(Radio Iowa) - At least two more Iowa schools have recently moved to ban smart phones from high school classrooms. 

Cell phones were already prohibited in elementary and middle school classrooms in the Carroll Community School District, but the ban now extends to the high school. High schoolers WILL be allowed to put their cell phones, smart watches and ear buds in their lockers -- and check them during lunch or between classes. 

In May, Des Moines Hoover High School administrators announced students would not be allowed to use smart phones, AirPods or other personal electronics during the school day. High schoolers in Ottumwa may take their phones to school, but have to store the devices in their locker all day.

(Radio Iowa) - At least two more Iowa schools have recently moved to ban smart phones from high school classrooms. Cell phones were already prohibited in elementary and middle school classrooms in the Carroll Community School District, but the ban now extends to the high school. High schoolers WILL be allowed to put their cell phones, smart watches and ear buds in their lockers -- and check them during lunch or between classes. In May, Des Moines Hoover High School administrators announced students would not be allowed to use smart phones, AirPods or other personal electronics during the school day. High schoolers in Ottumwa may take their phones to school, but have to store the devices in their locker all day.

More schools move to ban cell phones, smart watches

(Radio Iowa) - A sweltering, late summer heat wave that would've been expected during the Iowa State Fair will arrive this weekend instead.

 Meteorologist Marvin Percha, at the National Weather Service, says most of the state will see high temperatures this afternoon in the 70s and low 80s, but that will change tomorrow, as highs again climb into the mid to upper 90s, and heat indices bound into triple digits. 

Percha says Sunday may be the hottest day, and he anticipates the steamy weather will last well into next week.

(Radio Iowa) - A sweltering, late summer heat wave that would've been expected during the Iowa State Fair will arrive this weekend instead. Meteorologist Marvin Percha, at the National Weather Service, says most of the state will see high temperatures this afternoon in the 70s and low 80s, but that will change tomorrow, as highs again climb into the mid to upper 90s, and heat indices bound into triple digits. Percha says Sunday may be the hottest day, and he anticipates the steamy weather will last well into next week.

Steamy, summertime heat returns to Iowa for an extended stay

Registration is now open for CattleCon 2025, which is in San Antonio, Texas, February 4-6. This annual event is where the beef industry meets to conduct business, attend educational sessions, experience engaging speakers, and enjoy family fun. “CattleCon is the biggest industry event of the year,” says Mark Eisele, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “Cattle producers from across the country will gather to make decisions, network, learn, and have some fun.” 

For those arriving early, there will be an immersive grazing management workshop and tour on Monday, February 3. The pre-convention tour is tailored for cattle producers aiming to deepen their expertise in effective grazing strategies. CattleCon officially kicks off on Tuesday, February 4, and the cattle industry will be hard at work guiding both Beef Checkoff and NCBA policy programs. Several registration options are available. For more information or to register and reserve housing, go to convention.ncba.org.

Registration is now open for CattleCon 2025, which is in San Antonio, Texas, February 4-6. This annual event is where the beef industry meets to conduct business, attend educational sessions, experience engaging speakers, and enjoy family fun. “CattleCon is the biggest industry event of the year,” says Mark Eisele, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “Cattle producers from across the country will gather to make decisions, network, learn, and have some fun.” For those arriving early, there will be an immersive grazing management workshop and tour on Monday, February 3. The pre-convention tour is tailored for cattle producers aiming to deepen their expertise in effective grazing strategies. CattleCon officially kicks off on Tuesday, February 4, and the cattle industry will be hard at work guiding both Beef Checkoff and NCBA policy programs. Several registration options are available. For more information or to register and reserve housing, go to convention.ncba.org.-NAFB

CattleCon 2025 registration is now open

JOHNSON COUNTY —Ohio Senator and Donald Trump's running mate JD Vance made a campaign fundraising stop in Mission Hills Thursday evening.

Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall shared on social media a photo welcoming Vance to Kansas.

The campaign charged $5,000 per couple to attend the fundraiser and $10,000 per couple for photos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724374186136.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Ohio Senator and Donald Trump's running mate JD Vance made a campaign fundraising stop in Mission Hills Thursday evening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724427243614.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall shared on social media a photo welcoming Vance to Kansas.The campaign charged $5,000 per couple to attend the fundraiser and $10,000 per couple for photos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump's running mate makes campaign stop in Kansas

Optimism seems to be fading that a cease fire proposed by the
United States will be accepted to pause the fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Kansas U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican member of the
Senate Intelligence Committee, says these are difficult negotiations between
long-time enemies.

“Well, I don’t know, there have been lots of efforts at trying
to put in place a cease fire. None of them have worked to date. And it seems
both sides are difficult to deal with,” Moran tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during
a recent visit to Elwood.

Moran is doubtful this latest attempt by the United States to
bring the two sides together will work.

“I hope that there can be some kind of coming together for
peace or a better circumstance for people,” Moran says.

Still Moran holds out hope the United States can bring the two
sides together this time.

“So, we hope and pray that there’s solution that protects the
Israeli citizens and provides a safe and secure place for everyone.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the Middle East and
had thought Israel and Hamas had agreed to terms for a pause in the fight and
the release of hostages.

The conflict ignited after Hamas attacked Israeli citizens in
October, killing more than a thousand, taking more than 100 hostage. Israel
launched an all-out war against Hamas. It is estimated more than 40,000 have
been killed in the war.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716140421905.png" alt="Sen. Jerry Moran/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Jerry Moran/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostOptimism seems to be fading that a cease fire proposed by the
United States will be accepted to pause the fighting between Israel and Hamas.Kansas U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, a Republican member of the
Senate Intelligence Committee, says these are difficult negotiations between
long-time enemies.“Well, I don’t know, there have been lots of efforts at trying
to put in place a cease fire. None of them have worked to date. And it seems
both sides are difficult to deal with,” Moran tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during
a recent visit to Elwood.Moran is doubtful this latest attempt by the United States to
bring the two sides together will work.“I hope that there can be some kind of coming together for
peace or a better circumstance for people,” Moran says.Still Moran holds out hope the United States can bring the two
sides together this time.“So, we hope and pray that there’s solution that protects the
Israeli citizens and provides a safe and secure place for everyone.”Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the Middle East and
had thought Israel and Hamas had agreed to terms for a pause in the fight and
the release of hostages.The conflict ignited after Hamas attacked Israeli citizens in
October, killing more than a thousand, taking more than 100 hostage. Israel
launched an all-out war against Hamas. It is estimated more than 40,000 have
been killed in the war.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Sen. Moran cautious on whether Israel/Hamas cease fire will be reached

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says she has not opted out of a federal program to provide food to needy Iowa child next summer, she's just waiting to see if the U-S-D-A will let her use the money to set up a new system in Iowa for distributing it. 

Iowa was one of 13 states that did not participate in THIS summer's U-S-D-A program which provided families with an extra 140 dollars in grocery money for each child who qualifies for free or reduced price school lunches. 

Reynolds has drawn up a plan to distribute the 29 million dollars in benefits by having the state buy the food and box it up. She says boxes would be distributed by the 12-hundred food banks and food pantries in Iowa as well as the 500 sites, mostly schools, that provided summer meals this summer.

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says she has not opted out of a federal program to provide food to needy Iowa child next summer, she's just waiting to see if the U-S-D-A will let her use the money to set up a new system in Iowa for distributing it. Iowa was one of 13 states that did not participate in THIS summer's U-S-D-A program which provided families with an extra 140 dollars in grocery money for each child who qualifies for free or reduced price school lunches. Reynolds has drawn up a plan to distribute the 29 million dollars in benefits by having the state buy the food and box it up. She says boxes would be distributed by the 12-hundred food banks and food pantries in Iowa as well as the 500 sites, mostly schools, that provided summer meals this summer.

Reynolds lobbying for USDA waiver for distributing food to needy next summer

St. Joseph's Noah Cameron has had quite the journey since being drafted by the Royals in 2021.  

An alum of Central High School, Cameron jumped from High A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas last year. 

Cameron finished last year 3-10 with a 6.10 ERA, striking out 74 batters in 17 starts.  After the season, Cameron made some adjustments, including adding a new pitch, the cutter. 

A new pitch and a better feel for better talent led to better results for Cameron who went 4- 4 for Northwest Arkansas in 16 starts.  Then, came the call from Triple A Omaha  

Cameron had a no decision in his first game with Omaha throwing 6.2 innings, striking out 10, giving up one run.  

The first win for Cameron, a left-handed pitcher, evaded him through his first three starts, before finally earning it this past Sunday.  

Cameron says it felt good to get that first win. 

"You know to have that record, just on record and you get six wins in a row and you're like wow that's awesome and you're 6-0 and it looks good and all that stuff for sure," Cameron tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during a phone interview while the Stormchasers are in a series in Buffalo,. "So, it's definitely nice."

In the win, Cameron pitched six innings and gave up just one hit while striking out seven and walking three.&nbsp; Before giving up a triple to the second batter he faced in the sixth inning, Cameron pitched 5.1 hitless innings.

Cameron says since arriving in Omaha, he's leaned on a number of veterans, who have various years of major league experience such as Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch, and Dinelson Lamet. 

"They're at the same level as I am right now, so it's interesting to just see how it's like they were in the big leagues for years and years and their experience up there, and then it's like ok now they're kind of on the grind of they're not happy to be here cause they want to be up in the big leagues cause that's where they were," Cameron explains. "So, it's definitely really cool to just talk to them and see how everything works." 

Along with working alongside many veterans in Omaha, he also gets to work with legendary manager Mike Jirschele, who has won over 1,000 games in Omaha, and also has a World Series ring. 

Cameron says working with 'Jirsch', as he's more commonly known, has been amazing 

"You know the first thing he told me when I came in, he was like "Noah, we win here, you ready to do that?" and I was like absolutely let's do it," Cameron says. "So, it was cool to just see that's just the culture he wants to just have in the clubhouse, and obviously that's what we're doing this year, which is awesome, so yeah he's a good dude."

The Stormchasers clinched a playoff spot after a 9-4 win over the Louisville Bats on June 18th, also securing home field advantage in the International League Championship series, it's the teams first playoff trip in 10 years.

In four starts with Omaha, Cameron is 1-0 with a 1.07 ERA and 30 strikeouts. He currently ranks as the Royals #12 prospect

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724357942438.jpeg" alt="Noah Cameron/ Photo courtesy of the Omaha Stormchasers" />
 <figcaption>Noah Cameron/ Photo courtesy of the Omaha Stormchasers</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post St. Joseph's Noah Cameron has had quite the journey since being drafted by the Royals in 2021. An alum of Central High School, Cameron jumped from High A Quad Cities to Double A Northwest Arkansas last year. Cameron finished last year 3-10 with a 6.10 ERA, striking out 74 batters in 17 starts. After the season, Cameron made some adjustments, including adding a new pitch, the cutter. A new pitch and a better feel for better talent led to better results for Cameron who went 4- 4 for Northwest Arkansas in 16 starts. Then, came the call from Triple A Omaha Cameron had a no decision in his first game with Omaha throwing 6.2 innings, striking out 10, giving up one run. The first win for Cameron, a left-handed pitcher, evaded him through his first three starts, before finally earning it this past Sunday. Cameron says it felt good to get that first win. "You know to have that record, just on record and you get six wins in a row and you're like wow that's awesome and you're 6-0 and it looks good and all that stuff for sure," Cameron tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during a phone interview while the Stormchasers are in a series in Buffalo,. "So, it's definitely nice."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Noah has been lights out 😤 <a href="https://t.co/TUvOYDlMoK">pic.twitter.com/TUvOYDlMoK</a>&mdash; Omaha Storm Chasers (@OMAStormChasers) <a href="https://twitter.com/OMAStormChasers/status/1825573942993605095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In the win, Cameron pitched six innings and gave up just one hit while striking out seven and walking three.&nbsp; Before giving up a triple to the second batter he faced in the sixth inning, Cameron pitched 5.1 hitless innings.Cameron says since arriving in Omaha, he's leaned on a number of veterans, who have various years of major league experience such as Alec Marsh, Daniel Lynch, and Dinelson Lamet. "They're at the same level as I am right now, so it's interesting to just see how it's like they were in the big leagues for years and years and their experience up there, and then it's like ok now they're kind of on the grind of they're not happy to be here cause they want to be up in the big leagues cause that's where they were," Cameron explains. "So, it's definitely really cool to just talk to them and see how everything works." Along with working alongside many veterans in Omaha, he also gets to work with legendary manager Mike Jirschele, who has won over 1,000 games in Omaha, and also has a World Series ring. Cameron says working with 'Jirsch', as he's more commonly known, has been amazing "You know the first thing he told me when I came in, he was like "Noah, we win here, you ready to do that?" and I was like absolutely let's do it," Cameron says. "So, it was cool to just see that's just the culture he wants to just have in the clubhouse, and obviously that's what we're doing this year, which is awesome, so yeah he's a good dude."The Stormchasers clinched a playoff spot after a 9-4 win over the Louisville Bats on June 18th, also securing home field advantage in the International League Championship series, it's the teams first playoff trip in 10 years.In four starts with Omaha, Cameron is 1-0 with a 1.07 ERA and 30 strikeouts. He currently ranks as the Royals #12 prospect<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724358099235.jpeg" alt="Noah Cameron leaves the mound after striking out seven over six innings /Courtesy of Omaha Stormchasers" />
 <figcaption>Noah Cameron leaves the mound after striking out seven over six innings /Courtesy of Omaha Stormchasers</figcaption>
 </figure>Journal<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Noah-Cameron-journeys-through-the-Royals-farm-system-e2ngihi" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full Interview with Noah Cameron<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Full-Interview-Noah-Camerons-journey-through-the-Royals-farm-system-e2nge10" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Royals prospect, St. Joseph's own Noah Cameron thriving in Omaha

COCHISE COUNTY, Arizona —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for a a threat to kill Donald Trump and after a manhunt took him into custody. The former President visited the border Thursday and will hold a rally there Friday.

Early Wednesday, the Cochise County, Arizona Sheriff's office issued an alert&nbsp; and asked for help searching for a 66-year-old Ronald Lee Syvud of Benson, Arizona for threats to kill a presidential candidate, according to a media release.

Late Thursday afternoon the sheriff's office reported Syvrud had been taken into custody without incident in Cochise County.&nbsp;

Syvrud also has outstanding warrants from the state of Wisconsin for DUI / Failure to Appear for DUI and from Graham County Arizona for Hit/Run and Felony Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office also has an absconder hold for him for failing to register as a sex offender.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724366666958.png" alt="Ronald Lee Syvrud photo Cochise County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Ronald Lee Syvrud photo Cochise County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>COCHISE COUNTY, Arizona —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for a a threat to kill Donald Trump and after a manhunt took him into custody. The former President visited the border Thursday and will hold a rally there Friday.Early Wednesday, the Cochise County, Arizona Sheriff's office issued an alert&nbsp; and asked for help searching for a 66-year-old Ronald Lee Syvud of Benson, Arizona for threats to kill a presidential candidate, according to a media release.Late Thursday afternoon the sheriff's office reported Syvrud had been taken into custody without incident in Cochise County.&nbsp;Syvrud also has outstanding warrants from the state of Wisconsin for DUI / Failure to Appear for DUI and from Graham County Arizona for Hit/Run and Felony Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office also has an absconder hold for him for failing to register as a sex offender.

Sex offender accused of threatening to kill Trump captured after manhunt 

(Radio Iowa) -&nbsp;Governor Kim Reynolds has unveiled a state website that lists child care openings. 

A couple of years ago, the state created an online platform that licensed child care providers could use to track enrollment and manage payroll. The governor says the 35-hundred child care providers using that system are now part of this new website that shows child care openings and the range of services provided, although pricing is not listed. 

State officials believe Iowa is the first state to offer this kind of real-time data in one place online. The website is called Iowa Child Care Connect.

(Radio Iowa) -&nbsp;Governor Kim Reynolds has unveiled a state website that lists child care openings. A couple of years ago, the state created an online platform that licensed child care providers could use to track enrollment and manage payroll. The governor says the 35-hundred child care providers using that system are now part of this new website that shows child care openings and the range of services provided, although pricing is not listed. State officials believe Iowa is the first state to offer this kind of real-time data in one place online. The website is called Iowa Child Care Connect.

New state website tracks Iowa child care openings

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz confirmed today that he will sit out the season-opening game on August 31st as a self-imposed penalty for a recruiting violation. 

Ferentz says he cannot go into further detail as the investigation is ongoing. He says he made a mistake during the recruiting process and apologized to the players, coaching staff, administration, and fans. 

Hawkeye wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr will also be suspended for Iowa's season opener against Illinois State on August 31st.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz confirmed today that he will sit out the season-opening game on August 31st as a self-imposed penalty for a recruiting violation. Ferentz says he cannot go into further detail as the investigation is ongoing. He says he made a mistake during the recruiting process and apologized to the players, coaching staff, administration, and fans. Hawkeye wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr will also be suspended for Iowa's season opener against Illinois State on August 31st.

Iowa Football Coach Suspended For Season Opener

The Department of Mental Health said the number of people waiting in jail to be transferred to psychiatric hospitals will continue to rise because inpatient beds are at capacity

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>

The number of people languishing in Missouri jails in need of court-ordered mental health treatment currently stands at 344 — and the wait time for a hospital bed averages one year.&nbsp;

That’s up from 254 people this time last year, according to Missouri Department of Mental Health data provided to The Independent. A&nbsp;spokeswoman for the department said that because the agency’s inpatient beds are at capacity, the number of people waiting in jails for treatment will continue to rise.

Debra Walker, the department’s spokeswoman, said February was the first month the number of individuals waiting ever exceeded 300.

None of the people on the waitlist have been convicted of a crime. They were arrested, found incompetent to stand trial and ordered by the court into mental health treatment,&nbsp;designed to allow them to stand trial, a process called competency restoration that generally includes therapy and medication.&nbsp;

“We do want to increase the number of individuals who are getting competency restoration,” said Jeanette Simmons, deputy division director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Behavioral Health, during a mental health commission meeting earlier this month.&nbsp;“We have a growing number of individuals who are waiting for those services.”

Missouri has faced a years-long struggle with this issue, due to increasing numbers of court referrals for competency restoration, staffing issues and limited psychiatric hospital capacity. It’s worsened over the last year.

The legislature appropriated $300 million this year for Department of Mental Health to open a new hospital in Kansas City, but it could be around five&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/12/285-missourians-waiting-in-jails-to-be-moved-to-hospitals-for-mental-health-services/">years</a>&nbsp;before construction is complete.

State officials are also working to implement the “jail-based competency restoration” program approved by the legislature this year in response to the issue.&nbsp;This year’s budget set aside $2.5 million for the jail-based competency programs to be established in jails in St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jackson County, Clay County and Greene County.

Services in jail-based competency restoration will include room and board, along with medical care for 10 slots at each jail, contracted staff from a local behavioral health organization, and psychiatric care from “mobile team practitioners.”

The department is currently training two agencies in Kansas City that will be going into county jails to provide jail-based treatment. Clay County has a “tentative go live date” for September, Simmons said.

“So we're really looking forward to that and getting that launched, because we do believe that it's going to take a multifaceted approach to target those numbers,” she said.

Simmons said the agency has mobile teams of doctors going into county jails prescribing medications “to try and get folks started on those medications that they need to stabilize their mental illness.” The department is working with community behavioral health liaisons as well as jail mental health or medical staff, she said, to get people services.

The Department of Mental Health is also working on trying to get information to the courts about outpatient restoration, for those who can be safely treated in the community and don't require hospital-level care.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/23info/pdf-bill/tat/SB106.pdf" target="_blank">law</a>&nbsp;passed this year gives the agency the authority to treat certain arrested people on an outpatient basis.

“Sometimes I think the courts don’t really consider that as an option,” Simmons said of outpatient treatment. “It’s something very new.”

In other states, including some bordering Missouri, lawsuits have been filed over similar wait times, alleging they violate individuals’ rights to due process and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A federal lawsuit filed last year in Oklahoma&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomawatch.org/2023/03/01/oklahomans-languish-in-jail-awaiting-mental-health-care-federal-lawsuit-claims/" target="_blank">alleged</a>&nbsp;jails are holding patients for three months to one year. A&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/documents/news-documents/2024/june/Joint%20Motion.pdf" target="_blank">proposed settlement</a>&nbsp;set a benchmark of a 60 day maximum wait and ultimately a goal of 21 days, but it has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-a-political-fight-is-delaying-timely-mental-health-treatment-in-oklahomas-jails" target="_blank">opposition</a>&nbsp;from the governor.

A lawsuit filed in Kansas in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/press-releases/aclu-kansas-sues-over-unconstitutionally-long-wait-times-competency-evaluations-and" target="_blank">alleged</a>&nbsp;that individuals are detained for longer waiting for a psychiatric bed than they would be if they had been convicted. Many of the charges are for low-level crimes, national&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/12/when-mental-illness-becomes-jail-sentence/603154/" target="_blank">investigations</a>&nbsp;have found.

County sheriffs and jail administrators in Missouri have raised the alarm about challenges caring for individuals who are being detained pretrial. And state officials have acknowledged the long waits contribute to mental deterioration.

The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association recently published an issue of their&nbsp;<a href="https://mosheriffs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Misssouri-Jails-Magazine-0624.pdf" target="_blank">‘Missouri Jails’ magazine</a>&nbsp;focused on managing mental health challenges in county jails, which shared several examples of local issues, including that one county spent $30,000 to provide around-the-clock guarding over a suspect for two months, because the secure medical centers didn’t have any openings.

Some county sheriffs are looking to build or expand jails to combat the issue, according to the magazine, including by increasing the number of solitary cells to keep those with mental health diagnoses out of the general population. Others have contracted with private health provider&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/07/30/oklahoma-jail-turn-key-health-deaths" target="_blank">Turn Key Health</a>&nbsp;Clinics to provide increased mental health care while people are awaiting transfer.&nbsp;

“As mental health professionals and legislators struggle to find solutions to the crisis,” magazine contributor Michael Feeback wrote, “sheriffs and other agencies are looking for answers on their own.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724349973891.png" alt=" Missouri's Department of Mental Health building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri's Department of Mental Health building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Department of Mental Health said the number of people waiting in jail to be transferred to psychiatric hospitals will continue to rise because inpatient beds are at capacity</h2>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>The number of people languishing in Missouri jails in need of court-ordered mental health treatment currently stands at 344 — and the wait time for a hospital bed averages one year.&nbsp;That’s up from 254 people this time last year, according to Missouri Department of Mental Health data provided to The Independent. A&nbsp;spokeswoman for the department said that because the agency’s inpatient beds are at capacity, the number of people waiting in jails for treatment will continue to rise.Debra Walker, the department’s spokeswoman, said February was the first month the number of individuals waiting ever exceeded 300.None of the people on the waitlist have been convicted of a crime. They were arrested, found incompetent to stand trial and ordered by the court into mental health treatment,&nbsp;designed to allow them to stand trial, a process called competency restoration that generally includes therapy and medication.&nbsp;“We do want to increase the number of individuals who are getting competency restoration,” said Jeanette Simmons, deputy division director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Behavioral Health, during a mental health commission meeting earlier this month.&nbsp;“We have a growing number of individuals who are waiting for those services.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724349935850.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri has faced a years-long struggle with this issue, due to increasing numbers of court referrals for competency restoration, staffing issues and limited psychiatric hospital capacity. It’s worsened over the last year.The legislature appropriated $300 million this year for Department of Mental Health to open a new hospital in Kansas City, but it could be around five&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/12/12/285-missourians-waiting-in-jails-to-be-moved-to-hospitals-for-mental-health-services/">years</a>&nbsp;before construction is complete.State officials are also working to implement the “jail-based competency restoration” program approved by the legislature this year in response to the issue.&nbsp;This year’s budget set aside $2.5 million for the jail-based competency programs to be established in jails in St. Louis, St. Louis County, Jackson County, Clay County and Greene County.Services in jail-based competency restoration will include room and board, along with medical care for 10 slots at each jail, contracted staff from a local behavioral health organization, and psychiatric care from “mobile team practitioners.”The department is currently training two agencies in Kansas City that will be going into county jails to provide jail-based treatment. Clay County has a “tentative go live date” for September, Simmons said.“So we're really looking forward to that and getting that launched, because we do believe that it's going to take a multifaceted approach to target those numbers,” she said.Simmons said the agency has mobile teams of doctors going into county jails prescribing medications “to try and get folks started on those medications that they need to stabilize their mental illness.” The department is working with community behavioral health liaisons as well as jail mental health or medical staff, she said, to get people services.The Department of Mental Health is also working on trying to get information to the courts about outpatient restoration, for those who can be safely treated in the community and don't require hospital-level care.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/23info/pdf-bill/tat/SB106.pdf" target="_blank">law</a>&nbsp;passed this year gives the agency the authority to treat certain arrested people on an outpatient basis.“Sometimes I think the courts don’t really consider that as an option,” Simmons said of outpatient treatment. “It’s something very new.”In other states, including some bordering Missouri, lawsuits have been filed over similar wait times, alleging they violate individuals’ rights to due process and the Americans with Disabilities Act.A federal lawsuit filed last year in Oklahoma&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahomawatch.org/2023/03/01/oklahomans-languish-in-jail-awaiting-mental-health-care-federal-lawsuit-claims/" target="_blank">alleged</a>&nbsp;jails are holding patients for three months to one year. A&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/documents/news-documents/2024/june/Joint%20Motion.pdf" target="_blank">proposed settlement</a>&nbsp;set a benchmark of a 60 day maximum wait and ultimately a goal of 21 days, but it has faced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-a-political-fight-is-delaying-timely-mental-health-treatment-in-oklahomas-jails" target="_blank">opposition</a>&nbsp;from the governor.A lawsuit filed in Kansas in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/press-releases/aclu-kansas-sues-over-unconstitutionally-long-wait-times-competency-evaluations-and" target="_blank">alleged</a>&nbsp;that individuals are detained for longer waiting for a psychiatric bed than they would be if they had been convicted. Many of the charges are for low-level crimes, national&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/12/when-mental-illness-becomes-jail-sentence/603154/" target="_blank">investigations</a>&nbsp;have found.County sheriffs and jail administrators in Missouri have raised the alarm about challenges caring for individuals who are being detained pretrial. And state officials have acknowledged the long waits contribute to mental deterioration.The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association recently published an issue of their&nbsp;<a href="https://mosheriffs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Misssouri-Jails-Magazine-0624.pdf" target="_blank">‘Missouri Jails’ magazine</a>&nbsp;focused on managing mental health challenges in county jails, which shared several examples of local issues, including that one county spent $30,000 to provide around-the-clock guarding over a suspect for two months, because the secure medical centers didn’t have any openings.Some county sheriffs are looking to build or expand jails to combat the issue, according to the magazine, including by increasing the number of solitary cells to keep those with mental health diagnoses out of the general population. Others have contracted with private health provider&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/07/30/oklahoma-jail-turn-key-health-deaths" target="_blank">Turn Key Health</a>&nbsp;Clinics to provide increased mental health care while people are awaiting transfer.&nbsp;“As mental health professionals and legislators struggle to find solutions to the crisis,” magazine contributor Michael Feeback wrote, “sheriffs and other agencies are looking for answers on their own.”&nbsp;

Missourians average 1 year in jail waiting for court-ordered mental health treatment

(Radio Iowa) - Drake University in Des Moines is partnering with C-B-S News to offer educational programming designed to bring lessons on good character and kindness to teachers and students around the world -- for free. 

Amy Smit, spokeswoman for Character Counts and Drake's Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, says the web-based "Kindness 101" features short videos from C-B-S reporter Steve Hartman's "On the Road" series. Smit says the videos are inspirational, heartwarming stories of people across the U.S. who are the embodiment of kindness and respect. 

The three-minute videos include lesson plans, activities, and family connections focused on the Six Pillars of Character, and Smit says they're appropriate for any grade level.

(Radio Iowa) - Drake University in Des Moines is partnering with C-B-S News to offer educational programming designed to bring lessons on good character and kindness to teachers and students around the world -- for free. Amy Smit, spokeswoman for Character Counts and Drake's Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, says the web-based "Kindness 101" features short videos from C-B-S reporter Steve Hartman's "On the Road" series. Smit says the videos are inspirational, heartwarming stories of people across the U.S. who are the embodiment of kindness and respect. The three-minute videos include lesson plans, activities, and family connections focused on the Six Pillars of Character, and Smit says they're appropriate for any grade level.

Iowa school's educational program aims to make kindness go viral

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>

CHICAGO — Actress and climate activist Julia Louis-Dreyfus asked eight Democratic women governors Wednesday if she would be ready for public office after playing a vice president and president on the hit cable TV show “Veep.”

“You’re more qualified than Donald Trump, don’t worry about it,” New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul quickly replied, to laughter in the packed room.

Louis-Dreyfus moderated a panel made up of the Democratic women governors at the Democratic National Convention. The political leaders in their roughly hour-long discussion touched on the unique benefits of being a woman in politics, and talked about how they are planning for potential interference and problems in the upcoming presidential elections.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said she’s working closely with the secretary of state and attorney general to ensure that Arizona’s electoral votes are cast and to prepare for “every single scenario that comes our way.”

“I think the challenges that we saw in 2020 are going to look like kindergarten compared to what we see now,” she said. “But we are ready.”

<a href="https://azmirror.com/2024/04/25/who-are-the-five-unindicted-co-conspirators-in-arizonas-fake-elector-criminal-case/" target="_blank">A grand jury indicted 18 people in a fake elector scheme</a>&nbsp;that aimed to install Donald Trump as president after he lost the state of Arizona in the 2020 election.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faced a similar scenario, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/05/28/exams-begin-for-next-group-of-people-charged-in-fake-electors-scheme/" target="_blank">six individuals now face felony charges</a>&nbsp;for submitting false electoral votes for Trump in 2020.

Whitmer said her state legislature has worked to pass legislation to protect election workers and make it easier for people to partake in early voting.

“We know that there are going to be all sorts of efforts” to influence the results, she said.

Louis-Dreyfus noted during Whitmer’s term she’s had to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, natural disasters and an attempted kidnapping and assassination plot.

“How do you stay afloat … under those circumstances?” she asked.

Whitmer said she keeps a gratitude journal and every day writes down three things that give her joy. She said sometimes the list stretches to 10 items, but other days it is not so long.

“Some days it is just my dog and my bed and tequila,” she said.

Louis-Dreyfus asked why it was important to support women down the ballot, and not just on the national level.

Hobbs said early support is important, and noted that’s how Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, got her start as a San Francisco district attorney in 2003.

“Down ballot races are critical,” Hobbs said.

Several of the governors agreed, noting that’s how they were able to enter politics, through their local elections.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she got her start in the state legislature. Kotek was the longest-serving speaker in the Oregon House of Representatives and the first openly lesbian speaker, elected in 2013.

“When I became speaker, all the other leadership at the time was male, and you notice when you’re the only one in the room,” she said.

It’s an occurrence that Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey knows, noting last year she became the first woman and open member of the LGBTQ community elected governor in her state.

Whitmer said as a woman in politics, she was often underestimated, which she said she sees as a strength, rather than a limitation.

“There are a lot of different ways that we are treated as compared to male candidates, but I would also say that it is a huge advantage to be underestimated,” she said.

Kansas Gov. and Democratic Governors Association Chair Laura Kelly said she thinks the underestimation that women face in politics “will fade away over time.”

Whitmer nodded: “With President Harris, it will.”

Louis-Dreyfus, who is also a comedian and starred in “Seinfeld,” asked how humor can find a place in politics.

“I think humor is an effective tool when things are hot and tense,” New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.

Louis-Dreyfus asked the governors why are Republicans “so f****** weird?”

Maine Governor Janet Mills laughed and said she knows Republicans in her state who are planning to vote for Harris because “they don’t have a place to go.”

“They’re not all weird,” she said. “They know the traditional (Republican) party is not about Trump.”

Louis-Dreyfus asked how the overturning of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision has affected abortion access in the governors’ states.

Since the conservative Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion two years ago, Democrats have campaigned on it at the state and federal level. Reproductive right advocates have also led grassroots campaigns to put measures on state ballots to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.

In four states — California, Michigan, Ohio and Vermont — measures to amend the state constitutions to enshrine abortion protections passed,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/dashboard/ballot-tracker-status-of-abortion-related-state-constitutional-amendment-measures/" target="_blank">according to health policy organization KFF’s abortion ballot tracker.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>There are currently seven states with citizen-initiated measures on the ballot in November that will protect abortion access, in Arizona, Nevada, Montana, South Dakota, Colorado, Missouri and Florida.

Hochul said that after the Supreme Court’s ruling, the first thing she did was go to a vigil.

Hochul said she called the state legislature back for an emergency session to pass legislation to protect medical professionals and patients who travel to New York to access abortion care.

“We let women from other states know this is a safe harbor for you to come here,” she said. “I’m going to fight like hell to get back (abortion rights) for my granddaughter.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724328694166.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. and DGA chairwoman Laura Kelly during a Democratic Women Governors panel with Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Aug. 21, 2024, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. and DGA chairwoman Laura Kelly during a Democratic Women Governors panel with Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Aug. 21, 2024, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>CHICAGO — Actress and climate activist Julia Louis-Dreyfus asked eight Democratic women governors Wednesday if she would be ready for public office after playing a vice president and president on the hit cable TV show “Veep.”“You’re more qualified than Donald Trump, don’t worry about it,” New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul quickly replied, to laughter in the packed room.Louis-Dreyfus moderated a panel made up of the Democratic women governors at the Democratic National Convention. The political leaders in their roughly hour-long discussion touched on the unique benefits of being a woman in politics, and talked about how they are planning for potential interference and problems in the upcoming presidential elections.<h2>Fake electors</h2>Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said she’s working closely with the secretary of state and attorney general to ensure that Arizona’s electoral votes are cast and to prepare for “every single scenario that comes our way.”“I think the challenges that we saw in 2020 are going to look like kindergarten compared to what we see now,” she said. “But we are ready.”<a href="https://azmirror.com/2024/04/25/who-are-the-five-unindicted-co-conspirators-in-arizonas-fake-elector-criminal-case/" target="_blank">A grand jury indicted 18 people in a fake elector scheme</a>&nbsp;that aimed to install Donald Trump as president after he lost the state of Arizona in the 2020 election.Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faced a similar scenario, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/05/28/exams-begin-for-next-group-of-people-charged-in-fake-electors-scheme/" target="_blank">six individuals now face felony charges</a>&nbsp;for submitting false electoral votes for Trump in 2020.Whitmer said her state legislature has worked to pass legislation to protect election workers and make it easier for people to partake in early voting.“We know that there are going to be all sorts of efforts” to influence the results, she said.Louis-Dreyfus noted during Whitmer’s term she’s had to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, natural disasters and an attempted kidnapping and assassination plot.“How do you stay afloat … under those circumstances?” she asked.Whitmer said she keeps a gratitude journal and every day writes down three things that give her joy. She said sometimes the list stretches to 10 items, but other days it is not so long.“Some days it is just my dog and my bed and tequila,” she said.<h2>Women in state and local politics</h2>Louis-Dreyfus asked why it was important to support women down the ballot, and not just on the national level.Hobbs said early support is important, and noted that’s how Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, got her start as a San Francisco district attorney in 2003.“Down ballot races are critical,” Hobbs said.Several of the governors agreed, noting that’s how they were able to enter politics, through their local elections.Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she got her start in the state legislature. Kotek was the longest-serving speaker in the Oregon House of Representatives and the first openly lesbian speaker, elected in 2013.“When I became speaker, all the other leadership at the time was male, and you notice when you’re the only one in the room,” she said.It’s an occurrence that Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey knows, noting last year she became the first woman and open member of the LGBTQ community elected governor in her state.Whitmer said as a woman in politics, she was often underestimated, which she said she sees as a strength, rather than a limitation.“There are a lot of different ways that we are treated as compared to male candidates, but I would also say that it is a huge advantage to be underestimated,” she said.Kansas Gov. and Democratic Governors Association Chair Laura Kelly said she thinks the underestimation that women face in politics “will fade away over time.”Whitmer nodded: “With President Harris, it will.”Louis-Dreyfus, who is also a comedian and starred in “Seinfeld,” asked how humor can find a place in politics.“I think humor is an effective tool when things are hot and tense,” New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.Louis-Dreyfus asked the governors why are Republicans “so f****** weird?”Maine Governor Janet Mills laughed and said she knows Republicans in her state who are planning to vote for Harris because “they don’t have a place to go.”“They’re not all weird,” she said. “They know the traditional (Republican) party is not about Trump.”<h2>Reproductive rights</h2>Louis-Dreyfus asked how the overturning of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision has affected abortion access in the governors’ states.Since the conservative Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion two years ago, Democrats have campaigned on it at the state and federal level. Reproductive right advocates have also led grassroots campaigns to put measures on state ballots to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.In four states — California, Michigan, Ohio and Vermont — measures to amend the state constitutions to enshrine abortion protections passed,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/dashboard/ballot-tracker-status-of-abortion-related-state-constitutional-amendment-measures/" target="_blank">according to health policy organization KFF’s abortion ballot tracker.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>There are currently seven states with citizen-initiated measures on the ballot in November that will protect abortion access, in Arizona, Nevada, Montana, South Dakota, Colorado, Missouri and Florida.Hochul said that after the Supreme Court’s ruling, the first thing she did was go to a vigil.“It broke my heart,” she said.Hochul said she called the state legislature back for an emergency session to pass legislation to protect medical professionals and patients who travel to New York to access abortion care.“We let women from other states know this is a safe harbor for you to come here,” she said. “I’m going to fight like hell to get back (abortion rights) for my granddaughter.”

Democratic women governors showcased at DNC event with ‘Veep’ star Julia Louis-Dreyfus

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Pet Project Animal Services Division rescued 31 animals from a property in historic northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri, where they were found living in deplorable conditions, according to a social media report.

The animals—8 ducks, 6 roosters, 8 hens, 8 cats, and 1 pigeon—were surrendered by their owner. One duck had to be euthanized due to its injuries, and one kitten passed away. Several of the cats are sick and receiving medical attention. KC Pet Project found placement for most of the birds. There are roosters that are available for adoption.

Animal Services officers responded to complaints about potential neglect of the animals. Their investigation uncovered that the property was littered with trash, animal carcasses, and dead birds. The living animals were found in inadequate housing with no access to water or ventilation and displayed signs of neglect. These circumstances are not only inhumane but also in violation of the city code.

In addition to rescuing the animals, Animal Services will be issuing citations to the owner for multiple violations, including failure to provide adequate care. The owner also has outstanding warrants related to prior animal-related offenses.

“We are grateful to our officers who continued to investigate this case and glad to have these animals in our care now, where they will receive the attention and love they deserve," said Tori Fugate, chief communications officer at KC Pet Project. 

"We set up little pools of water for the ducks and it was a heartwarming scene to see them immediately jump into the water to clean themselves off. This case is another example of why it is important to report any suspected cases of animal neglect to help us protect animals who cannot speak for themselves."

Some of the animals on the property could not be captured, so officers will continue to visit the property to work to capture them. 

If you are interested in adopting the roosters, you may visit them starting August 20th at the KC Campus for Animal Care, located at 7077 Elmwood Avenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724290125314.png" alt="Photos KC Pet Project" />
 <figcaption>Photos KC Pet Project</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Pet Project Animal Services Division rescued 31 animals from a property in historic northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri, where they were found living in deplorable conditions, according to a social media report.The animals—8 ducks, 6 roosters, 8 hens, 8 cats, and 1 pigeon—were surrendered by their owner. One duck had to be euthanized due to its injuries, and one kitten passed away. Several of the cats are sick and receiving medical attention. KC Pet Project found placement for most of the birds. There are roosters that are available for adoption.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724290257543.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Animal Services officers responded to complaints about potential neglect of the animals. Their investigation uncovered that the property was littered with trash, animal carcasses, and dead birds. The living animals were found in inadequate housing with no access to water or ventilation and displayed signs of neglect. These circumstances are not only inhumane but also in violation of the city code.In addition to rescuing the animals, Animal Services will be issuing citations to the owner for multiple violations, including failure to provide adequate care. The owner also has outstanding warrants related to prior animal-related offenses.“We are grateful to our officers who continued to investigate this case and glad to have these animals in our care now, where they will receive the attention and love they deserve," said Tori Fugate, chief communications officer at KC Pet Project. "We set up little pools of water for the ducks and it was a heartwarming scene to see them immediately jump into the water to clean themselves off. This case is another example of why it is important to report any suspected cases of animal neglect to help us protect animals who cannot speak for themselves."Some of the animals on the property could not be captured, so officers will continue to visit the property to work to capture them. If you are interested in adopting the roosters, you may visit them starting August 20th at the KC Campus for Animal Care, located at 7077 Elmwood Avenue.

31 animals rescued from 'deplorable conditions' in Kansas City

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Court of Appeals has denied an Ottumwa man's request for a new murder trial.

Christopher Yenger was found guilty two counts of first-degree murder for throwing a molotov cocktail at a rural Wappello County house after getting his nose bloodied in a fight there in 2006. Nathan Messer and Seth Anderson were inside and died. Yenger appealed the convictions, saying his attorneys were ineffective for not calling an expert witness to challenge the state’s arson investigation. 

The Appeals Court ruling says his attorneys made a strategic decision to not call the expert witness because there was no reasonable likelihood that the outcome of the trial would have been different if the expert testified.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Court of Appeals has denied an Ottumwa man's request for a new murder trial.Christopher Yenger was found guilty two counts of first-degree murder for throwing a molotov cocktail at a rural Wappello County house after getting his nose bloodied in a fight there in 2006. Nathan Messer and Seth Anderson were inside and died. Yenger appealed the convictions, saying his attorneys were ineffective for not calling an expert witness to challenge the state’s arson investigation. The Appeals Court ruling says his attorneys made a strategic decision to not call the expert witness because there was no reasonable likelihood that the outcome of the trial would have been different if the expert testified.

Appeals Court Denies New Murder Trial For Ottumwa Man

Clean Fuels Alliance America expressed disappointment in the California Air Resource Board’s proposed amendments to its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). If adopted, these changes would impose caps on credits for soy- and canola-based biodiesel without sufficient scientific evidence to support such limitations. By restricting credit generation for these low-carbon alternatives, CARB risks unfairly disadvantaging biodiesel and renewable diesel, which are proven solutions that reduce emissions today while supporting sustainable farming and rural economies. 

Limiting biodiesel and renewable diesel in favor of technologies that will not be fully scalable for many years, even by CARB’s own projections, threatens both environmental progress and innovation. “These proposed amendments impose significant restrictions on vegetable oil feedstocks, hindering the ability of clean fuels to effectively decarbonize the heavy-duty transportation sector,” says Jeff Earl, director of government affairs at Clean Fuels. “They induce stricter standards for these fuels than those applied to others, even petroleum.”

Clean Fuels Alliance America expressed disappointment in the California Air Resource Board’s proposed amendments to its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). If adopted, these changes would impose caps on credits for soy- and canola-based biodiesel without sufficient scientific evidence to support such limitations. By restricting credit generation for these low-carbon alternatives, CARB risks unfairly disadvantaging biodiesel and renewable diesel, which are proven solutions that reduce emissions today while supporting sustainable farming and rural economies. Limiting biodiesel and renewable diesel in favor of technologies that will not be fully scalable for many years, even by CARB’s own projections, threatens both environmental progress and innovation. “These proposed amendments impose significant restrictions on vegetable oil feedstocks, hindering the ability of clean fuels to effectively decarbonize the heavy-duty transportation sector,” says Jeff Earl, director of government affairs at Clean Fuels. “They induce stricter standards for these fuels than those applied to others, even petroleum.”-NAFB

Clean Fuels is disappointed in the CARB proposal

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/skychadde/">SKY CHADDE</a>&nbsp;

Agribusiness giant Bayer won a legal victory last week in long-running litigation over whether its popular Roundup pesticide has caused cancer.

The case started in 2019, when a husband and wife in Pennsylvania sued Missouri-based Monsanto, which Bayer purchased in 2018, and alleged the company had violated state law by not including a cancer warning label on Roundup. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates pesticides, did not make the company add such a warning.

On Aug. 15, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, based in Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10041458/david-schaffner-jr-v-monsanto-corp/?q=bayer&amp;type=o&amp;order_by=dateFiled%20desc&amp;stat_Precedential=on" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;the federal law governing pesticides — the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or FIFRA — requires “nationwide uniformity” over pesticide regulation. The state of Pennsylvania did not have authority in the case, the court decided.

The appeals court decision in Pennsylvania conflicts with another decision made earlier this year in Atlanta,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2024/08/16/bayer-roundup-appeal-victory-compels-review.html" target="_blank">according to the St. Louis Business Journal</a>.

In February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled FIFRA did not preempt state law. Georgia’s law on warning residents about possible harms from pesticides was “fully consistent with” the federal law, according to the Business Journal.

Because the decisions conflict with each other, that could lead to the U.S. Supreme Court stepping in,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/bayer-wins-victory-us-legal-battle-against-roundup-cancer-claims-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters</a>.

Bayer told Reuters the Supreme Court should “settle this important issue of law.”

In 2020, Bayer settled most of its Roundup litigation for about $10 billion, but some cases still remain active. After news of the legal victory, Bayer’s stock price surged,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/bayer-surges-after-roundup-appeal-wins-in-philadelphia-court/ar-AA1oSmvq" target="_blank">according to Bloomberg</a>. It had been slumping over the past year.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/08/19/bayer-notches-win-in-roundup-litigation/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593022262288.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/skychadde/">SKY CHADDE</a>&nbsp;Agribusiness giant Bayer won a legal victory last week in long-running litigation over whether its popular Roundup pesticide has caused cancer.The case started in 2019, when a husband and wife in Pennsylvania sued Missouri-based Monsanto, which Bayer purchased in 2018, and alleged the company had violated state law by not including a cancer warning label on Roundup. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates pesticides, did not make the company add such a warning.On Aug. 15, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, based in Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10041458/david-schaffner-jr-v-monsanto-corp/?q=bayer&amp;type=o&amp;order_by=dateFiled%20desc&amp;stat_Precedential=on" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;the federal law governing pesticides — the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or FIFRA — requires “nationwide uniformity” over pesticide regulation. The state of Pennsylvania did not have authority in the case, the court decided.The appeals court decision in Pennsylvania conflicts with another decision made earlier this year in Atlanta,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2024/08/16/bayer-roundup-appeal-victory-compels-review.html" target="_blank">according to the St. Louis Business Journal</a>.In February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled FIFRA did not preempt state law. Georgia’s law on warning residents about possible harms from pesticides was “fully consistent with” the federal law, according to the Business Journal.Because the decisions conflict with each other, that could lead to the U.S. Supreme Court stepping in,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/bayer-wins-victory-us-legal-battle-against-roundup-cancer-claims-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters</a>.Bayer told Reuters the Supreme Court should “settle this important issue of law.”In 2020, Bayer settled most of its Roundup litigation for about $10 billion, but some cases still remain active. After news of the legal victory, Bayer’s stock price surged,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/bayer-surges-after-roundup-appeal-wins-in-philadelphia-court/ar-AA1oSmvq" target="_blank">according to Bloomberg</a>. It had been slumping over the past year.This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/08/19/bayer-notches-win-in-roundup-litigation/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<figure>
 <img src="https://investigatemidwest.org/?republication-pixel=true&amp;post=747714&amp;ga4=G-R9VE8P61LG" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Bayer notches win in litigation over whether Roundup has caused cancer

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says
federal money for federal roads will allow the state of Missouri to shift
funding to rural roads, but Graves adds transportation is about more than roads
and bridges.

Graves, chair of the House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, says his committee has jurisdiction over a wide
variety of issues.

“Transportation isn’t just about roads and
bridges,” Graves says. “My jurisdiction in my committee:&nbsp; we have pipelines, all the ports in the
United States, all the inland waterways in the United States, aviation, rail,
and, of course obviously, highways and bridges. And then on top of that I have
all public buildings. So, everything from the Smithsonian in Washington to the
USDA in Kansas City and everything in between.”

Graves, a Republican, is hopeful changes made to
the Waters Resources Development Act (WRDA) by the U.S. House will make it
through negotiations with the Senate. Those changes would prioritize flood
control and navigation over wildlife habitat.

“And this idea that we’re going to manage the
river based on fish and two birds and not manage it based on people’s lives and
livelihoods and communities and businesses and power plants that depend on river
levels is just ridiculous,” according to Graves.

Environmentalists, though, say Missouri River
habitat must be preserved to protect the pallid sturgeon, the least tern, and
the piping plover; all species believed to be endangered.

The Senate has approved its own version of WRDA.
House and Senate conferees are attempting to work out differences and fashion a
compromise to submit to both chambers in hopes of getting it to President Biden’s
desk.

Graves defends his vote against the $1.2 trillion
infrastructure bill passed by Congress in 2021 when Democrats controlled the
chamber and he was the ranking minority member on the Transportation Committee,
contending the bill grew too large. Graves says the bill began as the
reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Bill; ranging in cost from $500-to-600
billion. Graves asserts the bill got hijacked by Democratic leadership and grew
far beyond what could be paid for through user taxes.

“Now you’ve got a $1.2 trillion bill that is not
paid for and so I absolutely was not going to support that or vote for it,
particularly without any input,” Graves says. “Now, what’s interesting though,
is that bill still has to be authorized. So, all of those projects come through
my committee and I get to make the decision on how that money is spent.”

Graves says Republicans and Democrats on the
Transportation Committee were close to reaching an agreement on the bill before
the changes got made by House leadership and Democrats in the Senate along with
the White House.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says
federal money for federal roads will allow the state of Missouri to shift
funding to rural roads, but Graves adds transportation is about more than roads
and bridges.Graves, chair of the House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, says his committee has jurisdiction over a wide
variety of issues.“Transportation isn’t just about roads and
bridges,” Graves says. “My jurisdiction in my committee:&nbsp; we have pipelines, all the ports in the
United States, all the inland waterways in the United States, aviation, rail,
and, of course obviously, highways and bridges. And then on top of that I have
all public buildings. So, everything from the Smithsonian in Washington to the
USDA in Kansas City and everything in between.”Graves, a Republican, is hopeful changes made to
the Waters Resources Development Act (WRDA) by the U.S. House will make it
through negotiations with the Senate. Those changes would prioritize flood
control and navigation over wildlife habitat.“And this idea that we’re going to manage the
river based on fish and two birds and not manage it based on people’s lives and
livelihoods and communities and businesses and power plants that depend on river
levels is just ridiculous,” according to Graves.Environmentalists, though, say Missouri River
habitat must be preserved to protect the pallid sturgeon, the least tern, and
the piping plover; all species believed to be endangered.The Senate has approved its own version of WRDA.
House and Senate conferees are attempting to work out differences and fashion a
compromise to submit to both chambers in hopes of getting it to President Biden’s
desk.Graves defends his vote against the $1.2 trillion
infrastructure bill passed by Congress in 2021 when Democrats controlled the
chamber and he was the ranking minority member on the Transportation Committee,
contending the bill grew too large. Graves says the bill began as the
reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Bill; ranging in cost from $500-to-600
billion. Graves asserts the bill got hijacked by Democratic leadership and grew
far beyond what could be paid for through user taxes.“Now you’ve got a $1.2 trillion bill that is not
paid for and so I absolutely was not going to support that or vote for it,
particularly without any input,” Graves says. “Now, what’s interesting though,
is that bill still has to be authorized. So, all of those projects come through
my committee and I get to make the decision on how that money is spent.”Graves says Republicans and Democrats on the
Transportation Committee were close to reaching an agreement on the bill before
the changes got made by House leadership and Democrats in the Senate along with
the White House.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves wants Missouri River management changed; defends vote against infrastructure bill

The language is posted on Election Day at polling places next to sample ballots

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Organizers behind an abortion-rights amendment that will appear on Missouri’s November ballot filed a lawsuit last week alleging the “fair ballot language” written by the secretary of state’s office&nbsp; is “intentionally argumentative” and bound to create confusion for voters.

Amendment 3 asks voters if they want to legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability. Abortion has been illegal in Missouri, with only limited exceptions for the life and health of the mother, since June 2022.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">certified the measure for the ballot last week.</a>&nbsp;On the same day, the office published on its website the amendment’s fair ballot language statement, which is meant to be posted at every polling place next to the sample ballot.&nbsp;

The language listed on the secretary of state’s website as of Tuesday reads: “A ‘yes’ vote will enshrine the right to abortion at any time of pregnancy in the Missouri Constitution. Additionally, it will prohibit any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women undergoing abortions and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against anyone who performs an abortion and hurts or kills the pregnant women.”&nbsp;

“These politicians know that Missouri voters overwhelmingly support Amendment 3,” Rachel Sweet, campaign manager with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement. “So they resort to deceptive and misleading tactics.”&nbsp;

Dr. Anna Fitz-James, the named plaintiff in the lawsuit, labeled Ashcroft’s language “unfair, insufficient, inaccurate, misleading, argumentative, prejudicial.”&nbsp;

Fitz-James, a retired physician who lives in Missouri, first filed the abortion rights initiative petition in March 2023&nbsp;on behalf of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the ballot measure which&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">has raised several million dollars this year.</a>

“Missourians are entitled to fair, accurate, and sufficient language that will allow them to cast an informed vote for or against the Amendment without being subjected to the Secretary of State’s disinformation,” according to the lawsuit filed in Cole County, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/abortion-rights-activists-sue-missouri-secretary-of-state-to-strike-wording-for-polling-places/article_dab43350-5f1a-11ef-8629-7f82489338f3.html" target="_blank">first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.&nbsp;</a>

Ashcroft, who recently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/jay-ashcroft-endorses-mike-kehoe-blames-fundraising-for-finishing-third-in-governors-race/">finished third in the GOP primary for governor</a>, has been vocal in his opposition to abortion.

“I am appalled that factions want to use the courts to misrepresent the truth to push a political agenda,” Ashcroft said in a statement Tuesday in response to the lawsuit, which also accuses him of pushing a political agenda. “I will always fight for the right of Missourians to have clear, understandable ballot language when they vote on such an important fundamental issue as life.”

The abortion rights campaign is asking the court to issue new fair ballot language and order that Ashcroft remove his current language from the government website. A court date has not yet been set.

This isn’t the first time the campaign has sued Ashcroft over the ballot measure.&nbsp;

The initial ballot summary he drafted to appear on the ballot would have asked Missourians, in part, if they wanted to “allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth.”&nbsp;

A Missouri judge in September&nbsp;ruled Ashcroft’s language was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/judge-rejects-rewrites-summary-for-missouri-abortion-initiative-petition/">“problematic” and inaccurate.</a>

Ashcroft appealed the ruling, but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-supreme-court-wont-hear-jay-ascrofts-appeal-of-abortion-ballot-summaries/">the Missouri Supreme Court denied</a>&nbsp;to take up the case.&nbsp;

The new ballot language — approved by Missouri courts — will ask voters if they want to:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724262530682.png" alt=" Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joined the Midwest March for Life on May 1 at the Missouri State Capitol. “I think regardless of what the legislature does, the people of this state – with hard work – can protect all life in this state,” Ashcroft said (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joined the Midwest March for Life on May 1 at the Missouri State Capitol. “I think regardless of what the legislature does, the people of this state – with hard work – can protect all life in this state,” Ashcroft said (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The language is posted on Election Day at polling places next to sample ballots</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Organizers behind an abortion-rights amendment that will appear on Missouri’s November ballot filed a lawsuit last week alleging the “fair ballot language” written by the secretary of state’s office&nbsp; is “intentionally argumentative” and bound to create confusion for voters.Amendment 3 asks voters if they want to legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability. Abortion has been illegal in Missouri, with only limited exceptions for the life and health of the mother, since June 2022.Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">certified the measure for the ballot last week.</a>&nbsp;On the same day, the office published on its website the amendment’s fair ballot language statement, which is meant to be posted at every polling place next to the sample ballot.&nbsp;The language listed on the secretary of state’s website as of Tuesday reads: “A ‘yes’ vote will enshrine the right to abortion at any time of pregnancy in the Missouri Constitution. Additionally, it will prohibit any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women undergoing abortions and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against anyone who performs an abortion and hurts or kills the pregnant women.”&nbsp;“These politicians know that Missouri voters overwhelmingly support Amendment 3,” Rachel Sweet, campaign manager with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement. “So they resort to deceptive and misleading tactics.”&nbsp;Dr. Anna Fitz-James, the named plaintiff in the lawsuit, labeled Ashcroft’s language “unfair, insufficient, inaccurate, misleading, argumentative, prejudicial.”&nbsp;Fitz-James, a retired physician who lives in Missouri, first filed the abortion rights initiative petition in March 2023&nbsp;on behalf of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the ballot measure which&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">has raised several million dollars this year.</a>“Missourians are entitled to fair, accurate, and sufficient language that will allow them to cast an informed vote for or against the Amendment without being subjected to the Secretary of State’s disinformation,” according to the lawsuit filed in Cole County, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/abortion-rights-activists-sue-missouri-secretary-of-state-to-strike-wording-for-polling-places/article_dab43350-5f1a-11ef-8629-7f82489338f3.html" target="_blank">first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.&nbsp;</a>Ashcroft, who recently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/jay-ashcroft-endorses-mike-kehoe-blames-fundraising-for-finishing-third-in-governors-race/">finished third in the GOP primary for governor</a>, has been vocal in his opposition to abortion.“I am appalled that factions want to use the courts to misrepresent the truth to push a political agenda,” Ashcroft said in a statement Tuesday in response to the lawsuit, which also accuses him of pushing a political agenda. “I will always fight for the right of Missourians to have clear, understandable ballot language when they vote on such an important fundamental issue as life.”The abortion rights campaign is asking the court to issue new fair ballot language and order that Ashcroft remove his current language from the government website. A court date has not yet been set.This isn’t the first time the campaign has sued Ashcroft over the ballot measure.&nbsp;The initial ballot summary he drafted to appear on the ballot would have asked Missourians, in part, if they wanted to “allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth.”&nbsp;A Missouri judge in September&nbsp;ruled Ashcroft’s language was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/judge-rejects-rewrites-summary-for-missouri-abortion-initiative-petition/">“problematic” and inaccurate.</a>Ashcroft appealed the ruling, but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-supreme-court-wont-hear-jay-ascrofts-appeal-of-abortion-ballot-summaries/">the Missouri Supreme Court denied</a>&nbsp;to take up the case.&nbsp;The new ballot language — approved by Missouri courts — will ask voters if they want to:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, with any governmental interference of that right presumed invalid;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>remove Missouri’s ban on abortion;</li><li>allow regulation of reproductive health care to improve or maintain the health of the patient;</li><li>require the government not to discriminate, in government programs, funding, and other activities, against persons providing or obtaining reproductive health care; and</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>allow abortion to be restricted or banned after Fetal Viability except to protect the life or health of the woman?</li>
 </ul>

Kbct