The Kansas City Chiefs entered this year's training camp at Missouri Western State University loaded at the running back position.  

A healthy Isiah Pacheco, a newly signed Elijah Mitchell, and drafted Brashard Smith have had a good start to camp, not to mention Carson Steele and Kareem Hunt.  

For Hunt, who was signed three weeks into the season last year, feels he's really benefitted from having a full offseason of preparation 

"I was more locked in staying on schedule," Hunt tells reporters.  "Because I didn't know when I was going to get picked up or when I was going to have the opportunity, or if I was going to have the opportunity to play again, so I stayed on top of things this offseason, made sure I stayed in good shape from OTA's and just able to keep building on what I've already built." 

Hunt rushed for 728 yards last season and seven touchdowns, primarily used as a short yardage back, which could again be his role if he earns his spot.  

The competition on the offensive line will continue to be a focus for much of Chiefs Training Camp as the Chiefs majorly refocus on reshaping their offensive line.  

Seeking left tackle consistency, the Chiefs drafted Joshua Simmons and signed former San Francisco 49er Jaylon Moore to replace Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia 

Center Creed Humphrey says with two new tackles coming in, it's all about building chemistry along the offensive line 

"That's why camp's really good for this, you get a ton of reps in, a ton of looks against Spags defense, so it's preparing you all for the season," Humphrey says.  "So, we're excited about it, we've got some really good talent in that room right now and it's going to really good competition."  

Suamataia is competing to replace Joe Thuney at left guard after the Chiefs traded Thuney to the Chicago Bears.  Kansas City has also been without Jawaan Taylor to start camp as he's on the PUP list 

In a move that was overshadowed by the resigning of Trey Smith and contract extension of George Karlaftis, the Chiefs linebacking core got a boost early this offseason, bringing back a fan favorite, who's also a leader on the defense.  

Nick Bolton signed a three-year contract extension to stay with the Chiefs, after many thought he might leave.  Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo called Bolton the Patrick Mahomes of the defense 

Linebacker Leo Chenal echoes the sentiment saying having Bolton back means everything 

"When he's on the field it's just different, you guys can see it I'm sure, not only his play, his leadership, his loud, bold communcation, just his positivity, you can go down the list of what a leader is and Nick Bolton checks the box," Chenal says.  "So, it boosts morale to the whole team and makes everybody play better around him."  

For Chenal, he enters this season on the final year of his rookie contract, but says he's keeping his mind off it as best he can and is focused on doing his best for the team 

The Chiefs practiced for just under two hours today.  They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15, before an off day on Saturday.

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

Hunt ready for another year with Chiefs after having full offseason to prepare

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

Row crops traded with little conviction and low volumes behind the markets for Thursday. Export data for last week offered few new insights, although a USDA reporting error which mistakenly gave China credit for a 2025-26 corn purchase briefly caused a stir before correction within the hour. Overall, weather remains the feature of the trade, with few changes on that front with the vast majority of the U.S. grain belt still expecting good precipitation coverage over the next 15 days, and the above-average temperatures expected to ease beginning next week as well. Outside markets were mixed for Thursday with equities mixed, supported by recent trade optimism but left with an uneasy feeling on reports that President Trump plans to visit the Federal Reserve. Energy markets were mixed with NYMEX crude oil attempting a recovery from an 8-day losing streak.

The live cattle complex rounded out the day lower as traders merely sat on their hands, waiting for time to pass by and hoping that they'd see some support from the market's fed cash cattle trade. August live cattle closed $1.22 lower at $225.80, October live cattle closed $1.35 lower at $222.15 and December live cattle closed $1.25 lower at $222.65. Bids were offered in both regions throughout the day, but as feedlot managers waited for packers to up their bids, time slipped by, and very few cattle traded throughout the day. There was just a handful of cattle traded in the South at $231, which is $1.00 higher than last week's weighted average.

The feeder cattle complex also closed lower as traders were sheepish to push the market any higher following the big gains seen earlier in the week. But today's move wasn't a choice made because of poor demand in the countryside, but rather because of skepticism from the futures complex as traders worry about over-extending the market. August feeders closed $2.62 lower at $328.90, September feeders closed $2.25 lower at $329.65 and October feeders closed $2.30 lower at $328.35.

The lean hog complex chopped merely sideways throughout the day as traders want to advance the contracts but didn't quite see enough fundamental support to justify doing so. August lean hogs closed $0.27 lower at $108.20, October lean hogs closed $0.20 higher at $91.10 and December lean hogs closed $0.35 higher at $82.92. It was impressive that pork cutout values closed higher at all, with the rib alone being down over $6.00.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/24163911/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

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

It was another mixed session for row crop markets on Wednesday as an early spark stemming from President Trump's announcement of a trade deal with Japan, as well as early details on an agreement with the Philippines and framework for the deal with Indonesia as well, was quickly extinguished as trader focus remains on friendly growing season weather and a seasonal tendency for prices to decline through late summer into fall. Outside markets were mixed with equities higher on the trade announcements, while energy markets were mostly lower with NYMEX crude oil futures on their way to an eighth consecutive lower session.

It's another rip-roaring, rallying day for the live cattle complex as the contracts etched into new territory yet again today. It could potentially be that traders are excited to hear about the trade deal that President Trump worked out with Japan, as it will obviously open up more opportunities for more beef to be marketed. Still today, no cash cattle trade has developed, but asking prices are now noted in the South at $232 but remain unestablished still in the North.

Up, up and away went the feeder cattle complex as the market saw deferred contracts trade as much as $4.50 higher into Wednesday's noon hour. More than anything, it seems as though traders are not only recognizing the fact that supplies are going to remain tight, but that they're also adjusting their position from a technical standpoint because of it.

The cattle contracts may be rallying but the lean hog complex again traded lower as traders remain stalemate in their hopes to advance the complex. This morning, pork demand was higher so traders can't point to disappointing market fundamentals. It seems as though traders are running into some resistance pressure, which is hindering the contracts from trading any higher.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/07/23134652/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Data from USDA shows inspections of wheat and beans for offshore delivery rose week to week while corn assessments declined. Wheat inspections totaled 732,000 metric tons in the seven days ending on July 17. The agency report says that’s up from 446,000 tons a week earlier. Examinations of soybeans for offshore delivery increased to 365,000 metric tons from just over 151,000 tons during the previous week. Corn saw the only decline on the week, falling to 983,000 metric tons, which the USDA said was down from 1.3 million a week prior. 

Since the start of the marketing year on September 1, corn inspections total nearly 59 million tons versus 45.6 million last year. Soybean inspections now total 46.8 million tons, up from 42.4 million at the same point last year, and wheat examinations since the marketing year began June 1 are at three million metric tons, up from 2.6 million a year ago. 

Weekly wheat, bean inspections increase

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are in merger talks to create the largest railroad in North America that would connect the East and West Coasts. The merger discussions began during the first quarter of 2025. It would combine the largest and smallest of the country’s six major freight railroads. Both railroads declined to comment. 

Within the industry, reports say there is a lot of debate over the merger and whether it would be approved by the Surface Transportation Board. The questions come despite regulators approving the deal that created CPKC railroad two years ago with the Canadian Pacific’s $31 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern Railroad. That merger combined the two smallest major railroads in North America and left only six major freight railroads. But at the time, it was the first approved merger in 20 years.

Grain carriers discuss potential merger

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.

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

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner M2 driven by a 32-year-old Aurora, Colorado man was northbound on Interstate 29 in the city of St. Joseph.

The truck traveled off the east side of the road. The driver overcorrected. The truck traveled off the west side of the road, returned to the road, overturned and struck the cable barrier.

Buchanan County EMS transported the driver and a 22-year-old passenger to Mosaic Life Care. Both were. properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 hospitalized in St. Joe after truck overturns

Missouri and Kansas have made their pitch
for either renovating Arrowhead Stadium or building a new stadium for the
Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas made its offer early, an attempt to lure the Chiefs
over the state line. Missouri countered with the legislature approving a
package during the special session in June.

Kansas City Chiefs President, Mark
Donovan, says team officials continue to pore over offers from both states as
they consider where the team will play in the future.

Donovan declines to indicate whether one
state has the edge over the other.

“As I said before, I’ll say it again, the
commitment on both sides has been really, really humbling,” Donovan tells
reporters during the opening of Training Camp at Missouri Western State
University. “There’s a real interest to figure this out on both sides of the
state line and that gives us a great opportunity to figure out what is best for
our fans and for the organization.”

The Chiefs conducted a survey of fans in
the team’s effort to decide its future. Donovan says three survey results stood
out. Fans take pride in how loud it gets at Arrowhead and want to retain the arguably
loudest stadium in the NFL. Fans like their tailgates and whether the Chiefs renovate
Arrowhead or move to a new stadium, fans want the Chiefs to provide plenty of
room for tailgating. Donovan says the third response that rose to the top was
humbling to the organization. He says fans said they trusted the Chiefs to do
the right thing.

Much hinges on what the Royals decide to
do. The Chiefs and the Royals are neighbors, sharing room in the Truman Sports
Complex which opened in 1972. If the Royals leave Kauffman Stadium as expected,
that creates a different dynamic for the Chiefs, according to Donovan. The NFL
franchise could then spread out to take over the entire complex. Donovan does
add that if the Royals cross the state line and relocate in the Kansas side of
the Kansas City metroplex, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Chiefs will move
to Kansas. Previously, the future of the two teams seemed linked. They are
separate now.

Donovan says his team is scrutinizing
every paragraph, every word in the offers from both states. 

“It’s the detail of those deals. What
deal makes the most sense from a business perspective, for a future
perspective. And I think it’s important to point this out – what makes the most
sense for our fans for the next generation, right?” Donovan says. “There are a
lot of really strong arguments on both sides, but we have to make that
decision, what we believe makes the best impact on our fans for the next
generation.”

Donovan emphasizes the decision on where
the Chiefs call home has no impact on whether the Chiefs continue to hold
training camp in St. Joseph. Missouri Western State University announced just
prior to the beginning of this year’s camp that the university had reached a multi-year
extension with the Chiefs.

But will the Chiefs stay in St. Joseph in
the future?

Donovan says much like the team’s
decision on whether to renovate Arrowhead or build new, it all depends.

“Look, we don’t want to leave, but we may
find a better option in the future and decide to do that,” Donovan says. “It’s
kind of what we’re doing with the stadium right now. We may and we may not.”

Donovan says when the Chiefs began
holding training camp in St. Joseph in 2010, no one could have guessed the
impact it would have on the city.

“And you look at it today, 15 years in, it’s
measurable and it’s exceeded everyone’s expectations and we’re proud of that,” Donovan
says. “But we also believe that’s what we bring to the table. We can bring
something that can change, have impact. And, if you look at the history of
this, we’ve done that.”

The Chiefs moved training camp from the
University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Before that, the Chiefs held training
camp at William Jewel College in Liberty.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Chiefs weigh proposals from Missouri & Kansas in deciding future home

The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has been notified of two separate events in which horses in Kansas have tested positive for reportable diseases. The agency has responded to both incidents according to the state’s disease response plan.

In mid-July KDA was notified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory that a horse in Sedgwick County has tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The facility and all horses on the premises were placed under quarantine until further testing of all exposed horses was completed. Preliminary results indicate that there are additional horses testing positive. EIA is an untreatable disease and response actions are being made accordingly. The remaining horses at the facility that tested negative will be observed and retested in 60 days. The positive symptomatic horse did die from complications associated with EIA.

KDA has identified a prescribed surveillance area within one-quarter mile of the affected premises and is working with local officials and horse owners to identify any other horses that may have been within that surveillance area.

EIA does not affect people, but it can spread to horses, mules and donkeys. The virus can be transmitted from an infected equine to a “clean” equine by biting flies, the use of unsterilized or contaminated medical instruments, or through a blood transfusion. Clinical signs of EIA include fever, anemia and edema; however, affected horses may not show symptoms. EIA can be fatal in horses. All infected horses, including those which are asymptomatic, are carriers of the disease.

There are typically a small number of cases of EIA in the United States every year, although the disease is common in other parts of the world. EIA is controlled in the U.S. by regular testing before traveling across state lines and/or exhibition. The test for EIA is commonly called a Coggins test. This spring, KDA expanded regulations to require a negative Coggins test be completed within the previous 12 months for horses that are changing ownership or are used for exhibition purposes. These regulations are in addition to the previous requirement of a negative Coggins test for horses entering Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has received notification of a confirmed case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a horse in Harper County.

WNV is a virus that can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Horses infected with WNV can have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever to severe neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses. If you see symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately.

WNV is a preventable disease, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. The infected animal was not current with its vaccinations, but is responding favorably to treatment. All horse owners should consult with their local veterinarians and make a vaccination plan for their horses.

The virus is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes; although both horses and humans are susceptible, it is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human. Horse owners should work diligently to reduce the mosquito populations and their possible breeding areas, including removing stagnant water sources and using mosquito repellents. WNV is a reportable disease in Kansas, which means the law requires any confirmed case must be reported to the KDA Division of Animal Health.

For more information about EIA, WNV, or other animal disease issues in Kansas, go to the KDA–DAH website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fdivisions-programs%2Fdivision-of-animal-health%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010001983955fa97-1b865264-392c-4461-995a-551d9b68f9b2-000000/BHWPhJVwNuQPKTougYeXc0VwH8-Dro4HX4jB74lzWRA=415">agriculture.ks.gov/AnimalHealth</a>.

If you have questions, please call KDA–DAH at (785) 564-6601.

KDA Alert: Horses tested positive for anemia, West Nile virus

PLATTE COUNTY —The death of a baby boy last fall is now being investigated as a homicide.

Just after 6:30p.m. October 26, 2023, police were dispatched to Children's Mercy Hospital on a reported assault that occurred in the 8000 block of NW Milrey Drive in Kansas City, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Upon arrival, they contacted hospital staff who advised that two-month-old Mateo Rideout&nbsp;was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries. 

A person of interest was identified and taken into police custody for further investigation. On November 5, the child died at the hospital as a result of his injuries.

This death was ruled suspicious in nature until detectives would receive the official autopsy report from the medical examiner’s office. 

On June 10, an autopsy report from Forensic Medical was provided ruling this death a homicide. This case has been submitted to Platte County Prosecutors for charging consideration.

KCPD: Baby's suspicious death now ruled a homicide

Missouri's Department of Natural Resources is hosting a free event to inform Missourians on black bears.

MDC's "Black Bears of Missouri" features information on black bear behavior, as well as how to prevent conflicts and coexist with the powerful creatures. It will also feature tips on how to keep bears from getting too comfortable around neighborhoods.

Experts estimate more than a thousand black bears live in Missouri, with an increase on nearly 90 bears per year. Most of them are found in the more mountainous southern regions of the state.

The event is this Friday, July 25th, from 1-2 p.m. Those interested can register <a href="https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/210150">HERE</a>.

Department of Conservation to host Black Bear Presentation Friday

The U.S. Department of Energy announced Wednesday it was cancelling a conditional $4.9 billion loan for the Grain Belt Express, a planned transmission line designed to transport electricity generated by wind farms in Kansas across four states, including Missouri.

What this means for the future of the project is unclear. A spokesman for the company behind the transmission line, Illinois-based Invenergy, could not be immediately reached for comment.&nbsp;

The loan, which was issued by the Biden administration in November 2024, is being cancelled because “it is not critical for the federal government to have a role in supporting this project,” the department said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-terminates-taxpayer-funded-financial-assistance-grain-belt-express" target="_blank">news release announcing the decision</a>.&nbsp;

News of the cancelled loan was celebrated by Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, who for years has criticized the project.

“The Grain Belt Express boondoggle loan has been cancelled,” Hawley wrote on social media.&nbsp;

Hawley previously claimed he secured a pledge from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright that he would be “<a href="https://x.com/HawleyMO/status/1943408766629650779" target="_blank">putting a stop to the Grain Belt Express green scam</a>.”

In the works for more than a decade, Grain Belt Express is expected to run from southwest Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/07/11/grain-belt-express-announces-expansion-that-means-more-clean-energy-for-missouri/">carrying renewable energy through Missouri</a>&nbsp;and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border. When it approved the project, the Missouri Public Service Commission found that Grain Belt would save Missourians $17 billion in lower electric bills.&nbsp;

But to complete the project, the line needs to cross thousands of properties and requires easements on landowners’ properties across three states.

Invenergy says it has obtained the vast majority of those easements through voluntary negotiations with landowners. For the rest, the project was granted the right of eminent domain, a legal mechanism that allows utilities and governments to take land or easements from unwilling landowners and compensate them.&nbsp;

Grain Belt’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/06/08/missouri-governor-to-sign-compromise-legislation-after-efforts-to-stymie-grain-belt-express/">ability to use eminent domain has drawn the ire</a>&nbsp;of Republican lawmakers and farm groups who&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/04/19/grain-belt-transmission-line-forges-ahead-amid-landowner-lawmaker-pushback/">fought to undermine the project at the Missouri General Assembly</a>&nbsp;for years.

“This is a huge win for Missouri landowners and taxpayers who should not have to fund these green energy scams,” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey posted on social media.&nbsp;

Invergy previously responded to Hawley’s criticism of the project with a post on social media calling the senator’s public comments “bizarre.”

“Senator Hawley is attempting to kill the largest transmission infrastructure project in U.S. history, which is already approved by all four states and is aligned with the president’s energy dominance agenda,” the company wrote earlier this month. “Senator Hawley is trying to deprive Americans of billions of dollars in energy cost savings, thousands of jobs, and grid reliability and national security, all in an era of exponentially growing electricity demand.”

The company also wrote a&nbsp;<a href="https://grainbeltexpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/GBX_Letter_to_Secretary_Wright.docx.pdf" target="_blank">letter this month to Wright&nbsp;</a>pleading its case and criticizing both Hawley and Bailey.&nbsp;

“President Trump’s infrastructure agenda and your leadership are making America energy dominant, secure, and prosperous,” Jim Shield, vice president of Grain Belt Express LLC, wrote in the letter. “Unfortunately, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey are declaring open season on America’s ability to build needed energy infrastructure.”

Gretchen Waddell-Barwick, director of the Sierra Club Missouri Chapter, panned the decision to undermine the “shovel-ready Grain Belt Express transmission project that would quickly strengthen grid reliability and resilience, create jobs during construction, and lower electricity costs for small towns throughout Kansas and Missouri.”

Hawley doesn’t seem to care, Waddell-Barwick said, that the company played by the rules, received multiple state approvals and withstood legal challenges.

“This reeks of desperation to satisfy political interests,” Waddell-Barwick said, “at the expense of Missouri families and businesses throughout the state that may have to pay higher electric rates because of this decision.”

Feds cancel $4.9 billion loan for Grain Belt Express transmission line project

It was another hot day at Kansas City Chiefs training camp on the Missouri Western campus, but the Chiefs were still grinding hard preparing for the season.  

This season will bring an expanded role for second year safety Jaden Hicks, after Justin Reid was not resigned this offseason, and moved on to the New Orleans Saints.  

Safety Bryan Cook says he knows Hicks is ready for that expanded role because of his capacity to learn at a rapid rate 

"As well as the fact that he's always high energy, things like that, so you know sometimes if our vets are a little low that day, he'll bring the energy, he'll bring the juice," Cook tells reporters.  "And as I said before, he's always ready to learn." 

Hicks, a fourth-round pick last season, had three interceptions and 27 tackles playing in every game last season behind Reid and Cook.  

Theres also a big offensive line battle brewing during Chiefs training camp. 

With a battle at left tackle, between Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons, and a battle at left guard, between Mike Caliendo and Kingsley Suamataia, there's some competition brewing during camp.  

Defensive tackle Chris Jones says it's good competition and adds it's good for the offensive line, but also good for the defensive line as well 

"You've got to enjoy this competition man, I think we've reiterated this over the years we have one of the hardest training camps, and I think after this training camp they'll be able to evaluate and see who's the best fit for it," Jones says.  "But I actually like it, because the change up amongst the offensive line, you've got so many guys that can play so many different places, guard, tackle, that it makes us better on the offensive line, and also challenges us on the defensive line." 

Suamataia played the final game of last season at left guard against the Denver Broncos, which gave the Chiefs the confidence to move him to the position after trading Joe Thuney 

Day two of Chiefs Training Camp saw some more big plays from the offense, but also some big plays from the defense.  

On the offensive side of the ball during camp, the Chiefs have been focusing on emphasizing explosive and big plays, going deep down field.  

Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says he doesn't like it when big plays happen in practice.  

"But hopefully it makes us better in eliminating those, because those will kill you in a game, I can remember one or two there today," Spagnuolo points out.  "But listen, the offense will make us better by doing that in terms of taking away those deep plays, because explosive plays in this league, when you give them up, usually that doesn't bode well for points allowed."  

While the Chiefs offense is working to get back the explosive play, after struggling last season, the defense has done an exceptional job at containing the big play.  

The Chiefs practiced again for just about an hour and a half today.  They practice again tomorrow at 9:15 on the Mosaic Practice Fields. 

Expanded roles and position battles during Chiefs Training Camp

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

Cities and counties are not allowed to stack sales taxes on marijuana products, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In a 6-1 decision, the state’s highest court concluded the 2022 constitutional amendment that legalized recreational marijuana limits the definition of “local government” to allow only one municipality to impose a 3% sales tax — a village, town or city in an incorporated area and a county in an unincorporated area.

The drafters of the constitutional amendment “specified a ‘local government’ is based on&nbsp;the area in which the dispensary is located,” the court ruled.&nbsp;

The case focused on Florissant-based dispensary Robust Missouri 3 LLC, where customers have been paying a total sales tax of almost 21% , which includes a 3% sales tax from both the city of Florissant and St. Louis County.

The court’s decision means only the Florissant sales tax can remain in place and will impact more than 70 areas across the state where both city and county governments have been imposing a 3% tax at dispensaries, according to Missouri Department of Revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://dor.mo.gov/pdf/rates/2024/oct2024.pdf" target="_blank">data</a>.

Judge Zel M. Fischer was the lone dissent, arguing that the constitutional amendment’s definition of local government clearly includes both incorporated and unincorporated areas. It would, Fischer wrote, therefore allow counties to impose the sales tax and collect it in incorporated areas.

“The patently absurd results of holding that ‘and’ means ‘or’ and that St. Louis County is not a ‘local government’ within its own territorial jurisdiction confirms, once again, that simply applying the constitution’s plain language meaning is the surest way for this court to implement the law as it was intended,” Fischer argued.&nbsp;

A panel of Missouri appellate judges agreed with Robust in November, ruling that the constitution’s “plain, unambiguous” language means&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/12/appeals-court-rules-counties-cannot-stack-missouri-marijuana-taxes/">cities and counties cannot stack marijuana sales taxes</a>.

That decision reversed a lower court’s ruling last year that allowed both Florissant and St. Louis County to both impose a 3% sales tax on marijuana products.&nbsp;

The ruling also determined the outcome of a second case, currently before the Western District Court of Appeals. In that case, a Buchanan County judge also ruled that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/30/2nd-missouri-judge-rules-counties-can-stack-taxes-at-marijuana-dispensaries/">taxes could be stacked</a>. The Western District court stopped action in the case while awaiting the Supreme Court decision.

Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, said his organization and other industry partners went to court days after the double taxation began in 2023 “to protect the very customers that make Missouri’s marijuana program the envy of other states.”

Tuesday’s ruling, Mullins said, will save Missouri cannabis customers an estimated $3 million every month.&nbsp;

“Missouri customers already pay their fair share, with sales tax revenue from cannabis in Missouri now tripling original state estimates,” Mullins said. “The ruling’s clarity preserves Missouri’s standing as one of the nation’s most impactful and accessible cannabis programs, ensuring patients and adult-use consumers continue to benefit from fair pricing, great service and robust product choice.”

Missouri Supreme Court rules local governments can’t stack marijuana sales taxes

It's been here longer than they may have ever imagined, but the Kansas City Chiefs have again made St. Joseph the home of Chiefs Training Camp.  

Chiefs President Mark Donovan says 15 of the last 16 years training camp has taken over the Missouri Western State University campus, and it's been a great run of success 

"It doesn't happen without a lot of hard work and a lot of commitment from everyone involved so we truly appreciate that," Donovan tells reporters.  "You know, championship seasons start in St. Joe, and it's been something that we've been able to take advantage of for quite a long time now." 

Fans poured onto campus as training camp kicked off yesterday for season ticket holders, with some lining up as early as 2 am  

Donovan says it's always special to come to St. Joseph for camp. 

"When you get in your car after a long meeting and you go down to Mcdonalds and you grab a coffee, the people working see your logo and they say thank you for being here," Donovan says.  "I just want to say it the other way around, thank you guys for welcoming us and treating us the way that you do." 

Donovan reports many tickets for days of training camp are sold out, but to keep on eye on the Chiefs website the morning of camp for more to come available.

Chiefs President applauds St. Joseph, MWSU as Training Camp kicks off

KFEQ Morning Sports

The St. Louis Cardinals outslugged the San Diego Padres, and used a big second inning, to win their first home game of the second half of the MLB season 9-7 at Busch Stadium on Thursday evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Padres took the lead in the first inning behind two runs as Luis Arraez doubled to drive in Fernando Tatis Jr after his leadoff single.&nbsp; Arraez later scored in the inning on an RBI single by Jackson Merrill.&nbsp; In the bottom half of the inning, the Cardinals cut that lead to one run as Willson Contreras doubled, driving in Brendan Donovan after he led off the Redbirds half of the inning with a single, ending the inning with the Cardinals trailing 2-1.&nbsp;

After a scoreless second for the Padres, St. Louis blew things open in the bottom half scoring six runs, starting with a big three run home run from Donovan, scoring Jordan Walker and Victor Scott II to give the Cardinals the lead.&nbsp; After&nbsp;Iván Herrera and Alec Burleson doubled, Contereas drove in three more runs, hitting the second three run homer of the inning to bring home both Herrera and Burleson, putting St. Louis up 7-2 at the end of the inning.&nbsp;

The ball kept soaring in the third inning, this time off the Padres bat, as Tatis Jr led the inning off with a solo home run.&nbsp; And after a double by Arraez, Manny Machado cut the Cardinals lead to two runs hitting a two run home run to center field.&nbsp; St. Louis got one of those runs back in the bottom of the fourth, Scott leading the inning off with a walk and stealing second before scoring on a single by Herrera, to put the Cardinals up 8-5.

The game would get even closer in the sixth inning, with the Padres cutting the lead to one.&nbsp; After Merrill singled, and Xander Bogaerts doubled to put two runners in scoring position, Gavin Sheets grounded out to drive in Merrill.&nbsp; Later in the inning, with two outs, Bryce Johnson reached first on a throwing error by Contreras, allowing Bogaerts to come home and score with the Cardinals unable to get out of the inning.&nbsp; Leading by one run after the inning, the Cardinals got the only run of insurance they needed in the bottom of the sixth, thanks to a solo home run by Herrera.

Sonny Gray earned the win, improving to 10-4 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up seven runs, six earned, on 11 hits while striking out five.&nbsp; Ryan Helsley, a potential trade target as the trade deadline nears, earned his 20th save striking out two and giving up one hit.&nbsp; At the plate, Herrera was 3-for-4 with a walk and a home run, driving in two runs.&nbsp; Contreras was 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, and a home run, driving in four.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis and San Diego continue their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas (5-7, 5.20 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Nick Pivetta (10-2, 2.81 ERA) for the Padres.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:15 with coverage beginning around 6:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Cardinals outslug Padres in 9-7 win back at Busch Stadium

The St. Joseph Mustangs marched into Clarinda, Iowa on a mission for their 10th MINK League Championship, and walked away needing just one more game to accomplish that mission, beating the Clarinda A's 10-6 in game on of the MINK League Championship series.&nbsp;

The Mustangs scored most of their runs early, building a big lead through the first five innings, scoring four in the first inning.&nbsp; A double by Jack Mosh with the bases loaded cleared the bases, driving in Darius Freeman, Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart, and Dom Felix, before Mosh scored the final run of the inning on an RBI single by Lafayette alum Jayden Little.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Central alum Logan Miller added another run in the second inning, extending the lead, with a sacrifice fly bringing Northwest Missouri State's Parker Griffith home.&nbsp; Then in the fifth inning, the Mustangs again put a four spot on the scoreboard with RBI singles by Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen and Miller, scoring Mosh and Little, before Freeman drove in the final two with an double, bringing home Bodenhausen and Griffith.&nbsp;

With the Mustangs holding a 9-0 lead, the A's got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth on a wild pitch with Cooper Knight coming home to score.&nbsp; St. Joseph got that run back however in the sixth inning, their final run of the game, Benton alum scoring on a groundout by Little, thanks to an error by Clarinda first baseman Drake Cobb.&nbsp;

The bottom of the sixth began the A's rally with Clarinda scoring three runs.&nbsp; Another run scored on a wild pitch as Layth Holliday came home for a run in the inning.&nbsp; After Micah Nicholson walked, and stole second base, Cobb drove the A's second baseman in with an RBI single.&nbsp; Cobb stole second, and with two outs in the inning, Kane Wilson singled to drive in Cobb for the final run of the inning, cutting the Mustangs lead to 10-4.&nbsp;

Clarinda continued to threaten a comeback in the seventh, scoring two more runs and cutting the lead to four.&nbsp; Holliday singled and moved&nbsp;Clayton Pourciau to third, before Pourciau went home to score on an error by Bodenhausen.&nbsp; Holliday scored the final run after stealing third base, then going home on an error by Griffith.&nbsp;

Lawson alum Lane Chapman came on and pitched the eighth and ninth innings, holding the A's to just a single hit and walking one while striking out two batters to end the game and secure the Mustangs head back to St. Joseph needing just one more win.&nbsp;

Cade Perkins earned the win pitching seven innings and giving up six runs on six hits while striking out 10 and walking four.&nbsp; At the plate, Bodenhausen was 3-for-4 with a double, a walk, and one RBI.&nbsp; Little was 3-for-5 with two RBI's, while Mosh was 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI's.&nbsp;

The Mustangs and A's will now meet at Phil Welch Stadium in game two of the MINK League Championship series tomorrow.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 7pm.&nbsp; With a Mustangs win, the series will be over, but if Clarinda wins, game three will be on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One to go, Mustangs take game one of MINK League Championship

The St. Louis Cardinals offense struggled to figure out the Colorado Rockies pitching, managing just five hits, as the Redbirds were shutout to fall in the series finale at Coors Field on Wednesday afternoon, losing 6-0 before heading back to St. Louis.&nbsp;

In the bottom of the second, the Rockies got on the scoreboard, striking Cardinals starter Andre Pallante for four runs.&nbsp; Ryan McMahon scored after his leadoff walk for the first run on an RBI single by Kyle Farmer, before with runners on first and second the lead was extended on another RBI single by&nbsp;Adael Amador driving in Austin Nola.&nbsp; A fourth straight single by Tyler Freeman brought home Farmer to push in the third run, and a fifth single by Mickey Moniak drove in Amador for the final run putting Colorado up 4-0 early in the game.&nbsp;

The Rockies put up one more run against Pallante in the fifth inning, an RBI double by Jordan Beck driving in Freeman who walked to start the inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ezequiel Tovar put up the final run for Colorado in the eighth inning, hitting his sixth home run of the season off reliever John King to right field.&nbsp;

Pallante took the loss, falling to 5-7 on the season, pitching five innings and giving up five runs on eight hits while striking out five and walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, five Cardinals had one hit each, led by&nbsp;Iván Herrera who was 1-for-2 with two walks.&nbsp; Jordan Walker and Willson Contreras each doubled while going 1-for-4.

St. Louis now returns to the comforts of Busch Stadium to host San Diego.&nbsp; Sonny Gray (9-4, 4.04 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against Yu Darvish (0-2. 6.08 ERA) for the Padres tomorrow in St. Louis.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:45pm, coverage will be joined around 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Rockies shutout Cardinals for 6-0 series win

With the trade deadline on the horizon, the Kansas City Royals powered their way to a key series win, hitting four home runs, and beating the Chicago Cubs 8-4 at Wrigley Field on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

In the first inning, Adam Frazier reached on a fielding error, and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Maikel Garcia, before scoring as Vinnie Pasquantino hit the Royals first home run, and his first home run of the game, giving Kansas City a 2-0 lead in the opening inning.&nbsp; The Cubs cut the lead to one in the second inning, Reese McGuire singling home Ian Happ on a hit into right field.

In the third inning, the Royals added two more runs with another two run home run, this time by Salvador Perez, following up Pasquantino's one out double with a blast into the left field ivy to put Kansas City up 4-1 on Chicago.&nbsp; In the bottom half, the Cubs added one more run as Carson Kelly doubled home Michael Busch who led the inning off getting hit by a pitch.&nbsp;

Pasquantino hit his second home run of the game in the fifth inning, another two run shot, driving in Garcia after his one out single, the ball sailing into right field.&nbsp; The power surge continued in the sixth inning with the fourth home run of the game, and the fourth two run home run, as Tyler Tolbert hit his first major league home run, scoring Kyle Isbel for the final Royals runs.&nbsp;

Matt Shaw homered in the seventh inning and Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a solo home run in the eighth inning for the final runs for the Cubs in the loss before Lucas Erceg closed out the game with a clean ninth inning to give the Royals the series win.&nbsp;

Seth Lugo earned the win, improving to 7-5 on the season, pitching six innings and giving up two runs on four hits while striking out six and walking two.&nbsp; At the plate, Pasquantino was 3-for-4 with two home runs, a double, and four RBIs.&nbsp; Perez was 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.&nbsp;

Kansas City is off on Thursday and returns to Kauffman Stadium on Friday to host Cleveland.&nbsp; Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.62 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals against Gavin Williams (6-4, 3.54 ERA) for the Guardians.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:10pm on Friday, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

As deadline looms, Royals power way to key series win over Cubs

The second half of the MLB season didn't fare much better for Cardinals starter Erick Fedde, as the right hander was unable to turn his luck around against the Colorado Rockies as the Redbirds fell 8-4 on Tuesday night at Coors Field.&nbsp;

Mickey Moniak led off the scoring for the Rockies with a solo home run in the first inning.&nbsp; In the second inning, Colorado added two more runs on&nbsp;Adael Amador's two RBI double, driving in Ryan McMahon and Brenton Doyle.&nbsp; And the Rockies continued their scoring frenzy into the third inning, with three more runs off Fedde, McMahon hitting a three run home run, scoring Moniak and Jordan Beck, to put Colorado up 6-0 after three innings.&nbsp;

The Cardinals did score two runs in the fourth inning as Alec Burleson scored on a groundout by Nolan Arenado and Masyn Winn singled to drive in Willson Contreras, all with two outs, but that was all they could do in the inning, and heading into the bottom of the fourth, Fedde was replaced by reliever Kyle Leahy.&nbsp;

Leahy gave up no runs in the fourth, but in the fifth inning the Rockies added one more run off the reliver, Doyle driving in&nbsp;Ezequiel Tovar with an RBI single, following Tovar's two out double.&nbsp; Not another run scored until the seventh inning when the Cardinals cut back into the lead, Brendan Donovan doubling to bring home Victor Scott II after his one out walk, putting the Redbirds down 7-3.&nbsp;

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