While there is still a chance, the lights are beginning to dim on the Kansas City Chiefs making an 11th consecutive trip to the playoffs after a series of miscues led to a 20-10 loss the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football.

&nbsp;Some odds have the Chiefs chances as low as 12% to make the playoffs, others are around 16%, but most are below the 20% chance mark.&nbsp; Despite the low odds, defensive tackle Chris Jones says they still have an opportunity, even if it is a slim opportunity

"Still got an opportunity, and we've got to finish strong, no matter what we've got to finish strong to put ourself in a position to be able to get in the playoffs if that opportunity presents itself," Jones says during his postgame press conference.&nbsp; "So, for us the door is still open, it might be a 10% chance, it might be a 5% chance, but as long as we've got an opportunity and a chance, then we still can control that and finish strong and let the cards fall where they fall."

Head Coach Andy Reid says the message to the team after the loss is that it's never over

"You keep battling, I've been doing this a long time, seen some things, so you keep going," Reid says.

The loss did end Kansas City's streak of nine consecutive AFC West titles, the second longest streak in NFL history.&nbsp; &nbsp;With a run of success close to ending, linebacker Nick Bolton says the team needs to respond to this loss by controlling the controllable.&nbsp;

"We've got four weeks left, one week at a time, we need some help from other people but my mindset is put our best foot forward and take care of what we can control," Bolton says in the locker room.

Leo Chenal echoes that sentiment, saying now it's all up to them.

"Message is go out and play top level football as best you can, with the best effort you can, at the highest level you can regardless," Chenal explains.&nbsp; "Whatever happens, we better be out there playing our hardest, especially now, it's not in our hands but we better be playing our hardest."

The Chiefs fell behind 10-0 at the halftime break thanks to a 35 yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn and a nine yard touchdown pass from CJ Stroud to Woody Marks.&nbsp; On the first play of the game, an already thin offensive line for Kansas City got thinner, as Wanya Morris exited the game with a knee injury.&nbsp; Also in the first quarter, cornerback Trent McDuffie suffered a knee injury that put him out of the game.&nbsp;

Despite the injuries, and some miscues in the first half including an interception and a missed field goal, the Chiefs came back to tie the game in the third quarter.&nbsp; Kareem Hunt rushed in from two yards out on a 4th and 1 play to cut the lead to three early in the quarter, and then near the end of the frame Harrison Butker hit a 36 yard field goal to tie the game heading into the final quarter.&nbsp;

But after a quarter of execution to tie the game, things fell apart in the fourth for Kansas City.&nbsp; Patrick Mahomes threw his second interception of the game early in the quarter, which did turn into a punt from Houston, but then a turnover on downs from the Chiefs gave the Texans the chance to score the go ahead touchdown on a five yard run by Dare Ogunbowale.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trailing by a touchdown, Kansas City turned the ball over on downs again, and Houston would end up punting the ball back, but again Mahomes threw an interception, the ball bouncing off the hands of Travis Kelce and into linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.&nbsp; Fairbairn knocked through a 28 yard field goal to put the Texans up by two scores with 30 seconds remaining, and after three plays with no timeouts from the Chiefs, the game came to an end.&nbsp;

Mahomes was 14-of-33 through the air for 160 yards with three interceptions, adding seven rushes for 59 yards.&nbsp; Hunt rushed 12 times for 30 yards and the score.&nbsp; Xavier Worthy had three catches for 59 yards, while Rashee Rice was the leading receiver with four catches for 34 yards.&nbsp;

The Chiefs will host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in an AFC West battle with a lot on the line.  A loss in that matchup, and their run to the AFC playoffs could come to an end.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at noon with an 11am pregame on Q Country (92.7FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Chiefs fail to execute and fall to Texans 20-10 making playoff hopes dwindle more

A significant cold front is forecast to move through Missouri this weekend, bringing the coldest temperatures experienced so far this season. Residents should prepare for a sharp drop in mercury.

Overnight lows on Saturday are expected to dip into the single digits across much of the state. Coupled with brisk winds, wind chills could fall below zero, creating potentially hazardous conditions.

Northern and northeast Missouri should also anticipate accumulating snow, with up to three total inches possible between Friday and Saturday. Temperatures are expected to begin warming up early next week.

Brace for the deep freeze in Northern Missouri

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/juanvassallo/">Juan Vassallo</a>

The nation’s cattle inventory is at its lowest level in decades, the result of a long-term decline that has been pushed even lower in recent years by drought.

Much of the country endured severe dry spells in recent years, most notably in 2022. But the impact has been especially felt in the regions where America’s beef industry is most concentrated.

In November 2022, the U.S reached a drought index of 202 on the Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI), where values range from 0, meaning no dryness, to 500, indicating exceptional drought across an entire area. That month marked the nation’s second-highest drought reading of the century, surpassed only by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212094715300360" target="_blank">2012-2013 North American drought</a>.

But for the top 200 cattle-producing counties — together representing roughly a quarter of the national herd — the drought index peaked at 267.5 in the same period, far higher than the national average.

A similar pattern happened in 2024, when national drought conditions intensified in October and November, and again were more severe across the top beef-producing counties. These counties span 21 states. While they are largely clustered across the central U.S. — particularly in the top five beef-producing states of Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota — several are outside that core region as well, including in states like Oregon and Florida.

Ranchers in those regions have faced shrinking pastures, dwindling water supplies and the rising cost of feed, conditions that have forced many to thin their herds. And because rebuilding cattle numbers is a slow biological process, there is no quick path to replenishing the nation’s supply.

As beef prices continue to rise, meat has become a political flashpoint.

The Trump administration has ordered a review of consolidation in the meatpacking industry and lifted tariffs on beef imports from Brazil and Argentina in an effort to expand supply, while also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/us/politics/hamburger-beef-prices-trump.html" target="_blank">blaming immigrants and former President Biden</a>&nbsp;for the high cost of beef.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oklahomafarmreport.com/okfr/2025/11/07/dr-darrell-peel-cattle-market-fundamentals-havent-changed-despite-the-noise/" target="_blank">experts say</a>&nbsp;the price surge is mostly driven by drought, which has shown signs of improvement in recent months.

This year, the top 200 beef-producing counties have fared better than the rest of the country.

“Drought conditions have improved to the point where it is not a major limiting factor for potential herd rebuilding,” said Derrell Peel, professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University and one of the country’s leading experts on the cattle industry. “Drought is less of an issue now compared to the last several years.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2025/12/09/data-harvest-droughts-cattle-production-states/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</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>.

Recent droughts hit the top cattle counties hardest, including in Missouri

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Missouri’s request to restrict the use of food stamps for the purchase of some junk food items, according to a news release from the USDA.

Starting in 2026,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-files-request-to-remove-junk-food-from-snap-approved-foods/article_f81709be-78a8-4671-a459-0a6ececb50d3.html" target="_blank">Missouri is set to stop allowing SNAP benefits to be used</a>&nbsp;to purchase candy, prepared desserts, soda, beverage mixes, juices and punches that are 50% or less natural fruit or vegetable juice, and concentrates intended to be made into drinks that are 50% or less natural fruit or vegetable juice.

The Missouri Department of Social Services filed the waiver request with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service in late September. The USDA administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on the federal level.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/missouri-snap-waiver-request" target="_blank">the waiver request</a>,&nbsp;the state anticipates implementing the change on Oct. 1, 2026.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the approval of Missouri’s waiver on Wednesday.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe asked the state Department of Social Services to file the request.

“We are incredibly thankful for Secretary Rollins’ approval of our waiver,” Kehoe said in a news release from the USDA. “Missouri is proud to partner with the Trump administration on the Make America Healthy Again movement as we refocus SNAP to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state.”

The USDA also approved waiver requests for Hawaii, North Dakota, South Carolina,&nbsp;Tennessee and Virginia. The waiver requests, including Missouri’s, change the statutory definition of “food for purchase” under SNAP.

This story was originally published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-set-to-block-junk-food-from-snap-purchases-after-usda-approval/article_9b5ee7c1-213c-4f4c-9619-c2020fd91684.html" target="_blank">KOMU</a>&nbsp;via Missouri Independent

Missouri set to block junk food from SNAP purchases after USDA approval

With temperatures dipping and the wind picking up, pet owners are reminded to take care proper care of their four-legged family members during the colder months.

Senior Animal Care Specialist at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter, Aubrey Silvey, says one of the main things to remember is, "if it's too cold for you, its probably too chilly for your pet too."

She says to keep in mind that all pets are different and may require different care in the winter, depending on age, breed and overall health. "The best thing you can do is consult your veterinarian  if you aren't sure how long your pet should be outside when it's cold."

According to Silvey, most dogs generally are comfortable if the temperature is 45 degrees or over but she adds, "anything under that and they're going to start feeling a little more uncomfortable, so that's something to keep in mind."

The type of breed is a factor in the overall winter health of dogs especially. Silvery says, "Thick-coated dogs and double-coated dogs are more apt to be in that type of weather. They are kind of designed for that."

Silvey stresses that small dogs, puppies, and older dogs are more susceptible to colder temperatures. "You really need to be aware of the type of pet you have."

She says cats are more resourcfeul, though. "If cats have a good shelter for the winter they do pretty well." But still, kittens, older cats, and felines with any type of illness may not tolerate the cold as well.

Silvey emphasizes that if you have a dog that needs to be kept outside, to provide adequate shelter and dry bedding. "If it's going to be under 32 degrees outside, and if at all possible, you need to bring them and know the signs of hypothermia."

Some of the signs of hypothermia are shivering, lethargy, weakness, stiffness, and pale gums.

"Sometimes if an animal has hypothermia they can appear confused or clumsy and have increased urination. Those are early signs of hypothermia," Silvey says.

She adds that if your pet has been outside in the cold for fifteen minutes or longer, you need to take the appropriate steps to warm them up, and if in doubt, contact a veterinarian.

Winter weather requires extra care for furry friends

A single-vehicle crash early Thursday morning in southwest Iowa claimed the life of a Shenandoah man.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, 37-year-old Michael Dean Wilson died after the pickup truck he was driving rolled over on 235th Street at approximately 12:15 a.m.

The incident occurred when the westbound vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado, failed to negotiate a curve. The State Patrol indicated that Wilson was reportedly traveling above the posted speed limit at the time. The pickup left the roadway, entered a ditch, and rolled multiple times.

Wilson, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash. He was transported to CHI Health Mercy Corning where he was pronounced deceased.

Shenandoah man killed in early morning single-vehicle crash in Southwest Iowa

A new report from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Iowa suggests that the use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) is increasing across the state.

Rita Bettis Austen, legal director for the ACLU of Iowa, stated that Iowa taxpayers have been spending substantial collective amounts in recent years to acquire these high-tech surveillance systems.

The report is based on findings from a team of student researchers, led by University of Iowa Law professor Megan Graham, who filed open records requests with 48 Iowa law enforcement agencies regarding ALPRs.

&nbsp; The research revealed specific examples of this expansion, noting that Cedar Rapids, for instance, has secured a two-year, half-million-dollar contract with Flock Safety for the installation of 76 cameras. Furthermore, Professor Graham highlighted a significant finding from the reviewed records: law enforcement agencies currently exhibit a wide variation in policies governing the use of the license plate reader images, which inherently capture sensitive data such as location and time stamps.&nbsp;

ACLU Report Highlights Expanding Use of License Plate Readers in Iowa

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

WASHINGTON — Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley is ratcheting up pressure on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to finish a study into medication abortion and to change its prescribing guidelines, sending a letter to Commissioner Marty Makary on Wednesday that the pace of the review is “totally unacceptable.”

The letter came just one day after leading anti-abortion groups called on President Donald Trump to fire Makary, following a report from Bloomberg Law that he planned to delay the agency’s review into mifepristone until past the November midterm elections.&nbsp;

Hawley wrote in the two-page letter he&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HawleyMO/status/1998806068974240199/photo/2" target="_blank">posted to social media</a>&nbsp;that it was “unclear” whether the FDA was actually conducting a review of the current prescribing guidelines and the safety of medication abortion.&nbsp;

“There are more abortions in America now than when Roe was still law,” Hawley wrote, referring to the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling from the Supreme Court, which established the constitutional right to an abortion. “And this is largely because of the chemical abortion drug and its generics, like the one you approved.”

Hawley asked Makary to reply to three questions before Dec. 15, including whether the FDA is “conducting a comprehensive safety review of mifepristone separate from the (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) process,” if Makary delayed any safety reviews of mifepristone and if the FDA has plans to revert prescribing guidelines to require in-person dispensing.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump, asked about the timeline during a roundtable at the White House, said he would find out whether the FDA was stalling.&nbsp;

“I’ll find out. I’ll ask them,” Trump said. “I don’t think they’re slow walking anything, but I’ll find out.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the FDA, said that “FDA’s comprehensive scientific reviews take the time necessary to get the science right, and that is what Dr. Makary is ensuring as part of the Department’s commitment to gold-standard science and evidence-based reviews.”

Hawley’s letter continued the public pressure campaign from anti-abortion organizations and lawmakers that began Tuesday when leaders at Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Live Action&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/leaders-2-major-anti-abortion-groups-call-trumps-fda-chief-be-fired" target="_blank">called for Makary to be fired</a>&nbsp;over the Bloomberg Law&nbsp;<a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/health-law-and-business/fda-slow-walking-a-long-awaited-abortion-pill-safety-study" target="_blank">news story</a>&nbsp;reporting he had delayed the review of mifepristone over political considerations related to the midterm elections.

Americans United for Life CEO John Mize released a statement after meeting with Makary, saying it “is glaringly obvious that flawed political calculations” have stalled the FDA’s review of mifepristone, but not calling for him to lose his job over it.&nbsp;

Mifepristone is one of two pharmaceuticals used in medication abortion. It is approved for up to 10 weeks gestation and can be prescribed via telehealth and shipped to patients.&nbsp;

Reducing or eliminating access to mifepristone has become a linchpin of the anti-abortion movement since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an abortion in 2022.&nbsp;

Anti-abortion medical organizations, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Erin Morrow Hawley,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-rejects-attempt-limit-access-abortion-pill-6" target="_blank">tried unsuccessfully</a>&nbsp;to have the Supreme Court revert the prescribing guidelines for mifepristone in 2024.&nbsp;

Josh Hawley and Erin Morrow Hawley are married.&nbsp;

Numerous medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dozens-friend-court-briefs-backing-abortion-pill-access-arrive-supreme-court" target="_blank">filed briefs</a>&nbsp;to the justices in that case attesting to the safety and efficacy of medication abortion.&nbsp;

“The scientific evidence is overwhelming: major adverse events occur in less than 0.32% of patients,” the groups wrote. “The risk of death is almost non-existent.”

Senator Hawley amps up pressure campaign on FDA chief to limit medication abortion

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday&nbsp;an officer on patrol observed a vehicle stopped in the southbound driving lane in the 400 block River Road in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 Stephen Oswalt, 62, was in the driver’s seat and appeared to be sleeping or passed out. During the investigation at the scene he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was taken to the County Jail and is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Suspect was passed out in vehicle in driving lane of Kan. highway

(Radio Iowa) - USDA Rural Development has awarded a total of four-point-seven million dollars to support projects at two hospitals and for three municipal water systems. 

The Wayne County Hospital in Corydon is planning to build an addition for a more modern dialysis unit and is getting a two million dollar USDA grant. Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union is getting a one-point-one million dollar grant to support renovations of facilities for delivering babies and providing postpartum care. 

The USDA says Denison Municipal Utilities will use its million dollar grant to build a dam on the East Boyer River that will help recharge the area around a drinking water well. Macedonia, a town in Pottawattamie County, is getting 580-thousand dollars from the USDA to built a new well. And a 29-thousand dollar USDA grant to the town of Clearfield, in southwest Iowa, will be used on a study to evaluate the town's wastewater system and design improvements.

$4.7 million in USDA grants for five Iowa projects

Building on her near-miss in last year's primary, Republican Wendy Larson of Odebolt decisively won the special election for the Iowa House seat formerly held by Mike Sexton. 

Unofficial tallies show Larson beating Democrat Rachel Burns by 40 points in the district encompassing Sac, Calhoun, Pocahontas, and a portion of Webster County.

Larson's campaign focused on the hot-button local issue of protecting landowner rights, particularly relevant to property owners opposing the Summit Carbon Solutions Pipeline. Her victory ensures the Republican Party's 67-seat supermajority is unchanged. 

The vacancy opened when President Trump appointed the previous representative, Mike Sexton, as state director for USDA Rural Development.

Larson Triumphs in Special Election on Landowner Rights Platform

March corn closed down 5 3/4 cents and May corn was down 5 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 16 3/4 cents and March soybeans were down 16 cents. March KC wheat closed down 4 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 4 1/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 1/2 cents.

March corn closed down 4 cents and March corn was down 3 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 28 1/2 cents and March soybeans were down 29 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 13 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 6 1/2 cents and March Minneapolis wheat was up 2 3/4 cents.

The mostly bearish price action in row-crop futures on Friday was not unique just to agricultural products, with heavy selling seen across macroeconomic markets as well from equities to energies. In row crops, soybeans again led the way lower as bears remain in full control of momentum currently; although the market is becoming a touch oversold from a technical standpoint. Corn and wheat markets were lower as well with corn lower on the soybean weakness and wheat markets initially holding stubbornly to short gains were ultimately unable to trade against the overarching bearish tone to close the week. Looking at outside markets, essentially the only major indicator which was higher for Friday was the U.S. Dollar Index, snapping a streak of two lower days primarily due to higher Treasury yields.

Following Thursday's rally, the live cattle complex once again traded lower as the market still doesn't believe it possesses enough support to challenge the market's resistance at its 100-day moving average. One could argue that the rally this week in the fed cash cattle market should be enough support to help traders make that move, but from a technical standpoint, traders still aren't confident about that leap. If traders were to challenge the resistance at the 100-day moving average, they'd need to believe that there's enough support in the marketplace to not only conquer that threshold, but also sustain a position above that mark as a move over the 100-day moving average would signal continued support, which is likely what traders are struggling with most at this point given that they obviously see that the market holds ample fundamental support this week, but don't know what's in store for the upcoming holiday weeks. So far this week Northern dressed cattle have traded at mostly $353 to $355, which is $10.00 to $12.00 higher than last week's weighted average, and Southern live cattle have traded at mostly $230, which is $6.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice down $0.85 ($357.26) and select up $1.32 ($344.87) with a movement of 89 loads (61.32 loads of choice, 8.07 loads of select, 15.07 loads of trim and 4.20 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex doesn't seem to believe it has enough support either to sustain its position above the market's 100-day moving average, and it's currently trading below that threshold. Today's slight regression doesn't likely mean that traders believe the market needs to again trade vastly lower, but rather that they potentially jumped the gun on challenging the resistance at the market's 100-day moving average.

While the cattle contracts were trading mostly lower, the lean hog complex fought to keep its upward momentum. Today's support mostly came from traders' willingness to continue to advance the complex as pork cash prices and pork cutout values were lower.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/12140312/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

A bipartisan group of 23 senators called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expedite development of a comprehensive bird flu vaccination strategy amid rising infections in livestock flocks. Lawmakers warn that outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, have killed millions of birds nationwide, threatening poultry producers already coping with supply chain pressures and volatile markets. 

While USDA announced plans earlier in the year to pursue a vaccine, senators say the lack of a clear timeline and implementation framework has left farmers without a dependable tool to protect flocks. The group emphasized that any vaccination approach should be grounded in scientific research and include input from producers, veterinarians and trade stakeholders. They also highlighted concerns about how vaccination policies could affect international trade if foreign partners remain wary of U.S. poultry exports. USDA has pledged research funding but has not yet released detailed operational plans. 

Senators push USDA for faster bird flu vaccine plan

American farmers reacted to the federal government’s newly announced $12 billion aid package with cautious relief, saying the funds may help some producers but won’t offset major financial strains facing the industry. The payments, which are part of a one-time bridge program aimed at helping farmers manage high input costs and market disruptions, are designed to provide temporary relief as producers prepare for the upcoming planting season. 

However, growers and agricultural economists argue the amount will not fully cover losses tied to depressed commodity prices, reduced export demand and elevated expenses for fuel, fertilizer and labor. Some producers said while the support offers needed breathing room, it does not address ongoing structural challenges, including trade barriers that have limited market access for major crops. Farm leaders continue to urge policymakers to pursue long-term market solutions alongside emergency support. 

Farmers say new $12B aid still falls short 

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

Soybean futures alternated between marginal losses and gains multiple times through Tuesday's session, ultimately settling slightly higher. Meanwhile, corn and wheat futures were also very indecisive, with corn prices remaining in prevailing price range, and wheat futures themselves mixed, with lower Kansas City futures but higher Chicago and Minneapolis markets. In outside markets, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has moved to new record highs on Thursday following the interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday. Meanwhile, energy prices provided some pressure to Ag futures on Thursday, with crude oil futures lower for the third session out of the past four, hitting the lowest price for most active futures since mid-October, which is among the lowest of 2025 as well.

The live cattle complex grew more brave as the market pushed a $1.00 to $2.00 rally into Thursday's noon hour, but in doing so has grown increasingly closer to pushing the market's resistance at its 100-day moving average. But until this point, traders haven't been convinced that the market possesses enough support to break above that threshold. Upon seeing some sharply higher sales develop in the fed cash cattle market, traders have grown braver. A few deals have been marked this morning at $355 dressed in Nebraska, which is $12.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice down $0.42 ($358.94) and select up $0.77 ($345.65) with a movement of 114 loads (52.95 loads of choice, 9.31 loads of select, 40.08 loads of trim and 11.42 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex has taken the brave leap of faith as it's seeing its spot January contract trade above its 100-day moving average.With the bullish developments in the fed cash cattle market, there's a chance that the market could close with this momentum.

The lean hog complex has also broken through its resistance at $82.00 as the spot February contract is currently trading above $84.00. A bullish tone has seemed to overtake the livestock complex, which is helping lend the lean hog complex a little more support, and it's also favorable that pork cutout values were higher again this morning.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/11135302/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

A new CoBank Report on the forces shaping the economy in 2026 says ample grain supplies will likely continue burdening the markets in 2026. Global grain and oilseed markets are still oversupplied, but increased biofuels production and improving export conditions are boosting optimism that prices have passed their cyclical bottoms. Demand for U.S. grains and oilseeds will continue strengthening as low prices stimulate usage. 

Elsewhere, investment in efficiency is paying dividends in animal protein production as consumers continue demanding more. Despite rising prices for meat and poultry, animal protein demand is expected to remain strong in 2026. The combination of higher revenues and falling feed prices is boosting producer optimism for the year ahead, but not to the degree that expansion is expected to proliferate. Milk protein is also poised for an extended bull-market run as demand for protein-based dairy products continues to climb. 

CoBank: forces shaping the 2026 rural economy

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition’s Executive Director Allison Graab, applauded the introduction of the “Securing America’s Fuels Act” in the U.S. House. The SAF Act restores the full value of the credit for SAF and extends the entire 45Z tax credit through 2033. Senator Mike Flood (NE), one of the sponsors, said now is the right time for this legislation as America is on the cusp of the next great biofuels' revolution. “This Act is yet another way that Congress can grow our biofuels economy and encourage innovation that creates great jobs across Rural America,” Flood said. 

Kansas Representative, Sharice Davids said the SAF Act ensures that clean fuel production incentives are strong and long-term, so businesses, farmers, and innovators can plan for the future with confidence. “Sustainable aviation fuel isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for our farmers, communities, and economy,” said Kansas Representative Tracey Mann. 

SAF coalition applauds Securing America’s Fuels Act

March corn was up 4 1/4 cents per bushel, January soybeans were down 6 1/2 cents, March KC wheat was 1/4 cent lower steady, March Chicago wheat was 1/2 cent higher and March Minneapolis wheat was near unchanged.

Heading into the Tuesday close, except for corn, the December WASDE report turned out to be a dud. Corn export sales were increased by a more-than-expected 125 mb to a record large 3.2 billion bushels. The wheat and soy balance sheets in the U.S. were left untouched and that seems strange for beans with the tepid pace of China purchases. In wheat, major exporter supplies rose by close to 9 mmt, but that was pretty much in the market.

The live cattle complex got off to a mild rally this morning as the market desires to trade higher, but traders aren't confident that the market possesses enough support to break through the market's stiff resistance at its 40-day and 100-day moving averages just yet. Still no cash cattle trade has developed and bids and asking prices remain elusive at this point. Tuesday's WASDE report shared mixed news for cattle and beef markets of 2025 and 2026. Beef production for 2025 was increased as both fed and non-fed slaughter have increased, and as carcass weights continue to be at an all-time high. Beef production for 2025 is now estimated at 25,950 million pounds -- up 194 million pounds from last month's report. Beef production for 2026 increased from last month's report as well -- now estimated to total 25,725 million pounds, up 335 million pounds from last month's estimate.

The feeder cattle complex was traded right in line again this week with the live cattle market -- seeing more than enough fundamental support in feeder cattle sales in the countryside -- but without the technical reassurance from the live cattle market, traders aren't willing to push the contracts beyond the 40-day and 100-day moving averages just yet. Yesterday afternoon, feeder cattle prices were marked anywhere from $5.00 to $30.00 higher as demand has again perked back up in the countryside.

And just like the cattle complex, the market's resistance simply seems too stiff for the lean hog complex to challenge at this point in time, as most of the contracts traded lower into the day's closing bell. It's likely that the market will keep this slightly lower tone, as it's going to take substantial fundamental support to develop before traders will likely challenge that resistance threshold. And although midday pork cutout values were higher, traders are going to need to see consistent support as well. Tuesday's WASDE report shared mixed news for the hog and pork markets of 2025 and 2026. Pork production for 2025 was decreased by 25 million pounds, and pork production for 2026 remained steady at 27,475 million pounds for 2026.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/09141508/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Five major global gas companies announced a major new partnership to build a large-scale e-methane production facility in Nebraska. Biogenic CO2 sourced from ethanol producers is a critical feedstock for e-methane production, and the ability to secure CO2 delivery via pipeline is the primary reason this project targeted Nebraska. It’s a clear signal that international capital is flowing into the Midwest to secure reliable, low-carbon fuel sources for export markets. 

Methane, also known as natural gas, is usually drilled out of the ground, but can also chemically be formed. When burned, synthetic methane emits greenhouse gases but is considered less polluting due to its cleaner production process and re-use of CO2. A final investment decision is expected in 2027 on the facility, with startup scheduled for 2030. A statement from the five companies said the Live Oak Project will leverage Nebraska’s abundant biogenic CO2 resources, captured from bioethanol plants. 

Global investors betting on Nebraska

President Donald Trump was expected to announce a $12 billion aid package on Monday afternoon. Administration officials told the AP that it will be a boost for farmers struggling to sell their crops due to a months-long trade war with China and many other overseas markets. Trump was expected to unveil the plan at a White House roundtable with Treasury and Agriculture Secretaries Scott Bessent and Brooke Rollins, as well as lawmakers and farmers who grow commodities like corn, soybeans, cotton, and many others. 

Up to $11 billion is set aside for the USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, which the administration says will offer a one-time payment to farmers of row crops of all kinds. The rest will be for U.S. farmers growing crops not covered under the bridge assistance program. It’s to help offer certainty to farmers as they market the current harvest and plan for next year. 

White House announcing $12 billion in farm assistance

🎥President Trump details the $12B aid package for farmers

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces charges for a shooting that took place in a parking lot over the summer.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2779/Marshall-Complaint-Red">Marvillie Marshall</a>&nbsp;,19, is charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and 2nd Degree Assault, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2780/Marshall-REDACT-PC">According to court records</a>, a business reported to Kansas City police that a shooting had been captured on their surveillance cameras on June 29. Detectives reviewed the footage and saw about 150 vehicles in and around the business parking lot, then observed firearm muzzle flashes from two different guns. As people ran to their vehicles, a man, later identified as Marshall, wearing a gray hoodie, black Nike shoes, black jeans, and a full-face mask appeared from the top of the screen, running and hopping from east to west through the parking lot, shooting over multiple vehicles and about two dozen uninvolved parties.

 It appeared he was shooting with his left hand because his right hand looked injured, wrapped with medical supplies.&nbsp;

There were more than 100 shell casings recovered from the scene. There were no reported injuries.

Detectives were able to identify Marshall through social media, as he had a post with the exact clothing he was wearing during the incident and detectives had access to multiple videos of Marshall's injured arm/hand wrapped with the same medical supplies from the surveillance video.&nbsp;

Marshall had previously been identified by SAVE KC, but did not attend a call-in.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set a $25,000 cash-only bond.&nbsp;

Social media helped police ID Kansas City parking lot shooting suspect

<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/alexcastro/">Alexander Castro</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/janine-weisman/">Janine L. Weisman</a> <a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a>

PROVIDENCE — Two people have died and several others were wounded in a mass shooting in a Brown University engineering building late Saturday afternoon, prompting a shelter in place alert on the Ivy League campus and a massive search for a gunman that continued into the evening.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed at a press conference that began shortly after 6:30 p.m. that at least two people were killed with “a minimum of eight” more injured and in critical condition “but stable at Rhode Island Hospital.”&nbsp;

Smiley could not disclose whether the victims were Brown students.

“These numbers may change,” Smiley said. “We are still in early hours.”&nbsp;

The shooting in the Barus and Holley building on Brook Street occurred as final exams were taking place between 2 and 5 p.m. inside Barus &amp; Holley Engineering, Provost Francis J. Doyle III said.

Providence Police Cmdr. Tim O’Hara described the suspect as a man who was wearing black. The suspect left the engineering building’s Hope Street side. O’Hara said that police did not know what type of gun was used.

Forensic and witness evidence were being used to identify the suspect, and the police were primarily relying on video evidence at the moment, O’Hara said.&nbsp;

“All I can give you is a male, all dressed in black, right now,” O’Hara said of the suspect.

The suspect walked away from the area, and law enforcement were unsure where he had gone as of 6:50 p.m.&nbsp;

Smiley said the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are also involved in the investigation.

Gov. Dan McKee spoke at the Saturday evening press briefing. “So, the unthinkable has happened,” McKee said.&nbsp;

Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva said the fire department was first alerted about the shooting at 4:05 p.m.&nbsp;

Brown sent out its first emergency alert at 4:22 p.m.,&nbsp;noting “an active shooter near Barus &amp; Holley Engineering.” The alert cautioned the campus community to lock doors, silence phones and “stay hidden until further notice.” The alert also advised the options of run, hide, or, “FIGHT, as a last resort.”

An update at 4:51 p.m. noted a suspect was in custody, only to be redacted in a 5:11 p.m. update that read, “Police do not have a suspect in custody and continue to search for suspect(s).” The post also advised students to continue to shelter in place.&nbsp;

Smiley said at the press conference that the individual in the 4:51 p.m. update had been mistakenly connected to the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At 5:27 p.m., another emergency alert reported shots fired near Governor Street.&nbsp;That update was also reversed at 6:10 p.m., which added that “a secondary shooting incident near Governor Street is unfounded.”&nbsp;

The erroneous update from 4:51 p.m. noting a suspect was in custody made its way to President Donald Trump, who&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115714676658999589" target="_blank">wrote</a>&nbsp;on his TruthSocial site at 5:44 p.m. that he had been briefed on the shooting and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was “on the scene.”

“The suspect is in custody,” Trump wrote. “God bless the victims and the families of the victims!”

At 6:03 p.m., Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115714751735035903" target="_blank">posted again</a>: “The Brown University Police reversed their previous statement — The suspect is NOT in custody.”

“We are very sorry to share that we have confirmed reports of multiple shooting victims, but we are not able to share their condition,” the University wrote in a statement issued at 6:05 p.m. “They have been transported to local hospitals.”

The Brown emergency updates page first confirmed that there were “multiple shooting victims” at 6:05 p.m. The university could not share their conditions at the time, but noted they were “transported to local hospitals.”

Rescues and other apparatus from surrounding municipalities responded to the campus, including Bristol, Barrington, Central Falls, Cranston, Cumberland, Coventry, East Greenwich, North Kingstown, Scituate, Smithfield, Warwick and Woonsocket.

At 6:17 p.m., a call cleared rescues to return to their home communities.

“Sadly, today is a day that the city of Providence, the state of Rhode Island, prayed would never come,” Smiley said. “We’ve heard about horrific acts of gun violence and active shooter situations in other places, but not here.”

Smiley, who lives in the area, told reporters he was at home watching the Providence College Friars when he saw police lights fill the surrounding neighborhood.

2 killed, eight injured in mass shooting on Brown University campus

DAMASCUS– On Saturday, two U.S. service members and one U.S. civilian were killed, and three service members were injured, as a result of an ambush by a lone ISIS gunman in Syria, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. The gunman was engaged and also killed.

As a matter of respect for the families and in accordance with Department of War policy, the identities of the service members will be withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

Trump responds on Isis ambush that killed US soldiers in Syria

CHEROKEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 6a.m. Saturday in Cherokee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1994 Chevy Blazer driven by Meredith&nbsp;Wagner, 19, Columbus, was westbound on U.S. 400 two miles east of Baxter Springs. The SUV traveled off the road to the left. The driver overcorrected. The vehicle crossed over U.S. 400 off&nbsp; the road to the right, rolled and the driver&nbsp; was ejected.&nbsp;

Wagner was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Derfelt Funeral Home. She was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman killed after ejected in rollover accident

MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in McPherson are investigating alleged child abuse and have made two arrests including a school teacher.

On Thursday morning, police in McPherson arrested 36-year-old Abby Bradstreet, an elementary school teacher in USD 418 McPherson, on requested charges of attempted aggravated endangering a chid; reckless situation involving a child under age 18 and abuse of a child; knowingly torture/cruelly beat; strike; kick a child between the age of 6 and 18, according to online jail records. Just after 12:30p.m. Thursday, Bradstreet, met the requirement of a $12,500 bond and was released, according to online jail records.

On Thursday afternoon, police also arrested 26-year-old Brady Burr, an employee of the McPherson Fire Department, on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation to a child under the age of 18 and for abuse of a child; knowingly torture/cruelly beat; strike; kick a child between the age of 6 and 18, according to online jail records. Burr was&nbsp;released 90 minutes after his arrest after he met the requirement of a $12,500 bond, according to online jail records.

Police released no additional details. The McPherson County Attorney will determine formal charges against them.

Kansas elementary school teacher among two accused of child abuse

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans released a health care bill Friday evening they hope will help curb rising costs, though the measure doesn’t have the level of Democratic support needed to get through the Senate.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20251215/FILE_3948.pdf" target="_blank">111-page bill</a>&nbsp;will likely move to the House floor next week, where Speaker Mike Johnson will need nearly every one of his members to vote to pass the legislation, an uphill battle given the vastly different views among centrists and far-right members of the party on health care issues.&nbsp;

The Louisiana Republican said in a statement the bill offers “clear, responsible alternatives that will lower premium costs and increase access and health care options for all Americans.”

Democrats have been pressing for a three-year extension of the enhanced tax credits for people who purchase their insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.&nbsp;

So far, House and Senate Republican leadership hasn’t gotten on board with any extension of those subsidies, arguing they have led to a sharp rise in the cost of health insurance.&nbsp;

GOP lawmakers have instead pursued their own legislation, but without at least some backing from Democrats, no bill will make it through the Senate’s 60-vote procedural hurdles.&nbsp;

Senate Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-hits-stalemate-solution-spiraling-health-insurance-costs" target="_blank">tried to advance</a>&nbsp;a bill earlier this week from Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo but fell short of the votes needed.&nbsp;

Democrats were also unsuccessful trying to move their bill to extend the ACA marketplace tax credits for three years.&nbsp;

The House Republican bill, sponsored by Iowa Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks, is unlikely to break the logjam in Congress over the rising cost of health insurance and health care, potentially leaving the issue as one the parties can debate leading up to next year’s midterm elections.&nbsp;

Targeting ‘real drivers’ of cost increases

Johnson rebuked Democrats in his statement for enacting the Affordable Care Act during President Barack Obama’s first term, saying the law hasn’t made health care cost less.&nbsp;

House Republicans’ new legislation, Johnson said, will address “the real drivers of health care costs to provide affordable care, increase access and choice, and restore integrity to our nation’s health care system for all Americans.”

The bill would require Pharmacy Benefit Managers “to provide employers with detailed data on prescription drug spending, rebates, spread pricing, and formulary decisions—empowering plans and workers with the transparency they deserve,” according to a summary in Johnson’s release.&nbsp;

Starting in 2027, the legislation would appropriate funding for cost sharing reduction payments that the summary said would reduce health insurance premiums and stabilize the individual market.&nbsp;

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