A campaign for
Missouri Senate has ended before it began.

State Rep. Brenda
Shields, a Republican from St. Joseph, has ended her campaign for state senate
due to health considerations. The decision comes just days before a scheduled
kick off and fundraiser.

“I think everybody
that knows me, my 40+ years I’ve been in the community, I have served the
community, whether it was on community boards, whether it was as an educator,
or with the United Way,” Shields tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone
interview. “And I so enjoyed serving in the Missouri legislature and being able
to serve the people of St. Joeph there through a state level.”

Shields suffered a
brain bleed stroke in 2016 and has had a heart valve leak since 2020. She met
with her doctors this week, who scheduled her for heart surgery next month.
Though they expect a full recovery, running for and serving in the Missouri
Senate presents increased health risks.

“So, with the
complications of my health issues, not being able to be on any type of blood
thinner because of my brain bleed stroke, it just was important that I make
this decision to care about myself and to take time to heal for myself and to
be able to be with my family,” Shields says.

Shields had
scheduled to officially kick off her Senate campaign with a fundraiser at the
St. Jospeh Country Club Tuesday.

Shields informed
her supporters in a letter that with regret and a level of sadness she is
ending her senate campaign.

“Pulling out,
bowing out of this Senate campaign has broken my heart in more ways than people
will ever understand,” Shields tells us. “And I am truly sad that I’m not able
to fulfill that.”

Shields says she
does plan to return to the General Assembly at the beginning of next year to
serve her final term in the Missouri House.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Health issues force Rep. Shields to end Senate campaign

By BRENT MARTIN St. Joseph Post

Criminal charges
have been filed against a woman in the death of a St. Joseph man found dead in a yard in
King City in July.

Lynsey Chan is
accused of giving 42-year-old Brandon Haynes of St. Joseph fentanyl, forcing him
to leave her King City residence, and refusing to call for help when he showed
signs of overdosing on July 28th. A court document claims Chan, who is 35, also
advised others not to call for help.

Chan has been
charged with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, and
delivery of a controlled substance.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control conducted the death
investigation at the request of local authorities.

King City woman charged in July death of St. Joseph man

Runners hit the streets this weekend for the third annual St. Joseph Marathon.  

Several hundreds have already registered to take on the course along the St. Joseph parkway system on Saturday, beginning at 7am with the full and half marathons.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says there are some runners looking to run a unique event in each state, and study the courses  

"And I think if you’re a runner at all, and you study this course here in St. Joe, the one thing that you’ll note is this is a challenging course, meaning it is not flat,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “And I think people look at me like yeah St. Joseph is not flat, and this course certainly is not, but you have runners that are looking for that too.” 

 Esely says the route encompasses landmarks of the city, including the nation’s first recognized parkway system 

"It’s historic, it’s beautiful, ironically enough from start to finish, and you could never drive it this way just because of how it lays out, but that parkway system is actually 26 miles,” Esely explains.  “But, from a start finish line standpoint it’s not that easy to create that, but our race route encompasses roughly about 18 unique miles of that parkway system.” 

Esely says the race both starts and finishes at Civic Center Park, behind City Hall with the route working its way onto the parkway.  

 Esely says if you aren't running, and you aren't volunteering, there is another way you can participate if you live along the race route 

"Come outside in your front yard, make some signs, cheer, play some music, you know it’s a Saturday morning so for a lot of people that’s a laid-back time,” Esely says.  “And think about it, how often do you have runners running on streets formally run by your house?  Probably not very often, only one time of year here, and we really have had a lot of people that embrace that.” 

The marathon features a full and half marathon, as well as a 5k and a 10k.  The full and half marathon begins at 7am with the others starting at 7:30.  

Registration for the marathon is open through tomorrow (Fri.) evening.  There is no race day registration.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

On your mark, get set, go!  St. Joseph Marathon is this weekend

Eric Church is expanding his Free the Machine Tour to include a show at T-Mobile Center on Friday, February 20, with special guest 49 Winchester.

Text to win a pair of tickets before October 2nd @ 9:27 pm. Text QCONTEST to the number 1-833-227-9771 for the link to enter to win from Qcountry 92.7!

Presale: Tuesday, September 30th, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (local time)

Text To Win Eric Church Tickets Before You Can Buy Them

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop in Atchison.

Just before 9p.m. Wednesday police arrested 35-year-old Sheldon M. Barton of Leavenworth in the 200 Block of North Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Sheldon M. Barton, 35, Leavenworth, was arrested on Wednesday in the 200 block North 2nd Street 

Barton is being held on requested charges of driving while revoked, driving in violation of required ignition interlock device, and no vehicle liability insurance.&nbsp;

Police: Kansas man was driving without required ignition interlock device

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cameronsmith/">Cameron Smith</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jackschouten/">Jack Schouten</a>

Members of a special House committee talked Tuesday through a multitude of potential solutions to relieve the tax burden facing Missourians.

“The committee’s goal is to find common sense reforms and solutions that will protect homeowners, promote economic stability and share capability,” said Rep. Tim Taylor, R-Bunceton, chair of the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform.

The committee conducted six hearings in five separate cities across the state this past summer. In the 25 hours of testimony, they heard complaints from residents and local officials related to property tax evaluation and assessment.

Republican members of the committee agreed that there is no “one size fits all” option when it comes to deciding the allocation of taxation at the county level. Taylor noted that 72% of property taxes fund public schools.

In response, Rep. Del Taylor, D-St. Louis, said he wants the state to get involved because it is the buffer when local districts fall short on funding for schools in particular.

Multiple potential solutions were mentioned at the meeting.

Among the proposals was the committee chair’s idea of expanding the ability of districts to institute a sales tax instead of a property tax to fund public schools. Others raised concerns of possible double dipping under that model.

“I would be opposed to anything that allowed any level of governance to double collect taxes,” said Rep. Darin Chappell, R-Rogersville. “I would be absolutely opposed for the opportunity to exist for both methodologies to be active at the same time.”

The committee is faced with navigating 40-year-old bill language to deal with modern assessment and taxation issues. Rep. Rodger Reedy, R-Windsor, laid out the term plainly: “We as legislators have failed to keep up with the times.”

Further complicating the potential for solutions is the Hancock Amendment, enacted in 1980 to limit the amount of money that can be extracted through taxation. A provision in the amendment states that property tax rates have to be adjusted to avoid windfall revenue increases as a result of rapid increases in values.

The amendment is one of the many challenges the committee faces. Members agreed that they had no appetite for attempting to change the Missouri Constitution by seeking to adjust the Hancock Amendment.

“The more I’ve been in this committee, the more I’ve felt that we have got a large sandbox we can play in when it comes to statute. Can we try to play in that sandbox and stay away from the constitution for now?” said Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, D-Columbia.

Both Steinhoff, and Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, R-Savannah, said they felt that the discussion went well and that progress towards a potential bill was made. Both said they anticipate further meetings and discussions that could continue into the start of the legislative session in January.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/property-tax-committee-weighs-options-for-tax-relief/article_5c44f39f-b81a-4dc1-8490-0800381c3c46.html" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;was originally published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>&nbsp;and is republished with permission.

Missouri House property tax committee weighs options for tax relief

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Hyundai Kina driven by a 34-year-old Savannah man was northbound in the driving lane of Business 71 at CR 364 three miles south of Savannah.

The driver attempted to pass a 2012 Honda Civic driven by a 16-year-old Savannah girl as she slowed down to make a left turn.&nbsp; The Honda struck the Hyundai in the right front wheel well.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver of the Hyundai and a 58-year-old female passenger in the Honda to Mosaic Life Care. The teen driver was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 injured after 2-vehicle Andrew County crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with a home invasion burglary.

Just before 11:30a.m. on Tuesday police responded to a burglary in progress call at a residence in the 1500 block North 7th Street in Atchison, according to&nbsp; Police Chief Mike Wilson. A suspect identified as 50-year-old Jody Erickson, had allegedly forced entry into his 64-year old neighbor's residence.&nbsp; Erickson then allegedly&nbsp;threatened the victim with a knife.

 Officers arrived on the scene as Erickson was exiting the residence still holding onto the knife. Officers took him into custody after a brief struggle.

He is being held on requested charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, criminal restraint and inference with law enforcement.

Police: Kan. man jailed for burglary at neighbor's home

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 3p.m. Wednesday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Taurus driven by a 56-year-old St. Joseph man was northbound on the entrance lane to Interstate 29 from eastbound U.S. 36 in St. Joseph. The car rear-ended a 2025 Nissan Sentra driven by a 40-year-old St. Joseph man. The impact pushed the Nisan into the back of a 2007 Toyota Prius driven by a 37-year-old St. Joseph man.

Buchanan County EMS transported the driver of the Nissan and a 30-year-old passenger in the&nbsp; Prius to Mosaic Life Care. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 hospitalized in St. Joe after 3-vehicle rear-end crash

December corn closed up 1 1/2 cents and March corn was up 1 1/4 cents. November soybeans closed up 3 1/4 cents and January soybeans were up 2 3/4 cents. December KC wheat closed up 5 1/2 cents, December Chicago wheat was up 7 1/2 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was up 5 1/4 cents.

Crop prices recovered their Wednesday losses for the most part on Thursday as weekly price action has turned sideways amid a lack of fresh news to drive prices convincingly one direction or the other. Early news that Argentina has reimplemented grain export taxes after hitting the $7 billion quota in two days likely provided support on Thursday. Outside markets were mixed with lower equities again for the third straight session, with the rally through September to records in the Dow Jones and S&amp;P already counter to September's historical tendency to be a poor month for stocks, it is not surprising to see some profit taking/position squaring into month end. The U.S. Dollar Index was also firmer again on Thursday, and back toward monthly highs as investors and traders alike will be very interested in Friday's Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) Index, which is the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure for monetary policy decisions.

The live cattle complex continued to battle anxiousness and seemingly growing concerns about the lower dip in the equity markets, which put immense pressure today on the live cattle contracts. Unfortunately, the spot December contract is trading just below the market's 40-day moving average, and the market did indeed close below that threshold, that could signal continued downward pressure. Some light (very light) trade was reported in Nebraska at $365, which is $6.00 lower than last week's weighted average. Making matters even worse is the fact that some of those cattle are committed for delivery on the weeks of October 6 and October 13. This indicates packers are aiming to build up their supply for the long term so that they can continue to work cash prices lower. Asking prices in the South are firm at $242 to $244 but are still not clearly established in the North.

It was a day of hard knocks as the feeder cattle contracts once again followed in the live cattle market's wake, but they saw losses far greater as most of the feeder cattle contracts traded more than $5.00 lower into Thursday's closing bell. Thankfully, demand has been incredibly strong this week in feeder cattle sales across the country, but this dip in the futures complex could shake buyers a bit.

The cattle complex may have traded lower, but the lean hog contracts mostly kept their upward trend into Thursday's close. It's likely that traders will continue to mildly support the contracts through the week's end, but won't likely pressure resistance thresholds until after seeing the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/09/25141519/web-closing-markets.mp3">click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

American agriculture has a growing need to strengthen its defenses against cyber assaults. The computers, sensors, GPS, and cloud-based data systems that help producers boost productivity also increase the chances for cybercriminals to worm their way into producers’ operational systems and data. Cyberattacks on agribusinesses in recent years have demonstrated hackers’ ability to shut down processing plants, halt livestock purchases, and cost corporations millions. 

The University of Nebraska educational system is working to strengthen agricultural cyber defenses. Multiple projects with various funding sources, including federal government grants, are at the forefront of analyzing and addressing vulnerabilities. “Many technologies used in precision agriculture, such as drones, have been designed for use and affordability before data security,” said Meghan Jackson of the University of Nebraska. “Disruptions of an automatic irrigation system or hacking a dairy’s control system could mean the failure of an entire season or the death of livestock.”  

Researchers addressing cyber vulnerabilities in U.S. agriculture

America’s soybean harvest began in September with no orders from China, the world’s largest soybean buyer. USDA says that farmers will harvest some, 4.3 billion bushels, with no indication of when shipments to China will resume. In a typical year, Reports show that China buys more than half of all U.S. soybean exports. Meanwhile, Brazil set an export record for shipments to China from January through August. 

In 2024, the U.S. shipped almost 985 million bushels to China, accounting for 51 percent of the nation’s total soybean exports. This year, U.S. soybean exports to China from January through August totaled 218 million bushels, 29 percent of the total exports during that time. In June, July, and August, shipments to China were effectively at zero. While U.S. farmers wait for an agreement, the overall Chinese duty rate on U.S. soybean imports is 34 percent in 2025. 

U.S. soybean harvest starts with no Chinese purchases

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

U.S. row crop futures chopped on both sides of unchanged at midweek, ultimately settling for marginal losses while finishing both above daily lows but also off the daily highs as well. Traders have shifted into a holding pattern, likely awaiting more demand and production news as the bulk of U.S. harvest fast approaches. Outside markets were mixed with equities lower for the second straight session, meanwhile energy markets posted a second straight firmer session with crude oil futures rising back to the upper end of the monthly price range. The U.S. dollar strengthened on Wednesday to its highest point in about two weeks, continuing to rebound from 3 1/2-year lows hit last week.

After two consecutive days of mostly stronger trading, the live cattle complex traded lower into Wednesday's closing bell, as traders were reluctant to advance the complex any higher without seeing immediate fundamental support, as many of the contracts are up against resistance pressure. Not to mention, it also hindered the market's confidence to see the equity markets trading lower through the day as well. Asking prices are now being reported in the South at $244 to $245-plus, but are still not established in the North. Trade could develop later today, but it's most likely that trade will develop sometime later this week.

The feeder cattle complex also traded lower into Wednesday's closing bell, as traders seem to be hitting the pause button on the market's advancement for the time being. Thankfully, feeder cattle sales have been trending mostly higher again this week after last week's slight dip.

The lean hog complex also traded lower as the market hasn't been able to sustain Tuesday's breakout move. It's not helping matters either this morning that both cash prices and pork cutout values are lower, and given that packers were aggressive early in the week for buying the cash market, it's likely that the cash prices will be softer throughout the rest of the week. Keep in mind that tomorrow, the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report will be released from the USDA.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/09/24141848/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

A new study from Iowa State University sheds surprising light on the evolving landscape of agricultural conservation in the state. It found that many farmers who adopted two key conservation practices, including cover crops and no-till, didn’t continue using those practices over time. The research explored farmers’ self-reports of whether they adopted, continued, or abandoned the conservation practices between 2015 and 2019. 

Most conservation adoption research operates under the assumption that once a practice has begun, it will remain in use. The farmer survey shows that almost 20 percent of farmers who used cover crops in one year had stopped using them by the following year. For cover crops, 192 farmers moved to an adopter status during the study period. However, 142 shifted out of the adoption category, leaving a net gain of 50 continued participants. That’s an overall adoption increase of 1.9 percent. The no-till adoption gain was only 26 individuals.

Study finds many farmers drop conservation practices

Analysts predict the U.S. Midwest’s food exports will play a big part in any deal between the U.S. and China. Political and business leaders from around the Midwest recently met with senior Chinese trade negotiator Li Chengang to discuss commercial ties between the two countries. Those ties featured in talks on Monday, but very few details were released. China is the world’s biggest buyer of soybeans. 

However, the country hasn’t bought any soybeans from the U.S., most of which come from the Midwest. Reports say analysts expect President Donald Trump to want China to commit to buying more agricultural goods, among other items, to end the current tariff war. David Purdue, the U.S. Ambassador to China, recently told reporters that he thought negotiations over China buying more Boeing aircraft had entered their last days or weeks. Soybean futures recently hit five-year lows after no progress was reported on agricultural commodities. 

Chinese trade negotiator meets U.S. Midwest delegation

Citing near-record production costs in a low-price environment, the National Corn Growers Association launched a task force to identify solutions to bring costs more in line with today’s commodity prices. Corn growers are in their third consecutive year of net negative returns, with 2026 projected to be the fourth. “Corn growers have sounded the alarm that on-farm economics don’t work,” said Kenneth Hartman, Jr., NCGA President. “It’s time to look at all pieces of the farm profitability picture.” 

The organization said low prices contribute to one side of the equation, but we must also look at the extremely high prices growers are paying for essential inputs on the other side. Recent analysis from NCGA economists shows that input prices remain at near-record highs despite the precipitous drop in per bushel corn prices in the last three years. Production costs have dropped three percent since 2022, while corn prices dropped over 50 percent. 

Corn growers launch input cost task force

December corn closed up 4 1/2 cents and March corn was up 4 1/4 cents. November soybeans closed up 1 cents and January soybeans were up 1 1/4 cents. December KC wheat closed up 9 1/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was up 9 3/4 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was up 3 3/4 cents.

Row-crop futures were mostly higher Tuesday following ugly price action Monday, particularly in the soybean complex as renewed bearish concerns on U.S. export share has gripped the market over the past several sessions. Corn, soybean, and wheat markets in the meanwhile have fallen back to chart support, which helped to slow the price plunge at least for Tuesday. In outside markets, equities were mixed in quiet trade while crude oil futures led the energy sector higher following a 4-day skid, again finding price support near $62 per barrel.

The live cattle complex traded mixed into Tuesday's closing bell, seeming as though the nearby contracts were hesitant to advance, as the market questions whether or not it has enough support to surpass current resistance levels. Meanwhile, the deferred contracts traded fully higher, with once again the furthest deferred months seeing the greatest gains. No developments have surfaced in the fed cash cattle market, as it's most likely that trade will be delayed until later in the week.

The live cattle contracts may have been feeling some resistance pressure, but the feeder cattle contracts were trading higher -- full steam ahead. It was interesting to note as well that the morale in the countryside was stronger, as prices were mostly higher across all weight classes. More than anything, it seemed as though the support of the futures complex reassured buyers to continue on with their bidding.

It was a breakout kind of morning for the lean hog contracts as traders have pushed the contracts well beyond their previous resistance thresholds. If the market is to maintain this elevated position, it will be imperative that demand holds strong and lends traders some additional fundamental support. Please also note that on Thursday, the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report will be released from the USDA.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/09/23135852/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.1 million head on September 1, 2025. That level was near pre-report trade predictions and one percent below September 1, 2024. Most reports said that the September number shows historically tight U.S. supplies, but may also show farmers are starting to retain some heifers in the American cattle herd. 

State-by-state reports also show some higher numbers, including Texas at 91 percent compared to last year, Oklahoma at 95 percent, while Kansas is at 103 percent, and Iowa and Nebraska were at 105 percent compared to last year. Placements in feedlots during August totaled 1.78 million head, 10 percent below last year. Net placements were 1.7 million head. Fed cattle marketings in August reached 1.57 million head, 14 percent below last year and the lowest for August since 1996. 

U.S. cattle on feed down one percent

Mexico’s National Health Service confirmed a new case of New World screwworm less than 70 miles from the border between Mexico and the U.S. USDA says this is the farthest north the screwworm has advanced in Mexico during the current outbreak, and it is the most threatening to the American livestock industry. The location of the outbreak is on a major highway between Monterrey, Mexico, and Laredo, Texas. 

Colin Woodall, the CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, says the news is deeply concerning. “The speed that the screwworm has moved through Mexico is a reminder that this pest poses a critical and urgent threat to America’s cattle producers,” he said. “We appreciate the USDA’s investment in resources to protect American agriculture and the FDA’s work to authorize emergency treatments for screwworm, and look forward to additional product approvals.” He also said it’s time to expedite the construction of a new sterile fly facility. 

Screwworm moves closer to U.S. border

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City area man faced charges for a fatal stabbing over a sweatshirt the victim was wearing.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2728/Complaint-Packet---ParkerTrey">Trey C. Parker</a>, 23,&nbsp;faces 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2729/Parker-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, police were dispatched to a car wash in Independence on Sept. 19 and located the victim with a stab wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at a hospital.&nbsp;

Based on witness reports and surveillance footage, an argument started after a garage sale.&nbsp; Parker, who was friends with the victim were fighting about a sweatshirt, according to the<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2729/Parker-PC-Statement_Redacted"> probable cause statement.</a> The victim was wearing a sweatshirt which belonged to Parker.

Parker stabbed the victim, and the victim entered the front passenger seat of a nearby vehicle, which drove away.&nbsp;

The defendant is being held on a $250,000 cash only bond.&nbsp;

Murder: KC area man stabbed friend during fight over sweatshirt

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home.

On September 21, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a narcotics related search warrant in the 2500 block of SW Western Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Chrisstian.

During the investigation, illegal narcotics, two firearms, drug paraphernalia and a stolen motorcycle were located.

Scott L. Kemble, 54, of Shawnee, Kan., was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Possession of THC, Possession of stolen property and Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance

The Topeka Police Department (TPD) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assisted with this search warrant.&nbsp; Kemble is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Sheriff: Alleged Kan. drug dealer had stolen motorcycle

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo.—Three students and the driver were injured in a school bus accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Jackson County.

A Blue Springs School District bus struck a building at the intersection of 7 Highway and 40 Highway, according to a social media report from Blue Springs Police.

The bus driver and three students were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. At this time, their injuries do not appear to be serious.

Based on witness statements and driver accounts, the police investigation&nbsp; revealed that the bus had the right of way at the intersection. A vehicle approaching a yield sign failed to yield to the school bus, resulting in the accident, according to Blue Springs Police.

 The accident remains under investigation.

Police determine cause of KC bus crash that injured students, driver 

Trump signs executive order to save TikTok, says China on board

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another fatal hit-and-and run incident in Kansas City.

Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, a bicyclist was eastbound on Independence Avenue and as he entered the intersection at Hardesty Avenue in Kansas City Missouri. He changed lanes and entered the westbound lane, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. A westbound pickup truck&nbsp; on Independence struck the bicyclist head-on. 

The pickup driver fled the scene in an unknown direction. EMS arrived and pronounced the bicyclist deceased.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released the name of the bicyclist.

KCPD: Bicyclist killed after head-on crash with a pickup

New survey shows rise in problem gambling

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas legislators are considering changes to the way the state taxes sports gambling after receiving less than a 1% cut on more than $2.7 billion in bets in the past fiscal year.

As the expiration dates for contracts between the state and sports wager operators draw nearer, Kansas is confronting an increasingly complex and more profitable gambling climate than when it first legalized sports betting in 2022.

During the 2025 session, the Legislature implemented&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/17/last-minute-moratorium-on-kansas-sports-betting-contract-negotiations-provokes-uncertainty/">a last-minute moratorium</a>&nbsp;on the state approving any contract renewals for online sportsbooks. A hearing Monday was the first public discussion of potential changes to Kansas’ sportsbook market since then.

Legislators toyed with the idea of rejiggering the formula that dictates the allocation of sports betting revenues at a Monday hearing in Topeka. Of the $2.7 billion in wagering revenue in fiscal year 2025, which began in July 2024 and ended in June, Kansas retained about $17 million, or 0.6%, according to state data.

Lawmakers also considered changing the way book operators reach customers.

John Pappas, the state advocacy director for iDevelopment and Economic Association, a national trade group for mobile sportsbook operators and technology providers, said during the hearing that Kansas’ model is a success story.

But Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a Republican from St. Marys, said he struggled to accept that notion.

“I guess we represent different people, right?” he said to Pappas. “ You have your clients. I have the people of my district. The people of Kansas.”

In ranking sports wagering tax revenue per $1 million wagered since inception, Kansas ranks 29 out of 33 states.

“This is absolute failure from my perspective,” Awerkamp said.

“What am I not seeing?” he added. “How can you say that this is a success story when we’re basically one of the worst states in the country?”

Pappas said the answer is simple. Success is based on the size of Kansas’ market. For a small population, Kansas’ sports betting revenues are disproportionately large. In Awerkamp’s eyes, the problem is that the revenues are only taxed at 10%.

Six states and Washington, D.C., set different tax rates for online and retail sports betting. Kansas is one of 11 states that tax online and retail sports betting at the same rate of 10% or less. New Hampshire, New York, Oregon and Rhode Island have the highest tax rates at 51%.

Kansans over the age of 21 can bet on more than 50 categories of live and virtual sports, from bull riding to baseball to chess. Casinos in Kansas are allowed to contract with sportsbook operators, of which there are currently six: BetMGM, Caesar’s, DraftKings, ESPNBet, FanDuel and Fanatics.

The 5-year contracts, which include retail and mobile betting, are set to expire around the same time in August 2027. Other states run their own books, or contract directly with book operators.

Existing sportsbook operators and Kansas casinos opposed a change to Kansas’ model. Some cautioned lawmakers about modifying business in Kansas while sportsbooks are expected to begin operating in neighboring states, including Missouri later this year.

Aaron Gomes, president of the parent company to Kansas Crossing Casino in Pittsburg, said in written testimony, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The casino works with three book operators: Caesars, Fanatics and BetMGM.

“Untethering sports wagering from casinos would not only disrupt these partnerships — it would risk undermining the very institutions that have delivered economic value to Kansas,” said Gomes, who is the chief operating officer of the casino’s owner, Peninsula Pacific Entertainment.

Earlier in the hearing, in discussion with another casino representative, Awerkamp said the sole purpose of the Kansas Lottery is to generate revenue for the state to offset burdens on taxpayers.

“From my perspective, what’s happened is certain organizations have recognized a tremendous opportunity of essentially a constitutionally protected monopoly and tried to get in the process and take a cut,” he said.

The Kansas Lottery was established for the good of the people, Awerkamp said, not the good of the casinos.

Kansans’ attitudes toward gambling have evolved since the state legalized sports wagering, and problem gambling behaviors have escalated, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_spc_2025_on_fed_and_st_aff_1/documents/testimony/20250922_12.pdf" target="_blank">2025 study</a>&nbsp;that surveyed more than 1,600 Kansas adults.

It was the first time the survey was conducted since 2017, and it recommended enhancing problem gambling messaging, improving state-funded treatment and gambling screening, regulating gambling advertising, and conducting statewide surveys more frequently.

Around 70% of survey respondents reported gambling, and 34% of respondents said they had gambled in the past month, an increase from 19% who reported gambling in 2017.

“The number of Kansans at moderate or high risk for problem gambling has more than tripled since 2017,” the survey found.

Almost everyone surveyed who was classified as high risk acknowledged they had a gambling problem. Many said gambling caused health, financial and relational problems. Substance use and mental health struggles were more likely for those in the high-risk category than those in the moderate and low-risk categories, the study said. Kansans are also less likely to use a gambling hotline than they were eight years ago.

More Kansans are citing their motivation for gambling as paying bills and escaping everyday problems. In 2017, 18% of survey respondents said they gamble to pay bills and 16% said they want to escape their problems. In 2025, those percentages rose to 38% and 35%. Still, between the two surveys, the top motivations remained entertainment and fun, to win money and excitement and challenge.

Around 37% of respondents reported placing a sports wager in 2025. Fewer than half of those surveyed viewed sports betting as entertainment that allows for reasonable gambling.

Kansas legislators look for bigger payout from sportsbooks with contracts set to expire

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

WASHINGTON — The White House has sent guidance to departments and agencies, telling them that if a shutdown begins Wednesday, they’re expected to institute mass firings and layoffs.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26157388-omb-lapse-email/" target="_blank">two-page memo</a>, shared with States Newsroom by a Trump administration official, says any programs that received funding in the “big, beautiful” law will “continue uninterrupted.”

But the vast majority of federal departments and agencies need Congress to approve an annual funding bill or a stopgap spending bill before the start of the new fiscal year to keep running.&nbsp;

The memo says the employees who run those programs may receive a Reduction in Force notice if lawmakers don’t broker an agreement before the Oct. 1 deadline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those reductions will apply to programs, projects, or activities that are “not consistent with the President’s priorities,” according to the memo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“RIF notices will be in addition to any furlough notices provided due to the lapse in appropriation,” the memo states. “RIF notices should be issued to all employees working on the relevant (programs, projects, or activities), regardless of whether the employee is excepted or furloughed during the lapse in appropriations.”

Once lawmakers reach a deal and the government reopens, the memo says agencies should rework their reduction in force plans “to retain the minimal number of employees necessary to carry out statutory functions.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote in a statement the memo represents “an attempt at intimidation.”

“Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one—not to govern, but to scare. This is nothing new and has nothing to do with funding the government,” Schumer wrote. “These unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back, just like they did as recently as today.”

American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley wrote in a statement the memo shows that White House budget director Russ Vought intends “to pursue another DOGE-like round of illegal mass firings in the event of a shutdown, adding to the chaos.”&nbsp;

“The truth is simple: Republicans cannot fund the government without Democratic votes. That means the only path forward is compromise,” Kelley wrote. “The president and congressional leaders must sit down and negotiate in good faith to keep the lights on for the American people. Nothing less is acceptable.”

Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen wrote in a statement that “Trump is engaged in mafia-style blackmail, with his threats ultimately harming the American people.”&nbsp;

“He is threatening to double down on the failed actions of Elon Musk and his chainsaw — going after patriotic civil servants that provide Americans with critical services — despite having to rehire many of these workers after Americans experienced the negative impact of those cuts,” Van Hollen wrote. “These dedicated workers have nothing to do with the ongoing political and policy disputes that have brought us to the brink of a shutdown.”

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">voted mostly along party lines</a>&nbsp;to approve a seven-week stopgap spending bill last week before leaving town. GOP leaders were supposed to bring lawmakers in that chamber back to Capitol Hill on Monday, but extended their break and won’t return until after the shutdown deadline.&nbsp;

The move was largely seen as a way to jam the Senate, specifically Democrats, with the short-term government funding bill that they largely oppose because GOP lawmakers wrote it behind closed doors without bipartisan negotiations.&nbsp;

The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/chance-government-shutdown-rises-us-senate-fails-advance-spending-bill" target="_blank">tried to advance</a>&nbsp;the House-passed Republican stopgap bill but didn’t have the necessary 60 votes to move the legislation toward final passage.&nbsp;

Democrats have maintained for weeks that if Republican leaders want their support on a short-term spending bill, they should have negotiated with party leaders on key issues, including an extension of the enhanced tax credits for people who buy their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.

Those tax credits are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-dems-push-gop-extension-expiring-health-care-subsidies" target="_blank">set to expire</a>&nbsp;at the end of the year but Americans who rely on the marketplace for their health insurance will begin purchasing their plans for next year on Nov. 1.&nbsp;

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said he views negotiations on those tax credits as an issue for December, not this month, despite the open enrollment period ending on Dec. 15.&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has said repeatedly he views the issue as separate from government funding.

Trump threatens mass firings of federal employees in a government shutdown

KANSAS CITY —Homicide detectives investigating a fatal fire in Kansas City have released the name of the victim as 44-year-old Robert Hill, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Just before 1a.m. September 19, the Kansas City Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment fire in the 4400 Block of Independence in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

Crews discovered a victim, later identified as Hill and removed him from the apartment. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Fire crews notified Kansas City, Missouri police of the death. Detectives from Violent Crimes Division and Bomb and Arson then responded to the scene for a death investigation, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

&nbsp;Based on some of the evidence located at the scene the, medical examiner and detectives determined that Hill's death may not have been the result of natural causes or fire.

Homicide: KCPD releases name of victim found in apartment fire

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run accident in Kansas City.

Just after 3a.m. Wednesday, the Kansas City, Missouri fire department&nbsp;responded to a reported car into a building at 4601 Independence Avenue, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders&nbsp; found that a pickup truck had struck the business that house a dental practice. The occupants of the truck fled the scene. 

KCFD remained on the scene until a board up crew could arrive and secure the building due to a large hole in the front of the building. No injuries were reported.&nbsp; Law enforcement reported no additional details.

Hit-and-run: Pickup struck dental office in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City area man faced charges following a major drug trafficking investigation led by the Jackson County Drug Task Force.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2726/Clarke-Redacted-Complaint-1">Dewayne C. Clarke</a>, 47,&nbsp;faces one count of 2nd Degree Trafficking Drugs, five counts of Delivering a Controlled Substance Except 35 Grams or Less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to Jackson County Attorney Melesa Johnson.

Local

Region

Sports

Agriculture