Super Bowl LX on Sunday won't have the Kansas City Chiefs, but it will still have some local flare.   

Seattle Seahawks starting center Jalen Sundell has gone from undrafted to starting on the biggest stage in the National Football League.   

A native of Maryville, the former Spoofhound earned the starting job this season and has helped lead one of the NFL's most high-powered offenses into the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.   

"It’s made my job really easy I feel like, sometimes I barely touch anybody and we’ve scored a touchdown it feels like sometimes,” Sundell tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So yeah, it’s been super fun and the guys have been awesome, we’ve been a really close team this year.” 

Sundell says through this season he's seen a lot of support from the Maryville community 

"A million texts after games and my mom sent me a picture of a sign in our neighborhood,” Sudell says.  “Yeah, there’s been a bunch of support, and it’s been great to represent Maryville that way.”

Maryville Spoofhounds head coach Matt Webb, who coached Sundell in high school, says while many around the region may not be as excited for the Super Bowl without the presence of the Chiefs 

"Well Maryville is pumped,” Webb explains.  “I mean we are excited for the Super Bowl this year, probably more so than when the Kansas City Chiefs are in it just because we’ve got one of our own that’s going to be on the big stage, so yeah a lot of support, a lot of encouragement.” 

Sundell has won a championship at every level he's been at; the Seahawks have not won a Super Bowl since 2013.  It's also the organization's first appearance in the big game since 2014.

While Sundell knows there's excitement for this game, he says he tries not to let himself get to focused on the big picture of the Super Bowl 

"As far as like what it means and the weight behind the game, I just try to focus on one day at a time and focusing on what’s right in front of you,” Sundell says.  “And then after the season we’ll look back and really look at what we’ve been done and been able to do and how far I’ve really come.” 

The Seahawks face the New England Patriots, two teams that faced the longest shot odds to be in the Super Bowl in the preseason.  Kickoff is at 5:30 Sunday on NBC.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Maryville's Jalen Sundell takes on big challenge in Super Bowl LX with Seahawks

Missouri lawmakers are debating the future of hemp-derived THC beverages, which are already sold in bars, liquor stores and convenience shops across the state

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

People who drink cannabis beverages – that often come in cans, like beer or hard seltzers – may be consuming less alcohol, according to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26877350-2026-cannabis-beverages/" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;from University of Buffalo.&nbsp;

More than 60% of the study’s participants who drank cannabis beverages said they had either reduced (61.5%) or stopped (1.1%) drinking alcohol as a result.

“We believe this may be because of the similarity in administration method and context of use — people at parties or bars will likely have a drink in their hand, in this case a cannabis beverage rather than an alcoholic one,” said Daniel Kruger, a co-author and research associate professor in University of Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions.

Kruger said the study, which was published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs last month, is the first of its kind to focus on cannabis beverages and the potential for alcohol harm reduction.

And it comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/15/bills-banning-intoxicating-hemp-in-missouri-are-priority-lawmakers-say/">Missouri lawmakers debate</a>&nbsp;the future of hemp-derived THC beverages, which are already sold in bars, liquor stores and convenience shops across the state but sit in a legal gray area, with proposals to rein them in or ban them altogether still unresolved.

&nbsp;“Several previous studies, including ours, have demonstrated that people have reduced their alcohol consumption by switching to cannabis,” he said.

Sales of these beverages are estimated to be about $1 billion nationwide – with 76% of that being hemp-derived THC beverages and 24% being products sold in marijuana dispensaries, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/27/thc-beverage-boom-faces-missouri-crackdown-amid-regulatory-concerns-safety-risks/">report</a>&nbsp;from Whitney Economics last year.

About half of Kruger’s study participants were from New York, where intoxicating hemp beverages are prohibited — unlike in Missouri where people can order them in bars and restaurants.&nbsp;

More than 80% of the survey respondents who used cannabis beverages said they were more likely to buy their cannabis products from marijuana dispensaries.

Kruger acknowledged the results would likely be different among participants that live in states that haven’t banned intoxicating hemp beverages.

“In Missouri, we might even see a greater effect there than we did in New York,” he said.&nbsp;

Based on the survey results, the research team plans to further explore the effect of cannabis drinks over time and compare modes of cannabis consumption.

“Cannabis has been proposed as harm reduction for other drugs such as opioids but not talked about as often for legal substances such as alcohol,” said study first author Jessica Kruger, a clinical associate professor of community health and health behavior in UB’s School of Public Health and Health Professions.

Missouri lawmakers are debating legislation that would align the state with the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/11/missouri-hemp-businesses-fear-new-federal-thc-limits-will-destroy-the-industry/">federal limits on intoxicating hemp products</a>&nbsp;set to go into effect in November.

The federal limit will prohibit hemp products from containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, a provision that was included in the federal spending bill Congress approved last year.&nbsp;

This would place a national ban on intoxicating hemp beverages, which typically contain 10 milligrams of THC or below. It wouldn’t impact marijuana-derived THC beverages sold in dispensaries.

Missouri officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/03/cost-to-enforce-ban-on-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-missouri-estimated-at-nearly-900k/">estimated&nbsp;</a>in 2024 that 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops and 1,800 food manufacturers were selling products that would be banned under the proposed federal regulations.&nbsp;

Missouri senators debated a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/26Info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=313" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;this week to allow the continued sale of THC cannabis beverages, if Congress passes legislation allowing them. They are currently unregulated by any government agency in Missouri, and the bill aims to establish testing, labeling and licensing requirements.&nbsp;

“What we’re trying to do here is really tighten it up,” said Republican state Sen. Mike Henderson of Desloge, during a committee hearing Tuesday. “You got to be 21, and you got to be 21 to serve them.”

Henderson also said he wants to make sure companies aren’t advertising to children.&nbsp;

“We’ve got to stop that practice, where it looks like it’s some kind of candy or some kind of drink that would appeal to kids,” he said, “and we can’t have it being done that way.”

Cannabis drinks may cut alcohol consumption, study finds, as Missouri weighs hemp THC rules

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Friday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford F350 driven by a 61-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on U.S. 36 at SW Emma Road three miles northwest of Osborn. The pickup traveled off thee north side of the road, struck a ditch, entered the median and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road and came to rest on the south side of the road.

DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Man from St. Joe hospitalized after pickup accident

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 GMC Yukon driven by a 64-year-old Mound City woman was northbound on Interstate 29 four miles north of Country Club. The SUV rear-ended a 1998 Ford Mustang that broke down and partially blocking the passing lane of I-29. After impact the SUV traveled off the west side of the road and struck a guard rail.

Andrew County EMS transported a 56-year-old passenger from SUV to Mosaic Life Care. She had not been wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after I-29 rear-end crash

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding residents that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following dates:

Thursday, Feb. 12, in observance of President Lincoln's Birthday.

Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of President Washington's Birthday.

MSHP Driver Exam stations to close for February holidays

(Radio Iowa) - With the Super Bowl this Sunday, Iowans might be willing to wager on the outcome to make it a little more interesting. 

While five dollars between friends is likely harmless, the temptation to go bigger is strong for some, and that could be a sign of a larger problem. Chris Sekorski, a substance use counselor at Emplify Health by Gundersen, says gambling on pro sports has never been easier -- or more hazardous. You used to have to go to a casino or Las Vegas, he says, but with the rapid proliferation of sports betting apps for smartphones, now it's in the palm of your hand. 

A study done in 2021 for the Iowa Department of Public Health found more than 18-thousand adult Iowans met the criteria for having a gambling disorder. Help is available in Iowa by calling 1-800-BETS-OFF.

Betting on the big game is no game for thousands of Iowans

Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) has introduced the Protecting Small Businesses from Predatory Website Lawsuits Act, a legislative effort to shield small business owners from exploitative legal tactics. 

Information from Graves's website says the bill is designed to give entrepreneurs a fair opportunity to make their websites accessible to Americans with disabilities, rather than being forced into costly "sue-and-settle" schemes that often prioritize financial gain over actual accessibility improvements.

The legislation addresses a growing trend where small businesses in North Missouri and across the country are targeted with "copy-and-paste" demand letters. These letters claim website non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and typically demand immediate cash settlements. Rather than encouraging a fix, trial attorneys often use the threat of years of expensive litigation to pressure "mom-and-pop" shops into paying out, even if the business was unaware of the technical requirements.

Rep. Graves emphasized that small businesses should not be forced to choose between paying for a legal defense and paying their employees. “Small businesses should not be targeted and exploited for a quick cash grab. They should not have to choose between paying a lawyer or paying their employees,” Graves stated. “These lawsuits are not about helping or ensuring access for customers, they are about making money off hardworking business owners. This bill gives small businesses much-needed protection.”

Under the proposed changes to the ADA, a civil lawsuit regarding website compliance cannot be filed until the owner or operator is officially notified of the specific issues. Once notified, the business is granted a 180-day window to bring the website into compliance. By allowing small business owners a chance to make things right, this legislation seeks to protect Main Street America while strengthening the ADA by ensuring more websites are actually accessible to Americans with disabilities.

Graves introduces legislation to protect small businesses from predatory ADA website lawsuits

A Buchanan County jury convicted a Kansas man Thursday of first-degree child molestation for an assault involving an eight year-old girl nearly 25 years ago.

Robert Haskin was found guilty of the 2001 incident following a trial in which prosecutors alleged he inappropriately touched the child while babysitting her. Although the abuse occurred decades ago, the victim’s repeated statements to various individuals over the years eventually led to formal charges being filed in 2024.

Haskin, who maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty, was taken into custody following the verdict. He is scheduled to appear before a judge for sentencing on March 27.

Kansas man convicted of 2001 child molestation in Buchanan County

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control has issued a public warning following a significant rise in cryptocurrency fraud cases across the state. 

Investigators report that these sophisticated scams frequently target older adults, often leading to devastating financial losses.

Criminals are leveraging a wide array of digital platforms—including social media, dating sites, end-to-end encrypted messaging apps, and traditional phone calls—to manipulate victims. According to the Patrol, many of these schemes involve long-term "grooming" where the bad actor builds a foundation of mutual trust before ever requesting funds. Once trust is established, victims are coerced into sending Bitcoin or other virtual currencies under the guise of urgent legal issues or "guaranteed" investment returns.

Law enforcement highlights several common warning signs that indicate a potential scam:

The Patrol emphasizes that legitimate government agencies will never demand payment in cryptocurrency. To stay safe, the public is encouraged to use two-factor authentication (2FA) on all financial accounts, keep devices updated with strong passwords, and always verify the legitimacy of a website before logging in. If someone asks you to withdraw cash to use a Bitcoin kiosk, investigators urge you to pause and read the fraud warnings displayed on the machine.

If you believe you have been targeted, time is of the essence. Reporting scams immediately to local law enforcement or the Missouri State Highway Patrol increases the slim window of opportunity for asset recovery and prosecution. Families and caregivers are also encouraged to discuss these tactics with older adults to foster awareness.

Individuals who suspect they have been victimized can also contact the Missouri Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.

Missouri State Highway Patrol warns of rising crypto scams

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds is proposing new taxes and tax hikes on smoking products that she says are a key factor in Iowa's high rate of lung cancer. 

Reynolds says you cannot set aside national statistics that indicate 80 percent of lung cancer cases are linked to smoking. Reynolds proposes raising the state tax on a pack of cigarettes to the national average, which is just over two dollars a pack. Reynolds is recommending that the state start charging a 15 percent tax on vaping products and consumable hemp products. 

The University of Iowa's cancer research is focusing on the most common types of cancer and has found Iowa has more cases of late-stage lung cancer than other states.

Iowa governor proposes tobacco tax hike, new state tax on vapes

A missing and endangered man was found dead outside a local grocery store Thursday evening, ending a day-long search by the St. Joseph Police Department.

67-year old Juan Francisco Holguin Perez was first reported missing after he was last seen Wednesday afternoon in the area of 1500 N. 8th St. Concerns for his safety led the SJPD to issue a Nixle Alert just before 5 a.m. Thursday, requesting the public's help in locating him.

Perez was discovered deceased outside Brothers Market approximately 12 hours after the initial alert was sent.

Authorities have stated that there is no suspicion of foul play involved in the incident. The SJPD confirmed that the next of kin has been notified.

Missing endangered man found deceased outside Brothers Market

March corn closed up 5 1/2 cents and May corn was up 6 cents. March soybeans closed up 20 cents and May soybeans were up 21 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 8 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 8 1/2 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 5 1/2 cents.

The soybean market continued to set a bullish tone across row-crop futures Thursday, following President Trump's comments on Wednesday that China may look to extend their old-crop purchase goal for U.S. soybeans by an additional 8 million metric tons (mmt) above the previous 12 mmt. There are obviously a lot of question marks regarding how feasible this is but for now the market is reflecting added demand potential with a 45-50 cent move over the past two sessions. Corn and wheat markets were able to join soybeans with higher prices as well on Thursday, despite being a little more subdued in their rallying efforts. Outside markets on Thursday were mostly a negative influence on ag futures, with lower energy markets after Iran and U.S. officials did agree to move forward with planned negotiations in Oman on Friday. The U.S. dollar was firmer for the fifth time in the past seven sessions, and equity markets moved lower as trade has turned sideways over the past month.

Live cattle futures quickly backed away from part of early week gains Thursday. Losses of $4 to $5 per cwt were seen at midday, creating some concern that additional sharp losses may continue to develop over the coming days. The news focus seems to be pointed to the processing reduction seen in the JBS Greeley plant based on reported impending strikes at the plant. The likelihood that this will have a major impact on overall industry processing capacity beyond a few days is limited given the current structure of the market and current overall company and industry availability. This industry is not beyond rerouting trucks to other plants or companies in order to sustain needs and capacity levels. But watching daily slaughter rates through the month of February will help give an indicator of overall capacity levels. Firm pressure in outside markets and weaker beef values cannot be downplayed in the hesitancy for futures buyers to step into a market which very well could have run out of oxygen at current price levels. Cash cattle markets are still sluggish with a few bids on the table in parts of Iowa, and a major packer has offered to "call in" for $378 in eastern Nebraska. Packer inquiry should continue to improve as the day progresses, but significant trade volume will likely be delayed until later today and/or Friday. Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $0.82 ($367.20) and select down $1.08 ($361.01) with a movement of 48.79 loads (38.54 loads of choice, 4.14 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 6.11 loads of ground beef).

Feeder cattle futures were leading the market lower Thursday. This market move seems like a general reversal to early week buyer support that flooded the market during trade Monday and Tuesday. The news cycle focus in the market seems to be centered on the developing strike at the JBS plant in Greeley, but this move is likely much more focused on the ability to sustain additional buyer support at current price levels. Nearby futures have rallied nearly $70 per cwt since the November low, creating a generally unchecked upward market surge within the entire cattle market. This lack of small to moderate corrections can make any market vulnerable, including the cattle market which is focusing on tight supplies. In comparison to the wild shifts seen last fall, these swings seem generally tame. But it does create significant uncertainty given how lightly traded the feeder cattle market remains with generally light volume.

Lean hog futures had been the quiet market through the entire livestock complex Thursday. Spot February futures were leading the market lower with light pressure, while very narrow losses are seen through the rest of the contracts. The continued upward move higher in nearby futures since hitting seasonal lows in November have continued to move prices well above the 40-day moving average. Recent volatility in cattle trade seems to have lost its short-term impact on hog traders at this moment as traders continue to look for continued strong demand support as 2026 develops. At current price levels and comparative price relationships to beef, the pork industry seems well insulated to potential economic pressure that may develop over the coming weeks and months.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/05140554/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Groups representing fuel retailers across America expressed serious concerns with the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. The associations say that 45Z is a giant step backward for American biofuel policy. NATSO, representing truck stops and travel plazas, SIGMA, America’s leading fuel marketers, and the National Association of Convenience Stores are urging Congress and the Administration to support simpler biofuel policies that would quickly reinvigorate biodiesel consumption and higher ethanol blends while enhancing the economy and energy market security.

 “The transition away from the Biodiesel Tax Credit to the 45Z production credit instituted a catastrophic decline in biofuels consumption that hurts the economy,” said NACS Deputy General Counsel Matt Durand. “Congress can fix it by bringing back the Biodiesel Tax Credit, which has a proven track record of delivering lower prices to consumers while benefiting farmers and biofuel producers.” 

Fuel retailers express concerns about 45Z guidelines

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

It was a generally positive session for ag markets Tuesday with soybean futures recovering from three consecutive lower sessions and building off bullish momentum which showed glimpses through Monday's rally off daily lows. Wheat markets, on the other hand, remain sluggish with bullish traders thus far lacking the confidence to extend the recent bounce beyond two-month highs which were hit last week. Corn was caught between the soybean rally and heavy wheat prices. Meanwhile, a recovery in energy prices following Monday's risk-off session provided a base of support Tuesday. In early afternoon Tuesday, it was reported that the U.S. had shot down an Iranian drone in the Persian Gulf, a swift ratcheting of tensions which had seemed to be cooling to begin the week, with nuclear negotiations set for Friday in Turkey. It is unclear at this point if those talks will move forward as planned.

The live cattle complex continued to move higher as traders have gained another level of confidence following last Friday's bullish Cattle Inventory report. The market is pressuring its technical barriers as this is currently the highest price point traded at since last October. As long as fundamental support continues to remain robust, traders will likely remain supportive and push the contracts higher. But it's undeniable traders will need to see continued fundamental support. Following last week's strong trade in the fed cash cattle market, there's been no new business develop yet and it's most likely trade will be delayed until Thursday or Friday of this week. It is assumed prices will be higher again this week as supplies of market-ready cattle remain thin. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $2.66 ($370.87) and select up $2.85 ($367.76) with a movement of 56 loads (40.98 loads of choice, 3.08 loads of select, 4.94 loads of trim and 6.53 loads of ground beef).

With encouragement from last week's bullish Cattle Inventory report, the stronger trade in the fed cash cattle market last week, and the live cattle contracts trading higher, the feeder cattle complex traded higher thanks to these support factors. If the live cattle contracts happen to weaken, there's a strong chance the feeder cattle contracts will too.

The lean hog complex started moderately higher and went into the closing bell the same way the day started. Hog prices average $86.27 on the Daily Direct Morning Hog Report, with prices ranging from $80.00 to $88.00 on 2,461 head and a five-day rolling average of $85.12. Pork cutouts total 191.65 loads with 176.52 loads of pork cuts and 15.13 loads of trim. Pork cutout values: up $0.35, $96.05.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/03143532/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to reapprove Dicamba for over-the-top use on tolerant soybeans and cotton for the 2026 season. Reports say the decision is aimed at addressing weed control challenges and will likely include stricter regulations like buffering agents and a possible ban on applying Dicamba when the temperatures are high. In a draft statement from the EPA, the agency called the pending decision the most “protective” Dicamba registration in agency history. 

Producers were prohibited from using the herbicide last year because of a 2024 court decision vacating previous registrations. It would be the third time that the EPA approved the pesticide. On both previous occasions, federal courts blocked the approvals, citing the underestimation of the risks of chemical drift that could harm other farms.

EPA is expected to reapprove Dicamba

The cattle inventory was 86.2 million head on January 1, 2026, which continued a long-standing downward trend. Despite a year of strong prices, the USDA Cattle Inventory Report showed the overall U.S. cattle herd shrank by another 0.35 percent, and it’s now at the smallest level in 75 years. The beef cow herd total was 27.6 million head, down by one percent. The 2025 calf crop was 32.9 million head, the smallest total since 1941. 

Beef replacement heifers rose one percent to 4.71 million head. All cattle on feed totaled 13.8 million head, a three percent reduction from 2025. The number of milk cows in the U.S. increased to 9.57 million. Dr. Derrell Peel, a livestock market analyst for Oklahoma State University, said the market is likely still trying to find a bottom. “We’re probably stabilizing, but it’s a very slow process,” Peel said. “We’re likely not going to rebuild very fast.” 

Cattle inventory hits a 75-year low

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced this week that 17 Missouri youth groups have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Building Our American Communities grant program.

The awards provide $500 each to seven National FFA Organization chapters and 10 Missouri 4-H clubs to fund local community service initiatives. Projects range from physical upgrades to fairgrounds and parks to the improvement of community centers.

“Year after year we see terrific projects and community impact from FFA chapters and 4-H clubs across Missouri,” Director Chinn said. “This year is no different, and we are proud to support efforts that will make a difference in these communities for years to come.”

Established in the 1970s, the BOAC program is funded through the Missouri Agriculture Development Fund via an agreement with the USDA. All selected projects must be completed by Aug. 1, 2026.

FFA and 4-H groups receive state grants

March corn closed down 2 1/2 cents and May corn was down 2 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed down 4 cents and May soybeans were down 4 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 9 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 10 1/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 6 3/4 cents.

U.S. row-crop futures were lower to begin the new week and month with wheat prices leading the way on a combination of technical pressure as well as outside market pressure from a firm U.S. dollar and sharply lower energy prices as U.S. and Iranian officials are set to hold nuclear talks in Turkey this upcoming Friday in a path of de-escalation of tensions which had driven crude oil prices to their highest level in four months. Direct fundamental news for corn, soy, and wheat markets was limited on Monday, but a quick start to soybean harvesting and safrinha corn planting in Brazil over the latter half of January is likely at least part of the cause of bearishness in the markets to begin February.

Live cattle futures surged higher Monday following the bullish news from last week's cattle inventory report. The focus on overall reduction in all cattle numbers and 2025 calvings decreasing by 2% has continued to spark renewed buying support through early trade. Although contracts backed away from initial highs, the focus on strong early week gains is likely to keep buyers active through the rest of the early week trade. Cash cattle markets look to be a typically quiet Monday with both buyers and sellers busy taking inventory and preparing for the week ahead. Bids and asking prices have yet to be established, and if the trend of the last couple of weeks continues, significant trade volume will be delayed until much later in the week. Boxed beef prices are Higher: choice up $2.14 ($367.70) and select up $2.35 ($364.29) with a movement of 32.80 loads (20.27 loads of choice, 4.93 loads of select, 3.40 loads of trim and 4.20 loads of ground beef).

Feeder cattle futures were leading the market higher Monday, as renewed focus on tight supplies continues to be seen through the entire cattle complex. The announcement in Friday's cattle inventory report of a 2% drop in calves born during 2025 continues to not only leave current buyers actively looking for cattle to fill yards, but it indicates that the trend will not be changing any time soon. It will be interesting to see how active buyer support remains over the next couple of days and weeks following this bullish report. Although the report gives actual numbers to the market supply tightness, the fact is that the market has already factored in much of the tightness, and this will not change the overall expectations of the beef market over the upcoming months.

Lean hog futures moved actively higher Monday as well. Although the same dynamics seen in the cattle market are not seen in the hog complex, the spill-over bullish support from surging cattle markets and active outside market buying activity has helped to push nearby contracts to triple-digit gains during morning trade. Spot month February futures are holding 80 to 90 cent gains through most of the morning, but the rest of nearby contracts held strong triple-digit gains near $2 per cwt into the closing bell. Traders continue to not only gain spill-over support from any beef market support during the year, but continued gains in financial markets are helping to keep hog market traders actively buying in initial February trade.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/02142452/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

GT Thompson, the chair of the House Agriculture Committee, has tentatively set a farm bill markup for the week of February 23. That’s according to three sources familiar with Thompson’s plans. While the formal text of his farm bill has yet to be introduced, it will likely have the same priorities as the version that advanced out of committee in 2024 but never became law. “Committee staff is still waiting for the cost estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, which could delay the markup in February.” 

Two people who were granted anonymity to discuss private details said that House Ag Republicans want to get a floor vote on the farm bill before the Easter recess. The ‘Farm Bill 2.0,’ as Thompson refers to it, will address multiple industry priorities like rural development, research plans, and could be a vehicle for year-round E15. 

House ag chair wants 'Farm Bill 2.0' in February

The National Young Farmers Coalition expresses deep concern over the continued delay of the 2024 Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land Survey, originally scheduled for release on October 31, 2025. The survey aims to provide important insights into the trends and patterns of ownership of agricultural land across the U.S. “Without the TOTAL Survey, we’re flying blind on one of the most urgent issues in agriculture, which is land access,” said Vanessa Garcia Polanco, the government relations director with the National Young Farmers Coalition. 

“This delay prevents policymakers, advocates, and farmers from understanding the scale of farmland loss, speculation, and consolidation, and from acting to keep farmers on the land.” Young Farmers calls on the administration to release the critical information they’re looking for, and they had planned to hold a congressional briefing upon the Survey’s release to discuss how the data should inform proactive federal policy. 

Young Farmers concerned about land survey

March corn closed down 2 1/2 cents and May corn was down 3 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed down 8 cents and May soybeans were down 8 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 2 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 3 1/2 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 3 1/4 cents.

Friday featured widespread selling pressure across ag and outside markets to close the week, with row crop futures posting moderate losses to close what was otherwise a mixed week for price action. Outside markets also saw profit taking with sharp moves lower for equity markets as well as a notable reversal in gold and silver. The U.S. dollar stabilized through the latter half of this week, with the recovery from four-year lows accelerated on Friday by money flow out of precious metals. Energy markets were also mixed on Friday after a firm week, adding another headwind to ag futures heading into the weekend.

The live cattle complex was truly a mixed bag heading into Friday's closing bell. Only the February live cattle contract traded higher, while the deferred contracts traded moderately lower as the market sits on pins and needles waiting for the industry's Cattle Inventory report to be released later this afternoon. It has been exciting to see some stronger trade develop in the fed cash cattle market, but unfortunately with traders knowing the big report is set to be released this afternoon, the strong developments in the cash market seem to be overlooked. Some light cash cattle trade developed in the South at $238 to $240, which is $3.00 to $5.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Some Northern dressed cattle trade developed at $375 to $378, which is $6.00 to $9.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Boxed beef prices were mixed: choice down $1.22 ($366.55) and select up $2.28 ($363.00) with a movement of 57 loads (38.15 loads of choice, 3.95 loads of select, 4.97 loads of trim and 9.61 loads of ground beef).

Between seeing the equity markets and live cattle contracts all fall lower, the feeder cattle contracts were following suit as most of the contracts traded $4.00 to $5.00 lower into Friday's close. There's a cloud of uncertainty that's seemed to overcome the entire marketplace, and currently seems to be ensuing the most havoc on the feeder cattle contracts.

While the cattle contracts sink back in anxiousness, the lean hog contracts at least traded higher in the market's deferred contracts, but the nearby contracts were following suit in a minor regression. It is helpful that midday pork cutout values were up over $2.00 higher -- showing strong continued consumer support.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/30140902/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Bill voids decades of regulatory decisions amid concern about investigatory process

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 — Lacey Grogan, Joshua Conner and Melissa Vaughn recounted traumatic nursing regulatory experiences in Kansas House testimony supporting an extraordinary bill written to force administrative changes at the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

The bill, if signed into law, would void state Board of Nursing disciplinary actions executed between Jan. 1, 2005, and July 1, 2026, including cases of licensure renewal and unprofessional conduct. Documents in the deleted cases would be sealed from the Kansas Open Records Act. Steps would be taken to remove from national databases information on nurses sanctioned by the Board of Nursing during the period.

A revised definition of unprofessional conduct for nurses — intended to rein in the Board of Nursing — would be retroactively applied to 2025. The definition would focus on alleged misconduct performed intentionally or carelessly but no longer include issues related to failure to timely renewal of a license.

In addition, the Board of Nursing would be required to adhere to a higher standard of proof in nurse disciplinary cases. It would shift from a preponderance of evidence to the more rigorous clear and convincing evidence.

Appointees of the Kansas governor to the Board of Nursing would undergo Senate confirmation. No member of the Legislature or the attorney general or a governor could serve on the board.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_hb2528_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 2528 would make a series of other changes</a>&nbsp;at the Board of Nursing applicable to the 74,000 nursing professionals licensed in Kansas.

The House Health and Human Services Committee gathered testimony Thursday from critics and champions of the Board of Nursing. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/07/kansas-legislators-alarmed-nurses-suffer-draconian-penalty-for-license-renewal-errors/">Board of Nursing came under intense scrutiny by the Legislature in&nbsp;</a>mid-2025 as allegations of regulatory abuse became public.

Grogan, a registered nurse for 20 years who lives in St. Francis, told legislators she welcomed change at the Board of Nursing. While working at an understaffed rural Kansas hospital, Grogan said, she complied with professional standards by reporting a patient fall. The hospital’s administration retaliated by filing complaints against her with the Board of Nursing. Two were promptly dismissed, she said, but a third “lacking substantiated evidence was nevertheless pursued” by the Board of Nursing.

“I was denied a meaningful opportunity to speak on my own behalf without legal representation, pressured into signing a consent agreement for conduct I did not commit and ultimately fined and stripped of my nursing license,” Grogan said. “My name was included in a disciplinary mailer distributed to nurses statewide. Once reported to the national database, my licensure was called into question in nearly every other state where I held licensure.”

During emotional testimony, Grogan told legislators the “future of nursing depends on the decisions made in this room” to deal with the state regulatory board.

More than 25 people submitted testimony in support of the 23-page House bill. Seven individuals declared opposition.

Carol Moreland, executive administrator of the Board of Nursing since 2017, said provisions of HB 2528 could violate federal mandates and increased the risk of nurses harming the public. She questioned the Legislature’s heavy-handed approach to modifying authority of the Board of Nursing.

“No other regulatory board in Kansas is under this scrutiny and is being asked to make these unprecedented changes,” she said.

She objected to wiping out disciplinary decisions of the Board of Nursing for a period of two decades. She said that part of the bill would reverse sanctions against a school nurse who engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct with a student, a nurse who solicited prostitution at work and a nurse who stole credit cards from a patient and made purchases after the patient died.

“It’s not clear to us at the Board of Nursing what really happens next. If it’s voided, do they automatically have their license back?” Moreland said.

Another flaw in the bill required the Board of Nursing to send a flurry of notices to nurses approaching their two-year license renewal date, said Carol Moore, a retired advance practice nurse and former associate dean of Baker University’s nursing program. The bill would mandate renewal notices go out 90 days, 60 days, 30 days and seven days prior to the deadline, on the renewal date and seven days after that date.

“How much handholding does an educated professional require?” Moore said. “I do not see anything as written in this bill to enhance the care of patients nor to advance the stature of nursing.”

Topeka registered nurse Kelly Sommers said the Legislature should “put a stop to this embarrassment” of a bill. She said reforms in the bill appeared to be crafted in a way “to satisfy a handful of nurses who refuse to accept personal responsibility.”

Joshua Connor, an opponent of the bill, said he worked for a decade with elderly adults as a licensed practical nurse. He lived in Manhattan before taking a job in Florida. He said he didn’t renew his Kansas nursing license because his job didn’t require the credential.

Connor was subsequently diagnosed with cancer requiring surgery, but his employer didn’t want to accommodate his absence from work. He was fired and won a wrongful termination lawsuit. He considered returning to Kansas to resume his nursing career. After contacting the Board of Nursing to renew his license, the agency put him under investigation for allegedly working in Florida without a nursing license.

“My real nightmare began,” said Connor, who eventually secured a new Kansas nursing license. “I was coerced to sign a consent agreement that labeled me with unprofessional conduct.”

The Board of Nursing placed his name in a database for nurses guilty of unprofessional conduct. His request to have Florida recognize his nursing license was rejected because he was disciplined in Kansas.

“I am working over 60 hours a week now at 7-11 to support my family,” he said. “KSBN’s draconian actions have cost me thousands of dollars in lost wages and attorney fees. The emotional toll is indescribable.”

Melissa Vaughn, a Kansas registered nurse from Kansas City, Missouri, has worked the past five years as a Hy-Vee floral designer. She shared with legislators her “unimaginable experience” with staff at the Board of Nursing. Her career in nursing began in 1996. She graduated from nursing school at University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2012.

She presented House members a detailed outline of her licensing renewal battle with the Board of Nursing that came to a head in 2013.

“I pursued my case honestly with the mindset that if KSBN is doing this to me I have no doubt they are doing it to other nurses,” she said.

In 2013, Vaughn accidently checked a box on her renewal application indicating she hadn’t completed 30 hours of mandatory continuing education. She corrected her application. At one point, the Board of Nursing accepted documentation showing she met the requirement. She later received a letter from the Board of Nursing indicating her application was being audited. Another letter said her case was referred to a disciplinary attorney “for further disposition.”

Vaughn’s alleged offense: She applied for renewal of her license on March 18, 2013, before the 30-hour continuing education credit was affirmed by the Board of Nursing on April 16, 2013. It was a confusing development, she said, because her Kansas nursing license was, at that moment, still valid and wouldn’t lapse until May 31, 2013.

The Board of Nursing offered her a diversion agreement declaring she broke state licensing regulations with a flawed application. She said she rejected the plea deal because the agreement’s “statement of facts” included false information. An assistant attorney general at the Board of Nursing threatened her with license revocation for alleged “unprofessional conduct by fraud or deceit in practicing nursing.”

The Board of Nursing issued a 15-day license suspension but later reversed the order. She paid a $250 fine for failure to exhibit a “cooperative attitude toward the disciplinary proceedings.”

More than a decade later, Vaughn said, she was grateful introduction of the House bill offered her an opportunity to advocate for reform that addressed “a sickening mix of KSBN’s schemes, incompetence, ignorance and greed.”

Kansas House responds to complaints, unveils bill revamping Board of Nursing’s authority

CHEROKEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with several local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, conducted a two-day enforcement operation this week targeting individuals who solicit minors for sex, according to a media release from the KBI.

The operation, which concluded Feb. 6, resulted in the arrest of five suspects on various charges, such as commercial sexual exploitation of a child, unlawful use of a communication facility, aggravated human trafficking, attempted aggravated indecent liberties, and electronic solicitation of a child.

The following individuals were taken into custody and booked into the Cherokee County Jail: Darin Price, 52, of Anderson, Missouri; Nicholes Reginal, 28, of Jackson, Mississippi;&nbsp; Trevor Porter, 34, of Pittsburg, Kansas; Nicolas Perez-Paxtor, 38, of Neosho, Missouri and Derek McKenney, 31, of Sarcoxie, Missouri.

The investigation was a collaborative effort to identify and apprehend predators who utilize digital platforms to prey upon underage victims. Following the arrests, case files were submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office for formal prosecution.

The KBI and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office were assisted in this operation by the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, the Ray County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

KBI: 3 Mo. men jailed after allegedly soliciting minors for sex

🎥'Today' show host's new video plea to kidnapper: We will pay

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent incident at a Kansas home.

Just before 10:30a.m. Feb. 5, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a reported domestic disturbance in the 6600 block of SW Montara Northway, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

Upon arrival, deputies determined the adult male suspect identified as 39-year-old Stephon S. Taylor had left the residence. 

A search of the area began, utilizing K-9 units, drones, and additional personnel from law enforcement agencies. Stephon S. Taylor, 39, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department

of Corrections (SNDOC) on the requested charges of Aggravated battery; knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner with a weapon

The sheriff's department thanked the Auburn Police Department, Auburn-Washburn Unified School District 437 Police Department, Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority, Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee Heights Fire District and American Medical Response for their assistance.

Drone, K9 help track down Kan. domestic violence suspect

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marysanchez/">Mary Sanchez</a>

The images have become ubiquitous in the Trump administration’s campaign for mass deportations of immigrants.

Masked agents, swathed in tactical gear and carrying semiautomatic firearms, menace protesters with chemical sprays and smash car windows while dragging immigrants from their vehicles.

Critics label the aggressive actions by unidentifiable agents as a calculated effort by the Department of Homeland Security to send a paramilitary force into select American cities.

But the cheapest and most basic part of federal agents’ gear — face coverings of knit and cloth masks — is the focus of legislation at the federal level, in statehouses and smaller municipalities across the nation, including in Jackson County.

“We’re going to have to deal with the issue before the issue deals with us,” said Jackson County Legislature Chair Manny Abarca IV.

Abarca introduced a proposal requiring law enforcement to keep their faces and badges visible and is backing an amendment narrowing the focus to federal agents conducting immigration enforcement within the county.

County legislators are scheduled to hear public comments at 3 p.m. on Feb. 9.

The Jackson County ordinance mirrors efforts nationally, carving out exceptions for SWAT and other specialty teams, undercover work and the use of helmets with shields for officer safety. Those efforts have gained momentum since the recent shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good during an ongoing immigration enforcement crackdown in Minneapolis.

Supporters believe mask bans will help deescalate tensions between the community and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by ensuring that immigration agents are identifiable and accountable.

Decades of social science research supports the contention that masking a person can facilitate aggressive behavior. Outcomes have been studied with children, in law enforcement, in the military and in conflicts around the world.

Homeland Security is pushing back against local and state bans.

Primarily, the government cites the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, which guards against state laws that conflict with federal.

Legal experts disagree on the legality of banning mask-wearing by law enforcement.

They are split on whether the Supremacy Clause is a full shield for an immigration agent’s use of masks while detaining immigrants.

In Jackson County, legal counsel is continuing to study the issue, acknowledging that this is a new type of law.

National policing agencies are also weighing in, at times moderating prior messaging. They seek to strike a balance between maintaining public trust by having officers identifiable and supporting officer safety in an era of doxing.

Municipal police have long worked to differentiate themselves from federal immigration agents. They emphasize that members of immigrant communities can be perpetrators of crime, witnesses or victims. Maintaining trust and relationships is imperative.

Police departments have a tradition of requiring identifiable uniforms, badges and having the officer’s name prominently displayed.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2026-02-02/jackson-county-sheriff-mask-ban-ice" target="_blank">Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forté</a>&nbsp;believes the proposed ordinance is unenforceable.

Forté is concerned about scenarios where his deputies would be required to issue citations to federal agents. He doesn’t want deputies accused of interfering with federal investigations, noting “it could create a situation where both deputies and federal agents attempt to detain one another, leading to a dangerous confrontation.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theiacp.org/resources/document/face-coverings-and-police-community-engagement" target="_blank">International Association of Chiefs of Police</a>&nbsp;recently issued a statement underscoring that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.

The organization cautioned officers during COVID to be aware of the impact of masks, noting that facial coverings, even surgical ones for health reasons, can be intimidating and diminish transparency to the public.

The organization hasn’t backed off from that stance.

“The use of face coverings and the absence of visible identification during enforcement operations can create confusion, fear and mistrust among community members and responding agencies, potentially increasing operational risks and eroding public confidence,” a recent statement read.

But the association is also addressing doxing fears and suggests substituting officer names in some cases for alphanumeric codes or badge numbers.

In late January, the association&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theiacp.org/news/official-statements/iacp-calls-on-white-house-to-convene-joint-federal-state-local-discussion" target="_blank">asked the White House to convene&nbsp;</a>national, state and local policing representatives for policy discussions to find “a constructive path forward.”

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