The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison has again been ranked one of the best history museums by USA Today readers.   

The museum dropped a spot from where it had been ranked before, from number four, down to number five, with the National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia taking its spot just above it at four. 

Executive Director Mindi Love Pendergraft isn't hurt by dropping a spot on the list, and says it's great for the state of Kansas 

"Our tourism department, Kansas tourism, has done a fabulous job the last several years of promoting Kansas and getting the word out about all the wonderful things and places there are to visit here, so I think it’s a testament to their work,” Pendergraft tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “And I hope it brings more people from outside of Kansas to visit our state, so I think it’s great.” 

Pendergraft says still being in the top five on the list is a big deal because of some of the museums it is going up against 

“Many of them are national museums and tell national stories, so to be included on this list and to rank so high is really phenomenal,” Pendergraft explains.  “So, we’re pleased with it, I’m sure the Orphan Train is too, the Oz Museum in Wamego was also on the list this year.” 

The Oz Museum was ranked number six among the best pop culture museums.   

 Pendergraft says for the museum being on the list is a great honor, but also presents a great opportunity to get its name out to the nation 

"For us it’s just a huge testament to the quality of the museum, to the quality of the opportunities here in Kanas to learn and go to museums and outdoor parks and all of that,” Pendergraft says.  “So, for us as a museum it’s great and critically important to drive more visitors to our site.”  

And for the city of Atchison, Pendergraft says it's a great honor as well, because of the love the city has for Amelia Earhart 

"It’s her birthplace, it’s the place she called home, and so I think for everyone here in Atchison it’s a great honor to have recognition,” Pendergraft says.  “It brings a lot of tourism to our city, so certainly that helps with all the businesses, it helps with hotels, it helps with restaurants, it helps with gas stations, and our shops downtown.” 

In its first year being nominated, the museum was number four on the list of best new museums.  The hangar museum has had visitors from all 50 states, and several different countries throughout its time being open. 

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

Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum ranked fifth best history Museum by USA Today readers

United Way Success By 6 is inviting area parents, grandparents, primary caregivers, and child care professionals to participate in a series of free monthly information sessions. 

United Way of Greater St. Joseph says these gatherings are designed to provide valuable insights into childhood development and effective caregiving strategies. The upcoming session is scheduled for March 16 from 6:00 -&nbsp; 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the Wyatt Park Christian Church Fellowship Hall, located at 2623 Mitchell Avenue. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual participation option is also available.

The focus of the March presentation centers on the principles of Conscious Discipline, specifically exploring how to transition from a mindset of surviving to one of thriving. The curriculum will highlight how to utilize the power of free will to set healthy limits and encourage better compliance in children. Participants can expect to walk away with practical strategies aimed at fostering personal responsibility and self-control within the children they care for. Those interested in planning ahead should also note that future sessions are already slated for April 20 and May 11.

This series offers a specific benefit for child care professionals attending the physical sessions, as they are eligible to receive 1.5 Missouri Clock Hours Child Care Licensing credit for each meeting they complete. To secure a spot, interested individuals can register <a href="https://www.stjosephunitedway.org/success-6-parentsprimary-caregivers">here</a>.

For additional questions regarding the program, call 816-364-2381. Further educational resources regarding the Conscious Discipline methodology can also be found at consciousdiscipline.com.

United Way Success By 6 functions as a collaborative community movement. It brings together a diverse group of partners, including representatives from business, government, labor, education, and child care, alongside parents. The collective goal of this partnership is to ensure that every child in the community is well-prepared and equipped to become a successful learner by the time they start kindergarten.

United Way Success By 6 to host free Conscious Discipline Workshop in St. Joseph

Kansas Department of Transportation

The Kansas Department of Transportation has officially released the 2026 - 2028 Official State Bicycle Map. 

This updated resource is designed to assist both local commuters and long-distance cyclists in navigating the state’s terrain safely, whether they are planning a brief neighborhood ride or an ambitious cross-state trek.

The new edition places a special emphasis on the U.S. Bicycle Route System and various Rail-Trails. According to KDOT Active Transportation Manager Jenny Kramer, these inclusions are intended to highlight the historic and unique landmarks found throughout Kansas. By showcasing these specific paths, KDOT hopes to encourage residents and visitors to explore the state’s diverse scenery while maintaining an active lifestyle.

To enhance rider safety, the map utilizes a color-coded system for state highways and county roads. This allows cyclists to easily identify traffic volumes and road conditions at a glance. Notable features include:

The publication also introduces Kansas Trails Inc., a new organization dedicated to making state trails more accessible and sustainable. The map provides contact details for the group, which focuses on providing the community connections and resources necessary to maintain the state’s trail infrastructure for all users.

Cyclists can obtain the 2026-2028 map and supplemental safety flyers free of charge. Materials are available for order through the KDOT website at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ksdot.gov/KSBikeMap">www.ksdot.gov/KSBikeMap</a>. For personalized inquiries, the public can also call 785-296-5186.

New Kansas bicycle maps now available

KFEQ Morning Sports

The total could stand as a record as lawmakers contemplate cuts in anticipation of a revenue downturn. One leading Republican is targeting safety net agencies for $500 million in general revenue cuts

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

The Missouri House voted Monday to spend state general revenue to serve people enrolled under the Medicaid expansion program&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/14/state-general-revenue-needed-for-first-time-to-fund-missouri-medicaid-expansion/">for the first time</a>&nbsp;since it was passed by voters in 2020.

The $76.7 million item is part of a $3.15 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2014&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">supplemental spending bill</a>&nbsp;that would push total appropriations for the year ending June 30 to $55 billion. That total may stand as a record for at least a few years — Gov. Mike Kehoe’s proposed budget for the coming year would spend $54.5 billion.

And just a few hours before the 130-11 vote to send the bill to the state Senate, a leading Republican on the House Budget Committee said he wants to cut $2 billion — including $500 million in general revenue — from three departments providing safety net services to millions of Missourians.

The extra general revenue spending approved Monday for what is called the adult expansion group — people ages 18 to 64 with limited incomes — is part of an overall appropriation of $521 million, mainly federal funds needed by June 30. The traditional Medicaid program of hospital, nursing and other medical care will receive an additional $535 million to finish the year.

Lawmakers appropriated about $15.1 billion, including just under $2 billion general revenue, for Medicaid during the 2025 session.

Other major items in the supplemental spending bill include:

The only item that drew much discussion during Monday’s debate was the money for MoDOT. It is included because lawmakers cut spending from the State Road Fund as part of an effort to wrest control of some department funding from the Highways and Transportation Commission.

State Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, resents the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/26/missouri-appeals-court-backs-highways-commission-on-raises-for-state-road-workers/">Western District Missouri Court of Appeals</a>&nbsp;decision that found the commission could spend money from the road fund even if lawmakers did not make an appropriation.

“Clearly, a part of this appropriation is unconstitutional,” Mayhew said. “In fact, I even have judges that agree with me on that particular fact.”

House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, said Mayhew’s interpretation was wrong and he had assurances from the commission that it would not spend more than lawmakers will approve.

The Constitution, Deaton said, doesn’t “preclude us from making appropriations, which we historically have always done, and we will do in this case as well.”

Despite the extra funding that cleared the House Monday, Missouri faces a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/missouri-faces-budget-crunch-as-capital-gains-tax-cut-hits-harder-than-expected/">contracting budget</a>&nbsp;because state revenues are expected to decline precipitously in the final months of the current fiscal year and an historically high general revenue surplus is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/missouri-surplus-peaking-at-8-billion-as-governor-prepares-to-act-on-state-budget/">slowly being exhausted</a>.

Kehoe’s budget proposal for the coming year anticipates the general revenue balance — which peaked at $5.8 billion in June 2023 — will be&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/20/missouri-discovers-250m-budget-mistake-but-officials-warn-spending-squeeze-remains/">about $265 million</a>&nbsp;on June 30, 2027.So far, the dire forecast that state general revenues will decline by 2.1% in the current year have yet to show up in daily receipts. Through Friday, revenues have increased 1.7% year-to-date.

State budget officials predict that refunds forced by a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/07/missouri-lawmakers-set-to-pass-capital-gains-tax-cut-with-questions-about-its-total-cost/">capital gains exemption</a>&nbsp;will send daily revenue reports into negative territory starting next month.

To save general revenue, state Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Rogersville said Monday afternoon he wants to cut $500 million in general revenue from the state health, mental health and social services departments.&nbsp;

Chappell, who chairs the budget subcommittee overseeing those departments, gave members until noon Tuesday to suggest places to cut.

Chappell estimated that the general revenue cuts would cost the state another $1.5 billion to $2 billion in federal funding. Overall, the proposal would reduce Kehoe’s proposed general revenue budget for the state’s health, mental health and social services departments by 9%.

Chappell said the cuts are a matter of simple math.

“When the money’s gone, the money’s gone,” he said.

State Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, told The Independent the requested cuts would reduce Missourians’ quality of life.

“I don’t know how we cut the budget an additional $2.5 billion in a way that does not leave lasting impacts on the most vulnerable people in the state,” Fogle said.

Chappell told The Independent that he can’t say where he will recommend cuts until he collects feedback from committee members.&nbsp;

But he intends to restore Kehoe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/09/missouri-families-worry-proposed-80-7-million-cut-will-hobble-disability-care-programs/">$80.7 million proposed cut</a>&nbsp;from funding for disability care services as well as other cuts to substance use disorder services.

“I’m going to do my dead-level best,” Chappell said, “to make sure those are funded, but find that money elsewhere in the budget.”

Missouri House passes supplemental spending bill that pushes state budget to $55 billion

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Monday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Traverse driven by a 39-year-old St. Joseph woman was northbound on U.S. 169 at Route D in Avenue City.&nbsp; The driver attempted to make a west into a parking lot. The driver failed to yield to a southbound 2006 Chevy 1500 driven by a 69-year-old Helena man.&nbsp; The vehicle collided.&nbsp;

Andrew County EMS transported a 10-year-old male passenger in the SUV to Mosaic. There were no other injuries. The driver of the pickup was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

10-year-old St. Joe boy injured after pickup, SUV crash

The 40th Annual Heart of America Chili Challenge is returning to the St. Joseph Civic Arena this Sunday, March 1 to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP).

The milestone event promises a flavor-packed day for the whole family, featuring sixty professional and amateur cooks battling for the prestigious title of Missouri State Chili Champion.

UCP Director, Teresa Gagliano, says, "We serve children and adults with developmental disabilities. This is our only special event of the year."

The festivities kick off when doors open at 11:00 a.m. Guests can enjoy live music from The Michael Shaun Brown Band starting at noon, browse a diverse Vendor and Craft Fair, and place bids in a massive Silent Auction that runs until 3:30 p.m. The main event arrives at 2:00 p.m., when attendees can sample all 60 unique chili recipes for free. Gagliano says, "People can go booth to booth and try all the different chilis."

Beyond the competition, this event serves a vital purpose. All proceeds benefit UCP, supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Northwest Missouri. Over the past 39 years, this challenge has raised more than $2.6 million for the cause, making this 40th anniversary a true community celebration.

Gagliano says the goal is to raise $150,000 at the chili challenge to help serve the greater St. Joseph area. UCP serves about 400 children and adults.

Don’t miss out on the fun, the flavor, and the chance to make a difference in Northwest Missouri.

The Heart of America Chili Challenge returns to St. Joseph to benefit UCP

The Missouri Department of Transportation has reopened northbound U.S. Route 59 from Route DD to County Line Road just north of St. Joseph today, Monday, Feb. 23, following water main repairs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

MoDOT urges drivers to work with crews by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Northbound U.S. Route 59 in Andrew County now open

Northwest Missouri State University, in coordination with the National Weather Service and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), will conduct a series of tornado drills this March. These exercises are designed to test the university’s indoor emergency operations and the Bearcat Alert texting system ahead of the spring severe weather season.

The primary drills are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, and Wednesday, March 11. In the event that actual inclement weather occurs on those dates, a backup drill has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. University Police Chief Amanda Cullin emphasized that consistent practice is vital for ensuring the campus community can react effectively during a real emergency.

In addition to the drills, the University Police Department and Wellness Services will host the annual Bobby Palooza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. Held at the J.W. Jones Student Union’s east pavilion, the event offers students free burgers and hot dogs along with essential safety tips as they prepare for Spring Break.

The campus activities align with Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs from March 2–6. This statewide initiative encourages residents to utilize resources like the "Storm Aware" website, which provides instructional videos on seeking shelter in various building types, from mobile homes to schools.

University officials remind students and staff that while Northwest tests its warning system every Wednesday at 11 a.m., any siren heard outside of that window should be treated as an immediate, life-threatening emergency. Detailed procedures are posted in every campus building and are available via the HazAdapt mobile app.

The university advises following specific protocols depending on the type of alert issued:

Safety experts warn against seeking shelter in large open spaces like gyms or cafeterias due to the risk of roof collapse. If caught driving, individuals should find a sturdy building or, in rural areas, seek cover in a roadside ditch while remaining alert for flash flooding.

Northwest Missouri State University announces severe weather drills and safety events

A disagreement on the oversight of federal immigration officers and arguments over changes to how agencies are funded has led to an ongoing partial government shutdown, pausing funding of the Department of Homeland Security.  

Eastern Kansas Congressman, Derek Schmidt says the biggest problem is that the pause in funding is not affecting those agencies such as ICE or Customs Borders and Protections, which were fully funded back in July.  

Schmidt says what is affected is everything else that is supposed to be funded through DHS 

“So it’s the Secret Service, it’s FEMA, it’s the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, the folks that keep us safe when we get on airplanes, it’s the Coast Guard, those are the agencies that aren’t getting funded right now, and they’re the agencies nobody’s mad at,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, it’s this strange Washington dynamic that it’s really unfortunate, and I’m hoping we can get it ended very quickly before it disrupts people’s lives anymore.” 

Schmidt says that's frustrating because agencies such as those have not done anything wrong and have just been doing their jobs each and every day  

“And they’ve been caught up in this broader dispute about immigration enforcement and removal operations, and so I’m hopeful we can get past this quickly,” Schmidt explains.  “The negotiations are ongoing, Senator (Chuck) Schumer and his folks, Hakeem Jeffries and his House Democrats, the White House and obviously the Republican leadership in congress they’re continuing to talk every day, offers are being sent back and forth and eventually agreement will be reached, but I hope it’s sooner rather than later, this isn’t doing anybody any good and so it really needs to end.” 

Schmidt says the situation is incredibly frustrating and believes it's no way government should be run, adding most of the ongoing problems stemmed from headlines out of Minnesota 

“We had a bipartisan agreement with Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, and the White House on funding the Department of Homeland Security, we passed it in the house, they were prepared to pass it in the Senate, then the situation in Minnesota happened and then Senator Schumer pulled the plug on it and so here we are,” Schmidt says.  “I just don’t think holding these other agencies hostage does anybody any good, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, and I’d like to get it ended as quickly as possible, I hope that’s going to happen.” 

The shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by DHS immigration agents during protests in Minneapolis last month prompted Senate Democrats to demand reforms in exchange for their support of the package. 

Schmidt says talks appear to be creeping towards meeting somewhere in the middle on an agreement to get funding back to those departments, however other reports say discussions remain pretty far apart still.

Kanas Congressman Schmidt hopes partial government shutdown ends 'sooner rather than later'

March corn closed up 1/4 cent and May corn was down 1 3/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 5 1/4 cents and May soybeans were up 5 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 5 3/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 2 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 2 3/4 cents.

There was very little impactful news for Tuesday to drive prices. Soybean futures appear to have found a comfortable range of liquidity with an early attempt lower rejected by buyers who are still finding optimism in a firm soybean oil market. Meanwhile, corn futures remain sluggish and confined to their February price range with profit-taking in wheat through the week thus far a source of spillover weakness. Outside markets for Tuesday saw recovery in equities after an ugly start to the week on Monday. Energy markets remain generally elevated relative to their 2026 range thus far but are treading this week with the next round of U.S.-Iran negotiations upcoming on Thursday. In other outside market news, President Trump's State of the Union address is Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. CST, and investors will undoubtedly be tuned in to hear comments regarding the U.S. economy, tariff situation, and more.

The live cattle complex continued to trade mixed as it's unclear whether or not an agreement was reached at the JBS packing plant in Greeley, Colorado, to avoid a union plant strike. This uncertainty had the nearby contracts trading slightly lower, while the deferred contracts were trading mildly higher. Still no cash cattle trade has developed, and it's unlikely any trade will surface ahead of Thursday or Friday. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $6.65 ($375.87) and select up $1.79 ($366.10) with a movement of 58 loads (39.59 loads of choice, 4.96 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 13.79 loads of ground beef).

The live cattle complex may have traded mixed, but the feeder cattle contracts found a little more support and were softly to fully higher moving into Tuesday's closing bell. More than anything it seems the market is no longer up against immediate resistance pressure, which is why traders are comfortable to now allow the contracts to push slightly higher.

The lean hog complex maintained with its recent trend and traded solidly higher into Tuesday's close. This morning's pork cutout values were down slightly, but prices were stronger Monday and the market remains far enough away from technical resistance pressure that traders are comfortable advancing the contracts at this point in time.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/24140930/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Farmers and conservation groups filed a lawsuit last week challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s reapproval of Dicamba herbicide that’s sprayed on genetically-resistant cotton and soybeans. “The re-registration of Dicamba flies in the face of a decade of damning evidence, real-world farming know-how, sound science, and the law,” said George Kimbrell, legal director of the Center for Food Safety and a counsel in the case. “In reality, the Trump administration has once again betrayed farmers and poisoned the environment to pad corporate pesticide profits, so we’ll see them in court.” 

He also said EPA administrator Lee Zeldin’s “hollow promises” that new restrictions on Dicamba will prevent damaging drift to nearby farms and backyard gardens is totally unsupported by the facts or common sense. “Zeldin insists he’s working closely with the Make America Healthy Again movement to make pesticides safer,” said Nathan Donley of the Center for Biological Diversity. “We aren’t fooled.”

Groups sue EPA over Dicamba reapproval

Cattle on feed on February 1 and placements in feedlots declined year-over-year. That’s according to the most recent Cattle on Feed Report. About 11.5 million head of cattle and calves were on feed at the beginning of the month, which the USDA said is down two percent on an annual basis. Placements last month totaled 1.74 million head, down five percent from the same month a year ago. 

The highest marketing level came in the 700–799-pound class, totaling 455,000 head. Under 600 pounds totaled 360,000 head, while 600-699 pounds totaled 365,000 head. Cattle placements between 800-899 pounds totaled 381,000 head. Placements included about 105,000 head weighing 900-999 pounds, and 70,000 head weighing 1,000 pounds or higher. The agency also said marketings of fed cattle in January plunged 13 percent on an annual basis, and other disappearance fell by eight percent to 55,000 head.

Cattle on feed, placements decline

March corn closed unchanged, and May corn was up 1/2 cents. March soybeans closed down 3 1/4 cents and May soybeans were down 3 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 12 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 5 cents.

After a sluggish open on Sunday evening and overnight session to begin the new week, row-crop futures caught a bullish spark as the day trade began but eventually saw bullish momentum fade through the session on a lack of rally-sustaining news for Monday. Friday's session was overshadowed by the Supreme Court ruling which struck down President Trump's use of IEEPA in implementing tariffs. Slow GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 (due to the government shutdown) as well as sticky inflation received little acknowledgment until Monday's session, with heavy selling in equities to begin the new week and a flow of funds to commodities was at least partially responsible for a recovery from overnight lows before profit-taking again set in. Crude oil futures were steady to slightly lower ahead of the next round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran scheduled for Thursday.

The live cattle complex was trading lower as traders cautiously enter the new week, hoping fundamental support will again surface and help guide the contracts higher. But throughout Monday's trade the complex traded lower, as caution remains the underlying theme. The pressure seems to stem from a number of different sources, as traders have noted the downturn in the equity markets, are aware of the uptick in the grain complex, and are also mulling around last Friday's Cattle on Feed report. Nevertheless, it seems as though the market will likely keep its mundane attitude into Tuesday. New showlists appear to be mixed, lower in Kansas and Texas, but higher in Nebraska/Colorado. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $1.28 ($367.98) and select up $3.09 ($363.83) with a movement of 51 loads (26.85 loads of choice, 4.38 loads of select, 8.94 loads of trim and 10.48 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex was also lower as traders aren't willing to advance the feeder cattle market at a time live cattle contracts are lower and grain prices are seeing a modest bump. And at this point it's very unlikely the market will change its direction and turn higher as a doggish attitude is currently overwhelming the market.

The cattle contracts may be trading lower, but the lean hog complex was keeping with its current trend and continued to trade higher as traders are pleased with the morning uptick in pork demand, and once again aren't up against immediate pressure of hitting technical resistance.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/23145018/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

House Ag Committee Chair GT Thompson recently released the text of Farm Bill 2.0, or the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.” Groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the provisions that strengthen the agriculture measures included in the One Big, Beautiful Bill. “We appreciate the Chairman’s leadership and diligent work to provide legislative answers to the ongoing needs of cattle producers,” said Gene Copenhaver, president of the NCBA. 

“The bill provides important provisions to streamline voluntary conservation programs, protect grazing as a land management tool, address the critical shortage of rural veterinarians, and establish an important pilot program to safely explore better options for direct-to-consumer sales of locally-raised beef.” Among the improvements, Farm Bill 2.0 expands access to credit and increases outdated agricultural loan limits, amends veterinary grant programs to relieve ongoing rural veterinary shortages, and clarifies animal disease traceability eligibility. 

Farm Bill 2.0 provides additional certainty

The Supreme Court turned the U.S. trade landscape upside down with a decision on Friday striking down the centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s tariff program. Just over one year into the President’s second term, the 6-3 ruling in “Learning Resources, Inc. v Trump” comes after Supreme Court justices showed skepticism in questioning during oral arguments last November. Reports said the ruling appears to halt a massive section of Trump’s tariffs that he announced last year on what he referred to as “Liberation Day". 

Trump said a 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act gave the president the ability to declare an economic emergency and take action, but it doesn’t specific tariffs as a specific remedy to the emergency. “IEEPA doesn’t authorize the President to impose tariffs,” read the decision by Chief Justice John Roberts. The Court’s decision doesn’t appear to address the question of eligibility for tariff refunds, which is likely to lead to a complex legal process for companies.

Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs

March corn closed up 1 3/4 cents and May corn was up 3 1/2 cents. March soybeans closed down 3 1/2 cents and May soybeans were down 2 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 6 3/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 14 cents, March MIAX Minneapolis wheat was up 4 3/4 cents.

Corn and soybean futures traded both sides of even on Friday, with routine trade interrupted at midmorning by reports the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against President Trump's use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement widespread "reciprocal" tariffs through the first year of his second term. While the initial minutes following the breaking story featured a sharp reversal from daily highs, grain futures settled down and eventually recovered through the session, with wheat futures remaining a bullish beacon throughout with another double-digit surge higher. The exact implications of the ruling will likely take weeks -- if not months -- to determine, but for Friday equity markets initially moved higher on the news, while the U.S. dollar softened.

The livestock complex was trading mixed into Friday's noon hour as the cattle contracts dipped slightly lower ahead of seeing the afternoon's Cattle on Feed report and upon not seeing any fed cash cattle trade by that time.&nbsp;The lean hog contracts continued to scale higher as traders were not currently up against any immediate fears of resistance pressure. 

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/06205559/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

Farm Journal Foundation launched the Veterinary Workforce Solutions Program in 2022 to address the nationwide shortage of veterinarians in rural America. The shortage is having significant consequences on farmer livelihoods, food security, and rural economic growth. In the last four years, the Foundation discovered that the shortage is multidimensional, with high student debt being just one factor. 

Other factors include a lack of early exposure to the opportunities offered in this field, mentorship, and business training, are equally as significant. Recruitment and retention must also be addressed together through a coordinated education-to-practice continuum. Sustainable progress in getting more vets into rural areas depends on local and state infrastructure, not just federal-level programs. Young veterinarians often cite business confidence, financial literacy, and consistent community support as key factors in deciding whether to remain in rural practice. University extension partnerships are effective vehicles for delivering targeted business and risk management training for young veterinarians.

Farm Journal Reports Rural Veterinarian Shortage

Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced they’ve reached a proposed settlement this week worth $7.25 billion. The goal is to resolve thousands of lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that Roundup, its most popular weed killer, could cause cancer. The AP reports the settlement came about as the Supreme Court is preparing to hear arguments in April on Bayer’s assertion that the Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should invalidate claims filed in state courts. 

“Patients would be assured of receiving at least some settlement money,” the Associated Press reported, “even if the Supreme Court ruled in Bayer’s favor.” Bayer would also be protected from potentially much larger financial penalties if the Court ruled against the agrochemical manufacturer. The deal would require Bayer to make yearly payments into a fund for up to 21 years, which could eventually be worth $7.25 billion.&nbsp;

Bayer Proposes a Roundup Settlement

President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order mobilizing the Defense Production Act to protect the domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The order says these two critical inputs are essential to military readiness and America’s agricultural strength, respectively. The Order finds that any interruption of the supply of either of these critical materials could leave the defense industrial base and food supply vulnerable to hostile foreign actors. 

Reuters said the order underscores U.S. farmers’ critical need to have access to the herbicide. Bayer, the only domestic supplier of glyphosate, produces roughly 40 percent of the world’s supply at its U.S. facilities, and the company added that this move would not lead to shortages in other countries. However, not everyone applauded the move by the White House. The New York Times reported that the move set off immediate alarms among the supporters of the Make America Healthy Again movement.&nbsp;

Trump Order Protects Glyphosate, Phosphate Production

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Amazon doing that new fast, drone delivery thing, Kansas City, Kansas reported on their social media page.

"Yes, Kansas City, Kansas we are now on the cutting edge in shopping as one of only eight markets for Amazon's new ultra-fast delivery system - Prime Air! Other cities include Phoenix, Pontiac, MI, Dallas–Fort Worth, Waco, San Antonio, Tampa, and Detroit. Look at us."

"Amazon's Prime Air drone, based at the MKC6 fulfillment center at 6925 Riverview Ave., delivers packages up to 5 pounds to Prime members within a 7.5-mile radius (during daylight hours) for $4.99 - in under 60 minutes!!! The KCKPD, which has a long-standing relationship with Amazon and was included in pre-launch planning, operates its own drones and believes that Amazon's advanced testing and technology will address any public safety concerns which residents may have."

"So, the next time you’re out walking your dog and notice a large drone zipping past to land on your neighbor's lawn, don’t be alarmed. It's merely Amazon delivering 500 popsicle sticks and a tube of E600 glue for that science project their 11-year-old forgot is due tomorrow."

"Shooting down a drone is a federal crime in the U.S., as they are legally considered aircraft, potentially resulting in up to 20 years in prison, heavy fines, and civil liability for damages. It is illegal to destroy, damage, or disable a drone, regardless of whether it is flying over private property."

🎥Amazon making drone deliveries in parts of Kansas

Someone knows how to find our mom and bring her home. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) — you can remain anonymous — or find a way to reach out to me.NOTE: Family reward of up to $1 million will be paid only for recovery of Nancy Guthrie, consistent with FBI criteria for payment of its reward in this case: <a href="https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/nancy-guthrie">Click here for details</a>

There is also a $100,000 reward in the case.

🎥Family offering $1 million reward for tip in Nancy Guthrie mystery

CHRISTIAN COUNTY— Two Missouri sheriff’s deputies were shot and killed overnight in southwest Missouri.

One shooting occurred during a traffic stop south of Highlandville on Monday in southwest Missouri, according to Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole.

Law enforcement searched for the suspect identified as 45-year-old Richard Bird.

Police found Bird's truck abandoned near Reeds Spring. Early Tuesday, after a heat signature was detected in the woods, deputies attempted an arrest.. Bird opened fire, striking three deputies.

One Christian County deputy was killed and two other deputies, from Christian and Webster counties, were wounded. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening, according to the sheriff's office.. Law enforcement officers on the scene returned fire and the Bird was killed.

The deputy killed in the initial shooting has been identified as Deputy Gabriel Ramirez.

This is a developing story. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

2 Missouri sheriff's deputies fatally shot, 2 deputies wounded

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police have released more details surrounding the arrest of a man wanted in connection with the November shooting death of a 16-year-old Kansas boy.

On Friday, police asked the public for help to locate 20-year-old Nassir Tiriq Gill in connection with the November killing of 16-year-old Kingston Scott.

Late Monday, Topeka Police thanked members of the public for their assistance in providing information related to the crime and arrest. Police also thanked the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office.

 Just before 9p.m. Sunday, police booked 20-year-old&nbsp; Nassir Tiriq Gill into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, according to online jail records.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 1a.m. November 22, 2025,&nbsp; police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th Street and SE Adams Street in Topeka. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. The victim later identified as Kingston Scott of Topeka was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

As a result of the investigation police have already arrested two 16-year-old boys from Topeka on&nbsp;&nbsp;charges including murder, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and Aggravated Assault; Use of a deadly weapon.

&nbsp;Gill is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Murder in the 1st degree; In the commission of a felony. Murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle w great bodily harm, Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling and Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt; $1000, according to online jail records.

Police: Tips helped in arrest of suspect in killing of Kansas boy

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an altercation that led to an arrest during a student&nbsp; protest in Olathe.

Just after 2p.m. February 20, police were dispatched to a reported fight in the area of College Boulevard and South Lone Elm Road in Olathe, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

Officers learned there was a planned anti-ICE protest near Olathe Northwest High school when they confronted and started a fight with students who were counter protesting them. During the incident, approximately four students were injured.&nbsp;

Numerous officers responded and stabilized the incident. As a result of the investigation, one juvenile male was taken into custody. Investigators are continuing work to identify and contact individuals who may have been involved.

"The Olathe Police Department supports the community’s right to engage in peaceful protest and lawful assembly. We are committed to protecting those rights while also ensuring public safety. Violence, property damage, or threats to people will be addressed appropriately to protect the community."

&nbsp;Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-6363 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.&nbsp;

Student-led anti-ice protest ends in Kan. teen's arrest after fight

On Monday, at the direction of U.S. Southern commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command.

 Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.&nbsp;

Monday’s attack raises the death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on drug boats to at least 151people in at least 44 attacks carried out since early September in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

🎥 3 more dead in latest U.S. attack on drug boat in the Caribbean 

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. (JASO) – Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 2 a.m. February 18, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Subaru Forester near 118th&nbsp;Road on U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 31-year-old Sierra Mackenzie Schumacher of Topeka.&nbsp; During the course of the traffic stop a probable cause search was conducted and resulted in the discovery of illegal drug or narcotics, fraudulent/fake identification cards and other documents.

Schumacher was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include 20 counts of forgery; making or altering a written instrument; 1st&nbsp;conviction, 20 counts of identity fraud; replicate document with person info with intent to deceive, 4 counts of display or possess fictitious or fraudulent identification card, 5 counts of possession of a controlled substance; stimulant, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and defective lamp on motor vehicle.

Kansas woman caught with dozens of fake IDs

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

In August of 2025, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators determined the tips were associated with a case that began in 2023. Investigators continued the investigation and with the new information executed a search warrant on September 3, 2025, at a residence in the 100 Block of West Walnut Street, Herington, Kansas. 

Additional search warrants were executed and an arrest warrant was issued on February 18, 2026, for Loren Michael Jones.

On February 20, Sedgwick County Sheriff's office deputies arrested Jones on the warrant issued through the Dickinson County District Court. Jones was later booked into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Cyber tip led to arrest of Kansas man for alleged child sex crimes

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

Lawmakers agreed the tick-borne allergy to red meat and dairy is a ‘huge’ problem but questioned state capacity to track cases

When Josh Hammann started having severe breathing problems in the spring of 2023, emergency room doctors were convinced he was having panic attacks.

They gave him medication to treat anxiety, but his wife, Megan, said that only made him sicker.

“Of course, that medication had alpha-gal in it,” she told The Independent.

Hammann, of Cole County, and other Missourians whose lives have been upended by alpha-gal syndrome, urged state lawmakers this week to advance a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1855&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill that would require the state to track cases</a>&nbsp;and report them to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome/about/index.html" target="_blank">potentially life-threatening tick-borne allergy</a>&nbsp;causes people to have an immune response to mammal products — including red meat, dairy and a form of lactose in the anxiety pills Josh was prescribed. Symptoms vary from breathing problems to skin irritation and abdominal distress. And like Josh, many people with the emerging condition struggle to get a diagnosis.

The bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Matthew Overcast, would mandate diagnostic testing labs to report cases of the condition to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services within seven days of receiving a positive test. The department would be required to follow up on a random sample of cases and submit data to the federal government.

Republican state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman is sponsoring an identical&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=3537630" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;in the Senate.

Overcast, who presented a similar bill in 2025, emphasized to members of the House Health and Mental Health Committee that alpha-gal syndrome is “a public health crisis.”

“The last time I spoke to this committee, I only had three children [who] have it,” Overcast said. “Now my wife has it, and my aunt has it, and there are so many people, even in my church, that have it.”

Supporters of the bill said participating in national efforts to gather this data will help scientists study the disease and develop public health recommendations that could prevent its spread.

Ryan DeBoef, a lobbyist for the Alpha-Gal Alliance Action Fund, said that collecting data will help Missouri get federal funding to improve patient care and public awareness of alpha-gal syndrome.&nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control is expected to open applications for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360958" target="_blank">grants</a>&nbsp;of up to $1 million later this month to encourage knowledge-sharing among researchers and public health agencies, improve case tracking and educate health care providers about the condition.

“So it’s important that the states with a lot of alpha-gal are able to demonstrate that they have a lot of alpha-gal to receive that funding,” DeBoef said.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/pdfs/mm7230a2-H.pdf" target="_blank">2023 report</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Disease Control indicated that more than 110,000 suspected cases of alpha-gal syndrome were identified between 2010 and 2022 — and that Missouri was in the center of the swath of the U.S. with the highest concentration of those cases.

Republican state Rep. Kent Haden of Mexico said alpha-gal is a “huge” problem and asked about the accuracy of diagnostic tests for the condition, questioning whether the bill “may be asking something that [the department] can’t do.”

Benjamin Casterline, a dermatologist and immunologist at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, cited data from Virginia that found the diagnostic tests to have 2% false negatives and 8% false positives.

“That’s a pretty good test,” Casterline said.

Overcast said the department has concerns about “the impact of this [bill] on their manpower.” The department estimated that they would need to hire four new staff, including two epidemiologists, to meet case tracking and reporting requirements, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/fiscal/fispdf/4267H.02I.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal note</a>&nbsp;for the bill.

Lawmakers signaled support for the bill, which has 13 co-sponsors. Republican State Rep. Carolyn Caton of Blue Springs, one of the co-sponsors, suggested adding language to the bill that would include patients in case tracking only if they opt in.

Republican state Rep. Tony Harbison of Arcadia said collecting data on the condition’s prevalence in Missouri is “a no-brainer.”

“I see the spread of this, and this gets the conversation started toward a solution or prevention,” Harbison said.

Witnesses in support of the bill shared how alpha-gal syndrome disrupted their families’ routines and peace of mind, often requiring them to take on the burden of researching how to manage the condition.

Megan Hammann was diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome in 2025. She found a tick on her back after a four-wheeling trip.

“We weren’t even off the four-wheelers, so [the tick] was falling from the trees,” she said.

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