With a sour taste in their mouth after losing the Super Bowl last year, the Kansas City Chiefs started their journey to get back today at Training Camp in St. Joseph.  

It's the 15th training camp at Missouri Western State University, and head coach Andy Reid's message to the team was to attack it with urgency.  

Patrick Mahomes says the way he interprets that message is just that everyone needs to keep getting better 

"I think that's something that people lose track of when you have success," Mahomes tells reporters following practice.  "Obviously we didn't win that last game, but we had a lot of success last year, and I think sometimes people want to be stagnant and they want to go out there and do it over again, but you see with the rest of the AFC West, the rest of the AFC, and the rest of the NFL is everybody's getting better, so we have to get better, and so that's about keeping urgency in practice and competing." 

The Chiefs kicked off training camp with two big pieces of their young core locked up for the foreseeable future.  

Prior to camp, the Chiefs locked up a key piece to their offensive line in guard Trey Smith. 

For Smith, a former sixth round pick who fell in the draft due to medical issues, it was an emotional moment 

"I lost my mom when I was 15 and I made two promises to her, that I would get my degree and I would play in the NFL, I didn't promise her I would be the highest paid, but I made a promise," Smith tearfully says.  "And my parents sacrificed so much for me to be here, so much, and to have that moment with them it's special bro, it's special, and it's something I won't take for granted man." 

Smith signed a four-year $94 million contract, making him the highest paid guard in the league.

Less than one week later, the Chiefs extended the contract of defensive end George Karlaftis.  

Karlaftis says he's been very vocal about there being nowhere he would want to be other than Kansas City, and says the reason starts with the team 

"The team, Coach Reid, the guys on the team, the locker room, everything about this organization from the top down really, just amazing, no place I'd rather be really," Karlaftis says.  "And then the city, you know my fiancée and I have grown to love this place, calling it home now, and yeah it's awesome." 

Karlaftis and the Chiefs agreed to a four-year contract extension that will keep the 24-year-old in Kansas City through 2030.  

The Chiefs practiced today for just over an hour.  They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New contracts, new beginnings as Chiefs open Training Camp in St. Joseph

September corn closed down 4 1/2 cents per bushel at $3.99 1/4 and December corn was down 4 1/4 cents at $4.18. November soybeans closed down 1/2 cent at $10.25 1/2 and September soybeans were down 2 1/2 cents at $10.08. September KC wheat closed up 7 1/2 cents at $5.33 1/4, September Chicago wheat was up 7 1/4 cents at $5.49 1/2 and September Minneapolis wheat was up 0.05 cents at $5.91.

Following the third consecutive week that corn good-to-excellent ratings stayed at an impressive 74%, corn futures leaked lower for a second straight day. Favorable weather in the extended forecast also added to the bearish tone. Soybeans were mixed to lower, with November falling slightly after a two-point decline in ratings. All three wheat markets were very firm on falling spring wheat conditions.

As time waged on, the live cattle complex turned a little more bullish throughout the day. Initially at the day's start, most of the nearby contracts traded lower, but as the morning progressed, the bullish nature of the market's deferred contracts slowly helped the nearby contracts grow more friendly to the idea of trading higher as well. Some of traders' skepticism comes from the sheer fact that the market is already trading at an all-time high. Also, not to mention the fact that later this week the monthly Cattle on Feed report will be unveiled and it's yet to be seen what this week's fed cash cattle market is going to do. So, all that being said, deep down it seems as though traders want to continue to support the complex, but there are plenty of variables up in the air right now and they don't want to overextend the market. The nearby contracts did finish the day only slightly lower, with the deferreds into the green. No bids or asking prices have surfaced in the cash cattle market.

The live cattle complex took a little bit, getting its bearings straight for the day, but the feeder cattle complex had its mission set in stone before the day even started -- continue to push the market higher. And from the day's initial opening bell, the market did indeed trade higher. Helping spur on traders' ambitious attitude has been the continued demand in the countryside, which continues to be a string of higher prices, nearly each and every week.

Although mid-morning pork cutout values were lower, the lean hog complex continued to trade mostly higher through Tuesday's trade. If it weren't for the butt's $4.12 decline and the rib's $3.01, the carcass price may have been able to hold at least steady.

Commodity markets daily recap

The National FFA Organization recently announced a partnership with Vivayic, the nation’s largest learning solution provider for agriculture, to create virtual leadership labs. This unprecedented collection of modules will use a challenge-based learning approach to help prepare FFA members for success. Development of these online programs will start this Fall, with plans to make the leadership labs available to FFA members by the summer of 2026. 

Christine White, the chief program officer at the National FFA Organization, says “We believe partnering with Vivayic on this project is an exciting step forward in making leadership education more accessible, engaging, and impactful for our members,” and “As we expand to reach more than one million members, this collaboration ensures we’re combining innovation with real-world insight to equip every young leader, no matter where they are, with the tools they need to grow and succeed.” Once complete, the labs will be free and available online. 

National FFA working on new leadership labs

Ground beef prices continue hitting record-high levels. Reports say that’s despite still shrinking cattle herds and import restrictions set to push costs even higher. Government data shows the average price of a pound of 100 percent ground beef rose to $6.12 in June, 12 percent higher than last year. That’s also up from $5.98 in May and $5.47 in June. 

Industry experts say this trend shows no signs of slowing down, which means that there may be upward pressure on prices through 2026 and beyond. The average price of all uncooked beef steaks rose eight percent to $11.49 per pound. It is no secret, that the U.S. is dealing with significantly lower beef supplies, and that’s what is driving up the price of beef right now. The number of U.S. farms, including ranches, dropped by seven percent between 2017 and 2022, and it’s taking a long time to rebuild U.S. herds. 

Beef prices hit record highs in June

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/21141537/30001-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

September corn closed down 4 3/4 cents per bushel at $4.03 3/4 and December corn was down 5 1/2 cents at $4.22 1/4. November soybeans closed down 9 3/4 cents at $10.26 0/1 and September soybeans were down 10 1/2 cents at $10.10 1/2. September KC wheat closed down 3 1/4 cents at $5.25 3/4, September Chicago wheat was down 4 cents at $5.42 1/4 and September Minneapolis wheat was down 9 cents at $5.86 1/2.

The September U.S. Dollar Index is trading down 0.633 at 97.565. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 214.75 points at 44,556.94. August gold is up $49.70 at $3,408.00, September silver is up $0.88 at $39.34 and September copper is up $0.0380 at $5.6425. September crude oil is down $0.16 at $65.89, September heating oil is up $0.0457, September RBOB is down $0.0220 and August natural gas is down $0.254.

Corn futures slid lower Monday after weekend rains hit some key growing areas in the western and central Corn Belt. Good rain fell in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and even into dry northern Indiana. The forecast ahead keeps the active weather pattern in place for the next 10 days. Yes, there is a warm-up coming with some hot temperatures, especially in the western belt and into the southern corn areas. However, on Monday's crop progress report, traders are expecting another bump in condition ratings, with corn good to excellent ratings already at a stellar 74% last week. There appear to be few areas that are facing soil moisture issues, with corn areas impacted by some form of drought falling to just 7% now. Corn inspections were again decent and remain 29% above a year ago, with the USDA calling for just a 22% rise. In Brazil, major producing state, Mato Grosso, is now 77% harvested. Also adding to pressure is a beneficial forecast for Mexico's corn area for August, and even though they are the number one customer for U.S. corn, it appears that the Mexican corn crop is headed higher. Even with that in mind, Mexico is slated to import close to 24 mmt of corn in 2025-26. Managed money funds last week covered 20,000 contracts of their short, but as of last Tuesday, they were still net short close to 160,000 contracts. DTN's National Corn Index is $3.96 and 13 cents under the September futures.

November soybean futures fell hard Monday, pressured by good weekend weather, the prospect of more rain and early weakness in soy product markets. Also pressuring beans is concern over the impending August 1 deadline for tariffs. Soybean oil, after reaching a new high on Friday, reversed to trade lower early before recovering to finish higher. Palm oil fell 2% on Monday, pressuring bean oil early. Spot August soybean meal, after touching the 20-day moving average Friday for the first time since mid-June, quickly sold off from that level Monday. Good weekend rain in Nebraska and the "I" states, along with storms in the northern Plains, pressured markets, as did the 10-day forecast. Despite a warm-up in temperatures to 3 to 5 degrees above average in late July, early August, soy conditions are expected to get a bit better in Monday's crop progress report. Meanwhile, China continues to load up on Brazilian beans with June soy imports from Brazil rising to 10.6 mmt, 87% higher than a year ago. China imported just 1.6 mmt in June from the U.S. Soybean traders will keep an eye on the forecast, which has some extremely hot temperatures in the southern areas, but right now, it appears that soybeans are still on pace for record or near-record yields. August weather will likely have something to say about that. Managed funds added to a small net short last week, while increasing their bean oil long and remaining net short 125,000 contracts of meal. DTN's National Soybean Index is $9.85 and 50 under the November futures.

According to the latest Crop Protection Network map, positive cases of tar spot have been reported in 26 Iowa counties so far this growing season. First reported in the Corn Belt in 2015, the disease has been confirmed in Iowa since 2016. Now all 99 Iowa counties have a history with the disease. This season, tar spot has also been confirmed in neighboring Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Nebraska. Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York have reported positive cases as well. 

Gentry Sorenson covers a number of northwest Iowa counties as an extension agronomist. He says the crop is late stage vegetative to R2 in his area. That’s about the right time to consider applying fungicide to target tar spot. Multi-state fungicide research results show that applications made for tar spot management are most effective and economical when made between R2-R3, even when disease developed during early vegetative stages.

Tar spot confirmed in 10 states, 26 Iowa counties

National Farm Safety and Health Week 2025 is quickly approaching. This year's theme is "Safety First, Avoid the Worst." Since 1944, one week each year has been designated as a time to focus on some of the unique challenges faced by agricultural communities. NFSHW is organized by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety , an agricultural partner of the National Safety Council. 

This year, NFSHW will be observed from Sept. 21 to 27, with activities taking place across the U.S. The program will spotlight critical safety topics through educational workshops and daily webinars, offering valuable information and resources for farmers, ranchers, agricultural workers and rural communities. In addition to educational webinars, many community outreach events will take place nationwide, featuring interactive exhibits, safety demonstrations and local vendors.

National Farm Safety and Health Week 2025 coming in September

September corn closed up 6 1/2 cents and December corn was up 6 3/4 cents. August soybeans closed up 6 1/4 cents and November soybeans were up 9 1/4 cents. September KC wheat closed up 11 1/2 cents, September Chicago wheat was up 12 3/4 cents, September Minneapolis wheat was up 1/2 cents.

September corn closed up 12 1/2 cents and December corn was up 15 1/2 cents. August soybeans closed up 23 1/2 cents and November soybeans were up 28 1/2 cents. September KC wheat closed up 4 3/4 cents, September Chicago wheat was up 1 1/4 cents and September Minneapolis wheat was down 1/5 cents.

Grain futures rebounded from a shaky Thursday session to roll into the weekend with strong gains, led by wheat finally catching a bid amid contract lows to trade double-digits higher for winter varieties. Meanwhile, soybeans strung together three solid days to close the week, adding over 30 cents of value to the new-crop November contract from Tuesday's close. Commodity markets did fade off daily highs as the session wore on Friday, with profit-taking beginning in energy markets before seeping into agriculture markets by late morning. After Friday's close, traders will want to tune in for the CFTC's latest Commitments of Traders Report which will shed light on trader positions as of Tuesday's close.

The live cattle complex traded lower as the market is no longer seeming confident in the levels reached earlier this week. It's slightly frustrating to see the futures complex trading lower while feedlot managers were able to keep the cash cattle market steady to $1.00 higher in both regions, but the fact remains that traders simply seem uncomfortable and because of that, the contracts traded lower.

The feeder cattle complex continued to follow in the live cattle complex's wake, so it comes as little to no surprise that the contracts traded fully lower into Friday's closing bell. And at this point, it's unlikely that the market will change its direction for the short term.

The lean hog complex traded mostly mixed into Friday's close, as the market continues to build off the positive technical footing in which the market has established in the contracts, and upon the higher uptick in pork demand. It's rather impressive to note this morning that there isn't one single major cut that was lower on today's midday report.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/18153010/web-ag-news.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

The Trump administration says there won’t be a crackdown on pesticide use in the U.S. Reports say that’s despite a report from the Make America Healthy Again Committee that called crop protection products dangerous to people’s health. During a recent policy roundtable in Washington, D.C., seven out of the ten speakers mentioned how important pesticides and fertilizers are in modern agricultural production systems. 

Agriculture industry lobbyists have been pushing back against the Make America Healthy Again Committee report, which linked pesticides to cancer and other diseases. A White House official, speaking anonymously, says a plan for acting on that report is due in August and won’t include new policies on pesticide use. The promise may signal the White House is eager to smooth out trouble spots with farmers and farm groups. 

No crackdown on pesticide use

Farmers Union member John Wicks testified before the House Ag Committee’s Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit. His testimony detailed the importance of credit and risk management for family farmers. “While access to affordable and reliable credit and well-functioning risk management tools are important for family farmers, we must have fair and competitive markets and a robust farm safety net,” Wicks said during his testimony. 

“Recent changes to improve the farm safety net may help alleviate some challenges with persistently high input costs and low commodity prices, but farmers still face major economic stress as long as corporate monopolies in agriculture remain unchecked, as they are today.” Wicks made recommendations to improve the Farm Service Agency’s loan program, including increasing loan limits to reflect the current economic environment, making it more feasible to restructure debt and meet the unique needs of all producers. 

Farmers Union testifies on credit and risk management

September corn closed down 3 1/4 cents and December corn was down 3 cents. August soybeans closed up 8 cents and November soybeans were up 6 cents. September KC wheat closed down 5 1/4 cents, September Chicago wheat was down 7 3/4 cents, September Minneapolis wheat was down 4 1/2 cents.

It was a mixed session overall for row-crop prices as oilseeds across the board were firm, deriving strength from a break above resistance by soybean oil futures to new 2025 highs. Meanwhile, corn futures failed to hold at the first significant technical test of their bounce, struggling as well to shake the negative influence of wheat markets which broke support and appear primed to test contract lows. Outside markets were mostly a positive influence on ag Thursday, with equities back on track following early Wednesday Fed-related turbulence and energy markets were firmer as well.

Following Wednesday's higher close in the live cattle complex, traders are now waving their white flag, seeming to scream, "we need more fundamental reassurance before we can advance the market any higher," from the rooftops around the world. It comes as no surprise that boxed beef prices traded lower as the seasonal regression is well underway for the third quarter. However, traders are sitting on pins and needles awaiting to see what develops in this week's fed cash cattle market. Bids were offered throughout the day on Wednesday, but no cattle traded, only a small handful of sales have been noted today. Some light business has been noted in the North from a Nebraska Regional packer at $380, but those cattle are set for delivery for the week of Aug. 4. A few deals have also been reported in Kansas for $231, but the week's volume is still too thin to say that any sort of a trend has been established.

Seeming to follow suit once again, the feeder cattle complex followed in the live cattle market's wake, unwilling to move opposite of the live cattle complex right now. What is interesting to note is that even while the nearby contracts traded lower, the deferred feeder cattle contracts continued to inch higher as traders are acknowledging the fact that there isn't going to be an overabundance of supply anytime in the near future.

The lean hog complex continued to trade higher as the market is pleased to see pork cutout values stronger and has established somewhat of a bottom in the futures complex for this move. It is surprising to note that while compared to a week ago pork exports were down 30%, the market isn't seeming unscathed by that announcement. However, last week, the lower note of exports gravely impacted the market.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/17145354/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Another round of new cargo planes has
been awarded to an Air National Guard base, but not the 139th
Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.

The 139th continues to fly the
aging cargo planes while the 153rd Airlift Wing in Cheyenne, Wyoming
gets the new, C130J model.

The latest move by the Air National Guard
leaves the Missouri Congressional delegation frustrated.

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves
says he continues to push for the cargo plane upgrade for the St. Joseph base,
especially since it is home of the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center.

“It’s literally the top gun for the
Advanced Airlift Command,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s imperative
that we continue that, but they need the best equipment that they can possibly
get.”

The Advanced Airlift Tactics Center
trains pilots from throughout the United States and around the world on the
latest maneuvers that might be needed in time to conflict. The center will
train with the C-130J even as the 139th flies the C-130H.

Rosecrans held the 139th back.
Its aging infrastructure, which included a long-outdated air traffic control
tower, made the Air Guard hesitant to upgrade the 139th’s fleet. Its
deficiencies were exposed during an Air National Guard inspection. That has
changed, drastically. Money has poured into the base. It now has a new air
traffic control tower, a new main runway, and even a new terminal, among other
improvements.

Graves says he had thought the 139th
was next in line for the new planes, since Rosecrans Memorial Airport has
undergone significant upgrades to address flaws found in the report.

Sam Graves says the Trump Administration
emphasis on military readiness should bolster the 139th’s case.

“We think that that actually takes St.
Joe and Rosecrans to the top of the list and we’re going to continue to push
it,” Graves says. “And I’m going to continue to be working with Guard to make
sure that that happens and that our senators are doing the same things. It’s
important that we modernize the fleet there at the 139th.”

During a Senate hearing in Washington,
D.C., Sen. Eric Schmitt, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee,
expressed frustration to Air Force brass that the 139th had not
received the modernized version of the C-130.

Though admitted to the same frustration,
Graves remains optimistic the 139th will receive the new model.

“I’ve led a dozen efforts now to get
C-130Js at St. Joe. And I thought we were going to pull it off last time, but
it’s been very frustrating, but I think things looks really, really good for
the next round.”

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Frustration expressed as 139th bypassed again for new C-130 planes

Fillmore city
officials have issued a boil order until further notice.

Fillmore officials
say the boil order has been issued while repairs are being made to a fire hydrant. Residents are advised to boil water from the tap until the boil order is lifted.

Fillmore under a boil order

A St. Joseph
native has been named St. Joseph Artist of the Year.

Mayor John
Josendale has named Christopher Alexander as Artist of Year, headlining the
2025 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts.

Alexander has
spent years playing the piano, teaching music, and creating his own
orchestrations. This upcoming September, he will collaborate with the Saint
Joseph Symphony to provide an “Animated Adventures and Family Favorites”
concert.

Arts Educator of
the Year was awarded to Beth McLenaghan, a vocal coach.

Martial Thevenot
was named Outstanding Volunteer. Youth Artist of the Year went to Gage Phroper.
Christy George has been honored as the Individual Leadership Award. 

The Organizational
Achievement in the Arts award was given to St. Joseph Youth Chorale. 

This was the 34th
year of the Mayor’s Awards for the Arts.

Alexander named St. Joseph Artist of Year

A former Savannah
police officer has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in the death of his police
dog and has been placed on probation.

Daniel Zeigler has
been placed on two-years probation, sentenced to a weekend in jail, and fined $5,000 in the death of K-9 Horus.

Zeigler, who had
been a police lieutenant, was charged after leaving Horus in a hot patrol car
June 20th of last year. An investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol determined
Horus died of heat exhaustion. The report also found a safety measure in the
car that could have prevented the death had been disabled.

The Savannah Board
of Alderman fired Zeigler in wake of the police dog’s death.

Former Savannah police officer sentenced in K9 death

St. Joseph
prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the construction of
two of his best known, most historic buildings.

City Hall and the
Missouri Theatre celebrate their centennials in 2027.

Two talks this
week will discuss how those buildings came about.

Lori McAlister,
chair of the Centennial Celebration Series, says local architect, Max Guenther,
will place the buildings in the context of St. Joseph history during separate
talks on each structure.

“Nineteen 27 is an
interesting year and I’m eager to hear what he has to say about it,” McAlister
tells KFEQmmunity.&nbsp; “After we started
this project with Missouri Theater and City Hall one of our committee members
said, ‘Well, do you realize that our parkway opened in 1927 also?’ And the
parkway, I think, certainly is part of that city beautiful movement.”

The city beautiful
movement began in Chicago in the 20s and carried throughout the country as
cities attempted to display the promise of a bright future.

The first
presentation by Guenther will be held at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
Tuesday evening. It concentrates on the Missouri Theater. A talk Saturday
afternoon at the Downtown Library will discuss City Hall.

McAlister says
Guenther will concentrate heavily on the work of 22-year-old Waylande Gregory
who was in charge of the ornate art that graces the walls of the Missouri
Theater.

“What you can
think about, too, when you walk in any of these buildings, the Missouri
Theater, everything you see he carved in wood first,” McAlister says. “And then
he made a mold and then the molds were filled with plaster. And it’s the
plaster that is up on the walls and the ceiling, but it’s painted in such a way
that it looks like stone.”

Or, in the case of
the ceiling, it looks like canvas.

McAlister says it
is amazing the work Gregory did inside the Missouri Theater when he was just 22
years old.

“And of course,
I’m biased, but in my opinion, we have the absolute best, extant example of his
work in the building of the Missouri Theater,” McAlister says. “It’s just
transporting when you walk in there, still, even if you’ve spent a lot of time
in the building. You walk in and you know that you’re in a very special, unique
place.”

Guenther will
speak on the Missouri Theater at Albrecht Kemper, beginning at five o’clock Tuesday
evening. He will give a talk on City Hall at the Downtown Library Saturday
afternoon, beginning at one o’clock.

Talks will put Missouri Theater, St. Joseph City Hall in historical perspective

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

Outcry over the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files includes calls by leading Missouri Republicans for the president to order the release of as much documentation as possible to put the issue to rest.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XsxYF3ZoTg" target="_blank">KMOV-TV</a>&nbsp;on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration should “release everything they can.”

“Whatever is not under court order and sealed,” he said. “And personally, I think they ought to go to court and ask the court to unseal everything possible. That’s the right course here. Let’s have transparency and get everything out in the public.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison said last week that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missourinet.com/2025/07/17/missouri-congressman-burlison-wants-trump-to-prioritize-release-of-epstein-files/" target="_blank">the American people</a>&nbsp;are “sick and tired of being lied to by their government or the government holding these secrets that they deserve to know the truth on.”

He noted that Trump promised a release of files pertaining to Epstein during his successful campaign last year. He told Missourinet he would support a special prosecutor or congressional investigation into the Epstein files.&nbsp;

In a statement&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/repmarkalford/p/DMIkIV8OBnY/" target="_blank">released on social media</a>, Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Alford called the ordeal an “unfortunate sideshow” that should not be allowed to “tarnish the legacy of the greatest president of my lifetime.”&nbsp;

He urged U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to release any files in the Department of Justice’s possession, “including the underlying evidence that led to the memo stating that a so-called ‘client list’ does not exist.”

Not everyone is so eager to push Trump to release more information about Epstein.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt said in January that the DOJ should open up all its files,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/slavfreespirit/status/1884120767513928140?s=46" target="_blank">saying at the time</a>: “Hell yeah. Open it up. Release the Epstein files… Let’s get some answers.”

But in an interview with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHlnpxhYhjg" target="_blank">Politico last week</a>, Schmitt was more reserved when asked if the administration should release more information about Epstein.&nbsp;

“I don’t know what they have,” Schmitt said. “I don’t know what they don’t have. When you’re making a charging decision, obviously you’re basing it on the information that’s in front of you. It’s just hard for me to opine on it.”

Schmitt’s change of tone matches the president, who over the years has stoked conspiracies about Epstein and told Fox News during the 2024 campaign that he would declassify files related to the investigation.&nbsp;

Epstein was known for socializing with politicians and celebrities. That includes Trump, who was close to Epstein throughout the 1990s but reportedly had a falling out with him over a real estate deal in 2004.&nbsp;

“I’ve known Jeff for 15 years. Terrific guy,” Mr. Trump told&nbsp;<a href="https://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/n_7912/" target="_blank">New York magazine in 2002</a>. “He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life.”

Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case, and has said he had “no idea” that Epstein was abusing young women.&nbsp;

Epstein pleaded guilty to a felony prostitution charge in 2008 after federal prosecutors agreed not to charge him with sex trafficking of minors. He served 13 months in jail and was required to register as a sex offender.&nbsp;

In 2019, the Justice Department charged Epstein with sex trafficking minors, including sexually exploiting and abusing dozens of girls in New York and Florida between 2002 and 2005. He died by hanging himself in a Manhattan jail cell, an autopsy concluded.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Bondi told Fox News that Epstein’s client list was “sitting on my desk right now to review.” But months later, the Trump administration reversed course, releasing a memo that concluded there was “no incriminating client list” or evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent people.

The memo sparked a huge backlash among Trump’s MAGA base, who saw the move as a betrayal. It also inspired a bipartisan push to force the administration to act, most notably a non-binding resolution sponsored by Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna of California.

In response to the criticism, Trump recently called for a federal court to unseal grand jury transcripts in Epstein’s sex trafficking case — far short of the demands from his MAGA supporters to release all investigative records.

On Friday, Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch after the newspaper published a story&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/trump-jeffrey-epstein-birthday-letter-we-have-certain-things-in-common-f918d796?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=ASWzDAhmWNpauLVBd9cqZzVZH8OSP2e_gkkFN6GbH-GLscmtoKs3qYAVDtZqAXcjSRA%3D&amp;gaa_ts=687e74bc&amp;gaa_sig=5oItSWyA_RvrU5iNM4euQHgD27PjX8iAulaZWAguntWoPFWr4DcwkhOnwXWPVje2SdLhK-Hs6z2E3G91oG1TLQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">reporting on his alleged ties to Epstein</a>.

Missouri Republicans call for transparency into Jeffrey Epstein investigation

ATCHINSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations

Just after 4:30p.m. on Sunday an officer on patrol observed a 2009 Cadillac SUV driving the wrong way on a one way street in the 600 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The driver, later identified as 35-year-old Dawn Wolfley, was determined to be driving while suspended in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. She was taken to the Atchison County Jail and is being held on requested charges of driving while suspended, driving the wrong way on a one way street, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Police: Wrong-way driver caught transporting fentanyl

The Asian needle ant, an invasive, venomous species, is making its way toward Missouri.

The University of Missouri Extension is urging residents to keep an eye out for the insect as it continues to spread throughout the Midwestern U.S. The population typically peaks during July and August.

These ants prefer moist, shaded environments, including areas with leaf litter, dead logs, and firewood. Unlike many other ant species, Asian needle ants don’t create visible mounds or foraging trails, allowing them to often go unnoticed.

Already detected in 18 states in the Northeast and South, the ant is now closing in on the Midwest.

Their spread poses environmental risks. Entomologist Emily Althoff warns that the ants threaten native ant populations and can also be harmful to humans. Their sting delivers venom similar in effect to that of a bee or wasp.

It’s also important to note that Asian needle ants typically don’t enter homes unless accidentally brought in, which would most likely happen via firewood.

According to data from the USDA, the ant, which is natively from regions of China, Japan, and Korea, has been in the Southeastern U.S. since at least 1932.

Asian Needle Ants on the rise in NW Missouri

St. Joseph police,
acting on a tip, made 53 vehicle stops, issuing 19 citations and 25 warnings, interrupting
a purported “side show” event on Saturday.

The St. Joseph
Police Department reports it received information about a planned “side show” and the Traffic Unit conducted a targeted enforcement operation. “Side
show” events usually feature street racing and vehicle stunts. The department
considers them hazardous to public safety, including participants.

According to the
department, officers issued eight tickets for improper or expired license
plates, three tickets for driving while suspended or revoked, and two tickets
for driving without insurance.

“We take illegal
street activity seriously,” St. Joseph Police Chief, Paul Luster, said in a
written statement issued by the department. “Our priority is to ensure that all
drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are safe on our roadways. Reckless driving
and unlicensed operation of vehicles will not be tolerated in our community.
We’re committed to proactive enforcement to prevent tragedy before it strikes.”

The St. Joseph
Police Department encourages residents to report suspicious or dangerous
driving behavior.

St. Joseph police issue tickets during "side show"

In response to a city-wide survey, leaders around St. Joseph's different departments have developed a business plan for how to improve in those areas.  

City Manager Mike Schumacher says each department director along with their teams helped put together a business plan that went before the city council to help improve resident satisfaction, along with play into the council's strategic plan.  

Schumacher says there will be one other key to this that will play a big role. . . 

"The directors will go in front of council at every meeting, a different team at every council meeting with work sessions to update council on their progress on these items," Schumacher tells KFEQmunnity host Brent Martin.  "That gives us all a chance to talk through any barriers or problems, and successes, where we're going with improving our services." 

Schumacher says that accountability and transparency to the public is key in showing a focus towards improving those areas the survey showed needed improvement.  

Recent results showed city officials residents were concerned with three key areas, code enforcement, law enforcement and crime, and communication. 

Schumacher says those three areas are the key focus of a business plan developed by department leaders that has been put before the city council  

"Communications was kind of identified as an opportunity very early on, so that was already in motion," Schumacher explains.  "The Police Chief, I feel, is doing an outstanding job, but like many police departments, could do a better job talking about it." 

Schumacher says that while he knows most things the Chief is working on, and the mayor and council know many things, residents don't, and they need to ensure the department is telling their story and what they are working on to residents 

Schumacher says have come up with 24-page plan put before the city council with their ideas to help improve residence perception  

But also, Schumacher adds, this business plan will tie well into the city council’s strategic plan 

"We don't have the resources to do everything all at once and impact change across the entire organization in every area that's in a strategic plan, so you have to sort out what you're going to address first, and what's important," Schumacher says.  "And that's what our customers gave us, and then you break that down even further, into the trenches if you will or into the weeds, and that's that business plan that staff comes up with." 

Schumacher says the business plan going before the council makes it public to show residents they've been heard, and their concerns are being addressed. 

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

St. Joseph works to implement survey results

The St. Louis Cardinals saw better luck to start their series against the Colorado Rockies, after getting swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks to start the second half, winning 6-2 on Monday afternoon at Coors Field.&nbsp;

The Cardinals though did have to play from behind after falling behind the Rockies in the third inning, due to some misplays in the field.&nbsp;&nbsp;Adael Amador singled to lead off the inning and advanced on a single by Mickey Moniak, but then raced all the way home after a fielding error by Victor Scott II, which also advanced Moniak to second base.&nbsp; Hunter Goodman's one out single drove in Moniak to put the Rockies up 2-0 after three innings.&nbsp;

St. Louis tied things up the very next inning, starting with a solo home run leading off the inning by Willson Contreras, his 13th of the season.&nbsp; With one out Nolan Arenado doubled, and scored as Masyn Winn followed that with a double of his own to tie up the game at two a piece

The Cardinals took the lead in the fifth inning Contreras driving in Brendan Donovan after his one out double with an RBI single.&nbsp; In the sixth inning the Redbirds continued extending the lead, with Arenado at third and one out&nbsp;Pedro Pagés singling to drive the third baseman in, moving Jordan Walker to third, Walker later scoring on a sacrifice fly by Donovan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Walker singled home Contreras in the seventh inning for the final Cardinals run after Contreras led of the inning with a double.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recently recalled Michael McGreevy earned the win, improving to 2-1 on the season, pitching seven innings and giving up seven hits and two runs while striking out one.&nbsp; At the plate, Winn was 3-for-5 with an RBI.&nbsp; Contreras was also 3-for-5 with a double, a home run, and two RBIs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis and Colorado continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Erick Fedde (3-9, 4.83 ERA) starts for the Cardinals against Bradley Blalock (0-2, 9.97 ERA) for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:40pm, coverage will be joined around 7:30 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

Cards snap losing streak to start second half with 6-2 win over Rockies

The Kansas City Royals offense exploded to back another strong start by Noah Cameron, beating the Chicago Cubs 12-4 to open their series at historic Wrigley Field on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The Royals opened the scoring in the second inning behind Jac Caglianone's fifth home run of the season.&nbsp; But in the bottom half of the inning fell behind as Cameron gave up four runs, the first being a tying solo home run to Carson Kelly leading off the inning.&nbsp; After Dansby Swanson singled, and Justin Turner doubled, the Cubs went deep again off Cameron to take the lead as Matt Shaw hit a three run home run, what would end up being the final Cubs runs of the game.&nbsp;

In the fourth inning, the Royals cut the lead to one, thanks to the long ball again.&nbsp; With two outs, Maikel Garcia singled, before Salvador Perez sent the ball flying to left center field for his 16th home run of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the fifth Kansas City continued the scoring rally to back Cameron, tying up the game with Jonathan India's RBI double driving in John Rave after he reached first on a forceout.&nbsp; With Kyle Isbel on third, the Royals took the lead in the very next at bat as Bobby Witt Jr singled, then extending the lead as Witt Jr stole second, and on a throwing error India came home to score, with Witt Jr moving to third and then scoring himself on a wild pitch.&nbsp;

In the seventh inning, Rave led the inning off hitting a home run in the ballpark that he grew up going to games in, his third home run of the season, to extend the lead.&nbsp; Then, in the eighth inning, after Garcia led the inning off with a double, Perez went deep for the second time in the game to push the lead even more.&nbsp; Following a walk by Caglianone, and a single by Nick Loftin, it was Rave driving in another run with an RBI single, scoring Caglianone, Rave eventually scoring the final run himself on a forceout by Witt Jr.&nbsp;

Cameron earned the win, moving to .500 on the season at 4-4, pitching six innings and giving up four runs on seven hits while striking out seven.&nbsp; At the plate, Perez was 2-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs.&nbsp; Rave was 2-for-4 with the home run and two RBIs, while Isbel was 3-for-4 with a run.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Chicago continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Rich Hill will make his season debut for the Royals against Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA) for the Cubs.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:05pm, pregame coverage will begin at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

Hill is currently on Kansas City’s taxi squad.&nbsp; Hill signed a Minor League deal with the Royals back in May and has been building up over the last few months. The southpaw has a 5.22 ERA and 61 strikeouts across his 11 starts, nine of which have come with Triple-A Omaha.

Despite the lopsided ERA, the Royals have been impressed with Hill’s command in the Minors this season. He has allowed two runs or fewer in six of 11 outings and recently became the first 45-year-old to record double-digit K's in a professional contest since Nolan Ryan did so in 1992. Hill did it in a start with Triple-A Omaha on July 13.

Royals offense comes up big for Noah Cameron in 12-4 win over Chicago

In conjunction with the 2025 class of the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame being enshrined, the St. Joseph Sports Commission is also honoring the Coach Bill Snyder Woman of Impact.&nbsp;

The Woman of Impact Award recognizes a female athlete, coach, administrator or a contributor that achieved an outstanding season or accomplishment over the past year.&nbsp; The award is named in honor of St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2021 inductee Bill Snyder who spoke of the strong impact his mother Marionetta made on his life during his induction speech at the inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony.&nbsp;

The fourth recipient of the award will be Ali Perry, a graduate of Central who most recently completed her freshman season on the women's golf team at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.&nbsp; After winning the MSHSAA Class 5 Individual State Championship in her senior year, Perry carried that success into college, leading the Lions&nbsp;&nbsp;with a 73.31 scoring average this past season and was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year. 

 Perry also won the NCAA Division II Central Regional Individual Championship at Kickingbird Golf Club in Edmond, Oklahoma.  Perry shot rounds of 72-66-71 good for one under par for the championship which qualified her and her teammates to compete at the NCAA National Championship in Boulder City, Nevada for the first time in program history.  Perry also had an excellent freshman year in the classroom as she was named  a WGCA All-America Scholar.

Perry, along with the 2025 Hall of Fame class consisting of nine individual inductees, one team, and the Special Olympics Athlete of the Year, will be recognized on Sunday, August 24 during the enshrinement ceremony at Stoney Creek Hotel &amp; Conference Center.

Women's golf standout, Central alum honored as Bill Snyder Woman of Impact winner

KFEQ Morning Sports

The second half of the Major League baseball season didn't quite open how the St. Louis Cardinals hoped it would, as the Redbirds were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks after falling 5-3 on Sunday afternoon at Chase Field in their series finale.&nbsp;

Miles Mikolas again struggled on the mound as the Cardinals quickly fell behind 4-0 in the first inning, Corbin Carroll again leading off the inning with a triple before scoring as Geraldo Perdomo reached on a fielders choice, Brendan Donovan attempting to throw Carroll out at home but catcher Yohel Pozo missing the tag.&nbsp; After Josh Naylor walked, a hot target as the trade deadline approaches,&nbsp;Eugenio Suárez, hit his 34th home run of the season, a three run blast to left field.&nbsp;

The Cardinals scored a run in the top of the third inning, Victor Scott II leading off the inning with a double and coming home on a single by&nbsp;Iván Herrera, but in the bottom half of the inning the Diamondbacks got the run back for their final score of the game as&nbsp;Suárez hit his second home run of the game, and his 35th of the season, putting him behind only Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge for the most in major league baseball.&nbsp;

St. Louis added one more run in the fifth inning, Brendan Donovan grounding out with the bases loaded after three straight walks, scoring Pozo, to cut the lead to three.&nbsp; The Cardinals though managed just one more run, scoring again in the ninth inning on an RBI double by Jordan Walker, driving in Masyn Winn.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mikolas took the loss, falling to 5-7 on the season, pitching four innings and giving up all five runs on four hits while striking out three and walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, Walker was 2-for-3 with the double, a walk, and an RBI.&nbsp; 

St. Louis will now travel to Colorado.&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael McGreevy (1-1, 4.22 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against former Cardinal Austin Gomber (0-3, 5.65 ERA) for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:40pm with coverage being joined around 7:30 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Cardinals swept by D-Backs to start second half falling 5-3 in finale

The Kansas City Chiefs have rolled into St. Joseph and are ready for Training Camp. 

Chiefs coaches and players reported to St. Joseph throughout the evening today some arriving early tomorrow morning ahead of the 15th Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western State University 

Chiefs Head coach Andy Reid is happy to be back in St. Joseph

"Missouri Western State University man, we love this place, great place to have Training Camp and we appreciate all the people and the jobs that they do for us here, they roll out the red carpet and take care of us like no other," Reid tells reporters.  "So we appreciate all of that and we look forward to getting this camp going."

Reid says going into this camp, the mindset of the players and coaches doesn't change despite losing the Super Bowl last year

"It stays tough, I mean it's never an easy camp, and it builds you a foundation you can bank on," Reid explains.  "So it's important that the guys come in in the right frame of mind, they know that, and they pass the word down to the young guys that they better be ready to go, so that helps us in the long haul."

The first practice of training camp is on Tuesday for season ticket holders beginning at 9:15.  The first open to the general public will be on Wednesday. 

Chiefs players, coaches arrive in St. Joseph ahead of Training Camp

The Kansas City Royals lost their shutout late, giving up four runs in the ninth inning, but still avoided being swept by the Miami Marlins and backing a strong start from Kris Bubic, winning 7-4 on Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;

Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly in the fourth inning got the scoring started, driving in Bobby Witt Jr after he doubled earlier in the inning with one out.&nbsp; With Vinnie Pasquantino at first base, his single having moved Witt Jr to third, Salvador Perez moved him to third with a ground rule double, before both scored as Jac Caglianone doubled right behind the vetereran catcher to put the Royals up 3-0.&nbsp;

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