The Kansas City Chiefs entered this year's training camp at Missouri Western State University loaded at the running back position.  

A healthy Isiah Pacheco, a newly signed Elijah Mitchell, and drafted Brashard Smith have had a good start to camp, not to mention Carson Steele and Kareem Hunt.  

For Hunt, who was signed three weeks into the season last year, feels he's really benefitted from having a full offseason of preparation 

"I was more locked in staying on schedule," Hunt tells reporters.  "Because I didn't know when I was going to get picked up or when I was going to have the opportunity, or if I was going to have the opportunity to play again, so I stayed on top of things this offseason, made sure I stayed in good shape from OTA's and just able to keep building on what I've already built." 

Hunt rushed for 728 yards last season and seven touchdowns, primarily used as a short yardage back, which could again be his role if he earns his spot.  

The competition on the offensive line will continue to be a focus for much of Chiefs Training Camp as the Chiefs majorly refocus on reshaping their offensive line.  

Seeking left tackle consistency, the Chiefs drafted Joshua Simmons and signed former San Francisco 49er Jaylon Moore to replace Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia 

Center Creed Humphrey says with two new tackles coming in, it's all about building chemistry along the offensive line 

"That's why camp's really good for this, you get a ton of reps in, a ton of looks against Spags defense, so it's preparing you all for the season," Humphrey says.  "So, we're excited about it, we've got some really good talent in that room right now and it's going to really good competition."  

Suamataia is competing to replace Joe Thuney at left guard after the Chiefs traded Thuney to the Chicago Bears.  Kansas City has also been without Jawaan Taylor to start camp as he's on the PUP list 

In a move that was overshadowed by the resigning of Trey Smith and contract extension of George Karlaftis, the Chiefs linebacking core got a boost early this offseason, bringing back a fan favorite, who's also a leader on the defense.  

Nick Bolton signed a three-year contract extension to stay with the Chiefs, after many thought he might leave.  Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo called Bolton the Patrick Mahomes of the defense 

Linebacker Leo Chenal echoes the sentiment saying having Bolton back means everything 

"When he's on the field it's just different, you guys can see it I'm sure, not only his play, his leadership, his loud, bold communcation, just his positivity, you can go down the list of what a leader is and Nick Bolton checks the box," Chenal says.  "So, it boosts morale to the whole team and makes everybody play better around him."  

For Chenal, he enters this season on the final year of his rookie contract, but says he's keeping his mind off it as best he can and is focused on doing his best for the team 

The Chiefs practiced for just under two hours today.  They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15, before an off day on Saturday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753383699039.jpeg" alt="Kareem Hunt/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kareem Hunt/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE The Kansas City Chiefs entered this year's training camp at Missouri Western State University loaded at the running back position. A healthy Isiah Pacheco, a newly signed Elijah Mitchell, and drafted Brashard Smith have had a good start to camp, not to mention Carson Steele and Kareem Hunt. For Hunt, who was signed three weeks into the season last year, feels he's really benefitted from having a full offseason of preparation "I was more locked in staying on schedule," Hunt tells reporters. "Because I didn't know when I was going to get picked up or when I was going to have the opportunity, or if I was going to have the opportunity to play again, so I stayed on top of things this offseason, made sure I stayed in good shape from OTA's and just able to keep building on what I've already built." Hunt rushed for 728 yards last season and seven touchdowns, primarily used as a short yardage back, which could again be his role if he earns his spot. The competition on the offensive line will continue to be a focus for much of Chiefs Training Camp as the Chiefs majorly refocus on reshaping their offensive line. Seeking left tackle consistency, the Chiefs drafted Joshua Simmons and signed former San Francisco 49er Jaylon Moore to replace Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia Center Creed Humphrey says with two new tackles coming in, it's all about building chemistry along the offensive line "That's why camp's really good for this, you get a ton of reps in, a ton of looks against Spags defense, so it's preparing you all for the season," Humphrey says. "So, we're excited about it, we've got some really good talent in that room right now and it's going to really good competition." Suamataia is competing to replace Joe Thuney at left guard after the Chiefs traded Thuney to the Chicago Bears. Kansas City has also been without Jawaan Taylor to start camp as he's on the PUP list In a move that was overshadowed by the resigning of Trey Smith and contract extension of George Karlaftis, the Chiefs linebacking core got a boost early this offseason, bringing back a fan favorite, who's also a leader on the defense. Nick Bolton signed a three-year contract extension to stay with the Chiefs, after many thought he might leave. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo called Bolton the Patrick Mahomes of the defense Linebacker Leo Chenal echoes the sentiment saying having Bolton back means everything "When he's on the field it's just different, you guys can see it I'm sure, not only his play, his leadership, his loud, bold communcation, just his positivity, you can go down the list of what a leader is and Nick Bolton checks the box," Chenal says. "So, it boosts morale to the whole team and makes everybody play better around him." For Chenal, he enters this season on the final year of his rookie contract, but says he's keeping his mind off it as best he can and is focused on doing his best for the team The Chiefs practiced for just under two hours today. They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15, before an off day on Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753383787856.jpeg" alt="Rashee Rice (4) cathces a pass with coverage by linebacker Leo Chenal (54)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Rashee Rice (4) cathces a pass with coverage by linebacker Leo Chenal (54)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hunt ready for another year with Chiefs after having full offseason to prepare

Missouri and Kansas have made their pitch
for either renovating Arrowhead Stadium or building a new stadium for the
Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas made its offer early, an attempt to lure the Chiefs
over the state line. Missouri countered with the legislature approving a
package during the special session in June.

Kansas City Chiefs President, Mark
Donovan, says team officials continue to pore over offers from both states as
they consider where the team will play in the future.

Donovan declines to indicate whether one
state has the edge over the other.

“As I said before, I’ll say it again, the
commitment on both sides has been really, really humbling,” Donovan tells
reporters during the opening of Training Camp at Missouri Western State
University. “There’s a real interest to figure this out on both sides of the
state line and that gives us a great opportunity to figure out what is best for
our fans and for the organization.”

The Chiefs conducted a survey of fans in
the team’s effort to decide its future. Donovan says three survey results stood
out. Fans take pride in how loud it gets at Arrowhead and want to retain the arguably
loudest stadium in the NFL. Fans like their tailgates and whether the Chiefs renovate
Arrowhead or move to a new stadium, fans want the Chiefs to provide plenty of
room for tailgating. Donovan says the third response that rose to the top was
humbling to the organization. He says fans said they trusted the Chiefs to do
the right thing.

Much hinges on what the Royals decide to
do. The Chiefs and the Royals are neighbors, sharing room in the Truman Sports
Complex which opened in 1972. If the Royals leave Kauffman Stadium as expected,
that creates a different dynamic for the Chiefs, according to Donovan. The NFL
franchise could then spread out to take over the entire complex. Donovan does
add that if the Royals cross the state line and relocate in the Kansas side of
the Kansas City metroplex, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Chiefs will move
to Kansas. Previously, the future of the two teams seemed linked. They are
separate now.

Donovan says his team is scrutinizing
every paragraph, every word in the offers from both states. 

“It’s the detail of those deals. What
deal makes the most sense from a business perspective, for a future
perspective. And I think it’s important to point this out – what makes the most
sense for our fans for the next generation, right?” Donovan says. “There are a
lot of really strong arguments on both sides, but we have to make that
decision, what we believe makes the best impact on our fans for the next
generation.”

Donovan emphasizes the decision on where
the Chiefs call home has no impact on whether the Chiefs continue to hold
training camp in St. Joseph. Missouri Western State University announced just
prior to the beginning of this year’s camp that the university had reached a multi-year
extension with the Chiefs.

But will the Chiefs stay in St. Joseph in
the future?

Donovan says much like the team’s
decision on whether to renovate Arrowhead or build new, it all depends.

“Look, we don’t want to leave, but we may
find a better option in the future and decide to do that,” Donovan says. “It’s
kind of what we’re doing with the stadium right now. We may and we may not.”

Donovan says when the Chiefs began
holding training camp in St. Joseph in 2010, no one could have guessed the
impact it would have on the city.

“And you look at it today, 15 years in, it’s
measurable and it’s exceeded everyone’s expectations and we’re proud of that,” Donovan
says. “But we also believe that’s what we bring to the table. We can bring
something that can change, have impact. And, if you look at the history of
this, we’ve done that.”

The Chiefs moved training camp from the
University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Before that, the Chiefs held training
camp at William Jewel College in Liberty.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753375239183.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs President, Mark Donovan/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs President, Mark Donovan/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt is a border battle like no other.Missouri and Kansas have made their pitch
for either renovating Arrowhead Stadium or building a new stadium for the
Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas made its offer early, an attempt to lure the Chiefs
over the state line. Missouri countered with the legislature approving a
package during the special session in June.Kansas City Chiefs President, Mark
Donovan, says team officials continue to pore over offers from both states as
they consider where the team will play in the future.Donovan declines to indicate whether one
state has the edge over the other.“As I said before, I’ll say it again, the
commitment on both sides has been really, really humbling,” Donovan tells
reporters during the opening of Training Camp at Missouri Western State
University. “There’s a real interest to figure this out on both sides of the
state line and that gives us a great opportunity to figure out what is best for
our fans and for the organization.”The Chiefs conducted a survey of fans in
the team’s effort to decide its future. Donovan says three survey results stood
out. Fans take pride in how loud it gets at Arrowhead and want to retain the arguably
loudest stadium in the NFL. Fans like their tailgates and whether the Chiefs renovate
Arrowhead or move to a new stadium, fans want the Chiefs to provide plenty of
room for tailgating. Donovan says the third response that rose to the top was
humbling to the organization. He says fans said they trusted the Chiefs to do
the right thing.Much hinges on what the Royals decide to
do. The Chiefs and the Royals are neighbors, sharing room in the Truman Sports
Complex which opened in 1972. If the Royals leave Kauffman Stadium as expected,
that creates a different dynamic for the Chiefs, according to Donovan. The NFL
franchise could then spread out to take over the entire complex. Donovan does
add that if the Royals cross the state line and relocate in the Kansas side of
the Kansas City metroplex, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Chiefs will move
to Kansas. Previously, the future of the two teams seemed linked. They are
separate now.Donovan says his team is scrutinizing
every paragraph, every word in the offers from both states. “It’s the detail of those deals. What
deal makes the most sense from a business perspective, for a future
perspective. And I think it’s important to point this out – what makes the most
sense for our fans for the next generation, right?” Donovan says. “There are a
lot of really strong arguments on both sides, but we have to make that
decision, what we believe makes the best impact on our fans for the next
generation.”Donovan emphasizes the decision on where
the Chiefs call home has no impact on whether the Chiefs continue to hold
training camp in St. Joseph. Missouri Western State University announced just
prior to the beginning of this year’s camp that the university had reached a multi-year
extension with the Chiefs.But will the Chiefs stay in St. Joseph in
the future?Donovan says much like the team’s
decision on whether to renovate Arrowhead or build new, it all depends.“Look, we don’t want to leave, but we may
find a better option in the future and decide to do that,” Donovan says. “It’s
kind of what we’re doing with the stadium right now. We may and we may not.”Donovan says when the Chiefs began
holding training camp in St. Joseph in 2010, no one could have guessed the
impact it would have on the city.“And you look at it today, 15 years in, it’s
measurable and it’s exceeded everyone’s expectations and we’re proud of that,” Donovan
says. “But we also believe that’s what we bring to the table. We can bring
something that can change, have impact. And, if you look at the history of
this, we’ve done that.”The Chiefs moved training camp from the
University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Before that, the Chiefs held training
camp at William Jewel College in Liberty.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Chiefs weigh proposals from Missouri & Kansas in deciding future home

The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has been notified of two separate events in which horses in Kansas have tested positive for reportable diseases. The agency has responded to both incidents according to the state’s disease response plan.

In mid-July KDA was notified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory that a horse in Sedgwick County has tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The facility and all horses on the premises were placed under quarantine until further testing of all exposed horses was completed. Preliminary results indicate that there are additional horses testing positive. EIA is an untreatable disease and response actions are being made accordingly. The remaining horses at the facility that tested negative will be observed and retested in 60 days. The positive symptomatic horse did die from complications associated with EIA.

KDA has identified a prescribed surveillance area within one-quarter mile of the affected premises and is working with local officials and horse owners to identify any other horses that may have been within that surveillance area.

EIA does not affect people, but it can spread to horses, mules and donkeys. The virus can be transmitted from an infected equine to a “clean” equine by biting flies, the use of unsterilized or contaminated medical instruments, or through a blood transfusion. Clinical signs of EIA include fever, anemia and edema; however, affected horses may not show symptoms. EIA can be fatal in horses. All infected horses, including those which are asymptomatic, are carriers of the disease.

There are typically a small number of cases of EIA in the United States every year, although the disease is common in other parts of the world. EIA is controlled in the U.S. by regular testing before traveling across state lines and/or exhibition. The test for EIA is commonly called a Coggins test. This spring, KDA expanded regulations to require a negative Coggins test be completed within the previous 12 months for horses that are changing ownership or are used for exhibition purposes. These regulations are in addition to the previous requirement of a negative Coggins test for horses entering Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has received notification of a confirmed case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a horse in Harper County.

WNV is a virus that can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Horses infected with WNV can have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever to severe neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses. If you see symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately.

WNV is a preventable disease, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. The infected animal was not current with its vaccinations, but is responding favorably to treatment. All horse owners should consult with their local veterinarians and make a vaccination plan for their horses.

The virus is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes; although both horses and humans are susceptible, it is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human. Horse owners should work diligently to reduce the mosquito populations and their possible breeding areas, including removing stagnant water sources and using mosquito repellents. WNV is a reportable disease in Kansas, which means the law requires any confirmed case must be reported to the KDA Division of Animal Health.

For more information about EIA, WNV, or other animal disease issues in Kansas, go to the KDA–DAH website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fdivisions-programs%2Fdivision-of-animal-health%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001983955fa97-1b865264-392c-4461-995a-551d9b68f9b2-000000/BHWPhJVwNuQPKTougYeXc0VwH8-Dro4HX4jB74lzWRA=415">agriculture.ks.gov/AnimalHealth</a>.

If you have questions, please call KDA–DAH at (785) 564-6601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692720516860.jpg" alt="Image Pixaby" />
 <figcaption>Image Pixaby</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of AgricultureThe Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has been notified of two separate events in which horses in Kansas have tested positive for reportable diseases. The agency has responded to both incidents according to the state’s disease response plan.<h2>Equine Infectious Anemia</h2>In mid-July KDA was notified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory that a horse in Sedgwick County has tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The facility and all horses on the premises were placed under quarantine until further testing of all exposed horses was completed. Preliminary results indicate that there are additional horses testing positive. EIA is an untreatable disease and response actions are being made accordingly. The remaining horses at the facility that tested negative will be observed and retested in 60 days. The positive symptomatic horse did die from complications associated with EIA.KDA has identified a prescribed surveillance area within one-quarter mile of the affected premises and is working with local officials and horse owners to identify any other horses that may have been within that surveillance area.EIA does not affect people, but it can spread to horses, mules and donkeys. The virus can be transmitted from an infected equine to a “clean” equine by biting flies, the use of unsterilized or contaminated medical instruments, or through a blood transfusion. Clinical signs of EIA include fever, anemia and edema; however, affected horses may not show symptoms. EIA can be fatal in horses. All infected horses, including those which are asymptomatic, are carriers of the disease.There are typically a small number of cases of EIA in the United States every year, although the disease is common in other parts of the world. EIA is controlled in the U.S. by regular testing before traveling across state lines and/or exhibition. The test for EIA is commonly called a Coggins test. This spring, KDA expanded regulations to require a negative Coggins test be completed within the previous 12 months for horses that are changing ownership or are used for exhibition purposes. These regulations are in addition to the previous requirement of a negative Coggins test for horses entering Kansas.<h2>West Nile Virus</h2>The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has received notification of a confirmed case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a horse in Harper County.WNV is a virus that can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Horses infected with WNV can have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever to severe neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses. If you see symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately.WNV is a preventable disease, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. The infected animal was not current with its vaccinations, but is responding favorably to treatment. All horse owners should consult with their local veterinarians and make a vaccination plan for their horses.The virus is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes; although both horses and humans are susceptible, it is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human. Horse owners should work diligently to reduce the mosquito populations and their possible breeding areas, including removing stagnant water sources and using mosquito repellents. WNV is a reportable disease in Kansas, which means the law requires any confirmed case must be reported to the KDA Division of Animal Health.For more information about EIA, WNV, or other animal disease issues in Kansas, go to the KDA–DAH website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fdivisions-programs%2Fdivision-of-animal-health%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001983955fa97-1b865264-392c-4461-995a-551d9b68f9b2-000000/BHWPhJVwNuQPKTougYeXc0VwH8-Dro4HX4jB74lzWRA=415">agriculture.ks.gov/AnimalHealth</a>.If you have questions, please call KDA–DAH at (785) 564-6601.

KDA Alert: Horses tested positive for anemia, West Nile virus

PLATTE COUNTY —The death of a baby boy last fall is now being investigated as a homicide.

Just after 6:30p.m. October 26, 2023, police were dispatched to Children's Mercy Hospital on a reported assault that occurred in the 8000 block of NW Milrey Drive in Kansas City, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Upon arrival, they contacted hospital staff who advised that two-month-old Mateo Rideout&nbsp;was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries. 

A person of interest was identified and taken into police custody for further investigation. On November 5, the child died at the hospital as a result of his injuries.

This death was ruled suspicious in nature until detectives would receive the official autopsy report from the medical examiner’s office. 

On June 10, an autopsy report from Forensic Medical was provided ruling this death a homicide. This case has been submitted to Platte County Prosecutors for charging consideration.

PLATTE COUNTY —The death of a baby boy last fall is now being investigated as a homicide.Just after 6:30p.m. October 26, 2023, police were dispatched to Children's Mercy Hospital on a reported assault that occurred in the 8000 block of NW Milrey Drive in Kansas City, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Upon arrival, they contacted hospital staff who advised that two-month-old Mateo Rideout&nbsp;was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries. A person of interest was identified and taken into police custody for further investigation. On November 5, the child died at the hospital as a result of his injuries.This death was ruled suspicious in nature until detectives would receive the official autopsy report from the medical examiner’s office. On June 10, an autopsy report from Forensic Medical was provided ruling this death a homicide. This case has been submitted to Platte County Prosecutors for charging consideration.

KCPD: Baby's suspicious death now ruled a homicide

Missouri's Department of Natural Resources is hosting a free event to inform Missourians on black bears.

MDC's "Black Bears of Missouri" features information on black bear behavior, as well as how to prevent conflicts and coexist with the powerful creatures. It will also feature tips on how to keep bears from getting too comfortable around neighborhoods.

Experts estimate more than a thousand black bears live in Missouri, with an increase on nearly 90 bears per year. Most of them are found in the more mountainous southern regions of the state.

The event is this Friday, July 25th, from 1-2 p.m. Those interested can register <a href="https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/210150">HERE</a>.

By Jim FarisMissouri's Department of Natural Resources is hosting a free event to inform Missourians on black bears.MDC's "Black Bears of Missouri" features information on black bear behavior, as well as how to prevent conflicts and coexist with the powerful creatures. It will also feature tips on how to keep bears from getting too comfortable around neighborhoods.Experts estimate more than a thousand black bears live in Missouri, with an increase on nearly 90 bears per year. Most of them are found in the more mountainous southern regions of the state.The event is this Friday, July 25th, from 1-2 p.m. Those interested can register <a href="https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/210150">HERE</a>.

Department of Conservation to host Black Bear Presentation Friday

The U.S. Department of Energy announced Wednesday it was cancelling a conditional $4.9 billion loan for the Grain Belt Express, a planned transmission line designed to transport electricity generated by wind farms in Kansas across four states, including Missouri.

What this means for the future of the project is unclear. A spokesman for the company behind the transmission line, Illinois-based Invenergy, could not be immediately reached for comment.&nbsp;

The loan, which was issued by the Biden administration in November 2024, is being cancelled because “it is not critical for the federal government to have a role in supporting this project,” the department said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-terminates-taxpayer-funded-financial-assistance-grain-belt-express" target="_blank">news release announcing the decision</a>.&nbsp;

News of the cancelled loan was celebrated by Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, who for years has criticized the project.

“The Grain Belt Express boondoggle loan has been cancelled,” Hawley wrote on social media.&nbsp;

Hawley previously claimed he secured a pledge from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright that he would be “<a href="https://x.com/HawleyMO/status/1943408766629650779" target="_blank">putting a stop to the Grain Belt Express green scam</a>.”

In the works for more than a decade, Grain Belt Express is expected to run from southwest Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/11/grain-belt-express-announces-expansion-that-means-more-clean-energy-for-missouri/">carrying renewable energy through Missouri</a>&nbsp;and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border. When it approved the project, the Missouri Public Service Commission found that Grain Belt would save Missourians $17 billion in lower electric bills.&nbsp;

But to complete the project, the line needs to cross thousands of properties and requires easements on landowners’ properties across three states.

Invenergy says it has obtained the vast majority of those easements through voluntary negotiations with landowners. For the rest, the project was granted the right of eminent domain, a legal mechanism that allows utilities and governments to take land or easements from unwilling landowners and compensate them.&nbsp;

Grain Belt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/08/missouri-governor-to-sign-compromise-legislation-after-efforts-to-stymie-grain-belt-express/">ability to use eminent domain has drawn the ire</a>&nbsp;of Republican lawmakers and farm groups who&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/04/19/grain-belt-transmission-line-forges-ahead-amid-landowner-lawmaker-pushback/">fought to undermine the project at the Missouri General Assembly</a>&nbsp;for years.

“This is a huge win for Missouri landowners and taxpayers who should not have to fund these green energy scams,” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey posted on social media.&nbsp;

Invergy previously responded to Hawley’s criticism of the project with a post on social media calling the senator’s public comments “bizarre.”

“Senator Hawley is attempting to kill the largest transmission infrastructure project in U.S. history, which is already approved by all four states and is aligned with the president’s energy dominance agenda,” the company wrote earlier this month. “Senator Hawley is trying to deprive Americans of billions of dollars in energy cost savings, thousands of jobs, and grid reliability and national security, all in an era of exponentially growing electricity demand.”

The company also wrote a&nbsp;<a href="https://grainbeltexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/GBX_Letter_to_Secretary_Wright.docx.pdf" target="_blank">letter this month to Wright&nbsp;</a>pleading its case and criticizing both Hawley and Bailey.&nbsp;

“President Trump’s infrastructure agenda and your leadership are making America energy dominant, secure, and prosperous,” Jim Shield, vice president of Grain Belt Express LLC, wrote in the letter. “Unfortunately, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey are declaring open season on America’s ability to build needed energy infrastructure.”

Gretchen Waddell-Barwick, director of the Sierra Club Missouri Chapter, panned the decision to undermine the “shovel-ready Grain Belt Express transmission project that would quickly strengthen grid reliability and resilience, create jobs during construction, and lower electricity costs for small towns throughout Kansas and Missouri.”

Hawley doesn’t seem to care, Waddell-Barwick said, that the company played by the rules, received multiple state approvals and withstood legal challenges.

“This reeks of desperation to satisfy political interests,” Waddell-Barwick said, “at the expense of Missouri families and businesses throughout the state that may have to pay higher electric rates because of this decision.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746648653179.png" alt="&nbsp;Grain Belt Express is expected to run from southwest Kansas carrying renewable energy through Missouri and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Grain Belt Express is expected to run from southwest Kansas carrying renewable energy through Missouri and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border (Robert Zullo/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. Department of Energy announced Wednesday it was cancelling a conditional $4.9 billion loan for the Grain Belt Express, a planned transmission line designed to transport electricity generated by wind farms in Kansas across four states, including Missouri.What this means for the future of the project is unclear. A spokesman for the company behind the transmission line, Illinois-based Invenergy, could not be immediately reached for comment.&nbsp;The loan, which was issued by the Biden administration in November 2024, is being cancelled because “it is not critical for the federal government to have a role in supporting this project,” the department said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-terminates-taxpayer-funded-financial-assistance-grain-belt-express" target="_blank">news release announcing the decision</a>.&nbsp;News of the cancelled loan was celebrated by Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, who for years has criticized the project.“The Grain Belt Express boondoggle loan has been cancelled,” Hawley wrote on social media.&nbsp;Hawley previously claimed he secured a pledge from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright that he would be “<a href="https://x.com/HawleyMO/status/1943408766629650779" target="_blank">putting a stop to the Grain Belt Express green scam</a>.”In the works for more than a decade, Grain Belt Express is expected to run from southwest Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/11/grain-belt-express-announces-expansion-that-means-more-clean-energy-for-missouri/">carrying renewable energy through Missouri</a>&nbsp;and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border. When it approved the project, the Missouri Public Service Commission found that Grain Belt would save Missourians $17 billion in lower electric bills.&nbsp;But to complete the project, the line needs to cross thousands of properties and requires easements on landowners’ properties across three states.Invenergy says it has obtained the vast majority of those easements through voluntary negotiations with landowners. For the rest, the project was granted the right of eminent domain, a legal mechanism that allows utilities and governments to take land or easements from unwilling landowners and compensate them.&nbsp;Grain Belt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/08/missouri-governor-to-sign-compromise-legislation-after-efforts-to-stymie-grain-belt-express/">ability to use eminent domain has drawn the ire</a>&nbsp;of Republican lawmakers and farm groups who&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/04/19/grain-belt-transmission-line-forges-ahead-amid-landowner-lawmaker-pushback/">fought to undermine the project at the Missouri General Assembly</a>&nbsp;for years.“This is a huge win for Missouri landowners and taxpayers who should not have to fund these green energy scams,” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey posted on social media.&nbsp;Invergy previously responded to Hawley’s criticism of the project with a post on social media calling the senator’s public comments “bizarre.”“Senator Hawley is attempting to kill the largest transmission infrastructure project in U.S. history, which is already approved by all four states and is aligned with the president’s energy dominance agenda,” the company wrote earlier this month. “Senator Hawley is trying to deprive Americans of billions of dollars in energy cost savings, thousands of jobs, and grid reliability and national security, all in an era of exponentially growing electricity demand.”The company also wrote a&nbsp;<a href="https://grainbeltexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/GBX_Letter_to_Secretary_Wright.docx.pdf" target="_blank">letter this month to Wright&nbsp;</a>pleading its case and criticizing both Hawley and Bailey.&nbsp;“President Trump’s infrastructure agenda and your leadership are making America energy dominant, secure, and prosperous,” Jim Shield, vice president of Grain Belt Express LLC, wrote in the letter. “Unfortunately, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey are declaring open season on America’s ability to build needed energy infrastructure.”Gretchen Waddell-Barwick, director of the Sierra Club Missouri Chapter, panned the decision to undermine the “shovel-ready Grain Belt Express transmission project that would quickly strengthen grid reliability and resilience, create jobs during construction, and lower electricity costs for small towns throughout Kansas and Missouri.”Hawley doesn’t seem to care, Waddell-Barwick said, that the company played by the rules, received multiple state approvals and withstood legal challenges.“This reeks of desperation to satisfy political interests,” Waddell-Barwick said, “at the expense of Missouri families and businesses throughout the state that may have to pay higher electric rates because of this decision.”

Feds cancel $4.9 billion loan for Grain Belt Express transmission line project

It was another hot day at Kansas City Chiefs training camp on the Missouri Western campus, but the Chiefs were still grinding hard preparing for the season.  

This season will bring an expanded role for second year safety Jaden Hicks, after Justin Reid was not resigned this offseason, and moved on to the New Orleans Saints.  

Safety Bryan Cook says he knows Hicks is ready for that expanded role because of his capacity to learn at a rapid rate 

"As well as the fact that he's always high energy, things like that, so you know sometimes if our vets are a little low that day, he'll bring the energy, he'll bring the juice," Cook tells reporters.  "And as I said before, he's always ready to learn." 

Hicks, a fourth-round pick last season, had three interceptions and 27 tackles playing in every game last season behind Reid and Cook.  

Theres also a big offensive line battle brewing during Chiefs training camp. 

With a battle at left tackle, between Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons, and a battle at left guard, between Mike Caliendo and Kingsley Suamataia, there's some competition brewing during camp.  

Defensive tackle Chris Jones says it's good competition and adds it's good for the offensive line, but also good for the defensive line as well 

"You've got to enjoy this competition man, I think we've reiterated this over the years we have one of the hardest training camps, and I think after this training camp they'll be able to evaluate and see who's the best fit for it," Jones says.  "But I actually like it, because the change up amongst the offensive line, you've got so many guys that can play so many different places, guard, tackle, that it makes us better on the offensive line, and also challenges us on the defensive line." 

Suamataia played the final game of last season at left guard against the Denver Broncos, which gave the Chiefs the confidence to move him to the position after trading Joe Thuney 

Day two of Chiefs Training Camp saw some more big plays from the offense, but also some big plays from the defense.  

On the offensive side of the ball during camp, the Chiefs have been focusing on emphasizing explosive and big plays, going deep down field.  

Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says he doesn't like it when big plays happen in practice.  

"But hopefully it makes us better in eliminating those, because those will kill you in a game, I can remember one or two there today," Spagnuolo points out.  "But listen, the offense will make us better by doing that in terms of taking away those deep plays, because explosive plays in this league, when you give them up, usually that doesn't bode well for points allowed."  

While the Chiefs offense is working to get back the explosive play, after struggling last season, the defense has done an exceptional job at containing the big play.  

The Chiefs practiced again for just about an hour and a half today.  They practice again tomorrow at 9:15 on the Mosaic Practice Fields. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753298138564.jpeg" alt="Mike Caliendo works on a blocking drill/ Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Mike Caliendo works on a blocking drill/ Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE It was another hot day at Kansas City Chiefs training camp on the Missouri Western campus, but the Chiefs were still grinding hard preparing for the season. This season will bring an expanded role for second year safety Jaden Hicks, after Justin Reid was not resigned this offseason, and moved on to the New Orleans Saints. Safety Bryan Cook says he knows Hicks is ready for that expanded role because of his capacity to learn at a rapid rate "As well as the fact that he's always high energy, things like that, so you know sometimes if our vets are a little low that day, he'll bring the energy, he'll bring the juice," Cook tells reporters. "And as I said before, he's always ready to learn." Hicks, a fourth-round pick last season, had three interceptions and 27 tackles playing in every game last season behind Reid and Cook. Theres also a big offensive line battle brewing during Chiefs training camp. With a battle at left tackle, between Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons, and a battle at left guard, between Mike Caliendo and Kingsley Suamataia, there's some competition brewing during camp. Defensive tackle Chris Jones says it's good competition and adds it's good for the offensive line, but also good for the defensive line as well "You've got to enjoy this competition man, I think we've reiterated this over the years we have one of the hardest training camps, and I think after this training camp they'll be able to evaluate and see who's the best fit for it," Jones says. "But I actually like it, because the change up amongst the offensive line, you've got so many guys that can play so many different places, guard, tackle, that it makes us better on the offensive line, and also challenges us on the defensive line." Suamataia played the final game of last season at left guard against the Denver Broncos, which gave the Chiefs the confidence to move him to the position after trading Joe Thuney Day two of Chiefs Training Camp saw some more big plays from the offense, but also some big plays from the defense. On the offensive side of the ball during camp, the Chiefs have been focusing on emphasizing explosive and big plays, going deep down field. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says he doesn't like it when big plays happen in practice. "But hopefully it makes us better in eliminating those, because those will kill you in a game, I can remember one or two there today," Spagnuolo points out. "But listen, the offense will make us better by doing that in terms of taking away those deep plays, because explosive plays in this league, when you give them up, usually that doesn't bode well for points allowed." While the Chiefs offense is working to get back the explosive play, after struggling last season, the defense has done an exceptional job at containing the big play. The Chiefs practiced again for just about an hour and a half today. They practice again tomorrow at 9:15 on the Mosaic Practice Fields. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753298181028.jpeg" alt="Bryan Cook (6) watches during a drill/ Photo by Justin Peacock&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bryan Cook (6) watches during a drill/ Photo by Justin Peacock&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Expanded roles and position battles during Chiefs Training Camp

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

Cities and counties are not allowed to stack sales taxes on marijuana products, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In a 6-1 decision, the state’s highest court concluded the 2022 constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana limits the definition of “local government” to allow only one municipality to impose a 3% sales tax — a village, town or city in an incorporated area and a county in an unincorporated area.

The drafters of the constitutional amendment “specified a ‘local government’ is based on&nbsp;the area in which the dispensary is located,” the court ruled.&nbsp;

The case focused on Florissant-based dispensary Robust Missouri 3 LLC, where customers have been paying a total sales tax of almost 21% , which includes a 3% sales tax from both the city of Florissant and St. Louis County.

The court’s decision means only the Florissant sales tax can remain in place and will impact more than 70 areas across the state where both city and county governments have been imposing a 3% tax at dispensaries, according to Missouri Department of Revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/pdf/rates/2024/oct2024.pdf" target="_blank">data</a>.

Judge Zel M. Fischer was the lone dissent, arguing that the constitutional amendment’s definition of local government clearly includes both incorporated and unincorporated areas. It would, Fischer wrote, therefore allow counties to impose the sales tax and collect it in incorporated areas.

“The patently absurd results of holding that ‘and’ means ‘or’ and that St. Louis County is not a ‘local government’ within its own territorial jurisdiction confirms, once again, that simply applying the constitution’s plain language meaning is the surest way for this court to implement the law as it was intended,” Fischer argued.&nbsp;

A panel of Missouri appellate judges agreed with Robust in November, ruling that the constitution’s “plain, unambiguous” language means&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/12/appeals-court-rules-counties-cannot-stack-missouri-marijuana-taxes/">cities and counties cannot stack marijuana sales taxes</a>.

That decision reversed a lower court’s ruling last year that allowed both Florissant and St. Louis County to both impose a 3% sales tax on marijuana products.&nbsp;

The ruling also determined the outcome of a second case, currently before the Western District Court of Appeals. In that case, a Buchanan County judge also ruled that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/30/2nd-missouri-judge-rules-counties-can-stack-taxes-at-marijuana-dispensaries/">taxes could be stacked</a>. The Western District court stopped action in the case while awaiting the Supreme Court decision.

Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, said his organization and other industry partners went to court days after the double taxation began in 2023 “to protect the very customers that make Missouri’s marijuana program the envy of other states.”

Tuesday’s ruling, Mullins said, will save Missouri cannabis customers an estimated $3 million every month.&nbsp;

“Missouri customers already pay their fair share, with sales tax revenue from cannabis in Missouri now tripling original state estimates,” Mullins said. “The ruling’s clarity preserves Missouri’s standing as one of the nation’s most impactful and accessible cannabis programs, ensuring patients and adult-use consumers continue to benefit from fair pricing, great service and robust product choice.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692273868300.png" alt="Robust Cannabis has a 75,000-square-foot facility in Cuba, Mo. with about 70 employees who come from the surrounding areas&nbsp;(Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Robust Cannabis has a 75,000-square-foot facility in Cuba, Mo. with about 70 employees who come from the surrounding areas&nbsp;(Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Cities and counties are not allowed to stack sales taxes on marijuana products, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday.&nbsp;In a 6-1 decision, the state’s highest court concluded the 2022 constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana limits the definition of “local government” to allow only one municipality to impose a 3% sales tax — a village, town or city in an incorporated area and a county in an unincorporated area.The drafters of the constitutional amendment “specified a ‘local government’ is based on&nbsp;the area in which the dispensary is located,” the court ruled.&nbsp;The case focused on Florissant-based dispensary Robust Missouri 3 LLC, where customers have been paying a total sales tax of almost 21% , which includes a 3% sales tax from both the city of Florissant and St. Louis County.The court’s decision means only the Florissant sales tax can remain in place and will impact more than 70 areas across the state where both city and county governments have been imposing a 3% tax at dispensaries, according to Missouri Department of Revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/pdf/rates/2024/oct2024.pdf" target="_blank">data</a>.Judge Zel M. Fischer was the lone dissent, arguing that the constitutional amendment’s definition of local government clearly includes both incorporated and unincorporated areas. It would, Fischer wrote, therefore allow counties to impose the sales tax and collect it in incorporated areas.“The patently absurd results of holding that ‘and’ means ‘or’ and that St. Louis County is not a ‘local government’ within its own territorial jurisdiction confirms, once again, that simply applying the constitution’s plain language meaning is the surest way for this court to implement the law as it was intended,” Fischer argued.&nbsp;A panel of Missouri appellate judges agreed with Robust in November, ruling that the constitution’s “plain, unambiguous” language means&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/12/appeals-court-rules-counties-cannot-stack-missouri-marijuana-taxes/">cities and counties cannot stack marijuana sales taxes</a>.That decision reversed a lower court’s ruling last year that allowed both Florissant and St. Louis County to both impose a 3% sales tax on marijuana products.&nbsp;The ruling also determined the outcome of a second case, currently before the Western District Court of Appeals. In that case, a Buchanan County judge also ruled that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/30/2nd-missouri-judge-rules-counties-can-stack-taxes-at-marijuana-dispensaries/">taxes could be stacked</a>. The Western District court stopped action in the case while awaiting the Supreme Court decision.Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, said his organization and other industry partners went to court days after the double taxation began in 2023 “to protect the very customers that make Missouri’s marijuana program the envy of other states.”Tuesday’s ruling, Mullins said, will save Missouri cannabis customers an estimated $3 million every month.&nbsp;“Missouri customers already pay their fair share, with sales tax revenue from cannabis in Missouri now tripling original state estimates,” Mullins said. “The ruling’s clarity preserves Missouri’s standing as one of the nation’s most impactful and accessible cannabis programs, ensuring patients and adult-use consumers continue to benefit from fair pricing, great service and robust product choice.”

Missouri Supreme Court rules local governments can’t stack marijuana sales taxes

It's been here longer than they may have ever imagined, but the Kansas City Chiefs have again made St. Joseph the home of Chiefs Training Camp.  

Chiefs President Mark Donovan says 15 of the last 16 years training camp has taken over the Missouri Western State University campus, and it's been a great run of success 

"It doesn't happen without a lot of hard work and a lot of commitment from everyone involved so we truly appreciate that," Donovan tells reporters.  "You know, championship seasons start in St. Joe, and it's been something that we've been able to take advantage of for quite a long time now." 

Fans poured onto campus as training camp kicked off yesterday for season ticket holders, with some lining up as early as 2 am  

Donovan says it's always special to come to St. Joseph for camp. 

"When you get in your car after a long meeting and you go down to Mcdonalds and you grab a coffee, the people working see your logo and they say thank you for being here," Donovan says.  "I just want to say it the other way around, thank you guys for welcoming us and treating us the way that you do." 

Donovan reports many tickets for days of training camp are sold out, but to keep on eye on the Chiefs website the morning of camp for more to come available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753277191460.jpeg" alt="Chiefs President Mark Donovan with St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale, Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy, and Mosaic CEO Mike Poore.JPG" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs President Mark Donovan with St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale, Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy, and Mosaic CEO Mike Poore.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE It's been here longer than they may have ever imagined, but the Kansas City Chiefs have again made St. Joseph the home of Chiefs Training Camp. Chiefs President Mark Donovan says 15 of the last 16 years training camp has taken over the Missouri Western State University campus, and it's been a great run of success "It doesn't happen without a lot of hard work and a lot of commitment from everyone involved so we truly appreciate that," Donovan tells reporters. "You know, championship seasons start in St. Joe, and it's been something that we've been able to take advantage of for quite a long time now." Fans poured onto campus as training camp kicked off yesterday for season ticket holders, with some lining up as early as 2 am Donovan says it's always special to come to St. Joseph for camp. "When you get in your car after a long meeting and you go down to Mcdonalds and you grab a coffee, the people working see your logo and they say thank you for being here," Donovan says. "I just want to say it the other way around, thank you guys for welcoming us and treating us the way that you do." Donovan reports many tickets for days of training camp are sold out, but to keep on eye on the Chiefs website the morning of camp for more to come available.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs President applauds St. Joseph, MWSU as Training Camp kicks off

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; KTM SX65 motocross bike driven by a 13-year-old Dearborn boy was southbound on SE 32nd Road north of Seymour SE,&nbsp; two and one half miles south of St. Joseph.

A 2021 Toyota Rav4 driven by an 18-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on County Road Seymour. The Toyota made a left turn and began to slide on County Road SE 32nd Road.&nbsp; The motocross bike struck the front of the Toyota. After impact the motocross driver was ejected.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported the boy to Mosaic. He was later transported to Children's Mercy for treatment of serious injuries.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; KTM SX65 motocross bike driven by a 13-year-old Dearborn boy was southbound on SE 32nd Road north of Seymour SE,&nbsp; two and one half miles south of St. Joseph.A 2021 Toyota Rav4 driven by an 18-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on County Road Seymour. The Toyota made a left turn and began to slide on County Road SE 32nd Road.&nbsp; The motocross bike struck the front of the Toyota. After impact the motocross driver was ejected.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported the boy to Mosaic. He was later transported to Children's Mercy for treatment of serious injuries.

13-year-old injured after motocross bike, SUV crash

ANDREW COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chrysler 200 driven by a 73-year-old Savannah woman was southbound on Business 71 and slowed to make a left turn onto southbound Interstate 29. The driver failed to notice a northbound 2025 Ford Bronco driven by a 15-year-old Country Club girl.&nbsp; The Ford struck the side of the Chrysler. After impact the Chrysler traveled off the road and struck a guardrail. The Ford rolled onto its passenger side.

Andrew County EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic Life Care. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chrysler 200 driven by a 73-year-old Savannah woman was southbound on Business 71 and slowed to make a left turn onto southbound Interstate 29. The driver failed to notice a northbound 2025 Ford Bronco driven by a 15-year-old Country Club girl.&nbsp; The Ford struck the side of the Chrysler. After impact the Chrysler traveled off the road and struck a guardrail. The Ford rolled onto its passenger side.Andrew County EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic Life Care. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman, teen hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

With a sour taste in their mouth after losing the Super Bowl last year, the Kansas City Chiefs started their journey to get back today at Training Camp in St. Joseph.  

It's the 15th training camp at Missouri Western State University, and head coach Andy Reid's message to the team was to attack it with urgency.  

Patrick Mahomes says the way he interprets that message is just that everyone needs to keep getting better 

"I think that's something that people lose track of when you have success," Mahomes tells reporters following practice.  "Obviously we didn't win that last game, but we had a lot of success last year, and I think sometimes people want to be stagnant and they want to go out there and do it over again, but you see with the rest of the AFC West, the rest of the AFC, and the rest of the NFL is everybody's getting better, so we have to get better, and so that's about keeping urgency in practice and competing." 

The Chiefs kicked off training camp with two big pieces of their young core locked up for the foreseeable future.  

Prior to camp, the Chiefs locked up a key piece to their offensive line in guard Trey Smith. 

For Smith, a former sixth round pick who fell in the draft due to medical issues, it was an emotional moment 

"I lost my mom when I was 15 and I made two promises to her, that I would get my degree and I would play in the NFL, I didn't promise her I would be the highest paid, but I made a promise," Smith tearfully says.  "And my parents sacrificed so much for me to be here, so much, and to have that moment with them it's special bro, it's special, and it's something I won't take for granted man." 

Smith signed a four-year $94 million contract, making him the highest paid guard in the league.

Less than one week later, the Chiefs extended the contract of defensive end George Karlaftis.  

Karlaftis says he's been very vocal about there being nowhere he would want to be other than Kansas City, and says the reason starts with the team 

"The team, Coach Reid, the guys on the team, the locker room, everything about this organization from the top down really, just amazing, no place I'd rather be really," Karlaftis says.  "And then the city, you know my fiancée and I have grown to love this place, calling it home now, and yeah it's awesome." 

Karlaftis and the Chiefs agreed to a four-year contract extension that will keep the 24-year-old in Kansas City through 2030.  

The Chiefs practiced today for just over an hour.  They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753213356048.jpeg" alt="Gardner Minshew (17) hands the ball off to Brashard Smith (30) as Patrick Mahomes and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy watch on/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Gardner Minshew (17) hands the ball off to Brashard Smith (30) as Patrick Mahomes and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy watch on/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE With a sour taste in their mouth after losing the Super Bowl last year, the Kansas City Chiefs started their journey to get back today at Training Camp in St. Joseph. It's the 15th training camp at Missouri Western State University, and head coach Andy Reid's message to the team was to attack it with urgency. Patrick Mahomes says the way he interprets that message is just that everyone needs to keep getting better "I think that's something that people lose track of when you have success," Mahomes tells reporters following practice. "Obviously we didn't win that last game, but we had a lot of success last year, and I think sometimes people want to be stagnant and they want to go out there and do it over again, but you see with the rest of the AFC West, the rest of the AFC, and the rest of the NFL is everybody's getting better, so we have to get better, and so that's about keeping urgency in practice and competing." The Chiefs kicked off training camp with two big pieces of their young core locked up for the foreseeable future. Prior to camp, the Chiefs locked up a key piece to their offensive line in guard Trey Smith. For Smith, a former sixth round pick who fell in the draft due to medical issues, it was an emotional moment "I lost my mom when I was 15 and I made two promises to her, that I would get my degree and I would play in the NFL, I didn't promise her I would be the highest paid, but I made a promise," Smith tearfully says. "And my parents sacrificed so much for me to be here, so much, and to have that moment with them it's special bro, it's special, and it's something I won't take for granted man." Smith signed a four-year $94 million contract, making him the highest paid guard in the league.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753213389959.jpeg" alt="Trey Smith/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Trey Smith/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Less than one week later, the Chiefs extended the contract of defensive end George Karlaftis. Karlaftis says he's been very vocal about there being nowhere he would want to be other than Kansas City, and says the reason starts with the team "The team, Coach Reid, the guys on the team, the locker room, everything about this organization from the top down really, just amazing, no place I'd rather be really," Karlaftis says. "And then the city, you know my fiancée and I have grown to love this place, calling it home now, and yeah it's awesome." Karlaftis and the Chiefs agreed to a four-year contract extension that will keep the 24-year-old in Kansas City through 2030. The Chiefs practiced today for just over an hour. They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753213414093.jpeg" alt="George Karlaftis/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>George Karlaftis/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New contracts, new beginnings as Chiefs open Training Camp in St. Joseph

Fillmore city
officials have issued a boil order until further notice.

Fillmore officials
say the boil order has been issued while repairs are being made to a fire hydrant. Residents are advised to boil water from the tap until the boil order is lifted.

Fillmore city
officials have issued a boil order until further notice.Fillmore officials
say the boil order has been issued while repairs are being made to a fire hydrant. Residents are advised to boil water from the tap until the boil order is lifted.

Fillmore under a boil order

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

Outcry over the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files includes calls by leading Missouri Republicans for the president to order the release of as much documentation as possible to put the issue to rest.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XsxYF3ZoTg" target="_blank">KMOV-TV</a>&nbsp;on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration should “release everything they can.”

“Whatever is not under court order and sealed,” he said. “And personally, I think they ought to go to court and ask the court to unseal everything possible. That’s the right course here. Let’s have transparency and get everything out in the public.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison said last week that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missourinet.com/2025/07/17/missouri-congressman-burlison-wants-trump-to-prioritize-release-of-epstein-files/" target="_blank">the American people</a>&nbsp;are “sick and tired of being lied to by their government or the government holding these secrets that they deserve to know the truth on.”

He noted that Trump promised a release of files pertaining to Epstein during his successful campaign last year. He told Missourinet he would support a special prosecutor or congressional investigation into the Epstein files.&nbsp;

In a statement&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/repmarkalford/p/DMIkIV8OBnY/" target="_blank">released on social media</a>, Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford called the ordeal an “unfortunate sideshow” that should not be allowed to “tarnish the legacy of the greatest president of my lifetime.”&nbsp;

He urged U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to release any files in the Department of Justice’s possession, “including the underlying evidence that led to the memo stating that a so-called ‘client list’ does not exist.”

Not everyone is so eager to push Trump to release more information about Epstein.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt said in January that the DOJ should open up all its files,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/slavfreespirit/status/1884120767513928140?s=46" target="_blank">saying at the time</a>: “Hell yeah. Open it up. Release the Epstein files… Let’s get some answers.”

But in an interview with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHlnpxhYhjg" target="_blank">Politico last week</a>, Schmitt was more reserved when asked if the administration should release more information about Epstein.&nbsp;

“I don’t know what they have,” Schmitt said. “I don’t know what they don’t have. When you’re making a charging decision, obviously you’re basing it on the information that’s in front of you. It’s just hard for me to opine on it.”

Schmitt’s change of tone matches the president, who over the years has stoked conspiracies about Epstein and told Fox News during the 2024 campaign that he would declassify files related to the investigation.&nbsp;

Epstein was known for socializing with politicians and celebrities. That includes Trump, who was close to Epstein throughout the 1990s but reportedly had a falling out with him over a real estate deal in 2004.&nbsp;

“I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy,” Mr. Trump told&nbsp;<a href="https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/n_7912/" target="_blank">New York magazine in 2002</a>. “He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life.”

Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case, and has said he had “no idea” that Epstein was abusing young women.&nbsp;

Epstein pleaded guilty to a felony prostitution charge in 2008 after federal prosecutors agreed not to charge him with sex trafficking of minors. He served 13 months in jail and was required to register as a sex offender.&nbsp;

In 2019, the Justice Department charged Epstein with sex trafficking minors, including sexually exploiting and abusing dozens of girls in New York and Florida between 2002 and 2005. He died by hanging himself in a Manhattan jail cell, an autopsy concluded.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Bondi told Fox News that Epstein’s client list was “sitting on my desk right now to review.” But months later, the Trump administration reversed course, releasing a memo that concluded there was “no incriminating client list” or evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent people.

The memo sparked a huge backlash among Trump’s MAGA base, who saw the move as a betrayal. It also inspired a bipartisan push to force the administration to act, most notably a non-binding resolution sponsored by Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna of California.

In response to the criticism, Trump recently called for a federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts in Epstein’s sex trafficking case — far short of the demands from his MAGA supporters to release all investigative records.

On Friday, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch after the newspaper published a story&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=ASWzDAhmWNpauLVBd9cqZzVZH8OSP2e_gkkFN6GbH-GLscmtoKs3qYAVDtZqAXcjSRA%3D&amp;gaa_ts=687e74bc&amp;gaa_sig=5oItSWyA_RvrU5iNM4euQHgD27PjX8iAulaZWAguntWoPFWr4DcwkhOnwXWPVje2SdLhK-Hs6z2E3G91oG1TLQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">reporting on his alleged ties to Epstein</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704330351229.png" alt="Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Epstein New York Sex Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Outcry over the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files includes calls by leading Missouri Republicans for the president to order the release of as much documentation as possible to put the issue to rest.&nbsp;U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XsxYF3ZoTg" target="_blank">KMOV-TV</a>&nbsp;on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration should “release everything they can.”“Whatever is not under court order and sealed,” he said. “And personally, I think they ought to go to court and ask the court to unseal everything possible. That’s the right course here. Let’s have transparency and get everything out in the public.”Republican U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison said last week that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missourinet.com/2025/07/17/missouri-congressman-burlison-wants-trump-to-prioritize-release-of-epstein-files/" target="_blank">the American people</a>&nbsp;are “sick and tired of being lied to by their government or the government holding these secrets that they deserve to know the truth on.”He noted that Trump promised a release of files pertaining to Epstein during his successful campaign last year. He told Missourinet he would support a special prosecutor or congressional investigation into the Epstein files.&nbsp;In a statement&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/repmarkalford/p/DMIkIV8OBnY/" target="_blank">released on social media</a>, Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford called the ordeal an “unfortunate sideshow” that should not be allowed to “tarnish the legacy of the greatest president of my lifetime.”&nbsp;He urged U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to release any files in the Department of Justice’s possession, “including the underlying evidence that led to the memo stating that a so-called ‘client list’ does not exist.”Not everyone is so eager to push Trump to release more information about Epstein.&nbsp;U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt said in January that the DOJ should open up all its files,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/slavfreespirit/status/1884120767513928140?s=46" target="_blank">saying at the time</a>: “Hell yeah. Open it up. Release the Epstein files… Let’s get some answers.”But in an interview with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHlnpxhYhjg" target="_blank">Politico last week</a>, Schmitt was more reserved when asked if the administration should release more information about Epstein.&nbsp;“I don’t know what they have,” Schmitt said. “I don’t know what they don’t have. When you’re making a charging decision, obviously you’re basing it on the information that’s in front of you. It’s just hard for me to opine on it.”Schmitt’s change of tone matches the president, who over the years has stoked conspiracies about Epstein and told Fox News during the 2024 campaign that he would declassify files related to the investigation.&nbsp;Epstein was known for socializing with politicians and celebrities. That includes Trump, who was close to Epstein throughout the 1990s but reportedly had a falling out with him over a real estate deal in 2004.&nbsp;“I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy,” Mr. Trump told&nbsp;<a href="https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/n_7912/" target="_blank">New York magazine in 2002</a>. “He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life.”Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case, and has said he had “no idea” that Epstein was abusing young women.&nbsp;Epstein pleaded guilty to a felony prostitution charge in 2008 after federal prosecutors agreed not to charge him with sex trafficking of minors. He served 13 months in jail and was required to register as a sex offender.&nbsp;In 2019, the Justice Department charged Epstein with sex trafficking minors, including sexually exploiting and abusing dozens of girls in New York and Florida between 2002 and 2005. He died by hanging himself in a Manhattan jail cell, an autopsy concluded.&nbsp;Earlier this year, Bondi told Fox News that Epstein’s client list was “sitting on my desk right now to review.” But months later, the Trump administration reversed course, releasing a memo that concluded there was “no incriminating client list” or evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent people.The memo sparked a huge backlash among Trump’s MAGA base, who saw the move as a betrayal. It also inspired a bipartisan push to force the administration to act, most notably a non-binding resolution sponsored by Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna of California.In response to the criticism, Trump recently called for a federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts in Epstein’s sex trafficking case — far short of the demands from his MAGA supporters to release all investigative records.On Friday, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch after the newspaper published a story&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=ASWzDAhmWNpauLVBd9cqZzVZH8OSP2e_gkkFN6GbH-GLscmtoKs3qYAVDtZqAXcjSRA%3D&amp;gaa_ts=687e74bc&amp;gaa_sig=5oItSWyA_RvrU5iNM4euQHgD27PjX8iAulaZWAguntWoPFWr4DcwkhOnwXWPVje2SdLhK-Hs6z2E3G91oG1TLQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">reporting on his alleged ties to Epstein</a>.

Missouri Republicans call for transparency into Jeffrey Epstein investigation

ATCHINSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations

Just after 4:30p.m. on Sunday an officer on patrol observed a 2009 Cadillac SUV driving the wrong way on a one way street in the 600 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The driver, later identified as 35-year-old Dawn Wolfley, was determined to be driving while suspended in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. She was taken to the Atchison County Jail and is being held on requested charges of driving while suspended, driving the wrong way on a one way street, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753111859525.png" alt="Wolfley photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Wolfley photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHINSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegationsJust after 4:30p.m. on Sunday an officer on patrol observed a 2009 Cadillac SUV driving the wrong way on a one way street in the 600 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The driver, later identified as 35-year-old Dawn Wolfley, was determined to be driving while suspended in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. She was taken to the Atchison County Jail and is being held on requested charges of driving while suspended, driving the wrong way on a one way street, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Police: Wrong-way driver caught transporting fentanyl

The Asian needle ant, an invasive, venomous species, is making its way toward Missouri.

The University of Missouri Extension is urging residents to keep an eye out for the insect as it continues to spread throughout the Midwestern U.S. The population typically peaks during July and August.

These ants prefer moist, shaded environments, including areas with leaf litter, dead logs, and firewood. Unlike many other ant species, Asian needle ants don’t create visible mounds or foraging trails, allowing them to often go unnoticed.

Already detected in 18 states in the Northeast and South, the ant is now closing in on the Midwest.

Their spread poses environmental risks. Entomologist Emily Althoff warns that the ants threaten native ant populations and can also be harmful to humans. Their sting delivers venom similar in effect to that of a bee or wasp.

It’s also important to note that Asian needle ants typically don’t enter homes unless accidentally brought in, which would most likely happen via firewood.

According to data from the USDA, the ant, which is natively from regions of China, Japan, and Korea, has been in the Southeastern U.S. since at least 1932.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753132172394.jpeg" alt="The Asian Needle Ant. Courtesy USDA." />
 <figcaption>The Asian Needle Ant. Courtesy USDA.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Asian needle ant, an invasive, venomous species, is making its way toward Missouri.The University of Missouri Extension is urging residents to keep an eye out for the insect as it continues to spread throughout the Midwestern U.S. The population typically peaks during July and August.These ants prefer moist, shaded environments, including areas with leaf litter, dead logs, and firewood. Unlike many other ant species, Asian needle ants don’t create visible mounds or foraging trails, allowing them to often go unnoticed.Already detected in 18 states in the Northeast and South, the ant is now closing in on the Midwest.Their spread poses environmental risks. Entomologist Emily Althoff warns that the ants threaten native ant populations and can also be harmful to humans. Their sting delivers venom similar in effect to that of a bee or wasp.It’s also important to note that Asian needle ants typically don’t enter homes unless accidentally brought in, which would most likely happen via firewood.According to data from the USDA, the ant, which is natively from regions of China, Japan, and Korea, has been in the Southeastern U.S. since at least 1932.

Asian Needle Ants on the rise in NW Missouri

A back and forth in Missouri’s cannabis laws meant some marijuana workers didn’t go through the state highway patrol’s criminal screening for two years.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri cannabis regulators say they’re halfway through getting fingerprint background checks for about 16,000 marijuana workers and volunteers who didn’t get them between 2022 and 2024.

Anyone who wants to work in the cannabis industry must get an “agent ID badge” through the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, which is when the background check normally occurs.

Since the division began doing the retroactive fingerprint checks in February, the number of agent IDs has declined by 2,400 — going from 21,132 in February to 18,737 in June, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/stats.php" target="_blank">division’s</a>&nbsp;data and reports webpage.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753095953899.png" alt=" Flora Farms Stateline dispensary at the Arkansas border has 50 employees and 14 registers. (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Flora Farms Stateline dispensary at the Arkansas border has 50 employees and 14 registers. (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A back and forth in Missouri’s cannabis laws meant some marijuana workers didn’t go through the state highway patrol’s criminal screening for two years.</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri cannabis regulators say they’re halfway through getting fingerprint background checks for about 16,000 marijuana workers and volunteers who didn’t get them between 2022 and 2024.Anyone who wants to work in the cannabis industry must get an “agent ID badge” through the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, which is when the background check normally occurs.Since the division began doing the retroactive fingerprint checks in February, the number of agent IDs has declined by 2,400 — going from 21,132 in February to 18,737 in June, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/stats.php" target="_blank">division’s</a>&nbsp;data and reports webpage.&nbsp;Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said only 17 people have had their agent IDs revoked because the fingerprinting process showed a disqualifying felony offense on their criminal record, as of July 15.&nbsp;The vast majority, or 2,032 active agent IDs, have been “revoked due to non-submission of fingerprints,” Cox said. “Those who have been revoked for non-submission of fingerprints may reapply and should contact DCR directly for assistance with this request.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753095916615.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>When the state legalized medical marijuana in 2018, fingerprint background checks had been a requirement to apply for an agent ID card to work in the cannabis industry.&nbsp;That mandate lasted until December 2022, when the recreational marijuana constitutional amendment went into effect and only&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=XIV++++2&amp;bid=51541&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">required</a>&nbsp;owners of cannabis companies to get fingerprinted. Other employees had to attest to not committing disqualifying offenses.In 2023, Missouri lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/11/missouri-legislators-vote-to-require-fingerprint-background-checks-for-cannabis-employees/">passed a bill</a>&nbsp;to once again require all employees, contractors, owners and volunteers to submit their fingerprints to the Missouri Highway Patrol for a criminal background check.However, it took until October 2024 for the FBI to approve the division’s statutory authority to review state and federal criminal background records,&nbsp; Cox said.Since February, the division has been sending emails to individuals with agent ID cards approved between December 8, 2022 and December 1, 2024.“Our request process is based on the date that the ID card was approved,” said Shayna Arndt, the division’s section director of patient and application services, during the July&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/OmpDGII9VkI?si=tnSYEyqm43t8BVWU" target="_blank">DCR Out Loud</a>&nbsp;podcast. “We have sent out a message to the impacted agents and designated contacts for all facilities for the summer.”&nbsp;The constitution states that people with a “disqualifying felony” can’t work in the industry, and that’s broadly defined as any violation of a state or federal law designated a felony under Missouri law.&nbsp;According to the division, a lot of their review is subjective.“What is written into law is then applied to each individual record, so it is a case-by-case analysis and can’t simply be determined by a checklist of potential offenses,” Cox told The Independent previously.In the constitution, there is an exception for marijuana offenses eligible for expungement, and a time limit for other offenses.An applicant can obtain an agent ID if they committed a non-violent offense more than five years ago and served no prison time. For other felonies, “more than five years have passed since the person was released from parole or probation, and he or she has not been convicted of any subsequent felony criminal offenses,” it states.Every state handles background checks differently because the federal government doesn’t regulate the marijuana industry in any way, as it’s federally illegal.Before the fingerprinting requirement went back into effect in December 2024, people could have their agent IDs approved and get to work within a 48-hour time period, said Christy Essex, who runs the largest Missouri-based cannabis staffing company, Se7en Staffing &amp; Employment Solutions.Now, it takes about 7-10 days. Essex believes that turnaround time could be faster if there were more state-approved facilities offered.Despite the longer wait time, Essex said, “it’s definitely for the greater good to keep employees safe, the facilities safe, and the industry safe.”

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