Afternoon Newscast for March 3, 2026

From the KBIA Newsroom in Colombia, I'm Yesem Rayan. University of Missouri researchers have discovered a new plant protein that could make crops more drought resistant. KBIA's Maya bin Saoud has more on how this protein could help local farms stay productive during growing seasons. Jin Bin Su and his colleagues discovered the protein SRFR1, which regulates the amount of root growth in plants. By slightly modifying the naturally occurring protein, plants can grow longer roots, allowing them to reach deeper water in dry soil. Mid-Missouri is still experiencing moderate drought after one of the driest december's on record. Meteorologist Kelsey Cabellas says that even in winter, limited rainfall means soil moisture stays lovely. heading into planting season, putting early stress on crops and increasing costs for farmers who may need to irrigate sooner. Plants are going to have to work harder to be able to find that moisture and pull it out. And so that's obviously puts more stress on the plants in general, makes it so that they can't grow as efficiently and effectively. Sue says using the newfound protein to control root length could help address that challenge. I'm Maya bin Sarud, KBIA News. Both of Missouri's U.S. senators say they oppose a measure restricting President Donald Trump from using further military force in Iran. The Senate could vote this week on Virginia Senator Tim Kaine's War Powers Resolution. Missouri Senator Eric Schmidt issued a statement calling Kane's resolution overbroad and premature. The Columbia Missourian reported Senator Josh Hawley also plans to vote no. though he will reassess if Trump asked Congress for ground troops. Meanwhile, home prices are higher in Colombia, with the median home price increasing more than 7% since January last year. But as KBIA's Giuliana Mejia reports, the fluctuations are varied and seasonal. The increase in price paired with a decrease in close sales is largely because sales are leaning toward upper market homes. Sales for homes priced under $400,000 have declined. William Rogers is a former associate professor of economics for the University of Missouri, St. Louis. Rogers says while these seem like big shifts, it's likely just seasonal. As far as trends in the area, you're probably not going to see big swings at all in Missouri unless. something catastrophic happens to the economy. Homes priced between $250,000 to $349,000 make up the most active range locally, yet saw a 53% drop in sales in January. I'm Juliana Mejia. KBIA News. Judges would no longer be able to sentence someone to death in cases of a hung jury under a bill that passed the Missouri House Monday. The legislation was approved 140 to 7. They say judges should not be burdened with issuing the death penalty if there is a hung jury, and instead can decide between a life sentence with or without parole. I'm Yasm Rayan, KBIA News, Colombia.