Features

Homeschoolers’ participation nears in public school athletics, activities

by Sterling Sewell, Missouri News Network A Senate bill allowing homeschooled student participation in public and charter school activities and athletics passed the Missouri House on Wednesday. Senate Bill 63, proposed by Sen. Ben Brown, R-Washington, would prohibit public and charter schools from banning homeschooled or full-time virtual students from taking part in school athletics

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Mark Alford – Capitol Recap

What’s going on in Washington What’s Going on in Washington–This National Police Week, we paused to honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who were called to protect us each and every day. As the Representative for Missouri’s Fourth District and a proud member of the House Republican Conference, I want

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Senator Sandy Crawford thanks governor for signing priority legislation

State Sen. Sandy Crawford, R-Buffalo, announced today the first legislative bill to be filed for the 2025 regular legislative session has been signed into law. “I want to thank the governor for signing Senate Bill 1 into law,” Sen. Crawford said. “I believe this new law will help several county officials, including public administrators, auditors

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New AMPTRA charging stations for bars, restaurants & large venues

Eliminating the liability and annoyance of customer requests to charge personal phones at a bar or plugging-in at a large venue. Vjbkc & associates has officially partnered with AMPTRA Charging! This collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing the experience in busy entertainment venues, transportation hubs, universities, bars, and restaurants. “Ask any bartender about

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For Your Health — Move More, Live Better

by Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center It’s likely no surprise to read that physical activity is good for us. In fact, it may be hard to go a full day without seeing something positive about exercise and physical activity on the news or social media. What can sometimes get lost in all that,

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BBB tips on how to find a trustworthy contractor

Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) has tips to help you save money on air conditioning this summer or find a contractor if you need a tune-up. It’s tempting to blast the AC in the muggy Midwestern heat, but running it at full tilt all day is cost-prohibitive for many. Air conditioners eat up a lot of

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How can I find real financial aid and avoid scholarship scams?

For students struggling to pay for tuition, a sudden scholarship offer or a financial aid company that guarantees results can seem like a dream come true – but it could also be the setup for a scam. Higher education is expensive, and scammers take advantage of that to trick students and their families. They pose

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Sandy Crawford Capitol report

This week was very busy, but productive.  The Senate passed our version of the state’s budget.  The House and Senate will now meet to discuss their differences.  After those are agreed to, both bodies will have to pass the final versions of the bills. I was able to get several more of my bills passed

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Industries back business-oriented child care tax credits

by Natanya Friedheim, Missouri News Network Rep. Brenda Shields, R-St. Joseph, has introduced child care tax credit bills for three years, but her interest in pre-K education started more than two decades ago. Around 2002, at a United Way of Greater St. Joseph conference, Shields attended a session called “Why does the Federal Reserve care

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Sandy Crawford Capitol report

This session has been one of the busiest I have experienced, in large part due to an overall more productive General Assembly; and I have been spending much more of my time on significant legislation. This week, my first bill passed both the Senate and the House and is headed to the Governor’s desk for

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