With Christmas right around the corner, a lot of people are shopping online and having packages delivered to their homes. Unfortuantley, that also means thieves are out looking for an easy score. There are several easy tips residents can take in order to keep their packages and belongings safe.

Buchannan County Sheriff Bill Puett says, "Don't let packages sit on your porch for hours and hours." He recommends coordinating with trusted neighbors to pick those packages up if you are going to be away from home during the day.

Puett adds, "Check with your employer to see if its okay to have packages shipped to your place of employment. That way you can take them home and they aren't sitting on your porch." 

Puett also says doorbell cameras are an excellent way to identify theives in case your packages are stolen.

Puett recommends if you are shopping at a store to keep your valuables hidden inside your vehicle or take them with you. "Thieves prowl for unlocked cars in parking lots. Cover your items up and keep them in the trunk of the vehicle."

One other tip Puett says is helpful in deterring thieves, is to tear and break down boxes after they are open. "Don't set a bunch of empty boxes on the curb. People driving by can identify boxes and know what items are present and new in your house. We just want everyone to stay safe and enjoy the holidays."

Buchanan County Sheriff offers simple tips to keep packages safe from thieves during the holidays

The AFL-CIO Adopt-A-Family Christmas program is in its 42nd year and is seeking donations to help area families this holiday season.

Executive Director of AFL-CIO Community Services, Nichi Seckinger, says there are plenty of families who have already applied to be adopted. "We have over 880 families in the system as of right now. Of those families, 385 have already been adopted."

Those seeking adoption have until 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 to pick up applications or download them. Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. to be considered for adoption. Seckinger says no applications will be taken after that deadline.

Applications can be found at <a href="https://www.helpmenow.org/adopt-a-family">helpmenow.org/adopt-a-family</a>.

Seckinger says, "People were pretty proactive this year and turned in applications early. With the time remaining, we're expecting to see over 900 families who qualify for adoption."

For anyone who would like to adopt a family, Seckinger says, "A good portion of the families provide lists of what they need. A lot are basic needs like clothing for the kids, undergarments and diapers."

According to Seckinger, seniors and disabled adults who have applied for the program often need hygiene items and cleaning supplies, such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, and paper towels.

For families with children, Seckinger recommends donations of toys and books.

Information from AFL-CIO indicates the estimated cost to adopt one child under 5 is $50; $75 - $80 for children age 5 - 12; and $75 - $100 is common for teens.

Adopters are asked to provide at least one new gift per child. Any additonal items for the children and gifts for the parents are at the adopter's discretion. 

Monetary donations are also needed and the agency uses the money to purchase gift cards and food vouchers to help supplement those families who are not chosen for public adoption. 

Seckinger says AFL-CIO also hosts a gift room, "About a third of our families are not publically adopted and they can shop in the gift room from Dec. 17 till Christmas Eve. We serve families right up to the very end."

AFL-CIO serves eighteen counties throughout Missouri and Doniphan County in Kansas. Seckinger says each year the program helps about 3,000 people. "We've been doing this 1983, and we keep track of the numbers. After this year, we are on track to have helped over 100,000 people."

Anyone who would like to adopt a family can stop by AFL-CIO office located at 1203 North 6th Street in St. Joseph. Hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. The office is also open Saturdays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 from 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For more information, call the agency at 816-341-1131.

AFL-CIO Adopt-A-Family Christmas program seeking donations

Winter is here and that means residents are bundling up and staying warm anyway they can. Two popular ways of warming up during the season are the use of space heaters and electric blankets. However, anytime electricty is used there are potential risks, such as fires. 

The Consumer Product Saftey Commission reports space heaters cause more than 20,000 house fires each year.

Spokesperson for Evergy, Courtney Lewis, has some tips to help keep yourself safe.

Lewis says double-checking the directions is a good idea. "Make sure oyu review any instructions your space heater comes with. Make sure the cords are still good, anything cracked or frayed is not worth the risk. Throw it away."

Lewis recommends placing space heaters on flat surfaces and never plug them into a power strip. "Always plug your space heater into a wall outlet as they draw a lot of load. Do not use extension cords to power your space heater."

Space heaters must meet specific safety requirements and Lewis says always make sure space heaters are UL approved. That means the product has been tested and meets the requirements. 

As for electric blankets, Lewis says they are a great way to stay warm, but never fold them when not in use. "If you fold them, you're folding the wires inside. They could fray and overheat which could cause a fire."

In addtition, "Don't use electric blankets or heating pads while you're sleeping. Have one with a timer, and put them away when not in use."

Other recommended tips for space heater and electric blanket safety include: keeping heaters at least 3 feet from other items, especially blankets and curtains, do not leave them running unattended, and only use space heaters that are the proper size for the room in order to avoid wasting energy or overheating a room.

Stay safe when using space heaters and electric blankets this winter

A ballot summary written by the Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is ‘insufficient and unfair,’ a Cole County judge ruled

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins must rewrite the summary ballot language for an initiative petition that seeks to enshrine education as a fundamental right in the state’s constitution, a Cole County judge ruled Tuesday.

The Missouri Right to Education Initiative challenged the ballot language as “deceptive and prejudicial” in August, pointing to two bullet points it says draws conclusions that are not in the text of the amendment.

The proposed amendment seeks to add 23 words to the state’s constitution, making education a “fundamental right” and putting a duty on the state to provide “adequate, thorough, and uniform high quality free public schools.”

Hoskins’ summary says the amendment would “potentially eliminate existing state scholarship programs that provide direct aid to students with disabilities and low-income families” and “prevent the state from supporting educational choices other than free public schools.”

Cole County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Limbaugh ruled the descriptors are insufficient and unfair, saying that they go beyond the “legal and probable effects” of the amendment. The word “potentially,” Limbaugh wrote, reveals that the likelihood of scholarship programs being eliminated is less than probable.

“The elimination of certain scholarships would only occur as the result of future litigation,” Limbaugh wrote in his ruling. “This court can’t possibly predetermine the result of that future litigation.”

Limbaugh also took issue with the characterization that the amendment would prevent the state from supporting other educational options.

The ruling sends the summary back for Hoskins to rewrite by Dec. 8.

The Missouri Right to Education Initiative focuses on public education funding on its website, not commenting on education formats other than traditional public schools.

“Only public schools guarantee that all students are provided education, regardless of financial status or ability,” said Spencer Toder, the campaign’s treasurer, said in a press release Wednesday. “When passed, we will finally be able to hold the state accountable and ensure that every child in Missouri has access to a public school with the necessary resources for them to thrive.”

A separate campaign, filed in August by an attorney with the public education law firm EdCounsel, also challenged the Secretary of State’s summary of its proposed amendment. In that case, Hoskins’ ballot language was affirmed apart from a “drafting error” that was sent back for correction.

A spokesperson for the secretary of state’s office would not comment on “pending litigation.”

“Related to the process, the office has three opportunities to submit ballot language,” she said in an email. “The process is working.”

Judge orders rewrite of ballot summary for Mo. public education initiative petition

Join us live from Missouri Western State University at Spratt Memorial Stadium as the Rock Port Blue Jays take on the Worth County Tigers in an 8-man championship matchup.&nbsp;

The matchup features two premiere teams from northwest Missouri, with Rock Port coming in undefeated at 13-0, champions of the 275 Conference, and Worth County at 12-1, champions of the GRC with their only loss coming to Rock Port in week one of the regular season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Matt Pike and Nathan Stuedle will have the call from Spratt Stadium.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 7pm.&nbsp; Our pregame will begin at 6 pm.

LIVE: Rock Port takes on Worth County in 8-man High School championship

Downtown Maryville will be host to the&nbsp;Yuletide Magic Holiday Parade on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. in downtown Maryville.

The festivities will kick off with the lighting of the courthouse square at 6 p.m., immediately followed by the lighted parade. Special guests the Grinch and Santa Claus will participate in the parade.

“The Holiday Parade is one of my favorite days of the year,” said DeAnn Davison, Downtown Maryville Executive Director. “Seeing families downtown, business windows decorated and lit up, and the whole community buzzing with holiday spirit makes it such a fun, feel-good day for Maryville.”

Yuletide Magic Holiday Parade set for Friday in Downtown Maryville

A 55-year-old
Gallatin woman, reported missing for days, has been found dead in the Grand
River.

The Daviess County
Sheriff’s Office reports a water rescue operation recovered the body of Julie
Vyrostek from the Grand River early Monday afternoon.

The office says
the family reported Vyrostek missing on November 26th and expressed
concern about her well-being. A search began. It included a Facebook post
requesting help from the public. Her vehicle was found on a field access road
outside of Gallatin, near the Grand River.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol and the Missouri Department of Conservation joined the search,
which included searching the river and the land around the river.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Gallatin woman reported missing found dead in Grand River

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The campaign to repeal Missouri’s newly gerrymandered congressional map says it will turn in signatures to put the issue on the statewide ballot next week.

If enough signatures were collected, the map will be placed on hold until voters decide its fate at the ballot box next year.&nbsp;

“This unprecedented show of grassroots power signals the overwhelming public demand for Missourians to have a say in whether (the map) becomes law,” People Not Politicians, the political action committee behind the referendum campaign, said in a statement Wednesday.&nbsp;

The new map was crafted at the urging of President Donald Trump in order to give Republicans control of seven of Missouri’s eight seats in Congress. To do it, GOP lawmakers broke up the Kansas City-based 5th District represented by Democrat Emanuel Cleaver.

Soon after lawmakers passed the map, People Not Politicians submitted paperwork for a referendum to the Missouri secretary of state. Since then, the group has raised millions of dollars — mostly from out-of-state nonprofits who don’t have to disclose their donors — and reportedly collected more than 200,000 signatures.&nbsp;

To succeed, a referendum petition must have at least 106,000 signatures from registered voters distributed among six of the state’s eight congressional districts.

From the moment the referendum campaign launched, Republicans have worked overtime to undermine it.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, a first-term Republican, announced he would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/26/effort-to-force-vote-on-gerrymandered-missouri-congressional-map-hits-roadblock/">not accept any signatures</a>&nbsp;collected before the governor signed the new map into law, a move that would invalidate more than 90,000 signatures. A Cole County judge is scheduled to hear arguments over that decision next week.&nbsp;

Hoskins is also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/06/referendum-backers-reject-ballot-title-for-vote-on-gerrymandered-missouri-congressional-map/">in court defending the ballot summary</a>&nbsp;he wrote for the referendum in which he says the map “better reflects statewide voting patterns” and replaces a “gerrymandered” version that “protects incumbent politicians.”

Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, a Republican appointed to the position in September, filed a federal lawsuit arguing that even though the congressional map is a piece of legislation approved by the General Assembly, it should&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/26/federal-ruling-on-missouri-gerrymandered-redistricting-plan-to-come-in-early-december/">not be subject to a citizen referendum</a>.&nbsp;

Hanaway has also accused a company hired by People Not Politicians to collect signatures of&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/02/missouri-gop-gerrymandered-referendum-human-trafficking/">bringing undocumented immigrants into the state</a>&nbsp;to assist with the campaign. The attorney general has presented no evidence to support this claim, and the company has adamantly denied it.&nbsp;

The company, Advanced Micro Targeting, filed a federal lawsuit alleging four Republican consulting firms are involved in an effort to pay the company’s employees to abandon their work, turn over any signatures they gathered and badmouth the company —&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/21/lawsuit-details-alleged-scheme-to-sabotage-referendum-on-gerrymandered-missouri-congressional-map/">all to sabotage the petition drive</a>.

The Republican National Committee has bombarded Missourians with text messages attacking the referendum campaign. And on Wednesday, the president’s son — Donald Trump Jr. — called People Not Politicians Director Richard Von Glahn a “leftist nut” on social media, drawing a response from the Missouri Republican Party accusing Von Glahn of being a “communist.”&nbsp;

Trump Jr.’s social media post also caused a pile on by accounts that appear to be based overseas.

Missouri campaign to repeal gerrymandered map plans to submit signatures next week

CLINTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford F150 driven by a 42-year-old Cameron man was westbound on Route HH five miles south of Cameron. The pickup crossed the center of the road, traveled off the south side of the road and struck a tree.

A patrol vehicle transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man injured after pickup strikes a tree

Shoppers can kick off the holiday season with local charm and festive fun during the Downtown Maryville Holiday Shop Hop on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event invites visitors to explore a variety of local businesses offering special promotions, seasonal decor, and unique holiday finds. Many participating shops will offer festive treats, special discounts, and holiday cheer throughout the day.

Participating locations this year include:

“Shopping local makes a big difference for our community,” said Brandi Bix, Downtown Maryville Vice President and Shop Hop coordinator. “When you spend your dollars downtown, you’re helping local businesses thrive and keeping the spirit of Maryville strong.”

In addition to the shops, two stops will host indoor vendor events. Rose Hill Acres Event Center and The Elks will feature local makers and specialty vendors offering handmade goods, crafts, and seasonal decor. These pop-up markets provide extra opportunities to discover unique gifts while staying warm.

Downtown Maryville to host Holiday Shop Hop this weekend

Gov. Mike Kehoe is
hopeful Missouri’s incentives for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals will
prove to be enough to keep the teams on the Missouri side of the state line.

The Chiefs
reportedly have asked Kansas to submit a proposal for a 65,000-seat domed
stadium on the Kansas side of the metro area, likely next to the Kansas
Speedway at the Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas.

Kehoe was asked
during a visit to St. Joseph if he’s worried that the Chiefs have asked for a proposal
from Kansas.

“Well, I have two
pieces of that answer,” Kehoe tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp; “As Missouri governor, I hate that they’re
doing that. I mean, we want them to stay on the Missouri side. As a business
person, I understand that they have to have their options on the table. Even
though I don’t like it, as a business person I do understand that they’re
looking at what their options could be.”

Kehoe says he expects
state and local incentives to be enough to keep the Chiefs in a renovated
Arrowhead, the home of the Chiefs since 1972.

“I think our
proposal, our economic development proposal, is very good and I’m hoping that
Jackson County with the new leadership of Mr. LeVota, can put together a piece
of the puzzle that really helps us make sure the Chiefs stay where they belong
here in Missouri,” Kehoe says.

Jackson County
voters recalled Executive Frank White, who has been seen as a roadblock to
reaching a deal with both professional sports franchises. Kansas City attorney,
Phil LeVota, is serving as interim executive.

Kehoe says while
the Royals are a separate issue, he does believe state incentives will prove to
be enough to keep the team in Missouri. Kehoe expects the Royals to choose
either to relocate to downtown Kansas City or in Clay County.

“They’re obviously
looking at the Star Bond proposal that Kansas has on their side,” Kehoe says. “Again,
as a business person and finance people have told me, Star Bonds have a lot of
problems associated with them that I hope the ownership groups look at very
closely. Our offer for both of those teams, and in this case the Royals, doesn’t
care where they locate as long as it’s in Missouri.”

Jackson County
voters rejected a sales tax extension to pay for renovations to Arrowhead and help
finance a new downtown stadium for the Royals. Missouri lawmakers put together
an incentive package during a special legislative session in an effort to keep
the two teams on the Missouri side of the metroplex.

The ownership group
of the Kansas City Royals has sent out a survey to its fans asking for comments
on three possible locations for a new stadium:&nbsp;
downtown Kansas City, Clay County, or Overland Park, Kansas.

Gov. Kehoe optimistic Chiefs and Royals will stay in Missouri

March corn closed down 2 1/2 cents and May corn was down 2 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 14 1/4 cents and March soybeans were down 12 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 2 3/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 4 1/2 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 0 cents.

March corn closed down 3 cents and March corn was down 3 1/2 cents. January soybeans closed down 32 1/2 cents and March soybeans were down 30 cents. March KC wheat closed up 3 3/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 2 3/4 cents and March Minneapolis wheat was down 5 cents.

The soybean market fell by double digits on Friday, and in four of the five sessions this week as traders are expressing growing impatience regarding where cumulative sales stand to China, despite USDA announcing a flash sale Friday morning, the first announcement for soybeans in a week. Corn and wheat futures displayed more resilience on Friday as compared to soybeans but slipped slightly amid spillover weakness as well as uncertainty regarding how USDA will forecast crop demand in next Tuesday's WASDE report, which will leave the supply side of the balance sheet unchanged and among record levels for corn and wheat. In outside markets, a relatively cool inflation reading in the delayed September Personal Consumption Expenditure Index keeps the Federal Reserve on track for a rate cut in their meeting next week. Energy markets were higher to close the week, having gained traction through the second half of the week after the meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Moscow has featured little follow-through news in regard to advancing peace talks in the Black Sea region.

The live cattle contracts traded higher into Friday's close, as traders remain pleased with the higher uptick thus far in the fed cash cattle market. On Thursday, some Northern dressed cattle traded at $340 to $345, which is $11.00 to $16.00 higher than last week's weighted average. The South remains at an utter standstill, but trade should begin to develop before the day is done. Asking prices for cattle in the South are set at $225 plus and in the North at $346 plus. Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $0.04 ($362.68) and select down $0.84 ($349.48) with a movement of 100 loads (81.03 loads of choice, 8.93 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 10.25 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex also traded higher into Friday's closing bell, pushing mostly $1.00 advancements into the late afternoon. Currently, the spot January contract is trading above the market's 40-day moving average, which hasn't been done since Oct. 24, but the market isn't confident enough that there's enough support to conquer the 100-day moving average.

The lean hog contracts managed a fruitful day as the market continues to push onward and higher, currently pressuring the market's resistance at $82.00 in the spot February contract. It is helping that midday pork cutout values were up over $3.00 higher, which is a significant jump and helps traders feel as though demand will remain a key factor moving forward.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/05135801/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

USDA plans to roll out a short-term “bridge payment” for farmers next week, officials said Tuesday, in a bid to help growers survive tight margins and trade-related losses. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told White House colleagues a key purpose of the payment is to cushion crop producers after a year of depressed prices and significant drops in U.S. soybean sales to China. 

While the broader 2025 farm support package has received roughly $40 billion in commitments, the second highest since the 1930s, farming groups say some producers need immediate liquidity to cover seed, fertilizer and other input costs ahead of 2026 planting. Details, including how much each farmer may receive and which crops are eligible, remain unclear. Lawmakers expressed optimism that at least partial payments could be distributed before year’s end. 

U.S. officials to announce short-term “Bridge Payment” aid for farmers

Beef production in major exporting and consuming regions is projected to decline in 2025, with global output likely to remain under pressure heading into 2026, analysts at Rabobank reported this week. The report indicates the largest volume reductions are expected in the United States, which has faced shrinking herds and lower slaughter rates. That trend helps explain why other producers — particularly Australia — are expanding feedlot capacity to capitalize on weakened U.S. output. At the same time, production in several other major beef-producing countries — including New Zealand — is forecast to drop the most in percentage terms, driven by tighter margins, disease pressures and shifting global demand. 

Globally, exports of beef and beef products are expected to grow only modestly, as shrinking supplies and rising input costs limit expansion potential, the Rabobank analysis found. This downtrend could have ripple effects on beef prices worldwide — potentially boosting retail costs in importing countries and reshaping consumer supply chains just as demand recovers after pandemic-era disruptions. 

Global Forecast: beef production to fall further in 2025

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

U.S. ag futures regained at least part of the midweek losses seen in Wednesday's session. Corn, soybeans, and wheat markets all approached near-term support which encouraged buying as traders are likely satisfied to keep prices within their recent ranges for now, ahead of the USDA update early next week. Outside markets were quiet for Thursday, with mostly higher energy markets, while Treasury yields were mixed to higher which offered support to the U.S. Dollar Index which has fallen in eight of the past ten sessions.

The live cattle complex traded higher into Thursday's closing bell, although midday boxed beef prices were lower, traders are hopeful that the fed cash cattle market will trade cattle stronger later this week. A few bids are currently on the table at $218 live in Kansas, and $216 live and $335 to $340 dressed in Nebraska but no cattle have traded yet. Asking prices are firm at $225 in the South and $340 plus in the North. The market still has plenty of room to trade higher before it runs into resistance pressure, which will likely happen around the market's 100-day moving average ($231.33). Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $0.78 ($363.03) and select down $3.22 ($349.90) with a movement of 86 loads (67.88 loads of choice, 14.18 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 4.39 loads of ground beef).

Upon seeing the live cattle contracts continue to trade higher, the feeder cattle complex pushed a moderate rally into Thursday's close. This week's rally hasn't only developed throughout the futures complex, but its support has also affected feeder cattle prices, which are trading higher in the countryside once again.

The lean hog complex also traded higher as the market continues to see adequate technical support, even though pork cutout values did not trade higher today. At this point, it's likely that the bulk of this week's trade in the cash hog market is essentially done with, although a few more clean-up sales still could develop.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/04144253/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Burks Tractor, an Idaho-based dealership, filed a lawsuit against Monarch Tractor of California. The suit accuses the California-based startup of a breach of contract and warranty violations after its tractors failed to operate autonomously. The dealership said the ten tractors it bought via interest-bearing financing for almost $800,000 are defective and didn’t live up to the driver-optional, or autonomous, claims of the company. Burks bought the tractors in early 2024 with the intent of being among the California company’s first retail dealers. 

Burks said Monarch misrepresented the tractors as fully autonomous and not limited by location or time. An article in Farm Equipment Magazine said Monarch attempted to make the units work autonomously but failed, eventually admitting to the limitations but refusing to take back the defective inventory. A November 19 letter from Monarch Tractor’s HR Department to 102 employees warned of pending layoffs while changing the business to software licensing.

Farm equipment dealer sues tractor manufacturer

After a tariff war stalled trade for months, reports showed shipments of U.S. crops headed to China are picking up in number. At least six large cargo vessels are scheduled to fill up with soybeans at Gulf Coast terminals through mid-December. A shipping schedule that was seen by Reuters this week said a seventh U.S. soybean cargo was loaded during the previous weekend and is already headed to China, the first shipment since May. 

While the White House announced that China agreed to buy 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans by the end of this month, Beijing has yet to confirm any details about potential promises to purchase large volumes of U.S. soybeans. USDA data said Chinese importers booked nearly two million metric tons of U.S. soybeans last month for delivery in the 2025-2026 marketing year that ends in August 2026. U.S. sorghum shipments have also restarted to China.

More soybean shipments heading to China

March corn closed down 6 1/2 cents and May corn was down 6 3/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 9 cents and March soybeans were down 9 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 3 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 2 3/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 4 1/2 cents.

Corn, soybean, and wheat markets fell under technical pressure as the state of post-harvest rallies has entered a period of limbo with traders likely searching for clarity on lingering fundamental questions such as the supply side of the corn balance sheet, as well as the uncertain nature of the demand for U.S. soybeans in China. Prices may remain rangebound but below immediate resistance ahead of the December USDA update due out early next week which may offer insight into some of these areas of concern. Outside markets for Wednesday saw equities trade higher, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average higher now in eight of the past ten sessions and once again closing in on record levels. The U.S. Dollar Index was softer for the seventh time in the past eight business days and remains at the bottom of the monthly range for the Index.

The live cattle complex traded modestly higher into Wednesday's close, thankful to again see stronger boxed beef prices. The market initially opened lower at Wednesday's start, but upon seeing improved fundamentals, traders felt as though there was enough support in the market to justify trading the contracts higher. Still no cash cattle trade has developed, but asking prices are noted in the South at $225, and are still not established in the North. It is assumed that cash prices will be higher this week with the uptick in boxed beef prices and with the board's support. The other factor that could be helping drive the cattle contracts higher is the announcement from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller that another detection of New World screwworm (NWS) was found in Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, which is approximately 120 miles south of the Texas border. This development could mean that the border will stay closed longer than assumed.

With the live cattle market's support, the feeder cattle complex traded over $3.00 higher into Wednesday's noon hour. It was rather impressive to note some of the sales made Tuesday afternoon at sale barns across the country as some were trading $20.00 to $30.00 higher, with instances as much as $50.00 higher than the week before. That obviously showed up in the CME feeder cattle index as well, which jumped $12.66 to $332.36. Today's support of the futures contracts should only encourage more buying in sale barns this afternoon.

After enduring a couple days of weaker trade, the lean hog complex was back to trading higher as the market is no longer up against immediate resistance pressure. Helping encourage traders to send the contracts higher is also the fact that pork cutout values are a tick stronger.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/03141153/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Farmer sentiment strengthened in November as rising crop prices and improved export prospects pushed the Purdue University/CME Group’s Ag Economy Barometer to 139, the highest level since June. Much of the increase was driven by a sharp 15-point jump in future expectations, even as current conditions held steady. The Future Expectations Index rose 15 points to 144. Financial outlooks improved alongside a 10-15 percent rally in fall-delivery corn and soybean bids, helping offset weaker cattle prices in the livestock sector. 

However, producers remain cautious as capital investment slipped further, and fewer farmers say today is a good time to expand. Long-term farmland value expectations reached a record high, while most corn producers anticipate stable cash rental rates heading into 2026. The survey also showed shifting crop production strategies as growers respond to projected tight operating margins, including lower-cost seed traits, reduced phosphorus applications, and adjustments to seeding and nitrogen rates. 

Future outlook drives farmer sentiment higher

The U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council’s 2025-2026 Corn Harvest Quality Report contained some good news about this year’s large corn crop. The 15th annual survey showed that the 2025 U.S. corn crop is projected to be the largest on record at 425.53 million metric tons, or 16,752 bushels. The crop is also highlighted by the lowest rate of broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) in the report’s history, a remarkable accomplishment for the entire corn value chain. 

This year’s crop, on average, is entering the market with characteristics that met or exceeded each grade factor’s numerical requirements for U.S. No. 1 grade corn. The report showed 87 percent of the samples met all grade factor requirements for U.S. No. 1 grade, and 97.8 percent met the grade factor requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade corn. The report is based on 621 yellow corn samples taken from 12 top corn-producing states.  

Large 2025 U.S. corn crop in excellent condition

A junior at Northwest Missouri State University has received a $500 scholarship named in memory of a Savannah native.

Kiara Schaub, of Savannah, Missouri, is currently studying agronomy with a focus on crop science.&nbsp;She is the daughter of Clint and Shelly Schaub.

The Matthew White Memorial Scholarship is an endowed scholarship awarded to a continuing student at Northwest in an agriculture-related major. 

Information from the university says a scholarship of at least $500 is awarded with preference to graduates of Savannah High School, North Andrew High School in Rosendale and students from Missouri or Iowa.&nbsp;

Matthew White was a student at the university who completed his sophomore year as an agriculture business major when he died in an automobile crash in 2005. White's parents, Steve and Julie, of Savannah, established the scholarship in 2006. Both parents are alumni of Northwest.

Northwest Missouri State University student receives scholarship in memory of Savannah native

🎥FIFA awards President Trump their first peace prize

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three teen suspects after a high-speed chase and crash in Doulas County.

The owner of a GMC Yukon reported it stolen from outside a home near 24th and Louisiana in Lawrence on Tuesday.

Justdecided not to stop for officers and ultimately crashed into a pole. 

Just after 11a.m. Wedneday, an officer spotted multiple people in the vehicle in the 4700 block of Overland Drive in Lawrence, according to a statement from police. The driver led police north on Folks, east on Peterson,&nbsp; south on Monterey and refused to stop.

 Another officer was able to set up spikes and pop a tire along the route, but the driver continued on until a failed left turn at Overland Drive. The driver ran from the crash but was chased down and safely arrested without injury. The others surrendered. 

A 17-year-old boy was taken to the hospital to get checked out and released to a parent. A 14-year-old, who was reported as a runaway, went to the Juvenile Detention Center.

🎥Teens in stolen SUV crash into pole during Kan. police chase

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Two-term Rep. Silas Miller was selected by the Sedgwick County Democratic Party to fill a vacancy in the Kansas Senate created by the resignation of Sen. Mary Ware.

Miller, elected to the House in 2022 and reelected without opposition in 2024, prevailed in a vote Thursday among Senate precinct committee members. He&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/02/longtime-lgbtq-advocate-returns-to-public-stage-as-candidate-for-kansas-senate-seat/">defeated Tom Witt</a>, a former executive director of Equality Kansas who retired from Statehouse lobbying in 2022, on a vote of 16-5.

Miller said he appreciated Ware as a political colleague and that he would have “big shoes to fill” while completing her unexpired term in the 25th District.

“Silas Miller is a forward-thinking leader who brings a wealth of life and legislative experience to the table,” said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Johnson County Democrat. “We’re grateful that he has decided to step into the Senate chamber in this new capacity.”

Miller serves on the House education, election and insurance committees. He’s been the ranking Democrat on the House Federal and State Affairs Committee. In 2024, Miller proposed an unsuccessful amendment to a bill that would have removed cannabis from a list of illegal drugs in Kansas.

Ware, a retail store owner,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-senator-from-wichita-retires-opening-democratic-seat-ahead-of-legislative-session/">announced her decision to resign</a>&nbsp;Nov. 13. In 2018, she replaced Sen. Lynn Rogers in a precinct committee election. Rogers had stepped down after elected lieutenant governor on a ticket with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Ware was elected to a full term in the Senate during 2020 and reelected 2024. Last November, she carried the district with 57% of the vote against Republican Keenen Smith. She served on tax, commerce and agriculture committees in the Senate.

“While my time in the Senate is at an end, I will remain an involved private citizen and an advocate for the people of Wichita in this next era of my life,” Ware said.

Kristi Kirk, chair of the Sedgwick County Democratic Party, said Ware was known for her involvement with the community and as a unifying force in the Democratic Party.

“Mary could always be counted on to support not only her constituents, but was a champion for creating a full and safe future for Kansas children since joining the Senate,” Kirk said.

Kansas House Democrat chosen to complete term of former state senator

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a violent robbery in Manhattan have identified the teen suspects.

Just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of aggravated robbery in the 700 block of Allen Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 23-year-old man reported three unknown men battered him and stole a handgun.&nbsp;After additional investigation into the incident, officers identified the three male suspects.

Terrion Toliver, 18, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 11:56 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held on a bond of $150,000.

Isaiah Ellis, 16, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 10:18 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He remains confined in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.

Noah McFadden, 17, of Manhattan was arrested on December 5, 2025, at approximately 12:48 a.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.

Police: 3 Kansas teens arrested for violent robbery, gun theft

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a gun fight that sent three to area hospital.

Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a report of gunshots in the 2000 block of SW Tara Avenue in Topeka, according to Police&nbsp;Sergeant Chris Janes.

First responders found two men&nbsp; suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. American Medical Response transported both to an area hospital. Both are listed in critical condition. 

Just after 2a.m. Friday, another man arrived by personal vehicle to Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence. He was suffering from gunshot wounds. It is believed all 3 men were injured during the same incident.

Police released no additional details early Friday.

Police: 3 hospitalized after Kansas gun fight

🎥After 3 week pause, US military strikes another drug boat

WASHINGTON —President Trump on Thursday evening had the first lady light the National Christmas Tree.

First lady lights the National Christmas Tree

JASPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Thursday in Jasper County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Escape driven by a 20-year-old Kirbyville woman was eastbound on MO 37 two miles south of Golden City.. The driver failed to yield at a stop sign and struck a northbound 2029 Ford Edge driven by an 82-year-old Golden City woman in a T-Bond collision.&nbsp;

The 82-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the 20-year-old driver and her 21-year-old male passenger to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. The 82-year-old and the 21-year-old were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman killed in T-Bone collision 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an armed disturbance that left a woman seriously injured.

Just after 12:30 p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a grocery store in 14600 block of West 119th&nbsp;Street in Olathe, regarding an armed disturbance involving a blunt force object, according to Sergeant John Moncayo.

Upon arrival, officers located an 85-year-old woman with serious injuries. The woman was ultimately transported to an area hospital in serious condition. A suspect was located on scene and taken into custody.&nbsp; Christopher A. Brewer, 50,&nbsp; who according to court documents used a hammer in the attack, is being held on a $35,000 bond on charges of aggravated battery, reckless bodily harm. He made his first court appearance Monday afternoon and is due back in court Dec. 11, according ton online jail records.

Suspect accused of hammer attack on 85-year-old Kan. woman

The ruling is a major win for the Trump administration and Texas Republicans, who engineered the map to give the GOP control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts.

by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/author/eleanor-klibanoff/">Eleanor Klibanoff</a> <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/">Texas Tribune</a>

Texas can use its new, GOP friendly congressional map while a legal challenge plays out, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, temporarily pausing a lower court ruling that had blocked the map from going into effect.

With the Dec. 8 candidate filing deadline fast approaching, the high court’s decision likely means Texas’ new map will be used for the 2026 midterm elections.

Justice Samuel Alito ruled that it was “indisputable” that Texas’ motivation for redistricting was “pure and simple” partisan advantage, which the court has previously ruled is permissible. Alito rejected the argument that Texas had engaged in racial gerrymandering.

The ruling is a major win for Republicans in Texas and nationally. President Donald Trump had pushed Texas to redraw its map over the summer, hoping to secure five additional GOP seats to shore up the party’s narrow majority in the U.S. House through the midterms.

On Nov. 18, two federal judges&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/18/texas-redistricting-ruling-lawsuit-el-paso-court-2026-midterms/">barred</a>&nbsp;Texas from using the new map for 2026, saying there was evidence state lawmakers had racially gerrymandered in redrawing the lines. Galveston District Judge Jeffrey Brown, a Trump appointee, authored the opinion ordering Texas to return to its 2021 map, while 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jerry Smith vociferously dissented.

The state asked the Supreme Court to overturn Brown’s ruling entirely, but that could take weeks or months to proceed through the court system, especially if the justices decide they want to hear arguments in Washington, D.C. With Thursday’s ruling, the justices have temporarily paused Brown’s ruling while that longer legal process can play out.

The ruling said the lower court, under Brown, “improperly inserted itself into an active primary campaign, causing much confusion and upsetting the delicate federal-state balance in elections.”

The new map, approved by the Texas Legislature and signed by Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://directory.texastribune.org/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>&nbsp;in August, is engineered to give Republicans control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts, up from the 25 they currently hold under the 2021 map. Numerous Republican candidates have stepped forward to run in the newly favorable districts, while several Democratic incumbents were pushed into nearby districts already occupied by another Democrat, forcing them to contemplate primaries or retire.

Brown’s ruling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/18/texas-congressional-redistricting-map-ruling-2026-effect/">upended those calculations</a>. But in restoring the new map, the Supreme Court likely ensured that Republicans running for redrawn districts will get to campaign under the new lines in 2026.

Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the ruling, saying it was a win for Texas and every conservative who is tired of watching the left try to upend the political system with bogus lawsuits.”

Texas Democrats, meanwhile, condemned the outcome, with House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu of Houston saying the high court had “failed” Texans.

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