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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

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

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

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

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

Man from St. Joe hospitalized after pickup accident

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

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

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

Missouri woman injured after I-29 rear-end crash

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

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

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

MSHP Driver Exam stations to close for February holidays

The St. Joseph Public Library’s East Hills Library invites you to trade the traditional sweetness of Valentine’s Day for something much more sinister. 

On Thursday, February 19, at 6:00 p.m., the "Resident Spooky Girls," Marina and Jenna, return for a gripping new installment of True Crime Time. This session focuses on the dark intersection of devotion and destruction, featuring harrowing tales of tumultuous love that spiraled into deadly consequences.

The program offers a deep dive into a world where romance knows no bounds and frequently crosses the line into the bizarre and dangerous. 

Attendees will hear stories of scandalous affairs and crimes of passion that ended in tragedy, featuring a cast of characters ranging from the strangely eccentric to the utterly unhinged. Marina and Jenna will guide participants through dramatic accounts of "love taken to the grave" in the most unsettling ways imaginable.

Located at 502 N. Woodbine Road, this event is free and open to the public. However, due to the mature and potentially disturbing nature of the content, the program is strictly intended for adults aged 18 and older.

Join the Spooky Girls for True Crime Time at East Hills Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

The City of St. Joseph has officially received a clean audit opinion for the 2025 fiscal year. 

Issued by the independent firm Hood and Associates, this represents the highest level of assurance an auditor can provide. The comprehensive evaluation covered the City’s general financial statements, the Police Pension Fund, and a "Single Audit" regarding the City’s handling of federal awards. The findings confirm that all financial reporting aligns with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Beyond just balancing the books, the audit included a deep dive into the City’s internal controls and regulatory compliance. No material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were found. This success follows a year of&nbsp; internal reform; the City recently streamlined its electronic bidding procedures, consolidated procurement across all departments, and eliminated unnecessary fund transfers to improve clarity and efficiency.

While the financial health of the City is robust, auditors highlighted the evolving landscape of municipal risks. A specific emphasis was placed on cybersecurity, which has become a primary concern for local governments nationwide. In response, St. Joseph has been rolling out new security protocols over the past year to fortify its data integrity and protect critical cyber infrastructure from emerging threats.

The City has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for 34 consecutive years. Given the strength of the 2025 report, auditors expect the City to receive this honor once again, marking three and a half decades of exceeding standard accounting requirements.

City of St. Joseph achieves clean financial audit for fiscal year 2025

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

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

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

Kansas man convicted of 2001 child molestation in Buchanan County

The Buchanan County Spelling Bee, sponsored by the St. Joseph School District PTA Council, will showcase 85 of the county's top spellers on Saturday, Feb. 7. 

The event will be hosted at Truman Middle School, with registration opening at 12:30 p.m. and the competition officially beginning at 1 p.m.

The competition will be divided into two simultaneous sessions based on grade level. Students in fifth and sixth grades will compete in the Boys' Gym, while participants in seventh and eighth grades will take the stage in the Girls' Gym. In total, 20 schools from across the county are sending representatives to the bee.

The stakes are high for the 85 competitors, as only the top five spellers from each division will advance to the final round. From those finalists, the top two overall winners will earn the honor of representing Buchanan County at the Northwest Missouri Regional Spelling Bee.

Buchanan County Spelling Bee set for Feb. 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Missouri State Highway Patrol warns of rising crypto scams

North Central Missouri College recently celebrated a milestone at its Savannah Campus, inducting the first group of students into the Eta Mu chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. 

The ceremony marked the beginning of a new tradition for the campus, recognizing the academic excellence of its local student body.

The inaugural inductees honored during the ceremony include:

Mindy Matter, an NCMC English and Communications Instructor, serves as the PTK advisor for the Savannah Campus. During the event, Matter expressed pride in the students' achievements, noting that the ceremony represents more than just a single event. "It's an honor to recognize these three students for their hard work and dedication at our inaugural ceremony at Savannah Campus," Matter said. "This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long tradition of celebrating student success."

Phi Theta Kappa is recognized as the world’s largest and most prestigious honor society specifically for students attending two-year colleges. To qualify for membership, students must be enrolled in an accredited institution offering associate degrees and have completed at least 12 credit hours. Additionally, candidates must maintain a minimum 3.50 GPA, receive a formal invitation, and adhere to the moral standards established by the society.

NCMC Savannah campus celebrates inaugural Phi Theta Kappa induction

March corn closed down 4 3/4 cents and May corn was down 4 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 3 cents and May soybeans were up 2 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 7 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 5 1/2 cents, March MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 1 1/2 cents.

Soybeans continued their recent bullish burst for much of Friday morning, before sellers became very active and ultimately erased roughly 25 cents of value, sending prices well off daily highs. Traders were clearly uncomfortable carrying recent length into the weekend and saw reason to book some profits. Moreso, traders may be starting to lose patience and wish to see some export sales to follow up President Trump's very bullish Wednesday trade comments, with the daily flash sales page from USDA quiet both Thursday and Friday to close the week. Meanwhile, selling drove corn and wheat futures lower, negatively influencing soybeans as well. Traders are preparing for next week's WASDE report which will very likely reiterate January's findings of multi-year highs in U.S. grain reserves.&nbsp;

What a breath-holding last couple of days it's been for the cattle complex! Thursday, the market experienced a sharp sell-off as traders were nervous about the union strike at the JBS packing plant in Greely, Colorado, which consequently sent the live cattle complex tumbling mostly $5.00 lower. But the fast-paced environment of the marketplace seems to have moved past that headline and traders were again fixated on the market's strong fundamental strength as they were pleased to note the uptick in boxed beef prices and even more pleased to see fed cash cattle prices trading higher.&nbsp;

The feeder cattle complex was enjoying a healthy rally as well as the market is currently trading $6.00 to $7.00 higher into Friday's noon hour. Support came from the uptick in fed cash cattle prices to the additional fundamental support of stronger boxed beef prices and, of course, the technical confidence of saw the live cattle contracts scaling higher as well.

The lean hog contracts were enjoying a mild rally into Friday's noon hour as the market was merely chopping sideways into the noon hour. If the market weren't up against immediate resistance thresholds, then there was a chance that it would potentially still be trading robustly higher. But with technical fatigue setting in and midday pork cutout values down softly, traders have deemed the safest bet ahead of the weekend is a mild rally as opposed to an aggressive one.&nbsp;

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/23205559/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

A bipartisan group of former leaders of America’s major agricultural commodity organizations and biofuels organizations, farmer leaders, and former USDA officials issued a stark warning to Congress and the Trump administration. 

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://eu-assets.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltdd43779342bd9107/blt439cb71bf2dc05d5/69834b24c397d881044bb0ed/Farm_Leader_Letter_to_House_and_Senate_Ag_020326_with_Media_Advisory.pdf">letter</a>, they outlined the deteriorating state of the farm economy, calling current conditions a potential “widespread collapse of American agriculture.” &nbsp;The letter was signed by Harold Wolle (WOOL-lee), former NCGA President, Bob Dineen, the past president of the Renewable Fuels Association, Jim Mulhern, the former President of the National Milk Producers Federation, and many others.

The letter proposes many solutions, including immediately exempting all farm inputs from tariffs and repealing tariffs that are disrupting agricultural export markets. Other solutions include passing year-round E15 legislation, a new farm bill, and encouraging the administration to quickly complete a review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. They’re also asking for Trade Promotion Authority for the administration and new farm labor reform.

Former Ag Leaders Warn of Farm Economy in Crisis

The CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as a part of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, said there are signals showing changes ahead in 2026. The U.S. cattle and beef industry enters 2026 with strong but volatile market conditions, as historically tight cattle supplies, record-setting beef demand, and elevated policy and weather uncertainty continue to support prices, even as markets appear to be near cyclical highs. 

“Tight inventories and exceptional demand remain the dominant forces shaping the market,” said Mike Murphy, CattleFax Chief Operating Officer. “However, producer demographics, high input costs, and policy uncertainty point to a slow and measured expansion phase.” 

The Outlook Seminar’s weather forecast is calling for a transition out of La Niña. In the near-term, drought risks remain elevated across the Southern U.S. and Central Plains, with a 70 percent chance of intensification. A neutral spring setup may help distribute moisture more evenly, though lingering La Niña effects could limit precipitation in the West.&nbsp;

Will the Cattle Cycle Turn in 2026?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fuel retailers express concerns about 45Z guidelines

March corn closed up 1 cent and May corn was up 1 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 26 1/2 cents and May soybeans were up 27 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 4 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 2 cents, March MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 2 1/4 cents.

What began as a fairly mundane session at midweek quickly became volatile following a midmorning social media post from President Trump, stating he had spoken with China's President Xi and hailed the conversation and general relationship with China as great, while pointing to increased soybean trade as a result. This obviously tripped headline driven algorithms to go on a buying spree across all soybean product markets, while providing positive influence on corn and wheat markets as well, though the latter would not sustain a move higher.

It's been another prosperous morning for the livestock complex as all three of the markets are trading fully higher into Wednesday's noon hour. Still no cash cattle trade has developed, but it's assumed prices will be higher again this week as the board's been incredibly supportive and market's fundamentals point to higher prices as market-ready supplies of cattle are thin.

The live cattle complex continued to rally aggressively into Wednesday's noon hour as the market is robustly supported by strong fundamentals. Aside from last week's bullish Cattle Inventory report, and the rally seen in last week's fed cash cattle market, the market knows market-ready supplies of cattle are thin right now and fed cash cattle prices are likely to continue to scale higher through at the least the first quarter of the year.&nbsp;

It's a full-fledged break-out day for the lean hog complex as the spot April contract scales to new contract highs as demand has been plentiful and the market isn't fearful of grinding higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/11/19211542/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

USDA says it will release glow-in-the-dark sterile flies along the U.S.–Mexico border to prevent the New World screwworm from spreading north and threatening American livestock. The flesh-eating parasite has recently been detected in northern Mexico, prompting renewed concern among cattle producers and animal health officials. 

USDA officials said the sterile insect technique, which was used successfully to eradicate the pest from the U.S. decades ago, disrupts reproduction and limits population growth. Ranchers have been urged to monitor herds closely and report suspected cases immediately. Reuters reported that limited production capacity for sterile flies could complicate containment efforts if infestations expand. Livestock groups warn that an outbreak could severely impact cattle supplies and drive beef prices higher.

USDA Moves to Block Screwworm Threat near Southern Border

The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed a proposed rule implementing the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, calling it a key step toward providing long-awaited clarity for ethanol and other biofuel producers. In a statement, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said the proposal from the U.S. Treasury Department reflects progress in aligning the credit with congressional intent by rewarding low-carbon fuel production based on lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. He said regulatory certainty is critical for producers making long-term investment decisions. 

The 45Z credit, created under the Inflation Reduction Act, replaces earlier biofuel tax incentives and is designed to encourage domestic production of cleaner transportation fuels beginning in 2025. Industry groups have urged Treasury to clearly define eligibility, emissions modeling and reporting requirements. RFA said the proposed regulation would help strengthen rural economies, support U.S. energy security and accelerate innovation across the renewable fuels sector as producers work to lower carbon intensity and expand clean fuel markets.

RFA Applauds Proposed 45Z Clean Fuel Tax Credit Rule

A new federal clarification has added momentum to the right-to-repair debate, with the Environmental Protection Agency confirming that farmers and independent mechanics can temporarily override emissions controls while repairing agricultural equipment. In guidance issued this week, the EPA said tools and software used to take equipment out of its certified configuration for diagnostics or repairs do not violate the Clean Air Act, as long as emissions systems are restored afterward. 

Supporters say the move removes a major legal gray area that has limited farmers’ ability to fix modern tractors and combines without manufacturer-authorized dealers. The issue has been central to years of disputes between farm groups and equipment makers over access to repair tools, software and manuals. Industry groups have warned that broader repair access could lead to emissions tampering or safety risks. The EPA action comes as Congress weighs bipartisan right-to-repair legislation and several states move to expand repair access, signaling growing federal engagement in a long-running fight over equipment ownership and control.

EPA Clarification Gives Farmers New Leverage in Right-to-Repair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Homeland Security is pushing back against local and state bans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The organization hasn’t backed off from that stance.

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

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

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

Democrats, in recent budget talks, demanded that immigration agents stop masking in exchange for votes to end a partial federal government shutdown.

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri quickly replied to the demand in a video posted on social media.

“There is no way in hell we’re going to let Democrats kneecap law enforcement and stop deportations in exchange for funding DHS,” Schmitt said.

Public trust balanced against threat of doxing&nbsp;&nbsp;

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-state-senate-passes-mask-ban-to-curb-federal-immigration-enforcement-tactics" target="_blank">Washington state</a>, proposed legislation to ban law enforcement’s use of masks has passed out of the Senate. Washington is among at least six states that have or are considering banning masks for law enforcement, including Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, Tennessee and Michigan.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/29/kansas-democrats-tout-bill-requiring-ice-to-display-ids-shed-masks-and-forego-warrantless-searches/" target="_blank">A mask ban is included in a Democrat-backed measure in the Republican-controlled Kansas House.</a>

California was the first state to pass a law in 2025. The No Secret Police Act bans the use of face masks by law enforcement in California. Exceptions include health considerations, such as a face covering to protect officers against fumes or dangerous chemicals.

The California measure was quickly challenged in November 2025 with a lawsuit by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.

The federal government said the California law is unconstitutional, anti-cop and a danger to law enforcement.

DHS stresses that agents clearly identify themselves as police, usually by their vests, which are marked “ICE/ERO” or “Homeland Security.”

“The sanctuary politicians of California want to make it easier for violent political extremists to target our brave men and women of federal law enforcement for enforcing immigration laws and keeping the American people safe,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

“This demonization is going to get somebody killed.”

Threats to public officials, both elected and law enforcement, were underscored with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/pr/two-kansans-indicted-making-threats-against-federal-officials-separate-unrelated" target="_blank">two indictments returned by a federal grand jury in late January.</a>

A 23-year-old Wichita man was accused of posting a video on social media threatening to assault and murder federal ICE agents working in Wichita.

In a separate case, the same grand jury also returned an indictment for a 60-year-old Wichita man who is accused of stating his intention to murder U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.

<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-were-learning-about-the-man-arrested-in-the-attack-on-rep-ilhan-omar" target="_blank">Omar, a vocal opponent of President Donald Trump</a>, was rushed and sprayed with a liquid by a man during a town hall on Jan. 27.

Her attacker was tackled, taken into custody and has since been charged in the incident. Omar was unharmed.

U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser issued a statement along with the two Kansas indictments, underscoring an intolerance to political violence, no matter the target.

“In a democracy, we settle our differences at the ballot box after robust public debate,” Kriegshauser said. “For our system of government to work, it’s vital that certain lines are not crossed when it comes to self-expression. Threats of political violence destabilize the very core of our system of governance.”

Gaiters, simple tubular pieces of cloth that cover the neck and face, can be purchased in packs of two for less than $10.

Balaclavas, which also cover the head, are similarly affordable.

Both garments are commonly used to protect hunters and others from cold and sun. But they have been adopted by federal agents detaining immigrants for deportation.

Gas masks are often worn also, further obscuring the agents’ faces.

Supporters see the bans on such apparel as a method to help deescalate tensions, forcing the agents to be identifiable and accountable for actions like shoving people or spraying them with chemical irritants.

Anonymity, a reprieve from being held accountable for individual actions, has long been studied.

The process that researchers study is deindividualization. They attempt to measure how shielding identity can make people less self-conscious and more vulnerable to groupthink and has an impact on the ego.

The research looks at what types of things can change a person’s psychological state so that they are more likely to inflict harm on other people, said Lauren Yan, a Kansas City resident.

Yan was among more than 150 people who testified at a recent town hall on Jackson County’s proposed ordinance.

Yan’s own research on migration has taken her around the world. Her dissertation focused on Syrian refugees living in Jordan.

“Anthropologists have looked at this across cultures comparing war practices,” Yan said. “The groups that changed their appearance before battle, either using paint or masks or something similar, tended to inflict higher aggression in many ways.”

A Harvard study, “Investigation Into Deindividuation Using a Cross-Cultural Survey Technique,” found that self-control can be lost with “a feeling of anonymity and a consequent lack of concern over social evaluation which allows the individual to act aggressively.”

Other studies have focused on specific conflicts, like Ireland.

And some were completed in lab conditions. Researchers measured actions when people wore lab coats with hoods to conceal their faces and were asked to administer electric shocks to other people. The victims were portrayed as nice or obnoxious.

The hooded participants were much more likely to administer the shocks than people whose identities were not hidden.

Even supporters of the Jackson County proposal question whether the county’s efforts will result in a failed, and expensive, legal challenge.

The point was made repeatedly at the recent town hall.

The Supremacy Clause instructs that federal law takes precedence over conflicting state laws.

The State Democracy Research Initiative at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been studying the issue.

In January, it updated a deep legal analysis first issued in October 2025, reflecting new ordinances being proposed to counter ICE.

“Because the legal doctrine is murky, it is difficult to predict how legal challenges to mask bans might play out,” according to the paper, “<a href="https://statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu/featured/2025/explainer-states-prohibit-federal-law-enforcement-masking-on-the-job/" target="_blank">Can States Prohibit Federal Law Enforcement From Masking on the Job?</a>”

The Supremacy Clause says states can’t interfere with or control the operations of the federal government, an obvious hurdle for any ban.

The paper doesn’t downplay the challenges of the Supremacy Clause.

But the research also points out that states — or in this case a county — have their own constitutionally grounded powers and interests, including interests in safeguarding the well-being of their residents and preventing federal overreach.

The courts will likely weigh whether masking is necessary for federal agents to do their work, and whether a ban would equate to a state trying to regulate the federal function of immigration enforcement.

The paper also cites Erwin Chemerinsky, a constitutional scholar and dean of University of California Berkeley School of Law. Chemerinsky&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/article311087665.html" target="_blank">has written opinion articles</a>&nbsp;assessing the constitutionality of the California law that is now before a court.

In addition to deep legal analysis, he also points to how ICE agents have operated under previous administrations.

“ICE agents have never before worn masks when apprehending people, and that never has posed a problem,” Chemerinsky wrote.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2026/02/04/masks-ice-jackson-county-immigration/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

With no-masks proposal, Jackson County joins push to restrain ICE

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly put a signature to a bundled law enforcement bill Friday elevating consequences for conviction of buying sexual relations, misuse of a laser pointer and crimes of vehicle and gift-card theft.

The legislation was a holdover from the 2025 legislative session that required final negotiations by the House and Senate. The deal was passed in January by a 119-4 margin in the House and a vote of 39-0 in the Senate.

“This bipartisan&nbsp;bill&nbsp;takes reasonable steps to ensure that Kansans are safe and that crime is being addressed in our communities,” the Democratic governor said. “Enhancing public safety is essential to building a Kansas where businesses and families want to put down roots.”

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2347/" target="_blank">House Bill 2347</a>&nbsp;created the crime of unlawful use of a laser pointer so individuals could be charged with assault or battery if accused of knowingly directing a beam at law enforcement officers performing official duties or into the flight path or cabin of aircraft. Exemptions were added to the bill for aviation research, operations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Defense or for a person using a laser in an emergency.

A measure also increased criminal penalties for purchasing sexual relations and limited use by prosecutors and defendants of diversion agreements. The offense would be classified as a level nine felony, even on the first offense, and the minimum fine would rise from $1,200 to $2,000. Individuals convicted of the offense would be required after July 1, 2027, to participate in a treatment program approved by the office of the state attorney general.

Kansas statute was amended so gift cards would be on the list of financial cards for which a prosecutor could charge individuals for illegally obtaining money, goods or services.

The last piece of the bill, which was recommended by the Wichita Police Department, altered theft of a motor vehicle valued at $500 to $1,500 to target a person who “has reason to know” a vehicle was stolen rather than a person “knowing” the vehicle was stolen.

Rep. Dan Osman, D-Overland Park, said he supported the bipartisan legislation because it made broad reasonable changes to combat crime and make communities safer in Kansas.

Sen. Kenny Titus, R-Manhattan said the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;“will reduce the demand for human trafficking and allow for easier prosecution of scamsters using gift cards to take advantage of vulnerable Kansans.”

Gov. signs 4-piece crime bill raising penalty for buying sexual relations in Kansas

KANSAS CITY —A woman was rescued from a storm drain Wednesday near the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City. Fire crews released additional details on the pipe.

Just before 7:30p.m., Kansas City Fire Department crews&nbsp;responded to a reported confined space rescue at 3250 N. Ameristar Drive, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

On arrival crews reported a woman, in her forties, was stuck in a storm drain. She was trapped several hundred feet in the pipe.

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