(Radio Iowa) - It’s been just over a week since Vice President Kamala Harris announced her intention to run “and win” the Democratic presidential nomination, and while Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley agrees Harris' momentum is strong at the moment, he predicts it won't last. 

Grassley says the boost is temporary "because nobody's focused on her record." Grassley, a Republican, asserts voters need to take a closer look at Harris' views and how she voted during the four years she was in the U-S Senate. He says a survey ranked her among the most liberal members of Congress.

(Radio Iowa) - It’s been just over a week since Vice President Kamala Harris announced her intention to run “and win” the Democratic presidential nomination, and while Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley agrees Harris' momentum is strong at the moment, he predicts it won't last. Grassley says the boost is temporary "because nobody's focused on her record." Grassley, a Republican, asserts voters need to take a closer look at Harris' views and how she voted during the four years she was in the U-S Senate. He says a survey ranked her among the most liberal members of Congress.

Grassley predicts Harris' popularity boost is only temporary

Units in the separate division, put in place after campus protests in 2015, will be moved into other offices to reduce political visibility and protect budget allocations, system president Mun Choi says

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

The University of Missouri will eliminate its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2016/07/19/new-university-missouri-division-pulls/21802167007/" target="_blank">division focused on diversity, social equity and inclusion</a>&nbsp;on the Columbia campus, completing the dismantling of administrative structures put in place after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/politics/2015/11/12/semester-strife-capped-longstanding-issues/21777673007/" target="_blank">protests in 2015</a>&nbsp;brought national attention to issues of racial equality.

The move coincides with the departure of division Vice Chancellor Maurice Gipson. It is designed to appease Republicans who are showing hostility towards efforts designed to attract and retain students from historically underrepresented groups, Mun Choi, University of Missouri System president and Columbia campus chancellor, said at a briefing with reporters last week.

There have been 13 bills targeting diversity, equity and inclusion filed in the legislature over the past two years Choi noted. During debate on the state budget during 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/30/diversity-debate-dominates-house-action-on-missouri-state-budget/">Republicans in the Missouri House</a>&nbsp;added language banning any diversity efforts across state government, language that was deleted before the final budget passed.

One of the leading Republican candidates for governor, state Sen. Bill Eigel, has said he will fire every state employee who works to promote diversity and equity in state agencies, including universities.

“We realize the political situations that have occurred in other universities across the United States, including Texas, and Florida, Utah, and now Alabama, as well as many others,” Choi said.

Choi said the university has lobbied heavily against legislative action.

“We do believe that our proactive approaches in the past have really played an important role when diverting these bills from passing and I will be sharing our plans with elected leaders beginning this week,” he said.

The top goal is to protect the university’s operating and capital appropriations, Choi said.

“As a university we see about $500 million per year in appropriations and $200 million in capital one-time projects,” Choi said. “If we don’t see the $700 million dollars per year, we would have to eliminate every single position at all of the colleges that we have at universities. That is not a risk that I want to take.”

Gipson, hired as vice chancellor in 2020, is leaving to become interim president at Philander Smith University, an historically Black college in Arkansas. The four units of the division will be moved into other offices, which Choi said will make their mission part of the overall mission in each office.

No employees will lose their jobs, Choi said.

Gipson, who joined Choi in the briefing, said he’s confident that the work begun in the division will continue.

“We’ve been inspired and impressed that our colleagues here say, ‘this is going to work, we don’t have to all be underneath, necessarily the same place to get this work done,’” Gipson said.

The division’s units were moved out of the offices where they will return as part of a university commitment following the events of the fall of 2015, when long-simmering grievances about racial issues on campus led to a protest movement called Concerned Student 1950.&nbsp;

The student group chose a name that reflected the year the first Black student was admitted to the school, which was founded in 1839. It sought to bring attention to overlooked school history that the campus was founded on the wealth of slaveholders and partially built with the labor of enslaved people.

A large group of students created a tent city, a graduate student&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/quest-for-justice-drives-mu-hunger-striker-to-grab-things-by-the-root/article_8fbbb75e-873a-11e5-a683-4f42206b7731.html" target="_blank">started a hunger strike</a>&nbsp;and the protests grabbed international attention when the Missouri Tiger football team joined the protest, stating they&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/mizzou_football/missouri-football-players-flexed-muscle-with-proposed-boycott/article_6fe200c4-873e-11e5-bb7d-33e0fbceffb5.html" target="_blank">would not participate in sports</a>&nbsp;until administrators showed they were meeting the demands that included the resignation of then-system President Tim Wolfe.

Other demands&nbsp;<a href="https://krcgtv.com/news/local/concerned-student-1950-reissues-list-of-demands" target="_blank">included more Black faculty</a>, a plan to increase the retention rates for marginalized students and increased funding and personnel for the student support centers.

Wolfe resigned in November 2015 and the protest ended. In the year between his removal and the announcement that Choi would become the new permanent president, the university established both a campus division and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2016/06/14/university-missouri-system-diversity-officer/21833843007/" target="_blank">system vice-presidency focused</a>&nbsp;on DEI efforts.

Choi, who was born in Korea, is the first non-white president of the university. He became campus chancellor in 2020, becoming the first president since the university system was established in the 1960s to hold both jobs.

“This reporting structure in the chancellor’s office is important to cementing the level of support for this work,” Kevin McDonald, then-chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the UM System and vice chancellor for inclusion, diversity and equity on the MU campus&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2016/07/19/new-university-missouri-division-pulls/21802167007/" target="_blank">told the Columbia Daily Tribune in 2016.</a>&nbsp;“I would hope it elevates the level of visibility of the work they have been doing.”

Despite those efforts, Black enrollment on the Columbia campus has fallen from 7.3% of the student body in fall 2015 to 5.3% last fall. The share of Hispanic students has increased to 5.5% from 3.5% in fall 2015 and the share of Asian students has increased from 3% from 2.2%.

The share of white students has remained virtually unchanged at about 77%.

The university anticipates an 11% increase in Black students and a 14% increase in Hispanic students on campus this fall, Choi said.

One specific demand was to increase Black representation among faculty to 10%. Black academics made up 3.5% of tenured and tenure-track faculty on the Columbia campus in the fall of 2023, down from 4.2% in 2018, the target year for the 10% goal.

While the share of Black students and faculty has declined, graduation rates for underrepresented ethnic groups on campus have increased, Choi said. The Columbia campus has the highest six-year graduation rate for Black students among public universities in Missouri, he said, and is near the median of flagship universities in nearby states for Black faculty.

The university began removing the structures put in place following the protests last year after a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/29/us-supreme-court-strikes-down-use-of-affirmative-action-in-college-admissions/">U.S. Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;that ruled race-based admission policies were unconstitutional.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey ordered universities to “immediately cease their practice of using race-based standards to make decisions about things like admission, scholarships, programs and employment.”

The university responded by&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/30/university-of-missouri-students-reflect-on-end-of-race-based-scholarships/">ending preferences in a number of scholarships</a>&nbsp;and persuading donors to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/13/racial-criteria-removed-by-university-of-missouri-system-from-millions-of-dollars-in-student-aid/">remove any racial or ethnic criteria</a>&nbsp;from endowed programs. It also stopped requiring applicants for system administration jobs to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/education/campus/2023/03/29/diversity-statements-no-longer-allowed-in-hiring-for-um-system-jobs/70057922007/" target="_blank">include diversity statements</a>&nbsp;in their job submissions.

Choi said the university has used those actions as part of its lobbying strategy.

“We do believe that our proactive approaches in the past have really played an important role when diverting these bills from passing,” Choi said, “and I will be sharing our plans with elected leaders.”

There were issues identified with a separate structure that the reorganization will address, Choi said.

“Because the ID division that works on student success programs were operating in an organization that was outside of the rest of the student success organization that’s in the Provost Office, there’s less opportunity to be inclusive, and less opportunities to be collaborative in that process,” he said.

The goal of the reorganization, Choi said, is to preserve the jobs and programs but to make them less visible.

“When you read the headlines that are out there, nationally, DEI is seen as an ideology, and it may be viewed by some as being exclusionary in the name of inclusion,” Choi said. “That is not what we do at the University of Missouri.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722363995990.png" alt="University of Missouri System President Mun Choi discusses plans to reorganize diversity, equity and inclusion efforts by ending a separate campus division during a Friday briefing with reporters. He was joined by Vice Chancellor Maurice Gipson, who headed the division and is leaving for a new post in Arkansas. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>University of Missouri System President Mun Choi discusses plans to reorganize diversity, equity and inclusion efforts by ending a separate campus division during a Friday briefing with reporters. He was joined by Vice Chancellor Maurice Gipson, who headed the division and is leaving for a new post in Arkansas. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Units in the separate division, put in place after campus protests in 2015, will be moved into other offices to reduce political visibility and protect budget allocations, system president Mun Choi says</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>The University of Missouri will eliminate its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2016/07/19/new-university-missouri-division-pulls/21802167007/" target="_blank">division focused on diversity, social equity and inclusion</a>&nbsp;on the Columbia campus, completing the dismantling of administrative structures put in place after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/politics/2015/11/12/semester-strife-capped-longstanding-issues/21777673007/" target="_blank">protests in 2015</a>&nbsp;brought national attention to issues of racial equality.The move coincides with the departure of division Vice Chancellor Maurice Gipson. It is designed to appease Republicans who are showing hostility towards efforts designed to attract and retain students from historically underrepresented groups, Mun Choi, University of Missouri System president and Columbia campus chancellor, said at a briefing with reporters last week.There have been 13 bills targeting diversity, equity and inclusion filed in the legislature over the past two years Choi noted. During debate on the state budget during 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/03/30/diversity-debate-dominates-house-action-on-missouri-state-budget/">Republicans in the Missouri House</a>&nbsp;added language banning any diversity efforts across state government, language that was deleted before the final budget passed.One of the leading Republican candidates for governor, state Sen. Bill Eigel, has said he will fire every state employee who works to promote diversity and equity in state agencies, including universities.“We realize the political situations that have occurred in other universities across the United States, including Texas, and Florida, Utah, and now Alabama, as well as many others,” Choi said.Choi said the university has lobbied heavily against legislative action.“We do believe that our proactive approaches in the past have really played an important role when diverting these bills from passing and I will be sharing our plans with elected leaders beginning this week,” he said.The top goal is to protect the university’s operating and capital appropriations, Choi said.“As a university we see about $500 million per year in appropriations and $200 million in capital one-time projects,” Choi said. “If we don’t see the $700 million dollars per year, we would have to eliminate every single position at all of the colleges that we have at universities. That is not a risk that I want to take.”Gipson, hired as vice chancellor in 2020, is leaving to become interim president at Philander Smith University, an historically Black college in Arkansas. The four units of the division will be moved into other offices, which Choi said will make their mission part of the overall mission in each office.No employees will lose their jobs, Choi said.Gipson, who joined Choi in the briefing, said he’s confident that the work begun in the division will continue.“We’ve been inspired and impressed that our colleagues here say, ‘this is going to work, we don’t have to all be underneath, necessarily the same place to get this work done,’” Gipson said.The division’s units were moved out of the offices where they will return as part of a university commitment following the events of the fall of 2015, when long-simmering grievances about racial issues on campus led to a protest movement called Concerned Student 1950.&nbsp;The student group chose a name that reflected the year the first Black student was admitted to the school, which was founded in 1839. It sought to bring attention to overlooked school history that the campus was founded on the wealth of slaveholders and partially built with the labor of enslaved people.A large group of students created a tent city, a graduate student&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/quest-for-justice-drives-mu-hunger-striker-to-grab-things-by-the-root/article_8fbbb75e-873a-11e5-a683-4f42206b7731.html" target="_blank">started a hunger strike</a>&nbsp;and the protests grabbed international attention when the Missouri Tiger football team joined the protest, stating they&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/mizzou_football/missouri-football-players-flexed-muscle-with-proposed-boycott/article_6fe200c4-873e-11e5-bb7d-33e0fbceffb5.html" target="_blank">would not participate in sports</a>&nbsp;until administrators showed they were meeting the demands that included the resignation of then-system President Tim Wolfe.Other demands&nbsp;<a href="https://krcgtv.com/news/local/concerned-student-1950-reissues-list-of-demands" target="_blank">included more Black faculty</a>, a plan to increase the retention rates for marginalized students and increased funding and personnel for the student support centers.Wolfe resigned in November 2015 and the protest ended. In the year between his removal and the announcement that Choi would become the new permanent president, the university established both a campus division and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2016/06/14/university-missouri-system-diversity-officer/21833843007/" target="_blank">system vice-presidency focused</a>&nbsp;on DEI efforts.Choi, who was born in Korea, is the first non-white president of the university. He became campus chancellor in 2020, becoming the first president since the university system was established in the 1960s to hold both jobs.“This reporting structure in the chancellor’s office is important to cementing the level of support for this work,” Kevin McDonald, then-chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the UM System and vice chancellor for inclusion, diversity and equity on the MU campus&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2016/07/19/new-university-missouri-division-pulls/21802167007/" target="_blank">told the Columbia Daily Tribune in 2016.</a>&nbsp;“I would hope it elevates the level of visibility of the work they have been doing.”Despite those efforts, Black enrollment on the Columbia campus has fallen from 7.3% of the student body in fall 2015 to 5.3% last fall. The share of Hispanic students has increased to 5.5% from 3.5% in fall 2015 and the share of Asian students has increased from 3% from 2.2%.The share of white students has remained virtually unchanged at about 77%.The university anticipates an 11% increase in Black students and a 14% increase in Hispanic students on campus this fall, Choi said.One specific demand was to increase Black representation among faculty to 10%. Black academics made up 3.5% of tenured and tenure-track faculty on the Columbia campus in the fall of 2023, down from 4.2% in 2018, the target year for the 10% goal.While the share of Black students and faculty has declined, graduation rates for underrepresented ethnic groups on campus have increased, Choi said. The Columbia campus has the highest six-year graduation rate for Black students among public universities in Missouri, he said, and is near the median of flagship universities in nearby states for Black faculty.The university began removing the structures put in place following the protests last year after a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/29/us-supreme-court-strikes-down-use-of-affirmative-action-in-college-admissions/">U.S. Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;that ruled race-based admission policies were unconstitutional.Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey ordered universities to “immediately cease their practice of using race-based standards to make decisions about things like admission, scholarships, programs and employment.”The university responded by&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/30/university-of-missouri-students-reflect-on-end-of-race-based-scholarships/">ending preferences in a number of scholarships</a>&nbsp;and persuading donors to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/13/racial-criteria-removed-by-university-of-missouri-system-from-millions-of-dollars-in-student-aid/">remove any racial or ethnic criteria</a>&nbsp;from endowed programs. It also stopped requiring applicants for system administration jobs to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/education/campus/2023/03/29/diversity-statements-no-longer-allowed-in-hiring-for-um-system-jobs/70057922007/" target="_blank">include diversity statements</a>&nbsp;in their job submissions.Choi said the university has used those actions as part of its lobbying strategy.“We do believe that our proactive approaches in the past have really played an important role when diverting these bills from passing,” Choi said, “and I will be sharing our plans with elected leaders.”There were issues identified with a separate structure that the reorganization will address, Choi said.“Because the ID division that works on student success programs were operating in an organization that was outside of the rest of the student success organization that’s in the Provost Office, there’s less opportunity to be inclusive, and less opportunities to be collaborative in that process,” he said.The goal of the reorganization, Choi said, is to preserve the jobs and programs but to make them less visible.“When you read the headlines that are out there, nationally, DEI is seen as an ideology, and it may be viewed by some as being exclusionary in the name of inclusion,” Choi said. “That is not what we do at the University of Missouri.”

University of Missouri bows to Republican pressure, eliminates campus DEI division

Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner says
several factors weighed in his decision not to run for re-election.

Though LaTurner, a Republican, says one factor
weighed more in the decision than others.

“I have four young kids at home. They are 13, 12,
nine, and seven. This is a job that I asked for, a job that I have loved in
many respects, but it takes me away from home, a lot.” Turner tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “And so, I just think, I have been doing this for a long time in
the state legislature, as a statewide elected official, now in Congress and it’s
kind of gotten to an inflection point for me.”

“I have enjoyed most aspects of this job, but not
all of them. The inability for Washington to get things done has been an enormous
frustration for me,” LaTurner says. “I’ve been frustrated by the party that’s
in the White House and controls the Senate, of course, because I think their
policies are so wrong headed. And I’ve been disappointed in my own party and our
inability to stick together.”

LaTurner served in the Kansas state legislature
before winning election as the Kansas state Treasurer. He won to the Second
Congressional District in Congress in 2020. He won re-election two years ago.

The Second Congressional District covers all of
eastern Kansas outside the Kansas City metropolitan area.

LaTurner says House Republican in-fighting has
ruined efforts to pass legislation in Congress.

“Our inability to stick together and row in the
same direction to pass good conservative policies for the American people has
been incredibly frustrating,” according to LaTurner.

LaTurner isn’t sure about his next steps.

“I don’t know. I still have some time to figure
that out,” LaTurner says. “I know for sure it involves me being home with
family a lot more than I am right now.” 

LaTurner does say he hopes to have the
opportunity to serve later down the road.

LaTurner will not endorse anyone as his
successor.

Five Republicans and two Democrats have entered the race. Kansas holds its primary August 6th.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722355269911.jpeg" alt="Congressman Jake LaTurner and family campaigning/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Jake LaTurner and family campaigning/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner says
several factors weighed in his decision not to run for re-election.Though LaTurner, a Republican, says one factor
weighed more in the decision than others.“I have four young kids at home. They are 13, 12,
nine, and seven. This is a job that I asked for, a job that I have loved in
many respects, but it takes me away from home, a lot.” Turner tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “And so, I just think, I have been doing this for a long time in
the state legislature, as a statewide elected official, now in Congress and it’s
kind of gotten to an inflection point for me.”That wasn’t the only reason, though.“I have enjoyed most aspects of this job, but not
all of them. The inability for Washington to get things done has been an enormous
frustration for me,” LaTurner says. “I’ve been frustrated by the party that’s
in the White House and controls the Senate, of course, because I think their
policies are so wrong headed. And I’ve been disappointed in my own party and our
inability to stick together.”LaTurner served in the Kansas state legislature
before winning election as the Kansas state Treasurer. He won to the Second
Congressional District in Congress in 2020. He won re-election two years ago.The Second Congressional District covers all of
eastern Kansas outside the Kansas City metropolitan area.LaTurner says House Republican in-fighting has
ruined efforts to pass legislation in Congress.“Our inability to stick together and row in the
same direction to pass good conservative policies for the American people has
been incredibly frustrating,” according to LaTurner.LaTurner isn’t sure about his next steps.“I don’t know. I still have some time to figure
that out,” LaTurner says. “I know for sure it involves me being home with
family a lot more than I am right now.” LaTurner does say he hopes to have the
opportunity to serve later down the road.LaTurner will not endorse anyone as his
successor.Five Republicans and two Democrats have entered the race. Kansas holds its primary August 6th.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Family & frustration - a Kansas Congressman decides against re-election run

MCPHERSON COUNTY — A 14-month old was rescued Sunday afternoon, according to a social media post from Moundridge Police Department.

Just before 2 p.m., Moundridge Police, Fire and EMS were called to a report of a juvenile needing assistance. The child was trapped underground inside a PVC pipe. The pipe was about 12 inches in diameter and 10-12 feet deep. The child was apparently uninjured and upright in the bottom of the pipe.

Emergency crews worked for 15-20 minutes to recover the child. Officer Wagner constructed a makeshift 'catch pole'. This creative solution was instrumental in lifting the child out.

The child was physically OK, though obviously emotionally shaken from the experience.

MCPHERSON COUNTY — A 14-month old was rescued Sunday afternoon, according to a social media post from Moundridge Police Department.Just before 2 p.m., Moundridge Police, Fire and EMS were called to a report of a juvenile needing assistance. The child was trapped underground inside a PVC pipe. The pipe was about 12 inches in diameter and 10-12 feet deep. The child was apparently uninjured and upright in the bottom of the pipe.Emergency crews worked for 15-20 minutes to recover the child. Officer Wagner constructed a makeshift 'catch pole'. This creative solution was instrumental in lifting the child out.The child was physically OK, though obviously emotionally shaken from the experience.

Toddler rescued after trapped in underground pipe

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's Crime Victim Assistance Program -- facing a 42 percent cut in federal funding -- is getting a cash infusion of five-and-a-half MILLION dollars. 

The money comes from unspend federal pandemic relief funds forwarded to Iowa in 2021. Governor Reynolds and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird say it's one-time funding to ensure crime victims continue to get state support to cover the costs of temporary housing, lost wages and any medical expenses associated with the crime. 

Attorney General Bird says the looming federal cut to victim funding meant closing the crime victims hotline and reducing the number of coordinators who are assigned to help victims who are called to testify in court against a perpetrator. Over the past 12 months, more than 54-thousand Iowa crime victims got grants from the state's Crime Victim Assistance Program.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's Crime Victim Assistance Program -- facing a 42 percent cut in federal funding -- is getting a cash infusion of five-and-a-half MILLION dollars. The money comes from unspend federal pandemic relief funds forwarded to Iowa in 2021. Governor Reynolds and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird say it's one-time funding to ensure crime victims continue to get state support to cover the costs of temporary housing, lost wages and any medical expenses associated with the crime. Attorney General Bird says the looming federal cut to victim funding meant closing the crime victims hotline and reducing the number of coordinators who are assigned to help victims who are called to testify in court against a perpetrator. Over the past 12 months, more than 54-thousand Iowa crime victims got grants from the state's Crime Victim Assistance Program.

State officials use pandemic relief funds for Iowa's crime victim assistance program

A 21-year-old St. Joseph man has drowned in the Missouri
River.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Johnathan Harness
never resurfaced while swimming in the Missouri River Sunday afternoon.

Multiple agencies responded and a search of the French Bottom
Access area in St. Joseph early Sunday evening began. Searchers discovered Harness’ body Monday afternoon after four o'clock near where he had been swimming.

The patrol reports the St. Joseph Police Department, the St.
Joseph Fire Department, and the Elwood Fire and Rescue team responded.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 21-year-old St. Joseph man has drowned in the Missouri
River.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Johnathan Harness
never resurfaced while swimming in the Missouri River Sunday afternoon.Multiple agencies responded and a search of the French Bottom
Access area in St. Joseph early Sunday evening began. Searchers discovered Harness’ body Monday afternoon after four o'clock near where he had been swimming.The patrol reports the St. Joseph Police Department, the St.
Joseph Fire Department, and the Elwood Fire and Rescue team responded.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Young St. Joseph man drowns in Missouri River

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

A federal appeals court on Monday ruled that Missouri’s ban on&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++2&amp;bid=48868&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">lawmakers and legislative staff working as lobbyists</a>&nbsp;for two years after leaving office is unconstitutional.

First enacted in 2018 as part of a voter-approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/ballot-measure-would-change-missouri-redistricting/63-611170019" target="_blank">initiative called “Clean Missouri,”</a>&nbsp;the revolving-door law was designed to prevent corruption and the appearance of corruption. But the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals found the restriction violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

“Missouri had to show that it has a compelling anti-corruption interest and that its lobbying ban is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. It did neither,” said Judge David Stras, writing for a three-judge panel.

The lawsuit was filed by former state Rep. Rocky Miller and legislative assistant John LaVanchy, arguing that the two-year ban not only violates the First Amendment but improperly limits their employment opportunities. It was filed against the Missouri Ethics Commission, which is responsible for enforcing the ban.

Miller, a Republican from Lake Ozark, won four terms in the Missouri House and was re-elected to his final term in 2018 at the same election where voters passed the lobbying ban. About 10 months after he left office in January 2021, he received an offer to work as a paid lobbyist for Presidio, a waste management company with headquarters in his hometown.

Miller registered as a lobbyist after the ban expired. He currently has six active clients, including Presidio.

Monday’s decision overturns a ruling last year by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Harpool, who upheld the ban as a way to prevent corruption, noting public officials are fully aware that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/03/judge-rejects-ex-missouri-lawmakers-push-to-overturn-revolving-door-ban-on-lobbying/">accepting a taxpayer-supported job also includes accepting restrictions on speech</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717680016546.jpeg" alt="The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City- House of Rep. photo" />
 <figcaption>The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City- House of Rep. photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>A federal appeals court on Monday ruled that Missouri’s ban on&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++2&amp;bid=48868&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">lawmakers and legislative staff working as lobbyists</a>&nbsp;for two years after leaving office is unconstitutional.First enacted in 2018 as part of a voter-approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/ballot-measure-would-change-missouri-redistricting/63-611170019" target="_blank">initiative called “Clean Missouri,”</a>&nbsp;the revolving-door law was designed to prevent corruption and the appearance of corruption. But the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals found the restriction violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.“Missouri had to show that it has a compelling anti-corruption interest and that its lobbying ban is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. It did neither,” said Judge David Stras, writing for a three-judge panel.The lawsuit was filed by former state Rep. Rocky Miller and legislative assistant John LaVanchy, arguing that the two-year ban not only violates the First Amendment but improperly limits their employment opportunities. It was filed against the Missouri Ethics Commission, which is responsible for enforcing the ban.Miller, a Republican from Lake Ozark, won four terms in the Missouri House and was re-elected to his final term in 2018 at the same election where voters passed the lobbying ban. About 10 months after he left office in January 2021, he received an offer to work as a paid lobbyist for Presidio, a waste management company with headquarters in his hometown.Miller registered as a lobbyist after the ban expired. He currently has six active clients, including Presidio.Monday’s decision overturns a ruling last year by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Harpool, who upheld the ban as a way to prevent corruption, noting public officials are fully aware that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/03/judge-rejects-ex-missouri-lawmakers-push-to-overturn-revolving-door-ban-on-lobbying/">accepting a taxpayer-supported job also includes accepting restrictions on speech</a>.

Federal court strikes down Missouri’s revolving-door lobbying ban

YORK COUNTY —Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol located 77 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and arrested two people during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near York, according to a media release.

At approximately 9:15 a.m. Saturday, a trooper stopped a Hyundai Sonata for speeding on Interstate 80 near York. During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered that the vehicle was not insured.&nbsp;

Prior to towing the vehicle, troopers performed an inventory of the vehicle and discovered numerous container bags of suspected methamphetamine. The total weight of the bags was 77 pounds.

The driver, Rosita Vizcarra, 28, and passenger, Julio Garcia-Guerrero, 26, both of Omaha, were arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession with intent to deliver. Both remain in the York County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722280995060.jpeg" alt="Photo Nebraska State Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Nebraska State Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>YORK COUNTY —Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol located 77 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and arrested two people during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near York, according to a media release.At approximately 9:15 a.m. Saturday, a trooper stopped a Hyundai Sonata for speeding on Interstate 80 near York. During the traffic stop, the trooper discovered that the vehicle was not insured.&nbsp;Prior to towing the vehicle, troopers performed an inventory of the vehicle and discovered numerous container bags of suspected methamphetamine. The total weight of the bags was 77 pounds.The driver, Rosita Vizcarra, 28, and passenger, Julio Garcia-Guerrero, 26, both of Omaha, were arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession with intent to deliver. Both remain in the York County Jail.

Troopers find 77 pounds of meth during traffic stop

(Radio Iowa) - Parts of Iowa saw heavy showers overnight and this (Monday) morning, with more than four inches of rain falling in some areas, but the big weather story this week is likely the heat. 

Meteorologist Brooke Hagenhoff, at the National Weather Service, says some steamy, sticky days are ahead. Hagenhoff says southern Iowa will see heat indices exceeding 100 to 105 degrees this afternoon. 

By Tuesday and Wednesday, that heat will move into central and parts of northern Iowa, with widespread heat indices over 100, while southern Iowa could see 110 degrees or higher. She says thunderstorms midweek should bring in cooler weather by Thursday and Friday.

(Radio Iowa) - Parts of Iowa saw heavy showers overnight and this (Monday) morning, with more than four inches of rain falling in some areas, but the big weather story this week is likely the heat. Meteorologist Brooke Hagenhoff, at the National Weather Service, says some steamy, sticky days are ahead. Hagenhoff says southern Iowa will see heat indices exceeding 100 to 105 degrees this afternoon. By Tuesday and Wednesday, that heat will move into central and parts of northern Iowa, with widespread heat indices over 100, while southern Iowa could see 110 degrees or higher. She says thunderstorms midweek should bring in cooler weather by Thursday and Friday.

Forecast: Parts of Iowa may see heat indices exceed 110 this week

Sen. Jerry Moran also revealed $10 million allocation for cardiovascular labs

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran wrapped a tour Friday of the University of Kansas Health System campus by celebrating a federal appropriation of $10 million for the KU Cancer Center and $10 million earmark for acquisition of sophisticated cardiovascular equipment.

The Kansas senator made his way through research and direct-care facilities, mingled with faculty, physicians and students as well as people who survived cancer and family members of those who didn’t with Kimryn Rathmell, director of the National Cancer Institute. She was making her first official visit as NCI director to one of the nation’s elite cancer centers.

“What’s taking place at the KU Cancer Center is amazing,” Moran said. “The dollars that are being provided to the University of Kansas are dollars that are well spent. There’s still work to be done.”

Moran said half of U.S. men and one-third of U.S. women would at some point in their lives be diagnosed with cancer. Currently, he said, there was no known treatment for cancers afflicting three of 10 people.

“Really what I think the KU Cancer Center is about is providing hope to everyone,” Moran said.

Roy Jensen, a KU vice chancellor and director of the KU Cancer Center, said federal financial support from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute was imperative to advancing research and treatment.

“Sustainable, predictable, ongoing funding from NIH and NCI is absolutely critical to everything we do,” Jensen said. “It is the lifeblood of the University of Kansas Cancer Center. There’s no question. We have an extraordinary opportunity. I’ve been at this business now for 40 years plus and I’ve never been more hopeful in terms of making progress against this disease. But, that progress needs fuel and that’s the NIH budget and the NCI budget.”

During a news conference, Jensen was asked whether federal investment in cancer research was sufficient to meet the medical challenge.

“One of the things I find most exciting is that, in large part, we’re no longer groping in the dark in terms of what direction our research should be focused,” he said. “Cancer and a lot of other biomedical research is becoming a little bit more like engineering, where we understand the problems we face, and there’s tough problems. We have the tools available to us to solve those problems if we are willing to commit the resources to make it happen.”

KU has raised more than $250 million for construction of a large cancer research and treatment facility on the Kansas City campus, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.

“It’s going to be a game-changer for generations to come, both from the research perspective but also from the patient-care perspective. It’s bringing those two things together under one vision that’s really going to move the needle for us,” Girod said.

In June 2023, the KU Cancer Center received a $100 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation to build the state-of-the-art cancer facility. One year ago, Moran announced a $43 million federal appropriation to the Kansas Center’s programs.

The 2024 Kansas Legislature approved and Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a $75 million matching-grant appropriation for the project.

Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of KU Health System, said he personally appreciated federal support for the KU Cancer Center. He was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer four years ago and was treated at KU Health System.

“I was able to have this amazingly talented team take care of me,” he said. “And now, four years later, I’m standing before you cancer-free.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722281301489.png" alt=" U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, toured the KU Cancer Center facilities in Kansas City, Kansas, on Friday and announced a $10 million federal appropriation to cancer research and treatment and a $10 million earmark for cardiovascular laboratory equipment. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, toured the KU Cancer Center facilities in Kansas City, Kansas, on Friday and announced a $10 million federal appropriation to cancer research and treatment and a $10 million earmark for cardiovascular laboratory equipment. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Sen. Jerry Moran also revealed $10 million allocation for cardiovascular labs</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>KANSAS CITY, Kan. — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran wrapped a tour Friday of the University of Kansas Health System campus by celebrating a federal appropriation of $10 million for the KU Cancer Center and $10 million earmark for acquisition of sophisticated cardiovascular equipment.The Kansas senator made his way through research and direct-care facilities, mingled with faculty, physicians and students as well as people who survived cancer and family members of those who didn’t with Kimryn Rathmell, director of the National Cancer Institute. She was making her first official visit as NCI director to one of the nation’s elite cancer centers.“What’s taking place at the KU Cancer Center is amazing,” Moran said. “The dollars that are being provided to the University of Kansas are dollars that are well spent. There’s still work to be done.”Moran said half of U.S. men and one-third of U.S. women would at some point in their lives be diagnosed with cancer. Currently, he said, there was no known treatment for cancers afflicting three of 10 people.“Really what I think the KU Cancer Center is about is providing hope to everyone,” Moran said.Roy Jensen, a KU vice chancellor and director of the KU Cancer Center, said federal financial support from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute was imperative to advancing research and treatment.“Sustainable, predictable, ongoing funding from NIH and NCI is absolutely critical to everything we do,” Jensen said. “It is the lifeblood of the University of Kansas Cancer Center. There’s no question. We have an extraordinary opportunity. I’ve been at this business now for 40 years plus and I’ve never been more hopeful in terms of making progress against this disease. But, that progress needs fuel and that’s the NIH budget and the NCI budget.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722281346784.png" alt="Roy Jensen, director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, said he welcomed the new federal appropriation of $10 million to the cancer research and treatment program. He expressed optimism that scientists had a better idea of how to approach cancer research and was confident the yet-to-be build cancer facility in Kansas City, Kansas, would change the face of treatment in the region. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Roy Jensen, director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center, said he welcomed the new federal appropriation of $10 million to the cancer research and treatment program. He expressed optimism that scientists had a better idea of how to approach cancer research and was confident the yet-to-be build cancer facility in Kansas City, Kansas, would change the face of treatment in the region. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>During a news conference, Jensen was asked whether federal investment in cancer research was sufficient to meet the medical challenge.“One of the things I find most exciting is that, in large part, we’re no longer groping in the dark in terms of what direction our research should be focused,” he said. “Cancer and a lot of other biomedical research is becoming a little bit more like engineering, where we understand the problems we face, and there’s tough problems. We have the tools available to us to solve those problems if we are willing to commit the resources to make it happen.”KU has raised more than $250 million for construction of a large cancer research and treatment facility on the Kansas City campus, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.“It’s going to be a game-changer for generations to come, both from the research perspective but also from the patient-care perspective. It’s bringing those two things together under one vision that’s really going to move the needle for us,” Girod said.In June 2023, the KU Cancer Center received a $100 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation to build the state-of-the-art cancer facility. One year ago, Moran announced a $43 million federal appropriation to the Kansas Center’s programs.The 2024 Kansas Legislature approved and Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a $75 million matching-grant appropriation for the project.Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of KU Health System, said he personally appreciated federal support for the KU Cancer Center. He was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer four years ago and was treated at KU Health System.“I was able to have this amazingly talented team take care of me,” he said. “And now, four years later, I’m standing before you cancer-free.”

$10 million federal grant to KU Cancer Center like an injection of hope for researchers, patients

The Kansas City Chiefs had a lighter practice today during Training Camp. 

The Chiefs held a 10-10-10 practice, cycling through 10 offensive plays, 10 defensive plays and 10 minutes of special teams 

Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says the value of these types of practice is more mental than anything 

"I think we went three straight days with pads, and I think Coach Reid would tell you the same thing, it's a good way to get a lot of work done but take a little bit of the physicality off and it was about time with our guys," Spagnuolo tells reporter's post-practice. "And now they'll have the day off and it works pretty good." 

"It's a little agonizing for me sometimes because you can't do anything physical" Spagnuolo jokes about the 10-10-10 practice. 

The Chiefs got a big boost to their offensive line over the weekend as guard Joe Thuney was cleared to return to action and was back at practice on Monday. 

Thuney had spent all of Training Camp to start on the physically unable to perform, or PUP, list after suffering a pectoral injury in last year's playoffs. 

Center Creed Humphrey says it's great to get a veteran like Thuney back 

"Getting to have him back doing some group install stuff, some indy (individual) stuff, it's been good and obviously he's a big-time leader for us, he has a ton of experience, and he's a heck of a player," Humphrey says. "So, whenever you get a guy like that back its great." 

Thuney worked with the starters during the teams install period, but seems to be working back slowly, giving snaps during drills to rookie Hunter Nourzad

Roles are shifting all over the Chiefs defense as defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo looks to replace some key players from last year's squad.  

Cornerback Trent McDuffie, an All-Pro last season, has seemingly been tabbed as the number one corner to replace L'Jarius Sneed who was traded.  

McDuffie says even in an all-pro season he was still learning in his role as a nickel corner, and now replacing Sneed he says is a whole different ball game. 

"Inside you've got help here and there, you can do things a little differently, but on the outside on the island, you have to be a technician," McDuffie explains. "And coming into this camp knowing that I might have to do some more of that, it's been each and every day working little by little on technique, technique, and just trying to perfect myself out there." 

Spagnuolo says while they have their number one corner in McDuffie, there is still much evaluation going on for who else will fill out the secondary.  

The Chiefs are off from practice tomorrow. They're back at 9:15 on Wednesday

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722280110461.jpeg" alt="Patrick Mahomes throws a pass after taking the snap from center Creed Humphrey (52) as head coach Andy Reid looks on/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Patrick Mahomes throws a pass after taking the snap from center Creed Humphrey (52) as head coach Andy Reid looks on/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Kansas City Chiefs had a lighter practice today during Training Camp. The Chiefs held a 10-10-10 practice, cycling through 10 offensive plays, 10 defensive plays and 10 minutes of special teams Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says the value of these types of practice is more mental than anything "I think we went three straight days with pads, and I think Coach Reid would tell you the same thing, it's a good way to get a lot of work done but take a little bit of the physicality off and it was about time with our guys," Spagnuolo tells reporter's post-practice. "And now they'll have the day off and it works pretty good." "It's a little agonizing for me sometimes because you can't do anything physical" Spagnuolo jokes about the 10-10-10 practice. The Chiefs got a big boost to their offensive line over the weekend as guard Joe Thuney was cleared to return to action and was back at practice on Monday. Thuney had spent all of Training Camp to start on the physically unable to perform, or PUP, list after suffering a pectoral injury in last year's playoffs. Center Creed Humphrey says it's great to get a veteran like Thuney back "Getting to have him back doing some group install stuff, some indy (individual) stuff, it's been good and obviously he's a big-time leader for us, he has a ton of experience, and he's a heck of a player," Humphrey says. "So, whenever you get a guy like that back its great." Thuney worked with the starters during the teams install period, but seems to be working back slowly, giving snaps during drills to rookie Hunter Nourzad<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722280296661.png" alt="Joe Thuney (62) walks down the hill with tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) before practice, Thuney returned to practice Monday after being on the PUP list to start Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Joe Thuney (62) walks down the hill with tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) before practice, Thuney returned to practice Monday after being on the PUP list to start Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Roles are shifting all over the Chiefs defense as defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo looks to replace some key players from last year's squad. Cornerback Trent McDuffie, an All-Pro last season, has seemingly been tabbed as the number one corner to replace L'Jarius Sneed who was traded. McDuffie says even in an all-pro season he was still learning in his role as a nickel corner, and now replacing Sneed he says is a whole different ball game. "Inside you've got help here and there, you can do things a little differently, but on the outside on the island, you have to be a technician," McDuffie explains. "And coming into this camp knowing that I might have to do some more of that, it's been each and every day working little by little on technique, technique, and just trying to perfect myself out there." Spagnuolo says while they have their number one corner in McDuffie, there is still much evaluation going on for who else will fill out the secondary. The Chiefs are off from practice tomorrow. They're back at 9:15 on WednesdayYou can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722280173356.png" alt="Trent Mcduffie/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Trent Mcduffie/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>

Chiefs have a lighter training camp practice ahead of Tuesday off day

(Radio Iowa) - A law banning most abortions in Iowa will take effect at 8 o'clock this (Monday) morning. The so-called heartbeat law bans abortion as soon as cardiac activity is detected, which can be as early as six weeks of pregnancy. 

Maggie DeWitte is executive director of the Pro Life group called Pulse Life Advocates. She says during the years of legal battles over abortion, she wasn’t sure if the law would ever be enforced in Iowa. DeWitte says she’ll keep pushing Iowa lawmakers to ban abortion from the moment of conception. 

The deputy director at the Chicago Abortion Access Fund, Qudsiyyah Shariyf says they've partnered with the Iowa Abortion Fund to give people financial and logistical support to get abortions in anticipation of Iowa’s law going into effect. She says they've already gotten 60 requests from Iowans for support. The law does allow exceptions for rape, incest, medical emergencies, and fetal abnormalities that are incompatible with life.

(Radio Iowa) - A law banning most abortions in Iowa will take effect at 8 o'clock this (Monday) morning. The so-called heartbeat law bans abortion as soon as cardiac activity is detected, which can be as early as six weeks of pregnancy. Maggie DeWitte is executive director of the Pro Life group called Pulse Life Advocates. She says during the years of legal battles over abortion, she wasn’t sure if the law would ever be enforced in Iowa. DeWitte says she’ll keep pushing Iowa lawmakers to ban abortion from the moment of conception. The deputy director at the Chicago Abortion Access Fund, Qudsiyyah Shariyf says they've partnered with the Iowa Abortion Fund to give people financial and logistical support to get abortions in anticipation of Iowa’s law going into effect. She says they've already gotten 60 requests from Iowans for support. The law does allow exceptions for rape, incest, medical emergencies, and fetal abnormalities that are incompatible with life.

Abortion law takes effect today, halting most abortions in Iowa

Retired Missouri Chamber of Commerce President Dan Mehan says
Missouri must leverage its advantages in advancing technologies to grow the
state economy.

Mehan says there is a question that keeps him up at night.

“What are we going to do to make sure that Missouri gets the
support it needs to figure out what to do about the critical mineral shortages
that occur throughout the nation?” Mehan asks in an interview with KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “When we’re sitting on deposits of lead and other rare-earth
minerals that can be used to help make batteries or silicon chips.”

Those elements are vital in the manufacturing of cell phones,
electric cars, even cruise missiles. Mehan says Missouri is in a critical
position to help the nation solve the problems of emerging technology, even
that used for national defense.

Mehn says too few people realize the potential Missouri holds.

Also, the state is a leader in the manufacturing of active
pharmacy ingredients.

“And these are some of those things that are unfortunately
well-kept secrets,” Mehan says. “But these are natural strengths we have that
we should exploit and make sure we take our position in the lead in figuring
out those solutions.”

Mehan says many companies in Missouri are making major
breakthroughs.

“I would love to see this state become a leader in AI and how
to harness that technology and use it for good; use it for the betterment of
advanced manufacturing, the creation of better jobs around the state that can
be done whether it’s in Kansas City, St. Joe, or Sikeston, Missouri.”

Mehan says Missouri officials need to be aggressive in
marketing Missouri’s strengths both nationally and internationally.

Mehan says Missouri businesses still face a shortage of
qualified workers. He suggests the state needs to better inform high school
students plenty of careers offer high-paying jobs without a college degree
while continuing to support its colleges and universities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722269127292.jpeg" alt="Retired Missouri Chamber of Commerce President Dan Mehan/Photo courtesy of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce" />
 <figcaption>Retired Missouri Chamber of Commerce President Dan Mehan/Photo courtesy of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRetired Missouri Chamber of Commerce President Dan Mehan says
Missouri must leverage its advantages in advancing technologies to grow the
state economy.Mehan says there is a question that keeps him up at night.“What are we going to do to make sure that Missouri gets the
support it needs to figure out what to do about the critical mineral shortages
that occur throughout the nation?” Mehan asks in an interview with KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “When we’re sitting on deposits of lead and other rare-earth
minerals that can be used to help make batteries or silicon chips.”Those elements are vital in the manufacturing of cell phones,
electric cars, even cruise missiles. Mehan says Missouri is in a critical
position to help the nation solve the problems of emerging technology, even
that used for national defense.Mehn says too few people realize the potential Missouri holds.Also, the state is a leader in the manufacturing of active
pharmacy ingredients.“And these are some of those things that are unfortunately
well-kept secrets,” Mehan says. “But these are natural strengths we have that
we should exploit and make sure we take our position in the lead in figuring
out those solutions.”Mehan says many companies in Missouri are making major
breakthroughs.“I would love to see this state become a leader in AI and how
to harness that technology and use it for good; use it for the betterment of
advanced manufacturing, the creation of better jobs around the state that can
be done whether it’s in Kansas City, St. Joe, or Sikeston, Missouri.”Mehan says Missouri officials need to be aggressive in
marketing Missouri’s strengths both nationally and internationally.Mehan says Missouri businesses still face a shortage of
qualified workers. He suggests the state needs to better inform high school
students plenty of careers offer high-paying jobs without a college degree
while continuing to support its colleges and universities.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Retired Missouri Chamber presidents says Missouri must capitalize on natural resources

More than just attempting an unprecedented Super Bowl
three-peat is on the minds of Kansas City Chiefs executives.

They also are weighing the best options for where the team
plays.

“GEHA Field at Arrowhead is a special place,” Chiefs owner
Clark Hunt told reporters earlier during his visit to Chiefs Training Camp in
St. Joseph. “It’s special for our fans and it’s special for the players and coaches,
but we do have to look to the future.”

Hunt said he is keeping an open mind as the team considers
renovations to Arrowhead or moving to a new stadium.

Jackson County voters overwhelmingly rejected a package
proposal that would have extended a three-eights cent sales tax to fund
renovations to Arrowhead, plus build a new downtown stadium for the Kansas City
Royals. Nearly 60% of the voters casting ballots April 2nd voted
against the proposal.

It appears the two teams, which have often joined forces, now will
take separate paths forward even as a new path has opened.

The Kansas legislature, meeting in special session in Topeka,
approved an incentive package aimed at luring either or both teams across the
state line in metropolitan Kansas City. Executives of both teams are reviewing
those incentives.

As for Hunt, he said the team is seriously considering all
options on the table and though he has expressed his love for Arrowhead, those
options include building new; perhaps even a domed stadium.

Hunt said he appreciates the Kansas legislature’s initiative.

“Well, part of our evaluation over the next several months and
coming years will be looking at whether we’re better off in a renovated building
or in a new stadium,” Hunt says. “And that new stadium could be on the Missouri
side as well. It doesn’t have to be on the Kansas side.”

Chiefs President Mark Donovan also addressed the issue during
a news conference to open Chiefs Training Camp on the Missouri Western State
University campus. Donovan struck the same theme, stating the NFL franchise is
reviewing its options.

“We are in discussions with the folks in Kansas. We continue
our discussions with the folks in Missouri, talking to various leaders. There
seems to be other options that are coming up now on the Missouri side. So, we
appreciate that,” Donovan said. “And it’s consistent with our strategy, which was
if this doesn’t work (the April ballot measure), which was our plan, then we
have to look at options and now we’ll have a couple of options to look at.”

Donovan added the window is closing for a decision. The Chiefs
president said something fairly solid has to be in place within six months,
noting it will take longer if the team chooses to build new, rather than
renovate Arrowhead. Donovan said the two projects, renovation versus new
construction, are two very different projects. Donovan called this a decision
that will impact the club for generations to come.

The Chiefs look to be playing either in a renovated Arrowhead
or a new stadium by the 2031 season.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMore than just attempting an unprecedented Super Bowl
three-peat is on the minds of Kansas City Chiefs executives.They also are weighing the best options for where the team
plays.“GEHA Field at Arrowhead is a special place,” Chiefs owner
Clark Hunt told reporters earlier during his visit to Chiefs Training Camp in
St. Joseph. “It’s special for our fans and it’s special for the players and coaches,
but we do have to look to the future.”Hunt said he is keeping an open mind as the team considers
renovations to Arrowhead or moving to a new stadium.Jackson County voters overwhelmingly rejected a package
proposal that would have extended a three-eights cent sales tax to fund
renovations to Arrowhead, plus build a new downtown stadium for the Kansas City
Royals. Nearly 60% of the voters casting ballots April 2nd voted
against the proposal.It appears the two teams, which have often joined forces, now will
take separate paths forward even as a new path has opened.The Kansas legislature, meeting in special session in Topeka,
approved an incentive package aimed at luring either or both teams across the
state line in metropolitan Kansas City. Executives of both teams are reviewing
those incentives.As for Hunt, he said the team is seriously considering all
options on the table and though he has expressed his love for Arrowhead, those
options include building new; perhaps even a domed stadium.Hunt said he appreciates the Kansas legislature’s initiative.“Well, part of our evaluation over the next several months and
coming years will be looking at whether we’re better off in a renovated building
or in a new stadium,” Hunt says. “And that new stadium could be on the Missouri
side as well. It doesn’t have to be on the Kansas side.”Chiefs President Mark Donovan also addressed the issue during
a news conference to open Chiefs Training Camp on the Missouri Western State
University campus. Donovan struck the same theme, stating the NFL franchise is
reviewing its options.“We are in discussions with the folks in Kansas. We continue
our discussions with the folks in Missouri, talking to various leaders. There
seems to be other options that are coming up now on the Missouri side. So, we
appreciate that,” Donovan said. “And it’s consistent with our strategy, which was
if this doesn’t work (the April ballot measure), which was our plan, then we
have to look at options and now we’ll have a couple of options to look at.”Donovan added the window is closing for a decision. The Chiefs
president said something fairly solid has to be in place within six months,
noting it will take longer if the team chooses to build new, rather than
renovate Arrowhead. Donovan said the two projects, renovation versus new
construction, are two very different projects. Donovan called this a decision
that will impact the club for generations to come.The Chiefs look to be playing either in a renovated Arrowhead
or a new stadium by the 2031 season.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

As team prepares for season, Chiefs executives look to future

JERUSALEM — U.S. forces continue to face daily threats in the Red Sea and the surrounding area.

Over the past week U.S. forces successfully destroyed 11 Iranian-backed Houthi drones including six on Friday in the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command.

They also destroyed two surface-to-air missiles and five missile launchers and on Thursday destoyed a drone launcher. All of these were in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.


It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

JERUSALEM — U.S. forces continue to face daily threats in the Red Sea and the surrounding area.Over the past week U.S. forces successfully destroyed 11 Iranian-backed Houthi drones including six on Friday in the Red Sea, according to the U.S. Central Command.They also destroyed two surface-to-air missiles and five missile launchers and on Thursday destoyed a drone launcher. All of these were in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.
It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

U.S. forces continue to face daily threats in the Red Sea

Friends, family, and long, hot practices for the Kansas City
Chiefs who just wrapped up a full weekend of practices in pads.

The Chiefs practices for more than two hours on Sunday.

Offensive lineman Trey Smith acknowledges things get a little
chippy between the offense and the defense during drills.

“I mean, coach sets the tempo, but it’s football man,” Smith
tells reporters after Sunday’s practice on the Missouri Western State
University campus. “Anger, sparks are going to fly, bodies might get hit a
little harder than expected. It is what it is, though. At the end of the day,
we’re grown men out here competing for jobs. Man, there’s going to be tension
and there’s going to be a lot of hot heads and stuff going on, but even cool
tempers, we know what our goal is at the end of the year, though. We’re going
to get after it.”

Linebacker Drue Tranquill returns to the team after signing an
extension.

“We’ve got a great group of guys and we’re excited to play
ball,” Tranquill tells reporters post-practice. “One of the things I noticed
when I came to Kansas City is you just had a group of guys who love to play
football. The days get long out here at St. Joe. They can get hot. Thankfully,
we had a nice breeze today. Everybody felt it. It felt good. But the spirit was
high. We’ve just got a lot in the balance. We’ve got a lot to compete for. We
know, Coach Reid says it every day, you’ve just got to show up and push
through.”

Smith says it is a privilege to line up with long-time friend
of Creed Humphrey.

“Creed and I have known each other since sophomore year of
high school. So, we’ve always been friends. And to be able to play with a guy,
to have that continuity, that chemistry together as well, it makes our jobs a
lot easier; a lot of things we don’t have to verbalize.” Smith says. “It’s been
a huge help, man. It’s easy when you play next to a talent player like that.”

And Tranquill praises the sacrifices made by the wives
and families as the players sequester on the Missouri Western campus for
training camp.

“Our families go through a lot for us to play this
game. They don’t get nearly the credit we do,” Tranquill says. “They don’t get
to talk to the media, the media doesn’t really talk about them, and so the
stuff that they do behind the scenes to make this possible is nothing short of
amazing. They know how much we love and appreciate them. We love our wives, we
love our kids, we love our family.”

The Chiefs return to the practice fields on the Missouri Western
campus tomorrow morning, before taking Tuesday off.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722200481498.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Center Creed Humphrey talk with coaches during Training Camp warmups./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Center Creed Humphrey talk with coaches during Training Camp warmups./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFriends, family, and long, hot practices for the Kansas City
Chiefs who just wrapped up a full weekend of practices in pads.The Chiefs practices for more than two hours on Sunday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722200567585.jpeg" alt="Trey Smith/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Trey Smith/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Offensive lineman Trey Smith acknowledges things get a little
chippy between the offense and the defense during drills.“I mean, coach sets the tempo, but it’s football man,” Smith
tells reporters after Sunday’s practice on the Missouri Western State
University campus. “Anger, sparks are going to fly, bodies might get hit a
little harder than expected. It is what it is, though. At the end of the day,
we’re grown men out here competing for jobs. Man, there’s going to be tension
and there’s going to be a lot of hot heads and stuff going on, but even cool
tempers, we know what our goal is at the end of the year, though. We’re going
to get after it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722200618724.jpeg" alt="Drue Tranquill/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Drue Tranquill/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Linebacker Drue Tranquill returns to the team after signing an
extension.“We’ve got a great group of guys and we’re excited to play
ball,” Tranquill tells reporters post-practice. “One of the things I noticed
when I came to Kansas City is you just had a group of guys who love to play
football. The days get long out here at St. Joe. They can get hot. Thankfully,
we had a nice breeze today. Everybody felt it. It felt good. But the spirit was
high. We’ve just got a lot in the balance. We’ve got a lot to compete for. We
know, Coach Reid says it every day, you’ve just got to show up and push
through.”Smith says it is a privilege to line up with long-time friend
of Creed Humphrey.“Creed and I have known each other since sophomore year of
high school. So, we’ve always been friends. And to be able to play with a guy,
to have that continuity, that chemistry together as well, it makes our jobs a
lot easier; a lot of things we don’t have to verbalize.” Smith says. “It’s been
a huge help, man. It’s easy when you play next to a talent player like that.”And Tranquill praises the sacrifices made by the wives
and families as the players sequester on the Missouri Western campus for
training camp.“Our families go through a lot for us to play this
game. They don’t get nearly the credit we do,” Tranquill says. “They don’t get
to talk to the media, the media doesn’t really talk about them, and so the
stuff that they do behind the scenes to make this possible is nothing short of
amazing. They know how much we love and appreciate them. We love our wives, we
love our kids, we love our family.”The Chiefs return to the practice fields on the Missouri Western
campus tomorrow morning, before taking Tuesday off.

Chiefs wrap up a full weekend of Training Camp in St. Joseph

(Radio Iowa) - The Fremont County Sheriff's Office is holding two Shenandoah residents on child endangerment and abandonment charges after an incident Thursday in Hamburg. 

Deputies found a four-year-old, with reported developmental disabilities, covered in filth outside a house, and another child inside the home. Both children were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Authorities allege the parents, 26-year-olds Dustin Perry and Lindsey Hamilton, left the children in the care of relatives with directions to keep the four-year-old in a makeshift cage. 

A second homemade cage was discovered in a walk-in closet in a Shenandoah home. Authorities say multiple children were removed from the home by the Iowa H-H-S.

(Radio Iowa) - The Fremont County Sheriff's Office is holding two Shenandoah residents on child endangerment and abandonment charges after an incident Thursday in Hamburg. Deputies found a four-year-old, with reported developmental disabilities, covered in filth outside a house, and another child inside the home. Both children were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Authorities allege the parents, 26-year-olds Dustin Perry and Lindsey Hamilton, left the children in the care of relatives with directions to keep the four-year-old in a makeshift cage. A second homemade cage was discovered in a walk-in closet in a Shenandoah home. Authorities say multiple children were removed from the home by the Iowa H-H-S.

SW Iowa parents charged after telling sitters to keep child in 'makeshift cage'

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator from Missouri Josh Hawley reported Thursday in a letter to Homeland Security Director Alejando Mayorkas,&nbsp; the night before the Butler, Pennsylvania Trump campaign rally, U.S. Secret Service repeatedly denied offers from a local law enforcement partner to utilize drone technology to secure the rally.

As Homeland Security Secretary, Mayorkas is responsible for the Secret Service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720972888448.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator from Missouri Josh Hawley reported Thursday in a letter to Homeland Security Director Alejando Mayorkas,&nbsp; the night before the Butler, Pennsylvania Trump campaign rally, U.S. Secret Service repeatedly denied offers from a local law enforcement partner to utilize drone technology to secure the rally.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721930168996.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As Homeland Security Secretary, Mayorkas is responsible for the Secret Service.

Mo. U.S. Senator: Secret Service declined use of drones before Trump rally

Chiefs Training Camp returned to the Missouri Western State
University practice fields after taking Thursday off.

Head Coach Andy Reid says this first day of practice in pads
went well.

“Good day. Back in pads, which is a positive. The guys moved
around great,” Reid tells reporters after practice. “We’re in this wrap up
phase, so it was an hour and 40 minute practice and then we’ll kick it up a
little bit more tomorrow, eventually get to our normal practice.”

An hour and 40 minutes under hot conditions.

Still, Reid says the offense and defense traded light-hearted jabs
and did the work they needed to do.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722022714230.jpeg" alt="Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes speaks to reporters after Friday's Training Camp practice./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes speaks to reporters after Friday's Training Camp practice./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostChiefs Training Camp returned to the Missouri Western State
University practice fields after taking Thursday off.Head Coach Andy Reid says this first day of practice in pads
went well.“Good day. Back in pads, which is a positive. The guys moved
around great,” Reid tells reporters after practice. “We’re in this wrap up
phase, so it was an hour and 40 minute practice and then we’ll kick it up a
little bit more tomorrow, eventually get to our normal practice.”An hour and 40 minutes under hot conditions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722022793136.jpeg" alt="Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid answers questions following Friday's practice./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid answers questions following Friday's practice./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Still, Reid says the offense and defense traded light-hearted jabs
and did the work they needed to do.“I thought the guys worked hard,” Reid says. “They challenged
each other back and forth, offense, defense; positive.”The Chiefs returned to practice on the Missouri Western campus
Friday after taking Thursday off. A full weekend schedule awaits.Kansas City added speed to its receiver corps by signing
Hollywood Brown, drafting Xavier Worthy, and retaining Mecole Hardman, hoping
to revive a potent offense.Quarterback Patrick Mahomes says these receivers can allow him
to go deep.“It’s getting better and better. Obviously, we missed on some
today. We’ve hit on some earlier in camp, but that’s what we’re doing it for.
We’re out here to practice, try to shoot the ball down the field by going
against the best defense in the National Football League,” Mahomes tells
reporters post-practice. “We’ll continue to get better and better with building
chemistry as the camp goes on.”Mahomes says he hopes to be able to throw deep passes, which will
open up the middle for tight end Travis Kelce and others. Mahomes is quick to
point out the running back corps is strong as well.Mahomes also says he has seen a rising star on defense in
cornerback Trent McDuffie, who he says has given him fits.“That’s what we want. We want to play against the best and
that’s what we’re doing on a day-to-day basis,” Mahomes says. “I mean, Trent
man’s good. That man’s really good. I try him. I always tell him I’m going to
try him once or twice a day. You all have seen he’s gotten me a couple of times
and I’ve gotten over him, but that’s what makes great players great players.”The team returns to practice tomorrow morning at 9:15.The Red Rally will be held at Civic Center Park, beginning at
one o’clock Saturday afternoon.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Kbct