NEW YORK —In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Samsung Electronics America Inc. has announced a voluntary recall for certain slide-in electric range models with front-mounted knobs.

The remedy for this recall is free knob locks or covers for specific models sold in the U.S. between 2013 and 2024.This announcement addresses potential activation of range knobs through accidental contact by people or pets, posing a fire hazard if flammable objects are left on top of the range.

NEW YORK —In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Samsung Electronics America Inc. has announced a voluntary recall for certain slide-in electric range models with front-mounted knobs.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RECALL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RECALL</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/SamsungUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SamsungUS</a> recalls 1,120,905 Slide-in Electric Ranges. Front-mounted knobs can be accidentally activated by humans or pets; fire hazard. Get repair. CONTACT: Toll-free 833-775-0120, email rangesupport@sea.samsung.com or <a href="https://t.co/W8Uvqwea1i">https://t.co/W8Uvqwea1i</a>.<a href="https://t.co/zwemjV3gTL">https://t.co/zwemjV3gTL</a> <a href="https://t.co/m5YahPC1fI">pic.twitter.com/m5YahPC1fI</a>&mdash; US Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/USCPSC/status/1821539790119911731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The remedy for this recall is free knob locks or covers for specific models sold in the U.S. between 2013 and 2024.This announcement addresses potential activation of range knobs through accidental contact by people or pets, posing a fire hazard if flammable objects are left on top of the range.

Samsung recalls electric ranges after numerous fire and injury reports

(Radio Iowa) - A 25 million dollar project to restore the historic livestock barns Iowa State Fairgrounds is being celebrated on the first day of this year's fair. 

Work on the Sheep Barn -- originally built in 1915 -- is nearly complete and the Horse Barn is next on the list. Peter Cownie (COW-nee), executive director of Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, says the livestock barns are the backbone of the fair and represent the culture and the agricultural heritage of the state. 

Today's (Thursday's) opening ceremonies for this year's Iowa State Fair were staged in front of the Sheep Barn, where sheep shows were already underway.

(Radio Iowa) - A 25 million dollar project to restore the historic livestock barns Iowa State Fairgrounds is being celebrated on the first day of this year's fair. Work on the Sheep Barn -- originally built in 1915 -- is nearly complete and the Horse Barn is next on the list. Peter Cownie (COW-nee), executive director of Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, says the livestock barns are the backbone of the fair and represent the culture and the agricultural heritage of the state. Today's (Thursday's) opening ceremonies for this year's Iowa State Fair were staged in front of the Sheep Barn, where sheep shows were already underway.

$25 million worth of renovations planned for Iowa State Fair livestock barns

(Radio Iowa) - State officials have agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by the parents of a teenager who died four years ago after University of Iowa Health Care staff repeatedly misdiagnosed her symptoms as likely related to COVID. 

Seventeen-year-old Emma Nugent of Iowa City died of a pulmonary embolism and her parents will be paid one-point-two million dollars to settle their lawsuit. In the spring of 2020, the teenager had several in-person and telehealth appointments with University of Iowa Health Care doctors and nurses. 

Nugent told them she was having chest pains and shortness of breath and was taking an oral contraceptive with a potential side effect of blood clots. None of the COVID tests she took showed she had the virus, but Nugent was repeatedly diagnosed with "suspected COVID."

(Radio Iowa) - State officials have agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by the parents of a teenager who died four years ago after University of Iowa Health Care staff repeatedly misdiagnosed her symptoms as likely related to COVID. Seventeen-year-old Emma Nugent of Iowa City died of a pulmonary embolism and her parents will be paid one-point-two million dollars to settle their lawsuit. In the spring of 2020, the teenager had several in-person and telehealth appointments with University of Iowa Health Care doctors and nurses. Nugent told them she was having chest pains and shortness of breath and was taking an oral contraceptive with a potential side effect of blood clots. None of the COVID tests she took showed she had the virus, but Nugent was repeatedly diagnosed with "suspected COVID."

$1.2 million legal settlement after Iowa City teen dies following misdiagnosis at UIHC

All three broad-based measures of farmer sentiment improved in the July Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The index rose eight points from June to 113. The Index of Current Conditions increased 10 points to 100. The Index of Future Expectations rose seven points from June to 119. Farmer sentiment improved in July despite declines in corn and soybean prices from mid-June to mid-July. 

The July survey showed that higher input costs remain the biggest concern to 34 percent of the respondents. Also, 29 percent of the respondents cited lower crop and livestock prices as their number one concern. The Farm Financial Performance Index dropped four points in July to 81, six points lower than July 2023. Despite concerns about farms’ financial performance, the Farm Capital Investment Index rose six points in July to 38. However, at seven points lower than July 2023, it does remain at a weak level.

All three broad-based measures of farmer sentiment improved in the July Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The index rose eight points from June to 113. The Index of Current Conditions increased 10 points to 100. The Index of Future Expectations rose seven points from June to 119. Farmer sentiment improved in July despite declines in corn and soybean prices from mid-June to mid-July. The July survey showed that higher input costs remain the biggest concern to 34 percent of the respondents. Also, 29 percent of the respondents cited lower crop and livestock prices as their number one concern. The Farm Financial Performance Index dropped four points in July to 81, six points lower than July 2023. Despite concerns about farms’ financial performance, the Farm Capital Investment Index rose six points in July to 38. However, at seven points lower than July 2023, it does remain at a weak level.-NAFB

Farmer sentiment improves despite financial concerns

By RUDI KELLER <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Patrick McKenna, director of the Missouri Department of Transportation, on Wednesday said he will leave his post&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2015/11/06/modot-hires-new-leader-with/21792490007/" target="_blank">after almost nine years</a>&nbsp;on the job.

McKenna announced his decision&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azlKJvxxq_w&amp;t=8870s" target="_blank">near the end of a meeting</a>&nbsp;of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission in Poplar Bluff. He did not give a date for his departure and did not return messages seeking comment on his decision.

“I’ve never been more confident in the future of MoDOT… and with the leadership of the commission,” McKenna said. “It’s been a blessing for me to be a part of this, and it’s also a good time to recognize when it’s time to move on, and that’s what I’ll be doing.”

McKenna did not say whether he will be retiring or seeking other work. He said he had contacted the commission members individually on Tuesday to let them know his intentions.

“I have some family obligations to attend to, and I feel that the department is in good hands,” he told the commission.

McKenna was the deputy commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation when he was hired in 2015. He has presided over a massive expansion of the department’s highway construction program, known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/statewide-transportation-improvement-program-stip" target="_blank">Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, or STIP</a>. When McKenna arrived in 2015, commission chairman Dustin Boatwright said during Wednesday’s meeting, the program averaged $325 million annually.

The program approved for the 2025 through 2029 fiscal years averages $4.4 billion annually.

The expansion is partially due to a 2021 increase in the state gas tax, which so far has added 10 cents per gallon to the previous levy of 17.4 cents per gallon. A final step next year will make the tax 29.9 cents per gallon on July 1, 2025.

MODOT has also benefited from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/11/12/billions-headed-to-missouri-transportation-fund-from-gas-tax-hike-infrastructure-bill/">increased federal funding</a>&nbsp;under an infrastructure bill approved by Congress in 2021 and appropriations of general revenue, including $100 million a year for low-volume roads and $3.4 billion in one-time allocations for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/first-contract-for-widening-i-70-approved-by-missouri-highways-commission/">widening Interstate 70</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/27/state-budget-loaded-with-earmarks-nears-deadline-for-action-by-missouri-gov-mike-parson/">Interstate 44</a>.

“We have a historic opportunity in front of us with the funding that we have been entrusted with by the General Assembly and the governor, and there’s no doubt in my mind, this team that we have will execute that flawlessly,” Boatwright said.

McKenna has also had friction with the legislature.&nbsp;

In 2021, the Highways and Transportation commission sued the Office of Administration when Commissioner Ken Zellers refused to allow the commission to implement a pay raise plan that carried a price tag of $60 million. The highways commission wanted to stem turnover at MoDOT and attract new employees.

The raises were not included in the department’s legislatively approved appropriations.

That led six state senators — including state Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina, who has since become Senate Majority Leader and is expected to be Senate President Pro Tem next year, — in a February 2022 letter to the commission, to demand that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/03/missouri-transportation-chief-under-fire-for-bucking-lawmakers-on-pay-raise-plan/">McKenna either resign or be fired</a>.

The highways commission filed the lawsuit to test constitutional language that is unique to the road fund. The Missouri Constitution states that the money deposited in the fund shall “<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++30(b)&amp;bid=31847&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">stand appropriated</a>&nbsp;without legislative action.”

Last year, Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/01/judge-approves-pay-raise-plan-for-missouri-transportation-agency-workers/">agreed with the commission</a>&nbsp;that it could use money in the road fund at its discretion. The decision is being appealed but no date has been set for oral arguments.

Commissioner Dan Hegeman, a former senator who signed O’Laughlin’s letter, praised McKenna on Wednesday for his professional demeanor in disputes with the General Assembly.

“He’s got a lot to be proud of as he takes on a new challenge that is going to be great for him and his family,” Hegeman said.

There was no discussion of who will take over as director or whether there would be an interim director during a search. McKenna stated there is a plan but gave no details.

“I know the commission has a plan that there will be no gap in leadership,” McKenna said. “I want the whole team to understand that it’s been an absolute blessing to be here.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723124915697.png" alt="Patrick McKenna, director of the Missouri Department of Transportation, on Wednesday told the Highways and Transportation Commission that he intends to resign after almost nine years on the job. (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor's Office)." />
 <figcaption>Patrick McKenna, director of the Missouri Department of Transportation, on Wednesday told the Highways and Transportation Commission that he intends to resign after almost nine years on the job. (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor's Office).</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Patrick McKenna, director of the Missouri Department of Transportation, on Wednesday said he will leave his post&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2015/11/06/modot-hires-new-leader-with/21792490007/" target="_blank">after almost nine years</a>&nbsp;on the job.McKenna announced his decision&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azlKJvxxq_w&amp;t=8870s" target="_blank">near the end of a meeting</a>&nbsp;of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission in Poplar Bluff. He did not give a date for his departure and did not return messages seeking comment on his decision.“I’ve never been more confident in the future of MoDOT… and with the leadership of the commission,” McKenna said. “It’s been a blessing for me to be a part of this, and it’s also a good time to recognize when it’s time to move on, and that’s what I’ll be doing.”McKenna did not say whether he will be retiring or seeking other work. He said he had contacted the commission members individually on Tuesday to let them know his intentions.“I have some family obligations to attend to, and I feel that the department is in good hands,” he told the commission.McKenna was the deputy commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation when he was hired in 2015. He has presided over a massive expansion of the department’s highway construction program, known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/statewide-transportation-improvement-program-stip" target="_blank">Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan, or STIP</a>. When McKenna arrived in 2015, commission chairman Dustin Boatwright said during Wednesday’s meeting, the program averaged $325 million annually.The program approved for the 2025 through 2029 fiscal years averages $4.4 billion annually.The expansion is partially due to a 2021 increase in the state gas tax, which so far has added 10 cents per gallon to the previous levy of 17.4 cents per gallon. A final step next year will make the tax 29.9 cents per gallon on July 1, 2025.MODOT has also benefited from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/11/12/billions-headed-to-missouri-transportation-fund-from-gas-tax-hike-infrastructure-bill/">increased federal funding</a>&nbsp;under an infrastructure bill approved by Congress in 2021 and appropriations of general revenue, including $100 million a year for low-volume roads and $3.4 billion in one-time allocations for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/14/first-contract-for-widening-i-70-approved-by-missouri-highways-commission/">widening Interstate 70</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/27/state-budget-loaded-with-earmarks-nears-deadline-for-action-by-missouri-gov-mike-parson/">Interstate 44</a>.“We have a historic opportunity in front of us with the funding that we have been entrusted with by the General Assembly and the governor, and there’s no doubt in my mind, this team that we have will execute that flawlessly,” Boatwright said.McKenna has also had friction with the legislature.&nbsp;In 2021, the Highways and Transportation commission sued the Office of Administration when Commissioner Ken Zellers refused to allow the commission to implement a pay raise plan that carried a price tag of $60 million. The highways commission wanted to stem turnover at MoDOT and attract new employees.The raises were not included in the department’s legislatively approved appropriations.That led six state senators — including state Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin of Shelbina, who has since become Senate Majority Leader and is expected to be Senate President Pro Tem next year, — in a February 2022 letter to the commission, to demand that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/02/03/missouri-transportation-chief-under-fire-for-bucking-lawmakers-on-pay-raise-plan/">McKenna either resign or be fired</a>.The highways commission filed the lawsuit to test constitutional language that is unique to the road fund. The Missouri Constitution states that the money deposited in the fund shall “<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++30(b)&amp;bid=31847&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">stand appropriated</a>&nbsp;without legislative action.”Last year, Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/01/judge-approves-pay-raise-plan-for-missouri-transportation-agency-workers/">agreed with the commission</a>&nbsp;that it could use money in the road fund at its discretion. The decision is being appealed but no date has been set for oral arguments.Commissioner Dan Hegeman, a former senator who signed O’Laughlin’s letter, praised McKenna on Wednesday for his professional demeanor in disputes with the General Assembly.“He’s got a lot to be proud of as he takes on a new challenge that is going to be great for him and his family,” Hegeman said.There was no discussion of who will take over as director or whether there would be an interim director during a search. McKenna stated there is a plan but gave no details.“I know the commission has a plan that there will be no gap in leadership,” McKenna said. “I want the whole team to understand that it’s been an absolute blessing to be here.”

‘It’s time to move on’: Missouri transportation director announces resignation

By ALLISON KITE &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missourians on Tuesday voted to require Kansas City to spend more of its municipal budget on policing, reinstating a policy that had been overturned by the state supreme court.&nbsp;

The race was called by the Associated Press at 11:30 p.m., with the amendment winning&nbsp;51% to 48%. That means the Missouri Constitution will be amended to require Kansas City to spend at least 25% of its general revenue on police, amounting to tens of millions of dollars per year.

While it provides funding for the department, Kansas City is the only major city in the U.S. that doesn’t have local control of its police. The Kansas City Police Department is governed by the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, which includes the mayor and four members appointed by the Missouri governor. That means while the City Council writes the checks for the Kansas City police, they have no control over how funds are spent.

Between the 1950s and 2022, Kansas City was required to spend at least 20% of its general revenue on police and often exceeded that. But in 2020, as racial justice protesters pushed for police reform across the nation, Kansas City sought to exert more influence over the police budget.

Following the protests, sparked by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Kansas City officials attempted to set aside $42 million in police funding —&nbsp;above its obligatory 20% spending — for “community engagement, outreach, prevention, intervention and other public services” in an attempt to increase police accountability.

But the move was lambasted by Missouri Republicans, who claimed City Hall was trying to “defund” the police.

Missouri lawmakers responded with legislation requiring Kansas City to spend at least 25% of its revenue on police, which passed in the spring of 2022 on a largely party-line vote with Republicans supporting increased police spending.&nbsp;

Voters then, in the fall of 2022, approved the legislation with 63% of the vote. The policy was unpopular, however, in the Jackson County portion of Kansas City where 61% of voters rejected it. It passed in Platte and Clay counties, which include suburban parts of Kansas City.

After the vote, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas challenged the election in court, saying a summary printed on voters’ ballots “materially misstated” the cost of the proposal.

The fiscal note summary accompanying the 2022 amendment said the requirement that Kansas City spend at least 25% of its revenue on police would result in “no additional costs or savings.” The state argued that because the city had voluntarily granted that much in the past, the amendment simply removed the city’s discretion rather than imposing a new cost.

City Hall, however, argued the mandate could potentially cost other departments up to $38.7 million in budget cuts.

The Missouri Supreme Court agreed with the city and ordered the results of that election be tossed and a new vote be held, paving the way for Tuesday’s vote.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690892603114.png" alt="File photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>File photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missourians on Tuesday voted to require Kansas City to spend more of its municipal budget on policing, reinstating a policy that had been overturned by the state supreme court.&nbsp;The race was called by the Associated Press at 11:30 p.m., with the amendment winning&nbsp;51% to 48%. That means the Missouri Constitution will be amended to require Kansas City to spend at least 25% of its general revenue on police, amounting to tens of millions of dollars per year.While it provides funding for the department, Kansas City is the only major city in the U.S. that doesn’t have local control of its police. The Kansas City Police Department is governed by the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, which includes the mayor and four members appointed by the Missouri governor. That means while the City Council writes the checks for the Kansas City police, they have no control over how funds are spent.Between the 1950s and 2022, Kansas City was required to spend at least 20% of its general revenue on police and often exceeded that. But in 2020, as racial justice protesters pushed for police reform across the nation, Kansas City sought to exert more influence over the police budget.Following the protests, sparked by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Kansas City officials attempted to set aside $42 million in police funding —&nbsp;above its obligatory 20% spending — for “community engagement, outreach, prevention, intervention and other public services” in an attempt to increase police accountability.But the move was lambasted by Missouri Republicans, who claimed City Hall was trying to “defund” the police.Missouri lawmakers responded with legislation requiring Kansas City to spend at least 25% of its revenue on police, which passed in the spring of 2022 on a largely party-line vote with Republicans supporting increased police spending.&nbsp;Voters then, in the fall of 2022, approved the legislation with 63% of the vote. The policy was unpopular, however, in the Jackson County portion of Kansas City where 61% of voters rejected it. It passed in Platte and Clay counties, which include suburban parts of Kansas City.After the vote, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas challenged the election in court, saying a summary printed on voters’ ballots “materially misstated” the cost of the proposal.The fiscal note summary accompanying the 2022 amendment said the requirement that Kansas City spend at least 25% of its revenue on police would result in “no additional costs or savings.” The state argued that because the city had voluntarily granted that much in the past, the amendment simply removed the city’s discretion rather than imposing a new cost.City Hall, however, argued the mandate could potentially cost other departments up to $38.7 million in budget cuts.The Missouri Supreme Court agreed with the city and ordered the results of that election be tossed and a new vote be held, paving the way for Tuesday’s vote.&nbsp;

Voters approve amendment requiring more police spending in Kansas City

(Radio Iowa) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced it has so far approved 61 million dollars in assistance for Iowans dealing with damage from this spring's flooding, tornadoes and severe weather. 

According to a news release from the agency, FEMA has approved assistance for more than five-thousand Iowa households. That includes 56 million dollars in Individual Assistance to cover home repairs and other expenses that are not covered by insurance. 

Renters and home owners in 28 Iowa counties that have been declared Presidential Diseaster Areas are eligible to apply for FEMA's Individual Assistance grants. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 23rd. FEMA's National Flood Insurance program has paid over five-MILLION dollars to Iowa policyholders.

(Radio Iowa) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced it has so far approved 61 million dollars in assistance for Iowans dealing with damage from this spring's flooding, tornadoes and severe weather. According to a news release from the agency, FEMA has approved assistance for more than five-thousand Iowa households. That includes 56 million dollars in Individual Assistance to cover home repairs and other expenses that are not covered by insurance. Renters and home owners in 28 Iowa counties that have been declared Presidential Diseaster Areas are eligible to apply for FEMA's Individual Assistance grants. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 23rd. FEMA's National Flood Insurance program has paid over five-MILLION dollars to Iowa policyholders.

FEMA has approved assistance for 5000 Iowa households hit by severe weather

As Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker worked on the field during Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph, behind the scenes he was busy negotiating a new deal.  

That culminated today as the Chiefs announced Butker had signed a four-year extension with the team. The deal makes Butker the highest paid kicker in the league.  

Butker says he's glad that he can help move the kicker market forward 

"I think offense is definitely the strength of the NFL right now, there's a lot of points being scored and kickers are part of that, games are closer than ever," Butker tells reporters after practice. "(Justin) Tucker signed his contract two years ago and then Jake Elliot just signed and tied his, so I'm grateful to be able to move it up a little bit." 

Butker's new deal will net him $6.4 million annually, while Justin Tucker and Jake Elliot are making just $6 million.  

Most notably, Butker negotiated the new deal himself.  Butker says it was a lot of fun.  

"My personality I'm an introvert, I don't really like the attention, so even being an NFL kicker is kind of an odd thing for me, I don't like the loud noises, the attention that comes my way," Butker explains. "But when I'm in the moment and I'm executing the kick, I'm so grateful for that opportunity and I kind of negotiated this contract the same way."  

"It would have been easy for me to have an agent handle the contract, but I kind of attacked this fear and I wanted to go out and have faith in myself to represent myself, and do something that not a lot of players do and it wasn't to difficult."  

Butker says he actually used his background as an industrial engineer at Georgia Tech during the negotiations.  

"I can handle the spreadsheets and making sure I'm doing the right job with the counter offers and such and getting to a good deal," Butker says. "But, it was a challenge that I took on and I felt like going on year eight I kind of understand the NFL well enough, I understand contracts well enough from being involved with the NFLPA, and obviously I have a great relationship with the front office here."  

"And so, I was able to negotiate my own contract over 8 to 10 weeks and I'm really excited about it and I think it's empowering for players to know that no one's going to represent you better than you." 

Chiefs prepared to show off new dynamic receivers in preseason game

The Chiefs wrapped up their final practice of the week in St. Joseph today and now turn their attention to the first preseason game on Saturday in Jacksonville.&nbsp;

One of the more exciting aspects of the first preseason game is seeing all the Chiefs new offensive weapons, like Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy, in action&nbsp;

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes says he's extremely excited to see these new weapons in game action.&nbsp;

"Obviously for me to go out there and play these guys and showcase what we have the ability to do, but to learn from our mistakes too," Mahomes tells reporters from the podium post-practice. "You're going to go out there and play for real and play against someone else, I'm tired of going against Spags (Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) and every defense known to man, and so I think just going out there, letting the guys play, make decisions under fire, and have them make those right decisions and learn from mistakes after."&nbsp;

Mahomes says with his new speedy receivers they'll obviously be able to hit guys over the top.&nbsp;

"But I think the biggest thing is you want to be able to do both, I think that's something we've worked on all camp is you're going to be able to hit the guys over the top and then when the defense plays deep you have to be able to hit the medium type things, and we have to be able to run the football," Mahomes explains. &nbsp;

"And that's what makes great offenses great, is having the ability to do all of that, and so as much as I want to throw it deep every single play, I think just being able to do everything is going to be the biggest part of our offense."&nbsp;

Head Coach Andy Reid says that during Saturday's game the ones will play the 1st quarter, two's the second and so on.&nbsp;

Kickoff from Jacksonville is at 6pm, the game can be heard on Q Country 92.7 with pregame at 5pm&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722105936347.jpeg" alt="Kicker Harrison Butker (7) attempts a kick as new punter Matt Araiza (49) holds/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Kicker Harrison Butker (7) attempts a kick as new punter Matt Araiza (49) holds/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post As Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker worked on the field during Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph, behind the scenes he was busy negotiating a new deal. That culminated today as the Chiefs announced Butker had signed a four-year extension with the team. The deal makes Butker the highest paid kicker in the league. Butker says he's glad that he can help move the kicker market forward "I think offense is definitely the strength of the NFL right now, there's a lot of points being scored and kickers are part of that, games are closer than ever," Butker tells reporters after practice. "(Justin) Tucker signed his contract two years ago and then Jake Elliot just signed and tied his, so I'm grateful to be able to move it up a little bit." Butker's new deal will net him $6.4 million annually, while Justin Tucker and Jake Elliot are making just $6 million. Most notably, Butker negotiated the new deal himself. Butker says it was a lot of fun. "My personality I'm an introvert, I don't really like the attention, so even being an NFL kicker is kind of an odd thing for me, I don't like the loud noises, the attention that comes my way," Butker explains. "But when I'm in the moment and I'm executing the kick, I'm so grateful for that opportunity and I kind of negotiated this contract the same way." "It would have been easy for me to have an agent handle the contract, but I kind of attacked this fear and I wanted to go out and have faith in myself to represent myself, and do something that not a lot of players do and it wasn't to difficult." Butker says he actually used his background as an industrial engineer at Georgia Tech during the negotiations. "I can handle the spreadsheets and making sure I'm doing the right job with the counter offers and such and getting to a good deal," Butker says. "But, it was a challenge that I took on and I felt like going on year eight I kind of understand the NFL well enough, I understand contracts well enough from being involved with the NFLPA, and obviously I have a great relationship with the front office here." "And so, I was able to negotiate my own contract over 8 to 10 weeks and I'm really excited about it and I think it's empowering for players to know that no one's going to represent you better than you." <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723056872013.png" alt="Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker waves to fans as he comes down the field to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker waves to fans as he comes down the field to practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Chiefs prepared to show off new dynamic receivers in preseason game<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723056916638.jpeg" alt="Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws a pass during Chiefs practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws a pass during Chiefs practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>The Chiefs wrapped up their final practice of the week in St. Joseph today and now turn their attention to the first preseason game on Saturday in Jacksonville.&nbsp;One of the more exciting aspects of the first preseason game is seeing all the Chiefs new offensive weapons, like Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy, in action&nbsp;Quarterback Patrick Mahomes says he's extremely excited to see these new weapons in game action.&nbsp;"Obviously for me to go out there and play these guys and showcase what we have the ability to do, but to learn from our mistakes too," Mahomes tells reporters from the podium post-practice. "You're going to go out there and play for real and play against someone else, I'm tired of going against Spags (Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) and every defense known to man, and so I think just going out there, letting the guys play, make decisions under fire, and have them make those right decisions and learn from mistakes after."&nbsp;Mahomes says with his new speedy receivers they'll obviously be able to hit guys over the top.&nbsp;"But I think the biggest thing is you want to be able to do both, I think that's something we've worked on all camp is you're going to be able to hit the guys over the top and then when the defense plays deep you have to be able to hit the medium type things, and we have to be able to run the football," Mahomes explains. &nbsp;"And that's what makes great offenses great, is having the ability to do all of that, and so as much as I want to throw it deep every single play, I think just being able to do everything is going to be the biggest part of our offense."&nbsp;Head Coach Andy Reid says that during Saturday's game the ones will play the 1st quarter, two's the second and so on.&nbsp;Kickoff from Jacksonville is at 6pm, the game can be heard on Q Country 92.7 with pregame at 5pm&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723057106176.jpeg" alt="Patrick Mahomes (15) points out things to receivers Mecole Hardman (17) and Skyy More (24)/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Patrick Mahomes (15) points out things to receivers Mecole Hardman (17) and Skyy More (24)/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>

With contract negotiations through, Butker ready to focus on first preseason game

State Sens. Mike Moon, Rick Brattin, Barbara Washington and Angela Mosley held on to their seats on Tuesday, while Republicans voted out five incumbent House members&nbsp;

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Every incumbent Missouri senator challenged in Tuesday’s primaries won renomination, but Republican voters rejected sitting House members in five districts.

In the Senate primaries, a big money advantage generally, but not in every case, carried the day. One notable exception was in the 31st District of western Missouri, where incumbent state Sen. Rick Brattin of Harrisonville defeated two challengers with a plurality of the votes.

Brattin took 47% of the vote against state Reps. Mike Haffner of Pleasant Hill and Dan Houx of Warrensburg. Houx spent almost $600,000 from his campaign and joint fundraising PAC, roughly $100,000 more than Brattin and Haffner combined.&nbsp;

“I am incredibly grateful for the dedication and love that was poured into this campaign from all our supporters,” Brattin said in a news release.

With the primary results, Republicans are assured of having 16 seats of 34 seats in the Senate – 14 incumbents not on the ballot plus two districts where the primary winner is unopposed – while Democrats are assured of four – three incumbents plus state Sen. Angela Mosley of Florissant, who held off the challenge from state Rep. Chantelle Nickson-Clark in the 13th District in a battle between well-established St. Louis Democratic factions.

Democrats hope to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/29/primaries-will-test-incumbents-in-year-of-historic-turnover-for-missouri-senate/">pick up as many as three seats</a>, which would give the Senate a 21-13 Republican majority.

In the House, unopposed Republicans are assured of 28 seats in the 163-member chamber, while Democrats have 18 seats where their nominee is unopposed. There are also two Republican districts and four Democratic districts where the nominee faces only minor party competition in November.

Democrats hope to pick up at least three seats from the current 111-52 GOP majority, which would break the two-thirds supermajority in place for more than a decade.

Along with Brattin and Mosley, Democratic state Sen. Barbara Washington defeated her challenger, former state Rep. Brandon Ellington, in the 9th District, which covers the east side of Kansas City and Raytown. Washington won about 79% of the vote and will face Republican Derron Black in November in a district that generally votes 80% Democratic.

And in southwest Missouri, Republican state Sen. Mike Moon of Ash Grove easily turned back the challenge from business owner Susan Haralson of Ozark in the 29th District, taking 77% of the vote. Haralson had made an issue of Moon’s focus on social issues and counted on a redrawn district to have a chance.

The winner will face Ron Monnig, a Democrat from Eagle Rock, in a district where former President Donald Trump took 77.5% of the vote in 2020.

The Republican House incumbents who were defeated Tuesday are state Reps. Chris Sander of Lone Jack, a two-term lawmaker who lost the 33rd District to Carolyn Caton; Tony Lovasco of O’Fallon, a three-term lawmaker who lost the 64th District to Deanna Self; Kyle Marquart of Washington, Missouri, a first term lawmaker who lost the 109th District in Franklin County to the man he beat in 2022 to take the seat, John Simmons, also of Washington; Gary Bonacker of House Springs in Jefferson County, a first-term representative who lost the 111th District to Cecelie Williams of Dittmer; and Lisa Thomas, a two-term member from Lake Ozark who lost to Jeff Vernetti of Camdenton.

Caton and Williams will be unopposed in November.

Sander, one of the only openly gay Republicans in the Missouri House, last year became the target of an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2023-02-28/openly-gay-jackson-county-republican-avoids-censure-for-same-sex-marriage-amendment" target="_blank">effort to censure him</a>&nbsp;by some members of the Jackson County Republican Party after he&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/15/missouri-republican-pushes-for-constitutional-change-to-recognize-same-sex-marriages/">introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;to repeal the portion of the state constitution that says the only valid marriages are “between a man and a woman.”

During the campaign, Caton criticized Sander for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/11/missouri-house-advances-limits-on-health-care-sports-participation-for-transgender-minors/">voting against bills</a>&nbsp;to ban gender transition medical procedures for transgender minors and prohibit transgender athletes from competing in school sports according to their gender identity.

“I am the one true conservative in this race, unlike my opponent I have never questioned being a republican,” Caton wrote in one social media post.

The two Senate districts where the primary winner faces no opposition are the 27th District in southeast Missouri and the 33rd District in southern Missouri.

In the 27th, an open seat because incumbent state Sen. Holly Rehder ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor, state Rep. Jamie Burger of Benton defeated&nbsp;Jacob Turner of Jackson, who was making his first bid for office, and state Rep. Chris Dinkins of Lesterville, who had won four terms in the House.

In the 33rd District, open because of term limits, state Rep. Brad Hudson of Cape Fair defeated state Rep. Travis Smith of Dora.

Burger’s campaign and PAC spent almost two times the combined spending of his opponents, but Hudson bucked the trend, spending less than Smith but not falling as far behind in the cash chase as the candidates facing Burger.

In other contested primaries, House Speaker Pro Tem Mike Henderson of Bonne Terre defeated state Rep. Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway in the 3rd District, open because incumbent Sen. Elaine Gannon declined to run again.

“I want to thank Rep. Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway for her service to this community and for running a spirited, positive campaign,” Henderson said in a news release after his victory.

Doug Halbert of Hematite is the Democratic candidate in a district that went about 69% for Trump in 2020.

The other districts where the better-funded candidates lost are the 11th District of Jackson County and the 23rd District in St. Charles County.

In the 11th District, Joe Nicola of Grain Valley, who has run for Congress and Senate in the past, defeated State Rep. Aaron McMullen of Independence and David Martin of Kansas City.

McMullen spent more than $500,000 from his campaign committee and joint fundraising PAC, while Nicola spent about $75,000.&nbsp;

He’ll face State Rep. Robert Sauls, a Democrat from Independence, who was unopposed in the primary and whose most recent reports showed he had just under $160,000 in his campaign fund and almost $260,000 in his Independence Leadership PAC.&nbsp;

In the 23rd District – home to defeated gubernatorial candidate state Sen. Bill Eigel – three-term state Rep. Adam Shnelting of St. Charles spent about $240,000 from his campaign committee and joint fundraising PAC to defeat State Rep. Phil Christofanelli of St. Peters, who spent more than $1 million, Dan O’Connell of St. Peters and Rich Chrismer of St. Peters, a former St. Charles County clerk.

The Democratic candidate is Matt Williams of St. Charles, a first-time candidate.

The 23rd District, which is considered competitive based on past voting, is one of the six Democrats must win to meet their goal of 13 seats in the upper chamber.

The 15th District in St. Louis County, open due to term limits, is another district targeted by Democrats. Former state Rep. David Gregory of Chesterfield, who lost a 2022 primary for state auditor, prevailed in a three-way contest against Mark Harder, elected three times to the St. Louis County Council, Jim Bowlin, a two-term mayor of Wildwood.&nbsp;

Gregory spent about $450,000 on the race, almost double the combined spending by Harder and Bowlin. He will face attorney Joe Pereles, who was unopposed and has amassed a campaign fund of almost $650,000.

The bigger spender won in one of two open seat districts with primaries but the final primary fundraising reports will show who spent more in the other.

In the 21st District of northwest Missouri, two-term state Rep. Kurtis Gregory of Marshall spent almost $700,000 from his campaign committee and joint fundraising PAC to defeat three-term state Rep. Doug Richey of Excelsior Springs, who spent about $375,000. Jim Bates of Liberty is the Democratic candidate in the district that is rated 63% Republican based on voting history.

In the 7th District in Kansas City, state Rep. Patty Lewis scored a 2-1 victory over Pat Contreras, the Democratic nominee for state treasurer in 2016.

The most recent fundraising reports show Lewis had a slight edge in total spending, $292,000 to $267,000.

Joey LaSalle is the Republican candidate in the district, which is heavily Democratic.

<h2>State Sens. Mike Moon, Rick Brattin, Barbara Washington and Angela Mosley held on to their seats on Tuesday, while Republicans voted out five incumbent House members&nbsp;</h2>By RUDI KELLER<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Every incumbent Missouri senator challenged in Tuesday’s primaries won renomination, but Republican voters rejected sitting House members in five districts.In the Senate primaries, a big money advantage generally, but not in every case, carried the day. One notable exception was in the 31st District of western Missouri, where incumbent state Sen. Rick Brattin of Harrisonville defeated two challengers with a plurality of the votes.Brattin took 47% of the vote against state Reps. Mike Haffner of Pleasant Hill and Dan Houx of Warrensburg. Houx spent almost $600,000 from his campaign and joint fundraising PAC, roughly $100,000 more than Brattin and Haffner combined.&nbsp;“I am incredibly grateful for the dedication and love that was poured into this campaign from all our supporters,” Brattin said in a news release.With the primary results, Republicans are assured of having 16 seats of 34 seats in the Senate – 14 incumbents not on the ballot plus two districts where the primary winner is unopposed – while Democrats are assured of four – three incumbents plus state Sen. Angela Mosley of Florissant, who held off the challenge from state Rep. Chantelle Nickson-Clark in the 13th District in a battle between well-established St. Louis Democratic factions.Democrats hope to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/29/primaries-will-test-incumbents-in-year-of-historic-turnover-for-missouri-senate/">pick up as many as three seats</a>, which would give the Senate a 21-13 Republican majority.In the House, unopposed Republicans are assured of 28 seats in the 163-member chamber, while Democrats have 18 seats where their nominee is unopposed. There are also two Republican districts and four Democratic districts where the nominee faces only minor party competition in November.Democrats hope to pick up at least three seats from the current 111-52 GOP majority, which would break the two-thirds supermajority in place for more than a decade.Along with Brattin and Mosley, Democratic state Sen. Barbara Washington defeated her challenger, former state Rep. Brandon Ellington, in the 9th District, which covers the east side of Kansas City and Raytown. Washington won about 79% of the vote and will face Republican Derron Black in November in a district that generally votes 80% Democratic.And in southwest Missouri, Republican state Sen. Mike Moon of Ash Grove easily turned back the challenge from business owner Susan Haralson of Ozark in the 29th District, taking 77% of the vote. Haralson had made an issue of Moon’s focus on social issues and counted on a redrawn district to have a chance.The winner will face Ron Monnig, a Democrat from Eagle Rock, in a district where former President Donald Trump took 77.5% of the vote in 2020.The Republican House incumbents who were defeated Tuesday are state Reps. Chris Sander of Lone Jack, a two-term lawmaker who lost the 33rd District to Carolyn Caton; Tony Lovasco of O’Fallon, a three-term lawmaker who lost the 64th District to Deanna Self; Kyle Marquart of Washington, Missouri, a first term lawmaker who lost the 109th District in Franklin County to the man he beat in 2022 to take the seat, John Simmons, also of Washington; Gary Bonacker of House Springs in Jefferson County, a first-term representative who lost the 111th District to Cecelie Williams of Dittmer; and Lisa Thomas, a two-term member from Lake Ozark who lost to Jeff Vernetti of Camdenton.Caton and Williams will be unopposed in November.Sander, one of the only openly gay Republicans in the Missouri House, last year became the target of an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2023-02-28/openly-gay-jackson-county-republican-avoids-censure-for-same-sex-marriage-amendment" target="_blank">effort to censure him</a>&nbsp;by some members of the Jackson County Republican Party after he&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/15/missouri-republican-pushes-for-constitutional-change-to-recognize-same-sex-marriages/">introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;to repeal the portion of the state constitution that says the only valid marriages are “between a man and a woman.”During the campaign, Caton criticized Sander for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/11/missouri-house-advances-limits-on-health-care-sports-participation-for-transgender-minors/">voting against bills</a>&nbsp;to ban gender transition medical procedures for transgender minors and prohibit transgender athletes from competing in school sports according to their gender identity.“I am the one true conservative in this race, unlike my opponent I have never questioned being a republican,” Caton wrote in one social media post.The two Senate districts where the primary winner faces no opposition are the 27th District in southeast Missouri and the 33rd District in southern Missouri.In the 27th, an open seat because incumbent state Sen. Holly Rehder ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor, state Rep. Jamie Burger of Benton defeated&nbsp;Jacob Turner of Jackson, who was making his first bid for office, and state Rep. Chris Dinkins of Lesterville, who had won four terms in the House.In the 33rd District, open because of term limits, state Rep. Brad Hudson of Cape Fair defeated state Rep. Travis Smith of Dora.Burger’s campaign and PAC spent almost two times the combined spending of his opponents, but Hudson bucked the trend, spending less than Smith but not falling as far behind in the cash chase as the candidates facing Burger.In other contested primaries, House Speaker Pro Tem Mike Henderson of Bonne Terre defeated state Rep. Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway in the 3rd District, open because incumbent Sen. Elaine Gannon declined to run again.“I want to thank Rep. Cyndi Buchheit-Courtway for her service to this community and for running a spirited, positive campaign,” Henderson said in a news release after his victory.Doug Halbert of Hematite is the Democratic candidate in a district that went about 69% for Trump in 2020.The other districts where the better-funded candidates lost are the 11th District of Jackson County and the 23rd District in St. Charles County.In the 11th District, Joe Nicola of Grain Valley, who has run for Congress and Senate in the past, defeated State Rep. Aaron McMullen of Independence and David Martin of Kansas City.McMullen spent more than $500,000 from his campaign committee and joint fundraising PAC, while Nicola spent about $75,000.&nbsp;He’ll face State Rep. Robert Sauls, a Democrat from Independence, who was unopposed in the primary and whose most recent reports showed he had just under $160,000 in his campaign fund and almost $260,000 in his Independence Leadership PAC.&nbsp;In the 23rd District – home to defeated gubernatorial candidate state Sen. Bill Eigel – three-term state Rep. Adam Shnelting of St. Charles spent about $240,000 from his campaign committee and joint fundraising PAC to defeat State Rep. Phil Christofanelli of St. Peters, who spent more than $1 million, Dan O’Connell of St. Peters and Rich Chrismer of St. Peters, a former St. Charles County clerk.The Democratic candidate is Matt Williams of St. Charles, a first-time candidate.The 23rd District, which is considered competitive based on past voting, is one of the six Democrats must win to meet their goal of 13 seats in the upper chamber.The 15th District in St. Louis County, open due to term limits, is another district targeted by Democrats. Former state Rep. David Gregory of Chesterfield, who lost a 2022 primary for state auditor, prevailed in a three-way contest against Mark Harder, elected three times to the St. Louis County Council, Jim Bowlin, a two-term mayor of Wildwood.&nbsp;Gregory spent about $450,000 on the race, almost double the combined spending by Harder and Bowlin. He will face attorney Joe Pereles, who was unopposed and has amassed a campaign fund of almost $650,000.The bigger spender won in one of two open seat districts with primaries but the final primary fundraising reports will show who spent more in the other.In the 21st District of northwest Missouri, two-term state Rep. Kurtis Gregory of Marshall spent almost $700,000 from his campaign committee and joint fundraising PAC to defeat three-term state Rep. Doug Richey of Excelsior Springs, who spent about $375,000. Jim Bates of Liberty is the Democratic candidate in the district that is rated 63% Republican based on voting history.In the 7th District in Kansas City, state Rep. Patty Lewis scored a 2-1 victory over Pat Contreras, the Democratic nominee for state treasurer in 2016.The most recent fundraising reports show Lewis had a slight edge in total spending, $292,000 to $267,000.Joey LaSalle is the Republican candidate in the district, which is heavily Democratic.

Incumbent Missouri senators survive primary challenges across the state

(Radio Iowa) - It's been a big year for bad weather in Iowa and state climatologist Justin Glisan says there's a new record in an undesirable category -- most tornadoes in a single year. 

Glisan says we've had 127 tornadoes statewide, beating the record set in 2004 with 121 tornadoes. Tornadoes can strike during any month of the year, even during the wintertime. In 2021, Iowa had a record 63 tornadoes in a single day - in December. 

That was during the state’s second derecho in as many years, and that December outbreak set another record for most EF-2 tornadoes in one day - at 21. Glisan says it's been a very active severe weather season, with hail, high winds, a derecho, and more than ten-dozen tornadoes.

(Radio Iowa) - It's been a big year for bad weather in Iowa and state climatologist Justin Glisan says there's a new record in an undesirable category -- most tornadoes in a single year. Glisan says we've had 127 tornadoes statewide, beating the record set in 2004 with 121 tornadoes. Tornadoes can strike during any month of the year, even during the wintertime. In 2021, Iowa had a record 63 tornadoes in a single day - in December. That was during the state’s second derecho in as many years, and that December outbreak set another record for most EF-2 tornadoes in one day - at 21. Glisan says it's been a very active severe weather season, with hail, high winds, a derecho, and more than ten-dozen tornadoes.

Iowa's had a record 127 tornadoes so far this year, and the season isn't over yet

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">MAYA SMITH</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a>&nbsp;- <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Kansas voters on Tuesday ousted an incumbent Senate Republican and House Democrat who were seen as traitors by their parties, expanding an expected shakeup of the Legislature and setting the stage for a high-stakes general election.

In the 40-member Senate, there will be at least 12 newcomers by January. In the 125-member House, there will be at least 21 newcomers. Those numbers could increase, depending on November results, when Democrats hope to break GOP supermajorities in both chambers.

Democratic voters in Kansas City favored educator Wanda Brownlee Paige over incumbent Rep. Marvin Robinson, who voted almost exclusively with Republicans for most of his single term in office. He was backed by GOP-aligned special interest groups, which flooded the district with mailers favorable to Robinson. But Paige prevailed with 49% of the vote, compared with 22% for Robinson, 20% for Michelle Watley and 9% for Kimberly DeWitt.

“I am so excited, grateful, thankful and just want to continue to turn the page,” Paige said. “After I noticed this man wasn’t going for the people in the district, he voted with the Republicans and for the Republicans, I thought we needed to do something to help the people.”

Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha Republican who has represented his district for 20 years, finished in third place. Pyle rankled party members who accused him of helping Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly win reelection by running as an independent candidate for governor in 2022. He also routinely challenged Senate leadership, who redrew his district to make it more difficult for him to win reelection.

Craig Bowser, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran from Holton, was leading the race with 41% of the vote over Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison physician, with 37%. Pyle had 23%.

In a Democratic primary in Lawrence, five-term Sen. Marci Francisco held off a challenge from Rep. Christina Haswood, who was backed by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

In a victory speech Tuesday night at Black Stag Brewery and Pub, Francisco told supporters she “absolutely did not get here on my own.”

“I have had so many people come out, be willing to walk, be willing to talk to their friends, be willing to write postcards, give me advice, give me endorsements,” Francisco said.

Francisco emphasized her experience as a legislator, during which she has never missed a vote, in a race where there was little policy difference between the two candidates.

“I mean, it was two people who are essentially saying the same thing, right?” Francisco said. “We want to expand Medicaid. We want to be concerned about the environment. We want to fund public education.”

In a Democratic Senate primary in Topeka, Navy veteran Patrick Schmidt won 54% of the vote to defeat longtime legislator and House Minority Leader Vic Miller, who had 34%, and educator ShaMecha King Simms with 12%.

Republican Sens. Chase Blasi, of Wichita; Brenda Dietrich, of Topeka; Beverly Gossage, of Eudora; Caryn Tyson, of Parker; Tim Shallenburger, of Baxter Springs; and Elaine Bowers, of Concordia, defeated or held large leads over primary challengers. Democratic Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, also defeated a challenger.

Rep. Tory Marie Blew, of Great Bend, defeated John Sturn, of Ellinwood, in the GOP primary for a Senate seat.

Seven other House members who are seeking a Senate seat didn’t have a primary opponent.

Among contested House races, Leavenworth County Commissioner Mike Stieben led Rep. Lance Neelly, of Tonganoxie, by 41 votes after all ballots were counted Tuesday night in the GOP primary for Neelly’s House seat. But the outcome could depend on mail-in ballots, as long as they are postmarked by Tuesday and received by Friday, as well as provisional ballots.

Rep. Mark Schreiber, an Emporia Republican, won 64% of the vote to defeat businessman Will Spencer.

Micah Kubic, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, praised voters for favoring Schreiber, who is viewed as a moderate, and for disposing of Robinson, who cast anti-LGBTQ+ votes. The ACLU of Kansas PAC targeted both races with “educational materials.”

“Kansans have had enough of politicians’ misinformation or misrepresentation of their positions,” Kubic said. “When given truthful, reliable, and accurate sources focused on issues of civil liberties and civil rights, voters prioritize those issues even amidst the noise of the campaign season.”

Former Rep. Steve Huebert, a Valley Center Republican, won 64% of the vote in a four-way race for a seat he held until two years ago. Rep. Carl Maughan, of Colwich, was on the ballot but stopped campaigning after the Kansas Supreme Court in June suspended his law license for engaging in a conflict of interest. Maughan also was arrested in March after driving drunk.

Alexis Simmons, a Topeka Democrat who was the spokeswoman for House Democrats, won 85% of the vote in Miller’s House district.

Brooklynne Mosley, a Lawrence Democrat and Air Force veteran, won 67% of the vote in a three-way race for a House seat.

In the House, 33 Republicans and 19 Democrats will be unopposed in November. In the Senate, six Republicans and three Democrats will run unopposed in November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720316487639.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">MAYA SMITH</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a>&nbsp;- <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — Kansas voters on Tuesday ousted an incumbent Senate Republican and House Democrat who were seen as traitors by their parties, expanding an expected shakeup of the Legislature and setting the stage for a high-stakes general election.In the 40-member Senate, there will be at least 12 newcomers by January. In the 125-member House, there will be at least 21 newcomers. Those numbers could increase, depending on November results, when Democrats hope to break GOP supermajorities in both chambers.Democratic voters in Kansas City favored educator Wanda Brownlee Paige over incumbent Rep. Marvin Robinson, who voted almost exclusively with Republicans for most of his single term in office. He was backed by GOP-aligned special interest groups, which flooded the district with mailers favorable to Robinson. But Paige prevailed with 49% of the vote, compared with 22% for Robinson, 20% for Michelle Watley and 9% for Kimberly DeWitt.“I am so excited, grateful, thankful and just want to continue to turn the page,” Paige said. “After I noticed this man wasn’t going for the people in the district, he voted with the Republicans and for the Republicans, I thought we needed to do something to help the people.”Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha Republican who has represented his district for 20 years, finished in third place. Pyle rankled party members who accused him of helping Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly win reelection by running as an independent candidate for governor in 2022. He also routinely challenged Senate leadership, who redrew his district to make it more difficult for him to win reelection.Craig Bowser, a U.S. Army Reserve veteran from Holton, was leading the race with 41% of the vote over Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison physician, with 37%. Pyle had 23%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723043984598.png" alt="Democratic Sen. Marci Francisco waits for results at her watch party Aug. 6, 2024, at Black Stag Brewery and Pub in Lawrence. Francisco defeated Rep. Christina Haswood. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic Sen. Marci Francisco waits for results at her watch party Aug. 6, 2024, at Black Stag Brewery and Pub in Lawrence. Francisco defeated Rep. Christina Haswood. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>In a Democratic primary in Lawrence, five-term Sen. Marci Francisco held off a challenge from Rep. Christina Haswood, who was backed by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.In a victory speech Tuesday night at Black Stag Brewery and Pub, Francisco told supporters she “absolutely did not get here on my own.”“I have had so many people come out, be willing to walk, be willing to talk to their friends, be willing to write postcards, give me advice, give me endorsements,” Francisco said.Francisco emphasized her experience as a legislator, during which she has never missed a vote, in a race where there was little policy difference between the two candidates.“I mean, it was two people who are essentially saying the same thing, right?” Francisco said. “We want to expand Medicaid. We want to be concerned about the environment. We want to fund public education.”In a Democratic Senate primary in Topeka, Navy veteran Patrick Schmidt won 54% of the vote to defeat longtime legislator and House Minority Leader Vic Miller, who had 34%, and educator ShaMecha King Simms with 12%.Republican Sens. Chase Blasi, of Wichita; Brenda Dietrich, of Topeka; Beverly Gossage, of Eudora; Caryn Tyson, of Parker; Tim Shallenburger, of Baxter Springs; and Elaine Bowers, of Concordia, defeated or held large leads over primary challengers. Democratic Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, also defeated a challenger.Rep. Tory Marie Blew, of Great Bend, defeated John Sturn, of Ellinwood, in the GOP primary for a Senate seat.Seven other House members who are seeking a Senate seat didn’t have a primary opponent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723044047344.png" alt="Rep. Mark Schreiber appears at an April 25, 2024, event in Emporia with Gov. Laura Kelly to promote Medicaid expansion. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Mark Schreiber appears at an April 25, 2024, event in Emporia with Gov. Laura Kelly to promote Medicaid expansion. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Among contested House races, Leavenworth County Commissioner Mike Stieben led Rep. Lance Neelly, of Tonganoxie, by 41 votes after all ballots were counted Tuesday night in the GOP primary for Neelly’s House seat. But the outcome could depend on mail-in ballots, as long as they are postmarked by Tuesday and received by Friday, as well as provisional ballots.Rep. Mark Schreiber, an Emporia Republican, won 64% of the vote to defeat businessman Will Spencer.Micah Kubic, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, praised voters for favoring Schreiber, who is viewed as a moderate, and for disposing of Robinson, who cast anti-LGBTQ+ votes. The ACLU of Kansas PAC targeted both races with “educational materials.”“Kansans have had enough of politicians’ misinformation or misrepresentation of their positions,” Kubic said. “When given truthful, reliable, and accurate sources focused on issues of civil liberties and civil rights, voters prioritize those issues even amidst the noise of the campaign season.”Former Rep. Steve Huebert, a Valley Center Republican, won 64% of the vote in a four-way race for a seat he held until two years ago. Rep. Carl Maughan, of Colwich, was on the ballot but stopped campaigning after the Kansas Supreme Court in June suspended his law license for engaging in a conflict of interest. Maughan also was arrested in March after driving drunk.Alexis Simmons, a Topeka Democrat who was the spokeswoman for House Democrats, won 85% of the vote in Miller’s House district.Brooklynne Mosley, a Lawrence Democrat and Air Force veteran, won 67% of the vote in a three-way race for a House seat.In the House, 33 Republicans and 19 Democrats will be unopposed in November. In the Senate, six Republicans and three Democrats will run unopposed in November.

Senate Republican and House Democrat ousted by primary challengers in Kansas legislative races

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Dave Wasinger secured the Republican nomination for Missouri’s lieutenant governor on Tuesday, emerging out of a crowded primary where candidates spent millions seeking the office.&nbsp;

With all precincts reporting, Wasinger led state Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield by just under 7,500 votes.

Wasinger is an attorney from St. Louis who has not previously held elected office.&nbsp;

The lieutenant governor is next in line for governor, sits on various boards and breaks ties in the state Senate. In Missouri, unlike many other states, the lieutenant governor doesn’t run on a ticket with the governor.&nbsp;

Wasinger is an attorney at a St. Louis law firm he owns and manages, and a certified public accountant.

Wasinger grew up in Hannibal and attended the University of Missouri and then Vanderbilt Law School, before moving to St. Louis. He has worked at the law firm for over 20 years, specializing in business litigation.

After the 2008 financial crisis, Wasinger “took on Wall Street banks,” he said, representing whistleblowers in financial fraud cases against Countrywide Home Loans and JP Morgan Chase. The whistleblowers were key witnesses in the federal government’s case against the banks, helping federal prosecutors recover billions of dollars.&nbsp;

Wasinger said the position of lieutenant governor “serves as a great bully pulpit to expose this corruption and these insider deals taking place in Jefferson City.”

Wasinger and state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder received a last minute dual endorsement from former President Donald Trump, on Monday evening. Trump called Rehder and Wasinger “two highly respected America First patriots.”&nbsp;

Wasinger was the main funder of his own campaign, loaning himself $2.6 million, as of July 31 campaign finance filings.

Hough raised the most money in the race. Hough’s campaign had raised $642,000 since the start of 2023 and $2.5 million through his joint fundraising committee, as of the latest campaign fundraising reports due July 31. Rehder had raised $555,000 through her campaign fund and another $369,000 through her joint fundraising committee.&nbsp;

The other Republican candidates were businessman Paul Berry III and county clerk Tim Baker.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720613080951.png" alt="Dave Wasinger -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dave Wasinger -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Dave Wasinger secured the Republican nomination for Missouri’s lieutenant governor on Tuesday, emerging out of a crowded primary where candidates spent millions seeking the office.&nbsp;With all precincts reporting, Wasinger led state Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield by just under 7,500 votes.Wasinger is an attorney from St. Louis who has not previously held elected office.&nbsp;The lieutenant governor is next in line for governor, sits on various boards and breaks ties in the state Senate. In Missouri, unlike many other states, the lieutenant governor doesn’t run on a ticket with the governor.&nbsp;Wasinger is an attorney at a St. Louis law firm he owns and manages, and a certified public accountant.Wasinger grew up in Hannibal and attended the University of Missouri and then Vanderbilt Law School, before moving to St. Louis. He has worked at the law firm for over 20 years, specializing in business litigation.After the 2008 financial crisis, Wasinger “took on Wall Street banks,” he said, representing whistleblowers in financial fraud cases against Countrywide Home Loans and JP Morgan Chase. The whistleblowers were key witnesses in the federal government’s case against the banks, helping federal prosecutors recover billions of dollars.&nbsp;Wasinger said the position of lieutenant governor “serves as a great bully pulpit to expose this corruption and these insider deals taking place in Jefferson City.”Wasinger and state Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder received a last minute dual endorsement from former President Donald Trump, on Monday evening. Trump called Rehder and Wasinger “two highly respected America First patriots.”&nbsp;Wasinger was the main funder of his own campaign, loaning himself $2.6 million, as of July 31 campaign finance filings.Hough raised the most money in the race. Hough’s campaign had raised $642,000 since the start of 2023 and $2.5 million through his joint fundraising committee, as of the latest campaign fundraising reports due July 31. Rehder had raised $555,000 through her campaign fund and another $369,000 through her joint fundraising committee.&nbsp;The other Republican candidates were businessman Paul Berry III and county clerk Tim Baker.

Dave Wasinger wins Republican primary for Missouri lieutenant governor 

Missouri voters on Tuesday rejected an attempt by lawmakers to exempt child care facilities from paying property taxes, an incentive supporters hoped would help with the state’s day care shortage.

When the Associated Press called the race at 10:30 p.m., more than 54% of Missourians had voted against amending the Missouri Constitution to offer the property tax exemption. It’s one of several attempts by lawmakers in recent years to take action on the state’s shortage of child care facilities.

“This is just one incentive to try to make that easier for the facilities,” state Sen. Travis Fitzwater said during a committee hearing on the bill last year.

According to the language on voters’ ballots, the exemption was “intended to make child care more available, which would support the well-being of children, families, the workforce and society as a whole.”&nbsp;

An investigation by The Independent and Muckrock found nearly one in five Missouri children lives in a “child care desert,” where there are more than three children under the age of six for every licensed child care slot. Some areas have more than 20 children per licensed seat or no daycare access at all.&nbsp;

Even in areas with plenty of licensed child care seats, staffing shortages mean facilities can’t operate at full capacity. It can be difficult to hire for child care jobs, which paid, on average, less than $12 an hour in 2021.&nbsp;

And while COVID relief funding poured into Missouri to help with the shortage, it largely went to ZIP codes that weren’t child care deserts, The Independent and MuckRock found.&nbsp;

It’s unclear how much money child care providers might have saved statewide if the property tax exemption had passed. Voters’ ballots said local governments were unsure what the fiscal impact might be to their budgets.

But the hope for supporters was that saving child care providers money might help with the shortage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s going to take an all-of-the-above approach to tackling the child care crisis,” Heidi Geisbuhler Sutherland, a lobbyist for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a hearing last year.&nbsp;

When the legislation came before Missouri lawmakers, it had support from an array of child care and economic development organizations, including the chamber. Geisbuhler Sutherland said business owners have told the chamber that the lack of child care makes it difficult for companies to find workers.

Missouri lawmakers have considered an array of options to deal with the child care shortage. This spring, Gov. Mike Parson pushed a package of child care tax credits, but the legislation stalled in the Senate because of ultra-conservative opposition to “welfare” or the attempt to “give away free child care.”

Parson called for the tax credits in his State of the State speech in January, noting Missouri had enough licensed facilities to serve just 39% of children, and proposed a budget that increased child care subsidies by $51.7 million.

Nina Hampton of Columbia voted at American Legion Post 202 and opposed the child care property tax amendment.&nbsp;

“Corporations are paying off the politicians,” she said. “The poor guy keeps paying and paying but the corporations get everything.”

The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659454107573.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri voters on Tuesday rejected an attempt by lawmakers to exempt child care facilities from paying property taxes, an incentive supporters hoped would help with the state’s day care shortage.When the Associated Press called the race at 10:30 p.m., more than 54% of Missourians had voted against amending the Missouri Constitution to offer the property tax exemption. It’s one of several attempts by lawmakers in recent years to take action on the state’s shortage of child care facilities.“This is just one incentive to try to make that easier for the facilities,” state Sen. Travis Fitzwater said during a committee hearing on the bill last year.According to the language on voters’ ballots, the exemption was “intended to make child care more available, which would support the well-being of children, families, the workforce and society as a whole.”&nbsp;An investigation by The Independent and Muckrock found nearly one in five Missouri children lives in a “child care desert,” where there are more than three children under the age of six for every licensed child care slot. Some areas have more than 20 children per licensed seat or no daycare access at all.&nbsp;Even in areas with plenty of licensed child care seats, staffing shortages mean facilities can’t operate at full capacity. It can be difficult to hire for child care jobs, which paid, on average, less than $12 an hour in 2021.&nbsp;And while COVID relief funding poured into Missouri to help with the shortage, it largely went to ZIP codes that weren’t child care deserts, The Independent and MuckRock found.&nbsp;It’s unclear how much money child care providers might have saved statewide if the property tax exemption had passed. Voters’ ballots said local governments were unsure what the fiscal impact might be to their budgets.But the hope for supporters was that saving child care providers money might help with the shortage.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s going to take an all-of-the-above approach to tackling the child care crisis,” Heidi Geisbuhler Sutherland, a lobbyist for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a hearing last year.&nbsp;When the legislation came before Missouri lawmakers, it had support from an array of child care and economic development organizations, including the chamber. Geisbuhler Sutherland said business owners have told the chamber that the lack of child care makes it difficult for companies to find workers.Missouri lawmakers have considered an array of options to deal with the child care shortage. This spring, Gov. Mike Parson pushed a package of child care tax credits, but the legislation stalled in the Senate because of ultra-conservative opposition to “welfare” or the attempt to “give away free child care.”Parson called for the tax credits in his State of the State speech in January, noting Missouri had enough licensed facilities to serve just 39% of children, and proposed a budget that increased child care subsidies by $51.7 million.He said: “It’s time for change.”Nina Hampton of Columbia voted at American Legion Post 202 and opposed the child care property tax amendment.&nbsp;“Corporations are paying off the politicians,” she said. “The poor guy keeps paying and paying but the corporations get everything.”The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

Missouri voters reject property tax break for child care facilities

WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, a complaint was unsealed in Brooklyn charging Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, 46, with murder-for-hire as part of an alleged scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. Law enforcement foiled the charged plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant is in federal custody.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1362846/dl?inline">Click here to read</a> the criminal complaint

“For years, the Justice Department has been working aggressively to counter Iran’s brazen and unrelenting efforts to retaliate against American public officials for the killing of Iranian General Soleimani,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will spare no resource to disrupt and hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens and will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to target American public officials and endanger America’s national security.”

“This dangerous murder-for-hire plot exposed in today’s complaint allegedly was orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian playbook,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.&nbsp;“A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI.” &nbsp;

“The complaint unsealed today underscores, yet again, that those who engage in lethal plotting on U.S. soil will face the full force of the American justice system,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The targeting of former and current officials by foreign actors is an affront to our sovereignty and our democratic institutions and the Department of Justice will use every possible tool to expose and disrupt this egregious activity.”

“Working on behalf of others overseas, Merchant planned the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This prosecution demonstrates that this office and the entire Department of Justice will take swift and decisive action to protect our nation’s security, our government officials and our citizens from foreign threats

“Fortunately, the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were undercover FBI Agents,” said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. “This case underscores the dedication and formidable efforts of our agents, analysts and prosecutors in New York, Houston, and Dallas.&nbsp;Their success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting our nation and its citizens from both domestic and international threats.”

According to allegations contained in the complaint and related publicly filed court documents, Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. In approximately April 2024, after spending time in Iran, Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan and contacted a person he believed could assist him with the scheme. That person reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source (the CS).&nbsp;

In early June, Merchant met the CS in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told the CS that the opportunity he had for the CS was not a one-time opportunity and would be ongoing. Merchant then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” meaning in the United States. Merchant instructed the CS to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions.&nbsp;Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1)&nbsp;stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.&nbsp;

At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed the CS on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked the CS to explain how a target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told the CS that there would be “security [] all around” the person.&nbsp;

Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with the CS from overseas using code words. The CS asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States.

In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies, and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill either the last week of August or the first week of September, after Merchant had departed the United States.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722990788867.png" alt="Merchant photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Merchant photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Tuesday, a complaint was unsealed in Brooklyn charging Asif Merchant, also known as Asif Raza Merchant, 46, with murder-for-hire as part of an alleged scheme to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. Law enforcement foiled the charged plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant is in federal custody.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1362846/dl?inline">Click here to read</a> the criminal complaint“For years, the Justice Department has been working aggressively to counter Iran’s brazen and unrelenting efforts to retaliate against American public officials for the killing of Iranian General Soleimani,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will spare no resource to disrupt and hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran’s lethal plotting against American citizens and will not tolerate attempts by an authoritarian regime to target American public officials and endanger America’s national security.”“This dangerous murder-for-hire plot exposed in today’s complaint allegedly was orchestrated by a Pakistani national with close ties to Iran and is straight out of the Iranian playbook,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray.&nbsp;“A foreign-directed plot to kill a public official, or any U.S. citizen, is a threat to our national security and will be met with the full might and resources of the FBI.” &nbsp;“The complaint unsealed today underscores, yet again, that those who engage in lethal plotting on U.S. soil will face the full force of the American justice system,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The targeting of former and current officials by foreign actors is an affront to our sovereignty and our democratic institutions and the Department of Justice will use every possible tool to expose and disrupt this egregious activity.”“Working on behalf of others overseas, Merchant planned the murder of U.S. government officials on American soil,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “This prosecution demonstrates that this office and the entire Department of Justice will take swift and decisive action to protect our nation’s security, our government officials and our citizens from foreign threats“Fortunately, the assassins Merchant allegedly tried to hire were undercover FBI Agents,” said Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis of the FBI New York Field Office. “This case underscores the dedication and formidable efforts of our agents, analysts and prosecutors in New York, Houston, and Dallas.&nbsp;Their success in neutralizing this threat not only prevented a tragic outcome but also reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to protecting our nation and its citizens from both domestic and international threats.”According to allegations contained in the complaint and related publicly filed court documents, Merchant orchestrated a plot to assassinate a politician or U.S. government official on U.S. soil. In approximately April 2024, after spending time in Iran, Merchant arrived in the United States from Pakistan and contacted a person he believed could assist him with the scheme. That person reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source (the CS).&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722990871698.png" alt="&nbsp;Merchant paid the undercover officers $5,000 -photo Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Merchant paid the undercover officers $5,000 -photo Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>In early June, Merchant met the CS in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told the CS that the opportunity he had for the CS was not a one-time opportunity and would be ongoing. Merchant then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” meaning in the United States. Merchant instructed the CS to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions.&nbsp;Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1)&nbsp;stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.&nbsp;At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed the CS on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked the CS to explain how a target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told the CS that there would be “security [] all around” the person.&nbsp;Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with the CS from overseas using code words. The CS asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States.In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies, and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill either the last week of August or the first week of September, after Merchant had departed the United States.&nbsp;Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.”&nbsp;The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.” &nbsp;Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On July 12, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country. Merchant has stated that he has a wife and children in Iran and a wife and children in Pakistan.The FBI is investigating the case.

Kbct