a> or at the door.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chance to Dance gives St. Joseph a chance to help kids in trauma

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on

Shortly before midnight on Wednesday, police responded to the 700 block of S Street in Atchison where a utility trailer had just been stolen, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

A witness had reported the&nbsp;description of the trailer and a pick up truck that had hooked up to the trailer and left the scene.&nbsp; 

An officer observed the truck and trailer driving north on 5th Street at Park Street where the officer stopped the vehicle. The subsequent investigation determined the trailer, valued at $3,000, was stolen from the 700 block S Street The two occupants of the truck were taken into custody.

Anthony E. Akins-Bomhoff, 26, Atchison, and Jason L. Brown, 42, Topeka, are being held for the theft of the trailer&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713453734282.png" alt="Photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects onShortly before midnight on Wednesday, police responded to the 700 block of S Street in Atchison where a utility trailer had just been stolen, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713456896797.png" alt="Akins-Bomhoff-Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Akins-Bomhoff-Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>A witness had reported the&nbsp;description of the trailer and a pick up truck that had hooked up to the trailer and left the scene.&nbsp; An officer observed the truck and trailer driving north on 5th Street at Park Street where the officer stopped the vehicle. The subsequent investigation determined the trailer, valued at $3,000, was stolen from the 700 block S Street The two occupants of the truck were taken into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713457171301.png" alt="Brown-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Anthony E. Akins-Bomhoff, 26, Atchison, and Jason L. Brown, 42, Topeka, are being held for the theft of the trailer&nbsp;

2 Kansas men caught with reported stolen trailer

To celebrate St. Joseph becoming a Certified Gigabit City, officials with Metronet have made a $10.000 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank. 

Government Affairs Manager Craig Zimmerman says donating money back to the communities they serve was an effort started by Metronet CEO Dave Heimbach, to show the company’s commitment. 

"So, it's not just so far the $30 million we're putting in the build but we're also donating to local companies, in this case the food bank, and trying to become a better partner with the city, with the companies in the city," Zimmerman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Zimmerman says Metronet typically donates to charities that are near and dear to its CEO 

"It's traditionally been to food banks in the cities that we've done this, and I think that's one of the passions of Mr. Heimbach and now Metronet," Zimmerman says. 

Second Harvest CEO Chad Higdon says, "Metronet's donation will provide nutritious meals and a source of hope to many families in the region. " 

The donation will help provide meals throughout the region to approximately 30,000 families. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713451567424.jpeg" alt="To celebrate St. Joseph being named a Certified Gigabit city, Metronet Goverment Affairs Manager Craig Zimmerman (right) and Executive Vice President of Construction Kyle Hamilton (left) presented Second Harvest Food Bank CEO Chad Higdon (center) with a $10,000 for the food bank/ Photo by Matt PIke" />
 <figcaption>To celebrate St. Joseph being named a Certified Gigabit city, Metronet Goverment Affairs Manager Craig Zimmerman (right) and Executive Vice President of Construction Kyle Hamilton (left) presented Second Harvest Food Bank CEO Chad Higdon (center) with a $10,000 for the food bank/ Photo by Matt PIke</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post To celebrate St. Joseph becoming a Certified Gigabit City, officials with Metronet have made a $10.000 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank. Government Affairs Manager Craig Zimmerman says donating money back to the communities they serve was an effort started by Metronet CEO Dave Heimbach, to show the company’s commitment. "So, it's not just so far the $30 million we're putting in the build but we're also donating to local companies, in this case the food bank, and trying to become a better partner with the city, with the companies in the city," Zimmerman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Zimmerman says Metronet typically donates to charities that are near and dear to its CEO "It's traditionally been to food banks in the cities that we've done this, and I think that's one of the passions of Mr. Heimbach and now Metronet," Zimmerman says. Second Harvest CEO Chad Higdon says, "Metronet's donation will provide nutritious meals and a source of hope to many families in the region. " The donation will help provide meals throughout the region to approximately 30,000 families. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Metronet donates $10,000 to Second Harvest Community Food Bank

A 26-year-old St. Joseph motorcyclist died after crashing into
a car pulling out of the Taco Bell on the North Belt Highway.

St. Joseph police report the fatal crash occurred at 3100 North Belt Highway around 9:30 Wednesday night. According to police, the car
pulled out of Taco Bell onto the Belt and the motorcycle hit the driver’s side
of the vehicle. The motorcyclist, identified as Anthony Baca, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver
of the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

This article has been updated to identify the victim.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 26-year-old St. Joseph motorcyclist died after crashing into
a car pulling out of the Taco Bell on the North Belt Highway.St. Joseph police report the fatal crash occurred at 3100 North Belt Highway around 9:30 Wednesday night. According to police, the car
pulled out of Taco Bell onto the Belt and the motorcycle hit the driver’s side
of the vehicle. The motorcyclist, identified as Anthony Baca, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver
of the vehicle suffered minor injuries.The investigation continues.This article has been updated to identify the victim.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph motorcyclist dies in North Belt crash

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

A bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/parson-seeks-2-2m-to-send-missouri-troopers-soldiers-to-texas-for-border-duty/">dedicating $2.2 million</a>&nbsp;to support deployment of Missouri National Guard soldiers and State Highway Patrol troopers to Texas for border security on Wednesday became the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2016&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">first bill sent this year</a>&nbsp;to Gov. MIke Parson.

In February, Parson announced he would send 200 soldiers and 11 troopers to work with Texas law enforcement at the request of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. He asked for the money to avoid dipping into emergency funds allocated for disasters or other events within the state.

The bill, which passed the House almost six weeks ago, encountered little opposition as it passed 30-2, but it did bring a round of questions from state Sen. Denny Hoskins, a Warrensburg Republican who was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/23/missouri-freedom-caucus-leaders-ousted-from-senate-chairmanships-over-stall-tactics/">stripped of his seat</a>&nbsp;on the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this year.

Hoskins wanted to know the living arrangements for the deployed personnel and what $91,000 set aside for vehicle purchases was buying.

The $91,000 paid for four vans, three trucks and a car for use by the soldiers while in Texas,&nbsp; Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough said. The state general revenue fund is also reimbursing the road fund, which pays most of the costs of the patrol, for the mileage racked up on trooper cars driven to Texas, Hough said.

Hoskins seemed satisfied with the answers. He told Hough he was using floor time to ask questions he would have asked if he was still a member of the appropriations committee.

“I want to make sure we have enough money in here to cover their expenses,” Hoskins said.

The spending bill is to cover the cost of the deployment during the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends June 30. The budget for the coming year, which is awaiting votes in Hough’s committee, includes $8.8 million for a full year of deployment.

Hough said the committee will vote on the budget next week, with Senate floor debate the following week.

Lawmakers have until May 10 to complete work on spending bills.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713437850001.png" alt=" Missouri National Guard soldiers assist in processing migrants who have crossed the Texas border from Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Missouri Governor’s Office)" />
 <figcaption> Missouri National Guard soldiers assist in processing migrants who have crossed the Texas border from Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Missouri Governor’s Office)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/parson-seeks-2-2m-to-send-missouri-troopers-soldiers-to-texas-for-border-duty/">dedicating $2.2 million</a>&nbsp;to support deployment of Missouri National Guard soldiers and State Highway Patrol troopers to Texas for border security on Wednesday became the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2016&amp;year=2024&amp;code=R">first bill sent this year</a>&nbsp;to Gov. MIke Parson.In February, Parson announced he would send 200 soldiers and 11 troopers to work with Texas law enforcement at the request of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. He asked for the money to avoid dipping into emergency funds allocated for disasters or other events within the state.The bill, which passed the House almost six weeks ago, encountered little opposition as it passed 30-2, but it did bring a round of questions from state Sen. Denny Hoskins, a Warrensburg Republican who was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/01/23/missouri-freedom-caucus-leaders-ousted-from-senate-chairmanships-over-stall-tactics/">stripped of his seat</a>&nbsp;on the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this year.Hoskins wanted to know the living arrangements for the deployed personnel and what $91,000 set aside for vehicle purchases was buying.The $91,000 paid for four vans, three trucks and a car for use by the soldiers while in Texas,&nbsp; Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough said. The state general revenue fund is also reimbursing the road fund, which pays most of the costs of the patrol, for the mileage racked up on trooper cars driven to Texas, Hough said.Hoskins seemed satisfied with the answers. He told Hough he was using floor time to ask questions he would have asked if he was still a member of the appropriations committee.“I want to make sure we have enough money in here to cover their expenses,” Hoskins said.The spending bill is to cover the cost of the deployment during the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends June 30. The budget for the coming year, which is awaiting votes in Hough’s committee, includes $8.8 million for a full year of deployment.Hough said the committee will vote on the budget next week, with Senate floor debate the following week.Lawmakers have until May 10 to complete work on spending bills.

Missouri Senate sends bill for Texas border deployment to Gov. Parson

NODAWAY COUNTY&nbsp;— Strong storms spawned two tornadoes in Nodaway County Tuesday morning, according to an investigation by the National Weather Service in Kansas City.

The tornado near Maryville was rated EF-0 with peak winds of 75mph. It was on the ground from 8:50-8:53a.m., had a maximum width of 25 yards and traveled approximately 3.4 miles.

The tornado near Hopkins was rated EF-1 with peak winds of&nbsp; 90mph. It was on the ground from 9:00-9:01 a.m., had a maximum width of 25 yards and traveled just over one half mile. There were no injuries reported from the storm.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713404326203.png" alt="Tornado damage near Maryville-photo National Weather Service Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Tornado damage near Maryville-photo National Weather Service Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>NODAWAY COUNTY&nbsp;— Strong storms spawned two tornadoes in Nodaway County Tuesday morning, according to an investigation by the National Weather Service in Kansas City.The tornado near Maryville was rated EF-0 with peak winds of 75mph. It was on the ground from 8:50-8:53a.m., had a maximum width of 25 yards and traveled approximately 3.4 miles.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713404299504.png" alt="-Tornado damage near Hopkins-photo National Weather Service Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>-Tornado damage near Hopkins-photo National Weather Service Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>The tornado near Hopkins was rated EF-1 with peak winds of&nbsp; 90mph. It was on the ground from 9:00-9:01 a.m., had a maximum width of 25 yards and traveled just over one half mile. There were no injuries reported from the storm.&nbsp;

NWS confirms 2 tornadoes in Nodaway County

PLATTE COUNTY —Three adult gobblers were recently found shot and dumped in a dried lake bed in Platte County, according to a report from the Missouri Department of Conservation. No meat was taken, but beards, tail fans, and leg spurs were removed.

"This is an egregious example of wanton waste." If you have information that could help the investigation, call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-392-1111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713289239558.jpeg" alt="Photos Missouri Department of Conservation" />
 <figcaption>Photos Missouri Department of Conservation</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —Three adult gobblers were recently found shot and dumped in a dried lake bed in Platte County, according to a report from the Missouri Department of Conservation. No meat was taken, but beards, tail fans, and leg spurs were removed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713289141094.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"This is an egregious example of wanton waste." If you have information that could help the investigation, call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-392-1111.

3 gobblers found shot and dumped in Platte County

HOLT COUNTY —A St. Joseph woman was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 GMC FedEx Truck driven by Luz M. Silva, 29, St. Joseph, was northbound on Maywood Road at MO 111 one and one half miles north of Forest City.

The vehicle crossed the center of the road into the path of a southbound 2015 GMC Sierra driven by Ethan W. Woolsey, 33, Forest City.

The pickup attempted&nbsp; to avoid a collision. It traveled off the north side of Maywood Road. The front of the FedEx Truck struck the left front of hte pickup and then struck the towed unit of the pickup.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Silva to Mosaic in St. Joseph.&nbsp; Woolsey was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HOLT COUNTY —A St. Joseph woman was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Wednesday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 GMC FedEx Truck driven by Luz M. Silva, 29, St. Joseph, was northbound on Maywood Road at MO 111 one and one half miles north of Forest City.The vehicle crossed the center of the road into the path of a southbound 2015 GMC Sierra driven by Ethan W. Woolsey, 33, Forest City.The pickup attempted&nbsp; to avoid a collision. It traveled off the north side of Maywood Road. The front of the FedEx Truck struck the left front of hte pickup and then struck the towed unit of the pickup.Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Silva to Mosaic in St. Joseph.&nbsp; Woolsey was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph woman injured after Fedex Truck, pickup crash

St. Joseph Christian School unveiled a significant expansion project this past fall - a project meant to increase classroom and activity space as enrollment at the school continues to grow.

The school has secured the $9.3 million necessary to start and carry out this project.&nbsp;The Herzog Foundation donated 25% of the total needed, equating to over $2.3 million.

Glory Fagan, director of development at St. Joseph Christian, says there's still a bit more money to raise.

"We have secured the original goal in terms of our fundraising," Fagan told KFEQ Radio. "We have a little bit more to raise, because the plans have changed slightly, but we are ready to break ground and move forward."

One of the changes to the original project is the addition of an elevator. The project is called the Nehemiah Project, or Nehemiah 2.0 -&nbsp;named after a book in the Bible that chronicles the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

It includes a new gymnasium, five new classrooms, new locker rooms and an expanded playground area. The playground portion has been completed and opened.

The new gym will seat up to 1,100 people. It'll have two, full-size basketball courts, a mezzanine with a walking track, two locker rooms and a large commons area.

Fagan says the project will allow for a higher number of students from Pre-K through 12th grade, as enrollment at the school continues to grow.

"We're at about 517 students enrolled now," she said. "This will allow us to increase our capacity to around 700 students."

Nehemiah 2.0 is expected to be completed by the start of the 2025-26 school year.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713387435708.jpeg" alt="Glory Fagan points out the different portions of the Nehemiah Building Project at St. Joseph Christian. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Glory Fagan points out the different portions of the Nehemiah Building Project at St. Joseph Christian. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Christian School unveiled a significant expansion project this past fall - a project meant to increase classroom and activity space as enrollment at the school continues to grow.The school has secured the $9.3 million necessary to start and carry out this project.&nbsp;The Herzog Foundation donated 25% of the total needed, equating to over $2.3 million.Glory Fagan, director of development at St. Joseph Christian, says there's still a bit more money to raise."We have secured the original goal in terms of our fundraising," Fagan told KFEQ Radio. "We have a little bit more to raise, because the plans have changed slightly, but we are ready to break ground and move forward."One of the changes to the original project is the addition of an elevator. The project is called the Nehemiah Project, or Nehemiah 2.0 -&nbsp;named after a book in the Bible that chronicles the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.It includes a new gymnasium, five new classrooms, new locker rooms and an expanded playground area. The playground portion has been completed and opened.The new gym will seat up to 1,100 people. It'll have two, full-size basketball courts, a mezzanine with a walking track, two locker rooms and a large commons area.Fagan says the project will allow for a higher number of students from Pre-K through 12th grade, as enrollment at the school continues to grow."We're at about 517 students enrolled now," she said. "This will allow us to increase our capacity to around 700 students."Nehemiah 2.0 is expected to be completed by the start of the 2025-26 school year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713387904842.jpeg" alt="A blueprint of the new 1,100 seat gym that's set to be complete in the next 18-24 months at St. Joseph Christian." />
 <figcaption>A blueprint of the new 1,100 seat gym that's set to be complete in the next 18-24 months at St. Joseph Christian.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713387958527.jpeg" alt="A view from above at the Nehemiah Project at St. Joseph Christian. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>A view from above at the Nehemiah Project at St. Joseph Christian. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Christian secures needed funding to begin Nehemiah project

A two-day event across all three Mosaic Life Care locations is encouraging women 40 and older to get their mammograms if they haven't yet this year.  

Mosaic Nurse Navigator Stephanie Wegenka says the procedure is important because mammograms and early detection saves lives 

"So, the sooner and smaller that we can find a breast cancer, the better the outcome is for the patient," Wegenka tells reporters. 

The event will be held Friday and Saturday at all three locations in St. Joseph, Maryville, and Albany.   

Wegenka says it's important to get a mammogram once a year 

"Also just to do monthly self-breast exams, like I said the smaller and the sooner that we can find breast cancer the better the outcome is for the patient," Wegenka says. 

Wegenka says people that come to the event should expect a fairly quick and easy procedure 

"Patients will come through the front door Plaza One, they will check in at the front desk and then we'll get them over to the mammogram department, the mammogram girls will get them checked in," Wegenka explains. "They will come back out the main entrance again and there will be some education that's set up." 

The event will be held on Friday from 4 to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 8pm in St. Joseph.  In Maryville and Albany, it will be held Friday from 5am to 9am and Saturday from 8am to noon. 

Appointments are required and can be made by contacting Mosaic Life Care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713369949841.jpeg" alt="Mosaic Life Care Nurse Navigator Stephanie Wegenka speaks to reporters ahead of the two day Mammothon being hosted by all three Mosaic Life Care providers in St. Joseph, Maryville, and Albany/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Mosaic Life Care Nurse Navigator Stephanie Wegenka speaks to reporters ahead of the two day Mammothon being hosted by all three Mosaic Life Care providers in St. Joseph, Maryville, and Albany/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A two-day event across all three Mosaic Life Care locations is encouraging women 40 and older to get their mammograms if they haven't yet this year. Mosaic Nurse Navigator Stephanie Wegenka says the procedure is important because mammograms and early detection saves lives "So, the sooner and smaller that we can find a breast cancer, the better the outcome is for the patient," Wegenka tells reporters. The event will be held Friday and Saturday at all three locations in St. Joseph, Maryville, and Albany. Wegenka says it's important to get a mammogram once a year "Also just to do monthly self-breast exams, like I said the smaller and the sooner that we can find breast cancer the better the outcome is for the patient," Wegenka says. Wegenka says people that come to the event should expect a fairly quick and easy procedure "Patients will come through the front door Plaza One, they will check in at the front desk and then we'll get them over to the mammogram department, the mammogram girls will get them checked in," Wegenka explains. "They will come back out the main entrance again and there will be some education that's set up." The event will be held on Friday from 4 to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 8pm in St. Joseph. In Maryville and Albany, it will be held Friday from 5am to 9am and Saturday from 8am to noon. Appointments are required and can be made by contacting Mosaic Life Care.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mosaic Life Care urging people to get mammograms during weekend event

A juvenile suffered minor injuries in a hit and run accident Wednesday night in south St. Joseph.

St. Joseph police say a vehicle struck a young man the
intersection of Mason and South 9th Streets around eight o’clock
last night. The driver fled the scene, but later called police and turned
himself in. The 40-year-old man has been taken into custody as the
investigation continues.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA juvenile suffered minor injuries in a hit and run accident Wednesday night in south St. Joseph.St. Joseph police say a vehicle struck a young man the
intersection of Mason and South 9th Streets around eight o’clock
last night. The driver fled the scene, but later called police and turned
himself in. The 40-year-old man has been taken into custody as the
investigation continues.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Juveniles suffers minor injury in south St. Joseph hit and run

OSAGE COUNTY —&nbsp;Strong storms caused damage and spawned tornadoes in Kansas and Missouri on Tuesday and left two injured.

Just before 6a.m., an EF1 tornado touched down in central Osage county, Kansas, with 110 mph winds, according to preliminary report from the National Weather Service in Topeka. 

The tornado was on the ground for six minutes. It had a maximum width of 100 yards and covered three and one half miles. It caused mainly&nbsp;tree damage but investigators also found a home was shifted on its foundation.

A 6:07 a.m., the National Weather Service reported an EF1 tornado touched down Southwest of Overbrook, Kansas, and was on the ground in southeast Osage and northern Shawnee County for 10 miles hitting the community of Richmond.

This tornado had winds of 100 mph, was 75 yards wide, damaged several structures and&nbsp;Two people were injured when their RV flipped over during the tornado. Buildings and trees also were damaged in the neighboring town of Overbrook.

In Missouri, Chicago-bound American Eagle Flight 3661 returned to Kansas City International Airport just before 6 a.m., soon after it took off, due to a possible lightning strike, American Airlines spokesperson Gianna Urgo said in an email. Maintenance workers were inspecting the aircraft to see if it was damaged. Passengers were later put on other flights, Urgo said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713299093923.png" alt="-Damage in Central Osage County-photo NWS Topeka" />
 <figcaption>-Damage in Central Osage County-photo NWS Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —&nbsp;Strong storms caused damage and spawned tornadoes in Kansas and Missouri on Tuesday and left two injured.Just before 6a.m., an EF1 tornado touched down in central Osage county, Kansas, with 110 mph winds, according to preliminary report from the National Weather Service in Topeka. The tornado was on the ground for six minutes. It had a maximum width of 100 yards and covered three and one half miles. It caused mainly&nbsp;tree damage but investigators also found a home was shifted on its foundation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713299054040.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A 6:07 a.m., the National Weather Service reported an EF1 tornado touched down Southwest of Overbrook, Kansas, and was on the ground in southeast Osage and northern Shawnee County for 10 miles hitting the community of Richmond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713299023101.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This tornado had winds of 100 mph, was 75 yards wide, damaged several structures and&nbsp;Two people were injured when their RV flipped over during the tornado. Buildings and trees also were damaged in the neighboring town of Overbrook.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713316158403.png" alt="One family was seriously impacted Tuesday by what has now been confirmed to be an EF-1 tornado at Smithville Lake near Kansas City. A mom, dad and 11-year-old boy, as well as their dog and cat, lived in this camper full-time., according to the Clay County Sheriff." />
 <figcaption>One family was seriously impacted Tuesday by what has now been confirmed to be an EF-1 tornado at Smithville Lake near Kansas City. A mom, dad and 11-year-old boy, as well as their dog and cat, lived in this camper full-time., according to the Clay County Sheriff.</figcaption>
 </figure>In Missouri, Chicago-bound American Eagle Flight 3661 returned to Kansas City International Airport just before 6 a.m., soon after it took off, due to a possible lightning strike, American Airlines spokesperson Gianna Urgo said in an email. Maintenance workers were inspecting the aircraft to see if it was damaged. Passengers were later put on other flights, Urgo said.

Tornadoes in Kansas and Missouri had winds of over 100mph

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/mollymiller/">MOLLY MILLER</a>

Despite growing tensions between elected officials nationwide and the media, Missouri lawmakers are looking to educate students on media and digital literacy through a new pilot program.

Bills in the House and Senate contain provisions to help elementary and secondary students navigate an online world. The bills contain identical language that originated from a model bill written by the advocacy group, Media Literacy Now. Media Literacy Now aims to educate students through the public school system on key media literacy competencies.

Julie Smith, a state advocacy leader for Media Literacy Now and a professor of communications at Webster University, originally brought the model bill to state Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St.Louis, ahead of the 2020 legislative session.

Murphy, the House bill’s sponsor, has introduced varying iterations of the original model bill in the years since then.

“Who’s the sender of the message? What’s their motive or intent? How is the message designed to get my attention? What information is left out? Who benefits from this?,” said Smith. “It’s as simple as asking those five questions about every message.”

The Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Act includes provisions for:

If passed by the legislature, a pilot program will begin during the 2025-2026 school year and last through the summer of 2027.

The legislators tasked the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education establishing the pilot program. During this process, the department will select five to seven school districts across the state to formulate a program that covers the above criteria.

Upon the conclusion of the pilot program, the department will analyze reports from participating schools and develop guidelines and sample materials regarding media literacy.

The Senate bill’s sponsor, Sen. Curtis Trent, a Springfield Republican, spoke Tuesday to the committee he chairs, the Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children, about his concerns with children’s access to media.

“It’s also a … national security issue because not only do our students have access to a wide variety of information that originates in this country,” said Trent, “but they also have access to a wide variety of information that originates in other countries.”

Trent expressed a desire to educate students on how to identify fake or misleading information as he acknowledges that they have access to an endless supply of content when using digital platforms.

Illinois recently passed legislation addressing media literacy education in public high schools across the state. Over the last two years, Illinois high school students have learned skills and resources on accessing, analyzing, creating and consuming media in multiple forms including social media.

Kathy Kiely, a professor at the Missouri School of Journalism and the Lee Hills Chair in Free Press Studies , underscored the importance of social media’s role in a changing media landscape. According to Kiely, the threat of libel lawsuits against journalists and news organizations provides a measure of accountability for mainstream, traditional news sources.

In the modern digital age, “internet service providers have an exemption from libel,” said Kiely, “and that means we have no kind of incentive to police that environment.”

Gentry Middle School in Columbia piloted a media education curriculum last school year that has now expanded to all middle schools in the district. The curriculum was made in collaboration with IREX, a global development and education non-profit organization.

According to a handout about the district’s My Mind &gt; My Media program, middle school students in sixth through eighth grades learn about topics like “How the News Works”; “The Power of Words”; and “Stats and Science in the Media.”

“(The program) is taking the approach that media is a part of our lives,” said Kerry Townsend, the Library Media Coordinator for Columbia Public Schools.

“We all need to find the balance that is the most comfortable to us based on our individual needs so it helps students be reflective about their media use and how its connected to their emotions.”

The My Mind &gt; My Media integration varies by school. A common theme among supporters of media literacy education is the hesitancy to over mandate teachers. With the CPS program, the school decides how to apply the program within existing curriculum being taught already.

“Media literacy is completely cross-curricular so no matter what you’re already teaching, you can easily add media literacy activities,” said Smith, who highlighted her understanding of teacher’s frustrations with mandate curriculums as a former K-12 teacher herself.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/media-literacy-legislation-gets-hearing-in-legislature/article_d2a71134-f82a-11ee-8202-07ada5af659e.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691010599049.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/mollymiller/">MOLLY MILLER</a>Despite growing tensions between elected officials nationwide and the media, Missouri lawmakers are looking to educate students on media and digital literacy through a new pilot program.Bills in the House and Senate contain provisions to help elementary and secondary students navigate an online world. The bills contain identical language that originated from a model bill written by the advocacy group, Media Literacy Now. Media Literacy Now aims to educate students through the public school system on key media literacy competencies.Julie Smith, a state advocacy leader for Media Literacy Now and a professor of communications at Webster University, originally brought the model bill to state Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St.Louis, ahead of the 2020 legislative session.Murphy, the House bill’s sponsor, has introduced varying iterations of the original model bill in the years since then.“Who’s the sender of the message? What’s their motive or intent? How is the message designed to get my attention? What information is left out? Who benefits from this?,” said Smith. “It’s as simple as asking those five questions about every message.”The Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Act includes provisions for:<ul>
 <li>Analyzing news content to determine fact from opinion or propaganda.</li><li>Understanding how to find and interpret visual images such as photographs, videos, maps and graphs.</li><li>The effects of media, including social media, on behaviors and emotions.</li><li>Learning about online norms and ethics to reduce cyberbullying.</li><li>How algorithms and economic influences can affect media content.</li>
 </ul>If passed by the legislature, a pilot program will begin during the 2025-2026 school year and last through the summer of 2027.The legislators tasked the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education establishing the pilot program. During this process, the department will select five to seven school districts across the state to formulate a program that covers the above criteria.Upon the conclusion of the pilot program, the department will analyze reports from participating schools and develop guidelines and sample materials regarding media literacy.The Senate bill’s sponsor, Sen. Curtis Trent, a Springfield Republican, spoke Tuesday to the committee he chairs, the Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children, about his concerns with children’s access to media.“It’s also a … national security issue because not only do our students have access to a wide variety of information that originates in this country,” said Trent, “but they also have access to a wide variety of information that originates in other countries.”Trent expressed a desire to educate students on how to identify fake or misleading information as he acknowledges that they have access to an endless supply of content when using digital platforms.Illinois recently passed legislation addressing media literacy education in public high schools across the state. Over the last two years, Illinois high school students have learned skills and resources on accessing, analyzing, creating and consuming media in multiple forms including social media.Kathy Kiely, a professor at the Missouri School of Journalism and the Lee Hills Chair in Free Press Studies , underscored the importance of social media’s role in a changing media landscape. According to Kiely, the threat of libel lawsuits against journalists and news organizations provides a measure of accountability for mainstream, traditional news sources.In the modern digital age, “internet service providers have an exemption from libel,” said Kiely, “and that means we have no kind of incentive to police that environment.”Gentry Middle School in Columbia piloted a media education curriculum last school year that has now expanded to all middle schools in the district. The curriculum was made in collaboration with IREX, a global development and education non-profit organization.According to a handout about the district’s My Mind &gt; My Media program, middle school students in sixth through eighth grades learn about topics like “How the News Works”; “The Power of Words”; and “Stats and Science in the Media.”“(The program) is taking the approach that media is a part of our lives,” said Kerry Townsend, the Library Media Coordinator for Columbia Public Schools.“We all need to find the balance that is the most comfortable to us based on our individual needs so it helps students be reflective about their media use and how its connected to their emotions.”The My Mind &gt; My Media integration varies by school. A common theme among supporters of media literacy education is the hesitancy to over mandate teachers. With the CPS program, the school decides how to apply the program within existing curriculum being taught already.“Media literacy is completely cross-curricular so no matter what you’re already teaching, you can easily add media literacy activities,” said Smith, who highlighted her understanding of teacher’s frustrations with mandate curriculums as a former K-12 teacher herself.This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/media-literacy-legislation-gets-hearing-in-legislature/article_d2a71134-f82a-11ee-8202-07ada5af659e.html#tncms-source=Top%20Story">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Media literacy bill gets hearing in Missouri legislature

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in northeast Kansas are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.

Just before 10p.m. Monday, police booked 29-year-old&nbsp; Stephen J. Cushing, Jr., of Raytown, Missouri into the Atchison County Jail, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Cushing is being held after an arrest in the 1400 block South U.S. 73 Highway on requested charges of battery and interference with law enforcement.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713301518288.png" alt="Cushing-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Cushing-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in northeast Kansas are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.Just before 10p.m. Monday, police booked 29-year-old&nbsp; Stephen J. Cushing, Jr., of Raytown, Missouri into the Atchison County Jail, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Cushing is being held after an arrest in the 1400 block South U.S. 73 Highway on requested charges of battery and interference with law enforcement.&nbsp;

Mo. man accused of battery, interference with law enforcement

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri ethics panel is at an impasse over reported misconduct by the powerful state House speaker, who allegedly used his office to stymie an investigation into his actions.

A draft of the Ethics Committee report recommended that the House formally denounce actions taken by Republican Speaker Dean Plocher that “substantially impair public confidence in the General Assembly.”

Committee members voted 6-2 against the report but made it publicly available Monday. Another Ethics Committee hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Plocher did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press on Tuesday.

At issue are complaints that Plocher last year tried to use his influence as speaker to get the House to contract with a company for a new constituent services program called Fireside.

Fireside’s parent company, FiscalNote, had hired Bardgett and Associates lobbyists in an attempt to win a $776,000 two-year contract with the House, independent investigator Beth Boggs wrote in a March 1 report. Plocher worked as a lawyer at the Blitz, Bardgett and Deutsch law firm.

Plocher also faces allegations that he improperly requested taxpayer dollars to pay for a business-class ticket on a flight to Hawaii and expenses for several other work trips dating back to 2018.

Plocher admitted he accepted reimbursements for the travel expenses both from the state and from his political campaign, which is against Missouri law. He has since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-house-speaker-expenses-c51041fdd08dac72b944d5f245dda519">repaid the state</a>&nbsp;about $4,000.

The Ethics Committee struggled to investigate claims about Plocher's dealings with Fireside.

Boggs in a March 1 letter to the committee said she hit a roadblock because witnesses, including Plocher, refused to speak to her.

“The level of fear expressed by a number of the potential witnesses is a daunting factor in completing this investigation,” Boggs wrote.

When the Ethics Committee sought approval from the speaker, Plocher, to force witnesses to testify through subpoenas, he refused, according to the report.

The draft report alleges that Plocher, as the speaker, has blocked payment of the independent investigator hired by the House to investigate him. In total, the investigation cost about $17,000 to complete.

Contractors have not been paid, according to the draft report, because the speaker's approval is necessary.

Missouri lawmakers have about a month left of the 2024 legislative session.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697056839654.png" alt=" Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri ethics panel is at an impasse over reported misconduct by the powerful state House speaker, who allegedly used his office to stymie an investigation into his actions.A draft of the Ethics Committee report recommended that the House formally denounce actions taken by Republican Speaker Dean Plocher that “substantially impair public confidence in the General Assembly.”Committee members voted 6-2 against the report but made it publicly available Monday. Another Ethics Committee hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.Plocher did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press on Tuesday.At issue are complaints that Plocher last year tried to use his influence as speaker to get the House to contract with a company for a new constituent services program called Fireside.Fireside’s parent company, FiscalNote, had hired Bardgett and Associates lobbyists in an attempt to win a $776,000 two-year contract with the House, independent investigator Beth Boggs wrote in a March 1 report. Plocher worked as a lawyer at the Blitz, Bardgett and Deutsch law firm.Plocher also faces allegations that he improperly requested taxpayer dollars to pay for a business-class ticket on a flight to Hawaii and expenses for several other work trips dating back to 2018.Plocher admitted he accepted reimbursements for the travel expenses both from the state and from his political campaign, which is against Missouri law. He has since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-house-speaker-expenses-c51041fdd08dac72b944d5f245dda519">repaid the state</a>&nbsp;about $4,000.The Ethics Committee struggled to investigate claims about Plocher's dealings with Fireside.Boggs in a March 1 letter to the committee said she hit a roadblock because witnesses, including Plocher, refused to speak to her.“The level of fear expressed by a number of the potential witnesses is a daunting factor in completing this investigation,” Boggs wrote.When the Ethics Committee sought approval from the speaker, Plocher, to force witnesses to testify through subpoenas, he refused, according to the report.The draft report alleges that Plocher, as the speaker, has blocked payment of the independent investigator hired by the House to investigate him. In total, the investigation cost about $17,000 to complete.Contractors have not been paid, according to the draft report, because the speaker's approval is necessary.Missouri lawmakers have about a month left of the 2024 legislative session.

Draft report: Mo's House speaker stymied ethics investigation into his spending

St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale this morning gave a bird’s eye
view of the progress he says the city council and city staff have made over the
past year.

Josendale gave his State of the City addressed, delivered via
a video, to a packed crowd at a St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce event held at
the Stoney Creek Inn.

Afterward, in an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, Josendale
says the city council has worked hard on the sustainability of its projects.

“It’s not just build a building, but how are you going to
maintain that building or how are you going to position ourselves for success in
the future?”

Josendale touts partnerships as a means to growth in St.
Joseph, from working with Missouri Western State University to help it and North
Central Missouri College to build the $12 million Convergent Alliance
Technology Center to improvements at Rosecrans Memorial Airport for the benefit
of the Air National Guard’s 139th Airlift Group.

Much work has been completed on the parks system, according to
Josendale, pointing to new bridges and bike trailways.

Josendale says the last city council election illustrated the
need for the change, because voters elected seven new council members, who had
to face big financial decisions immediately with little context.

“When you’re elected in April, you have to immediately jump
into the budget. The budget’s due in June. So, you’re getting all kinds of stuff
thrown at you,” Josendale says. “By staggering it, you don’t have all of us coming
new at the same time.”

Josendale says the city has been tackling two issues citizens
repeatedly list as top priorities in surveys:&nbsp;
crime and cleanliness.

Josendale has given his State of the City address, via video,
at a breakfast meeting of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.

Josendale says the city has made progress on crime. The mayor
credits the work of new St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster and the department
on a drop in violent crime.

Josendale also acknowledges residents want to see an
improvement in the look of the city, which he says the city council, along with
city staff, has been working on.

“If you drive down Frederick (Avenue) now, you can start to
see some of the difference,” Josendale says. “We want to see that same thing
happen with, like, St. Joe Avenue, some of the downtown area, and then down 6th
Street and King Hill.”

Josendale notes federal COVID relief money has dried up, so
the city has to make sure it can finance sustainable growth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713293291414.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale speaks to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Coffee, delivering the State of the City address/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale speaks to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Coffee, delivering the State of the City address/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Mayor John Josendale this morning gave a bird’s eye
view of the progress he says the city council and city staff have made over the
past year.Josendale gave his State of the City addressed, delivered via
a video, to a packed crowd at a St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce event held at
the Stoney Creek Inn.Afterward, in an interview with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, Josendale
says the city council has worked hard on the sustainability of its projects.“It’s not just build a building, but how are you going to
maintain that building or how are you going to position ourselves for success in
the future?”Josendale touts partnerships as a means to growth in St.
Joseph, from working with Missouri Western State University to help it and North
Central Missouri College to build the $12 million Convergent Alliance
Technology Center to improvements at Rosecrans Memorial Airport for the benefit
of the Air National Guard’s 139th Airlift Group.Much work has been completed on the parks system, according to
Josendale, pointing to new bridges and bike trailways.Josendale says the last city council election illustrated the
need for the change, because voters elected seven new council members, who had
to face big financial decisions immediately with little context.“When you’re elected in April, you have to immediately jump
into the budget. The budget’s due in June. So, you’re getting all kinds of stuff
thrown at you,” Josendale says. “By staggering it, you don’t have all of us coming
new at the same time.”Josendale says the city has been tackling two issues citizens
repeatedly list as top priorities in surveys:&nbsp;
crime and cleanliness.Josendale has given his State of the City address, via video,
at a breakfast meeting of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.Josendale says the city has made progress on crime. The mayor
credits the work of new St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster and the department
on a drop in violent crime.Josendale also acknowledges residents want to see an
improvement in the look of the city, which he says the city council, along with
city staff, has been working on.“If you drive down Frederick (Avenue) now, you can start to
see some of the difference,” Josendale says. “We want to see that same thing
happen with, like, St. Joe Avenue, some of the downtown area, and then down 6th
Street and King Hill.”Josendale notes federal COVID relief money has dried up, so
the city has to make sure it can finance sustainable growth.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Mayor-Josendale-and-the-state-of-St--Joseph-e2ig0ni" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mayor Josendale says St. Joseph progress must be sustainable

St. Joseph Fire Department officials have canceled open burning today (TUE) due to high winds.

St. Joseph Fire Department officials have canceled open burning today (TUE) due to high winds.

Open burning in St. Joseph canceled today

A group is demanding an investigation of facilities accused of abuse, like Agape School in Stockton, Circle of Hope Ranch in Humansville and Kanakuk Kamps in Branson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713271102929.png" alt="Advocates for protections for survivors of childhood sexual abuse speak in front of the Missouri Supreme Court building prior to delivering a letter to the Missouri Attorney General (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Advocates for protections for survivors of childhood sexual abuse speak in front of the Missouri Supreme Court building prior to delivering a letter to the Missouri Attorney General (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A group is demanding an investigation of facilities accused of abuse, like Agape School in Stockton, Circle of Hope Ranch in Humansville and Kanakuk Kamps in Branson</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">ANNELISE HANSHAW</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A group including survivors of childhood sexual abuse is hoping Missouri lawmakers will change state law to give victims more time to sue their assailants and that the attorney general will provide more oversight of boarding schools and camps.Douglas Lay, assistant director of Missouri Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, told reporters Monday afternoon that he was abused at school as a child and didn’t tell his story for 40 years.“The trauma is sufficient enough to stay silent,” he said alongside survivors and advocates outside the Missouri Supreme Court building.Monday, he testified in a Missouri Senate committee in favor of extending the statute of limitations to give survivors more time to share. In town for the committee hearing, the group also delivered a letter to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey demanding he begin investigating camps and boarding schools that have been accused of abuse.The committee held a hearing Monday on a bill that would place&nbsp; a constitutional amendment on the statewide ballot to make the time limits for filing a civil action the same as it is for criminal prosecutions.Currently, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil suit against perpetrators until they reach the age of 31 and against other defendants until the age of 26. There is no statute of limitations for criminal cases of rape.A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/14/kanakuk-abuse-survivors-urge-missouri-lawmakers-to-extend-statute-of-limitations/">similar bill last year</a>&nbsp;sought to allow survivors to file a claim until they reach 55 years old.&nbsp;Versions of the bill have yet to clear a committee in either the House or Senate, and with the legislative session ending May 17, their odds of passing are slim.Kathryn Robb, executive director of nonprofit child-protection advocacy group CHILD USAdvocacy, said the statute of limitations is “arbitrary.”“When the perpetrators silence the victims, they should not benefit from the statute of limitations that cuts (lawsuits) off,” she said. “It is just bad policy.”Richard AuBuchon, executive director of the Missouri Civil Justice Reform, testified to the Senate&nbsp; committee he believes there should be “finality” to cases.“There should be fair process, like we do in Missouri, where the statute of limitations creates a constitutional right that the case is final,” he said.Ken Chackes, a St. Louis-based attorney, told reporters he has represented 300 or more survivors of childhood sexual abuse.“Many survivors told me I was the first person they ever told,” he said.Some have waited years to share their stories, Chackes said, because they wanted to shield loved ones from pain.“They don’t want to put their parents through the devastating impact of learning that their child… was abused and suffered this trauma,” he said.He believes allowing them to bring civil proceedings will allow more people to share their experiences, and in turn, expose abuse.Lay and other advocates also delivered a letter to Bailey Monday asking for an investigation of facilities like Agape School in Stockton, Circle of Hope Ranch in Humansville and Kanakuk Kamps in Branson.<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/06/missouri-substantiated-10-claims-of-physical-abuse-at-agape-in-last-four-months/">Agape has been accused of</a>&nbsp;physical and sexual abuse, including restraint and starvation.The daughter of the owners of Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch came forward in 2021 with stories of abuse. The facility is now shuttered, and the owners face 100 felony counts under prosecution by the Attorney General’s Office.Former&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/22/former-camper-suing-missouri-based-kanakuk-kamps-claiming-fraudulent-abuse-settlement/">campers have alleged sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;by a Kanakuk Kamps staffer and concealment of the abuse.The letter submitted to Bailey reads: “Ample evidence already exists in the public record that these institutions lack oversight and sometimes attract predators who hurt kids.”Advocates said oversight of facilities with known abuse will lead to widespread change in the child-boarding industry.“Institutions don’t change unless there’s a threat of liability,” Robb said. “Just look at the history of time. They don’t change unless they can be sued.”Bailey, in a statement to The Independent, said he will always “fight for Missouri to be the safest state in the nation for children.”In 2021, former Missouri Attorney General Eric&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/24/missouri-ag-wants-off-agape-abuse-case-says-prosecutor-doesnt-intend-to-seek-justice/">Schmitt bemoaned local authorities for holding up the closure of Agape Boarding School</a>&nbsp;after years of abuse allegations.Agape announced its closure in January of 2023,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/11/agape-boarding-school-will-close-its-doors-this-month-after-years-of-abuse-allegation/">blaming financial strains</a>. In late 2022, a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/21/judge-grants-injunction-keeping-longtime-agape-director-off-missouri-child-abuse-registry/">Cole County judge ruled</a>&nbsp;that the school’s director was allowed to remain off Missouri’s child-abuse registry.

Local