LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2026 Volvo semi driven by a man from Canada was eastbound on U.S. 36 one mile east of Wheeling behind a 1981 John Deere Tractor driven by a 64-year-old Meadville man.&nbsp; &nbsp; The semi began to follow too closely and attempted to overtake the tractor. The right front of the semi rear-ended the tractor. 

After impact the tractor overturned. A private vehicle transported the tractor driver to Hedrick Medical Center. The semi driver was not injured. The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2026 Volvo semi driven by a man from Canada was eastbound on U.S. 36 one mile east of Wheeling behind a 1981 John Deere Tractor driven by a 64-year-old Meadville man.&nbsp; &nbsp; The semi began to follow too closely and attempted to overtake the tractor. The right front of the semi rear-ended the tractor. After impact the tractor overturned. A private vehicle transported the tractor driver to Hedrick Medical Center. The semi driver was not injured. The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man hospitalized after semi rear-ends a farm tractor.

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Caldwell County.

The Missouti State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Toyota Camry driven by a 73-year-old Braymer woman was northbound on Main Street south of East 6th Street in Braymer. The car traveled off the west side of the road, struck a concrete barrier, struck the ground near a private driveway and came to rest in the driveway.

Livingston County ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Caldwell County.The Missouti State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Toyota Camry driven by a 73-year-old Braymer woman was northbound on Main Street south of East 6th Street in Braymer. The car traveled off the west side of the road, struck a concrete barrier, struck the ground near a private driveway and came to rest in the driveway.Livingston County ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after car strikes concrete barrier

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>

At least seven marijuana cultivation facilities in Missouri have been fined over the last year for breaking what’s known in the industry as the “immaculate conception rule.”&nbsp;

Marijuana can’t pass over state lines because it’s still federally illegal, and state law mandates that all marijuana must be grown within the state.&nbsp;

However, there is one year after a licensee passes a commencement inspection when the state essentially closes its eyes and puts its hands over its ears on how a cultivation facility starts its inventory.&nbsp;

It’s called the immaculate conception rule, and six facilities were fined up to $500,000 from breaking it last year.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation said regulators “discovered some licensees believed they were permitted to bring in clones or tissue cultures as well as seeds on an ongoing basis. However, this practice is a violation of seed-to-sale tracking regulations.”

To keep up with customers’ preferences and demand, these companies had been bringing in clones, or starter plants, and tissue cultures, which is a form of in-vitro propagation, of popular plant varieties from other states

“In lieu of penalties or other enforcement action, these violations were resolved for amounts ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the circumstances,” said Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which oversees the cannabis regulation division.

The licensees that saw the biggest fines are major players in other states as well, including the companies behind Good Day Farm and High Profile.

The combined fee for four cultivation licenses representing Good Day Farm and Codes, which share management, was $347,495. The facilities are located in Columbia, Carrollton and Chaffee.

For High Profile, it was $500,000 at its O’Fallon cultivation facility.

Two smaller cultivators also saw fines of $20,000 and $50,000.

None of the licensees who were fined by the state returned The Independent’s request for comment.

Cultivation facilities in Missouri are approved to grow marijuana plants, and the harvest is sent to a manufacturing facility that then makes pre-rolls, edibles and other products.

Oftentimes, cultivators will develop “a mother plant” to collect clones, or cuttings, from the plant and put those into their own pots. Those are genetically identical to the plant that they’re cut from.

But where does the mother plant come from?

For a facility’s first year, the “rules and law are silent on how that occurs,” Cox said.

After that, the facilities can ask the state for permission to bring in seeds for “ongoing inventory needs,” she said, or get clones from other licensed cultivators located in Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But the state fined several licensees last year for not sticking to those rules, sending a clear message to all Missouri companies that they have to grow plants from seed or get starter plants from their competitors.&nbsp;

Ryan Schepers, instructor for St. Louis Community College’s cannabis program, said as a “plant nerd,” he doesn’t believe starting from seed is a necessarily difficult thing — or a bad thing for the industry’s innovation.

“I think a lot of the cultivation centers are set up to care for already established plants, and that would be a little bit of a challenge,” he said.&nbsp;

But it’s nothing the “well versed” plant growers working in the cultivation centers can’t handle, he said. The main challenge is the delay in production, he said. It will take about a month to six weeks for a cannabis plant to start to be well established, he said, but they’ll be “pretty hardy plants.”&nbsp;

“Clones are obviously much easier to deal with,” he said.&nbsp;

But tissue cultures involve a small amount of cells to get started, he said, and that process can take about as long as seed sprouting.

He understands that it’s difficult for companies to align the plant growth time with the need to keep up with trends in other states. If a product is selling really well in California, he said, “of course we’re going to try to get that same thing in Missouri.”

However, he said it can disincentivize cultivation centers from trying new things. For the sake of his students, he hopes the emphasis will shift to breeding and innovation.&nbsp;

“We, at St Louis Community College, really emphasize that our students be plant scientists who focus on cannabis,” he said.

Innovation can be difficult when the federal and state laws are rapidly changing, he added.

The Independent asked if the state would consider a variance for licensees to get clones in the future to keep up with popular varieties.&nbsp;

“The department was considering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26501250-dea-letter-on-clones/" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;from the DEA that indicated clones may no longer be considered marijuana under federal law due to low Delta 9 [THC] concentrations,” Cox said.

However, she said recent changes to federal law “may change the status of seeds and clones.” She was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/11/missouri-hemp-businesses-fear-new-federal-thc-limits-will-destroy-the-industry/">referring to restrictions</a>&nbsp;on hemp that were passed as part of the federal spending package last year and will be effective in November.

“So the department will need to follow how federal guidance,” Cox said, “and interpretation develops over the next year before it makes any changes to rules or processes.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695833331678.png" alt="&nbsp;Marijuana can’t pass over state lines because it’s still federally illegal, and state law mandates that all marijuana must be grown within the state (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Marijuana can’t pass over state lines because it’s still federally illegal, and state law mandates that all marijuana must be grown within the state (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>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>At least seven marijuana cultivation facilities in Missouri have been fined over the last year for breaking what’s known in the industry as the “immaculate conception rule.”&nbsp;Marijuana can’t pass over state lines because it’s still federally illegal, and state law mandates that all marijuana must be grown within the state.&nbsp;However, there is one year after a licensee passes a commencement inspection when the state essentially closes its eyes and puts its hands over its ears on how a cultivation facility starts its inventory.&nbsp;It’s called the immaculate conception rule, and six facilities were fined up to $500,000 from breaking it last year.&nbsp;A spokesperson for the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation said regulators “discovered some licensees believed they were permitted to bring in clones or tissue cultures as well as seeds on an ongoing basis. However, this practice is a violation of seed-to-sale tracking regulations.”To keep up with customers’ preferences and demand, these companies had been bringing in clones, or starter plants, and tissue cultures, which is a form of in-vitro propagation, of popular plant varieties from other states“In lieu of penalties or other enforcement action, these violations were resolved for amounts ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the circumstances,” said Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which oversees the cannabis regulation division.The licensees that saw the biggest fines are major players in other states as well, including the companies behind Good Day Farm and High Profile.The combined fee for four cultivation licenses representing Good Day Farm and Codes, which share management, was $347,495. The facilities are located in Columbia, Carrollton and Chaffee.For High Profile, it was $500,000 at its O’Fallon cultivation facility.Two smaller cultivators also saw fines of $20,000 and $50,000.None of the licensees who were fined by the state returned The Independent’s request for comment.<h2>The ‘mother plant’</h2>Cultivation facilities in Missouri are approved to grow marijuana plants, and the harvest is sent to a manufacturing facility that then makes pre-rolls, edibles and other products.Oftentimes, cultivators will develop “a mother plant” to collect clones, or cuttings, from the plant and put those into their own pots. Those are genetically identical to the plant that they’re cut from.But where does the mother plant come from?For a facility’s first year, the “rules and law are silent on how that occurs,” Cox said.After that, the facilities can ask the state for permission to bring in seeds for “ongoing inventory needs,” she said, or get clones from other licensed cultivators located in Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;But the state fined several licensees last year for not sticking to those rules, sending a clear message to all Missouri companies that they have to grow plants from seed or get starter plants from their competitors.&nbsp;Ryan Schepers, instructor for St. Louis Community College’s cannabis program, said as a “plant nerd,” he doesn’t believe starting from seed is a necessarily difficult thing — or a bad thing for the industry’s innovation.“I think a lot of the cultivation centers are set up to care for already established plants, and that would be a little bit of a challenge,” he said.&nbsp;But it’s nothing the “well versed” plant growers working in the cultivation centers can’t handle, he said. The main challenge is the delay in production, he said. It will take about a month to six weeks for a cannabis plant to start to be well established, he said, but they’ll be “pretty hardy plants.”&nbsp;“Clones are obviously much easier to deal with,” he said.&nbsp;But tissue cultures involve a small amount of cells to get started, he said, and that process can take about as long as seed sprouting.He understands that it’s difficult for companies to align the plant growth time with the need to keep up with trends in other states. If a product is selling really well in California, he said, “of course we’re going to try to get that same thing in Missouri.”However, he said it can disincentivize cultivation centers from trying new things. For the sake of his students, he hopes the emphasis will shift to breeding and innovation.&nbsp;“We, at St Louis Community College, really emphasize that our students be plant scientists who focus on cannabis,” he said.Innovation can be difficult when the federal and state laws are rapidly changing, he added.The Independent asked if the state would consider a variance for licensees to get clones in the future to keep up with popular varieties.&nbsp;“The department was considering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26501250-dea-letter-on-clones/" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;from the DEA that indicated clones may no longer be considered marijuana under federal law due to low Delta 9 [THC] concentrations,” Cox said.However, she said recent changes to federal law “may change the status of seeds and clones.” She was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/11/missouri-hemp-businesses-fear-new-federal-thc-limits-will-destroy-the-industry/">referring to restrictions</a>&nbsp;on hemp that were passed as part of the federal spending package last year and will be effective in November.“So the department will need to follow how federal guidance,” Cox said, “and interpretation develops over the next year before it makes any changes to rules or processes.”

Missouri cannabis growers fined for breaking the ‘immaculate conception’ rule

BROWN COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 6:30p.m. on Jan. 19, Brown County dispatch received several reckless driving 911 calls on a white Cadillac Escalade on US 75 Highway, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

&nbsp; A Brown County deputy was near the location and was able to observe the vehicle cross the center line at least twice.&nbsp;&nbsp; The deputy then initiated a traffic stop on the SUV and spoke with the driver identified as 32-year-old Cassondra Smith of Falls City, Nebraska.

The deputy immediately detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.&nbsp; At the conclusion of the traffic stop,&nbsp; Smith was arrested on charges of DUI and Child Endangerment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769117609372.png" alt="Smith photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 6:30p.m. on Jan. 19, Brown County dispatch received several reckless driving 911 calls on a white Cadillac Escalade on US 75 Highway, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; A Brown County deputy was near the location and was able to observe the vehicle cross the center line at least twice.&nbsp;&nbsp; The deputy then initiated a traffic stop on the SUV and spoke with the driver identified as 32-year-old Cassondra Smith of Falls City, Nebraska.The deputy immediately detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.&nbsp; At the conclusion of the traffic stop,&nbsp; Smith was arrested on charges of DUI and Child Endangerment.

Sheriff: Driver was smoking pot with child in the SUV

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Ram 2500 driven by a 61-year-old Faucett man was northbound on Interstate 229 near the Andrew County line. The driver began braking to avoid a collision with another vehicle.&nbsp; The pickup began to slide, traveled off the east side of the road and down a steep embankment. The pickup struck several trees and cam to rest in a creek.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver and a 67-year-old passenger to Mosaic Life Care. The passenger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Ram 2500 driven by a 61-year-old Faucett man was northbound on Interstate 229 near the Andrew County line. The driver began braking to avoid a collision with another vehicle.&nbsp; The pickup began to slide, traveled off the east side of the road and down a steep embankment. The pickup struck several trees and cam to rest in a creek.Andrew County EMS transported the driver and a 67-year-old passenger to Mosaic Life Care. The passenger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Mo. men injured after pickup lands in Buchanan Co. creek

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Omaha and Kansas City districts have released a draft feasibility report and environmental study aimed at revolutionizing flood risk management along the Lower Missouri River.

The System Plan, detailed in a newly published Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), outlines a comprehensive strategy to bolster resiliency across the entire basin. Beyond flood protection, the plan identifies projects designed to deliver ecological, recreational, and economic benefits to local communities.

Officials are now inviting federal and state agencies, Tribal nations, local governments, and the general public to review the documents and submit formal comments. The public comment period is open through March 9, 2026.

“The System Plan is a roadmap for the future of the Lower Missouri River,” the districts stated in a joint release. “We are looking for input to ensure these actions effectively address flood risks while supporting the social and environmental health of the region.”

The draft files and an electronic comment form are available on the project’s official website. Written comments can also be submitted via mail or email to the Planning Branches in Kansas City or Omaha:

USACE has scheduled a series of in-person public meetings and webinars for late February 2026. Specific dates, times, and locations will be posted on the project website, though officials noted that schedules may shift due to inclement weather.

Following the review period, the Corps expects to address all feedback and issue a Final PEIS in the spring of 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681308032853.jpeg" alt="Missouri River" />
 <figcaption>Missouri River</figcaption>
 </figure>(By RYAN SKAITH)The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Omaha and Kansas City districts have released a draft feasibility report and environmental study aimed at revolutionizing flood risk management along the Lower Missouri River.The System Plan, detailed in a newly published Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), outlines a comprehensive strategy to bolster resiliency across the entire basin. Beyond flood protection, the plan identifies projects designed to deliver ecological, recreational, and economic benefits to local communities.Officials are now inviting federal and state agencies, Tribal nations, local governments, and the general public to review the documents and submit formal comments. The public comment period is open through March 9, 2026.“The System Plan is a roadmap for the future of the Lower Missouri River,” the districts stated in a joint release. “We are looking for input to ensure these actions effectively address flood risks while supporting the social and environmental health of the region.”The draft files and an electronic comment form are available on the project’s official website. Written comments can also be submitted via mail or email to the Planning Branches in Kansas City or Omaha:<ul>
 <li>Kansas City District: ATTN: Planning Branch, 601 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106; email: max.r.headlee@usace.army.mil.</li><li>Omaha District: 1616 Capitol Ave., Omaha, NE 68102; email: david.j.crane@usace.army.mil.</li>
 </ul>USACE has scheduled a series of in-person public meetings and webinars for late February 2026. Specific dates, times, and locations will be posted on the project website, though officials noted that schedules may shift due to inclement weather.Following the review period, the Corps expects to address all feedback and issue a Final PEIS in the spring of 2026.

USACE Seeks Public Input on Lower Missouri River Flood Resiliency Plan

House Speaker Jon Patterson says the intent is to exempt fuel and the bill — which would allow sales tax on ‘any goods and services’ — will be changed so there is no new tax on fill-ups

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>

The latest&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR174&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">version of a proposal</a>&nbsp;meant to implement the governor’s income tax cut could also trigger a first for Missouri: sales taxes on gasoline and diesel, a result the bill’s sponsor says was accidental.

Under the terms of the proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by House Speaker Jon Patterson, sales tax could be imposed “on transactions involving any goods and services” and the revenue would be exempt from the prohibition on using money generated from a tax on fuel sales for state needs&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++30(a)&amp;bid=31846&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">other than highways</a>.&nbsp;

Missouri has earmarked money from taxes on motor fuels for highways&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/modot-history" target="_blank">since 1928</a>.

That is not the intent, Patterson said in an interview with The Independent on Thursday, the day after he filed a revised version of the proposal that fixes earlier errors and expands on limitations intended to prevent a windfall of new revenue for state and local governments.

“There is absolutely zero intention on my part to see any increase in the motor fuel tax,” Patterson said.

An amendment to his bill will be prepared to make that explicit, Patterson said. The reference to how taxes on motor fuels are used is intended to prevent a new sales tax on fuel, Patterson said, not to divert money from highways.&nbsp;

“The purpose of that whole paragraph is to say, ‘no, the motor fuel tax is not part&nbsp;of this,’” Patterson said.

Gov. Mike Kehoe, in a brief interview, declined to comment on imposing sales tax on fuel. He said he had not read Patterson’s proposal.

Missourians, who would have to vote on Patterson’s proposal, don’t want to pay more for gasoline, said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, at his weekly news conference.

“They’re going to be upset,” Beck said. “I think they’re going to be upset because there’s a lot of this.”

Kehoe and Republicans who control the General Assembly have made&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/gov-mike-kehoe-wants-voters-to-decide-whether-missouri-should-eliminate-its-income-tax/">eliminating the state income tax</a>&nbsp;on individuals their top priority for the year. Patterson’s proposal, which is expected to receive a public hearing next week, does not specify a sales tax rate to replace the income tax.

Missouri currently charges 4.225% on taxable goods other than food from groceries and vending machines. Of that, 3% is for general revenue, generating about one-fifth of the $13.4 billion in general revenue collected in the most recent fiscal year.

Local sales tax can double or almost triple the basic state rate.

The version filed Wednesday is Patterson’s second attempt. A constitutional amendment he&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR165&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">filed last week</a>&nbsp;had a drafting error that misstated which article contains the limit on the use of highway funds.

Patterson’s new proposal asks voters to grant lawmakers broad authority to expand sales tax to currently untaxed goods and services. Services such as accounting fees for tax preparation or car repairs are not currently taxed, and goods currently exempt include prescription drugs and home utilities.

In his State of the State Address, Kehoe said he wants to target “monthly subscriptions and digital services like online advertising, e-books and AI platforms that fall outside our current sales tax base.”

Lawmakers are also authorized by Patterson’s proposed amendment to set revenue triggers that would reduce, and then eliminate, the individual income tax as early as Jan. 1, 2031.

The exact list of things to be taxed, and the rate needed to replace current revenue, will be decided later, if voters approve his amendment, Patterson said.

“The people and their elected representatives will come together and decide, No.1, if they even want to do this, and if they do how they’re going to do it,” Patterson said. “But it’ll be the people and their elected representatives doing it together.”

Asking voters to trust Republican leaders to get the details right is irresponsible, Beck said. The GOP has rushed and made mistakes on tax cuts,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/18/court-battle-looms-over-kc-precinct-listed-twice-in-missouris-new-congressional-map/">congressional district maps</a>&nbsp;and state budget estimates, he added.

When a bill eliminating the income tax on capital gains passed last year, it carried an estimated price tag of about&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-approves-tax-cuts-for-capital-gains-diapers-and-low-income-seniors/">$160 million</a>&nbsp;in the current fiscal year and ongoing cost of $111 million The actual revenue cut is about $500 million in the current year and $350 million annually.

The mistake in state budget estimates was a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/20/missouri-discovers-250m-budget-mistake-but-officials-warn-spending-squeeze-remains/">$250 million math error</a>&nbsp;in the forecast for how much the state would have on hand at the end of June 2027.

“The whole tax scheme in general, I’m just going to be honest with you, is ill conceived,” Beck said.

Missouri’s two largest population centers are on the state’s border and people who can shift purchases over the state line to avoid taxes will do so, Beck said.

“I don’t see this as an economic driver for the state,” Beck said. “I don’t see this as helping anything.”

Gasoline prices are one of the most visible barometers of the economy, rising after disruptions or when there is high sustained demand and falling when supplies are plentiful or purchases fall off in a recession.

Missouri fuel taxes have increased 12.5 cents per gallon since Oct. 1, 2021, and stand at 29.5 cents a gallon.&nbsp;

Missourians consume about 4.1 billion gallons each year, generating approximately $1.2 billion in highway revenue.

That fuel, if sold at $2.50 per gallon, would generate about $435 million if subject to the the current state sales tax. The price of a 15-gallon fill-up would increase from $37.50 to $39.10.

Republicans have been cutting state income tax rates since 2014, when the top rate stood at 6% for taxable incomes greater than $9,000. The top rate is now 4.7%. Two future cuts, bringing the rate down to 4.5%, are already on the books and will take effect if general revenue growth hits certain targets.

Missouri collected $9.2 billion from the individual income tax before refunds in fiscal 2025. Generating the same revenue on the current sales tax base would require an additional sales tax of about 8.5%.

Those funds pay for public schools, prisons and medical care for more than 1.3 million people, among other state services.

The goal, Patterson said, is to replace a tax structure put in place in the 1920s and 1930s with one that fits modern economic activity.

“It really needs to be modernized,” Patterson said. “And this is something that you’re seeing, not just in red states or blue states. A lot of states are looking at modernizing their tax system.”

The lack of details on what will — and what won’t — be taxed is a big problem, Beck said.

“They’re taking (income tax) away,” Beck said, “and they’re saying the legislature knows better than the people, just like they’ve done in the past.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769259665319.png" alt=" House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, speaks at a press conference at the end of special session on June 11, 2025 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, speaks at a press conference at the end of special session on June 11, 2025 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>House Speaker Jon Patterson says the intent is to exempt fuel and the bill — which would allow sales tax on ‘any goods and services’ — will be changed so there is no new tax on fill-ups</h2>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>The latest&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR174&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">version of a proposal</a>&nbsp;meant to implement the governor’s income tax cut could also trigger a first for Missouri: sales taxes on gasoline and diesel, a result the bill’s sponsor says was accidental.Under the terms of the proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by House Speaker Jon Patterson, sales tax could be imposed “on transactions involving any goods and services” and the revenue would be exempt from the prohibition on using money generated from a tax on fuel sales for state needs&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++30(a)&amp;bid=31846&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">other than highways</a>.&nbsp;Missouri has earmarked money from taxes on motor fuels for highways&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/modot-history" target="_blank">since 1928</a>.That is not the intent, Patterson said in an interview with The Independent on Thursday, the day after he filed a revised version of the proposal that fixes earlier errors and expands on limitations intended to prevent a windfall of new revenue for state and local governments.“There is absolutely zero intention on my part to see any increase in the motor fuel tax,” Patterson said.An amendment to his bill will be prepared to make that explicit, Patterson said. The reference to how taxes on motor fuels are used is intended to prevent a new sales tax on fuel, Patterson said, not to divert money from highways.&nbsp;“The purpose of that whole paragraph is to say, ‘no, the motor fuel tax is not part&nbsp;of this,’” Patterson said.Gov. Mike Kehoe, in a brief interview, declined to comment on imposing sales tax on fuel. He said he had not read Patterson’s proposal.Missourians, who would have to vote on Patterson’s proposal, don’t want to pay more for gasoline, said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, at his weekly news conference.“They’re going to be upset,” Beck said. “I think they’re going to be upset because there’s a lot of this.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769259632235.png" alt="Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, D-Affton, discusses Democratic opposition to increasing the sales tax during a Thursday news conference. Beck was joined by Sens. Angela Mossley, D-Florissant, left, and Steve Roberts, D-St. Louis (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, D-Affton, discusses Democratic opposition to increasing the sales tax during a Thursday news conference. Beck was joined by Sens. Angela Mossley, D-Florissant, left, and Steve Roberts, D-St. Louis (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Kehoe and Republicans who control the General Assembly have made&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/gov-mike-kehoe-wants-voters-to-decide-whether-missouri-should-eliminate-its-income-tax/">eliminating the state income tax</a>&nbsp;on individuals their top priority for the year. Patterson’s proposal, which is expected to receive a public hearing next week, does not specify a sales tax rate to replace the income tax.Missouri currently charges 4.225% on taxable goods other than food from groceries and vending machines. Of that, 3% is for general revenue, generating about one-fifth of the $13.4 billion in general revenue collected in the most recent fiscal year.Local sales tax can double or almost triple the basic state rate.The version filed Wednesday is Patterson’s second attempt. A constitutional amendment he&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR165&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">filed last week</a>&nbsp;had a drafting error that misstated which article contains the limit on the use of highway funds.Patterson’s new proposal asks voters to grant lawmakers broad authority to expand sales tax to currently untaxed goods and services. Services such as accounting fees for tax preparation or car repairs are not currently taxed, and goods currently exempt include prescription drugs and home utilities.In his State of the State Address, Kehoe said he wants to target “monthly subscriptions and digital services like online advertising, e-books and AI platforms that fall outside our current sales tax base.”Lawmakers are also authorized by Patterson’s proposed amendment to set revenue triggers that would reduce, and then eliminate, the individual income tax as early as Jan. 1, 2031.Other provisions would:<ul>
 <li>Exempt the tax legislation implementing the proposal from revenue lids that require tax increases to be&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=X++++18(e)&amp;bid=32055&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">submitted to voters</a>.</li><li>Require local governments to adjust local tax rates downward to offset any increase in revenue from the broader sales tax base.</li><li>Reduce the constitutionally imposed sales taxes for conservation and state parks and soil conservation, 0.225% total, to make revenue from the new tax base equal the average of recent years.</li><li>Keep in place income taxes on corporations and other businesses, as well as allow income taxes on estates and trusts.</li>
 </ul>The exact list of things to be taxed, and the rate needed to replace current revenue, will be decided later, if voters approve his amendment, Patterson said.“The people and their elected representatives will come together and decide, No.1, if they even want to do this, and if they do how they’re going to do it,” Patterson said. “But it’ll be the people and their elected representatives doing it together.”Asking voters to trust Republican leaders to get the details right is irresponsible, Beck said. The GOP has rushed and made mistakes on tax cuts,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/18/court-battle-looms-over-kc-precinct-listed-twice-in-missouris-new-congressional-map/">congressional district maps</a>&nbsp;and state budget estimates, he added.When a bill eliminating the income tax on capital gains passed last year, it carried an estimated price tag of about&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-approves-tax-cuts-for-capital-gains-diapers-and-low-income-seniors/">$160 million</a>&nbsp;in the current fiscal year and ongoing cost of $111 million The actual revenue cut is about $500 million in the current year and $350 million annually.The mistake in state budget estimates was a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/20/missouri-discovers-250m-budget-mistake-but-officials-warn-spending-squeeze-remains/">$250 million math error</a>&nbsp;in the forecast for how much the state would have on hand at the end of June 2027.“The whole tax scheme in general, I’m just going to be honest with you, is ill conceived,” Beck said.Missouri’s two largest population centers are on the state’s border and people who can shift purchases over the state line to avoid taxes will do so, Beck said.“I don’t see this as an economic driver for the state,” Beck said. “I don’t see this as helping anything.”Gasoline prices are one of the most visible barometers of the economy, rising after disruptions or when there is high sustained demand and falling when supplies are plentiful or purchases fall off in a recession.Missouri fuel taxes have increased 12.5 cents per gallon since Oct. 1, 2021, and stand at 29.5 cents a gallon.&nbsp;Missourians consume about 4.1 billion gallons each year, generating approximately $1.2 billion in highway revenue.That fuel, if sold at $2.50 per gallon, would generate about $435 million if subject to the the current state sales tax. The price of a 15-gallon fill-up would increase from $37.50 to $39.10.Republicans have been cutting state income tax rates since 2014, when the top rate stood at 6% for taxable incomes greater than $9,000. The top rate is now 4.7%. Two future cuts, bringing the rate down to 4.5%, are already on the books and will take effect if general revenue growth hits certain targets.Missouri collected $9.2 billion from the individual income tax before refunds in fiscal 2025. Generating the same revenue on the current sales tax base would require an additional sales tax of about 8.5%.Those funds pay for public schools, prisons and medical care for more than 1.3 million people, among other state services.The goal, Patterson said, is to replace a tax structure put in place in the 1920s and 1930s with one that fits modern economic activity.“It really needs to be modernized,” Patterson said. “And this is something that you’re seeing, not just in red states or blue states. A lot of states are looking at modernizing their tax system.”The lack of details on what will — and what won’t — be taxed is a big problem, Beck said.“They’re taking (income tax) away,” Beck said, “and they’re saying the legislature knows better than the people, just like they’ve done in the past.”

New Missouri income tax cut plan could allow first-ever sales tax on gas and diesel

NASA’s giant new moon rocket, Artemis II, moved to the launch pad Jan. 17, in preparation for astronauts’ first fly-around the moon in more than half a century. The out-and-back trip could blast off as early as February.

The trip will send astronauts farther than any crew has traveled.  Last spring we visited with the pilot of the mission, Victor Glover.

He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and most recently served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft which flew to the International Space Station.  Here is our interview with NASA astronaut Victor Glover.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;Welcome again to "Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times" with a special guest from Houston, astronaut Victor.&nbsp;Thanks for being on our program today.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Thanks, Gary, great to be here. Thanks for&nbsp;having me.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;You know, one of the things I know that we talk about on this program is leadership. You have walked in space four times. I believe you've been on the space station. You've lived up there for a while. What puts you in position?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;You know, from a leadership, from a career standpoint, to be in the astronaut program, I love talking about leadership.&nbsp;I love the subject and, well, I think a part of it would be following having a bunch of great leaders to work with and look up to. 

Initially, when you're put into a leadership position, you can freestyle it, or you can mimic what you've seen. So I would say some great leaders do imitate. 

I worked for some amazing people. My squadron commanders, I worked for John McCain for almost a year. Charlie Bolden, who ran NASA, but he was a Marine Corps general when I worked for him the first time, and so I think that's a big part of it, having some really amazing leaders to look up to in the beginning.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Were there some key moments in your career that kind of turned you towards being an astronaut?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Key moments? Wow. I was in college, tutoring for a program, and loved working with kids, teaching engineering, and felt like I really had found my calling. I was considering the military and teaching at the time.

So my boss in that program, thinking she was going to help, really set the hook for being an educator, had me meet the executive director of this program.

I went up to the University of California office, and I walk in his office, and there's a constellation of our solar system and a rocket. And he sees me, leans back in his chair, he takes his glasses off and sets it on a book.

I shake his hand, and sit down, and he taps on that book. And he says, you see that right there? That's how I live my dreams of space exploration and flying. And he says, You have a chance to go fly in the Navy. Go do it, and if anything else, it'll make you a better educator. 

That conversation, which was that quick, really turned my thinking. I've always loved education and the impact we can have on young people, but that really helped me get comfortable with the idea of going and starting this Navy journey, which, you know, lots of other decisions on the way, but that was the big one, whether or not to leave college and go be an educator or to go serve in the military.

Gary Shorman: In our story, you talk to students about that. I'm sure you make those choices, make those things that can change your life. You've done that.

You had a chance to be at the space station, walk in space. Let's talk a little bit about that. What did it feel like to step outside the spaceship and just go shooting? I see space right there that has to be a breathtaking experience.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;That is it? It is breathtaking because you don't know what it's going to feel like when you first get out there. The advice I received that really just kept repeating in my head was, "Keep your world small."

 One of my classmates said to me, and so I just focused on right what was in front of my face, my hands and the handrail, where I'm going next. And so it took me about three hours before I felt like, OK.

I kind of got the hang of this. I'm going to start looking around and maybe taking some pictures. Actually, on my first spacewalk, I did not take a single picture. There were no selfies to be taken on. it, but it was busy. 

I'll tell you, that's what it is. You're busy. When you're outside, there's a lot to be done, and it all requires intense focus. 

I&nbsp;wrestled in college, and I think space walking has a lot in common with wrestling, even though it may be physical in a different way. It's very physical. It's very three-dimensional.

Your success requires you to integrate the three dimensions and to think about what's coming next. And that's very true in wrestling and space walks. It's so challenging. It's busy physically and mentally.

But most importantly, you're working with a team. And that team, Mike Hopkins, who had been out on a spacewalk before, and led our first one, the first one I went on, and also the ground team, they all helped to make that possible. 

But that first moment when you look out, and you can see that for real, there are just no words to describe it. We train in a pool where you can see the bottom of the pool. When you look out, and it's 250 miles straight down, you go, "Wow! this is amazing and special. But also, what am I doing?"

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Letting go to actually float would have to be one of those experiences that you can think about, and I can say, "Boy, that'd be hard to do." But letting go when you're out there, and you see that space out there, that's amazing. What did it feel like when you were named to be on the Artemis mission?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Ah, wow. It's interesting, because people ask about the excitement, and excitement is a part of it. But the professionals who do what I do, understand the risks associated with this.

There's a lot of software, a lot of pieces and parts to this, hardware, lots of people. This is made all over the country, in all 50 states of the Union, and then also parts overseas. 

And it all has to work flawlessly the first time for the duration of the mission. 

So we understand the risk. And so I would say the overriding feeling was, first of all shocked, because I didn't expect to be on this mission, so I was a little shocked. But then also, I know focus isn't a feeling, but the seriousness, that's my overriding feeling, was the seriousness of this. 

This means a lot for our country, for our agency, for our Artemis Accords, international partners, and it's risky. My family is going to have to go on this journey with&nbsp;me. We have a lot to get done in the next couple of years. And so, yeah, profundity, if it's a if that's an emotion, it was profundity.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;If you look at 50 years since we've had a mission like this, and you'll be the first one to head to the moon, there's more to it than just circling the moon, though. Tell us a little bit more about the long-term plans for the Artemis mission.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Artemis is our generation's deep-space exploration program. It's not just the Moon Program. We're going to make sure this Orion capsule is safe for humans to fly, so that we can fly it to eventually dock to a lunar lander.

That will get us to the surface of the moon, or to a gateway space station that's orbiting the moon. Both of those things are going to enable future technologies and future techniques and future teams to go beyond the moon on to Mars.

And continue to understand, maybe, how the Earth looked in its past, or where we may be headed in the future, if we don't take better care of our planet. 

So the Artemis program is a big campaign. The moon is just one destination, and that's our mission. Our mission is to do the free return trajectory around the moon, but really to test out Orion as one big step on this journey that's going to eventually get humans to Mars.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Orion is your spaceship, and you'll be the pilot of that as you approach the moon and circle the moon. What are you going to be looking for?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Oh, wow. So there's a potential. The region of the moon, what we would call the Western Hemisphere, looking at it from Earth on the far side. That part has not been completely seen by human eyes, and I just learned that recently.

So the fact that there's a potential for us to see something that's never been seen before, that's amazing. 

But no matter what, even if it's completely dark, to look out the window of the spacecraft and to look at the moon in the foreground, and then see the Earth in the background, in the distance, a quarter of a million miles away, with my crewmates, Reed, Cristina, and Jeremy. I don't know what that's going to feel like, but I'm looking forward to that. That's going to be amazing.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I hope you send us pictures back, Victor.&nbsp; I know you're short on time because you have a lot of people and you have a lot of training to do. That has to be intense training, because there are so many moving parts, as you say, that intensity, that focus it takes. How many hours a day do you train?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;So we will start training next month, and I imagine it's going to be chock full. I think they're going to schedule our days full. And you know, while some of it will be technical training, some of it will be continuing to engage the public, like we are now.

But also, we will be engaging the team that's developing the hardware or building hardware and software, and thanking them for their hard work and letting them know how much we count on their technical expertise. And so they're going to keep us busy. Gary, you can be best believe we'll have some full days until launch.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I can't wait to see how this all develops. Look forward to it, and maybe again later on, once you're back, get a chance to follow up on that. But Victor, thanks for being on our program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769203436542.png" alt="The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission (left to right):NASA astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Reid Wiseman (seated), Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen- Credits: NASA" />
 <figcaption>The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission (left to right):NASA astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Reid Wiseman (seated), Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen- Credits: NASA</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YJ_Q6DXnnVo?si=gvZ1wvb7HSk3HYnX" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>NASA’s giant new moon rocket, Artemis II, moved to the launch pad Jan. 17, in preparation for astronauts’ first fly-around the moon in more than half a century. The out-and-back trip could blast off as early as February.The trip will send astronauts farther than any crew has traveled. Last spring we visited with the pilot of the mission, Victor Glover.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661448577852.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and most recently served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft which flew to the International Space Station. Here is our interview with NASA astronaut Victor Glover.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;Welcome again to "Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times" with a special guest from Houston, astronaut Victor.&nbsp;Thanks for being on our program today. Victor Glover:&nbsp;Thanks, Gary, great to be here. Thanks for&nbsp;having me. Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;You know, one of the things I know that we talk about on this program is leadership. You have walked in space four times. I believe you've been on the space station. You've lived up there for a while. What puts you in position? Victor Glover:&nbsp;You know, from a leadership, from a career standpoint, to be in the astronaut program, I love talking about leadership.&nbsp;I love the subject and, well, I think a part of it would be following having a bunch of great leaders to work with and look up to. Initially, when you're put into a leadership position, you can freestyle it, or you can mimic what you've seen. So I would say some great leaders do imitate. I worked for some amazing people. My squadron commanders, I worked for John McCain for almost a year. Charlie Bolden, who ran NASA, but he was a Marine Corps general when I worked for him the first time, and so I think that's a big part of it, having some really amazing leaders to look up to in the beginning.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Were there some key moments in your career that kind of turned you towards being an astronaut?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Key moments? Wow. I was in college, tutoring for a program, and loved working with kids, teaching engineering, and felt like I really had found my calling. I was considering the military and teaching at the time. So my boss in that program, thinking she was going to help, really set the hook for being an educator, had me meet the executive director of this program.I went up to the University of California office, and I walk in his office, and there's a constellation of our solar system and a rocket. And he sees me, leans back in his chair, he takes his glasses off and sets it on a book.I shake his hand, and sit down, and he taps on that book. And he says, you see that right there? That's how I live my dreams of space exploration and flying. And he says, You have a chance to go fly in the Navy. Go do it, and if anything else, it'll make you a better educator. That conversation, which was that quick, really turned my thinking. I've always loved education and the impact we can have on young people, but that really helped me get comfortable with the idea of going and starting this Navy journey, which, you know, lots of other decisions on the way, but that was the big one, whether or not to leave college and go be an educator or to go serve in the military.Gary Shorman: In our story, you talk to students about that. I'm sure you make those choices, make those things that can change your life. You've done that. You had a chance to be at the space station, walk in space. Let's talk a little bit about that. What did it feel like to step outside the spaceship and just go shooting? I see space right there that has to be a breathtaking experience.Victor Glover:&nbsp;That is it? It is breathtaking because you don't know what it's going to feel like when you first get out there. The advice I received that really just kept repeating in my head was, "Keep your world small." One of my classmates said to me, and so I just focused on right what was in front of my face, my hands and the handrail, where I'm going next. And so it took me about three hours before I felt like, OK.I kind of got the hang of this. I'm going to start looking around and maybe taking some pictures. Actually, on my first spacewalk, I did not take a single picture. There were no selfies to be taken on. it, but it was busy. I'll tell you, that's what it is. You're busy. When you're outside, there's a lot to be done, and it all requires intense focus. I&nbsp;wrestled in college, and I think space walking has a lot in common with wrestling, even though it may be physical in a different way. It's very physical. It's very three-dimensional.Your success requires you to integrate the three dimensions and to think about what's coming next. And that's very true in wrestling and space walks. It's so challenging. It's busy physically and mentally.But most importantly, you're working with a team. And that team, Mike Hopkins, who had been out on a spacewalk before, and led our first one, the first one I went on, and also the ground team, they all helped to make that possible. But that first moment when you look out, and you can see that for real, there are just no words to describe it. We train in a pool where you can see the bottom of the pool. When you look out, and it's 250 miles straight down, you go, "Wow! this is amazing and special. But also, what am I doing?"Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Letting go to actually float would have to be one of those experiences that you can think about, and I can say, "Boy, that'd be hard to do." But letting go when you're out there, and you see that space out there, that's amazing. What did it feel like when you were named to be on the Artemis mission?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Ah, wow. It's interesting, because people ask about the excitement, and excitement is a part of it. But the professionals who do what I do, understand the risks associated with this. There's a lot of software, a lot of pieces and parts to this, hardware, lots of people. This is made all over the country, in all 50 states of the Union, and then also parts overseas. And it all has to work flawlessly the first time for the duration of the mission. So we understand the risk. And so I would say the overriding feeling was, first of all shocked, because I didn't expect to be on this mission, so I was a little shocked. But then also, I know focus isn't a feeling, but the seriousness, that's my overriding feeling, was the seriousness of this. This means a lot for our country, for our agency, for our Artemis Accords, international partners, and it's risky. My family is going to have to go on this journey with&nbsp;me. We have a lot to get done in the next couple of years. And so, yeah, profundity, if it's a if that's an emotion, it was profundity.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;If you look at 50 years since we've had a mission like this, and you'll be the first one to head to the moon, there's more to it than just circling the moon, though. Tell us a little bit more about the long-term plans for the Artemis mission.Victor Glover:&nbsp;Artemis is our generation's deep-space exploration program. It's not just the Moon Program. We're going to make sure this Orion capsule is safe for humans to fly, so that we can fly it to eventually dock to a lunar lander.That will get us to the surface of the moon, or to a gateway space station that's orbiting the moon. Both of those things are going to enable future technologies and future techniques and future teams to go beyond the moon on to Mars.And continue to understand, maybe, how the Earth looked in its past, or where we may be headed in the future, if we don't take better care of our planet. So the Artemis program is a big campaign. The moon is just one destination, and that's our mission. Our mission is to do the free return trajectory around the moon, but really to test out Orion as one big step on this journey that's going to eventually get humans to Mars.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Orion is your spaceship, and you'll be the pilot of that as you approach the moon and circle the moon. What are you going to be looking for?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Oh, wow. So there's a potential. The region of the moon, what we would call the Western Hemisphere, looking at it from Earth on the far side. That part has not been completely seen by human eyes, and I just learned that recently. So the fact that there's a potential for us to see something that's never been seen before, that's amazing. But no matter what, even if it's completely dark, to look out the window of the spacecraft and to look at the moon in the foreground, and then see the Earth in the background, in the distance, a quarter of a million miles away, with my crewmates, Reed, Cristina, and Jeremy. I don't know what that's going to feel like, but I'm looking forward to that. That's going to be amazing.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I hope you send us pictures back, Victor.&nbsp; I know you're short on time because you have a lot of people and you have a lot of training to do. That has to be intense training, because there are so many moving parts, as you say, that intensity, that focus it takes. How many hours a day do you train?Victor Glover:&nbsp;So we will start training next month, and I imagine it's going to be chock full. I think they're going to schedule our days full. And you know, while some of it will be technical training, some of it will be continuing to engage the public, like we are now.But also, we will be engaging the team that's developing the hardware or building hardware and software, and thanking them for their hard work and letting them know how much we count on their technical expertise. And so they're going to keep us busy. Gary, you can be best believe we'll have some full days until launch.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I can't wait to see how this all develops. Look forward to it, and maybe again later on, once you're back, get a chance to follow up on that. But Victor, thanks for being on our program.

🎥 Forward Ever: Astronaut Victor Glover discusses Artemis II mission to moon

Extremely frigid temperatures are ravaging the area and it's important to keep not only your safety in mind, but also your pets.  

Wind chills are expected to make temperatures feel as low as –22 today and possible snow is expected this weekend as well. 

Melanie Barnes with Friends of the Animal Shelter says pets should never be outside in these temperatures, but if they have to be make sure to have adequate housing for them 

"If you have an outside dog house or a cat shelter, it needs to be up off the ground, or there needs to be a lot of insulation like foam piece in between, not like an egg shell foam I’m talking about like an actual white foam cooler that kind of thing, but it really should be up off the ground,” Barnes says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “People don’t realize the ground when it is frozen, when temps are going to get like they are for us, that ground will absorb heat in a matter of a short period of time.” 

Barnes says to also ensure your pet has a fresh source of water, because it will freeze, and that it also has the right amount of food to keep it safe and healthy.  

Barnes with Friends of the Animal Shelter says if you have to let your pet out in the cold, be sure to watch for signs they need to come inside 

"They may be having fun, but if they start to shiver and, or whine, even though they may still be looking like they enjoy it, they’re getting cold,” Barnes explains.  “They’re showing you the signs that they are getting cold, so that may be the time to bring them in.” 

Barnes says if you get beyond the shivering and your pet starts to slow down or curl up things are getting beyond safe for the animal.  

While keeping your pets in mind in the extreme cold, it’s also important to consider those pets and animals that live outside 

Barnes says if you have cats that live outside in your area, be sure to check your car before getting on the road 

"Go ahead and do a couple bangs on the hood, or just some light taps, make some noise they say clap your hands, I’m not saying you have to get real aggressive with your car don’t hurt yourself, clap your hands do some other things just to make sure  we don’t have, not only cats, but maybe just anything else that likes to climb up underneath there,” Barnes says. 

Barnes says it's also important, much like the hotter months, to not keep your pets inside a car as the temperatures get this cold to avoid hypothermia. 

(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

(By MATT PIKE)Extremely frigid temperatures are ravaging the area and it's important to keep not only your safety in mind, but also your pets. Wind chills are expected to make temperatures feel as low as –22 today and possible snow is expected this weekend as well. Melanie Barnes with Friends of the Animal Shelter says pets should never be outside in these temperatures, but if they have to be make sure to have adequate housing for them "If you have an outside dog house or a cat shelter, it needs to be up off the ground, or there needs to be a lot of insulation like foam piece in between, not like an egg shell foam I’m talking about like an actual white foam cooler that kind of thing, but it really should be up off the ground,” Barnes says on the KFEQmunnity show. “People don’t realize the ground when it is frozen, when temps are going to get like they are for us, that ground will absorb heat in a matter of a short period of time.” Barnes says to also ensure your pet has a fresh source of water, because it will freeze, and that it also has the right amount of food to keep it safe and healthy. Barnes with Friends of the Animal Shelter says if you have to let your pet out in the cold, be sure to watch for signs they need to come inside "They may be having fun, but if they start to shiver and, or whine, even though they may still be looking like they enjoy it, they’re getting cold,” Barnes explains. “They’re showing you the signs that they are getting cold, so that may be the time to bring them in.” Barnes says if you get beyond the shivering and your pet starts to slow down or curl up things are getting beyond safe for the animal. While keeping your pets in mind in the extreme cold, it’s also important to consider those pets and animals that live outside Barnes says if you have cats that live outside in your area, be sure to check your car before getting on the road "Go ahead and do a couple bangs on the hood, or just some light taps, make some noise they say clap your hands, I’m not saying you have to get real aggressive with your car don’t hurt yourself, clap your hands do some other things just to make sure we don’t have, not only cats, but maybe just anything else that likes to climb up underneath there,” Barnes says. Barnes says it's also important, much like the hotter months, to not keep your pets inside a car as the temperatures get this cold to avoid hypothermia. (You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

As extreme cold temps strike area keep your pets protected

A stretch of Interstate 29 in Buchanan County will close in both directions next month for the demolition of the Gene Field Road bridge, the Missouri Department of Transportation announced.

The closure is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, with the interstate expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9. Clarkson Construction Company is the contractor for the project.

During the closure, MoDOT will implement the following detours:

Gene Field Road will remain closed between Woodbine Road and Woodland Drive for the duration of the bridge replacement. The project, which is scheduled for completion in July 2026, will widen the bridge, replace the driving surface, and add sidewalks to both the north and south sides.

MoDOT officials noted that additional overnight lane closures on I-29 may occur between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. throughout the construction period. A 10.6-foot width restriction will also be in effect.

All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1763152846672.jpeg" alt="Gene Field Road Bridge" />
 <figcaption>Gene Field Road Bridge</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHA stretch of Interstate 29 in Buchanan County will close in both directions next month for the demolition of the Gene Field Road bridge, the Missouri Department of Transportation announced.The closure is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, with the interstate expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9. Clarkson Construction Company is the contractor for the project.During the closure, MoDOT will implement the following detours:<ul>
 <li>Northbound I-29: Through traffic must exit at the I-229/I-29 split (Exit 43). Local access to northbound I-29 from Missouri Route 6 (Frederick Blvd.) will be closed.</li><li>Southbound I-29: Through traffic must exit at the I-29/I-229/U.S. Route 71 split (Exit 56B). Local access to southbound I-29 from U.S. Route 169 (Exit 50) will be closed.</li>
 </ul>Gene Field Road will remain closed between Woodbine Road and Woodland Drive for the duration of the bridge replacement. The project, which is scheduled for completion in July 2026, will widen the bridge, replace the driving surface, and add sidewalks to both the north and south sides.MoDOT officials noted that additional overnight lane closures on I-29 may occur between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. throughout the construction period. A 10.6-foot width restriction will also be in effect.All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change.

I-29 in Buchanan County to close Feb. 7 for Gene Field Road Bridge demolition

Bitterly cold temperatures are striking the area starting today and going throughout the weekend.   

Shane Hux with the Missouri Highway Patrol Troop H says as these conditions ravage the area 

"We’re not advising any type of travel, unless it’s absolutely necessary,” Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “It’s kind of nice that it’s on a weekend, but yet that’s when a lot of people get out and do some traveling.” 

Knowing people will have to travel this weekend, Hux says to be sure your vehicle is road worthy and to be prepared for the worst 

“Have some blankets in there, extra coats, hats, gloves, warm shoes, and then make sure your cell phone is fully charged, have an extra charger with you,” Hux explains.  “If you’re going on long distance travel, medications, take those with you.” 

Hux says every trooper available will be out patrolling during this winter storm, but there still may be delayed response due to the weather, so it's best to be prepared.  He adds if you do have to travel, and you become stranded, it's best to stay in your car 

"Reason why that’s important is because we have seen people who exit their vehicle, are then struck by vehicles, so it’s a lot safer for you to be inside your vehicle,” Hux says.  “But you want to make sure that your vehicle is not in a snow drift, and your exhaust is covered up with snow to cause that carbon monoxide.” 

Hux says when it comes to the first winter event of the year, people usually aren't as prepared, but luckily this isn't the first of this winter 

“We hope that people adhere to the advance warnings that have been in place by the National Weather Service, and like I said, just avoid at all costs any unnecessary travel,” Hus says. 

If you do get stranded, contact 911 or *55 for assistance. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705094805172.jpg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>(By MATT PIKE)Bitterly cold temperatures are striking the area starting today and going throughout the weekend. Shane Hux with the Missouri Highway Patrol Troop H says as these conditions ravage the area "We’re not advising any type of travel, unless it’s absolutely necessary,” Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s kind of nice that it’s on a weekend, but yet that’s when a lot of people get out and do some traveling.” Knowing people will have to travel this weekend, Hux says to be sure your vehicle is road worthy and to be prepared for the worst “Have some blankets in there, extra coats, hats, gloves, warm shoes, and then make sure your cell phone is fully charged, have an extra charger with you,” Hux explains. “If you’re going on long distance travel, medications, take those with you.” Hux says every trooper available will be out patrolling during this winter storm, but there still may be delayed response due to the weather, so it's best to be prepared. He adds if you do have to travel, and you become stranded, it's best to stay in your car "Reason why that’s important is because we have seen people who exit their vehicle, are then struck by vehicles, so it’s a lot safer for you to be inside your vehicle,” Hux says. “But you want to make sure that your vehicle is not in a snow drift, and your exhaust is covered up with snow to cause that carbon monoxide.” Hux says when it comes to the first winter event of the year, people usually aren't as prepared, but luckily this isn't the first of this winter “We hope that people adhere to the advance warnings that have been in place by the National Weather Service, and like I said, just avoid at all costs any unnecessary travel,” Hus says. If you do get stranded, contact 911 or *55 for assistance. (You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

MSHP advises avoiding unnecessary travel as winter weather ravages the area

(Radio Iowa) - With wicked winter weather pushing wind chills as low as 40-below zero this Friday morning, Iowans are being warned if they don't absolutely need to go out, to stay home. 

If you decide to brave the roads and your vehicle somehow slides into a ditch, Brian Ortner at Triple-A-Iowa, suggests you stay in the car, run the engine sparingly, turn on the hazard lights, and call for help. Ortner says to keep an emergency kit in the trunk with things like blankets, spare clothes, water and snacks, and a portable phone charger. 

Also, he says to keep your gas tank full and don't let it drop below a quarter of a tank, because if you get stranded, having a full tank will help keep your car running and keep you warm until help arrives.

(Radio Iowa) - With wicked winter weather pushing wind chills as low as 40-below zero this Friday morning, Iowans are being warned if they don't absolutely need to go out, to stay home. If you decide to brave the roads and your vehicle somehow slides into a ditch, Brian Ortner at Triple-A-Iowa, suggests you stay in the car, run the engine sparingly, turn on the hazard lights, and call for help. Ortner says to keep an emergency kit in the trunk with things like blankets, spare clothes, water and snacks, and a portable phone charger. Also, he says to keep your gas tank full and don't let it drop below a quarter of a tank, because if you get stranded, having a full tank will help keep your car running and keep you warm until help arrives.

Tips to keep Iowa motorists alive should they end up in a snowy ditch

An investigation by the Missouri Attorney General has inspired lawmakers to consider proposals to supervise the Missouri High School Activities Association

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

Changes to the organization that oversees high school athletics in Missouri are a top priority of state lawmakers this year, following allegations of discrimination under investigation by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway.

State Sen. Jason Bean, a Republican from Holcomb, and state Rep. Bennie Cook, a Houston Republican, have filed bills the past two years seeking to give the state authority when athletes and coaches appeal decisions made by Missouri High School Activities Association . Neither bill got any traction.&nbsp;

This year, their proposals are some of the first to get hearings in House and Senate committees and were namechecked by Gov. Mike Kehoe in his annual State of the State address.

“This reform is about good governance, consistent standards and ensuring that decisions impacting Missouri students and funded by Missouri taxpayers are made openly, fairly and responsibly,” Kehoe said. “Unelected bureaucrats cannot act like kings.”

The House Government Efficiency Committee and Senate Education Committee examined MSHSAA’s appeals process during public hearings Thursday morning. Bean and Cook both focused on incidents in which schools have appealed the association’s rulings, such as when a scoring mistake&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsiltv.com/news/missouri/cooter-high-school-mshsaa-appeal-unsuccessful-in-cooter-basketball-game-error/article_d1460898-be8f-11ed-98b8-5717c15936c2.html" target="_blank">changed the outcome of a basketball quarterfinal game in 2023</a>.

“I don’t see the role of this new oversight board as one to absorb the day-to-day governance of MSHSAA,” Bean told the Senate committee. “Rather, parents, students, coaches, school districts, etc., need an avenue to appeal decisions made by MSHSAA to an independent oversight board.”

Their bills set the framework for a board appointed by the governor that could handle appeals. Currently, MSHSAA has a two-pronged appeals process that allows athletes and their parents to challenge rules and decisions.

But a process in which MSHSAA oversees appeals of its decisions doesn’t satisfy everyone.

Nick Purler, who runs a wrestling academy in Moscow Mills, said he’s watched his wrestlers face MSHSAA decisions “who should have been treated more fairly.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769168888018.png" alt=" Republican state Sen. Jason Bean of Holcomb, pictured listening from his Senate desk Feb. 12, 2024, has sponsored a bill seeking state oversight of the Missouri State High School Activities Association for three consecutive years. This legislative session, his proposal is gaining traction early on in session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Republican state Sen. Jason Bean of Holcomb, pictured listening from his Senate desk Feb. 12, 2024, has sponsored a bill seeking state oversight of the Missouri State High School Activities Association for three consecutive years. This legislative session, his proposal is gaining traction early on in session (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>An investigation by the Missouri Attorney General has inspired lawmakers to consider proposals to supervise the Missouri High School Activities Association</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Changes to the organization that oversees high school athletics in Missouri are a top priority of state lawmakers this year, following allegations of discrimination under investigation by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674759497176.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>State Sen. Jason Bean, a Republican from Holcomb, and state Rep. Bennie Cook, a Houston Republican, have filed bills the past two years seeking to give the state authority when athletes and coaches appeal decisions made by Missouri High School Activities Association . Neither bill got any traction.&nbsp;This year, their proposals are some of the first to get hearings in House and Senate committees and were namechecked by Gov. Mike Kehoe in his annual State of the State address.“This reform is about good governance, consistent standards and ensuring that decisions impacting Missouri students and funded by Missouri taxpayers are made openly, fairly and responsibly,” Kehoe said. “Unelected bureaucrats cannot act like kings.”The House Government Efficiency Committee and Senate Education Committee examined MSHSAA’s appeals process during public hearings Thursday morning. Bean and Cook both focused on incidents in which schools have appealed the association’s rulings, such as when a scoring mistake&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsiltv.com/news/missouri/cooter-high-school-mshsaa-appeal-unsuccessful-in-cooter-basketball-game-error/article_d1460898-be8f-11ed-98b8-5717c15936c2.html" target="_blank">changed the outcome of a basketball quarterfinal game in 2023</a>.“I don’t see the role of this new oversight board as one to absorb the day-to-day governance of MSHSAA,” Bean told the Senate committee. “Rather, parents, students, coaches, school districts, etc., need an avenue to appeal decisions made by MSHSAA to an independent oversight board.”Their bills set the framework for a board appointed by the governor that could handle appeals. Currently, MSHSAA has a two-pronged appeals process that allows athletes and their parents to challenge rules and decisions.But a process in which MSHSAA oversees appeals of its decisions doesn’t satisfy everyone.Nick Purler, who runs a wrestling academy in Moscow Mills, said he’s watched his wrestlers face MSHSAA decisions “who should have been treated more fairly.”“MSHSAA seems to be the judge, jury and executioner, and I don’t think that’s fair,” he said.MSHSAA operates as a member organization and is not run by the state, though most of the state’s public schools and many private schools have signed on as members.Democrats questioned the idea of regulating a private, nonprofit organization.“If we start here on nonprofits and say that there could be an appointed board by the governor, where are we to stop?” said state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat. “Think about the amount of nonprofits that exist across the state. Now it is the state’s job to get involved in all of these other nonprofits?”Senate Education Committee Chairman Rick Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville, argued that MSHSAA has a monopoly over high school athletics in the state. Although it’s a voluntary organization, there is not another option for public schools who want to participate in interscholastic competition.MSHSAA Executive Director Jennifer Rukstad told the committee that the association operates as a democracy, with member schools voting on its bylaws.“The schools have said, ‘We’ve set up our rules and now we need somebody to help us to follow them,’” she said. “So they have hired a staff, and they have tasked us to be the experts on the rules they have written, and they have asked us to help them enforce those rules.”<h2>Investigation</h2>MSHSAA’s board of directors, which has eight members and two at-large members, is elected by schools. A policy created in 2004 establishing the two at-large positions has caught the attention of lawmakers, driving attention to the legislation.The policy requires the at-large positions to be filled by “candidates representing the under-represented gender of the current board or an under-represented ethnicity.”Merlyn Johnson, superintendent of the Cassville School District, reported this policy to the Missouri State Auditor’s Office last year after he was deemed ineligible to run for an at-large position.Rukstad,&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.mo.gov/wp-content/uploads/Lettter-to-AGO.pdf" target="_blank">in an email to Johnson in March</a>, said the board “has a majority of males,” which disqualified him unless he identified with an underrepresented “ethnicity or race group.”In November, Hanaway announced she was investigating the incident, calling the policy an “overtly racist practice.” Rukstad was not embarrassed when her email to Johnson became public, she told committee members, because she believes the policy is not discriminatory.The eight original seats on the board are open to any administrator, she said. It is just the two at-large positions with “additional qualifiers.”State Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance, said the email fueled his support for the legislation.“Seeing this email really has me ticked off,” he said. “Just adding up all the different flaws within MSHSAA, I think that is the reason why this is a sound bill.”Neither committee took immediate action on the bills Thursday.