For the first time since the 2014 season, the Kansas City Chiefs will not be a part of the NFL postseason, losing the Los Angeles Chargers 16-13 officially ending their postseason hopes after results of three other games turned into elimination for Kansas City.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chiefs needed a win against the Chargers to keep their playoff hopes alive, along with a loss from the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans.&nbsp; Even with the Chiefs loss, had any of those teams lost, there still would have been a chance, but the Jaguars blew out the New York Jets, the Bills came back for a win against the New England Patriots, and the Texans beat the Arizona Cardinals.&nbsp;

Kansas City did hold a lead for most of the first half, outscoring Los Angeles 13-3 for a lead.&nbsp; A 12 yard rushing touchdown from Patrick Mahomes gave the Chiefs the lead in the opening quarter.&nbsp; Cameron Dicker cut into the lead for the Chargers with a 49 yard field goal, but Harrison Butker knocked through field goals of 27 and 47 yards to extend Kansas City's lead in the second quarter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From there, it was all Los Angeles, as the Chargers outscored the Chiefs 13-0, first cutting the lead to three points just before the halftime break with a 16 yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to KeAndre Lambert, making the score 13-10 at the halftime break.&nbsp; The first half was also riddled with injuries for Kansas City.&nbsp; Offensive tackle Jaylon Moore left, but did return, though later left with a knee injury and did not return.&nbsp; Xavier Worthy and Nick Bolton also went into the blue injury tent, but returned to action.&nbsp;

In the second half, Dicker tied up early in the third quarter with a 23 yard field goal, and then near the end of the quarter put Los Angeles in the lead with a 41 yard field goal.&nbsp; Kansas City's ensuing drive ended with an interception, Mahomes being picked off by Daiyan Henley at the Chargers 17 yard line.&nbsp; Kansas City forced Los Angeles to punt, after a 12 play drive that consumed over seven minutes of clock, and on a last ditch drive, it was a Chiefs fans worst nightmare with the playoffs on the line.&nbsp;

On 1st and 10, just after the two minute warning,&nbsp;Mahomes was sprinting toward the sideline and throwing the ball away when he was spun to the ground by defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand, leaving the two-time MVP grabbing at his left knee.&nbsp; Backup Gardner Minshew would come into the game, Mahomes headed to the locker room, and six plays later Minshew's pass attempt was picked off by Derwin James, ending the game.&nbsp;

Mahomes was 16 of 28 passing for 189 yards and one interception, adding two rushes for 15 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Isiah Pacheco had 11 carries for 21 yards while Kareem Hunt had six carries for 12 yards.&nbsp; Travis Kelce was the leading receiver with seven catches for 70 yards, Rashee Rice had seven catches for 51 yards, and Tyquan Thornton had two catches for 47 yards.

Kansas City is now 6-8 on the season and will be on the road next week to take on the Tennessee Titans.&nbsp; Kickoff is at noon with pregame at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7 FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Chiefs eliminated from playoff contention for first time since 2014

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Saturday in Atchison.

A 2015 Subaru Forrester driven by Robert McCourtney, 72, Atchison, northbound in the 500 Block of 7th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The SUV struck a 2010 Ford Mustang and a 2018 Nissan Sentra which were both parked on the east side of the street. After impact, the subaru landed on its top. The Fire Department was on the scene and extricated McCourtney from the Subaru. EMS transported him to Amberwell Hospital for examination. The investigation continues with alcohol as a factor, according to Wilson.

Police: Alcohol a possible factor in 3-vehicle Kan. crash

Officials in Joplin recently passed an ordinance banning the practice after noticing out-of-state vehicles dropping off homeless people. Columbia, meanwhile, has adopted a voluntary ride home program

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/megcunningham/">Meg Cunningham</a>

For years, stories circulated around Joplin, Missouri, about the city’s homeless population and how they arrived in the city.

Calls would come in to city officials following a recurring theme.

“People were coming to the City Council meetings and saying, ‘I don’t know why you guys don’t know this, but I’m witnessing busloads of people being dropped off in our town,’” said Joplin Mayor Keenan Cortez. “‘Buses are coming in, stopping at gas stations, unloading and the buses are turning around and going back.’”

The city commissioned a study to investigate. But it came back with no hard evidence.

Still, the reports kept coming in. So the city took a deeper look.

Officials collected video evidence of out-of-state law enforcement vehicles dropping people off at truck stops. Some medical systems seemed to be involved, too. They also gathered signed affidavits from people who were new to Joplin, saying they were given promises of a shelter bed or resources at the end of their ride.

“We were starting to hear from people in our community that, ‘I was brought to Joplin and just dropped off. I was in trouble over there. That community didn’t deal with me. They put me in a car, a van, a bus and said there’s help for you,’” Cortez said.

Instead, they were left without their support system, in a new city with limited resources and few places to turn.

Cortez said city officials aren’t sure how many people shared similar stories.

“At the end of the day, I don’t know if it was 15, if it was 50,” Cortez said. “As a mayor, it doesn’t matter.”

Joplin officials put their heads together with the city’s legal team. After sending cease-and-desist letters to the organizations they believed were dropping people off in the city, the City Council started considering legislation to ban the practice.

The City Council&nbsp;<a href="https://www.joplinmo.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/11777?fileID=69549" target="_blank">passed an ordinance</a>&nbsp;at the beginning of November. It isn’t uncommon for medical systems to refer patients needing specialized treatment, or for victims of domestic violence, to be sent to a shelter in another town. The ordinance includes exemptions for those situations.

So far, Cortez and city officials think the letters and new ordinance appear to be working. They haven’t had any reports of people being dropped off since the ordinance was passed. But the trend points to a larger problem Missouri’s cities are facing as homelessness rises across the state.

Missouri’s reliance on larger cities for services&nbsp;for the homeless population

It is fairly common for smaller, rural areas to rely on the services in larger cities for things like shelters, medical care or mental health treatment.

From 2023 to 2024, the number of unsheltered people grew 9% in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2025-02-11/homeless-residents-midwest-cities-increasingly-hard-track-help" target="_blank">Missouri</a>, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development point-in-time counts. In&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/05/02/kansas-cities-struggling-increase-homelessness/" target="_blank">Kansas</a>, the number grew by 6%, while Oklahoma saw an 18% jump.

Columbia is similar to Joplin when it comes to being a regional hub for services and shelter beds.

Columbia began working more closely on reducing homelessness in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.como.gov/city-managers-office/homelessness-citywide-efforts/" target="_blank">2023</a>&nbsp;by establishing a program within Boone County’s Department of Public Health to connect people with resources. City officials also created a homeless outreach team within the police department to try and divert people from the justice system.

Now, the city has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/pilot-program-in-columbia-hopes-to-reduce-homelessness-through-transportation/article_936f234d-3c03-47c8-a518-81f286951664.html" target="_blank">launched</a>&nbsp;the Ride Home program, which gives homeless or impoverished community members free rides back to their hometowns or to support systems up to three hours away. If someone needs to travel farther, the city will purchase a bus ticket to get them to where they need to go.

Since the launch in October, the city has provided three rides, said Austin Krohn, public information specialist at the Columbia &amp; Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services.

“People come in for mental health services, or if there is a facility that can only do a certain type of screening for them,” Krohn said. “People are coming here from all over Missouri to get services, and then they’re stuck here.”

Local service providers and shelters can refer people to the program to receive a free ride. People must have verifiable support at the destination, a referral, photo ID and no outstanding warrants in the county.

Studies have shown that voluntary transport to a support system can be instrumental in improving someone’s housing situation.

San Francisco runs a robust transportation program, similar to Ride Home in Columbia. In fiscal year 2024, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2025-10/homeward_bound_annual_report_fy_2024-25_final.pdf" target="_blank">agency</a>&nbsp;that runs the program gave 230 rides.

San Francisco officials followed up with riders 90 days after their ride, and found that of the 230 served, 61 found housing, while 29 had another or unknown location. The remaining riders were unreachable or declined to be surveyed as part of the program.

“When I was doing direct service 30 years ago, people called it Greyhound therapy,” said Jeff Olivet, the former executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. “Get a bus ticket to another town, just get out of here, basically. Sometimes that can be incredibly helpful if people are really wanting and needing to get back to family and social supports.”

But if someone is transported or coerced to leave town against their will, it can lead to poorer outcomes, Olivet said.

“Transportation can be critical,” Olivet said. “But if it’s basically, ‘Get out of town or we’re going to arrest you,’ that doesn’t solve homelessness for anybody. It just moves the problem around.”

One&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2803839?guestAccessKey=f321ceca-78d6-4d55-bcc5-e7a775ce1152&amp;utm_source=For_The_Media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_content=tfl&amp;utm_term=041023" target="_blank">2023</a>&nbsp;study modeled over 20 U.S. cities concluded that involuntary displacement of people experiencing homelessness — things like encampment sweeps or involuntary transport to another area — could lead to substantial increases in morbidity and mortality.

The study linked involuntary displacement with worse outcomes for overdoses and hospitalizations and a decrease in getting connected with treatment for opioid use. It said the displacements could contribute to deaths of homeless people who use drugs.

A 2017&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2017/dec/20/bussed-out-america-moves-homeless-people-country-study" target="_blank">investigation</a>&nbsp;from The Guardian analyzed nearly 35,000 relocation journeys over a six-year period. The investigation found that most riders were relocated to places with a lower median income.

And as homelessness rates rise across all of Missouri, cities may need to start thinking about how to address these gaps, Olivet said.

“In the case of rural areas, or even suburban areas, where there aren’t as many shelter options for people, there aren’t as many mental health treatment programs, there aren’t as many supportive services. Oftentimes, the only way to get help is by going to a larger urban area,” Olivet said.

“That speaks to a tremendous gap when we don’t have good services, support and housing options for people in rural areas. They have to go somewhere else, even if they are from that rural area.”

In Missouri, the numbers aren’t improving.

The state’s continuum of care — a group of agencies that work under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address homelessness — found in its most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://moboscoc.org/resources/data/gaps-analysis/" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;that homelessness is rapidly increasing across the state.

In Region 9, which includes the southwest corner of the state (but does not include metro areas like Joplin or Springfield, which run their own continuums of care outside of the statewide framework), 2023 data found a 133% rise in unsheltered homelessness and a 100% rise in sheltered homelessness from 2022 to 2023.

The area also saw family homelessness increase by 100% from 2022 to 2023.

Region 10, which represents the counties surrounding the Kansas City area, 2023 point-in-time data showed a 3% increase in unsheltered homelessness and a 119% increase in sheltered homelessness from 2022. Family homelessness increased by 173%.

In the group’s annual report, every region saw at least one metric of homelessness, sheltered or unsheltered, increase from 2022 to 2023.

It rings alarm bells with Mary Kenion, the chief equity officer at the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

“At least half of all people experiencing homelessness in largely rural continuums of care do so outdoors, in unsheltered locations,” Kenion said. “We’re also seeing family homelessness on the rise, in rural communities specifically.”

And in their report, the Missouri continuum of care providers noted that while larger towns were better equipped to handle homelessness, it highlights the lack of resources in more rural areas.

The report found a positive relationship between the number of beds available in permanent housing situations and the length of time someone was homeless. For every 1% increase in permanent housing beds, there was a 54-day decrease in the length of time someone was homeless.

Although solutions like access to permanent housing show promise, roadblocks remain.

A coalition of nonprofits and local governments recently&nbsp;<a href="https://democracyforward.org/updates/local-governments-and-nonprofit-groups-challenge-unlawful-new-trump-vance-administration-restrictions-that-threaten-proven-solutions-to-homelessness/?utm_source=Master+Email+List&amp;utm_campaign=12ffa7439b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_09_22_03_36_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_-bd1968e562-&amp;utm_source=Master+Email+List&amp;utm_campaign=12ffa7439b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_09_22_03_36_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_-bd1968e562-267376953" target="_blank">sued</a>&nbsp;the Trump administration, arguing it created unreasonable restrictions on state continuums of care across the country. The lawsuit argues that the administration is looking to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/community-coc" target="_blank">shift funding away</a>&nbsp;from proven solutions that improve homelessness and that it could force up to 170,000 Americans into homelessness.

The new rules change what types of projects are eligible for funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the criteria for selecting projects and the conditions grantees have to accept to receive the funding, the lawsuit argues.

Ultimately, Joplin Mayor Cortez and other experts said that following up with someone after they receive care or resources is key in reducing homelessness.

Cortez is excited about a new development of 16 tiny homes dedicated to providing permanent housing situations for Joplin. But addressing the issue takes everyone coming together, he said.

“This is an ongoing thing that everybody in the community is involved in —– the health care community, the religious community,” Cortez said. “We have some passionate champions in our community working to resolve this problem.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/12/12/missouri-homeless-drop-offs-joplin-rides-columbia/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Missouri</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

As homeless population rises in Missouri, cities confront cross-border ‘drop-offs’

KFEQ Week in Review

Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph will celebrate 204 graduates at its Winter Commencement at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the MWSU Fieldhouse at the M.O. Looney Complex. The public is invited to attend, with doors opening at 10:15 a.m. 

This semester, MWSU will confer 172 undergraduate degrees, including 51 with honors, and 32 graduate degrees to students from Missouri,&nbsp; including 11 other states, and five foreign countries. 

The ceremony will feature graduates from the College of Science and Health, General Studies, the College of Business and Professional Studies, and the College of Liberal Arts.

The commencement ceremony will include an address from guest speaker Lee Tieman, managing partner of Tieman, Spencer and Hicks and Chairman of the MWSU Board of Governors.&nbsp; As well as student speaker Patty Lashbrook, an applied communications and journalism major. Following the event, the Missouri Western Alumni Association will sponsor a brief reception in the Looney practice gym. 

Additionally, nursing graduates will participate in a separate pinning ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in the Fulkerson Center.

MWSU Winter Commencement Set for Dec. 13

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

The first year of having all seven Missouri high school football championships in St. Joseph was a successful event.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says he judges the success of the event on the experience of participants and the feedback received.  And Esely says the feedback has been positive. 

Esely says one thing that was validated in the first year was that Spratt Stadium at Missouri Western State University was the perfect size for these games 

"You know if you came to the Class 5 championship game in which Platte County won on Friday night or the Class 6 championship game where Lees Summit won on Saturday night, you saw a stadium that was absolutely electric, it was almost full,” Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “And again, that’s the environment a state championship should be played in, and in all due respect to Faurot Field in Columbia, you’re really going to struggle to get that just because of the stadium size.” 

Esely says there are not a lot of stadiums in this state that are set up and built to host three football games in one day any better than Spratt Stadium is as well which made for a memorable three days. 

Esely says he's received several positive comments about the championships, the most positive being teams saying that it felt like they were wanted here 

"I think that’s absolutely evident to people that saw the championship behind the scenes, the administrators, the media, is we definitely wanted them there,” Esely explains. 

And Esely says no matter if it's a team as close as Platte County, or as far as Live for Life Academy from St. Louis 

"I think you walked into an environment that was championship ready, I think the red carpet was rolled out for those folks, and I think it definitely left a good impression, not only for this year, but the next three guaranteed years we have,” Esely says. 

Esely says while the event was successful, they are always evaluating how to improve the event, all the way from concessions to security.  

Esely says first and foremost though, it's about the experience given to the 14 teams, and that it felt like a championship environment. 

"I think based on the feedback that we received is we delivered there,” Esely says.  “And we also want to make sure that our partner is happy as well, and that’s our friends at the Missouri High School Activities Association, they trusted us to bring their championship here and they certainly have a level of expectation as well, and I think their staff left here happy late Saturday night as well.” 

Esely says the hope is a good impression was left and the success of the event leads to even more success in the next three years, and hopefully even longer term. 

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

First year of MSHSAA football championships in St. Joseph a success

Community members are invited to join St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale and a special visitor from the North Pole for free skating, prizes and giveaways at Bode Ice Arena, located at 2500 Southwest Parkway.

The Mayor’s Christmas Party will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Attendees will be treated to a short program featuring the Griffon Gliders Synchronized Skating Teams and the St. Joseph Figure Skating Club’s 2026 seniors.

Following the performance, everyone is welcome to skate with Santa. Skates will be provided at no charge. Guests will also receive tickets for door prizes, and each person will go home with a T-shirt and a goodie bag.

Free skating, gifts await at Mayor's Christmas Party this Saturday at Bode Ice Arena

Area families are invited to help celebrate the Christmas season with 'Cookies, Cops, and Santa Claus' this Sunday at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in St. Joseph.

Patrol officer with the St. Joseph Police Department and event organizer, Joey Thompson, says there are several activities planned for this Sunday, "We'll have coloring pages, people can craft a holiday ornament, there will be cookies, drinks, and of course we can't forget about Santa Claus."

The event is free and open to everyone. Thompson says free digital photos will also be available. "You can either use your own equipment but we'll have a camera set up at the lodge."

FOP Lodge #3 is located at 621 S. 36th Street and takes place from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 14.

Thompson says this is the inaugural event, "This is our very first year and we hope to continue it each year after this."

Celebrate the holiday season with Cookies, Cops and Santa Claus at FOP Lodge

A significant cold front is forecast to move through Missouri this weekend, bringing the coldest temperatures experienced so far this season. Residents should prepare for a sharp drop in mercury.

Overnight lows on Saturday are expected to dip into the single digits across much of the state. Coupled with brisk winds, wind chills could fall below zero, creating potentially hazardous conditions.

Northern and northeast Missouri should also anticipate accumulating snow, with up to three total inches possible between Friday and Saturday. Temperatures are expected to begin warming up early next week.

Brace for the deep freeze in Northern Missouri

March corn closed down 5 3/4 cents and May corn was down 5 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 16 3/4 cents and March soybeans were down 16 cents. March KC wheat closed down 4 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 4 1/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 1/2 cents.

March corn closed down 4 cents and March corn was down 3 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 28 1/2 cents and March soybeans were down 29 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 13 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 6 1/2 cents and March Minneapolis wheat was up 2 3/4 cents.

The mostly bearish price action in row-crop futures on Friday was not unique just to agricultural products, with heavy selling seen across macroeconomic markets as well from equities to energies. In row crops, soybeans again led the way lower as bears remain in full control of momentum currently; although the market is becoming a touch oversold from a technical standpoint. Corn and wheat markets were lower as well with corn lower on the soybean weakness and wheat markets initially holding stubbornly to short gains were ultimately unable to trade against the overarching bearish tone to close the week. Looking at outside markets, essentially the only major indicator which was higher for Friday was the U.S. Dollar Index, snapping a streak of two lower days primarily due to higher Treasury yields.

Following Thursday's rally, the live cattle complex once again traded lower as the market still doesn't believe it possesses enough support to challenge the market's resistance at its 100-day moving average. One could argue that the rally this week in the fed cash cattle market should be enough support to help traders make that move, but from a technical standpoint, traders still aren't confident about that leap. If traders were to challenge the resistance at the 100-day moving average, they'd need to believe that there's enough support in the marketplace to not only conquer that threshold, but also sustain a position above that mark as a move over the 100-day moving average would signal continued support, which is likely what traders are struggling with most at this point given that they obviously see that the market holds ample fundamental support this week, but don't know what's in store for the upcoming holiday weeks. So far this week Northern dressed cattle have traded at mostly $353 to $355, which is $10.00 to $12.00 higher than last week's weighted average, and Southern live cattle have traded at mostly $230, which is $6.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice down $0.85 ($357.26) and select up $1.32 ($344.87) with a movement of 89 loads (61.32 loads of choice, 8.07 loads of select, 15.07 loads of trim and 4.20 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex doesn't seem to believe it has enough support either to sustain its position above the market's 100-day moving average, and it's currently trading below that threshold. Today's slight regression doesn't likely mean that traders believe the market needs to again trade vastly lower, but rather that they potentially jumped the gun on challenging the resistance at the market's 100-day moving average.

While the cattle contracts were trading mostly lower, the lean hog complex fought to keep its upward momentum. Today's support mostly came from traders' willingness to continue to advance the complex as pork cash prices and pork cutout values were lower.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/12140312/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

A bipartisan group of 23 senators called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expedite development of a comprehensive bird flu vaccination strategy amid rising infections in livestock flocks. Lawmakers warn that outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, have killed millions of birds nationwide, threatening poultry producers already coping with supply chain pressures and volatile markets. 

While USDA announced plans earlier in the year to pursue a vaccine, senators say the lack of a clear timeline and implementation framework has left farmers without a dependable tool to protect flocks. The group emphasized that any vaccination approach should be grounded in scientific research and include input from producers, veterinarians and trade stakeholders. They also highlighted concerns about how vaccination policies could affect international trade if foreign partners remain wary of U.S. poultry exports. USDA has pledged research funding but has not yet released detailed operational plans. 

Senators push USDA for faster bird flu vaccine plan

American farmers reacted to the federal government’s newly announced $12 billion aid package with cautious relief, saying the funds may help some producers but won’t offset major financial strains facing the industry. The payments, which are part of a one-time bridge program aimed at helping farmers manage high input costs and market disruptions, are designed to provide temporary relief as producers prepare for the upcoming planting season. 

However, growers and agricultural economists argue the amount will not fully cover losses tied to depressed commodity prices, reduced export demand and elevated expenses for fuel, fertilizer and labor. Some producers said while the support offers needed breathing room, it does not address ongoing structural challenges, including trade barriers that have limited market access for major crops. Farm leaders continue to urge policymakers to pursue long-term market solutions alongside emergency support. 

Farmers say new $12B aid still falls short 

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

Soybean futures alternated between marginal losses and gains multiple times through Tuesday's session, ultimately settling slightly higher. Meanwhile, corn and wheat futures were also very indecisive, with corn prices remaining in prevailing price range, and wheat futures themselves mixed, with lower Kansas City futures but higher Chicago and Minneapolis markets. In outside markets, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has moved to new record highs on Thursday following the interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday. Meanwhile, energy prices provided some pressure to Ag futures on Thursday, with crude oil futures lower for the third session out of the past four, hitting the lowest price for most active futures since mid-October, which is among the lowest of 2025 as well.

The live cattle complex grew more brave as the market pushed a $1.00 to $2.00 rally into Thursday's noon hour, but in doing so has grown increasingly closer to pushing the market's resistance at its 100-day moving average. But until this point, traders haven't been convinced that the market possesses enough support to break above that threshold. Upon seeing some sharply higher sales develop in the fed cash cattle market, traders have grown braver. A few deals have been marked this morning at $355 dressed in Nebraska, which is $12.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice down $0.42 ($358.94) and select up $0.77 ($345.65) with a movement of 114 loads (52.95 loads of choice, 9.31 loads of select, 40.08 loads of trim and 11.42 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex has taken the brave leap of faith as it's seeing its spot January contract trade above its 100-day moving average.With the bullish developments in the fed cash cattle market, there's a chance that the market could close with this momentum.

The lean hog complex has also broken through its resistance at $82.00 as the spot February contract is currently trading above $84.00. A bullish tone has seemed to overtake the livestock complex, which is helping lend the lean hog complex a little more support, and it's also favorable that pork cutout values were higher again this morning.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/11135302/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

A new CoBank Report on the forces shaping the economy in 2026 says ample grain supplies will likely continue burdening the markets in 2026. Global grain and oilseed markets are still oversupplied, but increased biofuels production and improving export conditions are boosting optimism that prices have passed their cyclical bottoms. Demand for U.S. grains and oilseeds will continue strengthening as low prices stimulate usage. 

Elsewhere, investment in efficiency is paying dividends in animal protein production as consumers continue demanding more. Despite rising prices for meat and poultry, animal protein demand is expected to remain strong in 2026. The combination of higher revenues and falling feed prices is boosting producer optimism for the year ahead, but not to the degree that expansion is expected to proliferate. Milk protein is also poised for an extended bull-market run as demand for protein-based dairy products continues to climb. 

CoBank: forces shaping the 2026 rural economy

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition’s Executive Director Allison Graab, applauded the introduction of the “Securing America’s Fuels Act” in the U.S. House. The SAF Act restores the full value of the credit for SAF and extends the entire 45Z tax credit through 2033. Senator Mike Flood (NE), one of the sponsors, said now is the right time for this legislation as America is on the cusp of the next great biofuels' revolution. “This Act is yet another way that Congress can grow our biofuels economy and encourage innovation that creates great jobs across Rural America,” Flood said. 

Kansas Representative, Sharice Davids said the SAF Act ensures that clean fuel production incentives are strong and long-term, so businesses, farmers, and innovators can plan for the future with confidence. “Sustainable aviation fuel isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for our farmers, communities, and economy,” said Kansas Representative Tracey Mann. 

SAF coalition applauds Securing America’s Fuels Act

The American Lamb Board is excited to share a new seasonal promotion designed to help drive consumers to restaurants that proudly feature American lamb, and to highlight the hard work of our U.S. sheep producers. 

ALB launched the Feast It Forward Giveaway, giving consumers a chance to win a gift card to their favorite restaurant serving American lamb. It’s a holiday incentive that keeps American lamb top-of-mind during one of the busiest dining seasons of the year. Participants can enter by visiting the Holiday Headquarters at Americanlamb.com. They can nominate their favorite restaurant that serves lamb and submit their entry. 

Winners will be announced at the end of December. “It’s a fun giveaway that celebrates the chefs, restaurants, and the producers who bring our American Lamb experiences to life,” said ALB Chair Jeff Ebert. “We support the restaurants that champion American Lamb and give consumers another reason to enjoy it.”

Lamb Farmers Launch Feast It Forward Giveaway

Following the success of its 40th music anniversary and food festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Farm Aid said it’s distributing over $1.3 million in grant funding this year to support family farmers. 

Putting the proceeds of its annual festival to work to strengthen family farms and agriculture, Farm Aid’s End of the Year Grant Program advances the on-the-ground work of farm and food organizations across the country. “These organizations are at the heart of the farm movement, with family farmers at the center of their work and leadership,” said Farm Aid President and Founder Willie Nelson. “This is especially important as farmers once again face trying times reminiscent of the crisis that gave rise to Farm Aid and the movement we’re a part of.” 

This month, Farm Aid committed $1,146,000 to 106 family farm, rural response, and urban agriculture organizations. Another $190,000+ going to other grant programs brings it to $1,336,000 this year.

Farm Aid Distributes Over $1.3 Million in Grants

The USDA is making $12 billion available in one-time bridge payments to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs that are still impacting farmers. 

These bridge payments are intended in part to aid farmers until investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes a 10-21 percent increase in reference prices, are set to reach eligible farmers on October 1, 2026. Of the $12 billion provided, up to $11 billion will be used for the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, which provides broad relief to row crop farmers producing a wide range of commodities. Farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect payments to be released by February 28, 2026. 

Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5pm ET on December 19, 2025. Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of the month.

More Details on the Emergency Bridge Payments to Farmers

March corn was up 4 1/4 cents per bushel, January soybeans were down 6 1/2 cents, March KC wheat was 1/4 cent lower steady, March Chicago wheat was 1/2 cent higher and March Minneapolis wheat was near unchanged.

Heading into the Tuesday close, except for corn, the December WASDE report turned out to be a dud. Corn export sales were increased by a more-than-expected 125 mb to a record large 3.2 billion bushels. The wheat and soy balance sheets in the U.S. were left untouched and that seems strange for beans with the tepid pace of China purchases. In wheat, major exporter supplies rose by close to 9 mmt, but that was pretty much in the market.

The live cattle complex got off to a mild rally this morning as the market desires to trade higher, but traders aren't confident that the market possesses enough support to break through the market's stiff resistance at its 40-day and 100-day moving averages just yet. Still no cash cattle trade has developed and bids and asking prices remain elusive at this point. Tuesday's WASDE report shared mixed news for cattle and beef markets of 2025 and 2026. Beef production for 2025 was increased as both fed and non-fed slaughter have increased, and as carcass weights continue to be at an all-time high. Beef production for 2025 is now estimated at 25,950 million pounds -- up 194 million pounds from last month's report. Beef production for 2026 increased from last month's report as well -- now estimated to total 25,725 million pounds, up 335 million pounds from last month's estimate.

The feeder cattle complex was traded right in line again this week with the live cattle market -- seeing more than enough fundamental support in feeder cattle sales in the countryside -- but without the technical reassurance from the live cattle market, traders aren't willing to push the contracts beyond the 40-day and 100-day moving averages just yet. Yesterday afternoon, feeder cattle prices were marked anywhere from $5.00 to $30.00 higher as demand has again perked back up in the countryside.

And just like the cattle complex, the market's resistance simply seems too stiff for the lean hog complex to challenge at this point in time, as most of the contracts traded lower into the day's closing bell. It's likely that the market will keep this slightly lower tone, as it's going to take substantial fundamental support to develop before traders will likely challenge that resistance threshold. And although midday pork cutout values were higher, traders are going to need to see consistent support as well. Tuesday's WASDE report shared mixed news for the hog and pork markets of 2025 and 2026. Pork production for 2025 was decreased by 25 million pounds, and pork production for 2026 remained steady at 27,475 million pounds for 2026.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/09141508/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

KANSAS CITY—Three suspects are facing charges in connection with a shooting in Kansas City earlier this month, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2772/T-Huntington-Redacted-Complaint">Tyler J. Huntington</a>,30,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Assault.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2775/Viverette-Complaint-Red">Victor Viverette</a>, 30, faces 1st Degree Domestic Assault and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2774/J-Huntington-Redacted-Probable-Cause">Jerome D. Huntington</a>, 54,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2771/T-Huntington-Redacted-Probable-Cause">According to court records</a>, Raytown police responded to a shooting on Dec. 9 and located Viverette bleeding from his right forearm.&nbsp;

Based on witness reports and surveillance footage, detectives determined that both Tyler and Jerome Huntington encountered Viverette while driving.&nbsp;

Tyler and Jerome, who were driving a white Jeep, slammed on their brakes and Viverette’s vehicle crashed into it. Tyler and Jerome exited the vehicle with firearms. They both discharged their weapons at Viverette’s vehicle, who fired back through his windshield. Viverette was shot. Both vehicles fled the scene.

While detectives were investigating the shooting,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2776/Victor-Viverette-pc-red">police received a report</a>&nbsp;that Viverette had strangled and physically assaulted his girlfriend before taking her dog earlier that day.

Tyler Huntington is being held on a $150,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp; Viverette is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp; Jerome Huntington is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

Suspects exchanged gunfire after KC area traffic crash

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court for his role in a mail fraud scheme in which false documents were submitted to the Missouri Department of Revenue to obtain mechanics liens and titles for vehicles that had previously been reported stolen, according to the United State's Attorney.

Dennis Arthur Cleveland, 75, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count each of mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering.

According to the plea agreement, Cleveland, as the owner of Affordable Towing, directed his employees, who he knew were submitted fraudulent documents, to send those documents to the Missouri Department of Revenue.&nbsp; 

These fraudulent documents were used to obtain substitute or replacement mechanics liens and vehicle titles that would allow Cleveland to sell the vehicles.&nbsp; In each instance, the documents submitted by Cleveland and his employees claimed to have received permission from the vehicle’s owner.&nbsp; Upon reviewing the documents, it was discovered that none of the listed vehicle owners gave Cleveland or Affordable Towing permission to seize or sell their vehicle.&nbsp; 

Further, in all these documents, a signature in the name of the vehicle’s owner was provided and was confirmed to be a forgery.&nbsp; In those instances that Cleveland obtained a replacement lien or title, he would sell the vehicle at a used car dealership.&nbsp; In those instances that Cleveland failed to receive a replacement title or mechanics lien, he would send the vehicle to a local scrapyard.&nbsp;Under either circumstance, Cleveland took all the proceeds from the vehicle’s sale or scrapping of these vehicles for himself.&nbsp; Each of the vehicles involved in this scheme were confirmed to have been reported stolen and neither Cleveland or Affordable Towing had permission to possess, sell, or scrap any of these vehicles.

Under federal statutes, Cleveland is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole for the offense of mail fraud.&nbsp; Further, Cleveland is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole for the offense of money laundering.&nbsp; Finally, Cleveland is subject to a sentence of 2 years, run consecutively to the mail fraud and money laundering, for the offense of aggravated identity theft.&nbsp; The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Owner of Mo. towing business admits to mail fraud scheme

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations.

Just before 3 p.m. Dec. 9, a&nbsp; Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet pickup on 150th&nbsp;Road near U.S. Highway 75, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; 

The driver, Perkins Whitetail, 70, of Mayetta, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methampehtamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a depressant and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; 

The passenger Ella Montoy Mzhickteno, 55, of Mayetta, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a depressant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

At approximately 7 p.m. that day, Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a search warrant at 209 E. Clark Street, Mayetta the residence of Perkins Whitetail.&nbsp; During the search, deputies seized items believed to be illegal drug contraband. The following additional requested charges were added to Whitetail including possession of methampehtamine, possession of an opioid, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Traffic stop led to arrests and drug bust at Kansas home

The billion-dollar Powerball® jackpot is on the rise. The jackpot has reached an estimated $1.1 billion for Monday night’s drawing, with an estimated cash value of $503.4 million, according to a statement from the Multi-State Lottery Association.

Monday’s jackpot ranks as the sixth largest in Powerball history.

“This jackpot streak is bringing people together to dream big during this festive time of year,” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “Please play responsibly. Just one $2 Powerball® ticket gives you a chance to win this jackpot while also supporting good causes in your community.”

The Powerball jackpot rolled last night after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 1, 28, 31, 57, 58 and red Powerball 16. The Power Play® multiplier was 2X.

Although there was no jackpot winner, U.S. lotteries are reminding players to check their tickets carefully, as many may still have won cash prizes.

Nationwide, seven tickets won cash prizes worth $1 million or more in last night’s Powerball® drawing. Five tickets, sold in California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and Virginia, matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes.

Two tickets, sold in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, matched all five white balls and, because the players added the Power Play® option for $1 more, the $1 million prize increased to $2 million for each ticket.

The drawing also produced 49 tickets that won $50,000 prizes and 12 tickets that won $100,000 prizes.

Note: In California, prize payout amounts are pari-mutuel and determined by sales and the number of winners.

In the Double Play® drawing, two tickets, sold in Colorado and North Carolina, each won a $500,000 prize after matching all five black balls. Double Play is a $1 add-on feature that allows players to player their Powerball numbers, again, in a separate drawing for a chance to win up to $10 million. Double Play drawings are live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>&nbsp;following the main Powerball drawing.

Monday’s Powerball drawing will be the 43rd in the current jackpot run, setting a game record for most consecutive drawings in a single jackpot cycle. The Powerball jackpot was last won on Sept. 6 by two tickets in Missouri and Texas that split a $1.787 billion prize.

If a player wins Monday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1.1 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $503.4 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $37 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

Powerball jackpot grows to 6th largest in history after Saturday drawing

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A southwestern Kansas county plans to sue the state for more than $2 million after nearly a decade of mistaken payments, mounting concern for democratic processes.

Voters in Morton County, which borders the Oklahoma panhandle and Colorado, approved a countywide sales tax in 2015 that directed funds to their local hospital. But an early administrative error that the county tried to fix resulted in the Kansas Department of Revenue sending checks to the county’s cities, which spent the money.

The hospital was short more than $1.8 million over those nine years, and the county took on new debt as it tried to cover the struggling hospital’s missing costs, according to the commissioners. In addition to the misappropriated payments, the county is suing the revenue department for an additional $295,000 to pay for the interest and legal fees from the new debt.

Morton County’s board of commissioners decided Monday it “will not compromise on recovering the full $2,152,421.36 and ensuring the financial future of our hospital,” the board said in a Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://mtcoks.com/" target="_blank">announcement</a>.

“The liability rests with the state of Kansas,” said the board, which comprises commissioners Ed Anderson, Jim Tucker and chairman J.W. Finn.

The revenue department declined to comment because of the involvement of litigation, said Zach Denney, a department spokesperson.

At a Dec. 2 legislative hearing in Topeka, the department’s chief counsel, Ted Smith, said the department fixed the sales tax revenue’s appropriation earlier this year, following an opinion from the Kansas Attorney General’s Office that underlined the voters’ intent to give funds to the hospital.&nbsp;

The hospital began receiving full checks after ten years of partial funds.&nbsp;

The Morton County attorney, David Thompson, tried at the hearing to make a claim against the state to recover the funds through a legislative process. But lawmakers did not immediately accept. The committee arrived at two options. Legislators said they could forward the issue to a larger group of lawmakers, who would take it up in January, or the county could take legal action.&nbsp;

The county had yet to file a lawsuit as of Thursday.

As passed, Morton County voters approved a general sales tax provision instead of one specifically for health care services because of a clerical error. The question on voters’ ballots cited the wrong subparagraph in state law. As it was voted on, Smith said, the department was bound by statute to formulaically distribute the sales tax revenue to Morton County and its three cities.