Missouri Gov. Mike
Kehoe has signed into law a school safety measure that includes legislation
pushed by St. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields.

Shields, a
Republican, sponsored legislation in the Missouri House requiring school
districts to tighten security measures on their campuses.

“(It’s a) comprehensive
bill that’s going to allow our teachers and our students to feel safe and when
they feel safe, we know that quality learning happens,” Shields tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

Shields sponsored
<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R">House Bill 416</a><a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R"></a>, which was incorporated into <a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=422">Senate Bill 68</a>, approved by the
legislature and now signed into law.

The legislation
requires school districts to adopt emergency operations plans and have annual
school security assessments. It establishes standards for anti-intruder door
locks in classrooms. Under its provisions, school districts must maintain Stop
the Bleed kits and train staff on their use.

One provision of
the bill has captured the most attention. It bans students from carrying their
cell phones during school hours.

“It’s really just
to encourage students to put their phones down and engage with other students
in the classroom,” Shields says. “When you talk to people that have already
implemented this, they said the difference is amazing what happens in school.”

Shields says school
cell phone bans have proven their worth in other states.

“Lunchrooms have
become very quiet places, because students are all on their phones,” Shields
says. “And when their phones are in their pockets, in their backpacks, not with
them they say the lunchrooms have returned to what we’re used to what
lunchrooms were with students engaging with each other. And I just truly
believe that for the mental health of everyone, people engaging with people
instead of through technology is probably better.”

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Gov. Kehoe signs into law public safety bill pushed by Rep. Shields

September corn closed unchanged and December corn was up 1 cent. August soybeans closed up 3 1/2 cents and November soybeans were up 6 1/2 cents. September KC wheat closed up 10 3/4 cents, September Chicago wheat was up 7 1/2 cents, September Minneapolis wheat was up 1/4 cent.

It was another session featuring futures squaring ahead of Friday's USDA release with row crop markets holding even to slightly higher for the most part. Wheat markets led the way higher, showing some life on the Kansas City board following Wednesday's reversal near contract lows. The thing most traders are anticipating on Friday's USDA release is how traders will react if adjustments are in fact at least temporarily bullish in direction. Given that weather and thus far strong crop conditions have really been the sole focus of bearish traders through the past few weeks, it will be interesting to see if Friday's estimates are taken with a grain of salt.

The live cattle complex&nbsp;traded mixed into Thursday's close, seeming to again hold its breath until there's an understanding of the direction fed cash cattle prices are going to trade this week. A few bids are on the table at mostly $223 in the South, but a regional packer is currently bidding up to $227. But with asking prices firm in the South at $228 to $230, still no cattle have traded yet. And the North remains incredibly quiet with no bids or asking prices having been posted just yet. Upon seeing that boxed beef prices are lower again today, it's safe to say that the seasonal downward trend of the third quarter for boxed beef prices has been set into motion.

With the USDA's updated announcement that the US border is again closed to Mexican imports, the feeder cattle complex again gained another leg up and traders are continuing to support its higher trend. We know that domestic supplies are tight, and buyer demand remains red hot, which is why traders remain confident in continuing to push the contracts higher.

Pork cutout values may be higher, but the lean hog complex went lower in part due to the slight downturn of exports having a negative impact on trader's minds as the contracts traded fully lower into Thursday's close. The carcass price was realistically able to print higher this morning because of the heavy lifting done by the belly which jumped $4.51 higher, and the ham which jumped $4.24.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/10152320/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Commodity markets daily recap

June runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 3.3 million acre-feet, 60 percent of the average. The updated 2025 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City is below average. Mountain snowpack melted more rapidly than normal, and all reaches except the Sioux City reach experienced below normal precipitation during June,” said John Remus of the Army Corps of Engineers. “The June runoff was less than forecast, and dry conditions will continue in July.” 

The June 2025 runoff forecast above Sioux City is 19.1 million acre-feet, 74 percent of the average and slightly lower than last month’s forecast. System storage on July 1 was 52.1 million acre-feet, four million below the top of the carryover multiple-use zone. The monthly study indicates that the winter release from Gavins Point will likely be at the minimum rate of 12,000 cubic feet per second. 

June Missouri River runoff far below average

All summer, Farmers for Free Trade has been on the road and holding events called Tariff Town Halls in half a dozen states. The events all brought together farmers, business leaders, economists, and trade experts to spotlight how newly-imposed tariffs are already harming the communities that grow and make American-made products that power local economies and are in demand around the world. At each stop, farmers and experts shared new data, on-the-ground stories, and growing urgency. 

Just days before the Fourth of July, agricultural leaders at a town hall in Little Rock, Arkansas put it bluntly: “I’ll tell you this much as a producer. Between 20 and 30 percent of the producers in the United States would be out if this doesn’t change between now and December.” On a per-state basis, Texas businesses paid $934 million more in tariff costs. North Carolina also saw a 190 percent spike in its tariff costs. 

Farmers for Free Trade sounding economic alarm regarding tariffs

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/09142119/30001-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> to listen to audio

September corn closed up 1 1/4 cents and December corn was up 1 1/4 cents. August soybeans closed down 12 1/4 cents and November soybeans were down 10 1/4 cents. September KC wheat closed up 1 1/2 cents, September Chicago wheat was down 3/4 cents, September MIAX Minneapolis wheat was up 1 3/4 cents.

The U.S. Dollar Index is up 0.01 at 97.52. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 141.0 points at 44,653.0. August gold is up $3.80 at $3,320.70, September silver is down $0.16 at $36.59 and September copper is down $0.1520. August crude oil is up $0.03 at $68.36, August ultra-low sulfur diesel is down $0.0330, August RBOB gasoline is up $0.0029 and August natural gas is down $0.131.

September corn futures traded 1 1/4 cents higher on Wednesday to $3.99 1/4. New-crop December futures were up 1 1/4 cents to $4.15 1/2. It was a marginal recovery for corn on Wednesday as prices managed to bounce of daily lows, but September futures failed to regain support above $4.00 and December remained below former support near $4.20 as traders clearly remain tentative about exiting short positions ahead of the USDA report Friday, but more importantly ahead of what remains a friendly weather outlook for corn pollination through the middle part of July.

The Energy Information Administration released their weekly Petroleum Status report early Wednesday, pegging ethanol production in the U.S. at 1.085 million barrels per day (mbpd), snapping a three-week decline. Ethanol production through the first few days of July remains a steady 3.7% ahead of the 2023-24 corn marketing year. Ethanol stocks were reported at 24 million barrels, down slightly from the previous week, but up 1.5% from the same period in 2024. Ahead of the USDA report on Friday, I am still forecasting slightly less corn used for ethanol in 2024-25 than USDA, at 5.450 billion bushels (bb) versus USDA at 5.5 bb. However, it must be mentioned that there is wide variability in ethanol production and subsequent corn usage through July and August historically, so I would not be surprised to see USDA leave their estimate unchanged in Friday's release.

Despite the clear pricing in of a higher than trend yield for 2025, it is unlikely given the history of the July WASDE that USDA will change the corn yield on Friday. That along with slightly less acreage thanks to the update at the end of June, should leave 2025 production less than previously estimated. The biggest changes to the balance sheet will come from the 2024-25 ending stocks, of which I remain nervous that increases may come eventually due to less feed, residual and ethanol usage than currently being forecasted. The good news is that potential for increased exports still remains, which should partially offset any reductions to other categories either in Friday's report or subsequent reports. Still, the bottom line is that for Friday, new crop ending stocks are expected to be estimated at quite a bit lower than in the July 2024 WASDE report.

For corn technicals, the relative strength index on December corn is showing the potential for a diverging bottom pattern, essentially meaning the drop in prices this week has less momentum than the previous drop seen over late June. This could be a signal that traders are growing satisfied with their risk profile and heavy short positions heading into the crucial weather period for corn pollination. Immediate support is seen just below $4.10 for December futures, while the bullish target remains to reclaim support above $4.20.

The DTN National Corn Index finished Tuesday at $3.85. Wednesday's futures close and implied corn basis of 13 cents under the September board would indicate the index on Wednesday afternoon to be near $3.86.

August soybeans fell another 12 1/4 cents on Wednesday to $10.09. New-crop November soybeans were down 10 1/4 cents to $10.07 1/4. The August soybean contract has given up 46 cents of value through the trading week thus far as traders are apparently seeing enough reason in the good weather to remove risk premium from the market despite the relatively low acreage for soybeans in the U.S. as compared to last year. Concern over export demand next year is certainly playing a role in the bearish price action this week.

For Friday's WASDE, the average trade estimate for 2024-25 soybean ending stocks is for a slight increase to 358 million bushels (mb). I am torn at this point between the surprisingly high June 1 stocks of 1.008 bb, and ahead of pace crush and exports. It would appear if there were a surprising drop in demand, it is coming from the residual category currently. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised to see stocks hold near 350 mb in Friday's report. As for new crop, I find it also unlikely that we will see any change to the yield, so most likely any changes to 2025-26 carry out will be a result of the aforementioned adjustments to beginning stocks (2024-25 ending stocks) for the marketing year. The average trade estimate ahead of Friday is for 304 mb of soybean ending stocks for 2025-26, as compared to the estimate in 2024 of 435 mb.

For soybean technicals, November futures broke support at $10.15 en route to the lowest close for the contract since April 10. $10.00 is likely the next round of support above the tariff induced plunge to $9.80 seen in early April.

The DTN National Soybean Index finished Tuesday at $9.68. Wednesday's futures close and implied soybean basis of 53 cents under the August board would indicate the index on Wednesday afternoon to be near $9.56.

Wheat futures were mixed to slightly higher on Wednesday with September Kansas City prices trading 1 1/2 cents higher to $5.24. Chicago futures were fractionally lower on their September contract, while MIAX Minneapolis September futures traded 1 3/4 cents higher.

Friday's WASDE report will include USDA production estimates for the winter wheat crop, which is over 50% harvested as of the beginning of the week. The Dow Jones survey of analysts is on average calling for a decrease in production as compared to the June WASDE and NASS Crop Production reports. Assuming the June 1 stocks estimate released on the June 30 of 851 mb is accurate, the expectation is that 2025-26 wheat stocks will also decrease modestly with the average trade estimate calling for a 5 mb decline to 893 mb.

On the world stage, I will be interested to see how USDA sees China's winter wheat crop after a spring full of speculation regarding the drought conditions experienced in several key growing regions in northeast China. Beyond that, Russia and the EU will also be of key interest to traders, given the reversal in opinions regarding the Russian crop after a very poor start to the growing season, thanks in large part to timely rains this spring.

The Mexican government has started construction on a $51 million facility in southern Mexico as part of an effort to combat the New World screwworm that’s disrupted Mexican cattle exports to the U.S. Mexico’s agriculture ministry said the plant is a joint project with the U.S. and will produce 100 million sterile screwworm flies per week once completed in the first half of next year. 

The release of sterile flies reduces the population of wild flies and is a key tool in helping to control the damaging pest. The U.S., which is Mexico’s largest trading partner, is paying $21 million of the cost, and the U.S. is spending $30 million. The U.S. also has plans to open a sterile fly dispersal facility in Texas as part of the ongoing battle against screwworm. The pest carries maggots that burrow into the skin of living animals, causing serious and often fatal damage.

Mexico is building a sterile fly plant

Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen testified during the Environmental Protection Agency’s Public Hearing on Proposed Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026 and 2027. Multiple Clean Fuels staff and member companies also testified, thanking EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA staff for proposing a much-needed step-change in the RFS Biomass-Based Diesel obligations. 

Clean Fuels also encouraged the agency to maintain the proposed volumes as it addresses outstanding small refinery exemption petitions. “Our industry has made substantial investments over the past several years in biofuel production, feedstock supply, and distribution infrastructure,” said Rehagen. “We supplied more than five billion gallons of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and SAF to the U.S. market in 2024, and we are poised to deliver even more by 2026.” Rehagen also said that the markets have reacted in a positive fashion since the rule came out, but uncertainty around small refinery exemptions is still looming over the industry. 

Clean Fuels testifies on EPA’s 2026-2027 RFS rule proposal 

September corn closed down 5 1/2 cents and December corn was down 6 1/2 cents. August soybeans closed down 10 1/4 cents and November soybeans were down 3 1/4 cents. September KC wheat closed down 5 cents, September Chicago wheat was down 3/4 cents, September Minneapolis wheat was down 7 1/2 cents.

Grain markets were lower again on Tuesday as traders are solely focused for the time being on good weather for the growing spring planted crops. It is also safe to say at this point that the crops are passing the "eye test" with USDA giving the corn crop its highest early July rating since 2018. In outside markets, it was a much quieter tone Tuesday compared to Monday as investors and traders seem to have been somewhat calmed by the extension of the tariff cutoff by the Trump administration to Aug. 1, but ongoing trade negotiations will be an important factor for the balance of July. For energy markets, crude oil is working towards a second session higher to start the week despite the announced OPEC+ production increase for August reported over the weekend. Unfortunately, for ag markets, the firmer energy prices did little to prop commodity prices, as currently, weather trade is trumping all.

The live cattle complex's momentum hasn't waned as the contracts traded even higher into Tuesday's closing bell. The spot August contract could begin to feel some resistance pressure as the market is nearing the all-time high made earlier in June. Thankfully, boxed beef prices were higher again this morning, which is adding another bullish gust to trader's already ambitious push. However, it's yet to be seen what fed cash cattle prices are going to do this week. Asking prices are noted at $226 plus in the South, and it has been noted that cattle in western Iowa are priced at $240, but no trade has developed just yet. And given that packers have supplies built up around them, it's likely that prices will be steady at best.

Up, up and away! The feeder cattle complex successfully reached new contract highs as the market is being flooded with support. Buyer demand remains ample in the countryside and thanks to the added technical support of traders willing to invest in the futures complex -- dare I say it's almost been easy for the market to trade higher?

The lean hog complex did not receive the same level of support that the cattle complex did, but with the wild price swings seen lately in pork cutouts, you can hardly blame traders for being cautious. If demand happens to stabilize, then there's a chance that the futures complex could establish some footing in the marketplace and that cash demand may improve.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/08145740/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture concluded an inbound trade mission with a high-level Moroccan agricultural delegation in June. The visit further strengthened bilateral agricultural cooperation and deepened ties between the U.S. and Morocco, laying important groundwork for continued engagement. The mission also opened new avenues for collaboration and future trade opportunities. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said “It’s clear there’s a strong appetite on both sides to build long-term trade relationships grounded in shared values and innovation.” 

Moroccan leaders expressed a strong interest in expanding agricultural partnerships with the U.S. Throughout the mission, delegates explored opportunities for trade collaboration in areas like soil management, biotechnology, food safety, drought resilience, and many other areas. The Moroccan delegation included senior officials from the country’s food safety authority and executives from leading agricultural organizations. 

NASDA concludes successful trade mission

Sounds of children learning, playing games and giggling filled Northwest Missouri State University’s Agricultural Learning Center this week as agricultural education majors hosted their second annual Ag Camp. About 150 children, spanning ages 5 through 10 and coming from locations throughout northwest Missouri and southwest Iowa attended the camp over three afternoons.

Emma Brushwood, a senior from Elsberry, Missouri, helped launch the camp last year and led it again this summer said, “I just want the kids to know where everything they use every single day comes from ag feeds us, ag clothes us, ag makes sure that we live every single day.” 

Using a classroom-based curriculum provided by Agriculture Education on the Move, Brushwood and four other agricultural education majors who are summer interns with the program led children through activities that taught them about crops, animals and other aspects of the field.

On Tuesday, campers created soybean germination necklaces and made plastic from a combination of cornstarch, water and oil. On Wednesday, campers learned about feed rations by creating a snack mix with varied cereals and Skittles and then studying the amount of fats, proteins, sugars and vitamins within the mix. Campers also made butter, examined the parts of a hard-boiled egg, and they put on blindfolds to try pinning a tail on a cardboard pig or placing horns on a paper goat head.

During the final day of the camp on Thursday, they got close-up looks at a calf, goats, pigs and sheep to reinforce some of the things they learned. Across the parking lot, they saw large farm equipment, including tractors, balers, a corn treater and a semi-truck while discussing potential careers in agriculture.

Day camp helps children learn about agriculture while students practice teaching skills

September corn closed down 16 3/4 cents and December corn was down 16 1/4 cents. August soybeans closed down 24 cents and November soybeans were down 28 1/2 cents. September KC wheat closed down 8 1/2 cents, September Chicago wheat was down 8 1/4 cents, September Minneapolis wheat was down 0 cents.

Another Monday, another very ugly day for price action across grain futures as traders came back from the Independence Day break eager to add short positions to their portfolios. In fact, September corn futures haven't opened a trading week with a positive session since May 19, while August soybean futures have also traded lower in five out of the past six Monday sessions. Traders were clearly frustrated that the most recent wave of trade optimism following the agreement with Vietnam last week didn't amount to further ag-centric announcements from President Trump. Meanwhile, growing season weather is friendly and market seasonality is firmly against prices at this point. Ag markets were not alone in expressing tariff and trade-related nervousness, as stock indices fell on Monday as well ahead of the July 9th tariff deadline, although it is appearing likely the deadline will be extended in some cases.

With the equity markets off to a strong start this week, the live cattle complex also pushed an impressive rally to start Monday's trade off strong. This week it will be interesting to note how fed cash cattle prices trend, as packers need to stay engaged enough in the market to avoid becoming short bought for the weeks ahead, but it's unlikely that the market will trade better than steady, as packers do have some immediate supply around them. It will also be interesting to note how boxed beef prices will trade as seasonally it's expected that demand should soften. New showlists appear to be mixed, higher in Nebraska/Colorado, but lower in Kansas and Texas.

The feeder cattle complex was aggressively traded higher into Monday's noon hour as most of the contracts traded anywhere from $2.00 to $3.00 higher. From a cow-calf producer's standpoint, it's stress-relieving to see the market trade higher, as again this week Superior Livestock Auction is going to be hosting their Week in the Rockies Sale. It will again help set the tone for what feeder cattle prices could be later this fall.

The lean hog complex traded mostly higher into Monday's noon hour as traders are pleased to see the slight uptick in pork demand. Last week, demand was sluggish, and it gravely affected the futures complex. Wild price swings were the theme of this morning's cutout report as the belly was up $13.83, the picnic was up $7.15 and the rib was up $4.76.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/07142117/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Gov. Mike Kehoe approved the tax cut expected to reduce revenues by $340 million annually even as he has been warning of future state funding shortfalls

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

Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/07/missouri-bill-exempting-capital-gains-from-income-tax-sent-to-governor/">investors will get a tax break</a>&nbsp;when they take profits and motorists&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/20/five-missouri-counties-no-longer-have-a-license-office-a-fee-hike-seeks-to-fix-that/">will pay more</a>&nbsp;to renew vehicle registrations under separate bills signed Thursday by Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Kehoe’s signature on&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB594&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">the bill</a>&nbsp;granting an income tax exemption for long-term capital gains — profits on investments held for a year or longer — marks the third major tax cut in the past three years. And it comes just days after he vetoed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/30/missouri-governor-hits-earmarks-with-veto-pen-as-he-signs-state-budget/">more than $300 million</a>&nbsp;in general revenue spending and restricted $211 million more amid worries about sluggish revenues.

In the fiscal year that ended June 30, the state took in $13.4 billion in general revenue and final figures show revenue increased just $1 million over the previous year. After Kehoe’s vetoes, the budget for the current fiscal year projects spending $15.5 billion in general revenue, with the gap between revenue and spending covered by surpluses accumulated in past years.

“Conservative leadership is about keeping more money in the hands of Missouri families, and less in government coffers,” Kehoe said&nbsp;in a news release.

The capital gains exemption for individuals is officially estimated to reduce revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/fiscal/fispdf/1683S.04F.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">by about $110 million</a>&nbsp;annually. Independent economists, however, have warned that the annual revenue loss could be much more,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/07/missouri-lawmakers-set-to-pass-capital-gains-tax-cut-with-questions-about-its-total-cost/">perhaps as much as $600 million</a>.&nbsp;

Most of the benefits from a cut in the capital gains rate for individuals would go to a small slice of taxpayers. The 23,800 federal returns filed for 2022 with incomes greater than $500,000 a year represent 0.8% of all returns but included 65% of the capital gains income.

When Kehoe finished with the state budget, he warned he was making vetoes and restricting spending because of uncertainty in future state revenues and expenses.

When Kehoe released his budget proposal in January, it anticipated the state would end the current fiscal year with an unobligated general revenue balance of $2.6 billion. At that time, the unobligated surplus at the end of the coming fiscal year was projected at $1.4 billion, but during the recent special session state Budget Director Dan Haug told lawmakers he expects no more than half that amount — $600 million to $700 million — will remain on June 30, 2026.

“The Office of Administration’s Division of Budget and Planning estimates a nearly $1 billion shortfall in general revenue starting in (fiscal year 2027),” the release accompanying the budget actions stated. “Contributing to this shortfall, ongoing general revenue spending authorized in the (fiscal year 2026) budget is projected to outpace ongoing revenues by nearly over $1 billion and grow larger in future years.”

Both the vetoes and Haug’s forecast came before Congress finished work on the massive&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/04/repub/on-the-fourth-of-july-trump-signs-his-big-beautiful-bill-into-law/">federal budget reconciliation bill</a>&nbsp;signed July 4 by President Donald Trump. The conservative-leaning Tax Foundation estimated Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/02/proposed-federal-tax-changes-could-mean-170m-or-more-cut-to-missouri-state-revenues/">revenue would decline</a>&nbsp;by at least $170 million and possibly by more than $400 million under an earlier version of the bill.&nbsp;

That estimate has not been updated since the final bill was passed.

The federal budget bill is also expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/03/federal-budget-megabill-would-shift-billions-in-cost-to-missouri-taxpayers/">shift billions of dollars</a>&nbsp;in costs for programs like food stamps and Medicaid to Missouri over the coming decade.

The liberal Missouri Budget Project, which opposed the tax cut during the session, issued a statement Thursday condemning Kehoe’s decision to sign the bill.

“Prioritizing an expensive special interest tax giveaway at this time is irresponsible and a mismanagement of taxpayer dollars,” CEO Amy Blouin said in a news release. “It’s also a slap in the face to the bulk of Missouri taxpayers who are struggling to afford groceries and who already pay a higher portion of their income in state and local taxes than do the folks who will get a windfall from the capital gains exemption.”

A capital gains exemption for corporations, also included in the bill, would take effect when future revenue growth or legislative action reduces the top individual income tax rate to 4.5% or below. The rate this year is 4.7%, with two reductions of 0.1 percentage point each already included in state law when revenue triggers are met.

The state budget office estimates the earliest date for the next rate cut triggered by revenue would be Jan. 1, 2028.

The bill that includes the capital gains tax cut also includes provisions increasing a&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/taxation/individual/tax-types/property-tax-credit/" target="_blank">refundable income tax credit</a>&nbsp;used by lower-income senior citizens and the disabled to offset property taxes. The increase in what is known as the Circuit Breaker tax credit would bump the maximum credit for homeowners to $1,550 from the current $1,100. Qualifying taxpayers who rent their homes would see their maximum credit increase to $1,055 from $750.

The maximum income for claiming the credit would also increase, to $38,200 for renters and $41,000 a year for homeowners.

The increased Circuit Breaker credit was negotiated by Democrats opposed to the capital gains cut. A bipartisan coalition also won sales tax exemptions for diapers and feminine hygiene products, bringing the total official estimate of the tax cut in the coming year to $430 million, with an ongoing revenue reduction of $340 million.

The Missouri Department of Revenue issues motor vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses through a system of contract offices that make money through fees, set by law, added to the&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/titling-registration/fees.html" target="_blank">state charge</a>&nbsp;for the&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/resources/license.html#fees" target="_blank">transaction</a>.&nbsp;

There is supposed to be at least one license office in every county, but for much of this year, five counties&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/20/five-missouri-counties-no-longer-have-a-license-office-a-fee-hike-seeks-to-fix-that/">have had no office</a>&nbsp;because contractors wouldn’t work for the allowed fees.

The bill signed by Kehoe and sponsored by state Sen. Sandy Crawford, a Republican from Buffalo, would increase the fees received by the license offices by 50%.

The goal is to make the offices attractive to contractors and avoid closures, Crawford said during a House committee hearing in April.

“I live in a small town, and if my license bureau were to close, I would likely have to drive 45 minutes, take a half a day to drive and get my license,” Crawford said. “And so I would much rather pay $3 than take off half a day and drive 45 miles or 45 minutes to get this done.”

The transaction fee for a driver’s license or motor vehicle would go from $6 to $9 for the shortest period and from $12 to $18 for the longest, six years for a driver’s license and two years for a vehicle registration.

In fiscal 2024, the 175 license offices processed almost 9 million transactions and charged $58.4 million in fees.&nbsp;

The smallest, in Unionville in Putnam County on the Iowa border, generated $28,736 in fees on 4,519 transactions. There is currently no contractor for the Unionville office and it has been closed since mid-April.

The busiest license office is in Creve Coeur in St. Louis County, where 167,390 transactions generated almost $1.1 million in fee revenue.

Capital gains exemption and motor vehicle fee hike bills signed by Missouri governor

Business groups lobbied heavily to overturn the measure passed by 58% of voters, arguing it would cost jobs. The bill also repeals annual inflation adjustments for the minimum wage, in effect since 2006.

Missouri workers who started accruing paid sick leave on May 1 will lose it Aug. 28&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB567&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">under legislation</a>&nbsp;signed Thursday by Gov. Mike Kehoe.

The new benefit, linked to an increase in the minimum wage passed with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missourians-vote-to-increase-minimum-wage-require-paid-sick-leave/">58% of the vote</a>&nbsp;in November, became a target for business lobbying interests. Republican allies in the General Assembly pushed it to Kehoe’s desk by invoking a rarely used state Senate rule&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">to shut down debate</a>&nbsp;over Democratic objections.

The action followed a pattern established over the past 15 years where conservative Republicans have used their majorities in the legislature to roll back or repeal measures that became law through initiatives pushed to the ballot by progressive groups.

The minimum wage initiative was a statutory change, meaning lawmakers could make any changes that would command a majority.&nbsp;

In a news release issued after he signed the bills, Kehoe said he was approving the bill to defend small businesses.

“Today, we are protecting the people who make Missouri work—families, job creators, and small business owners—by cutting taxes, rolling back overreach, and eliminating costly mandates,” Kehoe said in the release.

Missouri House Democratic leader Ashley Aune of Kansas City denounced Kehoe’s decision to sign the bill as an attack on workers and voters.

“The governor’s action today demonstrates the absolute disdain Republicans have for working Missourians,” Aune said in a news release. “But in stripping workers of their legal right to earned sick leave, the governor and his allies have probably guaranteed this issue will be back on the ballot next year as a constitutional amendment that will place worker protections beyond their reach.”

Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for the paid sick leave law, has filed a proposed constitutional amendment targeting the 2026 ballot.

The repeal doesn’t take effect immediately because Republicans were unable to muster the two-thirds majorities needed to pass an emergency clause even though the GOP holds more than two-thirds of the seats in each chamber. It goes into effect at the same time as other bills approved this year and signed by Kehoe.

The increased minimum wage, $13.75 an hour, took effect on Jan. 1. A second increase is set for Jan. 1, 2026, when it will increase to $15 an hour. The bill signed Thursday also repeals a provision, in effect since 2006, to adjust the minimum wage annually for inflation.

Organizers of the initiative that put the measure on the ballot set May 1 as the starting date for paid leave, available for personal illness or to stay home with a sick family member. The intent was to allow more time for businesses to adjust to the new rule than the short period between the election and the new year.

Workers at businesses with receipts greater than $500,000 a year are accruing at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours.

The measure made sick leave guaranteed for 728,000 workers who lacked it statewide, or over 1 in 3 Missouri workers, according to an analysis from the progressive nonprofit the Missouri Budget Project.

The leave can be used currently, but the repeal makes it uncertain if accrued leave can be used after the law is repealed.

The battle over the leave provisions revolved around its economic effect, pitting business interests and their backers in the legislature against supporters of the law.&nbsp;

During a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/20/new-paid-sick-leave-requirement-targeted-by-missouri-republicans/">House committee hearing</a>&nbsp;in February, the sponsor, Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton, suggested that employees can’t be trusted to use paid sick leave only for the reasons allowed by the law.

“Under the mandated sick leave, potential abuse is nearly impossible to address,” Gallick told the House Commerce Committee. “Employers cannot ask an employee why they were absent, leaving them vulnerable to lawsuits for merely inquiring.”

In a news release Thursday,&nbsp;Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the mandated paid sick leave a “job killer.”

“Missouri employers value their employees and recognize the importance of offering competitive wages and benefits, but one-size-fits-all mandates threaten growth,” Corches said in the release.

At a May news conference, state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, said that when Missouri workers are successful, businesses will succeed.

“The idea that providing workers with more protections is a business killer is wild,” she said. “…To try to make this seem like this is something that will kill business, that will keep businesses from opening, I think it’s absurd, and I think it’s quite disappointing, and I think it sends absolutely the wrong message.”

The action on sick leave is similar to a bill in 2011&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/missouris-puppy-mill-politics-dog-breeders-outmaneuver-animal-rights-movement/" target="_blank">weakening provisions of a ballot measure from 2010</a>&nbsp;called the “Puppy Mill Cruelty and Prevention Act,” that specified appropriate living conditions for breeding operations and including action this year to overturn the abortion rights amendment approved in November.&nbsp;

The GOP’s willingness to overturn voter actions has led many initiative organizers to push their proposals as constitutional amendments, which require a statewide vote to repeal or revise. Amendments to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/09/missouri-voters-amend-state-constitution-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana/">legalize marijuana</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article244714972.html" target="_blank">expand Medicaid</a>&nbsp;coverage, revise the legislative redistricting process and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">protect abortion rights</a>&nbsp;have all been passed as constitutional amendments.

The Republican majority has responded by successfully pushing a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/11/04/voters-repeal-clean-missouri-redistricting-plan-they-enacted-in-2018/">second revision</a>&nbsp;of redistricting and placing an&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/03/lawsuit-challenges-ballot-language-for-proposed-missouri-abortion-ban/">abortion rights repeal</a>&nbsp;on the 2026 ballot. A court challenge to Medicaid expansion was rejected&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/07/22/missouri-supreme-court-rules-voter-approved-medicaid-expansion-is-constitutional/">by the Missouri Supreme Court</a>.

Missouri Governor signs bill repealing paid sick leave 

NODAWAY COUNTY, Mo. — A record 113 Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters have been awarded $500 Shaping Rural Missouri Grants from FCS Financial this summer to complete community improvement projects across the state.

The grants support a variety of efforts, including landscaping fairgrounds, painting bleachers, building picnic tables, and enhancing community parks.

In Nodaway County, two groups received funding:

Now in its 14th year, the Shaping Rural Missouri Grant program has awarded more than $364,000 statewide to support rural youth-led initiatives.

The projects are expected to be completed throughout the summer, helping shape not only rural spaces—but future community leaders as well.

Record Number of Missouri 4-H and FFA Groups Earn Rural Improvement Grants

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Golfers across the region can now register for the 35th Annual St. Francis Classic, taking place Friday, August 22 at Mozingo Lake Golf Course. This year's event aims to raise critical funds for state-of-the-art 3D mammography equipment at Mosaic Medical Center – Maryville.

More than 2,500 women receive mammograms at Mosaic each year. The new equipment is expected to significantly enhance early detection capabilities, leading to better outcomes for patients across Northwest Missouri.

This year's honorary host is Jeanne Pierson, a two-time breast cancer survivor whose story underscores the life-saving value of advanced diagnostic tools. Pierson was first diagnosed at age 50. A decade later, a second, more invasive cancer was caught early — thanks to 3D mammography.

Pierson is now a passionate advocate for annual screenings and continued investment in advanced technology to ensure others benefit from early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Those interested in registering or supporting the tournament can contact Mosaic Medical Center – Maryville for more information. Proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit the hospital’s mammography program and help save lives through early detection.

Registration Open for 35th Annual St. Francis Classic Golf Tournament

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Maryville High School is on the hunt for a new head coach for its girls volleyball team following the resignation of Alyssa Stout.

Stout is stepping down after two seasons at the helm, citing a family decision to relocate outside of Maryville. During her tenure, she helped the Spoofhounds improve their record, finishing last season at 13-12.

Maryville Volleyball Coach Steps Down; Search Begins for Replacement

FAUCETT, Mo. – A proposal to rezone agricultural land near Mid-Buchanan R-V School for a five-home housing subdivision has been overwhelmingly rejected by the Buchanan County Planning and Zoning Board.

The proposed development, which would have transformed rural land into residential lots, drew strong opposition from area residents—many of whom are affiliated with the Mid-Buchanan School District. Concerns centered around increased traffic, potential strain on utilities, and the impact of construction so close to school grounds.

Due to the denial of the rezoning request, a related proposal for a minor subdivision on the property was also voted down by the board.

Rezoning Plan Near Mid-Buchanan School Rejected Amid Community Pushback

A special ceremony
at St. Joseph’s Word of Life Church will recognize Vietnam War veterans and
officially thank them for their service during a very divisive time in United States
history.

St. Joseph City
Manager, Mike Schumacher, calls the Vietnam Era Commemoration Ceremony Monday morning the right thing to do.

“Many of our
veterans from the Vietnam era didn’t receive a thank you and they deserve a
thank you for their service,” Schumacher tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

This isn’t just
for St. Joseph residents, but for veterans throughout the region.

The Association of
the United States Army, Henry Leavenworth Chapter and the Veterans Home in
Cameron are participating in the ceremony.

Schumacher says
this ceremony goes beyond the divisive politics at the time of the Vietnam War.

“What’s really
important is that the people that served our country during that era and during
that time are welcomed home and receive a thank you for what they did and that’s
the real goal,” Schumacher says. “It’s a very apolitical conversation, so to
speak. It’s all about making sure they get a thank you.”

The City of St.
Joseph is partnering with veterans from Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas as well as
the Veterans Administration Clinic in Cameron, which has about 130 Vietnam War
veterans.

Schumacher says
the ceremony grows from federal legislation formally recognizing the
contributions of the veterans who served in the Vietnam War. President Barack
Obama signed into law the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration
program in 2012.

The pin veterans
will receive Monday morning is an official pin from the federal government.

“Kind of backs
that legislation, where I think the government, the federal government, has
recognized that we could have done this better and it’s time to make it right," Schumacher says.

The Vietnam Era
Commemoration Ceremony will begin at 10 o’clock Monday morning at Word of Life
Church on Riverside Road in St. Joseph. Veterans who served from November 1st
of 1955 to May 15th of 1975 will be honored.

More than 55
veterans have registered. Advance registration is requested, but not required. You
can email Kaycee Garton at <a href="mailto:kgarton@stjosephmo.gov">kgarton@stjosephmo.gov</a>
or call 816-271-4680 to register. You can also go online at <a href="https://stjosephmo.gov/">stjosephmo.gov</a>.

St. Joseph ceremony will honor and thank area Vietnam War veterans

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Jeep Wrangler driven by a 37-year-old Savannah man was southbound on Business 71 four miles south of Savannah.&nbsp; The Jeep traveled off the east side of the road, struck an embankment, became airborne, crossed a cross over, rolled and the driver was ejected.&nbsp; The vehicle came to rest in the median.

Andrew County EMS to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man hospitalized after violent rollover accident

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Nodaway County Fair is just around the corner, returning to downtown Maryville from Thursday, July 10, through Saturday, July 12, featuring a full slate of entertainment, carnival attractions, and the annual parade.

To accommodate carnival setup, Maryville City Manager Ryan Heiland announced that streets surrounding the downtown square will close on Tuesday, July 8.

Entertainment will kick off Thursday evening, July 10, at 7 p.m., with a performance by the Nodaway County Band on the Main Stage. The parade—a local favorite—will take place Saturday morning, July 12, winding through the city and drawing residents and visitors alike.

Additional fair highlights, event schedules, and attractions will be announced closer to the date.

Nodaway County Fair Returns July 10-12 in Maryville; Street Closures Started Yesterday

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Nodaway County Senior Citizens Senate, Inc. Board met June 18 to review key financial and operational matters for the coming fiscal year, including the presentation of the proposed FY2026 budget by Administrator Mia Nelson.

The proposed budget covers the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and projects a deficit of $23,765.83, with estimated income totaling $365,880—including $16,000 from the Angel Program and $349,880 in general operating income. Projected expenses include $45,500 for Angel Program meals and $344,145.83 in operating costs.

Grants are not yet reflected in the budget numbers. Nelson noted that presenting the proposed budget is essential in order to apply for grant funding. She confirmed that the center has already secured $19,000 from United Way—just shy of the $20,000 requested—and received a generous $2,750 donation from the Maryville Host Lions Club, above their regular Angel Program contribution.

The board also reviewed investment options, comparing accounts with the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri and Edward Jones. On the matter of certificate of deposit (CD) renewals, the board agreed Nelson should notify members only in the event of significant rate changes.

Board President Carolyn Franks acknowledged the end of another fiscal year, highlighting the recent building and parking lot upgrades, which have been completely paid off. She noted that while the center operated at a monthly profit only twice last year, this is consistent with its non-profit mission.

Nelson reported that a part needed to repair the senior center's air conditioner is expected to arrive the week of June 23.

The board also approved the holiday schedule for FY26, which includes:

In May, the center served an average of 32 congregate (dine-in) meals per day over 21 open days, and 67 home-delivered meals daily—underscoring its role as a vital lifeline for many Nodaway County residents.

Nodaway County Senior Center Projects Deficit in FY26 Budget; Maintains Financial Stability Through Community Support

Thursday night at Busch Stadium may well have simultaneously felt like a breath of fresh air for Cardinals fans and an unwelcome rerun for Nationals fans. 

Whatever his struggles have been thus far this season, Miles Mikolas has a habit of adjusting his attitude in a matchup with Natitude, evidenced by his 5 2/3 scoreless innings provided in St. Louis’ 8-1 series-clinching victory over the Nationals.

It was Mikolas’ second start this season against Washington, and a worthy sequel to the 5 1/3 one-run innings in DC on May 11. After surrendering a leadoff double to Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, Mikolas did not allow another baserunner, or another ball in play to leave the infield, until Paul DeJong singled with one out in the fifth.

The Cardinals started the scoring in the first inning, Brendan Donovan singling to lead off the inning and later scoring on a groundout by Alec Burleson.&nbsp; In the third inning, it was the same combo that extended the lead as Donovan again led the inning off with a single, but this time Burleson singled to to drive in Donovan, who had advanced on a wild pitch, to push the St. Louis lead to 2-0.&nbsp;

A big sixth inning helped the Cardinals put the game away behind their strong pitching, putting up five runs in the inning.&nbsp; Three consecutive hits to open the inning extended the lead as Willson Contreras, Lars Nootbaar, and Nolan Arenado all singled, Arenado's hit scoring Contreras.&nbsp; After a walk to Nolan Gorman loaded the bases, Yohel Pozo singled to left field driving in Nootbaar.&nbsp;

Leading 4-0 now with the bases still loaded, Victor Scott II grounded into a forceout, Pozo being thrown out at second and Scott making it to first safely, adding another run as Arenado scored.&nbsp; And with runners still on the corners, the scoring barrage continued with a sacrifice fly by Donovan, bringing home Gorman.&nbsp; Scott stole second base, and a double by Masyn Winn put up the final run of the inning driving in the speedy center fielder.&nbsp;

St. Louis finished their scoring in the seventh inning putting up their final run with the first batter of the inning, Contreras sending a ball sailing through the air to center field for his 12th home run of the season.&nbsp; The Nationals scored their lone run in the eighth inning, Jacob Young driving in Daylen Lile with a forceout.&nbsp;

Mikolas improved to 5-6 on the season pitching 5 2/3 scoreless innings giving up just two hits while striking out six and walking one.&nbsp; At the plate, Donovan was 2-for-4 with an RBI, Winn was also 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.&nbsp; Contreras was 2-for-4 with the home run and an RBI.&nbsp;

In some injury news for the Cardinals,&nbsp;Iván Herrera joined Triple-A Memphis for a rehab assignment on Thursday, set to play the final four games before the All-Star break for the Redbirds at designated hitter as he recovers from a strained left hamstring.

He is not scheduled to catch for Memphis, nor do the Cardinals plan to put him behind the plate for any significant action for the remainder of the 2025 season as they look to protect the slugger’s lower body while keeping his bat in the lineup.

“We have to definitely keep that in mind as far as if we want to keep him healthy for the remaining couple months,” manager Oliver Marmol said. “We’ve talked about that. We haven’t come up with, like, 'This is exactly what it will look like,' but we’re pretty close to [not catching].”

Herrera has had a breakout season at the plate derailed by two separate injuries to his left leg. He suffered a bone bruise in his knee on April 6 in Boston when attempting to run from first to third base on a base hit, and then strained his hamstring on June 19 in Chicago when rounding first base after a hit against the White Sox.

Between the injuries, Herrera has slugged eight home runs and driven in 36 runs, powered by a .320 batting average and a .925 OPS that are far and away the team’s best totals by everyday position players.

St. Louis begins a series against Atlanta tomorrow at Busch Stadium for the final games before the All Star Break.&nbsp; Matthew Liberatore (6-6, 3.70 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Grant Holmes (4-8, 3.44 ERA) for the Braves.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:15pm, coverage will be joined near the start at 7:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mikolas masters Nats again in Cards 8-1 win for win #50 for St. Louis

The St. Joseph Mustangs, or as they were known once again on Thursday night at Phil Welch Stadium the St. Joseph Tenderloins, shut out the Kansas City Monarchs 3-0, winning the season series 3-1, and winning their sixth game in a row.&nbsp;

The Mustangs opened the scoring in the second inning after back to back hits, a single by Jack Mosh and a double from Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall set up runners in scoring position as Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith grounded out, scoring Mosh.&nbsp; &nbsp;St. Joseph extended the lead in the third, again thanks to Griffth his time with an RBI single driving in Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart after he opened the inning with a single.

The Monarchs held the Mustangs to the 2-0 lead until the seventh inning when they added their final run on a sacrifice fly by Gall, bringing home Dom Felix who had singled to center with one out in the inning after Luikart led off with a ground out.&nbsp;

St. Joseph's pitching staff was brilliant on the night, allowing just four hits total.&nbsp; Ashton Nance earned the win, pitching six innings and giving up two hits while striking out four but also walking four.&nbsp; Northwest Missouri State pitcher Andrew Clark and East Buchanan alum Gage Busby each pitched one inning of relief and gave up the other two hits, one each, as Clark struck out one and Busby struck out two.

At the plate, Mosh was 3-for-4 with a run scored.&nbsp; Gall was 1-for-3 with a double, a stolen base, and an RBI, while Griffith was 1-for-3 as well with two RBIs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Mustangs are now 27-5 on the season and remain 21-4 in the MINK League.&nbsp; They return to MINK league action tomorrow hosting the Nevada Griffons at Phil Welch Stadium with first pitch at 7pm.&nbsp;

Mustangs shutout Monarchs to win season series, sixth straight game

Nolan Arenado was back at third base for the St. Louis Cardinals for the first time since last Friday, but despite having the All Star and Gold Glove third baseman back in the lineup, the Cardinals fell to the Washington Nationals 8-2 on Wednesday evening.

It was a three run home run in the first inning that started the scoring for the Nationals which would be to much to overcome for St. Louis, as Nathaniel Lowe hit a three run line drive home run to right field, driving in CJ Abrams and Josh Bell.&nbsp; The Cardinals did answer with one of their two runs in the bottom half of the inning Alec Burleson singling to bring home Willson Contreras who had doubled in the at bat just before him.&nbsp;

Leading 3-1, Washington scored another three runs in the fourth inning to extend the lead, first with Alex Call doubling home Bell who singled to start the inning.&nbsp; Jacob Young singled later in the inning to drive in Call and also Brady House who had singled following the double by Call to push the Nationals lead to 6-1.&nbsp;

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