A local youth sports organization is doing its part to give those who might not be able to afford to play athletics, a way to begin playing sports.  

Mo Family Sports, operated by Ky Turner owner of the St. Joseph Mustangs, began in 2020 as simply a way to provide more athletic opportunities to kids around St. Joseph.  

Now, Turner says the organization has kickstart a new venture with the Mo Family Sports Family Assist Fund 

“Through this fund we’re going to be able to sponsor up to 100 families in the St. Joseph School District, and basically the only qualification is if your family is on free or reduced lunch, then you qualify potentially to have your membership fees waived, sponsored,” Turner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Turner says this is a need in our community with kids who want to play and adds hearing feedback from families that they were able to help shows how much it's meant. 

“We heard so many wonderful things, whether it’s a family that said I have multiple children and we just couldn’t afford it for the family or now instead of paying for the registration fee I was able to go out and buy m y child new shoes so that they felt like they fit in with everyone else,” Turner explains.  “I mean, there was a lot of neat stuff that was done through this, and so we hope to continue this and grow.” 

Turner says it's important for kids to be involved in athletics, because while it isn't who someone is, it does help contribute to their identity 

"In the number of friendships that you can make or the confidence that you can gain from that or the discipline, there’s just so many positive things that can come from it,” Turner says.  “Now it is delicate, you can lose confidence in sports, but learning the ability to come back from something, or a bad situation, it just lends itself.” 

To help aid in the fund, Mo Family Sports will host its annual Champions for a Cause basketball tournament later this month, where all proceeds will go directly to the Family Assist Fund. 

For more information on the fund and the organization, you can click <a href="https://www.mofamilysports.com/">HERE</a>.

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

St. Joseph youth sports organization giving kids in need opportunity to play

ATCHISON COUNTY —Police are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after he fled a traffic stop.

Just before 11a.m. on New Year's Eve, an officer on patrol observed a Mazda pickup truck speeding in the 900 block Unity Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver failed to stop and fled from the officer until finally stopping at K-7 and Harper Drive. The 19-year-old driver&nbsp;Caden J. Hetherington of Roach, Missouri, was taken into custody on requested charges including fleeing and attempting to elude, speeding, interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended, violation of tinted windows, and no proof of vehicle insurance.

Missouri man jailed in Kansas after he fled traffic stop

A benefit bike ride tomorrow in St. Joseph will help raise money to aid in expenses for a local family whose adopted son is fighting Stage 4 liver cancer.

The Polar Bear Benefit Ride , sponsored by Bikers for Christ, will support the Stephenson Family.&nbsp; There will be several bike clubs from St Joseph and the surrounding areas gathering in support to help this family with expenses. With some weather expected, a couple of area businesses will also donate services such as coffee and hot cocoa. 

The ride tomorrow will begin at Green Valley Church in St. Joseph, located at 3110 Cook Rd, beginning at noon and ending at the Fire House in Savannah at 107 S Highway 71 where there will be a walk through parade in the firehouse viewing of all the bikes and vehicles that participated in the ride.&nbsp; A love offering will also taken at the fire house. 

Public is welcome as well to support this family. For more information you can contact Elder Brett "Sleeves" Kennedy of the Bikers for Christ St Joseph Chapter at 816-387-6798.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Polar Bear Benefit Ride to raise funds to help local family

The lights and decorations are still on display at two St. Joseph parks for one more weekend so visitors can enjoy a bit more of the holiday season.

Holiday Park (Krug Park) and South Pole (Hyde Park) are open nightly from 6:00 - 10:00 through Sunday, January 4 for visitors.&nbsp;

The City of St. Joseph notes those hours are weather dependent.

Holiday Park and South Pole still open for last minute visitors

Blood donations are needed in all parts of the country, and Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri, Joann Woody, says that donations slow down during the colder months, marking a need for increased support

"Whenever we move into the winter season, we see a dip in blood donations which puts a strain on the blood supply across the country."

Woody emphasizes that only three percent of the eligible population donates blood and that simply isn't enough to keep up with the demand. "We know that one in seven people who walks into a hospital is going to need a blood transfusion for something, whether its surgery, or treatment for cancer, or other chronic illness."

Area residents interested in donating blood are encouraged to find a nearby blood drive by downloading the American Red Cross app or visit the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoq6lpQPxlHRXReH-aCP3vuFoR-wju4BJgn6dq0KhOgUrCQNw1_p">Red Cross website</a>.

Anyone who donates blood between now and Jan. 5 will receive a free long-sleeve blood donor shirt. Woody notes that anyone who donates blood from Jan. 5 through Jan. 31 will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets to the Super Bowl.

Red Cross in need of blood donations this winter

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged vandalism in Brown and asking the public for help to identify suspets.

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

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

Sheriff Merchant is asking the public to help identify these individuals.&nbsp; If you are related to one or both of these individuals or if they are known to you,&nbsp; you are obligated to contact the Sheriff's office at once so this type of behavior doesn't escalate into something more serious. 

The sheriff office contact information is 785-742-7125

Sheriff asks for help to ID suspects in school district vandalism

KFEQ Morning Sports 

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to Ty Masterson, president of the Kansas Senate on the Chiefs relocation to Kansas.

🎙 Forward Ever: Kan. Senate president Ty Masterson on Chiefs move to Kansas

Eastern Kansas
Congressman, Derek Schmidt, says legislation approved by Congress should help
federal authorities crack down on child exploitation.

Schmidt
co-sponsored the Protect Our Children Reauthorization Act, which provides more
money for and gives more power to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task
Force.

“And it is a
dedicated, specially trained group of professionals whose mission is to focus
on the exploitation of children online, the use of the Internet to commit
crimes against kids,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Schmidt, the
former Kansas Attorney General, says the legislation updates the national
strategy to prevent child exploitation online.

The Protect Our
Children Reauthorization Act of 2025 was one of three public safety measures
co-sponsored by Schmidt and approved by Congress. All are expected to be signed
into law by the president.

Another bill,
Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025, expands the federal public safety officers
benefit program to include retired officers killed or disabled in targeted attacks.

Another public
safety measure co-sponsored by Schmidt and approved by Congress would change
the presumption of a firefighter or any public safety officer diagnosed with cancer.

Schmidt points out
current law requires the firefighter to prove his cancer was caused by
work-related exposure to toxins. Schmidt says that is unfair.

“How do you prove
that the cancer was caused by your exposure over a period of time in many
different instances to those sorts of chemicals?” Schmidt asks. “We flipped the
presumption. The presumption is, if you’re a firefighter and you come down with
certain types of cancer, it is presumed that the cause was your professional
work unless the evidence shows otherwise.”

The change in
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would allow public safety officers to more
easily qualify for disability benefits or allow their family to benefit from
survivor benefits.

Schmidt-backed public safety measures pass Congress

KFEQ Morning News 01/02/2026

Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph welcomed the first baby of 2026 on Thursday and it is a boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Faylynn Graham and Kaiden Unl's gave birth to a son Theo, Mosaic Life Care announced.&nbsp; Theo weighs 7 pounds, 1 ounce and is 19 inches long.

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

Mosaic Life Care welcomes first baby of 2026

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

Corn, soy, and wheat markets were lower again on Friday, with the exception of Kansas City wheat futures, which mounted a comeback from early lows. Meanwhile, corn and soybean futures were ultimately unable to climb out of the bearish doldrums of the second holiday-shortened week, with relatively low volume behind the trade. Still, there were signs throughout the session of growing buying interest as prices approach medium- to long-term chart support in an otherwise slow news day. Outside markets were mixed to begin 2026, with weaker crude oil futures for the fifth time in the past six sessions. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar continued its winning streak to six straight sessions but remains lower over the past month in general. Equity markets were mostly higher on Friday, breaking the year-end profit-taking dip, which was the feature of Monday through Wednesday's trade.

It was a breakout day for the live cattle complex as the market shot above its 100-day moving average for the first time since late October. More than anything, it seems to be a combination of trade support mixed with the knowingness that demand is likely only going to get stronger through the first half of the year, with traders also noting the uptick in cash cattle prices today. A few dressed sales are being reported in Nebraska at $360, which is $4.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Several majors in that state are also bidding $360, but those bids continue to be passed. A few bids are on the table in the South around $228 to $232, but they are being passed as they are below current asking prices of around $234. Packer inquiry should continue to improve.

The feeder cattle complex also sky-rocketed higher as traders noted the uptick in the live cattle complex and continue to be optimistic that the market is likely going to trade stronger and stronger through at least the first quarter of 2026. Feeder cattle sales next week will likely be stronger in the countryside as well.

The lean hog complex traded mixed into Friday's closing bell, as the nearby contracts dipped lower while the deferred contracts continued to trade higher. More than anything, traders seem reluctant to do much with the contract until its fundamentals improve. The projected lean hog index for 12/31/2025 is down $0.41 at $81.85, and the actual index for 12/30/2025 is up $0.01 at $82.26.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/02141100/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

State agriculture officials confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock of chickens and ducks in Dallas County, Iowa, marking the state’s latest detection of the virus. The Iowa Department of Agriculture said the affected birds were euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease, and quarantine measures were put in place around the premises. No commercial poultry facilities have been affected. 

Officials urged poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity practices, including limiting contact between domestic birds and wild waterfowl, which are known carriers of the virus. The detection comes as migratory birds move through the Midwest, increasing the risk of additional cases. While the virus poses little risk to the general public, it can be deadly to poultry and disruptive to farm operations. State and federal animal health officials continue monitoring flocks and working with producers to reduce the threat of further outbreaks.

Bird flu detected in Iowa backyard flock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced earlier this week, a new slate of research priorities for 2026, focusing on farm profitability, climate resilience and food system innovation. USDA officials said upcoming competitive grants will emphasize soil health, water efficiency, pest and disease control, and technologies that help producers adapt to extreme weather. The priorities also include improving nutrition, food safety and rural economic development. Agriculture officials said the updated agenda reflects growing pressure on farmers from rising input costs, volatile markets and climate-related disruptions. 

Research investments, they said, are intended to deliver practical, science-based solutions producers can use on the ground. The plan will guide funding through USDA agencies such as the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service. Farm groups welcomed the announcement, saying targeted research is critical to maintaining U.S. competitiveness and long-term sustainability across crop and livestock sectors.

USDA sets new research priorities for 2026

During the Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Viability in Idaho, American Farmland Trust announced a new initiative called “Thriving Farms and Ranches” during the event. 

The Governor’s Summit explored the challenges of balancing the growth of cities and towns with Idaho’s valuable agricultural economy, as working lands are being lost at an alarming rate. “We know that one of the best ways to protect farm and ranch lands is to keep them in production,” said Addie Candib, AFT’s Western Managing Director. “At a time when farmers and ranchers face increasing headwinds, it’s imperative that we invest in the programs and policies that support our working lands.” 

Through the initiative, AFT will work to ensure farmers and ranchers can be more financially secure, invest in the long-term future of their operations, and attract the next generation of the nation’s farmers. AFT will combine existing programs to strengthen, diversify, and grow markets, make conservation investments, and advance policies to support U.S. agriculture.

AFT Announces New Initiative to Empower Farmers and Ranchers

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced the establishment of a “batching deadline” of January 15, 2026, for the first funding round of key conservation programs. 

This national batching deadline ensures producers have a clear, consistent timeline for participating in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/environmental-quality-incentives-program">EQIP</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/conservation-stewardship-program">CSP</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/agricultural-conservation-easement-program">Agricultural Conservation Easement Program</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/agricultural-management-assistance">Agricultural Management Assistance</a>. This includes the new NRCS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/regenerative-pilot-program">Regenerative Pilot Program</a>, which provides targeted farmer-first assistance through EQIP and CSP. “The NRCS team continues its commitment to America’s producers by advancing conservation, strengthening service delivery, and keeping our promise to the men and women who feed and fuel our nation,” said NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt.

NRCS programs are continuous sign-up programs, but due to the government shutdown, the agency is implementing an initial national batching period to ensure producers have access to funding and support. National and State Conservation Innovation Grants will follow later in 2026.

USDA “Batching” Deadline in January

Beef prices are projected to continue increasing in 2026 as U.S. beef production continues to decline, with no obvious signs of a rebuilding cattle herd. 

That comes from John Lovett of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. At the beginning of 2025, U.S. cattle inventories were at their lowest point since the 1950s, and the industry has been in liquidation mode since it peaked at 94.7 million head in 2019. “Since then,” Lovett said, “the nation’s beef herd has decreased by eight million head of cattle.” Liquidating cattle inventories is one phase of a typical cattle cycle, which is a ten-to-12-year pattern of expanding and contracting cattle numbers, driven largely by changes in producer profitability and worsened by drought. 

Bloomberg said cheap beef could be driven further out of reach for many consumers as Brazil, another large cattle supplier, is heading into a period of shrinking cattle numbers that could push global prices higher.

Beef Prices Predicted to Keep Climbing in 2026

March corn closed down 1 3/4 cents per bushel at $4.40 1/2 and May closed down 2 1/4 cents per bushel at $4.48 1/2. January soybeans closed down 3 1/4 cents at $10.46 1/4 and March soybeans were down 1 1/4 cents at $10.62 1/4. March KC wheat closed down 5 1/4 cents at $5.22, March Chicago wheat was down 2 1/4 cents at $5.10 3/4 and March Minneapolis wheat was down 0.01 cents at $5.785.

Corn and wheat continued to build on Monday's surprising weakness while soybeans traded both sides before fading and were unaffected by a new flash sale to China and rumors of more in the works. Soybean product markets were mixed in quiet trade.

Following Monday's weaker close, the live cattle complex was higher as traders remain optimistic about the year to come. As we know now more than ever, managing risk remains a critical part of the cattle business and volatility is always looming; but there's still much to be excited about in the cattle sector as the calendar looks ahead to 2026. Still no developments have surfaced in the fed cash cattle market.

Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice down $0.82 ($348.51) and select up $0.06 ($345.68) with a movement of 93 loads (63.14 loads of choice, 11.25 loads of select, 9.65 loads of trim and 8.83 loads of ground beef).

Upon seeing the live cattle complex trading higher, the feeder cattle contracts have elected to up their game as most of the contracts were trading $2.00 to $3.00 higher into Tuesday's close. The market has plenty of upward potential as the contracts have already broken through the resistance at the 100-day moving average.

The lean hog complex was also higher as traders are no longer up against immediate resistance pressure and the contracts were feeling some spillover support from the cattle sectors' ambitious trade activity.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/30140107/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Since 2020, AgriBusiness Global has developed a yearly forecast of key events likely to impact global agriculture and agribusiness in the year ahead. Among the top forecasts for 2026 are input prices staying flat or increasing as suppliers compete for farm purchases. They also said China’s economy will continue to be challenged as the country’s enormous pesticide manufacturing capacity continues to drive margin erosion globally. While this is a positive for end-users of crop inputs, profitability for the supply channel remains challenging. Agro-industry “stagflation” is expected to continue into next year. 

Flat global demand in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific nations is being driven by aging, shrinking populations, and in the U.S., especially, food consumption may drop because of the increasing use of obesity drugs and the Make America Healthy Again program. The energy outlook will remain positive, except where political taxes play a role. 

Ag forecasts for 2026

The Federal Communications Commission recently blacklisted all new foreign-made drones and components due to concerns that the foreign equipment is an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security. Reports said the technology is on the Commission’s “Covered List,” barring foreign drone manufacturers from receiving the FCC’s approval to sell new drone models for import or sale into the U.S. Reports say, the ban’s timing hurts as many farmers are financially struggling because of high production costs, which makes the precise application of crop protection products and fertilizers especially important. 

Most precision agriculture is increasingly accomplished through using drones. “Foreign-manufactured drones represent a significant majority of the agricultural drone market, and sudden restrictions on their use without sufficient domestic alternatives would add new financial burdens on already over-stressed farmers,” the American Soybean Association said in a statement. The FCC said the ban won’t ground the thousands of already deployed unmanned aircraft in the U.S.

Drone ban could impact farmers 

The USDA is forecasting that the agricultural trade deficit will shrink in 2026 more than previously anticipated. Agri-Pulse said USDA expects the trade deficit to drop from $43.7 billion in fiscal year 2025 to $37 billion in fiscal year 2026. 

That’s according to the Quarterly Trade Forecast published on Tuesday. During a previous report released in August, the USDA originally predicted a trade deficit of $41.5 billion in this fiscal year. Driving the adjusted outlook are factors like larger-than-expected exports. 

USDA’s export prediction during FY2026 is now $173 billion, up from the projected $169 billion in August. However, even with the revision, exports are still set to contract year-over-year after the U.S. recorded $175.6 billion in exports during fiscal year 2025. “A significant portion of the better outlook can be attributed to improvements in the Chinese market,” Agri-Pulse reported. “Exports are also projected to improve in South Korea, Japan, Mexico, and Southeast Asia.”

USDA Projects $37 Billion Ag Trade Deficit Next Year

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a murder on New Year's Day in Johnson County.

Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a residence in the 16900 block of Walter Street in Gardner on reports of an armed disturbance.  The caller advised the 911 operator that a man had been stabbed.&nbsp; Upon arrival, the officer contacted the occupants of the home and observed a man on the ground with serious injuries.  The victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A preliminary investigation has revealed that a disturbance ensued inside the home, which led to the victim being stabbed.  The victim has been  identified as Jason A. Rosado, a 28-year-old of Overland Park.

A suspect identified as 34-year-old Kavin Moreno was taken into custody on a requested charge of First Degree Murder. He is being held on a $1 million bond and is due in court on Monday, according to online jail records.

Man accused of fatal New Year's Day knife attack at Kansas home

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a series of burglaries on December 19, in Salina have a suspect in custody.

Police investigators developed&nbsp; information that 43-year-old Matthew Hewitt was a possible suspect, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. On Christmas Eve officers located Hewitt at the Value Inn on 1640 W. Crawford in Salina. When officers arrived they discovered Hewitt was inside a hotel room with a woman identified as 51-year-old Mindy Burr.

Officers made announcements that Hewitt was under arrest and that all occupants needed to exit the room. However, there was no response and a Salina Police negotiator made contact with Hewitt by phone.

During the phone call, Hewitt stated he was armed and that "officers should not come inside the room if they want to make it Christmas."

Later as Hewitt started to exit the room, he failed to comply with the officer's attempt to make the arrest. A K9 was then released and it bit Hewitt.

 Hewitt was then taken into custody and transported to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment of minor injuries.

Burr was also arrested on the scene and booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Felony Interference with Law Enforcement and Harboring a Subject with a warrant.

A search warrant was then conducted inside the hotel room and a AR rifle, items taken in the burglay from the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a431e1b9-e3e6-4322-a431-f2e9e0776864">Boy Scouts of America</a>, along with several other items were recovered.&nbsp;

Hewitt was booked into jail on requested charges of Burglary, Interference with Law Enforcement, Criminal Use of a Firearm and Criminal Threat.

He also had a federal&nbsp;warrant for Probation violation for Firearms Violation that was issued by the US Marshals Service.

Hewitt is expected to face more charges as he is also a suspect connected to the burglaries in downtown Salina at the end of November.

Kansas man accused of three burglaries in one day

CHARLOTTE, N.C. –&nbsp;A Mint Hill, North Caroina man that allegedly planned to use knives and hammers to execute a deadly New Year’s Eve attack at a grocery store and a fast food restaurant&nbsp;in support of the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. 

The criminal complaint was filed on December 31, 2025, and was unsealed today after Christian Sturdivant, 18, appeared in federal court in Charlotte.

James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement.

“This successful collaboration between federal and local law enforcement saved American lives from a horrific terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice remains vigilant in our pursuit of evil ISIS sympathizers — anyone plotting to commit such depraved attacks will face the full force of the law.”

“The accused allegedly wanted to be a soldier for ISIS and made plans to commit a violent attack on New Year’s Eve in support of that terrorist group, but the FBI and our partners put a stop to that,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “It is essential to work closely with our law enforcement partners and to quickly share information about potential threats, as demonstrated in this case. The message from the FBI is clear—anyone who supports ISIS or other terrorist groups cannot hide and will be held accountable in our justice system.”

"As alleged, Sturdivant aspired to become a ‘martyr’ for ISIS and was in the final stages of planning a mass-casualty attack on New Year’s Eve. Notes recovered from his home appear to reflect intent to harm as many people as possible and terrorize the Nation,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “We commend the extraordinary work of our partners in neutralizing this threat.”

“Americans deserve to celebrate New Year’s Eve without worrying about their personal safety,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “That is why we worked non-stop to thwart this alleged violent terrorist attack. I am proud of the work done here and thankful for the time spent by law enforcement away from their families during the holidays to ensure public safety.”

“The FBI’s mission is to protect the American people, and this case demonstrates our dedication to do everything we can to protect the residents of North Carolina. We worked closely with the Department of Justice, NYPD, Mint Hill Police Department, and our FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force partners to investigate and disrupt this serious threat of a violent attack. We will never stop working to hold people accountable who seek to harm and terrorize our community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Barnacle.

“Christian Sturdivant allegedly swore allegiance to an international terrorist organization and plotted deadly attacks in its name,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “But the New York City Police Department has a long reach, and our undercover cybersecurity investigators once again identified threats of extremist behavior and thwarted them before they could be carried out. Public safety knows no borders, and we will continue to work with all our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to pursue and hold accountable anyone who seeks to spread fear and violence.”

“Now more than ever, partnerships between law enforcement agencies are paramount,” said Chief Joseph Hatley of the Mint Hill Police Department. “This disruption is a testament to all involved, working as one to thwart an attack and hold accountable anyone planning such a horrific act of violence against our community.”

According to allegations in the arrest affidavit, on December 18, 2025, the FBI in Charlotte received information that an individual later identified as Sturdivant was making multiple social media posts in support of ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. In early December 2025, Sturdivant posted an image depicting two miniature figurines of Jesus with the on-screen text that read, “May Allah curse the cross worshipers.” The post is allegedly consistent with ISIS’s rhetoric calling for the extermination of all non-believers, including Christians, Jews, and Muslims who do not agree with ISIS’s extreme ideology.

The criminal complaint alleges that on or about December 12, 2025, Sturdivant began communicating with an online covert employee, or “OC,” whom Sturdivant thought was an ISIS member. Sturdivant told the OC, “I will do jihad soon,” and proclaimed he was “a soldier of the state,” meaning ISIS. On December 14, 2025, Sturdivant allegedly sent an online message to the OC with an image of two hammers and a knife. This is significant because an article in the 2016 issue of ISIS’s propaganda magazine promoted the use of knives to conduct terror attacks in western countries. The same article inspired actual attacks in other countries. Later, Sturdivant told the OC that he planned to attack a specific grocery store in North Carolina. Sturdivant also told the OC about his plans to purchase a firearm to use along with the knives during the attack, according to the arrest affidavit.

In addition, on December 19, 2025, Sturdivant allegedly sent the OC a voice recording of Sturdivant pledging “Bayat,” a loyalty oath to ISIS.

On December 29, 2025, law enforcement conducted a search warrant at Sturdivant’s residence, where they discovered handwritten documents, one of which was titled “New Years Attack 2026.” The document listed items such as a vest, mask, tactical gloves, and two knives allegedly to be used in the attack. It also described a goal of stabbing as many civilians as possible, with the total number of victims to be as high as 20 to 21. The note also included a section labeled as “martyrdom op,” that described a plan to attack police responding to the site of the attack so Sturdivant would die a martyr.

The complaints alleges that Sturdivant lived with a relative, who secured knives and hammers away so Sturdivant could not use them for harm. Yet, law enforcement seized from Sturdivant’s bedroom a blue hammer, a wooden handled hammer, and two butcher knives which appeared hidden underneath the defendant’s bed. These items appear to be the same as the ones depicted in the online message Sturdivant previously sent to the OC.

Law enforcement also seized from Sturdivant’s bedroom a list of targets, as well as tactical gloves and a vest, acquired as part of the defendant’s planned attack.

Sturdivant remains in federal custody. If convicted, Sturdivant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.&nbsp;A federal district court judge will determine the ultimate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Charlotte Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the Matthews Police Department, the Monroe Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Air Marshal Service, the Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with the assistance of the NYPD, additional FBI Field Offices, the FBI Counterterrorism Division, and the Mint Hill Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Gleason for the Western District of North Carolina and DOJ Trial Attorney Elisa Poteat with the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

The charges against the defendant are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

FBI disrupted a New Year's Eve attack plan inspired by ISIS

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating human remains found in Shawnee County.

On Friday, police reported that just after 5:30p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;officers responded to a report of a deceased individual in the area of NE U.S. 24 Highway and NE Calhoun Bluff Road, according to a media release. Upon arrival, officers discovered human remains.

At this time, foul play is not suspected. Police have not released the name of the deceased until official confirmation and the&nbsp;next of kin have been notified.

Police: Human remains found in northeast Kansas

DOUGLAS COUNTY&nbsp; –A suspect arrested in connection with a decades old Kansas cold case involving child sex assault is now in a Kansas jail.

According to online jail records, 58-year-old David Zimbrick was booked into the Douglas County jail just after 10a.m. Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Lawrence Department in collaboration with the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office announced the arrest of the alleged child sex offender whose crimes date back to 2000-2003.

Zimbrick's identification and ultimate arrest are the result of meticulous investigative work and the same science that brought in California’s “Golden State Killer” in 2018.

Monday, December 29, 2025, at the request of the Lawrence Kansas Police Department, U.S. Marshals arrested Zimbrick of Raytown, Missouri. Zimbrick was being held in Jackson County Missouri until his extradidtion to Douglas County.

Between 2000 and 2003, a series of sex crimes occurred in the Naismith Valley Park area, 1400 W. 27th Street. Reports indicate the suspect would lure children into the bushes to perform sexual assaults. The children involved were between 7 and 10 years old.

Despite unknown future technology, detectives thoroughly inspected the scene collecting any potential clues. While a distinct DNA profile was recovered, it yielded no match in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), the national database of known offenders. With no further leads, the case eventually sat dormant.

In 2018, when California’s “Golden State Killer” was arrested, Detective Amy Price, who was involved in the original investigations, took note of their use of genetic genealogy. Detective Price submitted a request for funding and ultimately sent the evidence to Parbon Nanolabs. Parabon specializes in forensic genetic genealogy to solve cases where there is DNA evidence, but the offender’s identity remains unknown.

In March of 2020, Parabon notified Price that they had successfully genotyped the newly submitted DNA from one of the cases. The lengthy investigation that followed led to clues throughout the United States until the suspect was ultimately identified then located in Raytown, MO.

U.S. Marshals made the arrest without incident. Zimbrick is charged with one count of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy and one count of Rape in two cases.&nbsp;

“This arrest is a testament to the fact that time does not diminish our commitment to victims and their families,” said Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart. “I am continually impressed with the dedicated professionals who work in this department and am specifically proud of Detective Amy Price, who was assigned to this case and never let time nor dead ends deter her from continuing the search. Crimes against children last a lifetime. It is my hope that this arrest provides some comfort.”

Suspect in cold case child sex assault moved to Kansas jail

JACKSON COUNTY —A teen died in a pedestrian accident just before 9p.m. Thursday in Jackson County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Ford Bronco driven by a 27-year-old Independence, Missouri woman was westbound on Interstate 70 at Woods Chapel Road and struck a pedestrian identified as a 17-year-old Oak Grove, Missouri, boy.

Preliminary investigation reveals the teen was the driver of a vehicle being pursued by police, according to the MSHP.. The driver fled the vehicle, running across the eastbound lanes onto the westbound lanes where he struck and killed.&nbsp; The MSHP released no additional details.

Teen running from Mo. police struck and killed by SUV on I-70

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident during a police chase just before 5a.m. New Year's Day in Kansas City. Missouri.

Independence police officers were pursuing a gray Ford F-250 for multiple alleged traffic violations. While traveling westbound on 9th Street approaching Benton Boulevard in Kansas City, the suspect vehicle failed to stop for a red traffic signal and collided with a blue pickup truck traveling southbound on Benton Boulevard, according to KCPD Captain Jake&nbsp; Becchina.

 The suspect vehicle also struck a silver Nissan Cube that was stopped at the traffic signal facing eastbound. 

Following the collision, the gray Ford F-250 continued and struck a parked RV on private property, becoming immobilized. The driver fled the scene on foot. It was later determined that the Ford F250 was reported stolen. The driver of the blue pickup truck sustained minor injuries. Three occupants of the silver Nissan Cube were transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. On Thursday afternoon, police reported the driver of the Nissan had died.

This incident represents the first traffic fatality this year, compared to none at this time last year.&nbsp;

KCPD: Driver stopped at traffic signal killed in crash with stolen pickup

KANSAS CITY—One person died in a house fire New Year's Day in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 7:30a.m. Thursday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 3200 block of E 52nd Street, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

&nbsp;On arrival crews reported fire from the 2nd story of a 2-story home.&nbsp;Interior operations were initiated along with a search, and a victim, later confirmed as a 90-year-old man was found inside the structure.

KCPD Bomb and Arson responded to the scene and conducted an investigation due to the fatality and as a part of standard procedure.&nbsp;No other injuries were reported at this incident.&nbsp;The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Body of  man found in Kansas City house fire

JEFFERSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Thursday in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 GMC Sierra driven by Ahijah L&nbsp;Adams, 59, Topeka, was westbound on U.S. 24 just north of 5th and Phillips.&nbsp; The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup traveled off the roadway to the left rolled and the driver was ejected.

Adams was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies in pickup rollover accident

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement arrested a wanted burglary suspect after a traffic stop in Jackson County.

Just after 4p.m. December 29, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Chevy S10 pickup truck for an alleged traffic infraction on 150th Road near Q. Road, near Mayetta, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. 

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jay Rell Kroulik, 46, of Cuba, Kansas. During the course of the traffic stop a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, which resulted in the discovery of an open container, and illegal drugs.

Kroulik was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container, and driving while suspended. Kroulik also had an outstanding felony warrant out of Cloud County, for burglary.

Wanted Kan. burglary suspect captured during traffic stop

There is another professional sports team in Kansas City, as the KC Diamonds will compete as a founding member in the newly formed Professional Softball League.

The KC Diamonds is a non-profit organization led by a volunteer board and features youth teams and announced it's launch earlier this week at the home of the Kansas City Monarchs Legends Field, near the Tanger Kansas City outlet at the Legends.&nbsp; The team begins its season against the Atlanta Smoke in Atlanta June 11th.&nbsp; The home opener on June 17th will be against the Florida Vibe.

"This is a defining moment for softball in Kansas City," Diamonds General Manager, Jeremy McDowell, said in a news release. "The KC Diamonds represent opportunity, visibility, and growth for professional women's sports. Kansas City has already proven it shows up for softball, and now it has a team to call its own."

Tickets for the inaugural season will go on sale Feb. 1.&nbsp; The team signed its first two players as well in Leah Boggs, catcher, and Savannah Henley, a pitcher who are both University of Virginia alumni.

The PSL consists of seven inaugural teams: Atlanta Smoke, Chattanooga Chill, Florida Breeze, Florida Heat, Florida Vibe, New York Rise, and the Diamonds.&nbsp; Each team will carry a roster of 20 players.&nbsp; The PSL's inaugural season will also be broadcast exclusively on the All Women's Sports Network (AWSN), Amazon Prime, Pluto TV and DirecTV.

"This is a milestone moment for professional fastpitch softball," said spokesperson and Florida Vibe owner Ryan Moore, in the release.

New professional softball team debuts in Kansas City this summer

KFEQ Morning Sports

 Chiefs head coach Andy Reid says he plans to return next season, batting away any thought of an impending retirement, making a tongue-in-cheek joke about his status with a franchise which he has led to three Super Bowl titles.

"I mean, I think I'm coming back, right?" Reid said during his weekly Zoom press conference with Kansas City reporters. "If they'll have me back, I'll come back. You never know in this business. That's a tough one. But I plan on it, yeah."

Now 67, Reid is accustomed to answering questions about his future in February, after the Chiefs have played in the Super Bowl, which they had done each of the past three years. He's less familiar though with facing those questions in the final days of December, now that the Chiefs have been eliminated from postseason contention.

Reid, who signed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Chiefs in April 2024, spent his first 14 seasons as an NFL head coach in Philadelphia, where he led the Philadelphia Eagles to 130 regular-season wins and 10 more in the playoffs. That included four seasons that ended in the NFC title game and another that ended with a loss in the Super Bowl.

His past 13 years have come in Kansas City, where he has won at an even greater clip.&nbsp; With Alex Smith at quarterback the first five years and Patrick Mahomes under center since, the Chiefs have piled up 149 regular-season wins and gone 18-8 in the playoffs. This season will end streaks of 10 consecutive playoff trips, nine straight AFC West titles, seven consecutive AFC title game appearances and the past three years in the Super Bowl.

Reid has 307 wins overall. He needs 18 to pass George Halas for third on the NFL's career list behind Belichick and Don Shula.&nbsp; In five trips to the big game, Reid &amp; Co. have brought three Lombardi Trophies back to Kansas City. Bill Belichick and Chuck Noll are the only coaches with more Super Bowl rings. Belichick captured six of them with Tom Brady and the Patriots and Noll won four with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kansas City is 6-10 as it prepares for its season finale this weekend in Las Vegas.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 3:25pm the NFL announced on Monday.&nbsp; Pregame will air at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7 FM).

Andy Reid plans to be back with Chiefs next season

Bo Nix ran for a score before throwing a go-ahead touchdown pass to R.J. Harvey with 1:45 left in the game, and the Denver Broncos held on in the closing seconds for a 20-13 victory over the banged-up Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas in a Thursday Night Football matchup.

After giving up a grinding, 14-play drive that soaked up more than half the first quarter and ended with the Broncos Will Lutz knocking through a 27 yard field goal, Kansas City allowed little else through the first 30 minutes. Along the way, a defense put its top two cornerbacks on injured reserve this week managed to pick off Nix, Kristian Fulton tipping the ball to set up a Nick Bolton interception, which set up a short field for the Chiefs that Chris Oladokun converted into his first career touchdown throw.

It also happened to be Brashard Smith's first career touchdown catch.&nbsp; The Broncos tried to answer with another 8-plus minute drive late in the half, but Courtland Sutton dropped a would-be touchdown toss in the closing seconds, and Wil Lutz had to kick his second chip-shot field goal to make it 7-6 at the break.

Denver finally got one of its long, time-consuming drives into the end zone in the third quarter. The Chiefs had pushed the lead to 10-6 on a 53 yard field goal from Harrison Butker, when the Broncos churned through 72 yards in nearly 10 minutes, and Nix finished by scrambling nine yards for the score.&nbsp; Kansas City tied the game in the fourth quarter on another field goal from Butker, from 47 yards out.

The Chiefs managed just 16 yards on their first three possessions of the second half and that gave the Broncos a chance. They drove 65 yards late in the fourth quarter, twice converting on third down and then getting a fourth-down gift when Chris Jones went early inside the 10-yard line, allowing Nix to find Harvey in the back of the end zone on third-and-goal for the eventual winning score.

&nbsp;Oladokun and tight end Travis Kelce gave Kansas City a chance, driving quickly down field after the Broncos had taken the lead. But a third-down pass at the Denver 26 was just out of Kelce's reach, and Oladokun overthrew Marquise Brown in the end zone on fourth down in the final seconds.

Oladokun wound up with 66 yards passing. Kelce had five catches for 36 of those yards in what might have been the last game played by the Pro Bowl tight end at Arrowhead Stadium.&nbsp; He plans to announce soon after the season whether he is retiring.&nbsp; Kareem Hunt rushed seven times for 38 yards, while Isiah Pacheco rushed nine times for 32 yards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Up next, Kansas City (6-10) finishes its season in Las Vegas.&nbsp; Kickoff time is to be determined, the game will air on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7 FM).

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