MoWest offense struggles falling on Homecoming to Emporia State

The Missouri Western State University Griffons suffered a 50-14 loss to Emporia State in the annual Homecoming game at Spratt Stadium.

MoWest, who starts 0-3 in the MIAA for the first time since 2008, threw an interception on the fourth play from scrimmage, which Emporia turned into a touchdown just four plays later with a 13 yard touchdown pass from Ben Harris to&nbsp;Malik O'Atis.&nbsp; On the ensuing drive, pinned deep on their own end, MoWest's Spencer Sprenger's punt was blocked in his own end zone and recovered by Emporia State's Divante Herrig-Brittian, making it 14-0 at the 12:35 mark of the first quarter.

The Griffons punted on five consecutive drives in the first half, and the Hornets scored twice more in the first quarter, on touchdown passes from Harris to Kingsley Bennett of 18 yards and 24 yards to make it 28-0 heading into the second quarter.&nbsp; And early in the second Emporia State, who scored touchdowns on four of their first six drives, extended their lead after a one-yard touchdown run by Camden Crooks with 10:29 left before halftime.

MoWest at last responded, putting together a 19-play, 89-yard drive that lasted over eight minutes, capped off with a six-yard touchdown pass from Kane Donovan to Malik Moore, making it 35-7 at the halftime break.&nbsp; Emporia State was limited to just a field goal in the third quarter, but the Griffons had only a punt and a pair of turnovers-on-downs in the third, and got no closer.

The Hornets added to their total when Aiden Hicks picked off MoWest quarterback Kody Kirk and ran it back 40 yards for a pick-six with 12:09 to play in the game.&nbsp; Kirk recovered on the ensuing drive, finding Moore for a 24-yard touchdown pass , making it 44-14 with 9:11 to play.&nbsp; The Hornets scored a late touchdown with 56 seconds left, a 10 yard touchdown run from Max Middleton, but MoWest blocked each of the Hornets' last two point-after tries.

&nbsp;Donovan completed 24-of-50 passes for 183 yards with a touchdown and a pick.&nbsp;&nbsp; Kirk completed 8-of-11 passes for 78 yards and a score to go with the INT.&nbsp; Moore grabbed six passes for 62 yards and two scores while Gyasi Smith caught a team-best seven passes for 65 yards.

MoWest (1-4, 0-3 MIAA) is back on the road Saturday to face Nebraska-Kearney. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

#3 Ravens win streak moves to four with another dominant victory

Ahead of their bye week, the #3 Benedictine Ravens extended their win streak to four games with another dominant victory, beating Missouri Baptist on the road 52-21 on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Spartans struck first but were unable to slow the Ravens' balanced attack, as Benedictine rolled up 464 yards of total offense and converted all eight red-zone opportunities in the Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup.

Missouri Baptist scored with a nine yard touchdown run from quarterback Jacob Jones, capping an 11-play, 75-yard opening drive that consumed nearly six minutes. Benedictine answered late in the period when quarterback Jackson Dooley punched in a one yard score to even the game at 7–7.

The Ravens took control though in the second quarter, scoring on three straight possessions, a two yard run by Xavier Ugorji, a 21-yard touchdown pass from Dooley to Kameron Dover, and a 25-yard field goal from Christian Klobe giving Benedictine a 24-7 lead that they took into the halftime break.

Another Ugorji touchdown extended Benedictine's lead to 31–7 out of the break, but the Spartans responded quickly. Jones found Gavin Claud deep down the sideline for a 56-yard touchdown to trim the deficit to. The Ravens countered with a short touchdown pass from Dooley to Tyler Watson to make it 38–14 though entering the final quarter of action.

Benedictine opened the fourth with a 19-yard rushing touchdown from JJ Jackson, but Jones powered in from a yard out on Missouri Baptist's next possession to pull within 45–21. The Ravens added a final score with a three yard run by Derrick Overstreet to seal the final score.&nbsp;

Dooley was 12-for-29 through the air for 148 yards with two touchdowns. Ugorji rushed 24 times for 142 yards with two scores.&nbsp;&nbsp;Joseph Lagafuaina had two catches for 41 yards while Lebron Jackson had three catches for 37 yards as the leading receivers.&nbsp;

Benedictine (5-1, 1-0 Heart) is off next week.&nbsp; They are back in action on October 18th in Fayette, MO at Central Methodist.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 1pm

Jayhawks defense stymies UCF to escape Orlando with narrow win

&nbsp;Kansas’ defense came up with two decisive plays to help the Jayhawks beat UCF 27-20 on Saturday night.

The defense set up the Jayhawks’ go-ahead touchdown with a strip sack and a fumble recovery late in the third quarter. Kansas’ Trey Lathan recovered a fumble by Knights quarterback Tayven Jackson at the UCF two yard line after a strip sack by Jalen Dye, setting up a go-ahead, two yard touchdown run by Leshon Williams to make it 27-20.

Lathan then tackled UCF quarterback Cam Fancher on fourth and goal from the Kansas 1 with 1:47 to play to help the Jayhawks secure the victory.&nbsp; UCF drove to the Kansas 22 in the last minute, but four straight incompletions that included a pass breakup in the end zone by Austin Alexander ended the Knights’ final threat.

Kansas needed to erase a 14-0 lead built by UCF after running back Myles Montgomery and the Knights ran all over the Jayhawks in the first half.&nbsp; Montgomery ran for a 29 yard touchdown in the first quarter, and then in the second quarter added a three yard rushing score, as&nbsp;Montgomery rushed for 99 of his 110 yards in the first half.

The Jayhawks cut into the deficit with Williams first touchdown of the day, a one yard score.&nbsp; The Knights extended the lead on the ensuing drive with a 38 yard field goal from Noe Ruelas, but again Kansas struck to cut it to a one possession game as Williams scored again on a four yard dash.&nbsp; Ruelas hit another 38 yard field goal with four seconds left in the half, sending the game to the halftime break with the Knights leading 20-14.

Kansas held UCF to 122 yards in the second half, giving the Jayhawks the cushion to climb back into the game, first tying the game up on field goals by Laith Marjan of 33 and 41 yards, before the defensive play allowed Williams to score his third touchdown and Kansas to take the lead.

Jalon Daniels led the charge for Kansas, throwing for 235 yards on 18 for 26 passing. Williams rushed for 58 yards and three touchdowns.&nbsp; Cam Pickett was the leading receiver with five catches for 64 yards.&nbsp;

Kansas (4-2, 2-1 Big 12)&nbsp; stays on the road Saturday and travels to face #11 Texas Tech.&nbsp; Kickoff is set for 6:30pm and the game will air on Fox.

Late turnover leads to another one possession loss for Kansas State

Connor Hawkins kicked a 53-yard field goal with 31 seconds left after Jacob Redding's go-ahead 66-yard interception return for a touchdown as Baylor rallied twice in the fourth quarter for a 35-34 victory over Kansas State on Saturday.

Hawkins matched the longest kick of his career after Luis Rodriguez had put the Wildcats in front with a 22-yard field goal with 1:48 remaining. Kansas State had to settle for the kick after having a first down at the Baylor two yard line.

Rodriguez had a chance for a game-winner from 56 yards, but 6-foot-4 defensive end Cooper Lanz blocked it with two seconds to go. The Bears&nbsp; held on two weeks after losing to Arizona State on a game-ending field goal in their previous home game.

Through the first half of the game, the Wildcats and the Bears traded blows.&nbsp; Kansas State took the first lead of the game in the opening quarter on a 31 yard touchdown run by Avery Johnson.&nbsp; Hawkins hit a 30 yard field goal late in the first to cut into the lead, before Baylor took the lead to open the second quarter on a touchdown pass from Sawyer Robertson to Kobe Prentice.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rodriguez tied the game with a 49 yard field goal, before the Bears answered to steal the lead back with a touchdown on the ensuing drive with a 17 yard touchdown run from Michael Turner.&nbsp; Near the end of the first half, the Wildcats managed to tie the game up as Johnson connected with Garrett Oakley for a nine yard touchdown pass which sent the game to the halftime break tied at 17-17.&nbsp;

A 12 yard pass from Johnson to Jayce Brown broke the halftime tie, following a punt from Baylor on their drive to open the second half.&nbsp; And after another punt by the Bears, the Wildcats went up two touchdowns on Dylan Edwards' five yard run late in the third quarter and took a 31-17 lead into the final quarter of action.

A turnover on downs from Baylor started the fourth quarter, but Kansas State would be forced to punt on their ensuing drive, and Robertson's 11-yard scoring pass to Bryson Washington came one play after a spectacular one handed catch from Michael Trigg, and then Robertson’s two point conversion run cut Baylor's deficit to 31-25.

Johnson had kept a potential clock-killing drive alive with two third-down conversions but he threw into traffic on first down in Baylor territory with the six-point lead.&nbsp; Redding picked off the pass, ran left up the sideline and cut back inside with the speedy Johnson pursuing to finish off the score untouched. Hawkins' point after kick put Baylor ahead 32-31 with less than five minutes to go.

Johnson was 29-for-45 through the air for 339 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, adding 72 yards rushing on 10 carries with a score.&nbsp; Edwards had 10 carries for 26 yards with a touchdown, while Joe Jackson had 13 carries for 61 yards.&nbsp; Brown had four catches for 106 yards and a score.

Kansas State (2-4, 1-2 Big 12) returns home to host TCU on Saturday.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at 2:30pm and the game will air on Fox.

Huskers explosive second half leads to win over Michigan State

 In a game of massive momentum swings, Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson rushed for three touchdowns and safety DeShon Singleton pulled down two interceptions to lead the Huskers to a 38-27 win over Michigan State.

After a quick defensive stop for the Huskers set up the offense on a short field on its first drive. Dylan Raiola orchestrated a sharp, nine-play drive that covered 48 yards in culminating with Johnson's two-yard touchdown run.&nbsp; Less than two minutes later, Nebraska forced a three-and-out to set up Spartan Ryan Eckley's second punt of the day. He didn't come close to getting it airborne, as Jamir Conn blocked his second punt of the season. Carter Nelson scooped the ball up at the three-yard line and rumbled into the end zone to give Nebraska a 14-0 lead less than eight minutes into the game.

After two quick stops on Michigan State's first two drives, the Huskers could not get the Spartans off the field the rest of the quarter. Michigan State's third drive was aided by both a defensive holding and a pass interference penalty in the end zone. In the end, Michigan State got on the scoreboard on a two-yard pass from backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic to Jack Velling just over two minutes into the second quarter.&nbsp; Neither team scored the remainder of the half, going to the halftime break with Nebraska leading 14-7.

Although the Huskers started the second half with the ball, Michigan State struck first on an Aidan Chiles 16-yard touchdown run to tie the score at 14 with 6:06 left. Less than four minutes later, the Spartans took all the momentum on a second touchdown run by Chiles, this time from two yards out, to give the Spartans the lead late in the the third period.&nbsp; Nebraska's ensuing drive started with back-to-back incompletions by Raiola. On 3rd-and-10 from the Husker 25, Raiola completely changed the game's trajectory with a 45-yard hookup to Jacory Barney Jr. Johnson took it from there scoring on a 23-yard touchdown burst to cap a five-play, 75-yard drive to tie the game at 21 with 1:11 left in the third quarter.

The touchdown started a 24-0 eruption that put the game in the hands of the Huskers.&nbsp; Following the game-tying touchdown, the Huskers got another huge special teams play by recovering a fumble by the Spartans on the ensuing kickoff, setting Raiola and the offense up at the Michigan State 28 yard line. Nebraska was able to move inside the Spartan 10, before the drive stalled, resulting in Kyle Cunanan's go-ahead 27-yard field goal made it 24-21 with 13:32 left in the game. 

The Spartans and Blackshirts then exchanged stops before Raiola and the offense eventually took over at the Husker 41 with 6:54 left. Nine seconds later, Nyziah Hunter turned a short Raiola pass into a 59-yard touchdown down the Husker sideline to put the Big Red up 31-21 with 6:45 remaining. Hunter's reception featured a broken tackle early that also caused his shoe to fly off, but he still sprinted down the sideline with one shoe on to the end zone.

The Huskers flexed their muscles on the ensuing drive, turning the Spartans over on the downs with the fifth sack of the day of Chiles at the Spartan 17. Two plays later, Johnson exploded into the end zone for his third touchdown run of the day, this time from 11 yards extending the Huskers lead.&nbsp; Michigan State finally found its footing in the fourth behind backup quarterback Milivojevic, who completed 4-of-5 passes before pounding the ball into the end zone from one yard out for the game's final points.

Raiola closed the day 16-of-24 passing for 194 yards and a touchdown while throwing one interception.&nbsp;&nbsp;Johnson finished the day with 83 yards on just 13 carries, scoring three touchdowns, while adding a team-leading six receptions for 37 yards.&nbsp; Hunter had four catches for 93 yards and a touchdown.

Nebraska (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) make their first Big Ten road trip next week when they travel to Maryland. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m on the Big Ten Network.

CFB: MoWest falls on Homecoming, Ravens dominate again, Jayhawks narrowly win

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Sunday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Honda 110F driven by an 11-year-old Blythesdale boy was northbound in a pasture along Route t and East 182nd Street one mile south of Blythesdale.

The dirt bike struck a small ditch and the driver was ejected. North Missouri EMS transported the boy to Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

11-year-old Mo. boy injured in dirt bike accident

BUCHANAN COUNTY —A St. Joseph man was taken into custody after an accident that occurred just after 11:30p.m. Saturday in St. Joseph involving a patrol vehicle.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Chevy 2500 driven by&nbsp; a 24-year-old Alec M.. Gray of St. Joseph was westbound on Howard Street in St. Joseph.&nbsp; The driver failed to stop at the stop sigh at 20th Street. The Chevy struck a southbound 2024 Dodge Durango Patrol vehicle driven by a 42-year-old St. Joseph man, according the MSHP.

Law enforcement arrested Gray on requested felony charges of resisting arrest, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, hit and run; operate a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner; for no auto insurance and on an Andrew County misdemeanor failure to appear warrant on an original charge involving a non-moving traffic violation.&nbsp; 

Medical cleared the driver of the Dodge Durango at the scene of the crash. The MSHP did not release the name of the Trooper.

St. Joseph man jailed after crash with a patrol vehicle 

ANDREW COUNTY —A St. Joseph man was injured in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Saturday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Lexus GX460 driven by a 48-year-old St. Joseph man was westbound on Route E three miles east of Savannah. The SUV struck a deer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Andrew County EMS transported a 47-year-old male passenger to Mosaic Life Care. Th edriver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

St. Joseph man injured after SUV strikes a deer

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement in northeast Kansas are investigating another scam.

In the midst of everything else, we now have a Border Patrol scam circulating our county, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

 Residents are receiving calls from men with heavy foreign accents&nbsp; claiming to be Border Patrol Agents.&nbsp; They inform the residents&nbsp; that there is an active warrant for their arrest and a $500 bond must be posted over the phone or they will come to their home and arrest the resident immediately.&nbsp; 

According to those reporting the alleged crime,&nbsp; the callers are very rude, pushy and insistent that they must be paid or else. Caller ID's showed a restricted number. One person stated that they had never been in trouble in their&nbsp; life, and it alarmed them that they were threatened to be arrested.

Sheriff Merchant explained that this was a scare tactic that scammers use in order to extort money from honest, hard working people.

Merchant assured everyone that Border Patrol does not work this way and you will not be arrested. He advised anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately.&nbsp; If you have any questions or concerns, notify your local law enforcement at once.

Sheriff reports alleged Border Patrol scam

KFEQ Week in Review

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3p.m. Friday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp;2025 Vitacci moped driven by a 45-year-old Plattsburg man was northbound on Town and Country Drive at Brandy Wine Court in Plattsburg. The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.

Tri-County Ambulance transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man injured in moped accident

The Show Me St. Joe Experience has wrapped up its final tour of this year. 

St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson Christian Mengel says the experience gives residents a guided bus tour around their own city 

"You get driven around, the transportation is covered for you, we have a step on guide that points out all the architecture and the history when you’re going from point to point,” Mengel says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “Each place that we go into there’s a guided tour that tells you maybe some things that you didn’t necessarily know about it, because maybe you’ve been in a certain museum a few times, but maybe you’ve never had a tour from the director of that museum.” 

The bus tours are given three times throughout the year, giving residents the chance to become better advocates for the city by seeing it through a visitor’s eyes.  

Mengel says the tour is kind of like speed dating with the city’s attractions 

"Because you spend just enough time at each place to understand ok here’s what I need to go back for, or when somebody asks me what they need to do and see in town, here’s the suggestions I can make based on what I already know about that person, what their interests are,” Mengel explains.  “And so, you actually end up being a better advocate for the visitor industry.” 

Mengel says at the end of the tour you're much more informed than you probably were before, to be able to give people more advice of places to go when visiting St. Joseph.

Mengel says reviews of the tour are always positive, with the only negative being not having enough time, which he says really speaks to what we have here 

"That a full day is not enough to really experience everything, and I think that that’s the message that we get across to people that maybe don’t believe there’s a visitor industry when they say oh there’s nothing to do or see here, it’s wrong to think that way really,” Mengel says. 

The last tour of the year was held at the end of last month, but you can contact the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information on future events. 

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

Show Me St. Joseph helps residents become better advocates for tourism

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/SECOND%20REVISED%20SUMMARY%20STATEMENT%20FOR%20HJR%2073.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3687540" target="_blank">latest version</a>&nbsp;of ballot language for a proposed abortion ban states the amendment would repeal a 2024 amendment after a Cole County judge said he had to be more specific.

The portion revised under court order now reads:

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

The previous ballot language used the word “amend” rather than “repeal.”

On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Daniel Green said that Hoskins’ first attempt was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-judge-orders-revised-ballot-language-repeal-abortion-rights/">“insufficient and unfair”&nbsp;</a>because it didn’t make clear that a current constitutional amendment would be repealed. Hoskins was charged with rewriting the ballot language after Green ordered that the initial wording by lawmakers also did not alert voters that<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-orders-revisions-to-ballot-language-for-missouri-abortion-ban-proposal/">&nbsp;it would repeal the voter-approved amendment.</a>

Like the previous attempt, the language does not explicitly state what is in the section of the constitution to be repealed. That was a key point in the arguments filed over the first effort, with opponents of the amendment saying the ballot language should say it would reinstate a ban on most abortions and attorneys for Hoskins telling Green voters could easily look it up if they wanted to know more.

The<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/14/missouri-republicans-shut-down-senate-debate-to-pass-abortion-ban-repeal-sick-leave-law/">&nbsp;proposed amendment drafted by Republican lawmakers</a>&nbsp;will appear before voters in November 2026, two years after<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">&nbsp;Missourians codified the right to reproductive health care&nbsp;</a>—&nbsp;including abortions up until fetal viability —&nbsp;in the state constitution.

Green previously ruled that the remaining bullet points are now acceptable. Hoskins did not make any changes to the summaries, which read:&nbsp;

“Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

Under a new law enacted this year and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/24/judge-rules-unconstitutional-law-missouri-attorney-general-special-appeal-power/">upheld in a separate case by Green</a>, Hoskins has three attempts to submit ballot language that satisfies the court. If after that, Green still finds the language insufficient, the judge will rewrite it himself.

Hoskins was also responsible for writing the fair ballot statement that appears in polling places and on the office’s website that summarize what both a “yes” and “no” vote mean.

Green previously told Hoskins to rewrite the “fair ballot language” summary posted to the secretary of state’s website, calling the old language misleading for also failing to state abortion would be banned in most cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoskins’ latest ballot statement makes just one change by again swapping “amend” out for “repeal.”

This latest summary also states that a “yes” vote would guarantee women’s medical care under specific scenarios, including ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages, and allow abortions in the first 12 weeks festation in cases of rape or incest. It would also ban gender-affirming health care for minors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A “no” vote, Hoskins wrote, in part, would “limit abortion” to specific scenarios.

Prior to the passage of the 2024 abortion rights amendment, nearly all abortions were illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies. The new proposed ban would broader access slightly to also allow abortions for survivors or rape or incest up to 12 weeks gestation, though it’s not yet clear if or how a survivor would need to prove the assault in order to receive medical care.

Missouri secretary of state submits second attempt at abortion ban ballot language

A trade mission to Nigeria. A memorandum of understanding with Vietnam. A surge of purchases from Bangladesh. These countries are not typically major customers for soybeans from the U.S. farm belt. But, according to Reuters, desperate farmers, their trade organizations and President Donald Trump's administration are turning to far corners of the world in hopes of averting a disaster for agriculture from a trade war that has kept China from purchasing U.S. supplies. 

The efforts so far are failing to offset the loss of the country's biggest customer for the crop. The crisis is particularly acute in Illinois, the largest U.S. soybean producing and exporting state. After months of work that included planting seeds, fertilizing fields and spraying weedkillers, Illinois growers are facing losses of up to $8 per acre thanks to low crop prices and weak exports, according to University of Illinois estimates.

US Soybean Farmers, Deserted by Big Buyer China, Scramble for Other Importers

“The U.S. federal government shutdown that began Wednesday will halt some payments to farmers and delay access to federal farm loans, the latest blow for producers already facing low crop prices, record-high debts, and a trade war at the height of the fall harvest.” reports Reuters. On Wednesday, the scope of the shutdown’s potential impact to U.S. farmers was beginning to emerge. Even short interruptions in payments could deepen farmers’ economic turmoil. ‘It costs money to run those combines,’ said Chad Hart, agricultural economist with Iowa State University.” 

The shut down effects the processing of farm loans and making payments to farmers, including billions of dollars in disaster aid contained in President Donald Trump’s tax-cut and spending bill. The USDA has stopped issuing weather-related disaster payments, accepting and processing farm loans, providing technical assistance for conservation programs, and swaths of other agency work.&nbsp;

Gov’t Shutdown Halts Some Payments, Loans to Farmers

The FDA recently, conditionally approved Dectomax-CA1 (doramectin injection) injectable solution for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) larval infestations and prevention of NWS reinfestation for 21 days. 

“We understand the urgency with which America’s farmers and ranchers are asking for tools to fight New World screwworm,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. “Today’s conditional approval – the first in the U.S. for NWS – shows our dedication to rapidly advancing important animal medicines when they are needed most. We continue to work tirelessly to complete review of other NWS products to protect multiple animal species in the U.S.” 

“Under this conditional approval, the FDA has determined the drug is safe and has a reasonable expectation of effectiveness. We are making this treatment available to cattle producers immediately while the sponsor collects the data needed for a full approval,” said Timothy Schell, Ph.D., acting director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

FDA Approves First Drug for Prevention and Treatment of New World Screwworm in Cattle

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/joshua-haiar/">Joshua Haiar</a> <a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/">South Dakota Searchlight</a>

SALEM — Spending 12 hours a day in his combine this week, harvesting amber rows of soybeans he planted in the spring, Andrew Streff has time to think — and it’s hard not to think about the ongoing trade dispute with China.

The country is boycotting purchases of U.S. soybeans in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

“China hasn’t purchased any soybeans from the United States this year, thanks to the president,” said Streff, who farms near Salem. “Our beans are the cheapest in the world, by about $2 a bushel, but this trade war is keeping them out of China — our biggest customer.”

Robert Lee is harvesting 300 acres of soybeans on his land near De Smet. He said many farmers are hesitant to blame Trump for bad bean prices.

“But the fact is, China imported 120 million metric tons of soybeans this year and not one bushel came from the U.S.,” Lee said. “That’s a direct result of this trade war.”

Farmers were similarly affected by trade disputes during Trump’s first term. Congress responded with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/IF/PDF/IF11289/IF11289.3.pdf" target="_blank">$28 billion</a>&nbsp;of aid for farmers in 2018 and 2019, according to the Congressional Research Service. The relief paid for farmers’ lost income by providing direct payments in its place.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, said during a Sept. 26 public event in Rapid City that the federal government will probably have to help farmers again.

“I have talked to the president about this, because some of this is a result of tariff policies, trade relationships, etc. — China’s not buying soybeans today,” Thune said. “And so I think, inevitably, what’s going to happen is they’ll probably end up doing what we did a few years ago, because of loss of markets.”

Thune said that’s something “none of us want.”

“But I think some of that tariff revenue that’s coming in probably will end up heading in that direction,” he said.

Trump’s tariffs will increase federal tax revenues by an estimated $171 billion this year, according to a Sept. 26 report from the&nbsp;<a href="https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/trump-tariffs-trade-war/" target="_blank">Tax Foundation</a>, a nonpartisan, tax policy research nonprofit.

On Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the Trump administration is considering aid to farmers. He said in an<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/02/cnbc-transcript-us-treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-speaks-with-cnbcs-squawk-box-today.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;interview</a>&nbsp;with CNBC that farmers “should expect some news on Tuesday” about “substantial support for our farmers, especially the soybean farmers.”

Jerry Schmitz is the executive director of the South Dakota Soybean Association. He said U.S. soybean prices are down more than a dollar per bushel from last year, from over $11 down to $10, with South Dakota prices another 80 cents to $1.35 lower. Local grain elevators are struggling because exports through the Pacific Northwest into Asian countries have slowed to a trickle.

Based on the number of soybean acres planted this year, Schmitz said a $1 drop in price equates to about $250 million of lost income for South Dakota farmers.

A tariff is a tax paid by importers, with the cost often passed along in prices charged to customers. Schmitz said the impact of tariffs on farmers goes beyond the obvious. An example is a rise in fertilizer prices, “partly due to inflation, but exacerbated by the tariffs.”

Streff, the Salem-area farmer, also works as a commodities broker in Mitchell. He said farmers like him who locked in a price with a grain buyer months before harvest are doing better, but “you were gambling on the future.”

“A lot of farmers were hoping the president learned from the last time around,” he said. “But it didn’t surprise me — he campaigned on doing these tariffs. The U.S. elected someone who likes to pick fights with other countries, and now we’re in the middle of it.”

He said others waited to see how the crop would turn out and if trade relations with China would improve. They haven’t.

Farm leaders and state officials are creating new domestic soybean uses, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/09/09/500-million-soybean-processing-plant-opens-in-mitchell/" target="_blank">$500 million soybean processing plant</a>&nbsp;in Mitchell that will mostly use soybeans to make renewable diesel and livestock feed.

Streff said that’s encouraging, but it won’t replace the demand of a country with 1.4 billion people who like soybean-fed pork.

“It’s not going to solve all our problems,” he said.

It’s a point Thune echoed while in Rapid City.

“We need to get the Chinese market back at some point because we sell a ton,” Thune said. “Sixty percent of our soybeans are exported, mostly to China. And so we’ve got to have those export markets.”

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/10/02/harvest-of-stress-soybean-farmers-await-help-as-tariff-dispute-closes-china-market/" target="_blank">South Dakota Searchlight</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

Harvest of stress: Soybean farmers await help as tariff dispute closes China market

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

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

It was a slow day to close the week for futures markets as the U.S. government shutdown is in its third day, resulting in a lack of government reports to influence traders. The late week rally across row crop futures gradually exhausted itself through the session Friday, led by soybean futures, which eventually settled over a dime lower than the daily high on the November contract. Outside markets leaned positive to close the week with the Dow Jones Industrial Average accelerating weekly gains to a fresh record on Friday. Investors are currently showing no major concerns regarding the government shutdown, focusing instead on an expected rate cut in the Fed's meeting late this month. Energy markets ended the week higher, with crude oil futures narrowly avoiding five straight lower sessions amid support in the low $60 per barrel range.

The live cattle complex battled through, as the market continues to feel stalemated, not seeing the support it needs to drive the contracts much higher. Between weaker cash cattle prices and lower waning boxed beef prices, the market is stuck trading steady/somewhat lower as there's not enough support to do anything different for the time being, but the market found enough for all contracts to finish in the green. Before the week ends, there should still be some more cash cattle trade to develop; however, there's only been a thin movement in the North so far, and virtually no movement yet at all in the South. Asking prices are noted at $235 to $237 in the South and $362 plus in the North.

The feeder cattle complex was back to trading moderately higher as traders are currently willing to mildly support the contracts. The live cattle complex ended giving enough support and the market was able to maintain the mild rally through the day's end.

The lean hog complex is finally seeing support work its way into the market as pork cutout values were higher, and trades allowed the contracts to trade mildly higher as well. The biggest factor helping drive the carcass price higher this morning is the belly's $6.82 jump, and the picnics $4.24 gain as well.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/10/03140156/30001-markets-230pm.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

The Renewable Fuels Association applauded California Governor Gavin Newsome for signing Assembly Bill 30 into law. AB30, which passed unanimously out of both the Assembly and the Senate, immediately legalizes lower-cost E15 fuel in the Golden State. Prior to the signing, California was the only remaining state in the nation where E15 sales weren’t allowed. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said, “California is on the road to lower gas prices and a cleaner future for families across the state,” and “Many other states have already seen the benefits of E15, including healthier air, better engine performance, and costs savings at the pump.”

 California drivers are about to experience those same benefits for themselves, and RFA thanked Governor Newsom for voicing his support for E15 through the legislative process. Recent studies have shown that E15 could save California drivers $2.7 billion annually, or about $200 per household, while significantly cutting tailpipe pollutants. 

California governor signs E15 bill

The U.S. federal government shutdown will stop some payments to farmers and also delay access to federal farm loans. Reuters said it’s one more blow for producers already struggling with low crop prices, record-high debts, and a trade war at the height of the fall harvest. Republican and Democratic lawmakers couldn’t agree on a plan to fund the federal government, and this will last until one party gets enough votes for its funding plan. 

“Even short interruptions in payments could deepen farmers’ economic turmoil,” said Chad Hart, an agricultural economist with Iowa State University. “After all, it costs money to run those combines at harvest.”  While administration of nutrition programs and food inspections will continue, much of USDA’s other work will cease. That includes processing farm loans and making payments to farmers, including billions in disaster aid. It will also not process annual commodity and land conservation payments typically issued by October. 

Shutdown halts some payments and loans to farmers

December corn closed up 5 1/4 cents and March corn was up 5 1/4 cents. November soybeans closed up 10 3/4 cents and January soybeans were up 10 3/4 cents. December KC wheat closed up 3 1/2 cents, December Chicago wheat was up 5 1/2 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was up 3 1/2 cents.

U.S. crop prices again shook off a shaky start to the session on Thursday, with the soybean market leading the way higher as traders continue to look ahead to the month-end summit between Presidents Trump and Xi as a reason for optimism and a reason to remove short-side risk out of portfolios amid shrinking soybean supply side ideas as well. Corn and wheat futures were mainly along for the ride on Thursday but also managed to put together modestly higher sessions. Outside markets were overall a negative weight on agricultural prices for Thursday, with mixed equities as the Dow Jones pushes back toward record highs while the S&amp;P reversed off record highs on Thursday as well. The U.S. Dollar Index was firmer on Thursday while energy markets fell again, breaking support near $62 per barrel to trade to the lowest level since late May.

Without any substantial fundamental support having developed in the complex this week, the live cattle contracts were yet again trading lower. And yes, the spot December live cattle contract was again trading below its 40-day moving average as traders continued to look around for immediate support -- but came up short handed from both a fundamental and technical sense. Asking prices are noted in the South at $237 to $240, and at $363 plus in the North. No new trade has developed following the light business that transpired on Wednesday where some dressed cattle in Nebraska sold at $360 -- $5.00 lower than last week's weighted average. Some bids are on the table at $230 to $233 live in Kansas, and $230 live in Nebraska and $357 to $360 dressed.

Following in the live cattle market's footsteps, the feeder cattle complex also traded lower as traders continue to struggle to find enough support to justify trading higher. Not to mention, adding only more kindling to the feeder cattle market's reasons to trade lower, the market did close lower Wednesday afternoon after traders decided they didn't possess enough support to be edging up against the market's resistance thresholds.

The lean hog complex continued to scale lower and lower as the market again left without enough support to help traders put a bottom in the downward spiral that the market's currently been on. Pork cutout values are again lower this morning with the picnic being the market begging hindrance as it alone is done $6.62.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/10/02135955/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The White House Office of Management and Budget requires the USDA to maintain a plan for agency operations in the absence of appropriations. The plan shows a total of 85,907 USDA employees on board before the government shutdown took place on Wednesday morning at 12 am. According to the plan, a total of 42,256 agency employees were placed on furlough. 

The plan shows that the work getting paused during a shutdown includes most of the Risk Management Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Food and Nutrition Service, and other segments of the agency. The shutdown particularly affects employees who work face-to-face with farmers. More than 6,000 of the 9,000-plus Farm Service Agency employees are going on furlough. By comparison, just 533 of the 7,600-plus people working at the Food Safety and Inspection Service, which regulates meat and poultry processing, are to be furloughed. Pesticide registration work at the EPA will continue.

Over 40,000 USDA employees furloughed by shutdown

Tens of thousands of FFA members, advisors, alumni, and supporters from across the country will gather in Indianapolis for the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo. This celebration of agricultural education and leadership takes place from October 29-November 1. “This year’s convention is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our members’ dedication and a launchpad for the next generation of leaders,” said Christine White, chief program officer for the National FFA Organization. 

“It’s a time where we honor the hard work of today and ignite the spark of inspiration for tomorrow, empowering a community that will shape the future of agriculture and innovation for years to come.” Last year, over 71,000 people attended the event, which is the largest annual gathering of FFA members. Attendees will participate in award ceremonies, explore careers, do hands-on service projects, and more. FFA members will participate in a variety of competitions.

Celebrating leadership and agriculture at the National FFA Convention

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged attack on a bus driver in Lawrence.

Just after 3p.m. Saturday, police were called to 11th and New Hampshire in Lawrence after a bus passenger witnessed a man acting erratically - then shove the bus driver and break out a window with his fist, according to a media release from Lawrence police.

The driver asked the passenger to roll up the window because it wasn’t allowed. When the passenger refused and began disrupting other passengers, the driver pulled the bus over and told the passenger to get off the bus.

The man then shoved the bus driver, ripped the driver’s glasses off his face and punched out the window.   Officers quickly arrived and found the man shirtless and agitated outside the bus and took him into custody.  The driver did not require medical treatment.

Police: Kansas man jailed after attack on bus driver

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 16-year-old&nbsp;Ta’Kori Jones, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just before 5:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 7100 block of Longview Road on a reported shooting, according to DiMartino.

Upon arrival officers located Jones suffering from gunshot wounds. KCFD EMS responded and transported the boy to a local hospital in critical condition. Crime scene personnel and Assault Squad detectives responded to the scene to begin the investigation .Just before 9:30 PM, detectives were notified that Jones died of his injuries. Homicide detectives took over the investigation continue to look for video surveillance and potential witnesses. 

&nbsp;The preliminary investigation indicated there was an interaction between multiple individuals in a nearby park just prior to the shots being fired and the Jones being struck. 

KCPD: 16-year-old killed in shooting at a park

WASHINGTON —The government shutdown is moving into day 6 with no end in sight. The White House has&nbsp;a rolling government shutdown clock on the official White House website.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/government-shutdown-clock/">Click here to view the Clock</a>

Government shutdown day 6: No immediate end in sight

KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City&nbsp; man was sentenced in federal court this week for illegally possessing eight firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.

David Michael Gager, also known as David Kash, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 71 months in federal prison without parole for being a felon in possession of firearms.

On Mar. 7, 2025, Gager pleaded guilty to five counts of knowingly being a felon in possession of firearms between Apr. 19, 2024, and May 16, 2024.&nbsp; During this period, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives utilized a confidential informant and an undercover agent to conduct four separate controlled purchases of firearms from Gager.&nbsp; During these transactions, Gager mentioned that he could get machineguns and methamphetamine for future transactions.&nbsp; 

During one transaction, Gager indicated that he acquires firearms in Kansas City and transports them to Chicago where he sells them for a profit.&nbsp;On May 9, 2024, Kansas City, Mo. Police Department officers executed a warrant for Gager’s arrest.&nbsp; The arrest occurred at a convenience store located on Prospect Avenue.&nbsp; Officers discovered a 9mm handgun that Gager had thrown in a trashcan near the front of the convenience store when he noticed officers approaching.

KC felon sold firearms to undercover ATF agent 

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces felony charges for a gunfight at a business in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2736/Cushon-REDACT-COMP">Unique A. Cushon</a>, 35,&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Assault, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.&nbsp;

On September 28,&nbsp;Kansas City police were dispatched to a business in south Kansas City on Sept. 28 and located a victim who was shot in the chest. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition, ,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2737/Cushon-REDACT-PC">According to court records</a>,

While on scene, Raytown police advised they located a shooting victim, later identified as Cushon, who was shot in the head and back and was transported to the hospital.&nbsp;

Based on multiple witness reports, Cushon left the business and tried to come back in. The shooting victim, who was working security, told him that if he came back in, he would have to pay. Cushon started arguing with the victim. Another man went and retrieved a firearm from a vehicle and handed it to Cushon who fired a shot into the air and then pointed the firearm at the victim and everyone else inside the business.&nbsp;

The victim, in self-defense of himself and others, pulled his firearm and fired one round at the Cushon. The victim realized he was shot and ran inside for help.&nbsp;

Surveillance footage captured the argument between the victim and Cushon and an unknown man taking a firearm from his waistband and handing it to someone. Shortly afterward, the crowd started ducking and the victim returned fire.

Man injured in gunfight with security guard at KC business

🎥 President, First Lady celebrate Navy's 250th birthday 

WABAUNSEE COUNTY&nbsp;– A former correctional officer of the Wabaunsee County Jail was arrested Sunday following an investigation led by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, according to a media relase.

Jeffery Patrick, 48, was arrested Sunday at approximately 12:00 p.m. after he turned himself in to authorities at the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office. Patrick was arrested for one count of mistreatment of a confined person.

On May 28 of this year, the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office contacted the KBI for assistance with a correctional officer who was reportedly taking money from an inmate for personal use. The KBI conducted an investigation, leading to the arrest warrant being served by the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office.

The alleged incidents occurred between March and May at the Wabaunsee County Jail, where Patrick served as a correctional officer until he was terminated in June.

Following his arrest, Patrick was booked into the Pottawatomie County Jail.

KBI: Former Kansas county jailer arrested

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 11p.m. Saturday in Kansas City.

Local

Region

Sports

Agriculture