Another year, another crushing loss in the semifinal round of the NAIA Conference football championships for the Benedictine Ravens.

Benedictine battled the conditions, and a tough Grand View team, as the Ravens fell 17-10 in the NAIA Semifinals at Duke Williams Stadium to the Vikings for a second time this season. 

Though battling tough near the end, Head Coach Joel Osborn says he has no regrets.

"We had our opportunities, and that's the tough part about today," Osborn told reporters following the game.&nbsp; "And that happens in life, but I have no regrets, no regrets."

Coming into the matchup with certain goals though, such as winning the turnover battle, and achieving those, made Osborn proud

"I thought we came out, and they hit us in the mouth a little bit, we responded and really did a nice job the second half on defense being physical and shutting the running game down, got some really critical stops," Osborn explains.&nbsp; "And then offensively, we moved the ball, we just didn't quite finish in the redzone like we wanted to and just left a few to many plays out there."

It's the second time this season the Ravens lost to the Vikings, the top team in the NAIA Conference.&nbsp; It's been quite the run for the Ravens over the last two years, winning a combined 23 games and losing just five, and making back to back trips to the semifinals. 

It's a run that Osborn is proud that his team has been able to accomplish

"Like I told our players at the end there in our huddle is, when you set your sights on really high goals, disappointment can come with that, but getting here to the semifinals and the way this game went with Grand View, you're going toe to toe with a championship pedigree program, I'm just really proud of our effort," Osborn says.&nbsp;

Prior to last season, the Ravens had not made it to the semifinals since 2018, the last time the program also made it to a championship game. 

It was the defense that led to Benedictine's first score of the game. After Isaiah Hasten picked off Grand View's Jackson Waring at the Benedictine 18-yard line, the Ravens were able to covert the interception into a touchdown drive that was capped off by a four yard rushing touchdown from Xavier Ugorji.&nbsp;

Grand View answered to tie the game in the second quarter on a rushing touchdown of their own, a 35 yard break away run by Bryant Williams. That touchdown was followed by field goals from both teams, Christian Klobe converting a 30-yard field goal with just over three minutes left before the half to give Benedictine back the lead before Cory Wood knocked through a 31-yard field goal with 16 seconds left to send the game into halftime tied at 10.

The Vikings broke the tie with just over one minute left in the third quarter on an eight yard pass from Waring to Triston Williams for the go ahead touchdown in the second half, which turned into the only scoring the rest of the way.

Benedictine finished with 248 total yards on offense with 146 yards rushing and 102 yards passing. Ugorji finished with 64 yards off 22 carries while Dalton Witherspoon added 47 yards. Jackson Dooley finished with 102 yards on 11 of 22 passing while Joseph Lagafuaina was the leading receiver with 46 yards on three receptions.

Benedictine finishes the season 12-2, their only losses of the season coming to Grand View.

Benedictine has chance late, but falls in semifinals to Grand View 17-10

KFEQ Week in Review

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

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

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

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

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

MWSU Winter Commencement Set for Dec. 13

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brace for the deep freeze in Northern Missouri

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/juanvassallo/">Juan Vassallo</a>

The nation’s cattle inventory is at its lowest level in decades, the result of a long-term decline that has been pushed even lower in recent years by drought.

Much of the country endured severe dry spells in recent years, most notably in 2022. But the impact has been especially felt in the regions where America’s beef industry is most concentrated.

In November 2022, the U.S reached a drought index of 202 on the Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI), where values range from 0, meaning no dryness, to 500, indicating exceptional drought across an entire area. That month marked the nation’s second-highest drought reading of the century, surpassed only by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212094715300360" target="_blank">2012-2013 North American drought</a>.

But for the top 200 cattle-producing counties — together representing roughly a quarter of the national herd — the drought index peaked at 267.5 in the same period, far higher than the national average.

A similar pattern happened in 2024, when national drought conditions intensified in October and November, and again were more severe across the top beef-producing counties. These counties span 21 states. While they are largely clustered across the central U.S. — particularly in the top five beef-producing states of Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota — several are outside that core region as well, including in states like Oregon and Florida.

Ranchers in those regions have faced shrinking pastures, dwindling water supplies and the rising cost of feed, conditions that have forced many to thin their herds. And because rebuilding cattle numbers is a slow biological process, there is no quick path to replenishing the nation’s supply.

As beef prices continue to rise, meat has become a political flashpoint.

The Trump administration has ordered a review of consolidation in the meatpacking industry and lifted tariffs on beef imports from Brazil and Argentina in an effort to expand supply, while also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/us/politics/hamburger-beef-prices-trump.html" target="_blank">blaming immigrants and former President Biden</a>&nbsp;for the high cost of beef.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oklahomafarmreport.com/okfr/2025/11/07/dr-darrell-peel-cattle-market-fundamentals-havent-changed-despite-the-noise/" target="_blank">experts say</a>&nbsp;the price surge is mostly driven by drought, which has shown signs of improvement in recent months.

This year, the top 200 beef-producing counties have fared better than the rest of the country.

“Drought conditions have improved to the point where it is not a major limiting factor for potential herd rebuilding,” said Derrell Peel, professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University and one of the country’s leading experts on the cattle industry. “Drought is less of an issue now compared to the last several years.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2025/12/09/data-harvest-droughts-cattle-production-states/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

Recent droughts hit the top cattle counties hardest, including in Missouri

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Missouri’s request to restrict the use of food stamps for the purchase of some junk food items, according to a news release from the USDA.

Starting in 2026,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-files-request-to-remove-junk-food-from-snap-approved-foods/article_f81709be-78a8-4671-a459-0a6ececb50d3.html" target="_blank">Missouri is set to stop allowing SNAP benefits to be used</a>&nbsp;to purchase candy, prepared desserts, soda, beverage mixes, juices and punches that are 50% or less natural fruit or vegetable juice, and concentrates intended to be made into drinks that are 50% or less natural fruit or vegetable juice.

The Missouri Department of Social Services filed the waiver request with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service in late September. The USDA administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on the federal level.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/missouri-snap-waiver-request" target="_blank">the waiver request</a>,&nbsp;the state anticipates implementing the change on Oct. 1, 2026.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the approval of Missouri’s waiver on Wednesday.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe asked the state Department of Social Services to file the request.

“We are incredibly thankful for Secretary Rollins’ approval of our waiver,” Kehoe said in a news release from the USDA. “Missouri is proud to partner with the Trump administration on the Make America Healthy Again movement as we refocus SNAP to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state.”

The USDA also approved waiver requests for Hawaii, North Dakota, South Carolina,&nbsp;Tennessee and Virginia. The waiver requests, including Missouri’s, change the statutory definition of “food for purchase” under SNAP.

This story was originally published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-set-to-block-junk-food-from-snap-purchases-after-usda-approval/article_9b5ee7c1-213c-4f4c-9619-c2020fd91684.html" target="_blank">KOMU</a>&nbsp;via Missouri Independent

Missouri set to block junk food from SNAP purchases after USDA approval

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commodity markets daily recap

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

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

Senators push USDA for faster bird flu vaccine plan

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

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

Farmers say new $12B aid still falls short 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CoBank: forces shaping the 2026 rural economy

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

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

SAF coalition applauds Securing America’s Fuels Act

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

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

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

Lamb Farmers Launch Feast It Forward Giveaway

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

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

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

Farm Aid Distributes Over $1.3 Million in Grants

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

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

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

More Details on the Emergency Bridge Payments to Farmers

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

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

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

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

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

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

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces charges for a shooting that took place in a parking lot over the summer.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2779/Marshall-Complaint-Red">Marvillie Marshall</a>&nbsp;,19, is charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 2nd Degree Assault, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2780/Marshall-REDACT-PC">According to court records</a>, a business reported to Kansas City police that a shooting had been captured on their surveillance cameras on June 29. Detectives reviewed the footage and saw about 150 vehicles in and around the business parking lot, then observed firearm muzzle flashes from two different guns. As people ran to their vehicles, a man, later identified as Marshall, wearing a gray hoodie, black Nike shoes, black jeans, and a full-face mask appeared from the top of the screen, running and hopping from east to west through the parking lot, shooting over multiple vehicles and about two dozen uninvolved parties.

 It appeared he was shooting with his left hand because his right hand looked injured, wrapped with medical supplies.&nbsp;

There were more than 100 shell casings recovered from the scene. There were no reported injuries.

Detectives were able to identify Marshall through social media, as he had a post with the exact clothing he was wearing during the incident and detectives had access to multiple videos of Marshall's injured arm/hand wrapped with the same medical supplies from the surveillance video.&nbsp;

Marshall had previously been identified by SAVE KC, but did not attend a call-in.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set a $25,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

Social media helped police ID Kansas City parking lot shooting suspect

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Just after 11a.m. on December 7,&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2009 Hyundai Sonata that was heading southbound on U.S. Highway 75 near 126th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The driver of the vehicle, D’Angelo Martez Crosby, 44, of Sabetha, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia.

The passenger, Debbie Diane Shefferd, 68, of Sabetha, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kansas couple caught transporting cocaine, marijuana 

<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/alexcastro/">Alexander Castro</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/janine-weisman/">Janine L. Weisman</a> <a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a>

PROVIDENCE — Two people have died and several others were wounded in a mass shooting in a Brown University engineering building late Saturday afternoon, prompting a shelter in place alert on the Ivy League campus and a massive search for a gunman that continued into the evening.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed at a press conference that began shortly after 6:30 p.m. that at least two people were killed with “a minimum of eight” more injured and in critical condition “but stable at Rhode Island Hospital.”&nbsp;

Smiley could not disclose whether the victims were Brown students.

“These numbers may change,” Smiley said. “We are still in early hours.”&nbsp;

The shooting in the Barus and Holley building on Brook Street occurred as final exams were taking place between 2 and 5 p.m. inside Barus &amp; Holley Engineering, Provost Francis J. Doyle III said.

Providence Police Cmdr. Tim O’Hara described the suspect as a man who was wearing black. The suspect left the engineering building’s Hope Street side. O’Hara said that police did not know what type of gun was used.

Forensic and witness evidence were being used to identify the suspect, and the police were primarily relying on video evidence at the moment, O’Hara said.&nbsp;

“All I can give you is a male, all dressed in black, right now,” O’Hara said of the suspect.

The suspect walked away from the area, and law enforcement were unsure where he had gone as of 6:50 p.m.&nbsp;

Smiley said the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also involved in the investigation.

Gov. Dan McKee spoke at the Saturday evening press briefing. “So, the unthinkable has happened,” McKee said.&nbsp;

Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva said the fire department was first alerted about the shooting at 4:05 p.m.&nbsp;

Brown sent out its first emergency alert at 4:22 p.m.,&nbsp;noting “an active shooter near Barus &amp; Holley Engineering.” The alert cautioned the campus community to lock doors, silence phones and “stay hidden until further notice.” The alert also advised the options of run, hide, or, “FIGHT, as a last resort.”

An update at 4:51 p.m. noted a suspect was in custody, only to be redacted in a 5:11 p.m. update that read, “Police do not have a suspect in custody and continue to search for suspect(s).” The post also advised students to continue to shelter in place.&nbsp;

Smiley said at the press conference that the individual in the 4:51 p.m. update had been mistakenly connected to the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At 5:27 p.m., another emergency alert reported shots fired near Governor Street.&nbsp;That update was also reversed at 6:10 p.m., which added that “a secondary shooting incident near Governor Street is unfounded.”&nbsp;

The erroneous update from 4:51 p.m. noting a suspect was in custody made its way to President Donald Trump, who&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115714676658999589" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on his TruthSocial site at 5:44 p.m. that he had been briefed on the shooting and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was “on the scene.”

“The suspect is in custody,” Trump wrote. “God bless the victims and the families of the victims!”

At 6:03 p.m., Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115714751735035903" target="_blank">posted again</a>: “The Brown University Police reversed their previous statement — The suspect is NOT in custody.”

“We are very sorry to share that we have confirmed reports of multiple shooting victims, but we are not able to share their condition,” the University wrote in a statement issued at 6:05 p.m. “They have been transported to local hospitals.”

The Brown emergency updates page first confirmed that there were “multiple shooting victims” at 6:05 p.m. The university could not share their conditions at the time, but noted they were “transported to local hospitals.”

Rescues and other apparatus from surrounding municipalities responded to the campus, including Bristol, Barrington, Central Falls, Cranston, Cumberland, Coventry, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Scituate, Smithfield, Warwick and Woonsocket.

At 6:17 p.m., a call cleared rescues to return to their home communities.

“Sadly, today is a day that the city of Providence, the state of Rhode Island, prayed would never come,” Smiley said. “We’ve heard about horrific acts of gun violence and active shooter situations in other places, but not here.”

Smiley, who lives in the area, told reporters he was at home watching the Providence College Friars when he saw police lights fill the surrounding neighborhood.

2 killed, eight injured in mass shooting on Brown University campus

DAMASCUS– On Saturday, two U.S. service members and one U.S. civilian were killed, and three service members were injured, as a result of an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. The gunman was engaged and also killed.

As a matter of respect for the families and in accordance with Department of War policy, the identities of the service members will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

Trump responds on Isis ambush that killed US soldiers in Syria

CHEROKEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 6a.m. Saturday in Cherokee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Chevy Blazer driven by Meredith&nbsp;Wagner, 19, Columbus, was westbound on U.S. 400 two miles east of Baxter Springs. The SUV traveled off the road to the left. The driver overcorrected. The vehicle crossed over U.S. 400 off&nbsp; the road to the right, rolled and the driver&nbsp; was ejected.&nbsp;

Wagner was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home. She was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman killed after ejected in rollover accident

MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in McPherson are investigating alleged child abuse and have made two arrests including a school teacher.

On Thursday morning, police in McPherson arrested 36-year-old Abby Bradstreet, an elementary school teacher in USD 418 McPherson, on requested charges of attempted aggravated endangering a chid; reckless situation involving a child under age 18 and abuse of a child; knowingly torture/cruelly beat; strike; kick a child between the age of 6 and 18, according to online jail records. Just after 12:30p.m. Thursday, Bradstreet, met the requirement of a $12,500 bond and was released, according to online jail records.

On Thursday afternoon, police also arrested 26-year-old Brady Burr, an employee of the McPherson Fire Department, on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation to a child under the age of 18 and for abuse of a child; knowingly torture/cruelly beat; strike; kick a child between the age of 6 and 18, according to online jail records. Burr was&nbsp;released 90 minutes after his arrest after he met the requirement of a $12,500 bond, according to online jail records.

Police released no additional details. The McPherson County Attorney will determine formal charges against them.

Kansas elementary school teacher among two accused of child abuse

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans released a health care bill Friday evening they hope will help curb rising costs, though the measure doesn’t have the level of Democratic support needed to get through the Senate.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20251215/FILE_3948.pdf" target="_blank">111-page bill</a>&nbsp;will likely move to the House floor next week, where Speaker Mike Johnson will need nearly every one of his members to vote to pass the legislation, an uphill battle given the vastly different views among centrists and far-right members of the party on health care issues.&nbsp;

The Louisiana Republican said in a statement the bill offers “clear, responsible alternatives that will lower premium costs and increase access and health care options for all Americans.”

Democrats have been pressing for a three-year extension of the enhanced tax credits for people who purchase their insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.&nbsp;

So far, House and Senate Republican leadership hasn’t gotten on board with any extension of those subsidies, arguing they have led to a sharp rise in the cost of health insurance.&nbsp;

GOP lawmakers have instead pursued their own legislation, but without at least some backing from Democrats, no bill will make it through the Senate’s 60-vote procedural hurdles.&nbsp;

Senate Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-hits-stalemate-solution-spiraling-health-insurance-costs" target="_blank">tried to advance</a>&nbsp;a bill earlier this week from Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo but fell short of the votes needed.&nbsp;

Democrats were also unsuccessful trying to move their bill to extend the ACA marketplace tax credits for three years.&nbsp;

The House Republican bill, sponsored by Iowa Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks, is unlikely to break the logjam in Congress over the rising cost of health insurance and health care, potentially leaving the issue as one the parties can debate leading up to next year’s midterm elections.&nbsp;

Targeting ‘real drivers’ of cost increases

Johnson rebuked Democrats in his statement for enacting the Affordable Care Act during President Barack Obama’s first term, saying the law hasn’t made health care cost less.&nbsp;

House Republicans’ new legislation, Johnson said, will address “the real drivers of health care costs to provide affordable care, increase access and choice, and restore integrity to our nation’s health care system for all Americans.”

The bill would require Pharmacy Benefit Managers “to provide employers with detailed data on prescription drug spending, rebates, spread pricing, and formulary decisions—empowering plans and workers with the transparency they deserve,” according to a summary in Johnson’s release.&nbsp;

Starting in 2027, the legislation would appropriate funding for cost sharing reduction payments that the summary said would reduce health insurance premiums and stabilize the individual market.&nbsp;

The House Rules Committee is scheduled to prepare the bill for floor debate on Tuesday by considering whether to allow any amendments to be considered on the floor.&nbsp;

The full House will then debate the legislation later in the week before departing for the two-week holiday break.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump, speaking from the Oval Office shortly after the bill was released, reiterated his preference that the federal government send payments directly to Americans.

“We want to give the money to the people and let the people buy their own great health care, and they’ll save a lot of money, and it’ll be great,” he said.

But Trump also appeared to signal he is going to stay out of negotiations in Congress, saying, “I leave it to them and hopefully they’re going to put great legislation on this desk right here.”

US House GOP preps health care bill for vote before new year

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged scam that cost a man $200,000 over several months this year.&nbsp;

In May, a 77-year-old Salina man received a phone call claiming he won a "MegaMillions lottery ticket and brand new vehicle," according to Salina Police Lt. Andrew Zeigler on Friday.

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