During its annual Griffs Giving Day last month, Missouri Western State University raised money to help several different programs.  

One important effort the funds helped was the on-campus food pantry, which helps students who battle food insecurity get the meals they need while on campus.  

President Elizabeth Kennedy says living in a time of food insecurity the food pantry is vitally important because of how it trickles down to students 

“Our campus has free, we stock it with nutritious food, we have fresh, we have more canned and longer shelf items, but it keeps our students healthy, they don’t have to worry about a meal, it’s very easy for them to come in and get, so I appreciate that,” Kennedy says on the KFEQmunnity show. 

Kennedy says for nearly a decade the pantry has existed and has grown in helping students get the healthy food they might need while in St. Joseph.  

Kennedy says the pantry helps students have access to food in an easy way and with no stigma attached 

“We’re not doing anything like that, it’s like come in and grab what you need,” Kennedy explains.  “We’ve got fresh produce, those kinds of things, we’ve got frozen items, we’ve got canned things, and we try to keep it healthy because it’s important.” 

MoWest  is also tackling food insecurity in other ways as well.  Kennedy points out students through the Center for Service, help out at places such as Second Harvest Community Food Bank 

“Where we’re helping folks in the community who need it, but we also provide that, it really helps people appreciate that we’re here as a family to help everyone,” Kennedy says.  “And we’re invested, not only in our students, but in the community.” 

Kennedy says in November alone, around 100 students utilized the campus food pantry to get food.   

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MoWest doing its part to help tackle food insecurity in St. Joseph

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating alleged vandalism in Brown County have identified two suspects.

Just after 2:30 p.m. December 27, two individuals were caught on surveillance camera vandalizing a vehicle belonging to USD #430 in Everest, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

The windshield was broken due to rock or objects being intentionally thrown at the vehicle as well as verbage scratched into the paint.&nbsp;

Neither of the juvenile suspects are residents of Brown County. The public had a huge impact on solving the case, according to Merchant.

Sheriff: Suspects identified in school district vandalism

A number of area students at the University of Missouri were honored for their accomplishments during the fall semester by earning dean’s list honors through their dedication, perseverance and academic ambition.

Zoey LeeAnne Benedict, Senior, Engineering

Kaylea Abigail Farrell,&nbsp; Sophomore, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Camilla Renae Heller, Sophomore, Health Sciences

 Braydon Reece Dickmeyer, Junior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Heisman Preston LaFave, Senior, Engineering

&nbsp;Addie Neiderhouse, Sophomore, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Clare Grace Staley, Sophomore, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Trystan Samuel Chadwick, Sophomore, Arts Science

McClane Douglas Johnson, Senior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Phillip Cooper Herron, Senior, Health Sciences

Tarver Lee Muntz, Junior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Bannack Richter Skillen, Sophomore, Journalism

Claire Jacqueline Martin, Junior, Arts Science

Lizzie Schlueter, Sophomore, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Abbie Harms, Sophomore, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Tessa Elizabeth Rolf, Senior, Health Sciences

Amy Marie Litherland, Junior, Arts Science

Ella Ruby Bowman, Senior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

McKenzie JoLynne Brandhorst, Senior, Arts Science

Alice Marie Brewka, Freshman, Health Sciences

Abigail Marie Brownfield, Senior, Arts Science

Emma Faith Brownfield, Senior, Arts Science

Matthew Benjamin Byrd, Senior, Arts Science

Lucas Cebulko, Senior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Tragan Scott Chambers, Senior, Arts Science

Ivan Edward Chatfield, Junior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Bailey Gayle Colgan, Senior, Education Human Development

Laurel G Dubois, Junior, Education Human Development

Lauren Alyssa Durkin, Junior, Health Sciences

Ella R Fischer, Junior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Logan Michael Garcia, Junior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Andrew Reagan Gerstner, Senior, Arts Science

DeMare' Rae-Quan Howard, Sophomore, Arts Science

Clair Elizabeth Jobes, Senior, Arts Science

Sophia Grace Jura, Sophomore, Arts Science

Asher Dean Katakis, Junior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Sophie Eilzabeth Kirkendoll, Senior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Aubrey Anna Markt, Junior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Jacey Ashlyn McCrary, Sophomore, Health Sciences

Connor Edward McPhillips, Freshman, Engineering

Miles Vasily Morris, Senior, Health Sciences

Shadai B Ndamboma, Junior, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Michael Darius Partamian, Junior, Arts Science

Alex Patterson, Sophomore, Agr-Food Nat Resources

Kasey Allyn Perry, Sophomore, Arts Science

Claire Elizabeth Phillips, Senior, Arts Science

Kevin Daniel Poggemiller, Sophomore, Health Sciences

Yaya Quinones-Rivera, Junior, Health Sciences

Local students honored on 2025 Fall Dean's list at Mizzou

KFEQ Morning Sports

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is seeking volunteers and book donations this winter for its Reading Adventure program, an initiative designed to bolster literacy skills for local elementary students.

The program will partner with seven area schools during the second semester: Carden Park, Coleman, Hosea, Lindbergh, Parkway, Pershing, and Pickett. Reading sessions are scheduled for January and February, and organizers are looking for volunteers to assist students on-site.

Volunteers can sign up for a single session, a few dates, or a recurring schedule. Because the program also provides books for students to take home, United Way is accepting donations of new and gently used books appropriate for elementary-aged children.

Since its launch in 2011, United Way Reading Adventure has helped more than 700 volunteers connect with students. The program aims to prevent the "summer slide" in literacy and improve reading proficiency throughout the academic year.&nbsp;

Individuals or organizations interested in volunteering or donating books can call 816-364-2381 or register online at stjosephunitedway.org.

United Way of Greater St. Joseph seeks volunteers and book donations for winter reading program

KFEQ Morning News 01/08/2026

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Equinox driven by a 26-year-old Lawson man was southbound on MO 6 at Route DD one mile west of Gallatin. 

The driver failed to stop at the stop sign. A westbound 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by a 38-year-old Union Star man struck the SUV. After impact, both vehicles traveled off the south side of MO 6. The pickup overturned and struck a utility pole and a fence.

The 26-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Stith Funeral Home. Cameron EMS transported the 38-year-old driver to Mosaic Life Care. The 26-year-old was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man killed after pickup, SUV crash

The Great Plains Growers Conference returns to return to St. Joseph this week, offering a three-day event dedicated to farming, community, and the stewardship of the land. 

The 2026 conference will be held from Jan. 8–10 on the campus of Missouri Western State University.

The program begins Thursday, Jan. 8, with a series of full-day workshops. These include CSA School, Small Farm Livestock management, and FSMA Training via the Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training Course. The sessions are designed to provide deep dives into foundational agricultural practices and safety regulations.

A highlight of this year’s event is the keynote address by Curtis Millsap, owner of Millsap Farms in Springfield, Missouri. His presentation, titled “Farming as a Sacred Trust: Building Community at the Intersection of Land, Food &amp; People,” will anchor the conference's mission of connecting sustainable agriculture with community well-being.

Following the workshops, Friday and Saturday will feature a diverse array of specialized conference tracks.

Registration for the 2026 conference is currently open. For more information or to sign up, you can contact the Buchanan County Extension at (816) 279-1691.

Great Plains Growers Conference returns to St. Joseph with focus on stewardship and community

North Central Missouri College in Trenton is celebrating its centennial through 2026.

It opened, as Trenton Junior College, in 1925.

Centennial celebrations will continue throughout the school year, and there are already 22 stories told on the college's site. NCMC is looking for one hundred by graduation day, May 9th.

Alumni and current students are welcomed to visit <a href="https://www.ncmissouri.edu/centennial/">this site</a>&nbsp;to submit their own stories, memories, and pictures.

The college will also be burying a time capsule May 11th at the Savannah campus, which opened for classes&nbsp; in 2023.

NCMC Highlighting 100 Years of Stories

The St. Joseph community will get the opportunity to display some of its artwork again during the 52nd Membership exhibition at the Albrecht Kemper.  

Executive Director Eric Fuson says it's a great way to see pieces from people right within the community 

“It really falls right within the mission of our museum,” Fuson explains on the KFEQmunnity show.  “Which, a lot of times people think about a museum as something that just kind of sits and is static and we’ll just have art that kind of hangs on the walls, but ours is really alive and well, it’s involving community members, creating artwork, and encouraging them to come together and share ideas, it’s really a fun time and it’s amazing the talent that’s in our town and area.” 

Fuson says every year at least one person is blown away by finding out someone they know has been working on a piece. 

“There’s always somebody that says I had no idea that this person was so talented, or I had no idea they were doing that work or something like that,” Fuson says.  “But then, there’s always the one that come back, they come back in to see people like Wanda Taylor who's always making things in the community and a big supporter of the arts in town that it’s always fun to see what she’s up to next.” 

The exhibition opens on Friday with free admission from 4 to 7pm.  The exhibit will run until February 22nd. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Albrecht Kemper opens 52nd annual member exhibition on Friday

MidCity Excellence Community Learning Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary during the 12th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Solutions Summit on Monday, Jan. 19.

The summit, themed “A Homecoming of Excellence,” is scheduled for 11 a.m. at MYC/Word of Life, 3902 NE Riverside Road in St. Joseph. 

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for a complimentary brunch. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s program features a panel of MCE alumni who will discuss their personal journeys toward becoming workforce-ready and remaining opioid-free. Organizers said the discussion is intended to highlight the long-term impact of the organization's mission and trauma-informed programming.

“For 25 years, MidCity Excellence has been committed to empowering youth and families through education, mentorship, and community support,” MCE leadership said in a statement. “This summit is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a call to continue building solutions together.”

The event serves as a milestone for the organization, which has provided a quarter-century of service to local children and families. Participants will also reflect on the legacy of King, specifically his message that “the time is always right to do what is right.”

While the event is free, participants are encouraged to RSVP by Jan. 9.

Honoring the Dream: MCE’s 12th Annual MLK Summit

March corn closed down 3/4 cents and May corn was unchanged. March soybeans closed down 5 3/4 cents and May soybeans were down 5 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 1 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was unchanged, March Minneapolis wheat was up 3/4 cents.

Row-crop markets were choppy in quiet action Thursday, with traders clearly not wanting to get ahead of themselves to the bullish side with USDA input due out next Monday morning. Outside markets were again mixed influence on agriculture prices on Thursday, with higher energy futures but also a higher U.S. Dollar Index for the ninth time in the past ten sessions potentially taking some wind out of the wheat markets sails with a high degree of world competition to begin 2026. In macroeconomic news, reports are that the Supreme Court could potentially issue a ruling on the legality of the Trump administration's tariff efforts. The U.S. trade deficit of $29.4 billion for October was reported as a 16-year low on Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The live cattle complex traded mixed into Thursday's noon hour and traders reluctantly pushed the entire complex higher, but weren't exactly willing to do so in the nearby contracts until late in the session, as they wait to see what's going to develop fundamentally this week. Still no cash cattle trade has developed, but a single bid is currently on the table in Nebraska at $228. Asking prices are noted at $235 to $238 in the South but are still not clearly established in the North. Trade could begin to develop at any point in time now. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $2.42 ($356.70) and select up $2.47 ($351.75) with a movement of 115 loads (73.63 loads of choice, 12.35 loads of select, 4.07 loads of trim and 24.51 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex was trading in the exact opposite direction of the live cattle complex, as most of its nearby contracts were trading higher, but the deferred months (from August 2026 onward) were trading lower for the bulk of the session, but managed to finish fully higher. Demand in the countryside remains strong as buyers are busying filling orders, as the market was quiet over the last two weeks.

Seeming to be a bit braver today, the lean hog complex traded higher into Thursday's closing bell, despite technical pressure still being a barrier and pork demand still pulling the cutout value lower. The real test will come Friday, and whether or not traders can keep the contracts higher through the the close with minimal fundamental support.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/08141431/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Sinograin, China’s state-run commodity buyer, recently bought ten U.S. soybean cargoes. Three traders told Reuters that the world’s biggest buyer of soybeans is continuing to purchase the commodity from the United States following a late October trade truce. ‘The cargoes total almost 600,000 metric tons and will be shipped between March and May,” Reports said. “That timeframe happens to also be the peak season for Brazil, a rival supplier of the U.S.” 

The total amount of soybeans China has bought from the U.S. is estimated between 8.5 million and almost ten million tons. That number represents almost 80 percent of the 12 million metric tons that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said China had promised to purchase by February 28. In late November, reports cited a shipping schedule saying two cargoes would carry the first soybean shipments since May. However, those cargoes haven’t arrived yet as they aren’t on the customs website.

China buys ten million tons of U.S. soybeans

The total demand for U.S. ethanol has grown steadily since 2016. The blend rate, ethanol’s percentage of finished motor gasoline volume, is one indicator of gasoline blenders’ demand for ethanol in vehicle fuel. March 2025 data showed the U.S. average blend rate was 10.1 percent, the ninth-consecutive month above the implied minimum federal blend rate of ten percent. The 12-month moving average blend rate stood at 10.2 percent. 

The average blend rate has largely been at ten percent or higher since 2020. Increasing blend rates have helped maintain domestic ethanol consumption at a steady level despite reduced demand for finished motor gasoline. Since 2023, international demand for ethanol has steadily risen and provided additional support for U.S. ethanol fuel production. Elevated blend rates and rising ethanol exports both support growing demand for corn. To meet the March 2025 demand for fuel ethanol required about 465 million bushels of corn, a 60 million bushel increase over the monthly demand from ten years ago.

U.S. ethanol blend rate continues climbing

March corn closed up 2 3/4 cents and May corn was up 2 3/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 10 3/4 cents and May soybeans were up 10 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 10 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 7 1/2 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 3 1/4 cents.

Row-crop futures recovered from a shaky Tuesday session to trader higher again Wednesday on a mix of technically influenced buying as well as perceived risk for the U.S. winter wheat crop amid well-above average temperatures for early January. Outside markets for Wednesday saw mixed equities, with the Dow Jones lower on profit-taking following a record setting run to start the week. Energy markets have moved lower over the past two sessions on President Trump's announcement that Venezuela will sell 50 million barrels of crude oil to the U.S. at market price, while Wednesday's Petroleum Status report showed U.S. crude oil stocks to already be 3% larger than the same point in 2024.

Traders continued to let the live cattle contracts trade in a moderately lower manner as the market needs to see more immediate fundamental support before traders will feel confident trading the contracts any higher. But even with the market's slight regression, the live cattle contracts are still currently trading above the market's 100-day moving average. A single bid of $232 is currently on the table in Kansas, but no trade has developed yet. Asking prices are firm in the South at $235 to $237, but are still not established in the North. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice up $1.22 ($352.47) and select down $0.31 ($350.77) with a movement of 87 loads (63.12 loads of choice, 6.90 loads of select, 4.01 loads of trim and 13.04 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex also traded lower, seeming to simply follow the direction of the live cattle complex. Today's lower action is a technical decision, not a good representation of what's transpiring in the countryside, as feeder cattle prices were on fire both on Monday and Tuesday.

Although midday pork cutout values were a tick higher, the lean hog complex still traded lower as traders yearn to see more fundamental support. The market is running into some resistance pressure that is binding its upward momentum, and until something substantial develops fundamentally, the market could be pressured to trade sideways, if not somewhat lower.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/07141004/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Farmers need rules that clearly define federal jurisdiction of the Waters of the United States, or WOTUS. The American Farm Bureau submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers. AFBF detailed the impact of WOTUS on farmers and elements that must be included in the new proposed rule to ensure it can withstand future legal challenges. 

John Newton, vice president of public policy and economic analysis said, “Farmers and ranchers support the creation of a legally durable rule that injects clarity into the regulatory process and does not leave landowners guessing what parts of their property are subject to regulation.” Farm Bureau’s recommendations for the rule included further defining “relatively permanent” to narrow the regulatory scope. The group also wants clarification of when wetlands should fall under WOTUS, continued exclusion of prior converted cropland, and exclusion of ditches from WOTUS jurisdiction. 

Proposed WOTUS rule brings certainty to farmers

Farmer sentiment weakened slightly in December as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index dropped three points to a reading of 136. Weakness in the barometer was attributable to a modest decline in producers’ long-term outlook, as the Future Expectations Index fell to 140, four points lower than the previous month. The Current Conditions Index was unchanged from November at 128. 

Angst about the prospects for U.S. soybean exports amid increasing competition from Brazil contributed to a slightly weaker outlook for the future among crop producers. Producers’ expectations for their farms’ financial performance changed little compared to November, as the Financial Performance Index rose just two points to 94. The Farm Capital Investment Index also increased two points to 58 in December. Even with the slight rise, 60 percent of producers said it was still a bad time to make large investments in their farms.

Farmer sentiment heads lower

March corn closed down 1/2 cent and May corn was down 3/4 cent. March soybeans closed down 5 3/4 cents and May futures were down 6 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 3/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 2 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 4 cents.

Row-crop futures looked to be heading toward back-to-back positive moves to begin the first full trading week of 2026; but sellers reemerged by early afternoon, sending prices well below daily highs by the close. Fundamental news for Tuesday was limited, and thus market bulls clearly lacked much in the way of reassurance to extend Monday's price bounce. Outside markets saw equities firmer with the Dow Jones reaching further into record highs to begin the New Year. Meanwhile, energy markets were mostly lower, continuing an overall sideways action seen through the past two weeks.

The live cattle complex continued to charge onward as traders remain enthusiastic about what's to come in 2026. After breaking through the market's resistance at its 100-day moving average, we have accomplished a big technical feat and so far this week contracts charge on with gusto. It will be vital for the market's long-term potential that fundamental support arises -- especially in the form of cash cattle prices. It's been too early in the week for any cash cattle trade to have developed, and at this point bids and asking prices remain elusive. Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $0.51 ($353.19) and select down $0.69 ($350.81) with a movement of 90 loads (66.54 loads of choice, 11.06 loads of select, 3.94 loads of trim and 8.42 loads of ground beef).

With the additional help of seeing the live cattle contracts trading higher, the feeder cattle complex continued to make substantial moves higher throughout the futures complex. Noting some of the feeder cattle sales that took place on Monday, prices were mostly higher on both feeders and calves.

Although the lean hog complex desires to trade higher, the market is cautious to do so as it's traded exponentially higher in recent days and consumer support isn't currently showing to be as strong as traders had hoped.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/06141936/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The clean fuels industry strengthened its foundation in 2025 behind record policy targets, new engine capabilities, and proven performance, setting expectations for continued growth in 2026. “Government agencies, fleets, manufacturers, and consumers in 2025 recognized that biodiesel and renewable diesel have stepped forward and taken a leadership position in fueling our nation’s transportation systems,” said Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen. “Clean fuel use has grown dramatically in recent years, and for the first time, policymakers took full account of that growth.” 

Last year, for the first time in the history of the Renewable Fuel Standard, the EPA proposed robust biomass-based diesel volumes that accurately reflected the industry’s potential. EPA proposed a renewable volume obligation of 5.61 billion gallons for 2026, and a growth path of annual volume increases for 2027 and beyond. In doing so, EPA acknowledged the industry’s investments in production capacity and domestic feedstock supplies produced by U.S. farmers. 

2025 was a solid year for biodiesel, renewable diesel success in 2026

USDA released details about how much row crop farmers will receive this year from a $12 billion aid program. However, U.S. soybean producers say the payments won’t help farmers hurt by low crop prices and trade disputes. Reports said while the aid is expected to help farmers get ready for next season, growers and agricultural economists say those payments will only cover a fraction of farm losses and won’t rescue the sagging U.S. farm economy. 

The one-time payments will go to growers who planted one of 19 covered commodity crops. “The highest per-acre payments will go to rice farmers, who could get $132.89 an acre,” Reports show. “Cotton farmers could get $117.35 an acre, and oats farmers could receive $81.75 an acre.” Meanwhile, farmers are eligible for $44.36 per corn acre, $30.88 per soybean acre, and $39.35 per wheat acre. The overall payment limit is $155,000 per entity or individual.

Does assistance favor rice and cotton producers?

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road rage shooting in Kansas City have identified the man who died as 32-year-old Keithlin Royster, according to KCPD Officer Alanya Gonzalez

Just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting on southbound 71 Highway and Blue River Road.

First responders located a vehicle stopped on the side of the highway and a woman asking for help. At that time, officers observed Royster unresponsive inside of the vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded to the scene and pronounce him deceased at that scene.

Preliminary information indicates this may be a road rage incident. It is believed two unidentified men were occupying an unknown vehicle when shots were fired, striking the victim. It is not currently known where the start of the altercation began, and where exactly the shooting occurred. 

A subject of interest turned himself in to police late Wednesday regarding this incident and he was questioned by detectives for further investigation. Detectives are not currently seeking any additional suspects, and the case has been presented to prosecutors for consideration of applicable charges, according to Gonzalez.

Police: Suspect in deadly KC road-rage killing turns himself in

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced January 26, 2026, as the opening of the nation’s 2026 filing season. This year, several new tax law provisions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions">One, Big, Beautiful Bill</a>&nbsp;become effective, which could impact federal taxes, credits and deductions, according to a media release from the agency.

Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file their 2025 tax returns and pay any tax due. The IRS expects to receive about 164 million individual income tax returns this year, with most taxpayers filing electronically.

IRS.gov has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you">online tools and resources</a>&nbsp;taxpayers can use before, during and after filing their federal tax return.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions">One, Big, Beautiful Provisions</a>&nbsp;provides information that could help lower tax bills and potentially increase refund amounts.

“President Trump is committed to the taxpayers of this country and improving upon the successful tax filing season in 2025,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent. “Prior to the passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which delivered working families tax cuts, Treasury and IRS were diligently preparing to update forms and processes for the benefit of hardworking Americans, and I am confident in our ability to deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike.”

“The Internal Revenue Service is ready to help taxpayers meet their tax filing and payment obligations during the 2026 filing season,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano. “As always, the IRS workforce remains vigilant and dedicated to their mission to serve the American taxpaying public. At the same time, IRS information systems have been updated to incorporate the new tax laws and are ready to efficiently and effectively process taxpayer returns during the filing season.”

IRS Individual Online Account.&nbsp;Taxpayers can access their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals">individual online account</a>&nbsp;information, including balance due, payments made or scheduled, tax records and more.

New Schedule 1-A.&nbsp;Taxpayers will use the new Schedule 1-A to claim recently enacted tax deductions, such as no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loan interest and/or the enhanced deduction for seniors.

Enroll in a Trump Account.&nbsp;Parents, guardians and other authorized individuals can establish a new type of individual retirement account for their children. To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://trumpaccounts.gov/">trumpaccounts.gov</a>.

Open a bank account.&nbsp;The IRS strongly encourages taxpayers to establish a bank account to receive their tax refunds via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>, because the IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks due to the executive order,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers">Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account</a>.

Forms 1099-K and 1099-DA.&nbsp;Taxpayers should visit IRS.gov and learn what to do if they receive either of these forms.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k">Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions</a>, is used to report payments received from credit cards, payments apps and online marketplaces.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-da">Form 1099-DA, Digital Assets</a>, is used to report&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/digital-assets">digital asset</a>&nbsp;proceeds from broker transactions. Taxpayers must report all taxable income on their federal tax returns, even if they don’t receive either form.

Where’s My Refund?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund">Refund status</a>&nbsp;information is generally available around 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return, or four weeks after filing a paper return.

Be aware of tax scams and fraud.&nbsp;Taxpayers can learn how to prevent, report and recover from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-scams">tax scams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central">tax-related identity theft</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov.

Choose a tax preparer.&nbsp;Taxpayers should review IRS guidance for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a>, including tips on choosing a reputable preparer and how to avoid unethical preparers.

Taxpayer Assistance Centers.&nbsp;Taxpayers should make IRS.gov their first stop to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you">get help</a>. If taxpayers cannot resolve their issue online, they can get help by making an appointment to visit a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office">Taxpayer Assistance Center</a>.

IRS Free File and Fillable Forms.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;program will begin accepting individual tax returns starting Friday, Jan. 9 for qualified taxpayers. Taxpayers comfortable preparing their own taxes can use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">IRS Free File Fillable Forms</a>&nbsp;starting Jan. 26, regardless of income.

MilTax.&nbsp;Military members and some veterans can use the Department of Defense program,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">MilTax</a>, for free return preparation and e-filing software.

IRS-certified volunteers.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly</a>&nbsp;programs offer no-cost, basic tax preparation to qualified individuals.

IRS announces when they will begin accepting 2025 tax returns

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>

WASHINGTON — In a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump, Senate Republicans joined Democrats in advancing a war powers resolution to halt U.S. military action in Venezuela without congressional authorization.

Republican Sens. Todd Young of Indiana, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska split with their party to act as a check on the administration’s use of military forces — as did Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the measure’s co-sponsor with Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.

The move marked a significant moment after Republicans on Capitol Hill have largely smoothed the path for Trump’s agenda throughout the past year.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., also unexpectedly supported the measure, which advanced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1192/vote_119_2_00005.htm" target="_blank">on a 52-47 vote</a>. Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican, did not vote.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/98/text?s=2&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22S.J.res+98%22%7D" target="_blank">joint resolution</a>&nbsp;directs the “removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.”&nbsp;

Thursday’s vote advanced the legislation over a procedural hurdle. The bill still requires a final Senate vote before it would head to the House.

The vote comes days after U.S. special forces launched a surprise overnight attack on Venezuela’s capital of Caracas on Saturday, capturing the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple appeared in federal court Monday on federal drug and conspiracy charges.

The U.S. launched a bombing campaign off the coast of Venezuela in September, striking small vessels in the Caribbean Sea that the administration alleges were operated by “narco-terrorists.” The death toll from the strikes reached over 100 in December.

Kaine forced Thursday’s procedural vote under the War Powers Resolution, a Vietnam War-era&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R47603" target="_blank">statute</a>&nbsp;that gives Congress a check on the president’s use of the military abroad.&nbsp;

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/rubio-meet-danish-officials-amid-greenland-push-trump-administration" target="_blank">delivered a classified update</a>&nbsp;to members of Congress Wednesday on Capitol Hill on the ongoing U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. Democrats said they remained unsatisfied with the information shared during the meetings.

US Senate with GOP support advances war powers resolution rebuking Trump on Venezuela

See the new U.S. dietary guidelines: More protein, less grains

Eliminating the income tax, which represents 65% of state revenue, is a top priority for Gov. Mike Kehoe and legislative Republicans. Democrats say the tax burden shouldn’t shift to lower-income Missourians

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri lawmakers returned to work Wednesday to kick off the 2026 legislative session, with Republicans determined to eliminate the state income tax and Democrats vowing to oppose any effort to replace it with increased taxes on sales or services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missing from the first day were the partisan fireworks that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">defined the end</a>&nbsp;of last year’s session and a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/10/after-hearing-from-trump-missouri-gop-muscle-gerrymandered-map-forward-in-state-senate/">special session</a>&nbsp;in September. Instead, both the House and Senate functioned normally on Wednesday, quickly running through motions of a first-day and adjourning with little fanfare.&nbsp;

But the partisan schism simmered under the surface.&nbsp;

Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe is pushing for&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/taxation/individual/tax-types/income/year-changes/" target="_blank">elimination of the state’s income tax&nbsp;</a>and is expecting to lay out his plan next week when he speaks to a joint session of the legislature for his annual State of the State address.&nbsp;

Democrats — still smarting from last year’s GOP moves to cut off debate to pass bills repealing expanded paid sick leave, gerrymander the state congressional map, change the initiative petition process and reimpose an abortion ban — said they are withholding judgment until they see the details of Kehoe’s plan.&nbsp;

But they note the income tax represents 65% of last year’s $13.4 billion in state revenue.&nbsp;

Democrats will not support raising taxes that disproportionately impact lower-income Missourians to pay to eliminate the income tax, said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat.

“People are already having a really hard time making ends meet in this state,” Beck said. “People are living paycheck to paycheck. So if anyone wants to raise taxes on those folks, that is unacceptable to us. As Democrats, we say there should be no new taxes.”

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, said that while the possible elimination of the income tax is “being sold as…getting rid of your taxes,” most Missourians will see little benefit.

“What they’re not telling you is how much more you’ll have to spend every time you swipe your card,” Aune said, adding: “The next time you have an expensive car repair or costly emergency visit from a plumber to fix a broken pipe, you’ll also be paying double digit sales taxes on that bill. Struggling to pay your rent? The struggle will get even harder when Republicans add a sales tax onto that.”

Democrats will lay out their own income tax proposal next week, Aune said, that will offer “targeted tax relief for those who need it most.”

State Rep. Mark Boyko, the Kirkwood Democrat who will sponsor the measure, said that while Missourians earning over $250,000 could end up paying more under the Democrats’ tax plan, it would generate much-needed revenue.&nbsp;

The proposal, Boyko said, “will actually lower your costs.”

Senate President Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican, urged her colleagues in an opening day speech to work together to “find solutions that move Missouri forward.”

While tax cuts weren’t directly mentioned in her speech, O’Laughlin left little doubt where she stood.

“Taxes, regulations, red tape and bureaucracy do not make Missouri better,” she said. “In every case, they take from Missouri families, they also take from Missouri small businesses. And our job is to reduce that impact. We must make sure what we take is as limited as possible.”

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