Amid wide policy swings, Kansas and Missouri officials puzzle over big federal funding cuts

Amid wide policy swings, Kansas and Missouri officials puzzle over big federal funding cuts

by Martin Rosenberg, Beacon: Kansas City Gov. Laura Kelly worries about dwindling water resources that will need ongoing federal support if western Kansas is to remain habitable in 50 years. She is concerned about the national health impact of firing more than two dozen federal scientists in Manhattan, Kansas, who protect Americans from animal-borne diseases and other health threats. Mike Kelly, chair of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners, wonders […]

March 8, 2025 2

Missouri

MO farmers, advocates push for mandatory country-of-origin food labels

By: Chrystal Blair A Midwest coalition of consumer, farmer and rural groups, including those in Missouri, is pushing to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling for meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables, as well as some nuts. Earlier this month, federal lawmakers reintroduced the American Beef Labeling Act to restore such labeling for beef. Noah Earle, a farmer and member of the Missouri Rural Crisis Center, contended claims from the "big four" meat packers, arguing such labeling […]

March 7, 2025 2

Education

Bipartisan MO bills seek to limit student cellphone use in schools

By: Chrystal Blair, Missouri News Service If some Missouri lawmakers have their way, cellphone use in schools will be restricted. Supporters of the proposal argued student "phone addiction" is a major concern, distracting kids from academics. Bipartisan measures range from requiring phones to be out of sight during class to full bans. Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, D-Columbia, is a sponsor of the legislation. She said districts would be allowed to create their own […]

February 10, 2025 2