<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750552826391.png" alt="File photo President Trump returning to the White House Saturday-image White House" />
                        <figcaption>File photo President Trump returning to the White House Saturday-image White House</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">🚨 <a href="https://t.co/lzIfANo7sd">pic.twitter.com/lzIfANo7sd</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1937271127958573387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;CONGRATULATIONS WORLD, IT’S TIME FOR PEACE!&quot; –President Donald J. Trump <a href="https://t.co/c5u6uneVBY">pic.twitter.com/c5u6uneVBY</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1937242445026050171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE...&quot; –President Donald J. Trump <a href="https://t.co/hLTBT34KnG">pic.twitter.com/hLTBT34KnG</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1937275983603597473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Peace through STRENGTH! <a href="https://t.co/ykFdscPAW6">https://t.co/ykFdscPAW6</a></p>&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1937277441778565233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/FvLK6djP9w">https://t.co/FvLK6djP9w</a> <a href="https://t.co/36Q8EJiqqq">pic.twitter.com/36Q8EJiqqq</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1937280247340388696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

President Trump says Israel, Iran agree to 'complete and total ceasefire'

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/sLix9I0PWO">pic.twitter.com/sLix9I0PWO</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1937237851571134524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/AYbDjEBZWC">pic.twitter.com/AYbDjEBZWC</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1937240686325006762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/y2PfbJGgZY">pic.twitter.com/y2PfbJGgZY</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1937238331009695862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Read President Trump's statement after Iran's strike on U.S. air base

Sara Smith, the new Children’s Division director, has moved away from her predecessor’s focus on shrinking the foster care system. The Independent sat down with her for an interview about her tenure so far and plans for the future

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a><br><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/"><i>Missouri Independent</i></a>

In the nearly two decades Sara Smith spent working at Missouri’s Department of Social Services, she remembers nine different people running the agency in charge of investigating child abuse and neglect.&nbsp;

In March, Smith&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-social-services-agency-appoints-new-child-welfare-director/">took the helm</a>&nbsp;herself.&nbsp;

She hopes to provide more stability in leading the agency which has seen growing scrutiny over the last several years from nearly every direction — including lawmakers, judges, advocates and the media.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Children’s Division is Missouri’s child welfare agency and is responsible for overseeing foster care, working on frontline child abuse and neglect investigations and managing calls to the child abuse and neglect hotline.

There are&nbsp;<a href="https://dss.mo.gov/mis/clcounter/" target="_blank">over 11,000 Missouri children in foster care,</a>&nbsp;as of May, which is down from a peak of over 14,000 in 2021. The state continues to take kids into care at a rate higher than the national average,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/12/missouri-foster-care-parents-legal-representation/">and is slower to reunite families</a>&nbsp;than the national average.&nbsp;

Children’s Division is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/kids-stay-in-foster-care-beyond-federal-standard-in-most-missouri-counties/">acting under a performance improvement plan&nbsp;</a>with the federal government over issues ranging from failure to provide timely permanent placements for kids to caseworkers failing to provide sufficient engagement with parents.&nbsp;

Lawmakers over the years have also raised concern about&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/30/federal-watchdog-finds-missouri-failed-to-adequately-report-protect-missing-foster-kids/">missing foster kids</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/05/06/furious-lawmakers-demand-answers-from-missouri-dss-for-undercount-of-abuse-reports/">unlicensed boarding schools</a>&nbsp;and severe&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/04/05/missouri-caseworkers-drowning-as-childrens-division-plagued-by-staff-shortages/">understaffing.</a>

In a brief sit-down with The Independent last week, Smith said she wants to bring Children’s Division back to the basics, which she defines as ensuring safety for children. She highlighted her long experience in the agency, beginning as a frontline child abuse and neglect investigator.

She took over from Darrell Missey, who was outspoken about what he felt was a needed course correction for the agency that was taking too many kids into foster care and keeping them there too long. Missey spent his career as a judge before leading Children’s Division, and his vision reflected a national trend toward family preservation efforts.

Smith, on the other hand, said she doesn’t see reducing the number of kids in foster care as an especially valuable metric. She highlighted several policies during the 30-minute interview, including:&nbsp;

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What do you think you bring to the role having spent decades in the agency?&nbsp;

Carrying a caseload as a frontline investigator really helped me understand. I remember the manila folders where I had files for each family, and I would carry those around and try to make sure — have I seen all the kids on this one? Have I seen all the kids on this one? And kind of triaging.

You could be down in Laclede County in Lebanon, and then get a report in Moniteau County and be in California, Missouri. That’s an hour and a half, two hours.

And so just knowing all of those factors, then you have to learn your partners, and every one of those circuits I needed to know law enforcement and courts and juvenile offices and city and county police officers, schools — and so just the importance of having those relationships is one of the things that I learned that I think adds value to getting to see the full picture.

Have the first three months on the job been what you expected?

I think it is more [than I expected], very honestly.

Having stepped away from Children’s Division for a couple of years and worked at Family Support Division, and then having an opportunity to work with some of our residential services, there are just different pieces. We have more team members than we did two years ago. We have different-sized caseloads than we had a couple years ago. Families, I think, coming out of COVID, have more unique sets of circumstances in some areas, with the service array available.&nbsp;

And so just being able to understand all that, to know how to help team members, has just been a little bit more challenging than I expected. It is definitely worth all of the time and effort though, that everybody’s putting into it.

Do you think that Children’s Division deserves the scrutiny and reputation that it’s gotten over the last few years?&nbsp;

I think there’s a lot to Children’s Division. Being in it for so long, it’s complicated, and it’s a space that — we respect families’ privacy, and we can only share certain things, and there’s a lot that we can’t share about the work that happens. And that’s really hard sometimes, because you want to be able to share all the complicating factors that are happening and the ins and outs of different pieces. But we can only talk about how the process should work in a best case scenario.&nbsp;

And I don’t think we should necessarily talk about case specifics, because that is a family’s right to privacy. A child’s right to his or her information being kept close to the vest for Children’s Division, but then having the opportunity to be transparent with our stakeholders about what’s happening, what the pain points are and using those systemic things and trends to be able to work with them to create some change.&nbsp;

Because I do think that lack of stability in the Children’s Division director role does play a part in the practice that people see and the partnerships. I think I’ve had nine [directors] since I started Children’s Division. And I’ve heard this from Children’s Division team members: ‘We’re just going to wait it out. There’ll be somebody else coming in with a different philosophical view.’ Or stakeholders that aren’t sure that you’re going to stay so they don’t take the time to really get to know you or what practice should look like.

Because we’re not adding anything new or different. It’s just following the policy and tools that we have already been provided by the legislators, and really helping support our team. And so I do think that in regard to the scrutiny, some of it is just building that trust factor. And that’s a really big part of our executive team, and I know the department as a whole, is being able to build trust with stakeholders.

You mentioned philosophical differences. What do you see as the main differences between you and former director Darrell Missey?&nbsp;

The director’s role is really hard as I mentioned. Being in this spot, everybody comes in with their plan about how to fix the broken system, or how to help support kids and families better.&nbsp;

And I don’t think that anybody would ever enter into this space and take on this role if they didn’t feel like they could make a difference. And so, for me, I think making sure that we are training really the basics, the back to basics.

We have a workforce that really wants to know at the end of the day what their job is from day to day, and not as much of the philosophical, the ‘why’ behind certain practices. They’re not in it for the social work degree, in most cases — they are here trying to keep kids safe on a day-to-day basis.

And they want to know the practical tools and what they need to enter into the system, when they should notify the court, when they should reach out to law enforcement.&nbsp;

So just having that expertise, coming from Children’s Division, I think that gives me just a little bit different lens, because I’ve worked in every single program area. And so being able to connect those pieces and know what the hand-off looks like, I think that gives me a little bit different flavor than some previous directors.&nbsp;

The last time that I checked, we had around 52 vacancies statewide, which is really amazing, actually, for Children’s Division. We’re still at around 26% turnover statewide. And of that, 41% of that is our front line workers.

We really hear training is the biggest issue. And so that is one of our main priorities, is revamping the training to make it more practical. We are interested in shortening up the length of time, as well, that team members are in the initial training now. There’ll be some trainings that — once they get in and get comfortable and know their role, some specialized trainings that we’ll be able to provide.

Do you see training as potentially helping remedy some of the federal issues outlined in the Performance Improvement Plan, such as family engagement?

If you’re not meeting with families, how are you moving the needle towards permanence here, or identifying safety threats? I don’t think we can hang our hat there and not do any other work around things, but I do think solid training is going to set us up for a lot better success.

I’ve heard you say in other interviews that reducing the number of kids in care is not a particularly valuable metric of progress. How should progress be measured?

To me, creating a culture that kids are safe whether they’re in the home, or if there’s a temporary alternative placement agreement in place, that they’re safe in that placement. Or if we have some intensive in-home services or if we may recommend to the juvenile office for removal and place them with a family member or another placement — that we’re really looking at safety no matter what placement the youth is in.&nbsp;

And so, I think that a good metric for us would be: If we’ve had a touch with a family, are we thoroughly assessing safety and having them in the least-restrictive setting possible, depending on what the allegations are, and then are we having another touch with that family later on?&nbsp;

Is the way I characterized your thoughts on lowering the number of foster kids accurate?

I think it’s an important metric, but I do think you’re accurate. I think that, it’s really looking at how many calls do we have to the hotline that year? Of those, how many were alerted to the field? Are we seeing kids? So what’s our response time to making sure that we’ve assessed the safety of kids? How fast or thoroughly are we giving families closure? So when are those reports closed? Are we meeting our monthly visits with families…how quickly are they going to permanency?&nbsp;

And then how many kids do we have in care as a metric, but it’s more so, is it that they’re staying in care longer, or are we getting permanency in a timely manner? Kind of that whole scorecard of our organizational health as an agency. So I wouldn’t drive that on just one metric unless I knew that my number of critical incidents and retouches with our system had gone down as well.

Do you think that Missouri relies too heavily on foster care? That the portion of kids in care is higher here than in other states and people say neglect is often confused with poverty — do you think that’s an issue?

I think we’re lucky in Missouri to have what I would call kind of a bifurcated system. It’s something that a lot of other states don’t have. Children’s Division cannot remove a child. We would recommend removal to the juvenile office. So the juvenile office that’s receiving that referral, they’re making sure that it’s legally sufficient and that we should be recommending removal.&nbsp;

And we have those [referrals] denied from Children’s Division where, Children’s Division might think that there’s a safety threat, the child can’t remain in the home. And the juvenile office might look at it and help us understand why that’s not a legally sufficient avenue.&nbsp;

They’ve been really great partners to us in that space, but having that other look to make sure that you know whatever the concerns are, do meet legal standards, I think helps make me feel better, especially with our turnover rate, that the kids that are in care are actually there for a reason that is legally supported.

So you see the juvenile office as an important check on Children’s Division’s power?

Yeah, and not a lot of other states have that. I mean, they would still go through a hearing in a lot of other states within certain timeframes depending on that state.&nbsp;

But for Children’s Division to have that check on the front end, I think, is something that’s really valuable to us. And so we pull those numbers to look at different circuits. What does removal look like in our partnership with the juvenile office, and I think that’s really important.

You mentioned the temporary alternative placement agreements. In previous years, there’s been some concern — lawmakers have called them uncounted foster kids. Do you have any plans to make data surrounding TAPAs more transparent?

Definitely, that is something that we’ve been messaging, especially with our juvenile office partners, to make sure that they know that our circuit managers can provide them a listing of TAPAs. I mean, they should be notified, but we were hearing from some pockets that they weren’t receiving those notifications. And so we want to make sure that they know that they can continually get a list.&nbsp;

We’re also working on how we could make a public-facing dashboard with that. That’s something that Director Bax, I think, is really big on — the transparency piece.&nbsp;

So figuring out how we can get not just that data, but any of our data that we get a lot of requests for, or that there’s interest in, that we’re making sure to just try to make that as available as possible to, media partners, local counties — sometimes people are interested and they want to know what’s happening in their circuit — and so just trying to make that available.

Why do you think those temporary placements are a tool that the state should rely on more?

Depending on what the concern is, it might be a safety threat that we would be able to mitigate within 30, 60, days, and be able to have supports wrapped around the family and, for the child to go home without entering Children’s Division custody.&nbsp;

And so if that can safely be done, we should definitely be utilizing the TAPA.&nbsp;

It just gives a little bit more formality to what in the old days, it was called a diversion. And I remember diverting a youth from a placement and doing my investigation or assessment, and then there was no policy or procedure at that time, back in 2006, to close the case. And it’s like, okay, well, everything’s safe now, and you just closed it and so, but then that leaves everybody wondering, when can the child go back home? So this process of having a TAPA just really gives, I think, more support to the family.

What about the federal Family First Prevention Services Act funding? Why do you think Missouri has lagged in spending it and what timeline is there now?

I think that probably the stability in leadership plays a part in that, right?&nbsp;

When you have multiple directors, just that transition, getting a spend plan, or getting that money out the door — I think that’s played a part of it. And just the ability for everyone to understand, since it was a little bit newer, how to do it, I think played a part.

Is it true that a certain amount of money expires in October?

That’s correct. I think it was $10 million in transition funding that we got 2018, 2019, somewhere in there that will expire if it’s not expended by October.&nbsp;

And so that is something that we’re trying to see what we’re able to get out the door by October in a meaningful way to help kids and families. That’s something that we’re definitely looking at, and was on our first quarter plans to look at that and see what we can do.

I hate leaving money on the table. And so if we’re able to utilize that money here in Missouri, let’s do it and let’s get it out the door.

Are you hopeful about utilizing it in time?

I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to get it out the door. Coming in, in the eleventh hour, it kind of doesn’t set me up for the best success as a team for that, but I think we’re going to do our best. This exec team has a lot of support, and we’re going to try to do our best around that.&nbsp;

Regarding the problem with children staying in offices and hotels and residential treatment out of state, what kind of steps are you taking to alleviate those issues? And do you have a sense of how many kids are in those situations?

We definitely don’t have any kids in offices.&nbsp;

We are utilizing hotels. Any time there’s a kiddo in a hotel, we are asking those to be sent up so we can try and help and support to make sure that that doesn’t happen proactively.&nbsp;

That’s a priority. Is getting kids that are placed out of state and residential back into Missouri, and we’re excited about that, working with a lot of partners around what we need.&nbsp;

So this is an issue around higher-acuity youth that people, legislators and stakeholders have been talking about for years.

And so I think we’ve admired the problem enough. I think we know what the problem is. And so how do we jump into some solutions to find them appropriate placement and supports here in Missouri, and to wrap services around them.

It was just Friday that I think at least three of us on the exec team were on a call for numerous hours with partners to try and strategize on how to help. The hospitals have been great partners to us, and so, trying to problem-solve and strategize on getting a youth some supports — and in some areas, there’s just not a lot of supports that are offered. And so how do we help make sure we can do that when there’s nothing in the area for that youth in that family.&nbsp;

It’s something that takes more than just Children’s Division leaning in to help — hospitals, Department of Mental Health, Department of Health and Senior Services. Children’s Division doesn’t offer services. We work with others to get family services, and so we rely a lot on that provider network. Just working with our residential providers and acute and sub acuity settings to try to make sure that they feel that their programming is equipped enough to handle higher acuity youth, is something that almost everybody has come to the table wanting to help.&nbsp;

And so we’re just really excited to see what action steps those individuals take to help Children’s Division and our contracted providers find spaces for these youth.

It’s no secret that DSS has had trouble with its technology being old. I’ve encountered issues getting accurate data through Sunshine Requests, and I know others have had data issues, too. What do you think the roots of those problems are, and how do you plan to address them?

The department has made some efforts on bringing individuals on board that have a lot of IT knowledge. And so we’re excited that they’re in place and can help us in that space.&nbsp;

And so we’re excited to have some IT team members on staff to be able to help us with this, because once we figure out the system and how that’s going to work, then the quality of data will help us be able to help kids and families better, and to be able to intelligently talk about the problems in a better way than we are able to today, to, media and partners.

I like the idea of sharing the data that we have now, whatever is available when we can that protects families’ privacy, because it’s at least a starting place. And that’s what we’re working with today. And so what we have today is what we’re going to use today, and then hope that it’s better as we go along.&nbsp;

Overall, I’m really excited to see over the next few months, and I would say, especially in a year — where Children’s Division is at in a year with our policy and practice and new training.

I think we’re going to be in a vastly different space than for people feeling comfortable in their work, and that’s what I’m most excited about, because when people feel comfortable and stakeholders trust us, then it’s only going to equal good things for kids and families.

New Missouri child welfare leader looks for a clean break from the past

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The next hurdle for Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate and the “big, beautiful bill”: Democrats — and possibly a few of their own members — in a marathon voting session will make last-ditch attempts to change the tax and spending cut measure.

The vote-a-rama, as it’s known, is expected to begin sometime during the last full week of June as Congress heads toward the Fourth of July recess. It will likely begin in the afternoon and&nbsp; last overnight into the next morning. Senators will debate and vote on dozens of amendments attempting to revise the massive legislation that could have an effect on nearly every American.

Democrats, who have 47 votes in the Senate compared to 53 for Republicans, plan to zero in on Medicaid, taxes, corruption, policies that could raise energy costs and proposals that would increase the deficit, according to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and the committee chairs tasked with drafting pieces of the package have spent weeks combing through the House-passed bill to figure out what needs to be altered to avoid divisive floor votes.&nbsp;

They’ve rewritten numerous policy proposals to comply with the strict rules that go along with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/five-questions-and-answers-about-reconciliation-us-senate" target="_blank">the complex reconciliation process</a>&nbsp;and are now trying to work out disagreements among GOP senators that could doom or complicate a final deal.

The goal is to avoid a protracted debate over core GOP provisions in full public view once the vote-a-rama begins, though some senators are already predicting votes on GOP amendments.

Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-senators-warn-mega-bills-new-medicaid-cuts-will-hurt-rural-hospitals" target="_blank">who has raised concerns about the bill’s impact on rural hospitals</a>, said he hopes GOP leaders reach a consensus before vote-a-rama but didn’t rule out offering his own amendments if they don’t settle their disputes.

“Amending it on the floor, that’s a potentially messy process,” Hawley said. “I would hope that we could get to a good place before that. But we have to fix the rural hospital issue.”

Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he will likely propose amendments during floor debate, though he declined to say what specific policies he’d seek to change or eliminate from the package.

“Yeah, we’ll have some,” Tuberville said. “And we’ve got them all, we just haven’t turned them in yet.”

Thune said he and other negotiators are making “headway” toward consensus on the more significant provisions in the package, which in many respects is far from its final form.

“The meetings right now are on the major provisions in tax and health. We have sort of pre-litigated a lot of that,” Thune said. “But there are a lot of the other provisions in the bill, chapters in the bill that are still subject to going through the Byrd bath, and we’re in the process of doing that. But hopefully that’ll be done by early next week.”

Republicans are using the reconciliation process to pass their sweeping tax and spending cuts package through the Senate with just a simple majority vote, requiring them to comply with the Byrd rules.

That includes the Byrd bath — going before the Senate parliamentarian to explain how each provision has an impact on federal revenue or spending that is not “merely incidental.” Democrats then usually debate before the parliamentarian the various changes that don’t meet that threshold. The process is named after the late Sen. Robert Byrd, a West Virginia Democrat.

Once the parliamentarian rules what elements comply and which need to be removed, the bill can go to the floor and senators can trudge through vote-a-rama. Eventually, all 100 lawmakers will vote to approve or disapprove of the legislation.

GOP senators passing their version of the package would send it back to the House, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-republicans-push-through-massive-tax-and-spending-bill-slashing-medicaid" target="_blank">passed its version</a>&nbsp;on a slim 215-214 vote earlier this year — and could make yet more changes in the Senate bill.

Democrats are hoping to highlight policy divisions among Republicans during the vote-a-rama. And even if they don’t succeed in getting any of their amendments adopted, several votes could serve as fodder for campaign ads during next year’s midterm elections.

Schumer said Wednesday during a press conference it would be “difficult” for Democrats to peel off at least four GOP senators from the rest of the party in order to get an amendment adopted, but said he’s hopeful Republicans will “vote with us on some things they’ve all said they’ve agreed with.”

Democratic senators, he said, have created a task force to reach out to Republicans on major issues in the package, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/medicaid-cuts-rippling-through-rural-america-could-bring-hospital-closures-job-losses" target="_blank">how it would impact rural hospitals</a>.

“Many of these hospital administrators and employees are Republican,” Schumer, a New York Democrat, said. “In many of the rural hospitals, they are the largest employer in the county, and in most they’re the only supplier of health care. It infuriates the rural counties, and they tend to be Republican.”

‘It’s just a show, it’s a charade’

West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said she’s not concerned about having to vote on dozens of amendments.&nbsp;

“We’re here to vote,” Capito said. “As a creature of the House, we voted all the time on everything, so this doesn’t bother me. And, you know, just let the body work its will. If some changes are made, those will have to be dealt with. But I’m not worried about that.”

Arkansas Republican Sen. John Boozman said he expects the vote-a-rama will be “a very late night” and that he’s not planning to offer any of his own amendments.

As chairman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Boozman expects to spend a considerable amount of time during vote-a-rama arguing against amendments seeking to change those provisions — including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-gop-tries-ease-pain-states-sharing-costs-snap-benefits" target="_blank">controversial cuts</a>&nbsp;in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food aid for lower-income families.

Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson said he plans to spend much of the vote-a-rama “going back and forth from my hideaway,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/clip/qa/senate-hideaways/5109792" target="_blank">the ceremonial office</a>&nbsp;that every senator holds in the Capitol building.

But Johnson cast doubt on actually being able to amend the package during that process, saying changes to the various bills that Senate committees have released need to be agreed to before then.

“You’ve got to get this before it ever goes to the floor. I mean, you’re not going to change things substantially or significantly with amendments. I know people have some idealized version that happens. It doesn’t,” Johnson said. “You’ve got to get these things in the base bill. Amendments; it’s just a show, it’s a charade.”

The Senate has held two vote-a-ramas so far this year, and both demonstrated how difficult it is to change a piece of legislation.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/why-did-us-senate-pull-all-nighter-budget-look-inside-vote-rama" target="_blank">first all-nighter</a>&nbsp;in February went along with Senate debate on its budget resolution and included votes on 25 amendments, with lawmakers adopting just two — one from Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and one from Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-gop-wins-approval-sprawling-budget-blueprint-shipping-it-house" target="_blank">second vote-a-rama</a>&nbsp;took place in April just before the Senate voted to approve the budget resolution that ultimately cleared the way for Congress to use the budget reconciliation process to advance the “big, beautiful bill.” Senators debated 28 amendments, voting to adopt one change from Sullivan.

Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, ranking member on the Finance Committee, said he and staff on the panel will continue to parse through details of the panel’s bill, which Republicans just released Monday.

Wyden said he plans to hold several town hall meetings in GOP areas of his state over the weekend to gauge how residents there view the policy revisions Republican senators have put forward.

“We’ve had this bill for basically 36 hours. The first time I had it, I stayed up all night, so last night I got a little sleep,” Wyden said on Wednesday. “But on the plane, I’ll be working through it. And I expect to be working through it all through the next few days, except when I’m having these town hall meetings where I’ll have a number of questions.”

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747785438346.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a></p><p>WASHINGTON — The next hurdle for Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate and the “big, beautiful bill”: Democrats — and possibly a few of their own members — in a marathon voting session will make last-ditch attempts to change the tax and spending cut measure.</p><p>The vote-a-rama, as it’s known, is expected to begin sometime during the last full week of June as Congress heads toward the Fourth of July recess. It will likely begin in the afternoon and&nbsp; last overnight into the next morning. Senators will debate and vote on dozens of amendments attempting to revise the massive legislation that could have an effect on nearly every American.</p><p>Democrats, who have 47 votes in the Senate compared to 53 for Republicans, plan to zero in on Medicaid, taxes, corruption, policies that could raise energy costs and proposals that would increase the deficit, according to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.</p><p>Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and the committee chairs tasked with drafting pieces of the package have spent weeks combing through the House-passed bill to figure out what needs to be altered to avoid divisive floor votes.&nbsp;</p><p>They’ve rewritten numerous policy proposals to comply with the strict rules that go along with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/five-questions-and-answers-about-reconciliation-us-senate" target="_blank">the complex reconciliation process</a>&nbsp;and are now trying to work out disagreements among GOP senators that could doom or complicate a final deal.</p><p>The goal is to avoid a protracted debate over core GOP provisions in full public view once the vote-a-rama begins, though some senators are already predicting votes on GOP amendments.</p><h2>‘A potentially messy process’</h2><p>Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-senators-warn-mega-bills-new-medicaid-cuts-will-hurt-rural-hospitals" target="_blank">who has raised concerns about the bill’s impact on rural hospitals</a>, said he hopes GOP leaders reach a consensus before vote-a-rama but didn’t rule out offering his own amendments if they don’t settle their disputes.</p><p>“Amending it on the floor, that’s a potentially messy process,” Hawley said. “I would hope that we could get to a good place before that. But we have to fix the rural hospital issue.”</p><p>Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville said he will likely propose amendments during floor debate, though he declined to say what specific policies he’d seek to change or eliminate from the package.</p><p>“Yeah, we’ll have some,” Tuberville said. “And we’ve got them all, we just haven’t turned them in yet.”</p><p>Thune said he and other negotiators are making “headway” toward consensus on the more significant provisions in the package, which in many respects is far from its final form.</p><p>“The meetings right now are on the major provisions in tax and health. We have sort of pre-litigated a lot of that,” Thune said. “But there are a lot of the other provisions in the bill, chapters in the bill that are still subject to going through the Byrd bath, and we’re in the process of doing that. But hopefully that’ll be done by early next week.”</p><p>Republicans are using the reconciliation process to pass their sweeping tax and spending cuts package through the Senate with just a simple majority vote, requiring them to comply with the Byrd rules.</p><p>That includes the Byrd bath — going before the Senate parliamentarian to explain how each provision has an impact on federal revenue or spending that is not “merely incidental.” Democrats then usually debate before the parliamentarian the various changes that don’t meet that threshold. The process is named after the late Sen. Robert Byrd, a West Virginia Democrat.</p><p>Once the parliamentarian rules what elements comply and which need to be removed, the bill can go to the floor and senators can trudge through vote-a-rama. Eventually, all 100 lawmakers will vote to approve or disapprove of the legislation.</p><p>GOP senators passing their version of the package would send it back to the House, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-republicans-push-through-massive-tax-and-spending-bill-slashing-medicaid" target="_blank">passed its version</a>&nbsp;on a slim 215-214 vote earlier this year — and could make yet more changes in the Senate bill.</p><h2>Democrats develop strategy</h2><p>Democrats are hoping to highlight policy divisions among Republicans during the vote-a-rama. And even if they don’t succeed in getting any of their amendments adopted, several votes could serve as fodder for campaign ads during next year’s midterm elections.</p><p>Schumer said Wednesday during a press conference it would be “difficult” for Democrats to peel off at least four GOP senators from the rest of the party in order to get an amendment adopted, but said he’s hopeful Republicans will “vote with us on some things they’ve all said they’ve agreed with.”</p><p>Democratic senators, he said, have created a task force to reach out to Republicans on major issues in the package, including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/medicaid-cuts-rippling-through-rural-america-could-bring-hospital-closures-job-losses" target="_blank">how it would impact rural hospitals</a>.</p><p>“Many of these hospital administrators and employees are Republican,” Schumer, a New York Democrat, said. “In many of the rural hospitals, they are the largest employer in the county, and in most they’re the only supplier of health care. It infuriates the rural counties, and they tend to be Republican.”</p><h2>‘It’s just a show, it’s a charade’</h2><p>West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said she’s not concerned about having to vote on dozens of amendments.&nbsp;</p><p>“We’re here to vote,” Capito said. “As a creature of the House, we voted all the time on everything, so this doesn’t bother me. And, you know, just let the body work its will. If some changes are made, those will have to be dealt with. But I’m not worried about that.”</p><p>Arkansas Republican Sen. John Boozman said he expects the vote-a-rama will be “a very late night” and that he’s not planning to offer any of his own amendments.</p><p>As chairman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Boozman expects to spend a considerable amount of time during vote-a-rama arguing against amendments seeking to change those provisions — including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-gop-tries-ease-pain-states-sharing-costs-snap-benefits" target="_blank">controversial cuts</a>&nbsp;in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food aid for lower-income families.</p><p>Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson said he plans to spend much of the vote-a-rama “going back and forth from my hideaway,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/clip/qa/senate-hideaways/5109792" target="_blank">the ceremonial office</a>&nbsp;that every senator holds in the Capitol building.</p><p>But Johnson cast doubt on actually being able to amend the package during that process, saying changes to the various bills that Senate committees have released need to be agreed to before then.</p><p>“You’ve got to get this before it ever goes to the floor. I mean, you’re not going to change things substantially or significantly with amendments. I know people have some idealized version that happens. It doesn’t,” Johnson said. “You’ve got to get these things in the base bill. Amendments; it’s just a show, it’s a charade.”</p><h2>Vote-a-rama after vote-a-rama</h2><p>The Senate has held two vote-a-ramas so far this year, and both demonstrated how difficult it is to change a piece of legislation.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/why-did-us-senate-pull-all-nighter-budget-look-inside-vote-rama" target="_blank">first all-nighter</a>&nbsp;in February went along with Senate debate on its budget resolution and included votes on 25 amendments, with lawmakers adopting just two — one from Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and one from Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-gop-wins-approval-sprawling-budget-blueprint-shipping-it-house" target="_blank">second vote-a-rama</a>&nbsp;took place in April just before the Senate voted to approve the budget resolution that ultimately cleared the way for Congress to use the budget reconciliation process to advance the “big, beautiful bill.” Senators debated 28 amendments, voting to adopt one change from Sullivan.</p><p>Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, ranking member on the Finance Committee, said he and staff on the panel will continue to parse through details of the panel’s bill, which Republicans just released Monday.</p><p>Wyden said he plans to hold several town hall meetings in GOP areas of his state over the weekend to gauge how residents there view the policy revisions Republican senators have put forward.</p><p>“We’ve had this bill for basically 36 hours. The first time I had it, I stayed up all night, so last night I got a little sleep,” Wyden said on Wednesday. “But on the plane, I’ll be working through it. And I expect to be working through it all through the next few days, except when I’m having these town hall meetings where I’ll have a number of questions.”</p>

Both parties prep for mega-bill marathon in U.S. Senate vote-a-rama

TANEY COUNTY —A teen died in an accident just before 3p.m. Saturday at Table Rock Lake.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 16-year-old Sedalia, Misouri, boy and a 19-year-old Ozark, Missouri, man were riding Sea-Doo jet skis in Clevenger Cove near Hollister. The jet skis collided head-on.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:50p.m.&nbsp; The 19-year-old was not injured.

This was the first lake fatality of 2025 in Troop D, according to MSHP. The&nbsp; Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

<p>TANEY COUNTY —A teen died in an accident just before 3p.m. Saturday at Table Rock Lake.</p><p>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 16-year-old Sedalia, Misouri, boy and a 19-year-old Ozark, Missouri, man were riding Sea-Doo jet skis in Clevenger Cove near Hollister. The jet skis collided head-on.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:50p.m.&nbsp; The 19-year-old was not injured.</p><p>This was the first lake fatality of 2025 in Troop D, according to MSHP. The&nbsp; Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.</p>

Teen killed in head-on jet ski crash at Table Rock Lake

The ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States. Low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks. Iran also has a long-standing commitment to target US Government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020. The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland. Multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment, and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to US-based individuals plotting additional attacks.

Issued:&nbsp;&nbsp; June 22, 2025Expires:&nbsp;&nbsp; September 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

The Iranian Government has publicly condemned direct US involvement in the conflict.

Listen to local authorities and public safety officials.

If You See Something, Say Something®. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911.

The National Terrorism Advisory System provides Americans with alert information on homeland security threats. It is distributed by the Department of Homeland Security. More information is available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/advisories">www.dhs.gov/advisories</a>. To receive mobile updates:&nbsp;<a href="http://x.com/dhsgov">x.com/dhsgov</a>

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750613857435.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>The ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States. Low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely, and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks. Iran also has a long-standing commitment to target US Government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020. The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issued a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland. Multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks have been motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment, and the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could contribute to US-based individuals plotting additional attacks.</p><h2>Duration</h2><p>Issued:&nbsp;&nbsp; June 22, 2025Expires:&nbsp;&nbsp; September 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET</p><h2>Additional Information</h2><p>The Iranian Government has publicly condemned direct US involvement in the conflict.</p><ul>
                        <li>Both hacktivists and Iranian government-affiliated actors routinely target poorly secured US networks and Internet-connected devices for disruptive cyber attacks.</li><li>US law enforcement has disrupted multiple potentially lethal Iranian-backed plots in the United States since 2020. During this timeframe, the Iranian government has also unsuccessfully targeted critics of its regime who are based in the Homeland for lethal attack.</li><li>If Iranian leadership were to issue a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against specific targets in the Homeland, it could increase the likelihood that a supporter of the Iranian regime is inspired to commit an act of violence in the Homeland.</li><li>Since the start of the conflict, we have seen media releases by foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs)—including HAMAS, Lebanese Hizballah, the Houthis, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, among others—some of which have called for violence against US assets and personnel in the Middle East because of Israel’s attack.</li><li>The conflict could also motivate violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators seeking to attack targets perceived to be Jewish, pro-Israel, or linked to the US government or military in the Homeland.</li>
                    </ul><h2>Resources to Stay Safe</h2><h2>Report Potential Threats</h2><p>Listen to local authorities and public safety officials.</p><ul>
                        <li>DHS’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cisa.gov/">Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)</a>&nbsp;offers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cisa.gov/topics/cybersecurity-best-practices">cybersecurity best practices</a>&nbsp;for securing US networks.</li><li><a href="https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices">The Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI)</a>&nbsp;is a collaborative effort by DHS, the FBI, and law enforcement partners to identify and report threats of terrorism and other related criminal activity.</li><li><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something">If You See Something, Say Something®</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/publication/suspicious-activity-reporting-indicators-and-behaviors">Report suspicious activity</a>&nbsp;and threats of violence, including online threats, to local law enforcement,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices">FBI Field Offices</a>, or your local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices">Fusion Center</a>. Call 911 in case of emergency.</li>
                    </ul><h2>If You See Something, Say Something®. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911.</h2><p>The National Terrorism Advisory System provides Americans with alert information on homeland security threats. It is distributed by the Department of Homeland Security. More information is available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/advisories">www.dhs.gov/advisories</a>. To receive mobile updates:&nbsp;<a href="http://x.com/dhsgov">x.com/dhsgov</a></p>

DHS advisory warns of heightened threat in U.S. after Iran attack

KANSAS CITY —Another deadly weekend in Kansas City. Detectives are busy with multiple homicide investigations.

Just before 10:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4200 block of E Linwood Avenue in regard to a reported shooting, according to according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. 

First responders found a man suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. Officers rendered aid until KCFD arrived and transported him to an area hospital. Detectives were notified by the hospital that the victim had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased later in the day.

Detectives are working to determine what lead up to the shooting and are making headway in identifying a person of interest.

Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched on a call for a sound of shots in the area of Gregory and Walnut, according to Officer Gonzalez.

As officers were responding the call was updated to a shooting. When responding officers arrived on scene, they located a vehicle that had become disabled at a nearby intersection. An adult male victim was located inside the car suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was unresponsive. EMS responded to the scene and declared the victim deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates this incident may have occurred as a result of shots being fired from a moving vehicle resulting in the victim being struck. Police are still working to determine a person of interest and do not have anyone in custody.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday, officers working in the Vine District observed a large number of people running out of the area near 19th and Vine in Kansas City yelling that someone was armed with a firearm and firing shots, according to Officer Gonzalez.

Officers ran in the direction if gunfire and located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive. He was declared deceased at the scene by EMS. Officers on scene were later notified that one adult female and four adult male victims, were transported by private conveyance to an area hospital suffering from gunshot trauma. 

Those individuals had varying degrees of injuries and all have been listed in stable condition.

Preliminary investigation indicates a large disturbance broke out between an unknown number of individuals that escalated to gunfire resulting in multiple people being struck. One adult male has been taken into custody pending further investigation. Detectives will continue to investigate for any additional individuals that may have been involved in this incident. This is being investigated as a homicide.

Just after 6 a.m. Sunday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of Flora on a reported shooting , according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. Upon arrival officers observed a vehicle facing the wrong direction, parked on the curb. Inside the vehicle officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics transported the victim to a local hospital where he died a short time later. This is currently a death investigation. Detectives are working to determine what led to shots being fired and the victim being struck.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750605600648.png" alt="<br>" />
                        <figcaption><br></figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY —Another deadly weekend in Kansas City. Detectives are busy with multiple homicide investigations.</p><p>Just before 10:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4200 block of E Linwood Avenue in regard to a reported shooting, according to according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. </p><p>First responders found a man suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. Officers rendered aid until KCFD arrived and transported him to an area hospital. Detectives were notified by the hospital that the victim had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased later in the day.</p><p>Detectives are working to determine what lead up to the shooting and are making headway in identifying a person of interest.</p><p>Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched on a call for a sound of shots in the area of Gregory and Walnut, according to Officer Gonzalez.</p><p>As officers were responding the call was updated to a shooting. When responding officers arrived on scene, they located a vehicle that had become disabled at a nearby intersection. An adult male victim was located inside the car suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was unresponsive. EMS responded to the scene and declared the victim deceased.</p><p>Preliminary investigation indicates this incident may have occurred as a result of shots being fired from a moving vehicle resulting in the victim being struck. Police are still working to determine a person of interest and do not have anyone in custody.</p><p>Just after 2a.m. Sunday, officers working in the Vine District observed a large number of people running out of the area near 19th and Vine in Kansas City yelling that someone was armed with a firearm and firing shots, according to Officer Gonzalez.</p><p>Officers ran in the direction if gunfire and located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive. He was declared deceased at the scene by EMS. Officers on scene were later notified that one adult female and four adult male victims, were transported by private conveyance to an area hospital suffering from gunshot trauma. </p><p>Those individuals had varying degrees of injuries and all have been listed in stable condition.</p><p>Preliminary investigation indicates a large disturbance broke out between an unknown number of individuals that escalated to gunfire resulting in multiple people being struck. One adult male has been taken into custody pending further investigation. Detectives will continue to investigate for any additional individuals that may have been involved in this incident. This is being investigated as a homicide.</p><p>Just after 6 a.m. Sunday, patrol officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of Flora on a reported shooting , according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. Upon arrival officers observed a vehicle facing the wrong direction, parked on the curb. Inside the vehicle officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics transported the victim to a local hospital where he died a short time later. This is currently a death investigation. Detectives are working to determine what led to shots being fired and the victim being struck.</p>

Deadly weekend in Kansas City: Multiple homicide investigations

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">B-2 Stealth Bombers return home safely to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri—following strikes against Iranian nuclear sites… <a href="https://t.co/eI8FLjTvKa">pic.twitter.com/eI8FLjTvKa</a></p>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1936890059598237874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">✈️🇺🇸🦅 <a href="https://t.co/b3W9ibBAj0">pic.twitter.com/b3W9ibBAj0</a></p>&mdash; Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) <a href="https://twitter.com/Scavino47/status/1936910425347457108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome home to Missouri.🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/bo4FL5TC09">pic.twitter.com/bo4FL5TC09</a></p>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1936897814040039920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥B-2 bombers returning to base in Missouri after attack on Iran

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a violent crime and have made an arrest.

Just after 12:30a.m. Sunday the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of a woman who was run over in the 20000 block of Pauling Run Road, rural Wamego, Pottawatomie County, according to a media release.

 Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the location and were able to determine that a female suspect, identified as Dana Blume, 43, of Onaga, had intentionally run over the victim, identified as Kara Murray, 52, of Wamego with a vehicle following an argument. 

The victim sustained serious injuries and was flown by helicopter to an area hospital, where she is being treated. Blume was arrested and is currently confined at the Pottawatomie County Jail awaiting bond to be set on charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree.&nbsp;

<p>POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a violent crime and have made an arrest.</p><p>Just after 12:30a.m. Sunday the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of a woman who was run over in the 20000 block of Pauling Run Road, rural Wamego, Pottawatomie County, according to a media release.</p><p> Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the location and were able to determine that a female suspect, identified as Dana Blume, 43, of Onaga, had intentionally run over the victim, identified as Kara Murray, 52, of Wamego with a vehicle following an argument. </p><p>The victim sustained serious injuries and was flown by helicopter to an area hospital, where she is being treated. Blume was arrested and is currently confined at the Pottawatomie County Jail awaiting bond to be set on charges of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree.&nbsp;</p>

Sheriff: Woman drove over Kan. woman during argument

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating a rescue at a creek on Saturday in Kansas City.

Just after 1:30p.m., KC Fire Department companies were dispatched to Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and Prospect Avenue for reports of a person on a mower rolling into Brush Creek, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

As companies arrived on scene, they observed someone being pulled out of the water by bystanders and placed on the bank of Brush Creek. It was determined the rescue boats were not needed and were cancelled.&nbsp;KCFD personnel immediately took over medical care of the patient and transported them to the hospital.&nbsp; Nolan released no additional details.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750542669503.png" alt="Brush Creek photo KC Parks and Rec" />
                        <figcaption>Brush Creek photo KC Parks and Rec</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>KANSAS CITY—Authorities are investigating a rescue at a creek on Saturday in Kansas City.</p><p>Just after 1:30p.m., KC Fire Department companies were dispatched to Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and Prospect Avenue for reports of a person on a mower rolling into Brush Creek, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.</p><p>As companies arrived on scene, they observed someone being pulled out of the water by bystanders and placed on the bank of Brush Creek. It was determined the rescue boats were not needed and were cancelled.&nbsp;KCFD personnel immediately took over medical care of the patient and transported them to the hospital.&nbsp; Nolan released no additional details.</p>

Man rescued after mower rolled into Kansas City area creek

The U.S. bombers struck three sites in Iran early Sunday, according to a statement from President Donald Trump.&nbsp; The Pentagon held a press briefing to provide additional details on the mission.

<p>The U.S. bombers struck three sites in Iran early Sunday, according to a statement from President Donald Trump.&nbsp; The Pentagon held a press briefing to provide additional details on the mission.</p><p>(click the videos below to watch)</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine (<a href="https://twitter.com/thejointstaff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thejointstaff</a>) on Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER: &quot;This was the largest B-2 operation strike in U.S. history.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/VeyUjP84JT">pic.twitter.com/VeyUjP84JT</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1936763649411973190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (<a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a>): &quot;We devastated the Iran nuclear program...Iran&#39;s nuclear ambitions have been obliterated.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/39zW06zFtm">pic.twitter.com/39zW06zFtm</a></p>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1936761039011414133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Pentagon: Dramatic details of Iran bombing 'Operation Midnight Hammer'

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight, President Trump and our brave military demonstrated the importance of strength in pursuit of peace. <br><br>We strongly support the President’s actions against Iranian nuclear facilities.<br><br>Missourians are proud of the men and women from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.</p>&mdash; Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMikeKehoe/status/1936611210054828112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Trump is a foreign policy realist not an ideologue. He has taken limited military action to achieve a crucial objective that is in the core national interest of the United States: preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.<br><br>He doesn’t want another Forever War. He…</p>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1936599592659017852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Peace through strength. <a href="https://t.co/o3Z2otW7Md">pic.twitter.com/o3Z2otW7Md</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Sam Graves (@RepSamGraves) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepSamGraves/status/1936583064089444756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As the Congressman for Whiteman AFB, I’ve been saying for weeks that our airmen in the 509th bomber wing are ready, capable, and lethal.<br><br>Tonight, they showed the world what they can do to protect American interests and keep our citizens safe.<br><br>MO-04 strong! <a href="https://t.co/osuwoTvzhl">pic.twitter.com/osuwoTvzhl</a></p>&mdash; Rep. Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkAlford/status/1936585247002689914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Iran is an adversary of the U.S. and should not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Tonight our military executed its mission professionally and courageously. I pray for the safety of all our troops in the region, and we must be vigilant in protecting against any Iranian…</p>&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1936606358041751563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Iran was given every chance to get rid of its nuclear program, but instead of choosing peace the Ayatollah embraced violence and chaos. <br><br>President Trump was absolutely right to send our bombers in and strike the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities, and this decision…</p>&mdash; Ann Wagner (@RepAnnWagner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepAnnWagner/status/1936598761448337749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you to our brave American Air Force and their successful mission as no Americans were harmed.<br><br>We stand tall with President Trump who is protecting the world from a nuclear capable Iran. <a href="https://t.co/MLWc1FbPF9">https://t.co/MLWc1FbPF9</a></p>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1936591179078086896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Missouri lawmakers comment on US bombing of Iran

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Donald J. Trump Delivers Address to the Nation, June 21, 2025 <a href="https://t.co/yutRDvtWv0">https://t.co/yutRDvtWv0</a></p>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1936602999553433965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0eDnzuBAGJkTkYPzYhbNGHiGVMjbEJr79xgwPEwbCPQDaoDyvNppzHEyJQ8KSMtbfl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="645" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

🎥 President Trump address to the nation after attack on Iran

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750540951558.png" alt="FILE PHOTO -- The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.&nbsp; (U.S. Air Force photo by Bobbie Garcia)" />
                        <figcaption>FILE PHOTO -- The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.&nbsp; (U.S. Air Force photo by Bobbie Garcia)</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/wu9mMkxtUg">pic.twitter.com/wu9mMkxtUg</a></p>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1936573183634645387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750552826391.png" alt="President Trump arriving back at the White House Saturday afternoon" />
                        <figcaption>President Trump arriving back at the White House Saturday afternoon</figcaption>
                    </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/5z5p2JMPf1">pic.twitter.com/5z5p2JMPf1</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1936578685986910309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/C5vWu396WF">pic.twitter.com/C5vWu396WF</a></p>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1936587221483577642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

President Trump: US attacked three Iranian nuclear sites

KANSAS CITY – An Ozark, Missouri man pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of attempting to evade or defeat taxation, according to the United State's Attorney.

<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file/SC96223_McMillin_brief.pdf">Click here to read the</a> respondent's brief

Ryan J. McMillin, 52, admitted during his plea that he did not report income he received while employed as a timeshare salesman with four different companies from 2018 to 2023. Because McMillin claimed exempt status on his W-4s his employers did not withhold taxes from McMillin’s paychecks. McMillin also failed to make an income tax return or pay income taxes to the IRS for those six calendar years. McMillin owes the IRS an estimated $581,981 in unpaid taxes.

Under federal statutes, McMillin is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations.

<p>KANSAS CITY – An Ozark, Missouri man pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of attempting to evade or defeat taxation, according to the United State's Attorney.</p><p><a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file/SC96223_McMillin_brief.pdf">Click here to read the</a> respondent's brief</p><p>Ryan J. McMillin, 52, admitted during his plea that he did not report income he received while employed as a timeshare salesman with four different companies from 2018 to 2023. Because McMillin claimed exempt status on his W-4s his employers did not withhold taxes from McMillin’s paychecks. McMillin also failed to make an income tax return or pay income taxes to the IRS for those six calendar years. McMillin owes the IRS an estimated $581,981 in unpaid taxes.</p><p>Under federal statutes, McMillin is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.</p><p>This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations.</p>

Read the brief: Timeshare salesman admits attempting to skip paying taxes

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

Fees for new licenses and vehicle registrations would increase 50% to attract bidders under legislation on the governor’s desk

When the state announced the Caruthersville license office was going to close, residents needing to renew registrations or driver license were directed to the closest open offices in Kennett, New Madrid and Malden.&nbsp;

Those communities are all at least an hour, round-trip, from Caruthersville. The inconvenience would be compounded if, after waiting in line, the transaction couldn’t be completed for lack of a required document.

The Missouri Department of Revenue was quick to note motorists renewing vehicle registrations — but not new vehicle registrations or drivers license transactions —&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/plates/" target="_blank">could do so online</a>.

But the situation in Caruthersville is not unique, as a growing number of license offices around the state are shuttering — currently at least six of 175 — with dozens more operating under an expired contract.

<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=235" target="_blank">A bill</a>&nbsp;sponsored by state Sen. Sandy Crawford, a Republican from Buffalo, and awaiting action from Gov. Mike Kehoe, would increase the fees received by the license offices by 50%.

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

The fee on transactions is in addition to the state charge for&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/titling-registration/fees.html" target="_blank">titling and registering</a>&nbsp;a vehicle and obtaining or renewing&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/resources/license.html#fees" target="_blank">a drivers license</a>.

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

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

There is supposed to be at least one license office in every county.

“Many small agents in rural communities have stated they are closing or not rebidding upon contract expiration,” said Ryan Williams, the license office contractor in Gladstone in Clay County. “Hopefully this increase will help enough to keep them open and solvent.”

Williams is also the legislative chair of the Missouri Association of License Offices.

The smallest office currently closed is in Unionville, in Putnam County on the Iowa border. The nearest open office is in Milan, a 50-minute round-trip. The busiest is the South Springfield License Office, which&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/contact/documents/FY2024-MV-and-DL-Estimated-Transactions.pdf" target="_blank">processed more than 100,000 transactions</a>&nbsp;in fiscal 2024. There are two other offices within five miles.

The other offices currently closed are in Cuba, Willow Springs, Sedalia and&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/39dacb8b-5467-4c37-b3d2-dbfc19a27a84" target="_blank">Palmyra</a>.

License offices, also known as fee offices for the transaction fees they charge, at one time were awarded by governors as political patronage. Until 2005, there were a dozen state-operated offices in the largest cities.

A bidding and contract system was created in the following years. The fees have been raised twice previously this century, in 2003 and 2019. There are currently 16 license offices listed on the state purchasing website, including Caruthersville and Unionville, which is on for the second time this year.

“We’re the only direct interaction that most people have with the state of Missouri,” Williams said.

In fiscal 2024, license offices processed almost 9 million transactions and charged $58.4 million in fees.

The Unionville office generated $28,736 in fees on 4,519 transactions. The Caruthersville office took in $119,260 from 18,747 transactions. And the South Springfield office received fees of $702,290 to process 105,516 transactions.

The reputation of license offices is not good, as seen by comments of members of the House Commerce Committee during the April hearing.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750444315864.png" alt=" The Columbia License Office, one of two contract Department of Revenue offices in the city. Six of the 175 license offices in Missouri are closed because no contractor is willing to operate them. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
                        <figcaption> The Columbia License Office, one of two contract Department of Revenue offices in the city. Six of the 175 license offices in Missouri are closed because no contractor is willing to operate them. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a><br><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/"><i>Missouri Independent</i></a></p><h2>Fees for new licenses and vehicle registrations would increase 50% to attract bidders under legislation on the governor’s desk</h2><p>When the state announced the Caruthersville license office was going to close, residents needing to renew registrations or driver license were directed to the closest open offices in Kennett, New Madrid and Malden.&nbsp;</p><p>Those communities are all at least an hour, round-trip, from Caruthersville. The inconvenience would be compounded if, after waiting in line, the transaction couldn’t be completed for lack of a required document.</p><p>The Missouri Department of Revenue was quick to note motorists renewing vehicle registrations — but not new vehicle registrations or drivers license transactions —&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/plates/" target="_blank">could do so online</a>.</p><p>But the situation in Caruthersville is not unique, as a growing number of license offices around the state are shuttering — currently at least six of 175 — with dozens more operating under an expired contract.</p><p><a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=235" target="_blank">A bill</a>&nbsp;sponsored by state Sen. Sandy Crawford, a Republican from Buffalo, and awaiting action from Gov. Mike Kehoe, would increase the fees received by the license offices by 50%.</p><p>The transaction fee for a drivers license or motor vehicle would go from $6 to $9 for the shortest period and from $12 to $18 for the longest, six years for a drivers license and two years for a vehicle registration.</p><p>The fee on transactions is in addition to the state charge for&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/titling-registration/fees.html" target="_blank">titling and registering</a>&nbsp;a vehicle and obtaining or renewing&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/driver-license/resources/license.html#fees" target="_blank">a drivers license</a>.</p><p>The goal is to make the offices attractive to contractors and avoid closures, Crawford said during a House committee hearing in April.</p><p>“I live in a small town, and if my license bureau were to close, I would likely have to drive 45 minutes, take a half a day to drive and get my license,” Crawford said. “And so I would much rather pay $3 than take off half a day and drive 45 miles or 45 minutes to get this done.”</p><p>There is supposed to be at least one license office in every county.</p><p>“Many small agents in rural communities have stated they are closing or not rebidding upon contract expiration,” said Ryan Williams, the license office contractor in Gladstone in Clay County. “Hopefully this increase will help enough to keep them open and solvent.”</p><p>Williams is also the legislative chair of the Missouri Association of License Offices.</p><p>The smallest office currently closed is in Unionville, in Putnam County on the Iowa border. The nearest open office is in Milan, a 50-minute round-trip. The busiest is the South Springfield License Office, which&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/contact/documents/FY2024-MV-and-DL-Estimated-Transactions.pdf" target="_blank">processed more than 100,000 transactions</a>&nbsp;in fiscal 2024. There are two other offices within five miles.</p><p>The other offices currently closed are in Cuba, Willow Springs, Sedalia and&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/news/newsitem/uuid/39dacb8b-5467-4c37-b3d2-dbfc19a27a84" target="_blank">Palmyra</a>.</p><h2>Financial challenges</h2><p>License offices, also known as fee offices for the transaction fees they charge, at one time were awarded by governors as political patronage. Until 2005, there were a dozen state-operated offices in the largest cities.</p><p>A bidding and contract system was created in the following years. The fees have been raised twice previously this century, in 2003 and 2019. There are currently 16 license offices listed on the state purchasing website, including Caruthersville and Unionville, which is on for the second time this year.</p><p>“We’re the only direct interaction that most people have with the state of Missouri,” Williams said.</p><p>In fiscal 2024, license offices processed almost 9 million transactions and charged $58.4 million in fees.</p><p>The Unionville office generated $28,736 in fees on 4,519 transactions. The Caruthersville office took in $119,260 from 18,747 transactions. And the South Springfield office received fees of $702,290 to process 105,516 transactions.</p><p>The reputation of license offices is not good, as seen by comments of members of the House Commerce Committee during the April hearing.</p><p>“If I had $1 for every time my office got called for the unpleasantness of the Rolla, Missouri, office, I’d be a millionaire today,” said state Rep. Tara Peters, a Republican from Rolla in her third year in the legislature.</p><p>State Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican, said he was glad lawmakers get special service for their license plates, which have legislative identifiers. There are two two license offices in Branson.</p><p>“I’m so glad that as a representative, I get to do the things right here in the Capitol that I need to do so I can continue to serve the people instead of wait an hour and a half in line without a bathroom,” Seitz said.</p><p>During the hearing, Williams said the contract office system saves the state money.</p><p>“If the state took it over, it would be a considerable expense,” he said.</p><p>The facilities and staffing are dependent on the amount of fees an office generates, Williams said. The contractor must meet payroll, pay rent and cover office expenses from the fee revenue.</p><p>“When you have long wait times, that’s a direct result that we can’t afford to hire the staff that we need, or pay them or attract the staff that we need,” Williams said.</p><h2>Administrative issues</h2><p>The issues forcing contractors to give up their offices aren’t all financial, said Terri Harris, owner of Elle Management in St. Louis. At one point, Harris operated nine license offices around the state and was the contractor at South Springfield when it closed.</p><p>The contract had been repeatedly extended, for short periods, leaving her with uncertainty about the future and making it difficult to hire staff, she said.</p><p>After 34 years in the business, including almost two decades managing license offices for others, health issues and working through bureaucratic and political issues with the department became too much, she said.</p><p>The fee increase in 2019 was welcome, Harris said, but came just before the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p>“The first thing I did when we got that increase is I brought my employees’ wages up to where I could stay competitive,” Harris said. “After COVID, everything changed for all employers, and my offices were large. It required a lot of employees, and frankly, the increase that I could afford to make was eaten up when you wait 17 and a half years for an increase.”</p><p>When she surrendered the contract, Harris said, she was offering $20.50 an hour to employees.</p><p>“We couldn’t keep people at that pay rate,” she said.</p><p>The fee increases will not induce her to return to the business of operating license offices, Harris said.</p><p>The South Springfield office was on an extended contract, but the extensions were short. That uncertainty also made staffing difficult, she said.&nbsp;</p><p>“We went through years of being extended, two months, three months, maybe four months at a time,” she said. “That was ridiculous.”</p><p>She was reluctant to seek new contracts because the requirements being added didn’t work in the office situations she dealt with, Harris said. Specific performance numbers for managers, who Harris wanted supervising rather than processing transactions, was one issue, she said.</p><p>“The relationship became adversarial,”</p><p>&nbsp;Initial contracts are generally for five years and the bill before Kehoe allows an extension of five years at the discretion of the director of revenue.</p><p>The bill would also bar department employees from becoming contractors or part owners of a license office company for a year after leaving state employment.</p><p>The department should figure out how to give more support to the small, rural offices where fee income is low, Harris said.</p><p>The contract requirements for the Unionville office call for it to be open 24 hours a week. It processed about four transactions an hour during fiscal 2024.&nbsp;</p><p>“These communities, when you close an office, they’re not going 10 minutes away to the next office,” Harris said. “They’re going counties away, right to the next office. It’s it’s tough on the community period. I also understand there is a very small profit margin in them, and that makes it difficult."</p>