Good morning, Saint Joseph.

The YWCA held its annual Women of Excellence awards in St. Joseph to honor local women for their leadership, service and business achievements—raising funds to support shelter and aid services for domestic and sexual violence victims as well as homeless women and children.

Misty Coyle, Tori Blevins and Ashley Beard were among the honorees.

The 2025 National Pony Express Re-Ride will arrive in St. Joseph on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Patee House Museum—riders will relay commemorative letters along a 1,900-mile route spanning eight states to honor American history.

In September 1861 during the Civil War, bushwhackers burned the lower part of the Platte River Bridge on the Hannibal-St. Joseph Railroad, causing the structure to collapse and resulting in 17 to 20 deaths and over 100 injuries.

Community members moved the injured to makeshift hospitals and General John Pope raised security so trains ran at full capacity within two weeks—while the motives behind the attack remain unclear.

A little-known tax credit has drawn over $8 million to St. Joseph and has helped bring key sporting events to the area, state Rep. Brenda Shields said.

Local officials used the credit to land events like the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic and NCAA Division II tournaments—an extension passed to support future bids.

SJPD Chief Paul Luster said the communication center encountered issues recently but remains operational and the city IT department is working to resolve the problems—emergency services are fully trained to handle a potential communications outage.

Hemp industry leaders in Saint Joseph introduced a ballot initiative to loosen rules on hemp-derived THC products such as delta-8 and delta-9, which would allow these items to be sold in more stores without the strict testing and licensing currently needed.

Public health advocates and some licensed cannabis businesses warned that the change could raise safety risks, while opponents claim the measure comes from a history of questionable cannabis policy decisions.

The NFL announced that Chiefs' rookies and veterans will report to Missouri Western on July 21.

The team and school have not extended the training camp deal after the 2024 camp—further details are expected soon.

Mad Science Color Exploration

11-11:45 a.m. — Rolling Hills Library-Savannah Branch — Free entry — Discover the vibrant colors in our world through exciting science demonstrations.

The Fishin' Magician

11:00-11:45 a.m. — Rolling Hills Library-OFFICE — Free entry — Enjoy a magical experience with puppets and humor as stories come to life.

Kids Summer Art Camp

9 AM – 5 PM — Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art — $150 non-members, $125 for members — Explore creative techniques in a nature-themed art camp for ages 6-13.

St. Joseph Goats Indoor Football

7:05 PM — St. Joseph Civic Arena — Tickets available — Catch the excitement of indoor football as the St. Joseph Goats battle it out on the field.