The director and a star from a movie filmed throughout the St. Joseph and Savannah area will return next month for a special one-night screening.  

Director Matthew Toronto and co-leading actress Kylee Levien will come to the Trail Theatre on December 4th for a meet and greet and a Q and A session to go along with the screening of ‘A ChrisMystery’. 

St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson Christian Mengel says the event came to life thanks to someone local who worked on the film  

"We had somebody who was local to the region on the crew that said hey I’m still in contact with some of the people in the LA area that said they would be willing to come back for a showing,” Mengel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, naturally we were like what’s their schedule, what’s it look like? And so December 4th was the day that seemed to work for the director and Kylee.” 

 Mengel says people from the movie coming back is a great opportunity, because while they are here, they don't get much of a chance to experience the town.  

"This is an opportunity for them to come back on their own time, on their own schedule, kind of relax and just have conversations with people who maybe were directly involved either as crew in the region or were extras or had property that was part of the film, maybe offered up their car or their home,” Mengel explains. 

Tickets to the screening are $5 and can be purchased online or at the door, while available.  The meet and greet will begin at 6:30pm with the screening at 7.  

Mengel says there will also be an opportunity for people to ask questions about the film 

“This is an opportunity for them in the room to basically give you that off the wall detail of now here’s exactly where we filmed or what it was like on this day, you get those kind of special moments and details that you otherwise wouldn’t get,” Mengel says. 

 The question-and-answer session, hosted by Bob Schultz will follow the movie. 

The movie is available to view currently on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.54a25b9f-4515-4245-8337-a5ab160ab91c?ref_=imdbref_tt_ov_wbr_ovf__pvt_aiv&amp;tag=imdbtag_tt_ov_wbr_ovf__pvt_aiv-20">Prime Video</a>. A trailer is also available on YouTube.

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

Local film shot in St. Joseph, Savannah to be screened at the Trail Theatre

CALDWELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford Edge driven by a 19-year-old Parkville man was westbound on U.S. 36 at Joe Montana Road three miles east of Cameron.&nbsp; The SUV struck a westbound 2022 Chevy Trailblazer driven by a 58-year-old Lawson man who was slowing. After impact the Chevy struck a bridge railing.&nbsp;

Caldwell County EMS transported a 53-year-old female passenger in th Chevy to Liberty Hospital. The drivers were not injured. The occupants of the Chevy were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman injured after crash pushed SUV into bridge rail

KFEQ Sports

KFEQ News

St. Joseph Police
Chief Paul Luster says his department is responding to residents’ concerns
about traffic violations, including expired temporary license plates.

Luster says the
city survey confirmed what he has heard during community meetings.

The police chief
says the department has partnered with the Missouri State Highway Patrol to use
its helicopter during traffic saturation efforts. Luster says he hopes the word
gets out about a crackdown on traffic violations.

“Getting that
message out that we’re going to take this seriously,” Luster tells KFEQmmunity.
“So, we get out there do a lot of traffic stops, write a lot of tickets, write
a lot of warnings, do a lot of education, but then also have that helicopter
element in the sky, too, which works out really well for us.”

Two recent
saturation events illustrate the point. In the first, five drivers fled from
police officers attempting to pull them over. All five were apprehended. In the
second, four drivers fled. All four face charges.

Luster says none
realized they were being tracked by the Highway Patrol helicopter.

“A lot of them,
home base is their residence,” Luster says. “So, they’ll run and they’ll pull
in their driveway and they think, oh I made it, and then all of the sudden
three or four police cars are surrounding their house instantly, because the
helicopter’s putting out that information.”

Missouri lawmakers
moved to increase the penalties for fleeing from police a couple of years ago.
Legislators approve Valentine’s Law, putting sharper teeth into state law.

Luster says
drivers who fled from police during the recent saturation efforts found out how
sharp those teeth were.

“They’re learning
this is a really serious charge and there’s no I can just go get probation for
this anymore. You have to do those 12 months,” Luster says. “And that’s a giant
deterrent that says, for Missouri, we’re taking this seriously.” 

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joe police use patrol helicopter to crack down on traffic violations

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Toyota Corolla driven by a 17-year-old Bethany girl was northbound on U.S. 69 just south of NE 121 six miles south of Cameron. the car struck a deer.

Cameron EMS transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained at the time of the crash, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri teen injured after car, deer crash

Five people were arrested in Faucett on Tuesday by the Buchanan County Special Operation Division in connection with crimes across the Midwest.  

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports that on Tuesday, the Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force, comprised of the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office Career Criminal Unit, St. Joseph Police Department, and Missouri Highway Patrol located three vehicles in Faucett at the Pilot gas station connected to crimes in several states across the Midwest.  

Officers took four males and one female into custody and seized the three vehicles at the scene.  All five suspects were found to be citizens of Venezuela and due to the significance of the alleged crimes ICE was notified. 

All five suspects were taken to the Buchanan County jail for further investigation before being transferred into ICE custody.   

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

Five arrested in connection with multiple crimes across Midwest

DeKalb County
authorities are investigating a fatal fire in Weatherby.

The DeKalb County
Sheriff’s Office reports the residential fire very early Thursday morning
claimed the lives of three occupants. The office reports deputies along with
first responders arrived at the home to find the three dead.

The State Fire
Marshal has been called in to help with the investigation.

If anyone has
information, they are asked to call DeKalb County Captain Mike Morris at
816-449-5802.

Fatal house fire in Weatherby claims three lives

The City of St. Joseph will see just its third change in city clerk leadership in more than 70 years as longtime city clerk Paula Heyde announced her upcoming retirement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Heyde will retire at the end of January after more than four decades of service.&nbsp; The St. Joseph City Council has appointed Deputy Clerk Kaycee Garton to assume the role at the beginning of February.

Heyde, a native of Stanberry, Missouri, began her work with the city clerk’s office in January 1983 and became an official staff member the following year. She was appointed city clerk in October of 1988, succeeding Walter Welsh, who had served since 1954. Her 40-plus-year career has spanned generations of city leaders.

“I’ve enjoyed working with all the different councils and mayors over the years, and some of them, along with coworkers, have become friends I keep in touch with,” Heyde said in a news release from the city. “It’s been great working with Kay, and I’m sure she will do an excellent job.”

Mayor John Josendale praised Heyde’s enduring contributions to the city.

“Paula is the life and soul of the city. She knows more than anybody when you think about the longevity and the number of councils she’s worked with over the years,” he said. “She’s taught me a lot, which proves you can teach old dogs. I know Kaycee has learned from her as well, which is why I have confidence that she will do an excellent job in this new role and continue the great service that office is known for.”

Garton, a St. Joseph native and Benton High School graduate, began her career with the City of St. Joseph as a police officer in 2018. She transitioned to an administrative assistant role in 2022, supporting the offices of the city manager, City Council, legal, communications and clerk. She was appointed deputy clerk in the summer of 2025.

“I’m honored and excited to step into the role of City Clerk,” Garton said. “This position carries a legacy of integrity, professionalism and service that Paula Heyde embodied for more than 40 years. Paula set the standard for excellence, and I’m committed to upholding that tradition while bringing new energy and dedication to support our organization, our elected officials, and our community. It’s a privilege to build on the foundation she created.”

Garton’s salary will be $80,000 effective on the date of her new appointment.

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

St. Joseph City Clerk Paula Heyde announces retirement; Kaycee Garton to take over role

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

December corn closed down 1 cent and March corn was down 1/4 cent. January soybeans closed up 2 1/2 cents and March soybeans were up 2 1/4 cents. December KC wheat closed up 4 3/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was unchanged, December Minneapolis wheat was down 7 3/4 cents.

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

Markets took on a more reserved tone Friday ahead of the weekend, with futures trading both sides of even but gaining some semblance of footing following a turn lower across the middle part of the past week. For the most part, it was a retracement-themed week as prices finished on Friday very close to last week's close, with traders for now removing Monday's premium primarily from the soybean market. The support points which propped up prices for Friday will be interesting to monitor when trade resumes on Sunday evening and into next week's holiday-shortened week. Outside markets for Friday were mixed, with equities recovering near October lows. Meanwhile, energy markets headed lower again with January crude oil futures posting the lowest close in a month behind the idea that the proposed peace plan between Russia and Ukraine would ultimately result in a lifting of existing sanctions against the Russian oil industry.

After trading sharply lower as traders at first reacted poorly to the news that broke late Thursday afternoon that President Trump has lifted the tariff on Brazilian beef, as odd as it may sound, the live cattle complex got back to trading higher before closing softly lower into Friday's close. Besides the slightly higher boxed beef prices this morning, it's tough to pinpoint exactly what's giving traders enough support to look beyond Thursday's trade development. Nevertheless, for the sake of cattle producers, higher trade is higher trade, and that's always a win. No new cash cattle trade has developed. Do remember that later this afternoon the monthly Cattle on Feed report will be released. So far this week, Northern dressed deals have been marked at mostly $345, $6 lower than the prior week's weighted average basis Nebraska, while Southern live deals have been done at $222 to $224, $4 to $6 lower than the previous week's weighted averages.

The feeder cattle complex was taking more of a cautious approach to Friday's trade, as some of its deferred contracts traded higher, but the nearby contracts were still lower and the entire complex finished down. The feeder cattle complex remains on edge as everyone in the industry knows that eventually the border is going to reopen, which will ripple a negative effect throughout the futures complex, and the monthly Cattle on Feed report is set to be released.

The lean hog complex traded fully lower into Friday's closing bell, as the market, once again, comes up empty-handed in terms of enough fundamental support. And while yes, pork cutout values may have been higher this morning, traders need to see more than one day's worth of higher trade to keep the contracts trading higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/11/21135332/web-closing-markets-2.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

The New Democrat Coalition, made up of about 115 House Democrats, on Thursday unveiled a sweeping Rural Revitalization Agenda aimed at boosting healthcare access, strengthening the farm economy and expanding broadband in underserved communities. The coalition said the plan is designed to spur long-term economic growth in rural areas. The effort is led by Reps. Kim Schrier of Washington, Jim Costa of California, April McClain Delaney of Maryland and Josh Riley of New York. 

The agenda focuses on stabilizing rural hospitals, improving access to medical services and addressing persistent hunger. It also calls for new investment in small and specialty crop producers, reforms to trade and Farm Bill programs, and measures to ensure farmers can compete in global markets. Another major pillar targets the digital divide by expanding reliable, affordable broadband and modernizing federal connectivity programs. Coalition leaders said they intend to work across the aisle on a bipartisan Farm Bill while pushing for greater parity and support in existing rural programs.

‘New Democrat Coalition’ releases rural revitalization agenda

USDA reports that the 2025 U.S. harvest is nearing completion, with 91 % of the country’s corn crop and 95 % of soybeans harvested as of Nov. 16 in the top 18 producing states. Corn harvesting lags the five-year average of 94 % and trails last year’s progress when 98 % was already completed. Soybean harvests are just one point behind the five-year pace of 96 % and three points behind 2024’s 98 % finish. 

Farmers in key states like Iowa report essentially wrapping up operations, with only about 3 % of corn and 1 % of soybeans left to harvest.  Weather disruptions earlier in the season, including rain and frost, help explain the slower pace in some regions. With harvest nearly done, focus is turning to winter wheat planting and preparation for the next crop year.

Harvest wrapping up across U.S.

December corn closed down 3 1/4 cents and March corn was down 3 3/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 13 3/4 cents and March soybeans were down 12 1/2 cents. December KC wheat closed down 9 1/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was down 9 3/4 cents, December MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 8 1/2 cents.

The market continued to remove premium from prices on Thursday, despite another strong reported sale to China for soybeans early Thursday morning. It would seem like a classic case of "buying the rumor and selling the fact" in the complex for this week. Now that China has seemingly returned to the U.S. market in a meaningful way, traders likely are seeking to establish a new price range. In other words, from the October lows, how much in cents per bushel is the anticipated business from China worth? Time will tell on that. In outside markets, the general bearish tone for Thursday was well noted, with equities all but giving back a short bounce based on strong earnings from AI darling Nvidia. Fears of an AI bubble are the most pointed to explanation for the stock market weakness. Meanwhile, energy futures are lower again, with diesel prices reversing from multi-month highs perhaps on news that President Trump has reportedly approved a plan for ending the Russian-Ukraine war.

The livestock complex was again trading mixed as the cattle contracts dipped lower upon not seeing enough fundamental support in the market, but the lean hog contracts traded higher. No new cash cattle trade has developed, but bids were on the table in Nebraska.

Without seeing more fundamental support, the live cattle complex was trading lower into midday Thursday as traders were disappointed to note the decline in fed cash cattle prices again this week, and aren't overly thrilled with boxed beef prices being mixed again this morning.

Again today, the lean hog contracts were trading higher as traders seem to believe that the market has trended lower enough for the time being. It is helpful that pork cutout values were a tick higher this morning, but the volume of cash hogs traded over the week has been relatively thin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/05/29192003/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

U.S. farm safety net programs are projected to deliver more than $13.5 billion in payments for the 2025 crop year, though farmers will not receive the funds until October 2026. The payments come through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, which were modified under the One Big Beautiful Bill reconciliation package signed into law July 4. 

FarmDoc Daily reports the changes, relative to the 2018 Farm Bill, are expected to increase both the likelihood and potential size of ARC and PLC payments in 2025 and future years. Farmers who enrolled in 2025 will receive whichever payment — ARC or PLC — is higher, while enrollment choices will again influence payments starting in 2026. Estimates rely on USDA projections from the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report and data from the Farm Service Agency. Payment rates are calculated using county-level base acres, non-irrigated yields where relevant, and program simulation models, providing detailed projections ahead of next year’s disbursements.

Safety Net Programs Set to Pay More than $13 Billion in 2026

The White House has held separate meetings with oil refiners and biofuel producers as it works to resolve a long-standing dispute over U.S. biofuel-blending requirements, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Biofuels-news.com reports the talks focus on billions of gallons of blending obligations that were waived for small refineries, raising questions about whether larger refiners should make up any of the exempted volumes. 

A decision, originally expected by the end of October, was delayed by the federal government shutdown. The outreach reflects the administration’s effort to balance competing interests: the oil industry argues that federal mandates threaten refinery jobs, while the agricultural sector says the waivers have reduced demand for corn-based ethanol and other biofuels. 

The outcome could influence fuel prices, farm incomes, and energy policy heading into next year. Officials also discussed year-round sales of gasoline containing 15% ethanol, or E15, potentially linking the measure to small-refinery waiver reforms to win support from both industries.

White House Moving Toward Biofuels Blending Resolution

As the federal government reopens, farmers say the temporary extension of the 2018 Farm Bill offers little relief from rising costs and growing uncertainty. President Donald Trump’s signature restored funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but the farm law that underpins crop insurance, conservation programs and disaster aid is only renewed short term. 

Kentucky farmer Keith Lowry told the Paducah Sun that production and input costs have doubled since 2018 while commodity prices have stagnated, leaving growers without the safety net they need. He added that trade disruptions — including past tensions with China — continue to narrow export opportunities for soybeans and other crops. 

American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland said reopening the government is only a first step and urged Congress to advance regulations and trade efforts that support demand. Farmers say the shutdown hindered access to loans and assistance, compounding a difficult year marked by heavy rains, drought and escalating expenses.

Farmers Worry Renewal of Outdated Farm Bill Doesn’t Adequately Fund Critical Programs

December corn closed down 7 cents and March corn was down 8 cents. January soybeans closed down 17 1/4 cents and March soybeans were down 15 3/4 cents. December KC wheat closed down 10 3/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was down 9 3/4 cents, December MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 1 1/2 cents.

The market turned lower across the board Wednesday in a general risk-off session which stretched from commodities to equity markets. In terms of agricultural products, despite no overtly bearish news to point to on Wednesday, there was also little on the bullish side to sustain momentum against firm chart resistance which may have long-term implications, especially for the soybean market. Energy markets were weaker on Wednesday and added a layer of pressure to corn and soybean oil markets, despite the weekly EIA Petroleum Status report showing lower U.S. crude inventories week over week.

The cattle contracts are trading lower into Wednesday's noon hour as the market is disgruntled with the lack of fundamental support. Some light trade has developed in the North, where dressed cattle were trading at $345, which is $6.00 lower than last week's weighted average.

Without a steadfast stamp of approval from the market's fundamentals, the live cattle contracts were back to trading lower. The market would anticipate that beef demand will begin a sharp fourth-quarter rally in the next week or two, as consumers secure their meat for the Christmas holiday. Still, with beef prices already high compared to years past, the market sits in an unknown position, unsure how much of a fourth-quarter rally is really going to play out. The feeder cattle complex was also trading sharply lower as the market continued to closely follow the direction of the live cattle contracts.

Although midday pork cutout values are lower, once again, the lean hog contracts were trading slightly higher into Wednesday's noon hour as the market has seemed to stumble into some technical support.&nbsp;

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/08/13201542/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

Omaha Steaks President and CEO Nate Rempe (REM-pee) said, unfortunately, America’s beef bills will likely keep climbing. He told Fox News that the nation’s shrinking cattle supply and continued record demand are driving the possibility of ten-dollar-per-pound ground beef that could stretch family budgets for some time. 

“We need to get our arms around this in the U.S.,” he said. “By the third quarter of next year, American families are going to see ten dollars a pound for ground beef in the grocery store, so we’re in for a bit of a haul here.” He added that prices likely won’t come down in a significant way until 2027. “Heifer retention is a decision that the rancher and feedlot operator make to hold back female animals to help rebuild the herd,” Rempe said. “It’s a double-edged sword, because that means the supply is going to continue shrinking as fewer cattle go to market.”

Beef May Reach Ten Dollars Per Pound

President Donald Trump announced that many fertilizers U.S. farmers rely on will be exempt from reciprocal tariffs. The Fertilizer Institute said it’s extremely good news for the industry. 

“The Fertilizer Institute appreciates the Trump administration’s continued recognition of the importance of fertilizers to America’s food security, national security, well-being, and health,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “While the U.S. has robust domestic fertilizer manufacturing and production, it’s a net fertilizer importer and relies on both domestic production and imports during the busy spring planting and fall application periods.” 

He also said the fertilizer market is highly competitive and characterized by a complex web of global supply and demand factors. “Without farmers, there would be no fertilizer industry, and as farmers continue to face economic challenges, the focus of the industry remains promoting a stable industry that supports U.S. agriculture and ensures affordable food prices for American families,” Rosenbusch added.

TFI Reacts to Fertilizer Tariff Exemption

Signature gatherers were allegedly offered thousands of dollars to abandon their work and provide ‘intelligence’ to opponents of the referendum campaign

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Opponents of a referendum on Missouri’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">gerrymandered congressional map</a>&nbsp;are offering “huge sums of money” to signature gatherers in an effort to undermine the petition drive, according to accusations in a federal lawsuit.

Advanced Micro Targeting of Dallas, Texas, was hired by a PAC called People Not Politicians to help collect the signatures needed to put Missouri’s new congressional map on the 2026 ballot. In a lawsuit filed Nov. 11 in Missouri’s Western District U.S. Court, the company alleges four consulting firms are involved in an effort to pay signatures gatherers to abandon their work, turn over signatures and badmouth their employer.

The lawsuit says the defendants have “poached” 28 employees and illegally obtained proprietary information about workers and petition strategy.&nbsp;

U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Monday denied the company’s request for a temporary restraining order, stating the company had not proved “irreparable harm” that could not be compensated later. In response, the Advanced Micro Targeting filed an amended complaint, elaborating on the issues the activities of the four defendants are causing for the signature effort.

The defendants, the lawsuit states, are engaged in “an intentional and malicious effort to interfere with AMT’s operations in Missouri…”

According to campaign finance reports, Advanced Micro Targeting had been paid $1.1 million through Sept. 30 to collect signatures for the referendum. The company previously worked in Missouri on the drives to put abortion legalization and an increased minimum wage on the November 2024 ballot.

It is the first time since the company was established in 2007 that it has taken competitors to court, said Billy Rogers, company founder and president&nbsp;

“This was so egregious,” Rogers said. “We’ve never seen anything like this.”

The Advanced Micro Targeting lawsuit bases its claims on federal law protecting trade secrets and common law protections against defamation. But some of the accusations, if true, could violate the&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=417.450&amp;bid=23887&amp;hl=" target="_blank">Missouri Uniform Trade Secrets Act</a>, while others may violate the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act.&nbsp;

Republican Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s office did not respond to The Independent when asked for comment on the allegations. The only public mentions of Advanced Micro Targeting from Hanaway came in two posts on social media accusing the company of violating the law.

In one, she said her office was&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AGCHanaway/status/1991622663585009846?s=20" target="_blank">investigating the company</a>&nbsp;for employing undocumented immigrants “in their efforts to undermine the will of the people’s elected representatives.”

In&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AGCHanaway/status/1991630554488533122?s=20" target="_blank">the other</a>, Hanaway said she had asked Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to investigate whether the company was “creating an environment for exploitation and human trafficking to thrive.”

Hanaway’s office did not respond to questions about the source of her information or why she deemed it to be credible.

Rogers said no one from the attorney general’s office has contacted him or his company to discuss the accusations. Every person being paid by his company to collect signatures, he said, is a direct employee — and every employee is a legal worker checked through the federal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.e-verify.gov/" target="_blank">E-verify system</a>.

“If we hear from the attorney general’s office or any other government agency, they want to take a look at our employee records and talk to us about our process, we’d be glad to talk to them,” Rogers said. “We do it right. We follow the law.”

Hanaway’s posts are an attempt at intimidation, said Richard von Glahn, director of People Not Politicians. She should know that the company verifies that its workers are eligible for employment, he said.

“The fact that she doesn’t know that shows that she conducted zero investigation and just put out the tweet, which continues the effort by opponents of the referendum to try to confuse and mislead voters as to what’s going on,” he said.

Republicans muscled the gerrymandering plan past Democratic opposition during a September special session. Using the new map, Republicans hope to win seven of the state’s eight congressional seats by adding enough GOP votes to flip the 5th District, currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City.

The lawsuit is a new layer of litigation&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/13/trial-over-referendum-on-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map-delayed-again/">related to the congressional map</a>.&nbsp;

There are at least eight cases currently underway, not all of which will be completed before the Dec. 11 deadline to turn in petition signatures. The next court hearing is Tuesday in St. Louis, where a federal judge will hear arguments over the constitutionality of a referendum on congressional district plans.

The Advanced Micro Targeting lawsuit names as defendants Let the Voters Decide of Celebration, Florida, and Vortex Elite LLC, of Miami, Florida; Synergy Wise Solutions, which has no website that could be found and lists an address that is a Pakmail storefront in Tucson, Arizona; and Onest Marketing, which also does not have a website that could be found and lists an address in an apartment building on the ocean in Miami, Florida.

The defendants, according to the lawsuit, obtained a confidential list of employees that included productivity rankings.

“Defendants are offering the employees on this confidential list huge sums of money (some were offered up to $30,000) to resign their employment with AMT and provide ‘intelligence gathering’ services for defendants,” the lawsuit states.

Each person hired by the company signs an agreement not to work for a competitor for a year after leaving Advanced Micro Targeting and not to try to hire employees away from the company.

In a statement issued through a communications consultant, Let the Voters Decide called the case a “bogus lawsuit” and cited Hanaway’s social media posts as evidence of bad practices.

“We will defend our company aggressively against AMT’s absurd claims,” the company said. “And anyone who reports or reads these claims really ought to consider the source.”

Vortex Elite did not respond to an email seeking comment. There were no contacts found for the other two defendants and none have lawyers listed for their defense.

The petition drive needs about 110,000 signatures spread across six of the state’s eight congressional districts to force a referendum. In its most recent update, People Not Politicians said it has gathered more than 200,000 signatures.

Von Glahn said the campaign will stop issuing updates as the deadline approaches.&nbsp;

Most of the signature gatherers passing petitions are volunteers, von Glahn said. The efforts to divert signature gatherers from the task has been felt among volunteers as well, he said.

One volunteer in Columbia reported being offered $1,000 for a backpack of signed petition sheets, he said. Others have been approached by people seeking to sign for a relative or when they are not registered, both violations of state campaign law, he said.

“We’re going to continue together, even in the face of these clearly desperate attempts to keep this from reaching the ballot,” von Glahn said. “The interesting thing about all of the opposition tactics is they are not preparing to defend the map at the ballot. They are desperately seeking to keep it from going to a vote.”

Lawsuit details alleged scheme to sabotage referendum on gerrymandered Missouri congressional map

SHAWNEE COUNTY —The Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering a reward for information leading to the identification of subject or subjects involved in a robbery at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in Topeka.

FBI said they are offering a $3,000 reward for subject identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual or individuals involved in the robbery.

Just before 9:30p.m. August 19, the KFC,&nbsp; 3920 SW 21st Street in Topeka was robbed at gunpoint. The investigation indicates that an unknown subject entered the business armed with a handgun and demanded money from the employees. The subject fled the scene on foot and to the north.

The subject is described as an adult male, approximately 6-foot-0 to 6-foot 2, 150 pounds with&nbsp; bright blue/green eyes. During the robbery, the subject was wearing khakis, black dress shoes, light grey gloves, a grey hoodie, a ball cap, and a full ski-mask. He was carrying a black/chrome handgun.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is encouraged to call the Kansas City Division of the FBI at 816-512-8200 or Topeka Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. Tips can also be provided via the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shawneecountycrimestoppers.com/">www.shawneecountycrimestoppers.com</a>&nbsp;or through the P3tips app.

Reward offered for info on Kansas armed robbery suspect

WASHINGTON–&nbsp;On Thursday,&nbsp; Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall released the following statement after the Senate passed his legislation to restore whole milk in schools.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act&nbsp;expands healthy milk options in schools by reversing the Obama-era law that took whole milk out of school cafeterias.

“Whole milk is the most nutritious drink known to mankind, and for whatever reason, the federal government took it out of our schools over a decade ago – robbing an entire generation of essential dairy intake. As an obstetrician, I cannot stress the extensive list of benefits that comes from drinking whole – and most of all, it just tastes better,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“I’m proud to see another win on the MAHA agenda cross the finish line in the Senate and am looking forward to seeing it signed into law.”

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>&nbsp;(DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. Specifically, Americans are lacking enough Calcium and Vitamin D, and whole milk is an excellent source of both vitamins. Leading nutritionists&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522012898?via%3Dihub">have found</a>&nbsp;that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce the risk of heart disease.

The legislation was first&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by Senator Marshall in June of 2023. It was reintroduced in April of 2025 with numerous bipartisan sponsors and co-sponsors and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshalls-legislation-to-restore-whole-milk-in-schools-passes-senate-agriculture-committee/">passed</a>&nbsp;the Senate Agriculture Committee in June of 2025.

Kan. U.S. Senator's bill to restore whole milk in schools passes the Senate

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash have identified the victim as&nbsp;36-year-old Amber Kirk, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ron Ekis.

The Topeka Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating anyone who was in the area of the NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Paramore Street intersection in Topeka at the time of the incident.

Just before 6p.m. November 15, police&nbsp;responded to a hit-and-run injury accident call at the intersection of NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Paramore Streets in Topeka. The accident involved a vehicle and pedestrian. 

The pedestrian, later identified as Kirk, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries where she died.

During investigation of this incident, police identified Sultan Y. Andemichael, 18, Topeka, as a suspect. Andemichael was located and transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on November 17. He remains jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; Involuntary manslaughter;&nbsp;Interference with LEO;  Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case and Failure to stop accident resulting in death.

Police look for witnesses to hit-and-run that killed Kansas woman

President Trump is accusing six Democratic lawmakers of sedition “punishable by DEATH” after the lawmakers, all veterans, called on U.S. military members to uphold the Constitution and defy “illegal orders” in a video posted to X.

This is the original video that prompted President Trump to respond.

🎥Dem lawmakers respond to President Trump's accusation of sedition

Republicans have been trying since 2006 to enact the photo ID requirement in Missouri. Prior to the 2022 law, every attempt had been rebuffed by the courts

The Missouri Supreme Court must decide if voters need government-issued ID cards and whether people trying to register new voters can be paid.

The judges on Wednesday heard a pair of cases arising from a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&amp;Year=2022&amp;code=R" target="_blank">2022 law</a>&nbsp;that also established two weeks of early voting before each election. If the high court throws out the voter ID portion of the law, it would trigger a provision that also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/05/09/voter-id-requirement-absentee-ballot-changes-clear-missouri-senate/">scuttles the early voting period</a>.

The Missouri NAACP and the League of Women Voters filed both lawsuits and got a split result at the trial court level in Cole County. Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ruled the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/27/challenge-to-voter-id-law-heading-for-appeal-to-missouri-supreme-court/">photo ID requirements</a>&nbsp;were “everyday burdens” that did not violate voter rights but that the limitations on individuals and organizations running&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/FINAL%20ORDER%20AND%20JUDGMENT.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3368715" target="_blank">voter registration campaigns</a>&nbsp;“chill speech and advocacy related to voting and decrease participation in elections.”

Together, the outcome of the two cases will determine whether Republicans have finally succeeded in goals they have sought for years — stricter limits on acceptable voting identification and higher obstacles for organizations engaged in voter registration campaigns.

Opponents of the voter ID requirements aren’t arguing that there should be no requirement for identification, Jason Orr of the ACLU of Missouri told the court Wednesday. It is the limited list of acceptable identification that violates voter rights, he said.

To vote under the 2022 law, a person must present a Missouri drivers license, non-driver identification or another identification card issued by Missouri or the federal government with a photo, birthdate and expiration date.

“This type of state photo ID requirement does not pass muster under the Missouri Constitution,” Orr said.

Beetem’s ruling misses the mark, Orr said, because people with mobility issues who cannot obtain documents such as a birth certificate or who have misspellings on their documents have far more trouble than others getting identification issued.

The burdens “certainly are not shared by majority citizens, but they are real, and they frustrate the ability of some Missourians to exercise this right,” Orr said.

Missouri Republicans have been trying since 2006 to enact the photo ID requirement. Prior to the 2022 law, every attempt had been rebuffed by the courts. Before the law took effect, acceptable identification included a school ID, a voter card issued by their county clerk or a utility bill in their name at their voting address.

The photo ID requirement protects the integrity of elections and there is little evidence it has prevented Missourians from voting, said Lou Capozzi, state solicitor general.

People without ID can cast provisional ballots that will be counted if their signature matches the one on file, he said. In 2022, he said, only 116 ballots were not counted.

In his ruling, Beetem decided that the individual plaintiffs named in the lawsuit had not shown sufficient injury to sue and neither had the NAACP or the league as organizations. Capozzi noted that in his arguments.

“They could present the court with a single person unable to vote under the law,” he said.

At a news conference after the hearing, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said 116 “is not a lot of votes” and it shows the law is working as intended.

“The goal is that anybody who is trying to vote&nbsp; who shouldn’t be voting because they’re an illegal immigrant, because they don’t live in Missouri, because they’re trying to vote more than once, doesn’t get that opportunity,” Hanaway said.

Denise Lieberman of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition said she sees 116 votes not being counted as a violation of all Missourians’ rights. The inclusion of both the voter ID requirements and limitations on signing up new voters in the same bill shows the intent to make it harder, not easier, to vote, she said at a news conference.

“The burdens to voters of a strict photo ID requirement to vote, the burdens on political speech of the voter registration and absentee ballot solicitations, are not academic,” Lieberman said. “They are not simply a matter of constitutional debate. These affect real voters here in the state of Missouri.”

The voter registration provisions bar paid voter registration solicitors, require anyone working to register voters to be a registered Missouri voter at least 18 years old and to file paperwork with the secretary of state’s office. The law also banned the practice of paying people to collect absentee ballots on behalf of homebound voters.

Arguing to overturn Beetem’s ruling, Deputy Solicitor General Michael Patton said the lower court ruling accepted too broad a definition of soliciting. Organizations can engage in voter registration drives that direct people to sign up through official government websites, he said, but cannot have individuals fill out cards that are turned in by the group.

Judge Paul Wilson was skeptical. He asked where else the limited definition would be acceptable.

“Should we apply that in a soliciting sex case, saying that if it does not result in a completed transaction, it isn’t soliciting?” Wilson asked.

Patton said the intent to receive sexual activity is what qualifies the act as soliciting.&nbsp;

And if a person working for a voter registration drive does not intend to personally collect registration forms, he said, it would not violate the law.

“Unless there is an exchange of a completed application, we do not believe that is soliciting,” Patton said.

The law includes criminal penalties for people who violate the restrictions on registering new voters. That has a chilling impact on free speech because it is open to interpretation, Kristen Mulvey of the Missouri ACLU told the judges.

The state has been unable to provide a consistent definition, Mulvey said. That will lead local law enforcement to make its own interpretations, she added.

“It is not the secretary of state,” Mulvey said, “but each of the 115 prosecutors who are also defendants in this case, who are tasked with enforcing the criminal provisions.”

Missouri Supreme Court reviews voter ID mandate, ban on paid registration efforts

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating another fatal shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;

Just after 7:30p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the area of 55th and Wabash on the sound of gunshots, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Officers checked the area and located a vehicle mid block to the south in the east side alley. Inside the vehicle officers located an a woman shooting victim unresponsive. Officers called for EMS who responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene canvassing for any witnesses.&nbsp; The shooting appears to have happened in the alley of the location, according to Becchina. Police have not released the name of the victim.

Homicide: KC woman found with gunshot wounds in a vehicle

COWLEY COUNTY—The Arkansas City Police Department recognized the outstanding work and bravery of Master Police Officer Shannese McIntosh Thursday.

According to a social media report from the police department, on November 12, officers were dispatched to a call involving an unresponsive 6-week-old baby who wasn’t breathing and had no pulse. Upon arriving, MPO McIntosh immediately took action, performing CPR and giving the infant every possible chance. 

The baby was transported to South Central Kansas Medical Center and later flown to Wichita for additional care. On Thursday, the police department shared that baby Nova Raie is doing great.

Nova Raie and her mother even stopped by the department to visit MPO McIntosh after she was released from the hospital — a moment that meant a great deal to all at the Arkansas City Police Department.

"Please join us in commending Master Police Officer McIntosh for her quick response, skill, and compassion. Her actions made a profound difference, and we are incredibly proud to have her on our team."

Kansas officer's quick action helped save life of baby

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal&nbsp;accident that occurred just after midnight November 14 in Wyandotte County have released the name of the victim as 32-year-old Antonio Rutiaga-Leyva, according to Kansas City, Kansas Police.

A vehicle was northbound in the 300 Block of North James Street at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control at a curve and continued over the bridge.