Happy Friday I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro, thanks for joining me for Up First in the Four States, the news podcast from KRPS.

Let’s first take a look at local weather, Clear, breezy and dry across Southwest Missouri today, highs in the mid-’90s, with the heat index as high as 105, also winds gusting up to 22 miles per hour. Clear conditions expected tonight, with calm winds, lows in the mid-’70s. Sunny and hot over the weekend, highs Saturday and Sunday remaining in the mid-’90s. With a chance of rain as we start the new week, highs Monday dropping into the mid-’80s.

When a panel of lawmakers ended the Kansas COVID emergency declaration earlier Thursday, they also withdrew the state from a program that’s providing extra food stamps to families during the pandemic. David Condos of the Kansas News Service reports that could mean drastically smaller benefits for more than 60,000 households.

This week, the former Athletic Director of Missouri Southern State University in Joplin was named the interim Executive Director of the Joplin Sports Authority. Jerrod Bruggman stepped down as AD of Missouri Southern in March of this year, where he served in that position for 11 years. He’s been tapped to be a part of the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit sports commission with the mission to promote, support, and attract sporting events to the Joplin area. The Joplin Sports Authority oversees 14 facilities, including Schifferdecker Golf Course, Memorial Hall, and sports facilities at Missouri Southern. Bruggman has built a career in education. First, as a high school science teacher where he served as a track and cross-country coach. Prior to serving as Athletic Director at Southern, he worked as Assistant AD at Northern Arizona University for four years. Bruggman started last week and will become the Joplin Sports Authority’s 5th Executive Director.

At their meeting on Wednesday afternoon, the Board of Governors at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin raised tuition and approved three new academic programs. The MSSU Board of Governor’s approved the additions of a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre, and a Master of Arts in Teaching degrees. The programs are now awaiting approval by the Higher Learning Commission and the Missouri Department of Education and Workforce Development. The Board also approved tuition increases that will go into effect this fall. Chair of Southern’s Board of Governor’s Alison Hershewe calling for a motion to approve tuition increases at Wednesday’s meeting. “Governor’s Hailey’s made a motion about the tuition, is there a second or any questions. Second by Governor Gibson, and those in favor. ‘Aye’ Opposed. The motion about tuition has passed.” In-state tuition will increase by 10 dollars per credit hour to $258.73. Out-of-state students will have to pay $32 more per credit hour, or $529.86. Costs for Graduate students were unchanged.

The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home in Abilene is expanding its hours. Dawn Hammatt is the director of the library and museum. She says it will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting next week. It’s currently open Wednesday through Saturday. Clip 98107 “We are moving forward. We have a plan in place. And we are really excited to be able to do this in a safe and healthy fashion.” Hammatt says the Eisenhower boyhood home will remain closed as it undergoes preservation work, including a new fire suppression system. The museum is still limited to 25 percent capacity because it’s a federal building. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Kansas Senator Jerry Moran has written federal officials, asking them to fully reopen the museum.

Road crews are out painting stripes on the roads in Missouri this summer, and they want drivers to stay alert. KSMU’s Reginald Lee Jr. has details.

A heat advisory is in effect from noon to 7 today in Missouri and in southeast Kansas. Heat index values as high as 109 are expected. According to the National Weather Service, hot temperatures and high humidity could lead to heat illness. You should drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room if possible, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors. Never leave young children and pets unattended in vehicles. If you have to work outdoors, take frequent breaks and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. And know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include clammy skin, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, extreme thirst, excessive sweating, dizziness and vomiting. Symptoms of heat stroke include a temperature of 104 or higher, confusion, seizures, slurred speech, headache, flushed or reddened skin and rapid breathing or heartbeat. If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1.

Tomorrow is Juneteenth, and it’s now a national holiday. The National Museum of African American History and Culture calls the annual event a celebration of resilience—a time to “gather as a family, reflect on the past and look to the future.” There are events planned in Southwest Missouri to observe the holiday. Michele Skalicky has more. Clip 98108

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and Governor Mike Parson say they will continue to defend a law barring law enforcement in the state from enforcing federal gun restrictions. KCUR’s Carlos Moreno reports.

Thanks for joining me for Up First in the Four States from KRPS. Have a good weekend.