Expected winter weather has caused the St. Joseph School District to call for the cancellation of classes today.  

While all classes are cancelled, it will be an alternative method of instruction, or AMI day.  Students will will have remote learning.  Some after school activities may still occur.

The Helen Davis School will also be closed on Monday.

The Maryville School District has also called off classes today due to icy roads and the expected snowfall.&nbsp; Both the East Buchanan and North Platte School Districts will also not be in session. The Mid-Buchanan School District and King City School Districts are also not in holding classes on Monday.

West Platte School District will have classes cancelled for Monday.&nbsp; Cameron and Chillicothe Schools will also have hold classes due to the winter weather Monday.

Stanberry and Union Star have cancelled classes for Monday.

The&nbsp;Kansas- Prairie Hills school district will still hold classes but will have a two hour delay.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Andrew County Senior Center has also announced that it will be closed today due to the winter weather

This list is being updated as we see schools come in

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Winter weather cancelling school around the area

Last month, team owners from around the MINK League gathered for their annual meetings in Kansas City to prepare for the upcoming season.  

St. Joseph Mustangs General Manager and Owner Ky Turner is also the President of the MINK League.  Turner says among topics discussed, there was some exciting news 

"I can tell you there has been a shift in teams, but I’m really excited about the future of the MINK and where it will go,” Turner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

While the Sedalia Bombers and Jefferson City Renegades dropped out of the league, the league did add the North Missouri Natty's out of Kirksville as one team.  

Turner says he feels like the league is headed in a positive direction. 

"And that’s just not 2026, but 2027, 2028, and beyond,” Turner says.  “Just with the people who are a part of the league and the direction it’s heading, I think it’s really going to be a good thing.” 

There will be an announcement at a later date of a second team being added to the league.  The league is also preparing for a special year. 

Turner says the 2026 season marks the 30th year of the MINK League, after a group including former St. Joseph Saints owner Lyndon Black, started the league 

"Here in St. Joe, the St. Joseph Saints, actually first year for the MINK was 1996 and if my math is correct, and I don’t have to do the math because someone else told me and notified me, this is the 30th year of the MINK league,” Turner explains.  “Which I think is pretty awesome for a league like this, because you look around and there’s all kinds of leagues that are either stopping or new ones, and here we are since ‘96.” 

Turner says that is a big testament to the vision Black saw back in 1996 for collegiate summer baseball.   

The MINK will have announcements throughout the season celebrating the anniversary.  Turner says the league will do special thingsroughout the season.  One of those being celebrating historic players who played in the MINK 

Turner says many forget about some who have played in the MINK, using former Mustang and Missouri Western baseball player Grant Fink as an example 

"Grant got drafted, I believe we were in the middle of a game, so we had dto go tell Grant, it was so much fun to be able to do this, he walked off the field after being drafted to take off cause he was drafted by Cleveland,” Turner says.  “So, that was 2013, 2014, and now here we are roughly 10 years later and you turn on the Major League Baseball playoffs, wait a second that’s Grant Fink on TV he’s now their hitting coach, so maybe he’s not playing but he’s involved in Major League Baseball there.” 

Turner says then there's the Clarinda A's who had 44 players from their franchise who have played professionally, one notable alumnus being St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith.

The 2026 season will begin at the end of May.

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

MINK League preparing for special season in 2026 with new faces

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

St. Joseph Police are investigating a shooting at an apartment complex in which no one was harmed.

St. Joseph Police report that around 1:30 this&nbsp; morning officers received a call of shots fired in the 3200 block of south 36th street.  When officers responded they found signs of a gun being fired.  No one was harmed, but a building had been struck by the gunfire.

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

St. Joseph Police investigating early Monday morning shooting

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple allegations after a knife attack.

Just before 9:30p.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 900 block Kansas Avenue in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 An investigation at the scene determined the disturbance had occurred between two 18-year old men known to each other. During the disturbance Zayden Walker used a knife to threaten the 18-year-old victim. The victim was cut on the arm. 

The victim refused medical treatment at the scene. Police took Walker&nbsp; into custody and he remains jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; criminal restraint, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and consumption of alcohol by an underage person. 

Kansas teen jailed for alleged knife fight

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. —Two drivers avoided serious injury after a crash that occurred just before 10a.m. Sunday in Atchison.

Police Chief MikeWilson reported a&nbsp;2004 Dodge Ram driven by Richard Dyer, 63, Atchison, was northbound on 10th Street at Main Street in Atchison. The pickup rear-ended&nbsp; of a 2009 Ford Focus driven by Jessica Stecker, 37, Atchison. EMS was on the scene and examined both drivers but no one was transported. Dyer was cited for following too close. Stecker was cited for no insurance.

Both drivers cited after NE Kansas rear-end crash

The U.S. Senate will vote in December on a bill to extend subsidies for federal marketplace plans, but the fate of the bill is uncertain

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

Until last year, Roberta Ross-Fisher had never been in a hospital except to visit friends and family.

The self-employed higher education consultant from Franklin County was so diligent about cleaning her teeth she had a gum graft several years ago to repair where she overbrushed.

Then, on May 5, 2024, she received a phone call. She had cancer in her lower jaw.

She took time off work and underwent surgery to remove the cancer and reconstruct her mandible with bone from her fibula. Now in remission, she gets CT scans and sees her oncologist every few months.

“That’s non-negotiable, whether I have insurance or whether I don’t,” Ross-Fisher said.

What is also non-negotiable is the premium she’ll pay to remain in a health insurance plan she purchases through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/" target="_blank">the federal marketplace</a>. This year, it’s $295 per month. Next year, if Congress extends current subsidies, it will be $479.&nbsp;

And if the subsidies go away Jan. 1, the price will be $1,216 per month, a 312% increase.

It is enough to give her pause, despite needing cancer follow-up care. Ross-Fisher in 2026 will qualify for Medicare, the federal insurance program for older and disabled adults.

“I’ve been having conversations with my husband,” she said. “What do I do? I’m now a cancer patient. Do I risk going for six months without insurance?”

The conversation Ross-Fisher is having with her husband is the same one being held in thousands of households across Missouri.

The open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act plans opened Nov. 1 and ends Jan. 16. For some, the extra costs for 2026 will mean they go without coverage.&nbsp;

Others may look for alternatives, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/16/lawmakers-approve-bill-exempting-missouri-farm-bureau-health-plans-from-federal-rules/">Missouri Farm Bureau</a>&nbsp;health coverage that does not qualify as an insurance plan under federal definitions. Backers promised it would be cheaper when lawmakers passed the law this year, but no one interested in buying into the plan will know if they will truly save money until it launches Jan. 1.

And the uncertainty makes financial planning more difficult for medical providers.

Care for people on marketplace plans represents about 2% of the revenue for University of Missouri Health Care, said Greg Damron, chief financial officer for MU Health Care in Columbia.&nbsp;

“That doesn’t sound like a lot,” Damron said, “but if you think about it, when you’re trying to get to a 4% margin or something, 2% of your revenues is kind of a big deal.”&nbsp;

For 43 days, Democrats in the U.S. Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/government-reopens-after-43-days-trump-signs-bill-ending-record-shutdown" target="_blank">used the filibuster</a>&nbsp;to keep the federal government shut down in an effort to preserve the enhanced subsidies enacted as a&nbsp;<a href="https://source.washu.edu/2025/11/missouris-health-coverage-is-shifting-fast-washu-analysis-finds/" target="_blank">COVID-19 emergency measure</a>&nbsp;in 2021.&nbsp;

Under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, the actual premiums paid by lower-income people purchasing individual health plans through the federal marketplace were capped as a share of their income. At the lowest end of the income scale, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-25-25.pdf" target="_blank">cap was 2.1%</a>, rising to 9.96% for people between three and four times the federal poverty level, or between&nbsp;<a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dd73d4f00d8a819d10b2fdb70d254f7b/detailed-guidelines-2025.pdf" target="_blank">$46,950 and $62,600</a>&nbsp;for a single person.

The enhanced subsidies reduced those caps so people at the lowest end paid no out-of-pocket premiums and no person purchasing an individual plan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-23-29.pdf" target="_blank">paid more than 8.5%</a>&nbsp;of their income.

The enhanced subsidies expire Dec. 31. The U.S. Senate will vote in December on a bill extending the subsidies, but there’s no promise of a similar vote in the U.S. House and no indication President Donald Trump would sign it if passed.

One result of the enhanced subsidies was dramatic growth in the number of Missourians covered by ACA plans at the same time&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-medicaid-enrollment-continues-decline-down-200000-since-last-june/">Medicaid enrollment declined</a>&nbsp;as eligibility reviews began following a freeze tied to the COVID-19 emergency.

In 83% of Missouri counties, an&nbsp;<a href="https://bpb-us-e2.wpmucdn.com/sites.wustl.edu/dist/4/4348/files/2025/10/Changes-in-Medicaid-and-Marketplace-enrollment-in-Missouri-1.pdf" target="_blank">analysis from Washington University</a>&nbsp;shows, new enrollments in marketplace plans exceeded the decline in Medicaid enrollment.

“The rapid growth in marketplace enrollment likely was influenced by enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs), which were passed in 2021 and significantly lowered the out-of-pocket premiums recipients pay for the marketplace plans,” the analysis states.&nbsp;

There are more than&nbsp;<a href="https://bpb-us-e2.wpmucdn.com/sites.wustl.edu/dist/4/4348/files/2025/10/Changes-in-Medicaid-and-Marketplace-enrollment-in-Missouri-1.pdf" target="_blank">417,000 people in Missouri</a>&nbsp;covered by marketplace plans, up from 257,000 in 2023. Faced with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/31/missouri-health-premiums-to-rise-as-much-as-30-for-2026-amid-uncertainty-over-subsidies/">double-digit increases</a>&nbsp;in base premiums and the loss of enhanced subsidies, many may drop health insurance entirely.

“Without that premium support, the belief out there is that it’s largely going to hit younger, lower-income people,” Damron said. “They’re likely going to be the folks that also decide to opt out of insurance coverage altogether.”

Small businesses that provide health insurance are also facing tough choices — whether to pass more costs to employees or stop offering coverage altogether, said Brad Jones, Missouri lobbyist for the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

The small group rates approved this fall by the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance show&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.mo.gov/sites/insurance/files/2025-10/Public%20posting%20-%20Final%202026%20Rates.pdf" target="_blank">average increases of 10% to 19%</a>&nbsp;for 2026.

“For a business with seven or eight employees, it is like buying a suit off the rack,” Jones said. “They don’t have any negotiating power.”

For almost 40 years, the cost of health insurance has been No. 1 among the “10 most severe problems for small business owners” identified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://strgnfibcom.blob.core.windows.net/nfibcom/2024-Small-Business-Problems-Priorities.pdf" target="_blank">National Federation of Independent Businesses</a>.

Conducted every four years, the Small Business Problems and Priorities survey ranks 75 issues facing businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The cost of health insurance was cited as an issue by 41% of employers, more than 20 percentage points higher than the second problem on the list, the cost of inventory and supplies.

In 2000, the report shows, almost half of all small businesses offered health insurance, with an average annual cost of about $2,600 per employee. Now, with the average cost greater than $8,000 per employee, fewer than one in three small employers provide coverage.

“When premiums go up, there are hard decisions that have to be made,” Jones said. “Deductibles go up to keep costs down. There are a number of things businesses try to do and not drop it all together.”

The smallest businesses may not survive if owners decide to seek employment that provides health coverage, said Marie Murphree, executive director of the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We might start seeing some of those go away,” said Murphree, who estimated that a fifth of the about 300 businesses in her chamber are individual entrepreneurs.

Higher premiums could be especially damaging in rural areas, Murphree said, where “we already see businesses who struggle to recruit people.”&nbsp;

“Now one of the recruitment tools that you have,” she said, “you really can no longer offer, because it’s out of your ability to afford it.”

Rob Gilligan, president of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, said the “vast majority” of the chamber’s 800 members have 50 employees or less. While he said they’d like to offer insurance to employees, the cost can be “prohibitive” with fewer staff to share costs.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry offers an insurance plan to businesses with fewer than 50 employees allowing them to pool together to share risk and ideally get more competitive rates.

Gilligan said that while some small business owners have expressed that they will be looking at higher deductible plans in anticipation of much higher premiums this year, they’ve already had to adapt to rising insurance costs in recent years.

“You just know that the cost of health is one of those things that’s going to continue to rise,” said Gilligan, whose chamber offers insurance to its employees. “We just have to kind of know that every year we’re going to look at that as something that we need to plan for and adapt to.”

The Affordable Care Act mandates that every plan offered by an employer and every plan on the health care marketplace provide minimum essential coverage. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthinsurance.org/glossary/essential-health-benefits/" target="_blank">10 essential benefits</a>&nbsp;range from hospitalization and office visits to maternity care, mental health treatments and preventive tests.

This year, legislators passed a law allowing the Missouri Farm Bureau to offer coverage that does not include all 10 benefits.&nbsp;

Many farmers and other members of the Farm Bureau, proponents said, are uninsured because they can’t afford to buy an individual plan on the marketplace or make too much money to qualify for subsidies.

Members will be able to start buying plans on Jan. 2, with coverage set to begin Feb. 1, said Garrett Hawkins, president of the Farm Bureau. The website will be available starting Dec. 1, he said.

That will leave only about 15 days remaining in the open enrollment period for prospective purchasers to decide if they will sign up with the Farm Bureau, buy a marketplace plan or go without coverage.

Because prospective purchasers will choose from a menu of services, the price for each plan must be individually quoted, Hawkins said.

“We’re working feverishly to get the plan up and running,” Hawkins said, “but we’re just not quite there yet.”&nbsp;

The Farm Bureau is a nonprofit agricultural membership organization which partners with for-profit companies to sell various kinds of insurance to its members.&nbsp;

To buy Farm Bureau health coverage, a person has to be a member for 30 days. Anyone can join — the fee is $30 per year.

So far, Hawkins said, the new coverage does not seem to be driving an increase in membership. There are several hundred members who have indicated they are interested in getting a quote, he said.

Once the plan starts accepting applications, Hawkins said, there will be no “open enrollment” period. The coverage will be available for purchase at any time.

Hawkins has big ambitions for the coverage. Affordable health coverage can mean more people will stay in farming and pass their land on to a new generation.

“My goal is that this helps bring young people home to the farm,” Hawkins said. “My hope is it will allow a spouse to return home to the farm who is working off the farm solely to get benefits for the family.”

Ross-Fisher said the insurance plan she purchased on the federal marketplace established by the 2010 Affordable Care Act was a “godsend” during her cancer treatment.&nbsp;

And when her business suffered during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the enhanced premium tax credits passed by Congress in 2021 had kept insurance coverage within reach for her and her husband and allowed her to keep working for herself.

With those tax credits set to expire, Ross-Fisher is again considering giving up her business for a job with benefits.

Most people turning 65 are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-medicaid/who-is-eligible-for-medicare/index.html" target="_blank">eligible for Medicare</a>, which has its own premiums for the various coverages offered. For Ross-Fisher, the nearness of her 65th birthday in 2026 makes it tempting to drop coverage.

And before her cancer, she said, she would have chanced those six months.&nbsp;

Now she’s leaning toward seeking full-time work.

“That would mean the end of my consulting business, which I dearly love,” she wrote in an email, “but under the circumstances I think it would be the most financially prudent thing to do.”

Missourians brace for health insurance premium spikes with federal subsidies set to expire

DAVIESS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Saturday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 79-year-old Jamesport man was southbound on Route J just south of Kidder. The driver lost control on the snow and ice covered road. The Jeep traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, a mailbox and overturned.

Daviess County EMS transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medial Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man injured after Jeep overturns on snowy road

KFEQ Week in Review

The state is asking U.S. District Judge Zachary Bluestone to block People Not Politicians from turning in petitions by Dec. 11. People Not Politicians asked him to dismiss the case

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

ST. LOUIS — A federal judge promised Tuesday that he would decide whether or not to block a referendum on Missouri’s gerrymandered redistricting map before petitions to force a vote are submitted.

The state is asking U.S. District Judge Zachary Bluestone, a recent Trump appointee, to declare the U.S. Constitution precludes any popular effort to overturn the new map that was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/12/gerrymandered-congressional-map-initiative-petitions-limits-sent-to-missouri-governor/">muscled through by Republicans</a>&nbsp;in a September special session. People Not Politicians, a political action committee that has until Dec. 11 to submit enough signatures to force a vote on the map, wants Bluestone to dismiss the case and leave it to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/25/let-the-courts-decide-kehoe-says-he-will-sign-gerrymandered-missouri-congressional-map/">state courts to sort out</a>.

Told in court that the signatures would be turned in Dec. 9, Bluestone said he would have a decision by that date.

Using the new map, Republicans hope to win seven of the state’s eight congressional seats by adding enough GOP votes to flip the 5th District, currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City. It is part of a national battle over drawing new lines begun when President Donald Trump pushed Texas to redistrict to win five new GOP seats in the narrowly divided Congress.

The case is one of eight — two in federal court and six in state court — that wrap the redistricting plan in multiple layers of litigation. One,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/12/judge-hears-arguments-over-legality-of-gerrymandered-missouri-congressional-map/">argued Nov. 12 in Cole County</a>&nbsp;and challenging the constitutionality of redistricting when there is no new census data, is awaiting a decision from Circuit Judge Christopher LImbaugh.

The latest lawsuit was filed Nov. 11 by&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/21/lawsuit-details-alleged-scheme-to-sabotage-referendum-on-gerrymandered-missouri-congressional-map/">Advanced Micro Targeting</a>, the company gathering signatures for People Not Politicians, accusing competitors of “poaching” employees and “gathering intelligence” on its operations.

In the case before Bluestone, the state argues the federal constitution directs state legislatures to determine the boundaries of congressional districts. And without a clear statement in the Missouri Constitution’s&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++52(a)&amp;bid=31810&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">referendum clause</a>&nbsp;allowing votes on redistricting&nbsp; plans, it is prohibited.

Lou Capozzi, state solicitor general, told Bluestone that he should intervene because the people are trying to infringe on the prerogatives of the General Assembly and it is costing the state money and employee time to process the referendum.

“From start to finish, the defendants’ actions impose significant burdens,” he said.

Jessica Amunson, representing People Not Politicians, said the costs are just employees in three state offices — secretary of state, attorney general and state auditor — doing their jobs. And future costs, for verifying signatures and an election, are speculative because the petitions have not been submitted yet.

The case, she said, is unprecedented. The plaintiffs — the General Assembly and Secretary of State Denny Hoskins — “are suing their own citizens to prevent them from petitioning their government.”

There are very few court precedents on the question of whether citizen referendum power extends to congressional district maps. Missouri voters rejected a redistricting plan in a 1922 referendum but that vote produced no guiding legal cases.

The attorneys did argue over the meaning of a&nbsp;<a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/241/565/" target="_blank">1916 U.S. Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;in an Ohio case that found a referendum on a redistricting plan was a constitutional use of the power.&nbsp;

Capozzi said the courts found the Ohio Constitution had a “clear statement” granting the power.&nbsp;

Amunson disagreed. The Ohio referendum power is essentially the same as Missouri, allowing “any law” to be subject to a vote while Missouri says “any act” passed by lawmakers can be sent to a vote.

“In none of those cases was there a clear statement rule required,” she said.

Bluestone seemed more skeptical of Amunson’s arguments at times than Capozzi, but directed pointed questioning to both.

While he promised a decision by Dec. 9, at the beginning of the hearing he said the decision may be to hold the case without acting while other lawsuits play out in state court.&nbsp;

In state court, Missouri is defending the redistricting plan by arguing the inverse of the argument in federal court —&nbsp; the absence of words granting or barring lawmakers authority to revise district lines between census reports means it is allowed. Before Bluestone, the state is arguing that the absence of words granting or barring petitioners from seeking a referendum means it is not allowed.&nbsp;

Richard von Glahn, executive director of People Not Politicians, said after the hearing that he’s not surprised by the apparent contradiction.

“What I saw in the hearing was, frankly, clarity from the state about how afraid they are of voters getting the final say on this,” von Glahn said. “If you think what you did is a good thing, you have nothing to fear from a referendum.”

Federal ruling on Missouri gerrymandered redistricting plan to come in early December

USDA’s Chief Economist Seth Meyer will join the University of Missouri on January 1, 2026, to lead the internationally recognized Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute. Pat Westhoff, who’s held the position since 2011, is retiring on March 1, 2026. Meyer has held various roles with USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist and FAPRI over the years, including as the assistant director of FAPRI, before rejoining USDA in 2021 to serve as the chief economist. 

“This is a great opportunity to continue to provide solid agricultural policy development in support of the agricultural sector, cooperate with other faculty members, and return home to Missouri,” Meyer said. “I look forward to the opportunity to do more in-depth analysis and research.” The Institute provides objective analysis of agricultural markets and policies for audiences like Congress, USDA commodity groups, and international governments. Meyer received a PhD in Ag Economics from the University of Missouri.

Myer to Lead FAPRI at the University of Missouri

As the holidays are here, bird flu is once again infecting commercial and backyard poultry flocks. Civil Eats reports that the flu has infected and killed more than 8.9 million turkeys, chickens, and ducks in the U.S. since September. The report said consumers are unlikely to feel a price squeeze during the holidays. For example, a 50-state survey from the American Farm Bureau found retail prices for frozen turkeys were down by 16 percent compared to last year. That’s even though wholesale prices are up 40 percent, with retailers often selling turkeys as loss-leaders. 

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reports that 93 flocks have been tested and confirmed with HPAI infection. That includes 43 commercial flocks, 50 backyard flocks, and has affected 1.67 million birds across all the infected premises. Reuters reported that the risk of infection in the public remains low.

More Bird Flu Ahead of the Holiday Season

More than 270 leaders from across the dairy value chain gathered on November 18 for the 2025 Dairy Sustainability Alliance Fall Meeting and sent a clear message: progress happens faster when the community moves forward together. The opening session highlighted the 2023-2024&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usdairy.com/research-resources/2023-2024-us-dairy-sustainability-report">U.S. Dairy Sustainability Report</a>, which tracks industry-wide performance across three priority areas: Advance Well-Being, Regenerate the Environment, and Care for our Animals and Communities. It includes the industry’s first five-year update toward its 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals, providing a clear view of how the industry is turning commitments into measurable impact.

“This report reinforces the credibility of dairy’s sustainability leadership,” said Lori Captain, group executive vice president of sustainability strategy, science, and industry relations at Dairy Management, Inc. “It brings forward the science, transparency, and results that matter to our customers, and it reflects the steady progress happening every day on farms and across the value chain.”&nbsp;

Dairy Industry Leaders Share Progress and Priorities

Corn futures were higher Friday. Soybean futures were also higher; wheat futures were mixed at best on the session. The U.S. stock market was firmer, with the S&amp;P higher. The U.S. Dollar Index was slightly lower. The interest rate products were flat. Energy trade was firmer with crude oil and natural gas both trading higher. Precious metals were firmer with gold up 37.00.

The live cattle complex was still sporting a fruitful rally into Friday's close, as traders seem to be again believing in the market's bullish long-term fundamentals despite plenty of volatility over the last month. There was some light cash cattle trade reported in the South at $220, which is roughly $5.00 higher than the business that developed earlier in the week, but still $2.00 to $4.00 lower than last week's weighted average. No new dressed cattle trade has developed at this point. Earlier in the week, Northern dressed cattle were trading at mostly $330, which is $13.00 lower than last week's weighted average. Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $1.39 ($366.89) and select down $5.13 ($350.38) with a movement of 60 loads (46.58 loads of choice, 2.89 loads of select, 5.35 loads of trim and 4.79 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle contracts saw the biggest day of gains as some of the contracts were up their daily trading limit, up $9.25. Helping spur this positive momentum was the interview shared with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, where she discussed several important issues, such as the border. The main points she stated about the border's reopening (when it does happen) are that not all of the ports will reopen at once, and that it will be a slow and methodical process, and the market will not see a million imported cattle show up overnight, which was a major relief to hear.

The lean hog complex traded along both sides of steady as the market looks for continued reassurance following Wednesday's dramatic rally. There's been very little interest this week in the cash hog market, but pork cutout values are again up slightly.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/11/28124311/web-closing-markets-2.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

More bird flu ahead of the holiday season

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said her agency intends to purchase up to $30 million in fresh fruit from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. “Certain commodities are experiencing a surplus, and USDA is ensuring these crops do not go to waste and instead go to Americans in need across the country,” Rollins said. “These fresh fruits will reach those in need, boosting healthier options for Americans at food banks across the country, all while benefiting American farmers facing unfair actions from foreign competitors.”

 The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will purchase $15 million in fresh oranges, $10 million in grapefruit, and $5 million worth of mandarins. The AMS purchases a variety of domestically-produced agricultural products on an ongoing basis.&nbsp;

USDA announces $30 million food purchase

March corn closed up 7 cents and May corn was up 6 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed up 6 3/4 cents and March soybeans were up 6 cents. March KC wheat closed up 1 3/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 1 1/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 2 1/4 cents.

Row-crop futures posted respectable gains in a breakout session from what had been a narrow range for prices through the holiday week. Seasonality is certainly on the side of the bulls for now as traders also are anticipating U.S. production estimates will fall again from November figures when USDA revisits the supply side of the balance sheet in January. Meanwhile, strong demand ideas are working to keep a floor under prices as well. Outside markets for Wednesday saw firmer equities as indices are heading toward a retracement of last week's AI bubble fear induced selloff. Energy prices were mixed with crude oil futures higher but among 2025 lows, and diesel prices continuing to fall sharply from last week's highs.

Wednesday's rally in the live cattle complex could be in part due to the interview that Lonesome Lands shared with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. A couple of major points were discussed in the interview: Rollins stated that when the U.S.-Mexico border reopens, not all ports will reopen at once and that "you will not see 1 million head of cattle show up overnight, it's going to be a slow and gradual process." Rollins also stated the port in Arizona is likely to reopen first as it's furthest away from any detected New World screwworm. Rollins also stated there's not an ag industry that she's more bullish about than cattle. No new cash cattle trade has been reported, but bids are on the table in Kansas at $215. On Tuesday, some trade developed in the North at $330, which is $15.00 lower than last week's weighted average. Although there have not been many cattle traded in the South, a handful of deals were marked at $215, which is $7.00 to $9.00 lower than last week's weighted average. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice down $1.45 ($368.64) and select up $2.55 ($358.48) with a movement of 115 loads (76.90 loads of choice, 10.97 loads of select, 12.76 loads of trim and 14.74 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex also traded notably higher (mostly $7.00 to $8.00 higher) as the market is pleased to hear positive news from Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins. So long as the live cattle contracts continue to trade higher through Wednesday's close, it's likely feeder cattle contracts will as well.

The lean hog complex also traded higher as the market is pleased to note a slight bump in pork demand and is likely receiving a little extra spill-over support from the cattle complex. Packers have made it bluntly clear that they don't need many hogs this week.

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Data from the USDA said that inspections of soybeans and corn for offshore delivery declined week to week, while wheat assessments increased during the week ending on November 20. Soybean inspections were reported at almost 800,000 metric tons, down from the 1.21 million tons inspected during the previous week. That’s also well below the 2.12 million tons assessed during the same week last year. 

Examinations of corn for overseas delivery dropped to 1.63 million metric tons, down from 2.97 million tons the previous week, but up from 1.01 million tons at the same point during the prior year. Wheat inspections rose to 474,530 metric tons, up from 246,533 tons the previous week and the 366,000 tons a year earlier. Since the marketing year began, the government has inspected 17.5 million metric tons of corn, and soybean assessments are at 10.9 million metric tons. Marketing-year wheat inspections reached 10.7 million tons.

Weekly exports of soybeans and corn decline

For the eighth time this year, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index sank below a growth-neutral score of 50.0. That’s according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a ten-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The region’s overall reading was 34.6 in October, the lowest level since May 2020. That’s down from 38.5 in September. “Weak agriculture commodity prices for grain producers continue to dampen economic activity in the ten-state region,” said Ernie Goss of Creighton University. “While tariffs are producing higher economic volatility, 72 percent of bank CEOs say President Trump’s approach toward Chinese trade is ‘about right.’” 

For the 17th time in the past 18 months, farmland prices slumped below growth-neutral. The region’s farmland price index dropped to 37.0 from 45.8 in September. Farm loan delinquency rates rose from a very low 1.1 percent in June of this year to 1.6 percent this month. 

Rural Mainstreet Index stays below growth neutral

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

As expected for Thanksgiving week, grain and oilseed markets have been very quiet and more or less directionless thus far, struggling to gain breakout momentum in either direction with many traders likely on the sidelines and taking an extended holiday break from the action. The trade, albeit thin, does exhibit the characteristic of at least a short-term bottom in accordance to technical guidelines. Outside markets for Tuesday were mixed with higher equities, but weaker energy markets with crude oil futures working their way back toward 2025 lows.

It was technically a mixed session, but mostly lower morning for the live cattle complex. Although most of the deferred contracts were traded higher, spot and nearby contracts are trading slightly lower. There's even been some trade already in the fed cash cattle market. There was light movement of dressed trade this morning in Nebraska, where cattle are trading anywhere from $325 to $330, but mostly at $330, which is a $15.00 decline from last week's weighted average. Still no trade has developed yet in the South, and asking prices are still not known in that region. Delivery dates for the cattle that have traded have been set for mostly the week of Dec. 1 and Dec. 8. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $1.56 ($372.05) and select up $3.46 ($358.97) with a movement of 74 loads (55.78 loads of choice, 8.21 loads of select, 4.08 loads of trim and 5.76 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex traded higher following Monday's sharp decline. Traders seem to be recovering some position that was lost on Monday, but it's more a technical reaction than a decision being made because more confidence has truly been established in the marketplace.

The lean hog contracts continued to trade slightly higher as the market crosses its fingers that the uncertainty in the cattle sector could be gained opportunity for the hog complex. The market still hasn't gained a strong fundamental foothold, as pork cutout values are lower.

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SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for allegedly selling drugs near a school.

Just after 1p.m. November 28, 2025, around 1 p.m., the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the 2900 block of SE Freemont Street on a black 2015 Volkswagen, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

A subsequent narcotics related search warrant was then conducted in the 3200 block of SE Bryant Street.

During the investigation, distribution amounts of illegal narcotics were located. Jason D. Sweet, 43, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges: of Distribute opiate/narcotic/certain stimulant/heroin within 1000’ of a school, Distribute/possess with intent drug paraphernalia to a minor or within 1000’ of a school, Distribute/possess with intent to distribute marijuana within 1000’ of a school and Possession of a hallucinogenic drug

Kansas man accused of selling meth near a school

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

Launch-day promotions and celebrity bets are right around the corner for Missouri sports betting, which began Monday at the stroke of midnight.

For those inclined to bet on sports, the earliest days after a state launch can be the only time they actually have a statistical edge on the house if they take advantage of promotions.

Multiple sportsbooks announced opening-day celebrations, including Caesar’s Sportsbook, DraftKings and Fanatics.

At the closest casino to Columbia, the Isle of Capri Boonville, former Chiefs quarterback Trent Green will make a stop on his trip to promote Caesar’s-branded sportsbooks. Green will first make a bet at Horseshoe St. Louis, then travel to Boonville, and finally hit Harrah’s Kansas City later in the day, where he will meet up with another Chiefs legend, former running back Christian Okoye.

Although Isle of Capri Boonville will not have its own retail sportsbook, the casino is welcoming members to place mobile sports bets while visiting.

DraftKings has assembled a star-studded cast of characters for its launch event at The Palladium in St. Louis.

Missouri sports legends, including St. Louis Rams receiver Isaac Bruce, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez and St. Louis Blues right-winger Brett Hull, will place celebrity bets for the sportsbook’s launch event.

DraftKings’ event will also feature Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson.

Ex-Royals outfielder Alex Gordon will be promoting Fanatics’ launch by placing a ceremonial first bet at Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City. Fanatics also has a retail sportsbook across the state at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles.

Two sportsbooks left the Missouri market in the previous weeks. The partnership between ESPN and PENN Entertainment, which created ESPN Bet, announced on Nov. 6 it would disband by Dec. 1, which means Missourians won’t be placing bets there.

However, since PENN still has its mobile-betting license, it will rebrand as theScore Bet, which is based in Ontario.

PENN will also rebrand its retail sportsbooks in two physical casinos, the River City Casino and the Hollywood Casino in St. Louis.

Steve Bittenbender, a gambling analyst for Gambling.com Group, says the move likely won’t change much for consumers.

“It would be like Kohl’s buying Target, and on a certain date, Target is rebranded to something else,” Bittenbender said. “It’s basically a rebrand. A very expensive rebrand.”

Customers who had previously downloaded the ESPN Bet app won’t even have to get a new app — it will be changed to theScore Bet automatically.

The second mover is Underdog Sports, which originally won one of the state’s nine mobile betting licenses. It also announced it would no longer operate a traditional online sportsbook in the state earlier in November.

Instead, it will focus on prediction markets in the same vein as Kalshi and Polymarket that aren’t taxed or heavily regulated by states, according to FOX2Now.

Last-minute early sign-up promotions, revenue projections

Here are some promotions bettors can still receive by signing up to various apps before the launch:

• DraftKings: Sign up and receive $300 in bonus bets, without a deposit required.

• BetMGM: If your first bet loses, receive bonus bets back equal to up to $1,500.

• FanDuel: Sign up and receive $100 in bonus bets, then up to $400 in bonus bets once you place your first bet of $5 or more.

• Caesar’s Sportsbook: Bet $5, get $150 if you win, plus five more profit boosts on future bets.

These promotions all require you to gamble the bonus bets again, and win, before they can be cashed out. If you miss the pre-launch registration, many sportsbooks will still have promotions, but they will likely be smaller.

Experts will be eyeing this first month of gambling closely to see what the Missouri handle will look like.

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